Father Donald Jacques

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Reverend Donald William Jacques, 90, who died Thursday, December 14, 2017, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

Donald was born in Milford, NH, on February 9, 1927, the son of Leon J. and Vera B. (Stoddard) Jacques.  After graduating from Milford public schools, he attended St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH.  He then completed his studies in philosophy and theology at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA.  He was ordained to the priesthood, for the Diocese of Portland, by Cardinal R.J. Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on September 29, 1953.

During his years of full-time, active ministry, Father Jacques served in the following assignments:

  • St. Mary Parish, Bangor – Parochial Vicar (October 1953-September 1964)
  • St. Patrick  Parish, Portland – Parochial Vicar (September 1964-March 1967)
  • Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of Portland (March 1967-1969), then added St. Teresa Parish, Brewer – Temporary Administrator (January-June 1969)
  • St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Bucksport – Pastor (June 1969-October 1972)
  • St. Joseph Parish, Gardiner – Pastor (October 1972-June 1982)
  • St. Raphael Parish, Kittery – Pastor (June 1982-January 1993), which included Portsmouth Navy Shipyard Catholic Chaplain
  • St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Brunswick – Pastor (January 1993-June 1997, at which time he retired from full-time ministry)

Fr. Jacques remained active in pastoral ministry in southern Maine, in the dioceses of Manchester, NH, and Venice, FL, and as a chaplain for the Apostleship of the Sea of the USA.

In addition to the above pastoral duties, Father Jacques also served the Diocese of Portland in the following capacities:

  • Spiritual Director – Legion of Mary, Bangor
  • Director – Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for the St. Bernard Deanery, Gr. Bangor Area
  • Chief Coordinator – Altar Boys’ Convocations for the Diocese
  • Confessor – Various Communities of Religious Sisters
  • Moderator – Maine Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
  • Chaplain – Knights of Columbus Canabas Council #1299, Gardiner
  • Faithful Friar – Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly #1431, Brunswick
  • Chaplain – Diocesan Human Relations Services, Region III (Waterville) and Region VI (Saco)
  • Priests Personnel Board
  • Priests Senate – Southern Kennebec Deanery
  • Vicar Forane – Southern York Deanery (1983-1993)
  • Vicar Forane – Sagadahoc-Lincoln Deanery (1993-1997)

Early on in his formation, it was said that “[Donald] is earnest and sincere, and his character is solid and reliable.”  During his years of ministry, it was noted that he had “a remarkable gift for addressing and delivering timely homilies and expounding upon issues relevant to all—young, middle-aged and old.”  In 1997, on the occasion of his retirement, Bishop Joseph J. Gerry, O.S.B. wrote to Fr. Jacques and stated:  “Throughout your ministry, you have had a reputation for hospitality and warmth, for your love of the liturgy and the attention you gave to creating a fitting environment for worship.  I know from personal observation of your great generosity and compassion…”

Please pray also for the consolation of his sister, Jeanne Jacques, and of his extended family and friends.

 
mily, Peter began his lifetime of service with his membership in the Waterville Lion's Club, which continued for 50 years and included the District's Lions President Award in 1964 as well as numerous awards for dedicated service, and as a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus which continued for 58 years.
Peter was an active member and past-president of the Greater Waterville Interfaith Council for 20 years. He served as coordinator of Interfaith Clergy which became the Interfaith Council. He was one of the four founding fathers of the Interfaith Homeless Shelter in Waterville, now known as the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter. - See more at: http://obituaries.centralmaine.com/obituaries/mainetoday-centralmaine/ob...