Top photo caption: Father Roberts is pictured with fellow clergy following the June 14 Mass he celebrated to mark his retirement. Courtesy photo
By EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor
For Father Eugene Roberts, pastor of St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, approaching his priesthood with specific goals in mind was never his style.
“You just wake up in the morning and see where you’re supposed to be, where the Lord wants you,” he attested. “Priesthood is a mystery, an adventure – when you begin in the morning, you don’t know where it’s gonna end at night.”
As Father Roberts embraced the new adventure of retirement as of July 1, after more than 50 years of priestly ministry, he reflected on what has truly been a meaningful time.
“I don’t know why men aren’t breaking down the doors to be a priest,” he said. “It’s a wonderful life.”
Be the Best You Can Be
Growing up, the seeds that took root in his soul sprouted with the help of priests in St. Helena Parish, and in Cardinal Dougherty High School, both in Philadelphia.
“They were an inspiration; one thing led to another,” he said. “This was just something I thought I had to do.”
Applying to study for the priesthood for the Diocese of Trenton, he attended St. Mary’s College near Lebanon, Ky., and Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. In 1975, Bishop George W. Ahr ordained him in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.
Throughout the first 15 years of his priesthood, Father Roberts served as parochial vicar of several parishes: Our Lady of Fatima, Piscataway (now in the Diocese of Metuchen); St. Joseph, Toms River; Holy Spirit, Asbury Park (now part of Mother of Mercy Parish); Holy Innocents, Neptune; and St. Catharine-St. Margaret, Spring Lake. He was named pastor of St. Gabriel Parish in 1990.
The most fulfilling part of being a priest, he said, is “the people.” He expressed that sentiment by thanking his parishioners on June 15, his final weekend in the parish, “for their faith and their prayers. We truly are the Body of Christ.”
“Everybody is unique and special in the Lord’s eyes,” Father Roberts continued. “I’ve met many people over the years, and each one left an indelible mark upon me. Then God sends you a whole new group of people … wherever the Lord puts you, you have to be the best you can be – that’s the love for the people in front of you and of God.”
Father Roberts has learned much through his ministry – namely, “how to be a better person.”
“So many are angry in this world,” he said. “If you could just be that soft light to calm people down to a better way of thinking and acting – that’s priesthood.”
Living by that philosophy is not easy, but it’s important, he said, to act in the person of Christ and represent the Church well. When that fails, Father Roberts doesn’t lose heart. “God gives us seven days in a week; if one day is not so good, you have six more to get it right.”
He believes one of the greatest challenges priests face is their health. “You have years when you’re not at you’re best, and you pray, ‘Lord, give me the strength to get through’ – and he does,” he said.
Faith and Fraternity
Many friends Father Roberts made in seminary have remained his friends ever since – something he particularly cherishes, even as some have already passed away. “When you get older, eventually you’re the last man standing; some of my best friends went home to God.”
Also invaluable is his brotherhood of other priests in the Diocese.
“Priesthood is a confraternity of support and love,” he said. “You’re not alone, you always have someone you can go talk to.”
Retirement for Father Roberts will still include serving in Monmouth County wherever he is needed, and living with the Christian Brothers in Lincroft, whom he calls “all wonderful men.” He looks forward to “being part of the Catholic team,” assisting at Christian Brothers Academy and working within the community.
“Priests don’t really retire, we just get a change of direction,” he said. “I’ll have more flexibility; I’ll get off the treadmill and can actually walk.”
As for new vocations, Father Roberts believes that invitation makes all the difference.
“If you ask them, they will come, those who have not yet decided today what to do with their tomorrows,” he said. “God always calls someone to the needs of the world.”
