Father Gerard James Aylward, C.S.P., who was based in Manhattan when he served with the Paulist Mission Band, died Oct. 7 at Mary Manning Walsh Home in Manhattan. He was 94.
He conducted parish missions and retreats around the country from 1959 through 1965 while based at the Paulist Fathers motherhouse next to St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan.
He served at the Catholic Information Center in Grand Rapids, Mich., 1953- 1957 and 1984-1988; and at the Catholic Information Center in Toronto, Canada, 1974-1979. He preached missions in Toronto, 1979-1984.
From 1957 to 1959, he was based at St. Ann’s parish in Boston, and provided pastoral care for Catholic students in Newman Clubs at nearby universities.
He served at parishes in Chicago, Ill., and in Clemson, Pickens, Walhalla and Seneca, all in South Carolina.
Born in Manhattan, he entered the Paulist Fathers in 1946 and professed final vows in 1950. He was ordained in 1953.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan.
He is survived by his sister, Ann.
A Funeral Mass was offered Oct. 24 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan. Burial followed in St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery in Oak Ridge, N.J.
- Published Oct. 27, 2016 in the Catholic New York
==========
Homily of Paulist Fr. Bernie Campbell at the Funeral Mass of Paulist Fr. Gerard Aylward
It is common to Paulists that preaching lies at the heart of our vocational lives. Throughout 158 years the Paulists have been blessed with remarkable men of imagination, thoughtfulness and courage--proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in season and out. We know that we have stood on the shoulders of giants, who have gone before and nurtured us. We rejoice that this passion remains central to our lives today.
After seven years of formation in the Paulists I was ordained and sent to Portland, Oregon. Having spent most of my first 26 years with people my own age, it was jarring to live with Paulists, the youngest of whom was 57. to me they were old. And the late 1960's were tempestuous times in our country and church. Martin Luther King, Jr. died three weeks prior to my ordination. Robert Kennedy was likewise killed one week after I arrived in Portland. As our most recent literary Nobelist has put it, "The times are a changing..." Chasms existed between generations: Paulists and every social group. So easy to miss one another.
Yet, there was a giant there in Portland. Paulist Father Jim Dixon -- brilliant, witty and deeply scarred by his and life's vexations. I rarely heard Jim preach, but there was on extraordinary moment, -- Holy Thursday -- where Jim did preach. The liturgical scene was of course The Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples gathered in the upper room..,a meal...and The Word. Jim had Jesus speak -- "I HAVE A DREAM!!".
O my, the chasm closed, energy flowed in response to the Word preached that night, a word of hope amidst the darkness of both Jesus' moments commemorated that night and ours twenty centuries later. However, broken things are, however difficult it is to connect with the other, don't give up! The Dream comes, A New Covenant! Be persistent in proclaiming the good news whether the time is favorable or not,- something new is dawning..."The Lord's favor is upon us. “And no condemnation!
Paulists, whether with Jim Dixon's eloquence and vocal gifts or blessed with other gifts have continued this preaching grace. Gerry Aylward, for me, was among the giants. I first met Gerry with my parents at the dedication of the new Novitiate building in Oak Ridge, New Jersey...May 1962...He told my parents how happy he was that he had (now) made it to the "Big Leagues" of Paulist Preaching in becoming a member of the New York Mission Band, which included among others John Reynolds, Jim Finley and Jim Dixon.
Four years later Gerry was called upon to lead the Paulist Seminarian 7-day retreat at Lake George, New York. I suspect was among the most difficult mission assignments Gerry ever undertook. We 50 or so Seminarians were a terrible bunch. Not about to be fooled either by what we considered to excessive piety or simply uninformed theologically. Previous Paulists, all fine preachers, had led these annual retreats and had been critically dismembered by us. Gerry came. Gerry was superb. He didn't have us laughing in the aisles or navigating the lofty mystical mansions. Gerry was simply,--Gerry. Unadorned, direct, clearly in terms of bible, theology and pastoral sensitivity astute. He was the best retreat master we ever had.
Many years later we worked together in Clemson, South Carolina. As once at Lake George so now over 35 years later, Gerry was Gerry. Direct and unadorned. I think these qualities made him an exceptional priest and companion especially with our older parishioners, who on more than a few occasions endured the condescending tone of family and health professionals among others. Never, however, with Gerry. Straight, unvarnished respect. How refreshing for them!
I remember helping him pack as we were leaving Clemson after 66 years of wonderful mission ministry. His books were not for show; they were books, new and old- that he had used in ministry. One caught my eye. Gerhard von Rad's Old Testament Theology. I thumbed through this classic book. Gerry's underlinings and marginal notes were remarkable. A scholarly man who wore his scholarship lightly but his thoughtfulness very well.
I imagine Gerry coming before St. Peter. His first question to Peter would be, "Is Arnie Palmer here?" And St. Peter would say, "He's waiting for you on the first tee. Thrilled contemplating the glorious return (in heaven) of his youthful game, he might rush by Peter, but he didn't resist the second question. "Hey, do you want to hear a funny?"
scripture texts: Jeremiah, 31, 31-34; 2 Timothy 3,14-4,2; Luke 4, 16-21
He conducted parish missions and retreats around the country from 1959 through 1965 while based at the Paulist Fathers motherhouse next to St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan.
He served at the Catholic Information Center in Grand Rapids, Mich., 1953- 1957 and 1984-1988; and at the Catholic Information Center in Toronto, Canada, 1974-1979. He preached missions in Toronto, 1979-1984.
From 1957 to 1959, he was based at St. Ann’s parish in Boston, and provided pastoral care for Catholic students in Newman Clubs at nearby universities.
He served at parishes in Chicago, Ill., and in Clemson, Pickens, Walhalla and Seneca, all in South Carolina.
Born in Manhattan, he entered the Paulist Fathers in 1946 and professed final vows in 1950. He was ordained in 1953.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan.
He is survived by his sister, Ann.
A Funeral Mass was offered Oct. 24 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan. Burial followed in St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery in Oak Ridge, N.J.
- Published Oct. 27, 2016 in the Catholic New York
==========
Homily of Paulist Fr. Bernie Campbell at the Funeral Mass of Paulist Fr. Gerard Aylward
It is common to Paulists that preaching lies at the heart of our vocational lives. Throughout 158 years the Paulists have been blessed with remarkable men of imagination, thoughtfulness and courage--proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in season and out. We know that we have stood on the shoulders of giants, who have gone before and nurtured us. We rejoice that this passion remains central to our lives today.
After seven years of formation in the Paulists I was ordained and sent to Portland, Oregon. Having spent most of my first 26 years with people my own age, it was jarring to live with Paulists, the youngest of whom was 57. to me they were old. And the late 1960's were tempestuous times in our country and church. Martin Luther King, Jr. died three weeks prior to my ordination. Robert Kennedy was likewise killed one week after I arrived in Portland. As our most recent literary Nobelist has put it, "The times are a changing..." Chasms existed between generations: Paulists and every social group. So easy to miss one another.
Yet, there was a giant there in Portland. Paulist Father Jim Dixon -- brilliant, witty and deeply scarred by his and life's vexations. I rarely heard Jim preach, but there was on extraordinary moment, -- Holy Thursday -- where Jim did preach. The liturgical scene was of course The Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples gathered in the upper room..,a meal...and The Word. Jim had Jesus speak -- "I HAVE A DREAM!!".
O my, the chasm closed, energy flowed in response to the Word preached that night, a word of hope amidst the darkness of both Jesus' moments commemorated that night and ours twenty centuries later. However, broken things are, however difficult it is to connect with the other, don't give up! The Dream comes, A New Covenant! Be persistent in proclaiming the good news whether the time is favorable or not,- something new is dawning..."The Lord's favor is upon us. “And no condemnation!
Paulists, whether with Jim Dixon's eloquence and vocal gifts or blessed with other gifts have continued this preaching grace. Gerry Aylward, for me, was among the giants. I first met Gerry with my parents at the dedication of the new Novitiate building in Oak Ridge, New Jersey...May 1962...He told my parents how happy he was that he had (now) made it to the "Big Leagues" of Paulist Preaching in becoming a member of the New York Mission Band, which included among others John Reynolds, Jim Finley and Jim Dixon.
Four years later Gerry was called upon to lead the Paulist Seminarian 7-day retreat at Lake George, New York. I suspect was among the most difficult mission assignments Gerry ever undertook. We 50 or so Seminarians were a terrible bunch. Not about to be fooled either by what we considered to excessive piety or simply uninformed theologically. Previous Paulists, all fine preachers, had led these annual retreats and had been critically dismembered by us. Gerry came. Gerry was superb. He didn't have us laughing in the aisles or navigating the lofty mystical mansions. Gerry was simply,--Gerry. Unadorned, direct, clearly in terms of bible, theology and pastoral sensitivity astute. He was the best retreat master we ever had.
Many years later we worked together in Clemson, South Carolina. As once at Lake George so now over 35 years later, Gerry was Gerry. Direct and unadorned. I think these qualities made him an exceptional priest and companion especially with our older parishioners, who on more than a few occasions endured the condescending tone of family and health professionals among others. Never, however, with Gerry. Straight, unvarnished respect. How refreshing for them!
I remember helping him pack as we were leaving Clemson after 66 years of wonderful mission ministry. His books were not for show; they were books, new and old- that he had used in ministry. One caught my eye. Gerhard von Rad's Old Testament Theology. I thumbed through this classic book. Gerry's underlinings and marginal notes were remarkable. A scholarly man who wore his scholarship lightly but his thoughtfulness very well.
I imagine Gerry coming before St. Peter. His first question to Peter would be, "Is Arnie Palmer here?" And St. Peter would say, "He's waiting for you on the first tee. Thrilled contemplating the glorious return (in heaven) of his youthful game, he might rush by Peter, but he didn't resist the second question. "Hey, do you want to hear a funny?"
scripture texts: Jeremiah, 31, 31-34; 2 Timothy 3,14-4,2; Luke 4, 16-21
Father Gerard James Aylward, C.S.P., who was based in Manhattan when he served with the Paulist Mission Band, died Oct. 7 at Mary Manning Walsh Home in Manhattan. He was 94.
He conducted parish missions and retreats around the country from 1959 through 1965 while based at the Paulist Fathers motherhouse next to St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan.
He served at the Catholic Information Center in Grand Rapids, Mich., 1953- 1957 and 1984-1988; and at the Catholic Information Center in Toronto, Canada, 1974-1979. He preached missions in Toronto, 1979-1984.
From 1957 to 1959, he was based at St. Ann’s parish in Boston, and provided pastoral care for Catholic students in Newman Clubs at nearby universities.
He served at parishes in Chicago, Ill., and in Clemson, Pickens, Walhalla and Seneca, all in South Carolina.
Born in Manhattan, he entered the Paulist Fathers in 1946 and professed final vows in 1950. He was ordained in 1953.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan.
He is survived by his sister, Ann.
A Funeral Mass was offered Oct. 24 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan. Burial followed in St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery in Oak Ridge, N.J.
- Published Oct. 27, 2016 in the Catholic New York
==========
Homily of Paulist Fr. Bernie Campbell at the Funeral Mass of Paulist Fr. Gerard Aylward
It is common to Paulists that preaching lies at the heart of our vocational lives. Throughout 158 years the Paulists have been blessed with remarkable men of imagination, thoughtfulness and courage--proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in season and out. We know that we have stood on the shoulders of giants, who have gone before and nurtured us. We rejoice that this passion remains central to our lives today.
After seven years of formation in the Paulists I was ordained and sent to Portland, Oregon. Having spent most of my first 26 years with people my own age, it was jarring to live with Paulists, the youngest of whom was 57. to me they were old. And the late 1960's were tempestuous times in our country and church. Martin Luther King, Jr. died three weeks prior to my ordination. Robert Kennedy was likewise killed one week after I arrived in Portland. As our most recent literary Nobelist has put it, "The times are a changing..." Chasms existed between generations: Paulists and every social group. So easy to miss one another.
Yet, there was a giant there in Portland. Paulist Father Jim Dixon -- brilliant, witty and deeply scarred by his and life's vexations. I rarely heard Jim preach, but there was on extraordinary moment, -- Holy Thursday -- where Jim did preach. The liturgical scene was of course The Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples gathered in the upper room..,a meal...and The Word. Jim had Jesus speak -- "I HAVE A DREAM!!".
O my, the chasm closed, energy flowed in response to the Word preached that night, a word of hope amidst the darkness of both Jesus' moments commemorated that night and ours twenty centuries later. However, broken things are, however difficult it is to connect with the other, don't give up! The Dream comes, A New Covenant! Be persistent in proclaiming the good news whether the time is favorable or not,- something new is dawning..."The Lord's favor is upon us. “And no condemnation!
Paulists, whether with Jim Dixon's eloquence and vocal gifts or blessed with other gifts have continued this preaching grace. Gerry Aylward, for me, was among the giants. I first met Gerry with my parents at the dedication of the new Novitiate building in Oak Ridge, New Jersey...May 1962...He told my parents how happy he was that he had (now) made it to the "Big Leagues" of Paulist Preaching in becoming a member of the New York Mission Band, which included among others John Reynolds, Jim Finley and Jim Dixon.
Four years later Gerry was called upon to lead the Paulist Seminarian 7-day retreat at Lake George, New York. I suspect was among the most difficult mission assignments Gerry ever undertook. We 50 or so Seminarians were a terrible bunch. Not about to be fooled either by what we considered to excessive piety or simply uninformed theologically. Previous Paulists, all fine preachers, had led these annual retreats and had been critically dismembered by us. Gerry came. Gerry was superb. He didn't have us laughing in the aisles or navigating the lofty mystical mansions. Gerry was simply,--Gerry. Unadorned, direct, clearly in terms of bible, theology and pastoral sensitivity astute. He was the best retreat master we ever had.
Many years later we worked together in Clemson, South Carolina. As once at Lake George so now over 35 years later, Gerry was Gerry. Direct and unadorned. I think these qualities made him an exceptional priest and companion especially with our older parishioners, who on more than a few occasions endured the condescending tone of family and health professionals among others. Never, however, with Gerry. Straight, unvarnished respect. How refreshing for them!
I remember helping him pack as we were leaving Clemson after 66 years of wonderful mission ministry. His books were not for show; they were books, new and old- that he had used in ministry. One caught my eye. Gerhard von Rad's Old Testament Theology. I thumbed through this classic book. Gerry's underlinings and marginal notes were remarkable. A scholarly man who wore his scholarship lightly but his thoughtfulness very well.
I imagine Gerry coming before St. Peter. His first question to Peter would be, "Is Arnie Palmer here?" And St. Peter would say, "He's waiting for you on the first tee. Thrilled contemplating the glorious return (in heaven) of his youthful game, he might rush by Peter, but he didn't resist the second question. "Hey, do you want to hear a funny?"
scripture texts: Jeremiah, 31, 31-34; 2 Timothy 3,14-4,2; Luke 4, 16-21
He conducted parish missions and retreats around the country from 1959 through 1965 while based at the Paulist Fathers motherhouse next to St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan.
He served at the Catholic Information Center in Grand Rapids, Mich., 1953- 1957 and 1984-1988; and at the Catholic Information Center in Toronto, Canada, 1974-1979. He preached missions in Toronto, 1979-1984.
From 1957 to 1959, he was based at St. Ann’s parish in Boston, and provided pastoral care for Catholic students in Newman Clubs at nearby universities.
He served at parishes in Chicago, Ill., and in Clemson, Pickens, Walhalla and Seneca, all in South Carolina.
Born in Manhattan, he entered the Paulist Fathers in 1946 and professed final vows in 1950. He was ordained in 1953.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan.
He is survived by his sister, Ann.
A Funeral Mass was offered Oct. 24 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan. Burial followed in St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery in Oak Ridge, N.J.
- Published Oct. 27, 2016 in the Catholic New York
==========
Homily of Paulist Fr. Bernie Campbell at the Funeral Mass of Paulist Fr. Gerard Aylward
It is common to Paulists that preaching lies at the heart of our vocational lives. Throughout 158 years the Paulists have been blessed with remarkable men of imagination, thoughtfulness and courage--proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in season and out. We know that we have stood on the shoulders of giants, who have gone before and nurtured us. We rejoice that this passion remains central to our lives today.
After seven years of formation in the Paulists I was ordained and sent to Portland, Oregon. Having spent most of my first 26 years with people my own age, it was jarring to live with Paulists, the youngest of whom was 57. to me they were old. And the late 1960's were tempestuous times in our country and church. Martin Luther King, Jr. died three weeks prior to my ordination. Robert Kennedy was likewise killed one week after I arrived in Portland. As our most recent literary Nobelist has put it, "The times are a changing..." Chasms existed between generations: Paulists and every social group. So easy to miss one another.
Yet, there was a giant there in Portland. Paulist Father Jim Dixon -- brilliant, witty and deeply scarred by his and life's vexations. I rarely heard Jim preach, but there was on extraordinary moment, -- Holy Thursday -- where Jim did preach. The liturgical scene was of course The Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples gathered in the upper room..,a meal...and The Word. Jim had Jesus speak -- "I HAVE A DREAM!!".
O my, the chasm closed, energy flowed in response to the Word preached that night, a word of hope amidst the darkness of both Jesus' moments commemorated that night and ours twenty centuries later. However, broken things are, however difficult it is to connect with the other, don't give up! The Dream comes, A New Covenant! Be persistent in proclaiming the good news whether the time is favorable or not,- something new is dawning..."The Lord's favor is upon us. “And no condemnation!
Paulists, whether with Jim Dixon's eloquence and vocal gifts or blessed with other gifts have continued this preaching grace. Gerry Aylward, for me, was among the giants. I first met Gerry with my parents at the dedication of the new Novitiate building in Oak Ridge, New Jersey...May 1962...He told my parents how happy he was that he had (now) made it to the "Big Leagues" of Paulist Preaching in becoming a member of the New York Mission Band, which included among others John Reynolds, Jim Finley and Jim Dixon.
Four years later Gerry was called upon to lead the Paulist Seminarian 7-day retreat at Lake George, New York. I suspect was among the most difficult mission assignments Gerry ever undertook. We 50 or so Seminarians were a terrible bunch. Not about to be fooled either by what we considered to excessive piety or simply uninformed theologically. Previous Paulists, all fine preachers, had led these annual retreats and had been critically dismembered by us. Gerry came. Gerry was superb. He didn't have us laughing in the aisles or navigating the lofty mystical mansions. Gerry was simply,--Gerry. Unadorned, direct, clearly in terms of bible, theology and pastoral sensitivity astute. He was the best retreat master we ever had.
Many years later we worked together in Clemson, South Carolina. As once at Lake George so now over 35 years later, Gerry was Gerry. Direct and unadorned. I think these qualities made him an exceptional priest and companion especially with our older parishioners, who on more than a few occasions endured the condescending tone of family and health professionals among others. Never, however, with Gerry. Straight, unvarnished respect. How refreshing for them!
I remember helping him pack as we were leaving Clemson after 66 years of wonderful mission ministry. His books were not for show; they were books, new and old- that he had used in ministry. One caught my eye. Gerhard von Rad's Old Testament Theology. I thumbed through this classic book. Gerry's underlinings and marginal notes were remarkable. A scholarly man who wore his scholarship lightly but his thoughtfulness very well.
I imagine Gerry coming before St. Peter. His first question to Peter would be, "Is Arnie Palmer here?" And St. Peter would say, "He's waiting for you on the first tee. Thrilled contemplating the glorious return (in heaven) of his youthful game, he might rush by Peter, but he didn't resist the second question. "Hey, do you want to hear a funny?"
scripture texts: Jeremiah, 31, 31-34; 2 Timothy 3,14-4,2; Luke 4, 16-21
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