Reverend Gerald P. Paul, Msc

The Reverend Gerald Patrick Paul, MSC, a member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, died at Provena-Mercy Hospital in Aurora, IL on Tuesday, August 10th at the end of a long battle with prostate cancer.

Born in Laureldale, he was a son of the late Walter A. and Edith (Wenrich) Paul.

He attended Holy Guardian Angels Parochial School, Reading. In the fall of 1948, he entered Sacred Heart Mission Seminary in Geneva, IL, where he completed four years of secondary education and one year of college. In 1953, he entered the novitiate in Youngstown, OH, making first profession of vows in 1954. He continued his studies for the priesthood at Sacred Heart Seminary, Shelby, OH, where he made perpetual profession of vows in 1957.

Fr. Jerry was ordained a priest by Bishop George Rehring, in Toledo, OH, on May 28, 1960. He was first assigned as a teacher, athletic coach and prefect of discipline at the minor seminary in Geneva, from 1961-72. From 1969-77, he was also chaplain at Mooseheart, the orphanage of the Loyal Order of Moose, Mooseheart, IL. He was appointed director of students and superior of the MSC community in Center Valley, PA, in 1977. In 1982, he was elected provincial superior of the USA Province, a position to which he was twice re-elected. During his terms as provincial, he taught at Rosary High School in Aurora. After finishing his duties as provincial in 1991, Fr. Jerry engaged in advanced studies at Northern Illinois University, and continued teaching at Rosary High School until 1998. In July 1992, he assumed the duties of provincial treasurer. In March of 1994 he became administrator of St. Therese Parish in Aurora, IL. In June of 1997 Fr. Jerry was appointed administrator of Sacred Heart Parish, Aurora, IL. He also was the Director of the MSC Lay associate Program in the Aurora Community.

He had a lifelong interest in sports and outdoors activity, as well as an interest in woodworking.

Fr. Jerry was preceded in death by two brothers, Frederick and Walter.

He is survived by one brother, Fr. John Paul, MSC, Reading and three sisters; Nancy (Paul) wife of Frank Quire of Los Angeles, CA, Edith (Paul) wife of David Moorman and Monica (Paul) wife of Gerald Miller, all of Reading.

Other survivors include several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:00 am in Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, Hyde Park. Viewings Tuesday evening 7:00 - 8:00 pm and Wednesday 9:00 - 10:00 am, all in the church. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township. Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements.