FR. PAUL STACK, OFM

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FR. PAUL STACK, OFM 1934 - 2002 On Tuesday morning April 9, 2002 Fr. Paul Stack, of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), embraced Sister Bodily Death at the age of 67. Paul, his parents and his sisters moved to Edmonton while he was a young boy; and it was here that Paul received his early education, spent a large part of his life, and merited the title of Edmontonian and Albertan. Paul first came to the Franciscans in the early 1950s as a high school student at St. Anthonys College in North Edmonton. His academic excellence and his commitment to the faith were nourished; and he decided to continue his philosophical studies at the college and to seek admission to the Franciscan Order. He made his first simple profession in Sherbrooke, QC, August 1955, and continued his Franciscan formation and theological studies in Montreal where, in August 1958, he solemnly vowed to be a Friar Minor in the Western Canadian Custody of Christ the King. He was ordained priest 10 months later at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Edmonton. Fr. Paul began and finished his Franciscan life and ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Edmonton. On the faith-filled journey, which led him back to where he started, he also served for several years in parishes at Coquitlam, BC, and Calgary, where, as in Edmonton, he also ministered to the sick as a hospital chaplain. And for more than 10 years, he cared for the spiritual needs of many people as a confessor and counsellor at St. Francis city-centre chapel in Winnipeg. By nature Fr. Paul was gentle and unassuming, gifts which served him well in his care of those who came to him and found consolation in his abilities to listen and to comfort with wisdom and hope. Fr. Pauls gentle and consoling presence will be greatly missed by his three sisters, Mary (Wally) Lockhart of Calgary; Ellen (Ralph) Johansen of Calgary; and Joan (Joe) OShea of Courtney, BC; by his many nieces and nephews and relatives; and by his Franciscan brothers in religious life. He will also be remembered by many parishioners, by those who knew him through his involvement in the Worldwide Marriage Encounter, by members of the Secular Franciscan Order, and by all those who have experienced his gracious help. His passing to eternal life will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 6770-129 Ave., Edmonton, AB. Vigil prayers will be held on Thursday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Bob Mokry, Provincial Minister of the Order of Friars Minor, on Friday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at 4:00 p.m. in the Franciscan cemetery at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre in Cochrane, AB. The family and the Franciscan Friars would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff of the Edmonton General Hospital Continuing Care Centre. In lieu of floral tributes, donations may be made to: Caritas Foundation, 9Y Hospice, 11111 Jasper Ave., Edmonton, AB, T5K 0L4. CONNELLY-McKINLEY, LTD., 10011-114 St., (780) 422-2222, to send condolences: www.connelly-mckinley.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2002