Holy Redeemer Catholic Church:Holy Redeemer’s Father Jack Retires

This Sunday parishioners and friends of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church gathered to honor their beloved pastor, Reverend Monsignor John Foley, better known as Father Jack, at his retirement party.

For 15 years Father Jack has been at the helm of Holy Redeemer, guiding not only the parishioners but the students at Holy Redeemer school. At every event from Blessing of the Animals to Daddy and Daughter Dance, Father Jack was there for guidance with a twinkle in his Irish eyes.

Father Jack was born and raised in Tipperary, Ireland, as one of six children. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1959 at All Hallows College in Dublin. His brother, Denis, now retired is also a priest. He has served at several churches including St. James the Less in La Crescenta and Immaculate Conception in Monrovia until the move to Holy Redeemer.

Over a hundred people turned out for his retirement party Sunday, June 10. In the mass that proceeded the celebration several ministers that have known Father Jack for years spoke of his generosity for others, his Irish spirit and his love of horse racing.

“Retirement for you is a mysterious thing,” said Father Ed Dover, pastor of St. James and now Holy Redeemer. The two churches will share one pastor. “Many priest don’t get to hear what you heard today....I know it is uncomfortable for you to hear [these compliments] but you should hear it.”

“He is just down to earth,” said Jeannie Gronfeldt, a parishioner. “My niece met him and was so impressed she decided to enroll her child in the school.”

“He just makes you feel comfortable,” said Margaret, Jeannie’s mother.

She spoke of how special it was to have him reside over a memorial mass for a relative that was born, baptized and married at Holy Redeemer.

Father Jack may be retiring but he will still be around.

“I will be living in the little house [rectory] and will be around,” Father Jack said.

He was overwhelmed by the people that came to his retirement celebration.

“They came from Redondo Beach, Long Beach, West Hills, all over,” he said.

Father Jack officially retires on July 1.

“I am going to go to Ireland for a while,” he said.

He plans to vacation in Ireland then return to Holy Redeemer where, at the request of Cardinal Roger Mahoney, he has agreed to stay on as Pastor Emeritus.