Michael W. Rejent, Osfs

With everlasting hope in the Resurrection, we announce that our beloved brother and confrere, Rev. Michael Rejent, OSFS, died at the age of 84 on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. He was a professed member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and professed his first vows on August 22, 1960, and was ordained a priest on October 26, 1968. Fr. Rejent served the Oblates and the people of God as a priest, teacher, principal, associate pastor, and chaplain. He was faithful to his vocation and the will of God in his life. Adopting the spirit of the Oblates, he came to know at St. Francis de Sales School in Toledo, Ohio, he loved the people of God. He lived life well.

Born in Toledo, Ohio on October 17, 1940, he was the son of Dr. Anthony Rejent and Hazel (Kennedy) Rejent. Baptized at Gesu Catholic Church in Toledo, his vocation was fostered by a faith-filled family. As a student at St. Francis de Sales High School, Fr. Rejent first started reflecting on his vocation at 14 years old. As his teachers and principal, he credits the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales as those who most contributed to his embracing the Oblate way of life. He was attracted to their practice of charity through their work.

Mike earned his Bachelor of Arts in Latin and Education from Niagara University (1965), a Master of Arts in Classical Language from the University of Michigan (1968), Theology degree from the DeSales School of Theology (1968), and a M.S.A. in Administration from his beloved University of Notre Dame (1983).

Upon requesting permission for Holy Orders, Mike wrote of his “intense desire” to live as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales. That same desire led him to perpetual vows, theological study, and the priesthood. This desire led him into ministry with a devotion to “carry the Word of God to the world.”

Mike greatly desired to enter into the vocation of education as an Oblate priest. As a teacher and administrator, he served at Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE; Lumen Christi in Jackson, MI; Bishop Duffy/Niagara Catholic in Niagara, NY; Gabriel Richard in Ann Arbor, MI; Lansing Catholic Central in Lansing, MI: St. Francis de Sales in Toledo,OH; and Hackett Catholic Central in Kalamazoo,MI.

Fr. Rejent is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Dennis, Charles (Bonnie), and Anthony (Theresa). He is survived by his Oblate confreres and 9 nieces and nephews who affectionately knew him as “Uncle Mike” – Michele Avery (Mark), Denise Lee (Kevin), Lisa Mullen (Brook), Christine Rejent, Tony Rejent (Christi), Renee Bowser (James), Molly Rejent, Kevin Rejent (Lori), and Michael Rejent (Laura). With an additional 19 grandnieces and nephews and a greatniece and greatnephew, Uncle Mike continues to be loved by family, Oblate confreres and the people of God.

May the angels lead him into paradise and may he rest in peace.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Rita Catholic Church, 10516 Hayes Road Clarklake, Michigan. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM following the visitation.

Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Toledo, Ohio on Friday, April 4, at 11:00 AM.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Father Rejent's name are asked to consider The Oblates of St. Francis DeSales, PO Box 2868, Toledo, OH 43606.