It was a day of celebrations and enjoyment when Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., visited the community of St. John Parish, Lakehurst, May 29.
The Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the students in the parish religious education program. He then had an opportunity to spend time with Father Jim O’Neill, parish pastor, and Father George Deutsch, a retired priest of the Diocese, who will turn 96 on May 31. On May 25, Father Deutsch marked the 68th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Father Deutsch is the second oldest priest in the Diocese.
Father Deutsch was born in 1929 in Philadelphia. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., and Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange. He was ordained a priest May 25, 1957 in St. Anthony Church, Hamilton, by Bishop George W. Ahr. His parish assignments have included serving as the founding pastor of St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River, and as pastor of St. Pius X Parish, Forked River.
Father Deutsch retired in 1999, and currently assists Father O’Neill with the celebration of Mass in St. John Parish.