REMEMBERING FATHER HENRY DONOGHUE RIP

West Brookfield has lost a former pastor - Henry A. Donoghue! He served the community well for perhaps a decade and was an integral part of the Potvin Family! My sons Ben and Josh were altar boys,  and I, a member of the Parish Council. Father Henry knew how to bring out the best in all of us.

Father Donoghue, from the get-go, had visions of modernizing the Church and he did. He knew how to raise funds for his projects and led the way in all he did from modernizing the sacristy to having a carillon waking up the neighbors each Sunday!

I got to know "Henry" intimately. We seemed always to be on the same page. His sermons were spot-on. I can recall more than once of sending him a note regarding his presentations. Henry was classy and used the term "sheik" more than once! Us Potvins socialized with him and had Henry into our family for years. He got to see our sons Ben & Josh  attend and graduate Seton Hall University at South Orange, NJ!

Peter Lessard and I spearhead the Harvest Festival on the grounds in 1991. We raised $15,000 for the parish! Two years later another fundraiser was also a success.

I distinctly recall Fr. Donoghue's comments about the controversy regarding sex and Catholic priests. "They are ruining it for the rest of us!" He drove an older powder-blue Ford. He was disappointed in not receiving a consideration when buying it as a clergyman! He called a spade a spade!

The memories of a man who served his sheep well are warm and loving. Thank you Father Henry.. You proved to be the wind beneath my wings! RIP

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN