5/3/2024 Email

Earlier this week, Msgr. Thomas Shreve passed away after a period of illness and declining
health. With permission, I have borrowed what St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richmond
posted to its Facebook page the day he passed.
Msgr. Thomas Shreve died this morning. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John
Joyce Russell on May 1, 1961. May 1st is the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, and Bishop
Russell used to say that he ordained priests on that feast day because he ‘wanted his
priests to actually work!’ Well, Tom Shreve DID work, faithfully serving Christ and his people
in ordained ministry for 63 years. He was an excellent teacher, and eloquent preacher. He
was a dedicated pastor, a pastoral minister of the Church’s Canon Law, and a respected
diocesan leader. He was an ardent adherent to the insights of the Second Vatican Council,
which called EVERY person in the church to holiness. Faithful friend, intrepid traveler,
uplifting dinner companion. A good and faithful servant of the Risen Lord. This photo was
taken in 2023 at Saint Mary’s parish in Richmond, where Tom was celebrating the 62nd
anniversary of his ordination. Look at that smile – he knew the joy which flows from the
Resurrection. Imagine Tom’s smile today, as he sees Christ face to face. Eternal rest grant
unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.
When I interviewed for my job at the Diocese in 2010, Msgr. Shreve was the Vicar General,
and he participated in my second interview. I have fond memories of his smile on that
particular day – it put me at ease and made me feel like this new place might just be the
place where I should work.
In recent years, I have been fortunate enough to see Msgr. Shreve when he helped out at
Mass at St. Mary. He never lost his smile, and he will be sorely missed.
God Bless,
Margaret
Margaret Keightley
Executive Director
Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Richmond