Rev. Michael E. Ahrensfield

The Reverend Michael E. Ahrensfield, Pastor, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Lehighton, PA died at his residence on Monday, 10 September 2018. He was 64 years of age.

Born in Orwigsburg, Father Ahrensfield is the son of Genevieve C. (Fishola) Ahrensfield and the late Deacon William L. Ahrensfield. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his sister Dr. Debra Ahrensfield, M.D. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mrs. Margaret Laperle ( Philip).

Father Ahrensfield attended St. Ambrose School, Schuylkill Haven, and is a graduate of Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary High School, Pottsville. He attended the University of Scranton where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton, where he received a Masters of Divinity Degree in Theology.

He was ordained to the Priesthood on 10 May 1980 by the late Most Reverend Joseph M. McShea, then-Bishop of Allentown, at the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

Father Ahrensfield’s first priestly Assignment was Parochial Vicar at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Lehighton, followed by Parochial Vicar at Saint Patrick Church, Pottsville; Parochial Vicar pro temp,at Saint Mary Church, Saint Clair; Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Church, Reading; Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Church, West Reading; Parochial Vicar, Saint Patrick Church Pottsville; Parochial Vicar, Saint Margaret Church, Reading; Parochial Vicar, Saint Peter Church, Coplay; and Parochial Vicar, Saint John the Baptist de la Salle Church, Shillington.

His first Pastoral Assignment was Administrator followed by Pastor, Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Gordon; Pastor, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Tower City and Immaculate Conception Church, Tremont; and Pastor, Saints Peter and Paul Church , Lehighton, where he served until his death.

During the course of his priestly Ministry, Father Ahrensfield served as Regional Director, CYO Carbon County and East Schuylkill County; Regional Director, Vocations, Carbon County; Professor at Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary High School, Pottsville; Chaplain, Hawk Mountain Council, Berks County; and Advisory Board Member, Cardinal Brennan High School, Ashland

A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Ahrensfield will be celebrated at Saint Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, 201 Randel St., Schuylkill Haven, on Friday, 14 September 2018, at 3:00 PM by his Excellency, The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Allentown. Calling Hours will be held Thursday, 13 September 2018 at Saint Ambrose Church, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 PM. Interment will take place in St. Ambrose Cemetery and Mausoleum, Schuylkill Haven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillside SPCA PO Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901. The Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Orwigsburg, is honored to have been entrusted with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Michael E. Ahrensfield, please visit our floral store.