By MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor
Msgr. John K. Dermond As Msgr. John K. Dermond begins to wind down his decades of priestly service to the Diocese, particularly his work with the Diocesan Tribunal, he reflected on what he has enjoyed the most and found to be the most meaningful.
Without question, he said, it is “associating with so many dedicated employees of the Diocese and being able to serve the needs of our parishes, clergy, religious and laity, both with canon law and – for some of our clergy – their immigration and transition to residency.”
Msgr. Dermond was feted Dec. 19 during a brunch hosted by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and attended by Chancery staff and some of the priests with whom he resides in Villa Vianney, the diocesan residence for retired priests.
‘Blessed by his presence’
Extending appreciation to Msgr. Dermond for his 55 years of ministry to couples undertaking the process of marriage annulments, Bishop O’Connell said: “Msgr. Dermond has served the Church and Diocese with incredible energy and devotion for many years. His grasp of canon law is legendary, and so many of the faithful have benefitted from his wisdom and pastoral insights. He is truly one of the most generous priests I have ever known.
“In multiple ways,” he continued, “Msgr. John Dermond and the Diocese of Trenton are synonymous in the minds of many. One couldn’t begin to count all the people he has helped get through some of the most difficult experiences of their lives. We continue to be blessed by his presence and ministry. May God grant him many more years of good health and happiness!”
A native of Burlington County, Msgr. Dermond was born in 1942. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Charles Borromeo College Seminary, Catonsville, Md., and St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in 1964 and a bachelor of sacred theology two years later. He received a licentiate in canon law from The Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1991.
Bishop George W. Ahr ordained Msgr. Dermond to the priesthood May 25, 1968, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. The monsignor’s years of service to the Diocesan Tribunal began in 1970 on a part-time basis. In 1972, Bishop Ahr appointed him secretary of the Tribunal, advocate and Defender of the Bond. In 1977, he was named vice officialis – assistant presiding judge – of the Diocesan Tribunal and judicial vicar in 1980.
He was reappointed to an indeterminate term as judicial vicar in 1983, the same year he was appointed to the Interdiocesan Appeal Tribunal as associate judicial vicar. He retired from full-time ministry as judicial vicar in 2013
Parish, Diocesan Ministry
Along with Tribunal work, Msgr. Dermond has always served in parishes. As parochial vicar he was in Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish, Middlesex; Blessed Sacrament Parish, Trenton; and St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville.
He was pastor of St. Francis of Assisium, Trenton, from 1983 until it closed in 2005. He served as administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Trenton, from 2002 to 2005. He was rector of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral from 2002 until June 30, 2011, when he stepped down from full-time parish ministry.
During his years of priestly ministry, he also served on numerous diocesan boards, commissions and committees.
Gratitude and Insight
Though he’s wrapping up his Tribunal work, Msgr. Dermond assured his colleagues that he will continue to celebrate Mass each week in the Chancery as well as serve as a weekend assistant in Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton. He also plans to enjoy some vacation time in the new year.
Of his more than five decades with the Tribunal, Msgr. Dermond said he has learned much, especially “to appreciate the many different situations in which our clergy, religious and laity serve and need support and encouragement from our diocesan offices and ministries.”
“I give thanks to God for the gift of priesthood and for the call and ability to serve the people of God in ways I never dreamed possible when I was first ordained a priest,” he said.