PRIESTS’ SUPPORT WORKING GROUP REPORT

Rev. James MacGee—Priest of Integrity

VOTF’S Providence Convention “Disciples in Action” provided an occasion for honoring selected clergy with a “Priest of Integrity” award for their noted courage and compassion in their ministry. We know that there are many untold stories of priests doing heroic service in their communities, but it is our hope that highlighting the ones that we have come to know about gives us examples to follow and hope in the unseen, often unsung, goodness that abounds. 

There were many priests nominated from across the country, and although a few were singled out at the convention, there were 10 more who also deserve our appreciation and support.

One such priest is Reverend James MacGee, OMI, who was nominated by an affiliate in Florida. Fr. Jim currently serves two parishes, twenty miles apart from each other. The descriptions written about him paint a vivid image of a man whose story is worthy to be told. Consider what he has accomplished in over 50 years in the priesthood:

• Father Jim has served the Church across the world, and in diverse and challenging ways. He was a Fulbright scholar who taught in Japan. He spent time in Appalachia serving the people the coal companies left behind.

• He converted a 12-room rectory into a foster home for five troubled youth.

• A compelling homilist, he has built communities both within his parishes and in the broader community.

• A social activist, he has encouraged others by personal witness to participate in Crop Walk, Relay for Life, food drives and actions for peace and justice.

• His ecumenism is evidenced in his dual-role as a licensed Presbyterian minister while in rural West Virginia as “clergy supply” for neighboring congregations.

Fr. Jim is described as outspoken, with a keen intellect, natural teaching abilities and a sense of humor. The foundation of his energy and enthusiasm is rooted in prayer and his compassion for others. He recognizes his leadership role as one of service and empowerment: “Part of this ministry is considering oneself a member of the community who happens to have this job. The parish is not ours,” he states.  

For a man who was born blind in one eye, and with diminishing eyesight in the other, Fr. Jim is a priest with the vision and clarity that sees a better world and draws each of us to help make it that way. He is a living witness to his belief that, “The work of God’s people is to come closer to God.”