NEWCASTLE — A Memorial Mass for Fr. Thomas Murphy will be held at St. Patrick Church, located on 380 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle, on Sunday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
After the Mass, a brunch hosted by the Knights of Columbus and the Shamrocks, the women’s group at St. Patrick, will be offered.
Fr. Murphy served as pastor of All Saints Parish, of which St. Patrick Church is a part, from July of 2016 until his death on September 20, 2021.
A native of Houlton, he grew up in Portland and graduated from Cheverus High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Southern Maine. He received a master’s degree in sacred theology from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. Fr. Murphy was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Edward C. O’Leary on June 16, 1979, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
During his active ministry, Fr. Murphy served at parishes in Presque Isle, Mars Hill, St. Agatha, Houlton, Westbrook, Scarborough, Portland, Wells, Kennebunk, and Brunswick. In addition to his parish assignments, Fr. Murphy served as chaplain at the University of Maine at Presque Isle; director of the Christian Life Center in Upper Frenchville; director of RENEW, a small group faith-sharing effort intended to help bring parishioners from various communities together to provide mutual support; and as a member of the College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council, and the diocesan liturgical commission.