As he looks back on his 50 years as a priest, Father Jerome Nolan feels nothing but gratitude for what he called “a beautiful, fortunate and happy life,” and one that’s been full of many blessings.
“‘Thank you, Lord,’” is Father Nolan’s continuous prayer.
“I have had such a rich life and career. I loved every minute. My family was so supportive, so close,” he said. “I look back and say, ‘I didn’t deserve how good God was to me.’”
Whether sharing in his parishioners’ joys at a wedding or comforting them at funerals, Father Nolan always found fulfillment serving the people.
An example he shared was Sept. 11, 2001, while he was pastor at Nativity Parish. “We lost parishioners who worked at the World Trade Center. It was a challenging, difficult time for me as a former New Yorker,” he said. “It was hard, but I was glad to be with the grieving families to bring God’s consolation.”
Humble Beginnings
Born to James and Mary Nolan in 1945, young Jerome and his three brothers and sister were raised in a strong Catholic neighborhood in Brooklyn, N.Y., near St. Mark Parish. His family’s devotion and his pastor’s influence provided a solid foundation for his faith life. He served as an altar boy and was enrolled in the parish school.
In high school, he developed a love of literature and considered becoming an English teacher. Instead, he trained as a claims examiner for an insurance company.
At a friend’s suggestion, he visited St. Mary’s College, St. Mary, Ky., where its “beautiful atmosphere” set him on a new course.
He was accepted at St. Mary’s to pursue the priesthood. After two years, he moved to Christ the King Seminary, St. Bonaventure, N.Y., to complete his studies.
In May 1974, Bishop George W. Ahr ordained him in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. He served as parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield; St. Paul Parish (now part of St. Katharine Drexel Parish), Burlington; St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, and St. Dominic Parish, Brick.
In 1986, he became pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Asbury Park, followed by Nativity Parish, Fair Haven. In 2004, he was assigned as pastor of Ascension Parish, Bradley Beach, then spent time in 2006 as temporary administrator of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Avon. Those two parishes became St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach.
Ministry Driven
Father Nolan said the most important aspects of his vocation are proclaiming the Word and “making it relevant to my parishioners’ daily lives.”
“I love the liturgy,” he said.
He acknowledges that his ministries have brought out the teacher he once thought he would become and enriched his priesthood. Whenever his parish had a grammar school or a religious education program, he would teach a lesson in religion classes and be present to the children.
“I enjoyed the spirit of the teachers and their students and loved bringing faith into their lives,” he said.
Father Nolan especially enjoyed religious education programs and youth groups.
“I brought my experiences growing up to them and teen groups in many parishes. I got to know them, and they got to know me.
Supporting Adults and Families
“One of my greatest goals as a priest was to support adults in their faith journeys, so I became a kind of teacher to them. I wanted them to understand their faith, be comfortable with its teachings, and become a strong community of faith,” he said.
Parish families impress him. “In them I see the challenges of living the vocation of family life. I am impressed how husbands and wives work hard to keep the faith, handle their challenges, and work to hold a family together,” he said.
“All people were such a gift to me. As a pastor, I wanted to build a strong community of faith, and the people were always so supportive. but the greatest challenge is that parishioners employed by corporations were always moving on. It seemed like we were always starting over.”
Father Nolan retired in 2018 but continues to assist at Our Lady of Hope Parish, West Long Branch. He also enjoys traveling, visiting family members and reading at the Jersey Shore.
Father Jerome Nolan greets parishioners after celebrating Mass in St. Mary Church, Deal. John Batkowski photo
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