Monday, February 03, 2025

92-year-old retired priest inspires by celebrating mass at retirement community

Retired priest Father John “Jack” Roach has made an impact on the Catholic residents at East Village Place by celebrating mass in his new home.

Father Roach had to move at 92 years old when his previous residence at the Marian Center in Holyoke shut down last year. 

Associates at East Village, a Watermark Retirement Community, said that they did all they could to make his transition easy and welcoming.

Father Roach was set up with an area in his room to celebrate mass, as well as the space to celebrate mass twice a week with the retirement community. This opportunity quickly allowed him to get to know many of his neighbors, and residents were said to have called him “inspirational.”

“I am happy to have ministry at this stage in my life,” Father Roach said. “And I’ll do whatever I can here in the community.”

Growing up in Kingston, N.Y., Father Roach was called to the priesthood through his local church. After earning his degree at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, he was accepted into the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield.

Community Life Director at East Village Place Judy Gagnon said that the impact Father Roach has made on the retirement community is significant.

“He has a wonderful sense of humor,” Gagnon said. “Father draws in residents during mass. He chats with everyone before and after, putting everyone at ease. He will say prayers for anyone in need and is very attentive to all.”

Throughout his active priesthood, Father Roach served as a missionary in countries such as the Philippines, Kenya, and Jamaica. When he retired at 75, he said that he scaled back his schedule, but not his faith.

“Father Roach is such an amazing, inspiring and devoted priest, who has served in many communities,” said Sue Wehner, the Clergy Wellness Coordinator for the Diocese of Springfield. “He has a special place in the hearts of so many, always extending a hand to others, with his welcoming smile, sharing the love of Jesus wherever he goes. It has brought him great joy to now celebrate mass for the residents at East Village Place. It’s been my absolute pleasure to work with him for almost seven years now in our ministry for the retired priests, which he created. He is such a dedicated priest to the people in the Diocese of Springfield, celebrating 67 years of priesthood in May. All who know him, love him!”