Rev. Joseph Messer

Archdiocese of Baltimore Father Joseph Valentine Messer January 1924 - July 16, 2014 Father Joseph Valentine Messer was born in January, 1924 in Brooklyn, New York to Henry Philip Messer and the former Maria Magdalen Goeckler. He was raised as one of nine children. Father Messer was baptized at St. Michael's Parish in Brooklyn, New York on January 27, 1924. He attended Ascension Elementary school at Halethorpe, Maryland for eight years before he was began his studies at Catonsville High School in Catonsville, Maryland. After graduating from high school, he was a technician for Westinghouse Electric Corporation before and after he served in the Army. He was in the Army from December of 1948 through December 1949. He was twenty-eight at the time he began studying for the priesthood. He completed high school at St. Charles College in Catonsville before beginning his philosophy and theology studies at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He completed his preparation for ministry in May of 1961. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1961 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen by Archbishop Francis P. Keough, D.D. After his ordination Father Messer was assigned to St. Clare's Parish in Essex as an associate pastor. He served there in that capacity until he was transferred to St. John the Evangelist Parish in Severna Park on June 6, 1970 as associate pastor. He was transferred to St. William of York in Baltimore as associate pastor on June 1, 1982. He remained there until he was assigned as associate pastor to the Church of the Good Shephard Parish in Glen Burnie on January 28, 1986. He retired from active ministry on February 23, 1994 and remained in residence at Good Shephard Parish until he moved to Mercy Ridge in early 2007. Father Messer was well known for his devotion to his parishioners, where ever he was stationed. He felt called to be a priest and as one parishioner noted "... he has truly served his flock in a superior manner; always cognizant of our needs. He has faithfully tended the sick, counselled the poor in spirit and instructed and guided the youth of the parish in a manner reflecting his own deep loyalty and faith... " He was the oldest of his classmates preparing for ordination at the seminary. According to one classmate, he was mature and steady in pursuing his call to ministry. He was well known among his brother priests as an excellent confessor and spiritual director. He was a member of the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross and attended a number of the trainings and conferences provided by the Prelature of Opus Dei over the years. He also enjoyed reading throughout his life, particularly books of theology and philosophy. On July 16, 2014 Fr. Messer passed away after a long illness. He is survived by his brothers Lambert Messer and Gerard Messer along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Memorial contributions in Fr. Messer's name may be made to Mount Saint Mary's Seminary, 16300 Old Emmitsburg Rd., Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727-7797.www.ambrosefuneralhomes.com Funeral Arrangements are as follows: He will lie in Repose at the Church of the Ascension , 4603 Poplar Ave.,Halethorpe, MD 21227 on Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 3pm -5pm & 7-9pm Mass of Christian Burial will take place at: The Church of the Ascension, Halethorpe Monday, July 21, 2014 at 11:00 am with Bishop Denis Madden as celebrant Burial will be at Meadowridge Memorial Park

Reply , Reply All or Forward | More