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Rev. Patrick E. Murphy, O.S.A. (1948 - 2008)

Rev. Patrick E. Murphy, O.S.A. entered eternal life May 14, 2008.

Patrick Edward Murphy was born March 18, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas and Geraldine Murphy. He was baptized March 28, 1948 at St. Agnes Church, Chicago. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation April 28, 1959 at the same church.

Following graduation in 1962 from St. Agnes Elementary School, Chicago, Patrick enrolled in St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he earned his high school diploma in 1966.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 3, 1966. He professed simple (temporary) vows September 4, 1967 and solemn (permanent) vows June 15, 1974. He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois, in 1971. He did his theological studies at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, earning an M. Div. in 1976. He was ordained a priest March 20, 1976.

Father Murphy did graduate studies in Industrial Relations and in Education at Loyola University, Chicago, which awarded him two advanced degrees, an M.S. in Industrial Relations and an M. A. in Education.

He taught at St. Rita High School, Chicago, during the 1971-72 school year. He then resided at St. John Stone Friary, Chicago, while pursuing theological studies. He began his Diaconate internship in June, 1975, continuing until his priestly ordination, at St. Cletus Parish, LaGrange, Illinois.

His first assignment as an ordained priest was in 1976 to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, as teacher and chaplain. He returned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, in 1979 as teacher and chaplain. In 1983 Father Murphy was appointed principal of St. Rita High School.

Father Murphy was in 1989 named Vocations Director for the Augustinian Midwest Province, with residence at St. John of Sahagun Friary at Providence Catholic High School, New Lenox, Illinois. In 1990 he was transferred to St. Rita Parish, Chicago, where he served as interim pastor.

He returned to educational ministry in 1991 when he was assigned to Cascia Hall Preparatory School, Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was chaplain of the school and Prior of the Augustinian community. In 1994 he was transferred to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields.

Father Murphy requested and was granted permission to live outside of community in 1996. During this time he resided in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He returned to community in 1999, and was assigned to St. Mary Parish, Gainesville, Texas. In 2000 he was again granted permission to live outside of community. Again he resided in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During this time, he ministered on week-ends at St. Paul Parish, Electra, Texas, and at Christ the King Parish, Iowa Park, Texas.

In August, 2004 Father Murphy was assigned to reside in the Augustinian Community at St. Mary Parish, Gainesville. His primary ministry was as teacher and administrator at Sacred Heart High School, Muenster, Texas, until June, 2006. He was named Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Gainesville, in August, 2006, and was serving in that capacity at the time of his death.

Father Murphy is remembered for his sense of humor. No matter what the occasion, he could be counted on to come up with a funny remark that would cause people to laugh. He was appreciated by the students whom he taught. He actively promoted religious and priestly vocations.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1011 will be appreciated.