Thomas F. Carten

1942 - 2020

The Rev. Thomas F. Carten, C.S.C., 78, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020, at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind.

He was born April 13, 1942, in Newark, N.J., to James and Wilda Mae Vail Carten. He was received into the Congregation of Holy Cross on July 15, 1962. He made his First Profession of Vows on July 16, 1963, and his Final Profession on April 6, 1969, as a Brother of Holy Cross. He graduated from King's College, Wilkes-Barre, in 1978, with a B.A., and received his M.Div. from the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind., the same year. He was ordained a Holy Cross priest on June 9, 1979.

From 1963 to 1964, Fr. Carten worked in maintenance on the campus of Stonehill College, Easton, Mass. From 1964 to 1966, he was secretary to the rector of Holy Cross Seminary, North Easton, Mass., and then became assistant to the dean of students/assistant principal of St. Peter High School, Gloucester, Mass., from 1966 to 1970. In 1970, Fr. Carten attended to many duties at St. Joseph Hall, North Dartmouth, Mass., before serving in what would be his longstanding ministry to the blind, beginning in 1973 at King's College, Wilkes-Barre. In 1975, he continued his ministry to the blind from Moreau Seminary, Notre Dame, Ind., where he remained until 1978. From 1978 to 1979, he served as deacon at St. John's Church, Bridgewater, Mass., and after his ordination in 1979, he served in Campus Ministry and the Alumni Office of King's College, where he broadcast a radio program ("Radio Home Visitor") for the blind on WRKC, which continues to this day. He also recorded "talking books," transcribed braille and worked in the media writing newspaper columns on music and the arts. He was a multi-talented and compassionate priest for the students, faculty and staff at King's College and the local community. Due to failing health, in 2013, Fr. Tom moved to Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind.

Fr. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, James and Wilda Mae Carten.

He is survived by his brother, James Carten; his sister, Sheila Michelson; and his close friend, Cindy Szumigala.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the Chapel of Mary on the campus of Stonehill College in North Easton, Mass., with the Funeral Mass following at 2 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/5AHDzvrsnMA.

Burial will follow in Holy Cross Community Cemetery at Stonehill College.

Kane Funeral Home, Easton, Mass., is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions in support of the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross can be made to: United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Development, 500 Washington St., North Easton, MA 02356-1299, or online at donate.holycrossusa.org.