REVEREND MONSIGNOR JOHN R. MCSWEENEY, P.A.

THE REVEREND MONSIGNOR - JOHN R. MCSWEENEY, P.A. SOUTH BURLINGTON - The Reverend Monsignor John R. McSweeney, P.A., 83, died on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013. He was born on Sept. 6, 1930, in Burlington, the son of Dr. E. Douglas McSweeney and Ruth (Casey) McSweeney. He attended Cathedral Grammar School, Cathedral High School, and the Taft School in Watertown, Conn. After attending the University of Vermont for one year, he graduated from St. Michael's College, Colchester, in 1953, with a degree in Business Administration. He was employed by General Electric in Burlington from 1953-1954, and then served as a Budgeting and Accounting Officer in the United States Air Force, 4750th Air Defense Wing in Yuma, Ariz., from 19541956. Following his service years, he was accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Burlington and completed his seminary formation at St. Francis Seminary in Loretto, Pa., from 1956-1961. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Burlington, on May 27, 1961, by Bishop Robert F. Joyce. His priestly ministry began as Parochial Vicar at St. Monica Parish, Barre (1961-1963). He was assigned to advanced studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., earning his Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.) in 1965. Upon his return from studies, he served as an Assistant Chaplain at the DeGoesbriand Hospital (1965-1968) and also served as the Co-Chaplain at The Catholic Center at UVM (1968-1971). While serving at the Diocesan Administrative Offices, he was in residence at St. Anthony Parish, Burlington (1971-1975). His first pastorate was at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Richmond (19751991), followed by serving as Pastor of St. Mark Parish, Burlington (19912000). He was granted Senior Priest status in 2000. Monsignor McSweeney fulfilled many diocesan responsibilities including Assistant Chancellor (1964-1972), Chancellor (1972-1991), Member of the Diocesan Administrative Board (1972-2000), Episcopal Vicar for Administration and Canonical Affairs (19731983), Episcopal Vicar for Finance and Diocesan Finance Officer (19862000), Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia (1991-2000). He served on the Priests' Senate, Presbyteral Council and the College of Consultors for many years. He was elected to serve as the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Burlington from Feb. 18, 1992, until Nov. 9, 1992. He was named a Prelate of Honor with the title Monsignor, by Pope John Paul II on Jan. 18, 1992, and was named a Protonotary Apostolic by Pope Benedict XVI on Aug. 25, 2008. Monsignor McSweeney was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a board member of The Ordinary Mutual - Risk Retention Group of San Francisco. He also served as a board member and advisor to numerous local charities. Respected for his great love and encyclopedic knowledge of Vermont history, he was a member of local and national historical societies and served as a Trustee of the Vermont Historical Society. He was predeceased by his parents; and siblings, E. Douglas McSweeney, MD, William J. McSweeney, MD, and Mrs. Margaret Barry. Survivors include his sisters, Mrs. Marie McKenna, Mrs. Ruth Ann Pichler, Mrs. Katherine Morrissey (John), Mrs. Elizabeth Gretkowski (Henry), Mrs. Louise Scibelli, and Mrs. Martha Economou (Dean); sisters-in-law, Dr. Anne Fletcher, and Marilyn McSweeney; brother-in-law, Edward Barry; as well as 32 nephews and nieces. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at St. Mark Parish, 1251 North Ave., Burlington, at 11 a.m., with The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Burlington, as principal celebrant. Homilist will be Monsignor Richard G. Lavalley. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Mark Church. Following the Funeral Mass, family members will attend the burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Archibald Street, Burlington. Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allenbrook Lane, Williston, VT 05495.