Celebrating a Life Well-Lived for 96 Years – Father Roger C. Bourgeois SSS
(1930-2026)
Father Roger died peacefully in his sleep on August 22, 2026. Born August 16, 1930, in Gardner, Massachusetts, to Clifford and Lena Bourgeois. He was the oldest of two; his brother Gene and his wife Carlie, and their son Gary, preceded Father Roger in death. He is the uncle of Debbie Behr and the great uncle of Micayla (Sean) Moore, Monica Behr, and Lauren Bourgeois Ross.
Father Roger professed vows in the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (SSS) on September 8, 1952, and was ordained a priest on September 21, 1957. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and care for the liturgy, community, parish, and personal friends, he served the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in the Philippines for 10 years as parochial vicar and novice director (1958-1968). Returning to the United States, he served as local superior of the Highland Heights SSS Community at Saint Paschal Baylon (SPB), Highland Heights, OH (1968-1971, 1999-2013). He served as parochial vicar several times: at Saint Frances de Sales, Parma, OH (1971-1974); Saint Paschal Baylon (1974-1982); Downtown Saint Joseph, San Antonio, Texas (1982-1987 and 1992-1994); and Saint Charles Borromeo, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1994-1999). He was pastor of Sacred Heart, Salt Lake City, Utah (1987-1992), and parochial vicar and chaplain of Saint Ann Shrine (2013 until his death). Father Roger also held other SSS leadership roles, including provincial vicar (2002-2006).
Photo: A beautiful day at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio, for Father Roger Bourgeois’ burial.
96 Years of Life! 74 years of vowed life. 69 years of ordained ministry!
Text of the Homily of Father John Thomas Lane SSS, Provincial
Today’s readings remind us of the kind of man Father Roger was: a baptized Christian for 96 years, a religious of the Blessed Sacrament for almost 74 years, and a presbyter of God for almost 69. Roger loved to be in conversation with everyone – and listen – and be in every conversation with everyone. Like the disciples bound for Emmaus, he would spend much time on the golf course, bowling alley, and tennis court, walking with one in a journey of faith and sport; he saw sports as a ministry of Christ’s companionship, especially when he did not do well or lost! It always led to a meal – a meal that for him was just as Eucharistic as the Eucharist we celebrate around this table.
New Co-Chaplains Named for Saint Ann Shrine
With the unexpected death of Father Roger Bourgeois SSS, who served as chaplain for the diocesan Shrine of Saint Ann at our province headquarters since 2013, the Very Reverend John Thomas Lane SSS named Brother Thomas Mella SSS and Father William Fickel SSS as the new co-chaplains for the shrine, effective immediately.
Photo: [L-R] Brother Thomas SSS and Father Fickel SSS
Join the Eymard Pilgrimage – October 11-21, 2027
Experience an inspiring spiritual journey – join the 2027 Eymard Pilgrimage!
Our tour company will not put a package together without knowing whether we have 25 committed folks to join, given the expense and time required to prepare the information for our specialty trip – the Eymard Places are not in “high-tourist-places.” Based on a “roundabout” estimate, the trip would average $5,000 per person, including airfare and double room occupancy, with a single-room add-on. Please contact Father Lane by email at jtlanesss@gmail.com to add your name to the list and share your interest in going.
