John Augustine Sheppard
John Augustine Sheppard (September 28, 1849 – 1925) was an Irish-American clergyman. Born in Carlow, Ireland, he was the son of James and Mary (Curran) Sheppard. He was a Monsignor, Vicar general of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, and Prothonotary and Domestic Prelate of the Papal Court.[1][2] He was the first priest in the United States to receive the distinction of Monsignor by Pope Pius X. He was also honored with the designation Prothonotary Apostle.
Early years
He was three years old when his parents brought him to
Career
Immediately after his ordination, Sheppard became assistant to Monsignor Doane, rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Newark; and while serving as curate there, he distinguished himself in church circles by founding and promoting the success of the "Sacred Heart Union," a quarterly established for the purpose of raising funds for the support of the Catholic Protectory. He made many tours to parishes to enlist the sympathy and co-operation of the pastors in behalf of the wayward and homeward boys for whom the Protectory was established, and the receipts from its sales formed a large part of the fund that maintained its establishment.[1]
He was still in that service when John McGranigan, a parishioner who had observed his zeal in church work, bequeathed his house and lot worth about $6,000 and cash to the amount of $14,000 to him. The money was distributed between St. Michael's Hospital, St. Mary's Academy and other religious institutions. The house was turned over to
The next charge assigned to Father Sheppard was that as rector of St. Michael's Church in
References
- This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain: J. J. Scannell's "Scannell's New Jersey's First Citizens and State Guide" (1918)
- ^ a b c d e Scannell's New Jersey's First Citizens and State Guide ...: Genealogies and Biographies of Citizens of New Jersey with Informing Glimpses Into the State's History, Affairs, Officialism and Institutions ... (Public domain ed.). J. J. Scannell. 1918. pp. 451–.
- ISBN 978-0-911020-17-5.