Fr. Gerry, R.I.P.

On October 3rd we lost a wonderful priest, who returned to the Father he loved and served with all his being. He died just two days before his 90th birthday, so his life was long and filled with grace. I can honestly say that Fr. Gerry Shovelton was the holiest and happiest priest I have ever known. Not only was he an example to all who knew him, but he also quietly influenced the lives of so many, always for the good.  

Until Fr. Gerry arrived as pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, in West Harwich on Cape Cod, had been led by mission priests of the Sacred Hearts Congregation (SS.CC). As our first diocesan pastor, he was joined by Fr. Tom Frechette as Parochial Vicar, so we were blessed with "Tom and Gerry" for a number of years...and what a blessing this was!

I remember the day Fr. Gerry approached me and asked, "Have you ever thought about becoming a deacon?" I'll admit, the thought had crossed my mind several times, but I'd always dismissed it, thinking myself far too unworthy. After sharing these thoughts with Fr. Gerry, he laughed and said, "Dana, no one is worthy, absolutely no one, but God calls us anyway. Go home, and you and Diane pray about it, then let me know what God tells you."

Yes, it was the two of them -- Dear Diane and Fr. Gerry -- who encouraged me to pursue God's call to the diaconate. They also conspired to lead me to The Villages. I suppose, then, one could say that Fr. Gerry led me in both spiritual and worldly matters. Other than my father, few men have had more influence on me.

His funeral is today, at St Timothy's Church here in The Villages. It will be a sad occasion for those he leaves behind because he will be so greatly missed. But it is a glorious occasion for this man of God who rests now in the loving presence of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit he served so well. For those of you knew and loved Fr. Gerry, here’s a link to a video of his funeral Mass: 

Fr. Gerry’s Funeral Mass

Last night, before bed, I jotted a few inadequate lines of verse, just to remind myself and others how this humble and holy priest came into our lives and changed them.

 

                Father Gerry

You came into our lives

in unexpected humility,

pleading for a blessing

from those blessed by your presence.

You came into our lives,

Cape Cod sand-blasted wash-ashores,

young and old and in-betweens,

and let us love you as shepherd.

You came into our lives,

pointing always to the One,

calling us out of ordinary lives

to do the extraordinary for Him.

You left as quietly as you came,

but the scent of holiness lingers,

reminding, moving, changing us

one loved life at a time.

-- Deacon Dana McCarthy (12 October 2020)

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Fr. Gerry Shovelton, pray for us.