Giving is just his way of life

Pastor Emeritus Msgr. Jack Foley will celebrate a milestone in his dedication to his Catholic faith June 14. The Holy Redeemer Catholic Church pastor will be recognized for his 50th year anniversary of ordination with a special Mass at 10 a.m. and a reception following, both open to the community.

Although he is now retired, he stays dedicated to the church by conducting Masses, weddings, funerals, baptisms and visitations to the sick.

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Sabina Ohanessian: What keeps you coming back after 50 years of ordination?

Pastor Emeritus Msgr. Jack Foley: As a priest, I would still like to help in the parish, not in the administration. That’s why I work on the Masses, weddings and other special events. My first assignment, a long time ago was in La Crescenta for two months. I absolutely loved this area, so I came back, thats why I’ve now been here for 17 years. I’m so proud of the parish. I love the Montrose community and I won’t leave unless something happens to me.

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Q: Where are you originally from, and where did you study?

A: I’m from Ireland. I studied in Dublin, Ireland, and I was ordained at All Hallows College in Dublin. I left Ireland in 1959 because I thought it would be better to live overseas. It was perfect because I had a relative who lived in Los Angeles, so I made the move. I’m so glad I moved here because it brought me to the Holy Redeemer Church.

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Q: Did you always know you wanted to devote your life to your Catholic faith?

A: I didn’t always know I wanted to be a priest. We do a lot of things before we realize what we want to do. I think I was drawn to be a priest because I was raised to always be aware of giving to others rather than selfishly wanting to do things for myself. The toughest part of my life would be not having a family, and most of my family is still out in Ireland.

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Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?

A: The most rewarding fact is that I’m there for people. I love helping people and that’s what I do. I try to help people live their lives as best as they can. Being a pastor also gave me the opportunity to teach ethics on morality courses to youngsters at St. Genevieve High School and St. Joseph High School. I especially enjoyed doing that and interacting with younger people. I wouldn’t have minded doing that for longer.

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Q: What are some of your hobbies, when you’re not busy with the church?

A: I used to have much more interesting hobbies when I was younger. I used to ski for about 40 years. It was something I enjoyed a lot. I also used to play golf and ride horses. Now I’m too old for those activities so I’ve given them up. Right now, I enjoy working out when I get the opportunity. I’m a member at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA , so I go there and try to be active. I also enjoy getting together with friends during my free time. It’s also nice when people I haven’t seen in awhile are in town and I get together with them.

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Q: How do you feel about the Mass and reception honoring your 50th year? How did you feel when you heard about it?

A: I was happy and excited when I heard about it. The parish is the one who wanted to do it for me. I also feel nervous. I’m going to be real nervous having to face all these people. It’ exciting though, because many people want to be there and be a part of the celebration. I’m very happy because someone very special, an old classmate from college, will be in the audience. I honestly still can’t believe that I’ve been doing this for 50 years. It sure doesn’t feel that long.