Rev. D. Michael Flynn, S.J.† 

Inspiring Higher Achievement

Rev. D. Michael Flynn, S.J. spent nearly 40 years teaching, guiding and reaching out in the communities he served. While teaching at Xavier, Father Flynn spearheaded the Jesuit Higher Achievement Program, offering talented inner-city youth a chance to grow through academics and sports during the summer. Scores of young HAP graduates have been inspired to attend Xavier High School.
Father Flynn taught at Xavier High School from 1972-1980, was director of vocations for the Jesuits’ New York province, 1980-1986, and taught at Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, N.J.

Acquiring Spanish language skills as an adult, he also served as co-director of Estudios Pastorales Para La Nueva Evangelizacion, a Hispanic lay leadership program that offered retreats, workshops and formation programs.

Image: Staten Island Advance

Always with a sharp wit and an infectious laugh, Father Flynn, later served as pastor at St. Mary of the Assumption and Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta parishes, from 2002 -2011, both on Staten Island. He previously served as pastor at Nativity parish in Manhattan from 1986-1996. He was loved in both communities and had a tremendous pastoral presence in each.

Ken Ng ’80, a HAP graduate, says, “people felt special in the presence of Fr. Flynn. You always had his full attention and genuine concern. Growing up in the projects, my opportunities were limited. Fr. Flynn and HAP offered me chances that changed my life.” This same experience has likely occurred a countless number of times.

While Pastor, Fr. Flynn established Higher Achievement Programs in each of the parishes’ grammar schools. These co-ed programs also offered scholarships and wiffle ball to a new generation of highly engaged students.

Fr. Flynn, a Jesuit for 50 years, died in 2012 and is survived by his brother Charles.