March 2007 - Monsignor James O'Neill

Monsignor James O'Neill, whose softly lilting accent comes from his native Ireland, found an outstanding way to broaden the reach of his ministry in the vast Wyoming Diocese of Cheyenne after he retired.

With the help of Catholic Extension funding, Monsignor O'Neill celebrates Mass for shut-ins that gets televised throughout the state of Wyoming, eastern Nebraska and even parts of Colorado.

A priest for 53 years, Monsignor O'Neill went to St. John's Seminary in Waterford, Ireland, during World War II, and was ordained in 1954. Ill health forced his retirement in 1998, and the televised Mass in the Diocese of Cheyenne proved to be providential -- and a blessing for many Wyoming Catholics who cannot get to Mass. Monsignor O'Neill considers himself blessed, too.

"I have the great privilege of serving this missionary diocese with an area of 92,000 square miles, a population of 450,000, and 47 active priests," Monsignor O'Neill said.

"It's so wonderful to be able to offer Mass for those who are shut in -- the sick and the infirm -- and also the farmers, ranchers and their families when the weather prohibits them from traveling to church, which may be miles and miles away."

The great distances and the lack of people around are part and parcel of the missionary priest's life, and Monsignor O'Neill dealt with it since moving to Wyoming in the 1950's.

"Priestly life in a missionary diocese can be especially lonely," he said. "The next priest may be 50 to 100 miles away. Cultural enrichment is sparse -- but the goodness, the greatness, really, and the gratitude of the people can more than compensate."

Monsignor O'Neill will continue his televised Mass as long as his health holds out and as long as generous Catholic Extension supporters provide the resources to allow it to continue.

His faith in God is deep, and he maintains a fervent love of the Eucharist, a deep prayer life, and a zeal to evanagelize and spread the message of the Gospel to God's people.

"It is a joy to serve," he said.

To help provide for hard-working "Hidden Hero" missionaries like Monsignor O'Neill, please donate now securely. Thank you.

Read Monsignor O'Neill's advice to new priests in the March issue of EXTENSION Magazine -- sign up NOW to receive 12 FREE issues!