Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 12/23/2009 10:28 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 12/24/2009 10:36 PM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
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Father Henry Johnston, Pastor Emeritus, Has Passed Away
Angels Camp, CA....Fr. Henry Johnston, Pastor Emeritus, has passed away. He was known as Pastor Emeritus at St Patrick's Church, Angel's Camp where he served from 1985 - 2002. Survived by sister, Frances O'Dowda, Ravensdale, Co. Louth, Ireland and brother Thomas, Dundalk, County Louth Ireland, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews. Prior to Angel's Camp, Fr. Johnston served the Stockton diocese as an associate pastor in both Stockton and Modesto. A ready friend, Fr. Johnston was widely loved by his parishioners. As one put it, "He was the best of priests, orthodox and faithful .....
.to the teachings of the Church, but not stodgy or strict. And he gave great homilies. His presence and personality reminded me of the joyful love of John Paul II." Like the late pope, Fr. Henry was deeply devoted to Our Lady.
Fr. Henry enjoyed the things of God, music and golf. And could readily speak of any of the three in great depth. Before his ordination as a priest in 1978, Henry had served as a Rosminian brother in Ireland, where he worked with orphans. There he raised funds for their own brass band, learning, and in turn teaching each instrument and bringing the band on a Grand Tour of European capitols. Several of his students went on to become accomplished musicians.
Fr. Henry endured many hardships including thirty-plus years battling diabetes. Despite his difficulties, he always lit up with genuine joy at the opportunity of meeting family, parishioners, and friends. His wit, wisdom and compassion made him a beacon among men. He will be deeply missed.
Reception of the body - 2 p.m Sunday, December 27th, St. Patrick's Angel's Camp.
Rosary - 2:15, St. Patrick, Angel's Camp
Vigil - 6 p.m., St. Patrick's Angel's Camp
Funeral Mass Monday, December 28th, 11 a.m. St Patrick's, Angels Camp.
Burial St. Patrick's Cemetery, Murphy's.
Father has requested donations go to California ProLife Council, Sacramento.
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