Reverend Monsignor Thomas A. Luebking

Reverend Monsignor Thomas A. Luebking

AGE: 74 • Spring Lake

Rev. Msgr. Thomas A. Luebking, the longtime and beloved Pastor of St. Catharine & St. Margaret's Parish, Spring Lake passed away Sunday, July 6, 2014 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Elkhart, IN, to his late parents, Arthur and Annie (nee Thomas) Luebking, Msgr. Luebking graduated from Villanova University, Villanova, PA, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961. He studied for the priesthood in St. Francis Seminary, Loretto, PA, and was ordained by Bishop George W. Ahr on May 29, 1971 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, NJ.

He held a Doctorate of Education in administration from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., a Master's Degree in Library Science and a bachelor's degree in Political Science, both from Villanova University. Prior to entering the priesthood, he was an assistant professor at West Chester State College, West Chester, PA, and St. Francis College, Loretto, PA, both now universities.

Following his ordination, Msgr. Luebking was assigned to St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook, and served as Catholic Chaplain of Somerset County Community College. On March 17, 1972, he was appointed to serve as director of Cathedral High School, Trenton, and soon after, he began serving in the diocesan education office.

Named Diocesan Superintendent of schools in 1973, he dedicated more than a decade of service in that role. During that time he also served as moderator of the PTA and Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Educational Improvement Center for both Central New Jersey and Northwest New Jersey.

On Sept. 15, 1977, he was named a Chaplain of His Holiness by Pope Paul VI with the title of Monsignor. He was later named a Prelate of Honor of His Holiness on Dec. 11, 1983.

After many years of diocesan service, Msgr. Luebking returned to parish life as temporary administrator of St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, in December, 1985 and soon after was named pastor.

He assumed his role as Pastor of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish Feb. 3, 1989, where he continued to serve the parish and school community until his death.

He has been a member of various library and educational associations and served on the board of trustees for the Sister Georgine Learning Center for Exceptional Children in Trenton from 1983 until it closed in 2013.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1958 and a 4th degree member since 1963, he served as Grand Knight, Financial Secretary, District Deputy and, since ordination, to various councils and assemblies. He has been a member of the Trenton Diocesan Council of Priests and was Dean of the Monmouth Coastal Deanery.

Msgr. Luebking served on the Monmouth County Regional Board of Catholic Charities and the Development Committee of the Diocesan Board of Catholic Charities. In 1996, he became a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and is a Knight Commander. Since 1996, he has been vice-chair of the Catholic Charities Guardian Angel Dinner Dance. He is a member of the board of trustees of Coastal Caregivers, home health care services.

He is survived by his beloved sister, Candy and Greg Veturys of Glenolden, Pa. and her children Holly Janusky, Jill Janusky, Gregory Veturys, Ryan Veturys and seven grandnieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation on Thursday, July 10, 2014 from 3-7PM at St. Catharine's Church, 215 Essex Ave., Spring Lake followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 10:30am at St. Margaret's Church, Corner of 3rd and Ludlow Ave., Spring Lake with the Bishop David M. O'Connell, CM presiding. Until the completion of St. Anne's Mausoleum, Msgr. Luebking will be entombed in St. Catharine's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to St. Anne's Scholarship Fund, 215 Essex Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the O'Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall.

For further information or to forward condolences to the family please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.