JULY 30, 2015 • www.TrentonMonitor.com
Calm Waters Support of the faithful inspired Msgr. Dubell’s 50-year journey
discern whether you wanted to continue,” he said. “The minor seminary doesn’t exist today, but in 1953 it was a popular place.” He completed his studies from 1957-1965 at the Paca Street and Roland Park campuses of St. Mary’s Seminary and University, the first seminary established in the U.S., which was run by the Sulpician Fathers. Upon ordination in 1965 by Bishop George W. Ahr, By EmmaLee Italia he was assigned as parochial vicar in St. Correspondent Joseph Parish, Beverly. “I was already ordained by the age of 25,” said Msgr. Dubell. “I’m really happy that I started young,” he added, explaining that it gave him a “full and satisfying career.” Education was always an important aspect of his vocation, he remarked. His FAITHFUL SERVANT • Msgr. James H. Dubell radiates happiness as tenure from 1972-1987 in Holy Cross he speaks to parishioners at St. Mary of the Lakes Church, Medford, who High School, Delran, saw him teachturned out in force to honor him at a Mass of Thanksgiving marking the ing religion, working in guidance and 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Jeff Metzner photo counseling, and finally serving as vice principal and principal of the school. Msgr. Dubell has worn many additional hats in the course of his priestly ministry. Over or Msgr. James H. Dubell, recently retired pasperiod from 1984-2004, he served in a numa 20-year tor of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, his ber of diocesan roles, including terms on the Council 50 years of priestly ministry have been blessed Engaged Encounter; as moderator of the of Priests; with the gift of variety, giving rise to a life of fulfillBurlington County PTA Region; the Commission on ment and purpose. Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs; assistant direcFrom educating and counseling youth to servtor and director of diocesan cemeteries; episcopal vicar ing as pastor in two parishes in the Diocese, he has “We’re all on this pilgrimage together of Burlington County, the College of Consultors; the traversed many challenging waters. and sustain one another … People may board of Seminarian Recruitment for Vocations; the “Any life has ups and downs, nothing is perfect diocesan Expansion Commission and chaplain of the – you have to go through the difficult and the good,” think, ‘oh, the priest doesn’t need my Serra Club International of Burlington County. allowed Msgr. Dubell, who celebrated his 75th birthspirituality,’ – but we do.” Msgr. Dubell was named pastor of St. Paul Parish, day this year. “But after a while you come to the calm Burlington, in 1987, where he served until 2003. Durwaters of life and get a better grip on things.” ing his time there, and later in St. Mary of the Lakes He was born Nov. 25, 1939, in Mount Holly, into Parish from 2003-2015, he developed a rapport and what he described as a good Catholic family, with parconnection with the parishioners that added to the ents and grandparents who encouraged his inclination effectiveness of his leadership. And he had ample opto the priesthood. Yet he portunity for exercising the highlights of his vocation: also recognizes the imporMass and administering the Sacraments. celebrating tance of his teachers, the Msgr. Dubell truly believes in the symbiotic relaImmaculate Heart of Mary tionship between the pastor and his flock, each playing Sisters at Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, in that his or her part in the spiritual journey. “We’re all on this pilgrimage together and sustain prompting. one another,” he explained. “People may think, ‘oh, the “They were very priest doesn’t need my spirituality,’ – but we do. (The instrumental in encouragpeople’s spirituality) has carried me through many ing thoughts toward the difficult times – when you wonder if you’re doing any priesthood,” he said. “They good, if it’s worth it, and maybe you should be doing would say things like, ‘you something else.” would make a good priest He noted how living through the 1970s, when – have you thought about the Church experienced turmoil in the form of priests the priesthood?’ They had a and nuns “leaving the ministry in large numbers,” was great influence on us.” a time when he really benefitted from the laity who In the early 1950s remained faithful. the minor seminary Msgr. One day a fellow priest and friend of 21 years, Dubell attended – St. with whom he had attended school from kindergarten Charles College, Baltimore – all through seminary and ordination, was shot and was designed to help young killed. men begin their priestly “A man was home from Vietnam and was deTHANKS FOR THE MEMORIES • Msgr. Dubell’s decades of priestly service were discernment while still in reflected in the decorations – including this photo tribute – that adorned the hall secondary school. ranged,” he remembered, “and his mother called a during the reception that followed the Mass of Thanksgiving. See Msgr. Dubell • 12 “Every year you would
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