Stand by Mike Cantlon and His Family

I am setting this up for my dad, Mike Cantlon.

The following is beautifully written by a dear family friend, Linda Parini:

Mike spent his active life taking care of others and giving to those around him. That has always been his passion, his calling. He and Bonnie decided to enter the Diaconate program in the Diocese of Oakland and Mike was ordained a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church in 2000. Since the primary role of a deacon is to serve and minister, Mike was the perfect man! He ministered to the people of Holy Spirit in Fremont until he moved over to Our Lady of Guadalupe in 2001. He was there until he retired in 2016.

What a difference Mike has made in the lives of so many people at the school and parish, both kids and adults! Mike is bigger than life! “Deacon Mike’s Office” was next to the school entry, and because he was also Parish Business Manager and Director of Faith Formation, he was in his office five days a week early morning till after 6 PM. Everyone was welcome there! If a kid or staff member from the school, a parishioner, or a person not affiliated with the parish at all needed a pat on the back, a bit of advice, or a piece of candy, Deacon Mike was the “go to.” His office was decorated for every holiday and Deacon Mike’s Christmas Boutique was a hi light of the season. Whether leading prayer services for the community, blessing animals on the Feast of St. Francis, counseling and supporting those in need, or barbecuing hot dogs for parish and school celebrations, Mike was there, doing it all. He was never too busy for anyone! Ministering to people was front and center to him, and what better way to spend your life than making a difference in the lives of God’s people - all people?

It was a sad day for the community of OLG when Mike retired. His loving, welcoming presence, his booming voice, his vibrant spirit left an empty spot that was dearly missed. Mike and Bonnie moved to Indianapolis for a few years to be near their daughter, Michelle, and her family. They moved back to a small town in the foothills of California, Shingle Springs, in 2022, and live in a modular on the property of their daughter, Kalin, and her husband Eric. Their home has a front porch, where Mike would sit with his morning coffee every day to wave to the kids on their way to school and neighbors on their way to work. The kids in the neighborhood affectionately call him "Santa." He was still doing what he loved, ministering to people.

After months of not feeling well, tests confirmed in June that Mike has inoperable pancreatic cancer. He approached this serious diagnosis with his usual positive attitude, being more concerned about Bonnie and his girls than he was about himself. His illness, though, has been fast moving and relentless.

While ministry in the Church fulfilled and nurtured Deacon Mike in a multitude of meaningful ways and impacted many lives, financial benefits were not a part of the package. Even with his family pulling together to meet the burdens of this illness, the scope of treatments and care necessary for his end of life comfort, are surpassing their resources. For a man who has given so freely to others asking nothing in return, he is now in need of care himself, and Mike is simply not accustomed to that. After all, he was the one who organized fundraisers for those in need.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. If you are able to make a donation, no matter how small, our family would be so appreciative. Also, I know there are hundreds of people whose lives Mike touched in so many ways. If you can write a note sharing your story with Mike, that would be amazing, and would definitely warm his huge heart. This illness is taking a toll on his body and also his spirit. Of course, lastly, but definitely not least, please pray for him. Prayer has always been the center of Mike’s life and your prayers now mean a great deal to Deacon Mike and his family.