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Father Small
?The Just Live
by Faith?Redemptorist missionary, Father James Thomas Small C.Ss.R., of the St. John Neumann Residence at Stella Maris in Timonium, MD, died on January 28, 2013 at the age of 85, after succumbing to an extended battle with cancer.Father Small was born on June 8, 1927 in Boston, Massachusetts, professed his first vows as a Redemptorist on August 2, 1949, was ordained on June 20, 1954, and died on January 28, 2013.He was the beloved son of the late William and Josephine (nee Coffey) Small, dear brother of Mary E. Small of West Roxbury, MA and Joan Robert of East Weymouth, MA, and dear uncle of Joanne Montgomery and Pam Kelly of MA. He is also survived by loving relatives, friends, and his Redemptorist Confreres.He attended High School at St. Mary?s College, the Redemptorist Preparatory Seminary, in North East, PA. When he finished his novitiate year in Ilchester, MD he went on to complete his theological studies at Mount St. Alphonsus, the Major Seminary in Esopus, New York, where he was ordained.For nearly all of the first 30 years of his priesthood?1956 to 1985?he served generously and diligently on the foreign missions in Brazil. In cities, towns, and remote country villages he preached the word of God in Portuguese and administered the sacraments of the Church to the faithful. His apostolic work brought him to Aquidauana, Ponta Pora, Campo Grande, Paranagua, Curitiba, Santo Antonio, and Telemaco Borba.In addition to his parochial ministries in South America, he served tirelessly in administrative positions as well. Father Small was Vicar to the first-ever elected Vice-Provincial. In this important post he assisted in forging the Constitutions and Statutes for the then Vice-Province of Campo Grande as well as implementing the significant decrees and liturgical reforms brought about by Vatican Council II. Then he served as the Superior of the Redemptorist Seminary in Ponte Grossa.In 1985, Father Small returned to the United States to continue his priestly service in Redemptorist parishes in Boston, Brooklyn, and for 14 years in Bethpage, Long Island. Then, with the exception of one year for preaching retreats in the Esopus, New York area, he was transferred to Pennsylvania where he served in Lancaster at St. Anthony?s Parish and at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Ephrata for 12 years until failing health brought him to the Neumann Residence.On Friday, Feb. 1st a viewing will be held from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, 320 Church Ave., Ephrata, PA. A Catholic Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. in the Church during the viewing.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2nd at OMPH. Final Commendation and Farewell will follow the Mass and will take place at the Redemptorist Cemetery at St. Clement?s Residence. Services are under the care of Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals, Ephrata, PA.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation for the care of the elderly priests and brothers to: The Redemptorists at Stella Maris, 2300 Dulaney Valley Road, Timonium, MD 21093.May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.To offer your condolences, please visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com
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