Monsignor John Peter Caulfield

Monsignor John P. Caulfield, 78 Lakeland - Monsignor John P. Caulfield, Pastor Emeirtus of St. Joseph Catholic Church, died peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2013 in Lakeland, Florida after a battle with cancer. Monsignor Caulfield, the son of Thomas and Margaret Sheridan Caulfield, was born in Kiltrogue Claregalway, County Galway, Ireland on January 28, 1935. He is predeceased by his father and mother, his sister, Teresa Caulfield, his brother, Eamonn Caulfield, his nephew, Joseph Connelly, and his niece, Catriona Caulfield. He is survived by his sisters, Eileen Ann Connelly(Joe), and Sister Mary Caulfield and his brothers Joe Caulfield (Kathleen) of Glasgow, Scotland, Patrick (Paddy) Caulfield (Rita) of Kiltrogue ,Ireland and Matt Caulfield (Teri) of Melbourne Beach, Florida. He is also survived by ten nieces and nephews: Mary, John, Thomas, David, and Michael Connelly; and Maria and Thomas Caulfield; Aileen and Pauline Caulfield; and Lauren Caulfield. Chosing the priesthood over the family farm, he studied at, and was graduated from, St. Peter""s College in Wexford, Ireland, and was ordained May 31, 1959, for the Diocese of St. Augustine. It was the missionary dimension of priesthood that brought Msgr. Caulfield from his native Galway, Ireland to the United States. He joined the seminary, along with two classmates, Father Jim Larkin and Monsignor Mike Larkin. His first assignment in 1959 was at St. John Vianney Parish in Orlando in the Diocese of St. Augustine which included the majority of the state at the time and needed priests. The Diocese of Orlando was formed on June 18, 1968, and Monsignor Caulfield served in a number of capacities at a number of parishes thereafter where he found himself immersed in teaching and school administration for the next 10 years, first at Bishop Moore High School in Orlando, and then at Father Lopez High School in Daytona Beach. Continuing his education, he earned a Master of Arts in the Classics (both Greek and Latin) degree in 1962 from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. He was fluent and literate in many languages, often using his love and knowledge of, and expertise in, etymology in order to explain to students or his congregation the origin of words - fascinating them, always making the words memorable and alive for them. In 1965 he became pastor of Epiphany Parish in Port Orange, then Blessed Trinity Parish in Orlando a year later. In 1972, he was appointed to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Melbourne. Twelve years later, in 1984, he assumed his role as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Lakeland. Msgr. Caulfield immediately immersed himself in the parish, the school life and the Lakeland community. He was proud to shepherd this downtown church and was a strong supporter of the downtown Lakeland resurgence. He tirelessly visited the homebound, championed the most vulnerable, and inspired his parishioners " especially the children. The success of St. Joseph""s Academy was of paramount importance to him. The children of the parish, and indeed the entire community, held a special place in his generous heart. He spearheaded the creation of the St. Joseph""s School Foundation to assure the future of the school and the ability to always include students who could other wise not attend with scholarships. Father John, as he was known by so many, will be remembered for his sincere, gentle nature, and his infectious smile and laugh. He quietly ministered to hundreds of those in prison bringing consolation and word of God""s mercy to those so difficult to console. He possessed a special gift of bringing comfort and an upliftng spirit to the homebound and the sick and dying and their famlies. It was not unusual for him to make seven or eight trips daily to the hospital to visit someone suffering or to their families " both members of his parish and members of the community at large. He was never hesitant to praise, support and promote the works of the Talbot House and often ministered to the homeless - a very special ministry he quietly continued until his death. Eccumenical at heart, Msgr. Caulfield was insturmental in founding the P.E.A.C.E organization " always striving for inclusion of all people and understanding the need for communication, coopertion and understanding of all mankind. He, in fact, chose the acronym P.E.A.C.E. which stands for Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment. In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI conferred upon him the title monsignor for his long and distinguished service to the Diocese of Orlando. Although honored with this title, Father John always considered himself above all a simple priest - a servant of God and the people. Father John looked forward to his trips to Ireland and extended visits with his family he loved so much " a favorite pastime of his! An athletic individual, playing raquetball for years, the game of golf was a passion that brought him relaxation as well as friendships both at home and abroad. He was an amiable but expert competitor and thoroughly enjoyed the game, the camaraderie and the beautiful venues. Upon his retirement, the parish and community honored him and his 52 years of priesthood with a celebration that drew over 800 guests from the entire community " the children and parishioners, communitiy members, fellow clergy, the bishop, and even the sheriff came to honor this humble man. After his retirement, as pastor emeritus, Msgr. Caulfield remained active in the parish and community, continuing to serve those who loved him so and still yearned for his guidance and presence. This presence will be sorely missed by all who ever were blessed to come in contact with him! We all give thanks for Msgr. Caulfield""s priestly ministry. We were all blessed to know Monsignor and to have him walk among us. Our community was blessed tremendously having him as a shepherd and our friend. Monsignor Caulfield has always been an ardent servant of the Gospel. His favorite Scripture was John 1:14 ""The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."" Please accompany him with your prayers and express your grateful praise to God who gave him to us as a pioneer- priest and friend. The body of Monsignor Caulfield will be received by Reverend Ramon Bolatete at St. Joseph""s Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 6 after the 12:10 p.m. Mass. The Vigil and Visitation will begin at St. Joseph""s Church after the 12:10 Mass on Wednesday, November 6. The Divine Mercy Chaplet, (a favorite prayer of Father John""s that he taught us), will start at 3:00 p.m. Evening Prayers and Wake Service will begin at 6:30 pm. Bishop John Noonan will celebrate the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 7 at St. Joseph""s Church. Overflow seating and participation in the Mass will be provided in the Parish Hall at the church. Interment will be held later in Ireland. In lieu of flowers Monsignor Caulfield asked that contributions be made to the Monsignor John P. Caulfield Legacy Fund for scholarships at St. Joseph""s Academy, P.O. Box 30, Lakeland, FL 33802. ""Jesus I Trust in You"" Service: 11/07/2013 St. Joseph\'s Catholic Church 210 E. Lemon St., Lakeland, FL Open visitation starting at 1pm lasting through the night at St. Joseph\'s Catholic Church Visitation: 11/06/2013 Open visitation starting at 1pm lasting through the night at St. Joseph\'s Catholic Church