Friends and Family Stories of Fr. Jim
Look for miracles in the ordinary, not the spectacular."
- Fr. Jim McKenna
These simple words changed my life forever. Thank you Tiger,
Annie
"I will spend my heaven doing good on earth"
- St. Therese
Fr. Jim was family throughout the years, knowing his devotion to all things Seton Hall, we would surprise him with sweatshirts from our own respective universities. One evening when we were all home, he dropped by, opened up a paper sack, and tossed us each a Seton Hall Sweatshirt (today well worn but no less cherished). Sundays were always special, as he could be counted on following the noon mass to bring Communion to our parents, Jim and Alice, and to stay to share his latest jokes.
When our Mom became terminally ill while visiting out West, despite his aversion to flying, he made the trip. "Do you know who this is?" he asked, bringing the wildest smile to our saintly but semi-conscious Mom. Apparently, Fr. Jim still believed in house calls. He officiated their 50th wedding anniversary and all too soon after that, celebrated their lives at their funeral masses. Years later, as he'd return to Closter to visit, he'd spontaneously suggest we go grab a coffee at Starbucks and then drive north to pray at their graves. Because of his life, ours will never be the same.
And so in loving memory of Fr. Jim, for his sincere friendship, sage council, intimate caring and eternal ministry to our family, may his memory live on in the many hearts and lives he touched.
Until we meet again,
Jim, Tom, Bob, Rosemary, Kate & Rich McCormick and Families
Thank you for teaching me well that my primary purpose and the reason that I am still here is to stay sober and to help another alcoholic!
Your friend,
Connie
"A humble man can do great things with an uncommon perfection because he is no longer concerned about incidentals, like his own reputation, and therefore he no longer needs to waste his efforts in defending them.
For a humble man is not afraid of failure. In fact, he is not afraid of anything, even of himself, since perfect humility implies perfect confidence in the power of God before Whom no other power has any meaning and for Whom there is no such thing as an obstacle."
- Thomas Merton
We remember and miss a humble man who, through his own experience and acts of love helped change lives. He truly left the world a better place and we are fortunate to have been able to call him Uncle Jimmy.
Claire, Gregg, Grace and Rose McKenna Padovano
In loving memory of Fr. Jim McKenna and Helen Marie Browne, cousins, who are laughing together in Heaven as they did here on earth.
We love and miss you both.
The Browne and Lombardi Families
