Rev. James Terrance Mulligan CSC

MULLIGAN, CSC, REV. JAMES TERRANCE Rev. James Terrance Mulligan, CSC , 80 died at Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital, St. Catharines, ON, October 5, 2022, after a lengthy illness. Father James was born on September 10, 1942, in Welland, ON, to Joseph Leo Mulligan and Helen Frances Patterson. He was predeceased by his parents, and brothers, Gerard, William and Joseph. He is survived by his brother, Murray; and sisters-in-law, Jan, Judy and Jean Mulligan. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. After completing high school at Notre Dame College School in 1960, he was received into the Holy Cross Novitiate, Bennington, Vermont. He said this decision was influenced by the Holy Cross religious teaching and administering at the school. Following the profession of first vows, he began undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, IN. In 1965 he began theological studies at the Gregorian University in Rome and was ordained a priest in Rome, December 18, 1968. Later he would study at the Institut Catholique, Paris, and received a Doctor of Ministry Degree 1993 from St. Michael's College, University of Toronto. Father Mulligan taught at Notre Dame College School for many years. Initially, he taught French and Religion, and in later years Sociology, Peace Studies and religion courses. From 1980–1988, he was elected as Provincial Superior - English Canadian Province of Holy Cross, and from 2000 until 2004, he became General Assistant in Rome at the General Administration of Holy Cross. Father Jim as a teacher was always involved in weekend ministry at St. Andrew's, St. Alexander's and St. Kevin's Churches, in the Welland area. In November 2004, he was appointed Pastor of St. Kevin Church, and would serve until 2013. In 2014, he would return to St. Kevin's as Associate Pastor and remain in that position until 2020. Father Mulligan was well known for his promotion of Catholic education locally, as well as offering workshops, retreats, and presentations in Newfoundland, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. He published a number of works on issues such as the theology of the Separate School Trustee, on Evangelization and the Catholic High School and other works on the future and enduring future of Catholic Education. For his work in Catholic Education he, received many awards over the years, including Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award, Honourary Fellow at St. Mary's University College, Calgary. Locally he was recognized as a Distinguished Educator, Niagara Catholic District School Board, and Distinguished Alumni Award, NCDSB. He was especially proud of beginning his work with the annual Pilgrimage, which he looked forward to each October. He saw this as a way of helping students engage in social justice issues in a concrete manner. As pastor of St. Kevin's he continued to encourage the community to be aware of the social teachings of the Church and to apply the same in daily life. He placed great importance on preparing the children for the sacraments of Christian initiation. Preaching the Word, being available to people in their needs, and of course, using every opportunity to promote his favourite sports teams were other hallmarks of his priestly ministry. He touched the lives of countless people during his many years of ministry. True to the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, he strived "to make God, known, loved and served." Visitation will be held at The Parish Community of St. Kevin on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., followed by viewing until 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass for Father Mulligan will be celebrated at The Parish Community of St. Kevin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Rite of Committal to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Welland, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Father Mulligan may be made to the Notre Dame College School Pilgrimage Fund or to a Charity of Your Choice. Arrangements entrusted in the care of J.J. Patterson & Sons Funeral Residence, 19 Young Street, Welland (905-735-5713). Please share your condolences and words of comfort with the family at www.jjpatterson.ca