Chaplain finds life as pastor has challenges

When he first retired from his distinguished career as a military chaplain, Rev. James Barry Lonergan went through a period of grieving.

"It was like a death," reflects Father Lonergan, now administrator of Sacred Heart Church in Berlin and St. Joseph's in Stephentown. "Something that was very dear to me and very much a part of me was suddenly gone."

In another analogy, he likened the experience "to being on an enormously fast train with all kinds of activity aboard. Suddenly, you're on the platform, on solid ground, watching the train taking off without you."

Transition

At least that's how Father Lonergan felt at the dawn of his retirement last year at age 57.

"The Army did a marvelous job of helping me to prepare [for retirement]. They really did, but it was still a major life transition," he explained. "I still had to adjust to what was, in essence, another world."

In Father Lonergan's case, that meant leaving a fast-paced, high-profile military post in Heidelberg, Germany, and settling in to an administrative position in one of the smallest parishes in the Albany Diocese. But since arriving in the Taconic Valley last September, Father Lonergan has made a two-fold discovery: that peace and quiet don't equate to boredom, and that "people's problems are the same whether they're wearing uniforms or work clothes."

Different tempo

"The tempo of life is definitely slower here, but it's a tempo you begin to enjoy after a while," says Father Lonergan whose retirement decision was heavily influenced by health concerns tied to his diabetes. He must carefully regulate his diet and physical activities as well as take daily injections of insulin to help control his blood sugar level.

To better appreciate the magnitude of the transition Father Lonergan has made, one needs to know that at this time last year, he had a staff of nine -- including a secretary and chauffeur.

"I now have a staff of one -- and I'm it," chuckles Father Lonergan. "I'm literally the chief cook and bottle washer."

Greener pastures

In some ways, Father Lonergan reckons, his life has now come full circle. "A lot of people don't know this, but I fled my home in Ticonderoga as a youth seeking greener pastures," he laughs.

His dream was to become a Catholic priest and serve as a chaplain in the Army. But the first six years after his ordination were spent teaching school, working as a counselor in a university setting, giving retreats and serving on the formation committee of a major seminary. He later served as an assistant pastor in a large suburban parish in British Columbia, where he developed a model program for the religious education of children and young adults.

In 1972, Father Lonergan finally joined the Army as an active duty chaplain (see box).

Back to Diocese

After leaving Heidelberg last June, the newly retired chaplain enjoyed "12 days of sunshine" in Ireland before accepting an invitation to help out at Corpus Christ Church in Ushers, during July and August. Then he was assigned to Sacred Heart.

"The rectory was vacant, so I packed my bags and moved in," says Father Lonergan, noting that the change of address marked his 14th move in 20 years.

Among the first things he did was to upgrade the parish's communications system. "When I arrived, I had an antiquated typewriter and a phone," he noted. "Within six hours, I was receiving messages electronically from Europe."

In true military style, he's also been busy sprucing up the rectory, inside and out, using good old-fashioned elbow grease.

Welcome from parishioners

The parishioners have been great about helping him settle in to his new surroundings. Father Lonergan noted that he is quickly growing attached to the two communities that comprise his parish.

"There's a really interesting mix of older people whose families have been here for generations and young families moving in because the scenery is so breathtaking," he said. "We're quite near the Massachusetts border, and we get a lot of skiers as well as professional people who would rather work from their homes looking out on the mountains and valleys than in big city offices looking out on skyscrapers."

Asked how ministering to such a diverse congregation differs from ministering to soldiers, Father Lonergan replied: "If there's one thing I've learned, it's that people's problems are the same whether they're wearing uniforms or work clothes. There will always be difficulties with finances, family relationships, illnesses, husbands and wives struggling to find more time with one another and with their children. The difference is that now instead of the husband being stationed far away, he may be commuting long distances to Pittsfield or Troy."

Freedom

One thing Father Lonergan does not miss about the military is the "tight control" the Army kept on his life.

"I've got a lot more freedom and independence than I've had in years," he revealed. "From that standpoint, civilian life is nicer."

Another bonus to being back in the Albany Diocese is that he is just a stone's throw from many relatives. They include his brother Lawrence of Blessed Sacrament parish in Albany; his sister, Bonita Perry, of St. Matthew's in Voorheesville; and an aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Thibault of St. Ambrose in Latham.

Father Lonergan really knew he'd come full circle when his father's sister, an 85-year-old aunt named Frances Cummings, arrived to hear him celebrate Mass at his new parish. Seeing her face in the congregation, he said, was the greatest homecoming gift he could ever receive!

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