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Rev. John J. Molnar, O.S.A. (1940 - 2006)

Rev. John J. Molnar, O.S.A. entered eternal life May 31, 2006.

John Joseph Molnar was born August 11, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio to Joseph M. and Helen (Hromyak) Molnar. He was Baptized September 1, 1940 at St. Augustine Church, Cleveland. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation December 10, 1948 at St. Anastasia Church, Fort Pierce, Florida.

He was a 1954 graduate of St. Anastasia Elementary School, Fort Pierce, and a 1958 graduate of St. Anastasia High School, Fort Pierce.

John was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 4, 1958. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 5, 1959 and solemn (permanent) vows September 5, 1962.

He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois, in 1963. He pursued theological studies at Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, from 1963 to 1967. He was ordained a Priest November 21, 1966. He received an M.A. in Liturgy from Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1967.

Father Molar was assigned in 1967 to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, Illinois, as a Teacher. In 1969 he was transferred to Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, as Teacher, Sub-Master of Professed and Director of the Pre-Novitiate Program. He taught at St. Rita High School, Chicago, from 1971 to 1975.

In 1975 Father Molnar was assigned as Assistant Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, Kenosha, Wisconsin. He also served as Prior of the Augustinian community there. He moved to St. Rita Parish, Racine, Wisconsin in 1978, and was appointed Pastor there in 1979.

He served at Immaculate Conception/St. Henry Parish, St. Louis, Missouri from 1981 to 1983, when he was named Assistant Pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. He was also appointed Prior of the Augustinian community there. In 1986 he was named Augustinian Vicar for Parishes.

Father Molnar was appointed Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Abbott, Texas in 1988. He was also named Prior of the Augustinian community there. He returned to Holy Rosary Parish, Kenosha, in 1994, serving as Pastor and as Prior of the Augustinian community.

In 2002 he was named Chaplain of St. Rita High School, Chicago. The following year, 2003, he became a Chaplain at Franciscan Village, Lemont, Illinois.

Father Molnar was involved in a serious automobile accident in December, 2004. Shortly after the accident, he suffered a stroke. Following several weeks of hospitalization, he was moved to Mother Theresa Home, Lemont, with the hope that he would regain his health with the aid of therapy provided there. He never did recover, however, and he remained there until his death.

He is remembered for his boundless energy, and his enthusiasm for the liturgy and liturgical music. He was a talented piano and organ player and singer. He enjoyed playing cards - and loved to win! His cheerful disposition, his creativity and his interest in helping ordinary people inspired others, contributed to the effectiveness of his pastoral ministry, and enlivened the Augustinian communities where he lived.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.