On Sunday, April 26, 2020 Fr. Justin Monaghan, a beloved retired pastor at St. Mary’s, died after an apparent heart attack at the rectory.
Fr. Justin had more than 50 years in the priesthood. He spent nearly two decades in Joplin, and survived the 2011 tornado. He retired in 2018.
Arrangements: Visitation at St. Mary’s conducted by Thornhill and Dillon from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30th. A visitation signature book will be available with prayer cards. Evening prayers will be live-streamed beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Note: All Safe Distancing Procedures will be necessary. Small family groups of 2-3 will be allowed in the front doors of church and are to exit through the side sanctuary doors. It is recommended that those visiting wear a face mask. Remember to keep 10ft between groups.
Friday, May 1 at 11:30 a.m. the Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Edward M. Rice and a few of the priests from the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese. It will be streamed on Facebook.
Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Please keep Fr. Fergus his brother and their sister in your prayers as well as those of us who worked with him over his many years at St. Mary’s.
Fr. Joe, current pastor at St. Mary’s, was with him as he passed. He was at peace and still celebrating Easter. Fr. Joe will let us know the arrangements as soon as possible. Please offer a rosary or other prayers for Fr. Justin and those he loved.
Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him. May He Rest in Peace.
May His soul and all the souls of the Faithful departed through the mercy of God Rest in Peace. Amen