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Article_Msgr. Noel Fogarty dies at 87

Msgr. Noel Fogarty dies at 87

Breaking News | Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Msgr. Noel Fogarty dies at 87

Msgr. Noel T. Fogarty: Born Dec. 30, 1928; ordained June 2, 1957; died May 11, 2016.

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Msgr. Noel T. Fogarty: Born Dec. 30, 1928; ordained June 2, 1957; died May 11, 2016.

MIAMI | In 58 years of priesthood, Msgr. Noel Fogarty held a plethora of positions: teacher, pastor, chaplain, chancellor, vicar general, dean, president of the priests’ senate and chairman of many boards. But perhaps his most unique assignment was as recruiter of Irish clergy for South Florida.

“Every September it was a battle. About 20 to 30 dioceses were vying to recruit seminarians,” he recalled in a 2004 profile for the Building the City of God series.

And so it came to be that Msgr. Fogarty, a rookie priest himself back in the 1960s, wound up recruiting most of the Irish priests who currently serve or have served in the Archdiocese of Miami.

“At one time, he had 55 seminarians signed up to come to South Florida,” noted an article on Irish priests published in the Florida Catholic in 2014.

Other dioceses offered perks such as cars or a fast track to becoming pastors. Msgr. Fogarty offered no such thing.

“He said it would be a lot of hard work in a growing diocese, and unless you were prepared to work, forget about Miami,” recalled one of his recruits, the now retired Father Thomas Foudy, in that same article.

Leading by example, Msgr. Fogarty kept up that work ethic until his own retirement in 2011 at the age of 82.

Msgr. Noel Fogarty prays at altar during his last Mass as pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Plantation.

Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO | Muñoz Studio,

Msgr. Noel Fogarty prays at altar during his last Mass as pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Plantation.

Although he once said he feared retirement � “I don’t know what I’d do on a Monday morning if I had to face a week with nothing specific to do” � he did get to enjoy many Tuesdays on the golf course with his priest buddies before being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in mid-February.

“The one thing he did not enjoy about his retirement, the one thing he missed most, was the school children,” said Msgr. Jude O’Doherty, pastor of Epiphany Church in South Miami, and another of Msgr. Fogarty’s Irish recruits.

Msgr. Fogarty died May 11 at age 87.

“He did not have pain but he knew that his brain was not functioning properly. So that was a terrible pain for him,” Msgr. O’Doherty said.

The two had known each other for 51 years.

“He’s pretty much the one who recruited all of us from Ireland,” Msgr. O’Doherty said. “He was a father to a lot of us. We loved to follow him and his example.”

He called Msgr. Fogarty’s passing “the end of an era” in the Church of Miami. “He was the last priest, I believe, who served the diocese of Miami who also served the Diocese of St. Augustine when the state was just one diocese.”

“He was vicar general to Archbishop Coleman Carroll when the diocese grew the most and the fastest,” said Archbishop Thomas Wenski. “Because of his involvement in the early days of this local Church, his passing means we lose a treasure trove of historical memory.”

‘Architect’ of the diocese

“That man has been like an architect in this diocese,” said Vilma Angulo. “He would talk about things that had happened in the diocese in the 1950s, because he lived it.”

Angulo worked with Msgr. Fogarty for 14 years as director of the religious education program at St. Gregory, where he was pastor from 1991 until his retirement.

She described Msgr. Fogarty as “an excellent administrator. He brought out the best of people. He expected excellence but he liked to be creative, step outside the box. He would listen and be supportive.”

But the tall, gravel-voiced Irishman was no push-over.

“If he had been an attorney, you would hate to be in a courtroom against him,” Angulo said. “He was tough. He stood his ground. But he knew where he wanted to take the parish and he did it.”

Priority: Catholic schools

When he was assigned to St. Gregory after 20 years as pastor of St. Rose of Lima in Miami Shores, “most pastors would have been looking toward retirement,” Angulo said. “He took on a monumental challenge.”

Before becoming a priest, Msgr. Noel Fogarty was a nationally-recognized hurling goalkeeper. Hurling is an ancient Irish sport, a cross between lacrosse and field hockey played with sticks called hurleys and balls known as sliotars. This photo was taken at the all-Ireland colleges semi-final in 1946. Although Msgr. Fogarty's side lost, the national newspaper praised his stellar goalkeeping.

Photographer:

Before becoming a priest, Msgr. Noel Fogarty was a nationally-recognized hurling goalkeeper. Hurling is an ancient Irish sport, a cross between lacrosse and field hockey played with sticks called hurleys and balls known as sliotars. This photo was taken at the all-Ireland colleges semi-final in 1946. Although Msgr. Fogarty's side lost, the national newspaper praised his stellar goalkeeping.

Within months of arriving, he began raising funds to rebuild and enlarge the parish school, going from two to three classrooms in every grade. By September 1995, he had built a state-of-the-art pre-k through eighth grade school and “gymnatorium” that could accommodate over 800 students.

“He knew we had to build a larger school because kids were his passion � and education,” Angulo said.

Both St. Rose and St. Gregory schools developed an excellent academic reputation, winning the Blue Ribbon of Excellence from the U.S. Department of Education. But that’s not what mattered most in Msgr. Fogarty’s view.

Angulo remembers that St. Gregory had about 100 applicants for 50 pre-school spots, and Msgr. Fogarty would interview the families personally. If they told him academics was the reason they wanted their children at the school, he would tell them frankly: “This might not be the place for you. Because this is a Catholic school for families who want to grow in their faith and raise their children in the faith.”

When January came around, he would get a list of the school parents who were not attending Mass regularly � and start making phone calls.

'We're going in'

To illustrate the sheer force of his personality, Angulo recalled a story Msgr. Fogarty told about going to visit a dying priest at Mercy Hospital with Archbishop Carroll. A nurse told them they couldn’t go in because there were too many people in the room already.

So Msgr. Fogarty asked the nurse: Do you know where you work? Mercy Hospital, she replied. Do you know the name of this building? Carroll Tower, she replied. “This is Carroll,” he told her, pointing to the archbishop. “We’re going in.”

“He was, you could say, a hard task master but he was a steady rock,” said Msgr. O’Doherty. “He was a mentor and example to priests. And he was a pastor to his parishioners.”

Hurling, teaching

Born Dec. 30, 1928 in County Galway, Ireland, Msgr. Fogarty was the sixth of seven children. Before entering the seminary, he was a nationally-recognized goalkeeper in hurling � an ancient Irish sport that is a cross between lacrosse and field hockey.

His father, a teacher, wanted him to follow in his footsteps, but he had felt the calling to the priesthood in his fourth year of high school. He entered St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, completed his theological training at St. Peter’s College, Wexford, and was ordained June 2, 1957 for the Diocese of St. Augustine, which then covered all of Florida.

When the Diocese of Miami was created a year later, he was serving as parochial vicar at St. Mary Magdalen on Miami Beach (now Sunny Isles Beach).

Msgr. Noel Fogarty poses after his retirement Mass in 2011 with Ann Schandelmayer and Connie Sessions, who have been parishioners at St. Gregory since the 1960s.

Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO | Muñoz Studio,

Msgr. Noel Fogarty poses after his retirement Mass in 2011 with Ann Schandelmayer and Connie Sessions, who have been parishioners at St. Gregory since the 1960s.

He then served as parochial vicar at Epiphany while teaching at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, and at St. Mary Cathedral while teaching at the all-girls Notre Dame Academy (now co-ed Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame Prep).

In 1962, he served a few months as parochial vicar at St. Brendan in Miami before being named administrator of the newly established parish of St. Bartholomew in Miramar. He supervised the construction of the church, school and convent there while also serving as chaplain to the South Florida Mental Hospital nearby.

In 1971, he was named pastor of St. Rose, and a year later took on the added responsibility of serving as archdiocesan chancellor, vicar for clergy, and vicar general under Archbishop Carroll.

A Mercedes

When he left the post in 1978, “166 of his brother priests” threw him a surprise party, according to an article in The Voice, which was then the archdiocesan newspaper. They also bought him a new Mercedes Benz: “just to thank him for the wonderful job he did for over six years as the chancellor and as a priest-friend.”

Msgr. Fogarty also served as director of lay retreats from 1961 to 1966, a task that entailed “how to promote them, where to hold them, and who should make them.”

A talented fundraiser, he created endowments to ensure the continued financial stability of both St. Rose and St. Gregory schools.

He also served on various archdiocesan boards, including those that oversaw seminaries, schools and the health and pension plans for priests and lay employees.

Asked to name his greatest accomplishment, he cited recruiting Irish priests and “helping to steer the Pension Plan � to its present stable position as one of the better diocesan retirement plans in the nation.”

Msgr. Fogarty was given the honorary title of monsignor in 1974 by Pope Paul VI, and raised to its highest rank, Protonotary Apostolic, by Pope John Paul II in 1995.

The viewing will take place Monday, May 16, beginning at 5 p.m. at St. Gregory Church, 200 N. University Drive, Plantation, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Archbishop Wenski will celebrate the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, at St. Gregory.

Msgr. Fogarty will be buried at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery in North Lauderdale. He is survived by two siblings, Anna and William, and a number of nieces and nephews, all of whom live in Ireland.

Comments from readers

Familia Catano - 05/16/2016 10:56 PM
Dios bendiga a Monse�or Fogarty. Siempre lo recordaremos como un hombre afable, cari�oso y generoso con su familia de San Gregorio. Gracias por sus ense�anzas en cada homilia. Su sonrisa y saludo sincero al final de las eucaristias quedaran para siempre como el mas bello recuerdo. Descanse en paz.
Carolina Sexton - 05/16/2016 11:58 AM
Rest is peace Msgr. Fogarty. I was sadden to hear about his passing but I thank God for the opportunity of having met such a good priest who was so dedicated to his parish and was an amazing administrator and leader. He was so sharp, still at his old age! Having the big responsibility at St. Gregory keeping the parish growing with more and more to keep his mind busy, he was always attentive to his parishioners and had a jovial attitude. Steve and I always enjoyed seeing him greeting people before and after Mass; sometimes cracking a joke, he really inspired us in many ways. We thank God for him. Rest in peace Monsignor Noel Fogarty. Pray for us.
Donna Durden - 05/14/2016 06:19 PM
If it wasn't for Msgr. Fogarty I would not be working at Saint Gregorys. It was with his blessings I was hired almost 20 years ago. I don't think he ever knew the impact he had on my life. I will always be grateful to him. He was one amazing priest.
Tom Florio - 05/13/2016 01:49 PM
We moved to Miramar in 1960 and attended St. Stephen's. When it was decided to open St. Bart's we were early on the list of new parishioners. Meeting Fr. Fogarty (I know it's Msgr. but with love I say Fr.) was a joy. Before the church was built it was housed in a Volunteer Firehouse on Venetian St. We lived down the block. My Dad signed up as an usher. The church needed to be set up early on Sunday morning and taken down after Mass was done. A sign up sheet was started. I have fond memories of Fr. Fogarty knocking on our window at 630 when folks didn't show. "Mike-get the lads up!" We'd rush down to get things done for 700 Mass. Being Italian there was always Sunday supper (8 in my family plus whoever). Many Sunday's were spent with Fr. Fogarty after breaking things down. Our carport was used as storage. I tell no tales out of school when I say that as kids we were shocked and amazed to see our priest slowly become just part of us during these suppers. Layers of clothes would be shed down to his t-shirt. It was a joy to see him interact with my Dad, family, grandparents and us as kids. Other Catholic kids in the neighborhood would also be shocked to see Fr. Fogarty just being himself. We loved him deeply. In 1977 my Dad passed. Fr. Fogarty had moved on. It was my Mom's wish for him to say the funeral Mass for my Dad. Much to our delight (and to those there) of course he did it. Tears were shed talking outside after Mass remembering the early days. I know many people can say that they knew Fr. Fogarty. But I wish that they had had the opportunity to know and embrace him as we did in his early days of priesthood in the States. God blessed us with you Fr. and now I know he will continue his blessings on you. Rest In Peace-you deserve it.
Colleen (Davis) Dunn - 05/12/2016 07:34 PM
My Family is deeply saddened by Monsignor Fogarty's passing. This lovely article honored his memory. Our parents' dear friend, Monsignor Fogarty was a stern figure with a warm heart. I will always remember my mother taking me to meet him so that I might attend St Bartholomew's school for second grade. He had me convinced that the "praying hands" atop his closed bookcase was all that was visible (or left) of a student who had misbehaved in school. A vision and memory I will never forget. He laughed so hard at his own joke when I called his bluff and opened the bookcase. He will be missed and will live forever in our hearts and prayers. Bless him Colleen Marie (Davis) Dunn, Erin (Davis) and Keith Dunn, Taylor and Morgan Dunn, and our adored late parents, Shirley and Curt Davis
John Moriconi - 05/12/2016 07:26 PM
Rest in peace. Your time at St Gregorys will be truly missed. Much thanks.
Ofelia Marulanda - 05/12/2016 07:07 PM
Heaven has one more angel. Monsignor Fogarty was an angel to our family. Rest in peace.
JUNE HAYGOOD - 05/12/2016 09:31 AM
Monsignor Fogarty was truly God's faithful servant and I am confident that he has gone to his just reward. I remember him well from his time at St. Rose and will always keep him in my prayers.
Keith Koenig - 05/12/2016 09:20 AM
by Monsignor�s sidekick and Director of Development, Pat Usyk. And the facilities were maintained perfectly by Pat�s husband and St. Gregory�s GM, John Usyk. All was done on a thrifty budget, again, to lead us by example. And masses were packed, even though we all secretly complained to each other that his homilies were, once again, too long. The Good Lord has blessed me and my family in so many ways I cannot count them all, but one blessing I am most grateful for is Monsignor Fogarty. Have I known a better man? I cannot think who I might put ahead of him. Has anyone helped my family (and thousands of other families) more? I don�t think so because what is more important than spiritual formation? We all need to be eternally grateful for all of our priests. They have all given their lives for us to lead us to heaven. I simply believe Monsignor would just want to be remembered as a good priest. He was that, indeed. Thank God for Monsignor Fogarty.
Keith Koenig - 05/12/2016 09:19 AM
Monsignor Noel Fogarty was a wonderful man and certainly we were all blessed to know him. That we all know. He taught us more about our faith. He held us accountable. He led us by example. He built facilities and expanded ministries. He organized us and helped us help the Church. He educated our children. He saved souls. And, yes, he preached long homilies. He came to us at St. Gregory�s in 1991 and Doreen and I met him right away as we had been advocating for some improvements to our school and church facilities, so we took it up with him. Monsignor was patient and listened, but wiser than we were. He realized we needed more substantial improvements and suggested we have a Town Hall discussion about the future of St. Gregory�s. We planned big meetings after every mass for a few weeks and got everyone into the Parish Center to list their ideas and wishes on big posters. We tabulated the most popular wishes and created a plan to build a new school and renovate most all aspects of our facilities. Once we had strong consensus for the plan, Monsignor had me address every mass and share the vision - and the $4 million price tag for the �Building In Faith Capital Campaign�. I heard a lot of gasps after we showed our video (Monsignor was the star) when we announced that we would be asking everyone for a big, sacrificial gift to make this happen. Long story short, Monsignor led a total transformation of St. Gregory�s. Sure he built a new school and improved facilities, but that really brought more parishioners together and got them more involved with their parish. Attendance at masses grew and Monsignor knew everyone. He shook hands with every person, knew (nearly) every name and every child. The school was full, kids excelled and parents were expected to attend mass, which their children were reminded to tell them. And we had over 65 ministries, many led by our dear Sister Jean. Fund raising grew exponentially with the collection basket and many events run
Paul Coyle - 05/12/2016 08:56 AM
God always blesses the Irish. This great man is now where he worked all his life to be.
Sharon Myers Greenwell - 05/12/2016 12:04 AM
Rest in eternal peace, dear Monsignor. Many fond memories from St Mary's and St Rose. Although the years have passed too quickly, the lessons you have left with us will always remain. So blessed to have had our paths cross.
Pat Zeiler - 05/11/2016 07:54 PM
Monsignor was first and always a parish priest and a devoted servant of the Church. I worked for him at St. Rose and had the very good fortune to be a parishioner of St. Gregory shortly after he was appointed pastor there. Monsignor had an incredible work ethic and I wish I had his memory skills, but the quality I most admired was his kindness. He was never too busy to be a pastor of souls and assisted more people in need quietly than I'm sure we'll ever know. He was recognized nationally for his school endowment work and for his leadership in creating a unique Parish Council model at St. Rose. Requiescat in pace, dear Monsignor. Ora pro nobis.
Ana Dichito - 05/11/2016 07:36 PM
What a beautiful soul he was. A great parish pastor. A great confessor and we owe him so much! Thank you dear Monsignor for all the blessings and loving example you gave us. God bless you, we love you!
Robert Cabello - 05/11/2016 06:01 PM
All of us that knew him will miss Monsignor Fogarty. He was a top administrator and a kind and loving priest. He was always thoughtful many times behind the scenes . He was in fact a gentle soul who hid this many.
William VanderWyden - 05/11/2016 05:04 PM
Rest in peace, good and faithful servant. I remember well the days at Epiphany School when he was associate there with Msgr. O'Dowd. More recently, I was fortunate to participate in several Life Teen Masses at St. Gregory when he celebrated the liturgy. He brought the IHM Sisters to St. Rose of Lima. You have been a blessing to so many. Truly, the end of an era when so many young priests from Ireland helped to evangelize the Church all across Florida. Receive his soul and present him to God, the most high.

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