Margaret’s Weekly Emails

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

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