St. Francis de Sales Parish

Sunday, June 6, Reverend Monsignor John V. Boland returned to God in his hometown in Ireland.  He was born in Galway and is survived by his brother, Reverend Monsignor Eugene Boland, his sister-in-law, Mai, his nephews, John, Tony and Michael, his niece, Noreen, and their families.  He is predeceased by his parents, John and Nora Boland, and his brothers, Eamon, and baby Joseph.  His priesthood began in Carlow, Ireland where he was ordained at St. Patrick College on June 12, 1965.  Fr. Boland came to America shortly after and began his ministry as associate pastor at Our Lady of the Magnificat, Kinnelon and as a teacher of theology at DePaul High School in Wayne.  He spent the next ten years of his ministry as teacher, vice principal and later, principal of Pope John XXIII High School in Sparta.  He also served as vicar of Sussex County.  After fourteen years in education, Father Boland stepped into a ministry that would last for the rest of his life.  In 1979, he was installed as pastor of the newly incorporated parish of Saint Francis de Sales in Vernon. The small white building at the foot of the slopes accommodated the needs for the small but growing parish of 545 families.  Through the efforts of Father Boland and his new parishioners a mission was forged. Fr. Boland invited, encouraged, and engaged all members of the community.  Soon the Masses were overflowing, and in 1981 it was decided we needed to build a new church.  Saint Francis de Sales opened its doors on September 27, 1986, and we began a new era in our continuing mission to bring Christ into the homes and hearts of the people of Vernon. Fr. Boland invited; he enabled and he trusted God and God’s work in others to create together the wonderful parish family that is St. Francis.  There is no one who does not have a Fr. Boland story of their own.  He made his life ours, and our lives his.  During his thirty five years as pastor, Fr. Boland dedicated time and energy toward building a vibrant religious education and youth ministry.  He worked tirelessly with volunteers in developing a ministry life at St. Francis where everyone could be involved.  He firmly believed that each has gifts that were meant to be shared and encouraged all members of the parish to share theirs.  Stewardship became our way of life at St. Francis because stewardship was his way of life.  Simple, taking less instead of more, sharing time and talents and resources, and supporting one another by “tending the Garden.”  He was on call to everyone all the time.  His amazing ability to console and affirm were truly his gifts.  Fr. Boland shared his deep faith through his gentle kindness and compassionate manner.  Around Vernon, he presided over many Memorial Day ceremonies; he served as chaplain for the McAfee Fire House; he was a member of the Vernon Ecumenical Council; he often was present at various high school performances and sports events, he was always happy to support the young talents not only of the parish, but of the community.  Even after he retired, Fr. Boland continued his visits to homes and hospitals.  He drove miles to preside over weddings of children he had baptized, as well as funerals of the parents of former students or past parishioners.  Fr. Boland has left us a legacy.  Remember the words he always taught us, “Jesus I trust in you, and you will take care of me.”  Never forget, “All is gift.”          Memorial Mass date TBD Link for Funeral Mass of Jackie Boland: https://youtu.be/aBD89qGUktA