Monsignor Edward J. Dalton

Sometimes I can't help but be nostalgic. There are a number of different triggers that will prompt me to churn up fond memories. While cruising the blogsphere this afternoon I made a visit to Father Jay over at Young Fogeys where he posted about this being the 11th anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood. Congratulations Father Jay! It prompted me to think, as I do from time to time, of the Pastor of our Parish during my childhood and adolescence.

Monsignor Edward J. Dalton (Father Dalton to us old timers) was old as long as I can remember. He was ordained in 1932 and served fifty years at our Parish from 1949 to 1989 when health issues forced him to retire. During his tenure our Parish saw unprecedented growth. Father Dalton was a builder. Not just of buildings (there he was no slouch) but of community. No matter who you were in this Parish of probably two thousand families he always knew your name and who your parents were. It was a treat to serve Mass for him. If you were lucky enough to go to the Parish School you couldn't wait to be one of the older kids so Father would send you to Wellers Pharmacy to get him a pack of cigars.

I can still see him walking the schoolyard in cassock and biretta reading his office. Often you would see him and his elderly sister parked in his big old car (I think it was a Buick) watching the kids play little league while he enjoyed a cigar.

His success was notable in other regards. Without fail when a new class of Priests was ordained he would undoubtedly get one of the "rookies" for their first Parish assignment. He must have been doing something right. In addition to the many fine Pastors he molded over the years I think he probably deserves credit for influencing the youngest Monsignor ever named in our Diocese and our current Episcopal Vicar. Both of whom came to him as young Deacons or Priests.

Our Parish Center is named in his honor. I just thought in this joyous Ordination season that I would take a minute to ensure that the memory of a great man and holy Priest would pop up should someone Google his name. It has been seventeen years since his death and the fruits of his fifty year labor still stand.

Congratulations to Father Jay on his anniversary. Ad Multos Annos to him and all of the newly ordained. And always remember, support your Priests!