This story was originally featured in the Communiqué (Spring 2026 edition).

Father Mike Tix is celebrating 25 years as the Academy of Holy Angels chaplain. He is the longest-serving high school chaplain in the Archdiocese, and this milestone anniversary is a testament to his dedication to our community.

“Fr. Mike has faithfully served Holy Angels for 25 years, guiding students, faculty, staff, and parents to an encounter with Christ by being Christ to them,” said AHA President Dr. David Sorkin. “His wisdom, listening ear, and genuine care for everyone make him an inseparable part of the AHA fabric. We are so blessed to have Fr. Mike as our chaplain.”

The Road to Holy Angels

Growing up in Hampton, Minnesota, the Catholic church and faith were central to Fr. Mike’s young life. He first started thinking about becoming a priest when he became an altar server. Fr. Mike remembers that his path was not always clear, and he understands why so many students answer, “I don’t know,” when asked about their plans beyond high school.

As Fr. Mike discerned his future, he received profound words of wisdom from his mother. She told him, “You’ve been talking about [becoming a priest] for long enough; you should check it out. Otherwise, you’re going to be 40 years old and always wonder ‘what if’!” That tipped the scales for Fr. Mike. Shortly thereafter, he applied to St. John Vianney Seminary.

A love of Catholic education dates back to Fr. Mike’s time as an assistant pastor at St. John’s Catholic Church in Savage. During his time at St. John’s, Fr. Mike noticed many students left Savage to attend Holy Angels, bringing AHA to his attention for the first time. The connection would further deepen when Fr. Mike became pastor of the Church of the Assumption in Richfield.

Our Devoted Chaplain

At both St. John’s and Assumption, Fr. Mike would often hear parents talking about how much they loved Holy Angels. While visiting classrooms at Blessed Trinity, Fr. Mike began to develop stronger ties to AHA. “I would come over and visit, occasionally doing a prayer at graduation or other events. I eventually connected with (then-AHA President) Dr. Jill Reilly, and told her, ‘if you’re ever looking for a chaplain, I’m right down the street!’” Soon after, Fr. Mike joined AHA as its chaplain.

The Holy Angels community is unique in Fr. Mike’s eyes. “Holy Angels has a broad reach and brings people together with a common goal of learning in a faith-filled environment where all are welcome. It is that environment that really allows people to thrive here.”

Fr. Mike believes Holy Angels’ long history enhances both its educational prowess and its sense of community. “Holy Angels isn’t a new kid on the block, but it doesn’t mean it is stuck in the past. AHA has its history, which it preserves, but it is living in a current, real way, which offers a great environment for kids and families today to learn and grow to their fullest potential.”

One of Fr. Mike’s most cherished AHA duties is serving as the chaplain of the football team. In collaboration with coaches Ray Betton and Jim Gunderson, Fr. Mike expanded the role, beginning the traditions of Masses before every game, postgame prayers, and becoming a fixture on the sidelines. Questions and prayer requests often emerge from players, coaches, and fans.

“Being there [with the players] through the ups and downs of athletics all developed a unique connection with the athletes. I am a little bit more of a known commodity to them because I am with them at the games. There is a different kind of connection that forms, and it's fun to be a part of that, both in season and out of season.”

Mike is honored to be a part of those spontaneous, special moments. AHA’s students have made their mark on Fr. Mike, and they continue to invigorate him year after year. The connections he forms with students are inspiring to him, and he loves learning from them, hearing about life through their eyes, and seeing their gifts and talents develop, both at Holy Angels and beyond.

Ministry, Impact, and Legacy

Community is the cornerstone of Fr. Mike’s ministry, and being able to connect with people continues to bring him joy every day. “As a priest, you get a chance to be with people at their best moments and their worst moments,” he reflected. “You have the opportunity to leave an impression with them because of that time.”

Working in Catholic schools has allowed Fr. Mike the unique opportunity to oversee the spiritual growth of young people from their earliest days to high school graduation, a blessing he does not take for granted.

“One of the fun parts of being at AHA is being able to celebrate weddings for alumni. It's great to see how life has unfolded for them. Seeing them flourish, and knowing that I have played some part in their journey, is very rewarding.”

At this year’s Starfest, Fr. Mike will receive the St. Joseph Award, a prestigious honor recognizing his profound work at AHA.

“It’s very much an honor for me, especially when I think about past recipients,” Fr. Mike said of the award. “They’ve been the hallmark people who have been involved with Holy Angels; to be a part of that is a little overwhelming. There aren't a lot of times when I am speechless, but when Dr. Sorkin called me to ask about receiving the St. Joseph Award, it was a speechless moment.”

“I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have been blessed to be a part of in the life and the history of Holy Angels. It has been great to make a positive impact on students. I look forward to being a part of Holy Angels and its bright future.”

On behalf of the entire AHA community, thank you, Fr. Mike, for your continued dedication and service to our school and students!