Fr. Marcel Henri Bouchard, age 79, was called home to God on Sunday, November 8, 2026, after a long illness.
From his ordination in 1972, to his last breath, he loved being a priest of the Diocese of Fall River.
Born in New Bedford on June 11, 1947, the only child of Henry and Leona (Moreau) Bouchard, he is survived by cousins he loved to visit in Canada, Florida, and the New Bedford area; and by Fr. George Bellenoit, his life-long friend.
Baptized in St. Joseph Parish, New Bedford, he went to school there before Bishop Stang High School (North Dartmouth, MA), St. Thomas Seminary (Bloomfield, CT), and St. John’s Seminary (Brighton, MA).
His last two assignments were on the Cape and Islands – eight years at St. Mary’s in Nantucket, preceded by 16 years at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich. His pastorate there was the longest in the parish’s 196-year history. The strongest physical monument to his ministry is one of the largest churches in New England – Corpus Christi Church – dedicated in 2003, with dozens of stained-glass windows installed in 2004.
He served in four other assignments for the first twenty-two years: three years at St. Joseph in Taunton; seven years at the Diocese’s Department of Education, after two years of graduate studies at The Catholic University of America (Washington DC); four years at St. Julie Billiart in North Dartmouth; and six years as pastor at Sacred Heart in North Attleboro.
When reflecting on his life, Fr. Marcel often recalled his work in the Cursillo movement as a source of deep meaning and friendships through all of his pastoral assignments. His assignment list barley hints at his simultaneous dedication to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, his work in marriage preparation, education of Permanent Deacons and on the Personnel Board. In every parish he led, he worked closely with ecumenical partners, interfaith leaders, and for thirty years, alongside the Community of Jesus.
Fr. Marcel was a Founding Board Member and Spiritual Advisor of The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, and he joined the Anima Christi Legacy Society.
Priests, deacons, and laity who worked with him recall his quest for meaning and ability to be a beloved friend.
Calling hours will be held at Corpus Christi Parish, 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich on Thursday, November 19. After his body is formally received into the church at 6:00 p.m., there will be an hour of visitation, followed by a 7:00 p.m. vigil prayer service.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 20, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a collation in the Parish Center. The Rite of Committal will take place on Saturday, November 21, at 10:00 a.m., Sacred Heart #2 Cemetery, 599 Mount Pleasant Street, New Bedford. All are invited to all of these rites and gatherings.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of the Cape and Islands, Post Office Box 604, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532.
As our brother was called home on a Sunday, cantors in all Catholic Churches were singing Psalm 63, “You are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts.” Drink heartily, Fr. Marcel.
May the Lord grant Father Marcel the fullness of life promised to His faithful ones.