Rev. Michael Woolley, a 1985 graduate of Coventry High School, enjoyed his time
at CHS participating in the activities of a very energetic and talented class. He
became an instant hit through his appearances in the Varsity Revue, and boasts of
his class, during his sophomore year, defeating the mighty senior class of 1983 in
the Spirit Week competition. He had an interest in music, and was “rumored” to be
involved in the infamous Rock Painting senior class prank, which started an annual
Senior tradition. At least his initials were included among those who signed their
work!

After graduation, Fr. Woolley earned an A.S. in Engineering at CCRI in 1987, and a
B.S. In Civil and Environmental Engineering at URI in 1990, continuing to play
music with CHS classmates Jay Capaldi and Todd Fusco throughout college.
During his time at URI, he experienced a deep religious awakening, and became
serious about practicing his Catholic Faith. A month before graduation, he heard
God calling him to the priesthood, but tried to push it out of his mind and move on
with his engineering career and dreams of marriage and a family. However, God
kept calling, and in January 1992, he finally surrendered, joining a group of men
who were trying to understand their calling and determine whether they wanted to
take the next step toward being a priest. After this, the call became clearer, and he
went on to earn an M.A. in Theology from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell,
CT, in 1997, and an M. Div. in Theology from Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in
Emmitsburg, MD in 1999.

Fr. Woolley was ordained a Priest by Bishop Robert E. Mulvee in the Cathedral of
SS. Peter and Paul, Providence on June 26, 1999. As a priest, he has served at St.
Mark Church, Cranston, St. Joseph Church Woonsocket (where he was Pastor for 11
years), and for the past six years at the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence, where
he helps in the formation of men for the priesthood.

On July 1, 2018, Fr. Woolley was appointed Pastor of the parish he grew up in,
Saints John and Paul Church in Coventry, the largest Catholic Church in Rhode
Island. In addition to ministering to the sick and working to support the sacramental
and spiritual life of his parishioners (many of whom are fellow Oakers and their
parents), Fr. Woolley’s goal is to work hard to bring about improvements and
increase resources for the parish’s Father John V. Doyle School.

The parishioners of Ss. John and Paul are very blessed to have, for the first time
in their 64 year history, an Oaker as their pastor, who will no doubt accomplish
much to the benefit of all.