By Jim Davis - Florida Catholic

LIGHTHOUSE POINT | Msgr. Frederick J. Brice, who served the archdiocese for more than 41 years, died the morning of March 27 of natural causes. He was 85.

Msgr. Brice died in his retirement home in Lighthouse Point, near St. Paul the Apostle Parish, his last assignment.

Msgr. Brice was ordained for the archdiocese May 24, 1969, and started as assistant pastor the following month at St. Rose of Lima Parish, Miami Shores. He served there for two years, then became assistant pastor at St. Joseph, Miami Beach.

During that period, Msgr. Brice also served as secretary to Archbishop Coleman Carroll until 1973. He was also assistant chancellor from June 1971 to June 1973.

Following his service at St. Joseph Church, Msgr. Brice was appointed vicar econome, or acting pastor, of three parishes: St. Bartholomew in Miramar in June 1974, St. Maurice in Fort Lauderdale in September 1974, and St. Paul the Apostle in 1976. He was pastor at St. Paul the Apostle from December 1982 through October 2010, when he retired.

Msgr. Brice worked in other archdiocesan posts as well. He was director of the Real Estate Board in 1985, and director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in 1989. Other work of the monsignor included the Building Commission, the Finance Council and the Synod Preparatory Commission on Temporalities.

He also served in two chaplaincies. In 1982 and 1983, he was chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, John A. Hill Chapter #4955, Pompano Beach. And in April 1992, he became chaplain of the St. Vincent de Paul Societies of Broward County.

In 2008 he was named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, with the title of Reverend Monsignor.

A wake service is planned for 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul the Apostle, 2700 NE 36th St., Lighthouse Point, with prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.

St. Paul the Apostle also will host a funeral Mass with wiewing from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Monday. Mass will start at 11 a.m., to be presided by Archbishop Thomas Wenski.

Following the Mass will be a graveside service and internment at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery in North Lauderdale.