Robert McGrath

On the evening of May 30, 2006, Rev. Robert McGrath, OMI passed away peacefully from this life to fulfillment to the Kingdom of God, of which he had preached for 50 years as an ordained minister of the gospel. Fr. Bob, as he was affectionately known, was born in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Marie Griffin McGrath on August 29, 1929. He came to San Antonio where he graduated from St. Anthony High School Seminary. Following Junior College he entered the Oblate Novitiate of Notre Dame at Richelieu, Canada. He returned to take philosophy and theology studies at De Mazenod Scholasticate (now Oblate School of Theology) where he earned the Master of Divinity Degree. He was ordained a Catholic Priest on September 8, 1955. Fr. Bob's first appointment as Paroquial Vicar was to Sacred Heart Parish in McAllen, Texas, followed by assignments to Brownsville, Houston, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. He served as pastor at St. Patrick's Church, and Blessed Sacrament Church in Houston, and Queen of Peace Parish in Aurora, Colorado. He was director of recruitment and vocation discernment for the Missionary Oblates of the Southwest for eight years. During that time he traveled extensively, conducting workshops and days of reflection for high school and college youth who were interested in pursuing a vocation to religious life or priestly ministry. He was a member of the Province Council of the Missionary Oblates when the decision was made in 1983 to undertake the Mission which is flourishing today in Zambia, Africa. He was admired and esteemed as a caring pastor at all the churches where he served. With an engaging personality he put people at ease, and his infectious smile allowed people to feel comfortable in his presences. He was truly a people person with a ready sense of humor which brought relief to difficult situations. Before retiring to Oblate Madonna Residence he was chaplain at Incarnate Word Convent in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is survived by a brother Fr. John McGrath, OMI of San Antonio, a sister Narilyn McGury and nieces. Rosary Vigil will be held Sunday, June 4th, at 7:00 P.M. with Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, June 5th, at 10:00 A.M. Both services will be at Immaculate Conception Memorial Chapel at Oblate School of Theology, 285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, Texas. Interment will be at Oblate Community Cemetery. Arrangements by: The Angelus Funeral Home.