In the nineteenth century immigrants from Ireland came to North America looking for a new start with new opportunities. They came in wave after wave to the East Coast and gradually made their way west. Along with these immigrants came wave upon wave of Catholic priests to meet their sacramental needs in their adopted land.
In more recent times a wave of Irish priests has come to the Northwest to serve the broader Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Seattle. Names like Lovett and Madigan have graced the sanctuaries of many local parishes through the years. Another name, Seamus Laverty has become well known to the people of North Tacoma at Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School.
The Numbers Tell His Story
Fr. Seamus was ordained to the priesthood in Northern Ireland. He served in parishes near his hometown before the call to America brought him to our shores in 1976. Along with a number of his compatriots he found his way to the Archdiocese of Seattle and began serving in parishes throughout Western Washington.
For the past 20 years Fr. Seamus has been Pastor at Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School. In that time he has presided at 378 weddings, baptized 1240 children, been a part of 840 Confirmations, led countless Masses, performed 648 funerals, offered 1148 First Holy Communions and led the parish in capital campaigns and renovations. In his final Mass as Pastor, Fr. Seamus reflected that he has buried more people then the capacity of the church sanctuary which hold 400. His leadership has allowed the parish to thrive in good times as well as difficult times.
Enjoying the Golden Years of Retirement
Fr. Seamus celebrated his final Mass as Pastor of Saint Patrick Catholic School & Church on June 28, 2015. Retired at the youthful age of 70, Fr. Seamus will be able to travel to Ireland more often where his loving mother will soon be celebrating her 99th birthday. He will also be able to play a few extra rounds of his favorite sport of golf on courses near and far. He will continue to live nearby but will slow down in his sacramental duties for a while, though he will preside as the Visiting Priest from time to time including the month of July 2015.
The people of Saint Patrick will miss him dearly, but they desire that their good shepherd has the time and freedom he needs to enjoy these golden years.
Saying Good Bye
Fr. Seamus’ years of pastoral care to the St. Pat’s community was recognized in many ways by the school children, parishioners, staff and the greater community.
The Saint Patrick Open— The Retirement Party
A Retirement Party in Fr. Seamus’ honor, held at the gym at Saint Patrick Catholic School was attended by hundreds of people from the parish and the community— some coming from as far away as California to say farewell.
The Saint Patrick Open, a golf themed celebration reflective of Father’s favorite pastime was held on June 20, 2015. Chr
is Gavin, parishioner and Saint Patrick Catholic School Principal was the Master of Ceremonies, telling golf jokes in between presentations from various groups and parishioners who shared a few sentimental words about Fr. Seamus.
The Grand Knight Mark Jensen of the Knights of Columbus Council 809 presented Father with generous gift from the organization and Kevin Lovejoy presented him with a collective gift from parishioners titled Father’s Fun Fund.
Before the closing, Dr. John McDonough, MD, shared his original poem about Fr. Seamus ‘Ode To Goodness‘.
A video slide show presentation compiled by photographer and parishioner Shea Cochran brought bursts of laughter from the crowded room. And the formal presentations were capped with the Irish Blessing sung in prayer over Fr. Seamus by parishioner Zane Clark, and all joined in to sing the final refrain which is enough to bring tears to your eyes—
“Until we meet again, until we meet again, May God bless you, May God bless you….
Until we meet again.”
The Final School Mass
On June 11, 2015, Fr. Seamus celebrated his final Mass as Pastor with the students of St. Patrick Catholic School. Mary Norton, a student and the daughter of teacher Mary Norton, read the beautiful introduction to his final Mass.
His Final Masses as Pastor
Fr. Seamus celebrated his final Mass as Pastor of Saint Patrick Catholic Church on June 28, 2015. The church was a sea of many shades of green worn by parishioners. Cards thanking Fr. Seamus for his 20 years of ministering to the families of the St. Pat’s community filled a basket that was presented to Fr. Seamus along with an original framed drawing by parishioner and talented artist Gavin MacHutchin. A rendering of the Saint Patrick Catholic Church altar commissioned by the parish staff was a gift to Father from the parish community to in remembrance of his years of dedicated service.
The Irish Blessing was sung in prayer over Fr. Seamus as he was surrounded by the children in a tearful farewell.
The video was posted by Saint Patrick Catholic Church on Sunday, June 28, 2015
The New Pastoral Model
Kevin Lovejoy, who has been serving as the Parish Administrator for the past 4 years, has been tasked with a new leadership role as Pastoral Coordinator. The position has been very successful in other parishes throughout the Seattle Archdiocese. As Pastoral Coordinator, Mr. Lovejoy will assume responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a very active parish, along with the administrative responsibilities for the staff, the budget and the pastoral care of the community.
The sacramental and liturgical needs of the St. Pat’s community will be in the care of three members of the Jesuit community in Tacoma: Father Tom Lamanna, the superior, Father John Fuchs, a very familiar face at the parish, alon
g with Father Jerry Graham. The new team of parish priests has decades of experience and hearts dedicated to the faithful service of the Church.
Deacon Bill Eckert will continue to be a familiar face at Mass. He reflects, “It’s true that we won’t have a pastor at this time, which is true of many parishes throughout the world. In some ways it feels like my experience as a young Catholic when we had a number of priests in our parish. We’ll experience a wonderful variety of styles in presiding and preaching.”
