UPDATE: Funeral services announced for Monsignor Murphy
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A Diocese of Allentown priest who has served as a pastor for more than 40 years has died.
Monsignor John P. Murphy, pastor emeritus at St. Thomas More Church in Allentown, died Friday at age 86.
He became pastor at St. Thomas More in 1980 and headed the parish until retiring two years ago.
Murphy, a Schuylkill County native who was ordained a priest in 1964, died at his residence in Macungie, according to the diocese. Funeral arrangements and details for a Mass of Christian Burial have yet to be announced.
“The Diocese of Allentown has lost one of our most beloved priests,” said Bishop Alfred Schlert in a prepared statement.
“The Diocese of Allentown has lost one of our most beloved priests.”Bishop Alfred Schlert, Diocese of Allentown
“For 60 years, Monsignor John Murphy gave his life as a priest in service to the people entrusted to his pastoral care.
“In particular, for the past 41 years, he faithfully served as dedicated pastor of St. Thomas More Parish with great zeal. May God grant him the rewards of eternal life.”
Murphy was born in Shenandoah and attended Annunciation School and the old Shenandoah Catholic High School.
He previously served as assistant pastor and pastor at Immaculate Conception BVM Church in Allentown. He also was director of CYO for the diocese and Lehigh County.
According to the diocese, Murphy has served on the Diocesan Council of Priests under every bishop (there have been five since its founding in 1961) of the diocese.
He also served on the Committee for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life, the Commission for Orders and Ministries, and was the dean of the Diocesan College of Consultors.
