HIGH POINT — Father Thomas Paul Clements, one of the longest-serving priests in North Carolina who was known for his kindness, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at Pennybyrn retirement community in High Point. He was 94.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Bishop Peter J. Jugis at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 375 Lumen Christie Lane in Salisbury, N.C. A reception will immediately follow at the pavilion of The Revival Golf Course at the Crescent, 220 Laurel Valley Way in Salisbury. Bishop Jugis ministered at Sacred Heart with Father Tom in the late 1980s.
Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Nantucket, Mass. Father Tom will be buried with his sister and her family. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Father John M. Murray, pastor of St. Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Parish. Father Tom attended and celebrated Masses at St. Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Parish as well as weddings, baptisms and funerals for his family there.
A beloved pastor, family member and friend, Father Tom ministered at parishes throughout North Carolina for 45 years until his retirement in 2000. This May would have been the 68th anniversary of his priesthood.
Born in Raleigh on March 26, 1928, to the late Joseph B. and Mary J. Clements, Tom went to grade school at the Cathedral School in Raleigh before moving to Maryland to attend St. Charles High School. He later attended St. Charles College, a minor seminary in Catonsville, Md.
He continued his studies for the priesthood at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, where he was ordained a deacon in 1954. He returned to his hometown to be ordained a priest at Raleigh’s Sacred Heart Cathedral on May 19, 1955. Bishop Vincent Waters presided over the ordination that also included Father Robert Shea and the future Monsignor Joseph Showfety, the first chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte.
Father Tom began his priestly ministry when the Diocese of Raleigh comprised the entire state. His first assignment was at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Newton Grove followed by St. Benedict Church in Greensboro, where he was parochial vicar for two years.
His first assignment as pastor came in 1958 at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby followed by Christ the King Mission in Kings Mountain, St. Joseph of the Hills Church in Eden, St. Joan of Arc Church in Candler, Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton, Holy Family Church in Clemmons and Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.
In 1988, he returned as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. Although he didn’t know any Spanish at the time, Father Tom started the Hispanic Ministry at the parish in 1995 because he saw a need for it. He ministered at Sacred Heart until his retirement in 2000 and continued to assist with sacraments at nearby parishes.
Father Tom studied throughout his priesthood. He spent a year in Rome (1966-1967) at the Pontifical North American College. He later studied at the University of Georgia (1972-1973) and returned home to continue at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a master’s degree in social work in 1974. He was the director of Catholic Social Services from 1972 to 1986 and served as the vicar of the Hickory, Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Albemarle vicariates at different points in his ministry.
He also served as the chaplain at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salisbury from August 1997 until March 2010. This work was very important to him, and he touched many lives there during his tenure. He made many friends at the VA center, as he did wherever he went.
Father Tom’s family was always an integral part of his life. He was devoted to his sister, Anne, and consistently made a point to visit her for her birthday. He was there for Anne and her four children when she was widowed at a young age. He was a wonderful uncle to all of his nine nieces and nephews. He spent as much time with them as he could when they were growing up, while still fulfilling his duties as a full-time pastor of his church. He faithfully stayed in touch with his family in North Carolina, Maryland, Louisiana, South Carolina and Massachusetts. He was his family’s uncle and priest and served both titles in an exemplary way for decades.
Father Tom also had a deep love and respect for nature. He enjoyed the outdoors and was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna in whatever part of the country he happened to be. Birds had a special place in Tom’s world, and he passed that love and respect on to his family. When he would visit his sister and family in Nantucket, one of his favorite things was to walk to the beach and spend quiet time there. He would always bring back treasures from these walks.
In August 2012, Father Tom was fortunate to move into Pennybyrn at Maryfield with the help of his nieces, Soo and Diane. It was a joyful process and one that he embraced, much to his family’s delight. He settled into assisted living and lived a happy and full life at Pennybyrn. His family is forever grateful to everyone who was a part of Father Tom’s life at the retirement community. His niece, Soo, was a regular visitor there, and every visit assured her how well-cared for Father Tom was and how content and delighted he was being a part of the Pennybyrn family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph B. and Mary J. Clements, brother Joseph “Doc” Clements, sister Anne Hancock Woodley, sister-in-law Edie Clements, brothers-in-law David Hancock and Jack Woodley, niece Carolyn Clements, grandniece Marnie Clements, niece Bonnie Woodley, cousin Mrs. Leo Middleton and Mr. Laurie Murray and many other loved aunts, uncles and cousins.
Those left to cherish his memory are his nieces and nephews, Soo Woodley (Ernie Oliver), Patrick Hancock (Kris), Michael Woodley, Diane Nichols, Jack Woodley Jr., Joseph Clements III (Donna), Frank Clements (Kim), Robert Clements (Susie), 18 grandnieces and nephews, 12 great-grandnieces and nephews, and many loving friends.
To quote a friend who sent a card of condolence: “Father Tom was a man who could always say so much with very few words.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Father Tom Clements’ name to: Sisters of Maryfield, SMG, 1315 Greensboro Road, High Point, N.C. 27260; or to Salisbury VAMC, Voluntary Service, 1601 Brenner Ave., Salisbury, N.C. 28144, where any funds donated will be used directly for the veterans.
Sechrest-Davis Funerals and Cremations in High Point is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
Reminiscences from parishioners and friends
“Father Tom was my pastor at Sacred Heart in Salisbury for many years. He was kind to everyone, humble and very intelligent. He also had a wisdom that could be quite astounding. Even in the most difficult situations, he had advice that would bring healing. And if you needed his help, he was there. The last time I saw him was at Pennybyrn. He could no longer remember me, but Father Andrew Draper and I went to say hello when we saw him in one of the common areas. Father Draper asked him for a blessing, and Father Tom remembered every word of it — a priest always and forever! May he rest in peace.”— Sister of Mercy Susie Dandison
“I had the privilege of working with Father Tom at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro in 1987-1988 when he served as pastor there, and I was parochial vicar. I remember his humility, easygoing nature and great dedication to ministering to the sick and dying and their family members.”— Father Ron Marecki
“Father Tom was a great priest and friend. He drove to Quebec, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, to perform our marriage for my wife Colleen and me. He was there at the birth of our two sons to offer prayer and support. Anytime you had an emergency, or any problems, day or night, he was there to help. If anyone should receive his just reward and go home to Our Heavenly Father, it’s Father Tom Clements.” — Deacon James Mazur, Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury
“Father Tom held and holds a special place in my heart. When my youngest sister needed a kidney transplant, and none of us qualified, he offered to donate one of his. He did not match, but the thought and gesture are still dear to my heart.”— Sister of Mercy Martha Hoyle
“I had the pleasure of working with Father Tom at the Salisbury VA and will never forget his acts of kindness with the veterans. He brought great comfort to all he had contact with. As an RN, I will never forget when he performed the blessings of the hands and the healing that was felt from that. Although I am not Catholic, he took the time to give me a rosary and then to explain the rosary and its meaning. I will never forget his kindness.” — Sharon Taylor
“Father Tom married us, baptized our children and led us to God in the most inclusive ways possible. If we were interested in seeking God, Father Tom helped move the boulders that were blocking our path. And he did it with courage, love and laughter — even if it took a gentle kick in the behind to move you toward the light. He was a shepherd. His flock’s journey with God, the condition of our souls, came first. … While he was a well-versed theologian, he believed in social justice, community and reaching out to your neighbor in practical matters, rather than lofty verbiage. He would make St. Francis proud. Thank you, Father Tom. You have changed generations of hearts for the better. Rest in the arms of God. You earned it.” — Steve and Mary Jo Simpson
A most ‘clement’ priest
Remembering my pastor, Father Tom
Father Tom Clements was part of the family for many parishioners and often visited their homes. He posed for a photo at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury with Annie (Reilly) Ferguson, who is now a part of the Catholic News Herald editorial team, on the day of her First Holy Communion in 1989. (Photo Provided)Inclined to be merciful, mild, compassionate – that was Father Tom Clements. It’s rare to embody the meaning of one’s name so thoroughly, but Father Tom always seemed to do things right. From my vantage point, his clemency knew no bounds.
As my pastor from when I was 7 to 19 at Sacred Heart in Salisbury, Father Tom was an integral part of many of my religious milestones and present for all the celebrations in between. We were incredibly blessed to have him at our parish for so long. Between Sunday and school Masses, we’d see him at least twice a week. Anytime I had a part in the Mass, especially when I’d feel awkward (and very tall) as a teenager, he had a way of putting me at ease just by being himself – incredibly kind. He saw people’s souls instead of exterior appearances and treated each person with care. At our eighth-grade graduation Mass, I could feel his sadness over our departure from the parish school.
As I grew up, I eventually started realizing just how wonderful a priest he was. I greatly admired him for starting Hispanic Ministry at the parish in 1995, and I remember telling him so after Mass one day. In his response, I could see how important it was to him to love and minister to all of God’s people. He was 67 and didn’t know any Spanish, but he started to learn.
I most especially loved my First Holy Communion. Father Tom made time to drop by the celebration at our home afterward. Even though I heard he might come, it was truly special when he arrived. Five years ago, I found a photo from that day in 1989 and began to appreciate the depth of his ministry as I reminisced and gained new awareness of his good works, including all he did for my family.
In the days following his passing, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Father Tom through the eyes of his family, friends and people from the VA Hospital in Salisbury. So profound were the stories of his acts of mercy and healing that they took my breath away. That’s the true priesthood of Jesus Christ – a breathtakingly beautiful gift from God. With Father Tom, it felt like the Good Shepherd Himself was with us. Those years with him surely left an imprint on my soul.
May he rest in peace with Our Loving Father.
Annie Ferguson is a member of the Catholic News Herald editorial team.
CHARLOTTE — Deacon Luis A. Velasquez Flores, 62, of Charlotte passed away Feb. 1, 2023, after a long illness.
A vigil and visitation will be held 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Carolina Funeral Service, located at 5505 Monroe Road in Charlotte.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, immediately before the funeral Mass, starting at 8:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Mint Hill.
Deacon Flores was born in 1960 in El Salvador.
After moving to Long Island, N.Y., when he was an adult, he discerned a calling as a deacon for the Church. He was ordained by Bishop William Murphy for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y., on May 17, 2003, and served at St. Hugh of Lincoln Parish in Huntington Station, N.Y., until 2007, when he moved to North Carolina. After settling in Charlotte, he was granted faculties to serve as a deacon for the Diocese of Charlotte on Sept. 20, 2007, and was assigned to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.
Deacon Flores was very active in Hispanic ministry, including officiating at baptisms, weddings, teaching religious education classes and RCIA. He was a kind soul, with a servant’s heart, always available for ministry when needed.
He is survived by his wife Adela, their daughter Patricia, and three grandchildren, Hailey, Alexandria and Alonso.
Carolina Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
BEEVILLE, Texas — Deacon Joseph C. Denzler, who formerly served at St. John Neumann Parish in Charlotte, passed away Dec. 7, 2022, in Texas, with his wife Erlinda (Linda) at his side.
He was born on June 13, 1946, and ordained to the diaconate on May 23, 2009, for the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y.
In the Brooklyn diocese, he served at Lady of Lourdes Parish in Queens Village, and in the Diocese of Charlotte, he served at St. John Neumann Parish for nine years (2013-2022) before his retirement and move to Texas. At the Charlotte parish, in addition to serving at Mass, he brought Communion to the homebound and was chaplain for the Knights of Columbus and 50 Plus Club.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. John Neumann Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023. Family will receive friends in the narthex beginning at 10 a.m. A reception will be held immediately after the Mass. St. John Neumann Church is located at 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28227.
Please send condolences to: Mrs. Erlinda Denzler, 100 East Louise Dr., Unit #205, Beeville, Texas 78102.
— Catholic News Herald
WEST BRANDYWINE, Pa. — Father Andrew J. Latsko, 89, of Honey Brook, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at Hickory House Nursing Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at noon on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at St. Peter Church, located at 2835 Manor Road, West Brandywine Township, Pa. Family and friends will be received from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Interment will be at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Pa.
Born in Beaverdale, Pa., he was the son of the late John and Margaret D. Voytko Latsko. When he was 5, Andrew and his parents moved to Conemaugh, Pa., where he attended Catholic school. He mainly spoke Slovak, having spent much time with his grandparents. After he finished the fourth grade, he moved with them to Eddystone, Pa., where he was enrolled at St. Michael’s School. While there, he and his mother attended Mass every morning at 6 a.m., and he served as an altar boy. In sixth grade, he attended St. Rose of Lima Parish. He received the sacrament of confirmation in seventh grade at St. James Parish in Chester, Pa., and continued worshiping there until he was in the ninth grade.
While living in Chester he worked at the “Eddy” movie house, where he developed a love for movies. During his years at St. James High School for Boys, he participated in school theater productions. He was cast as the lead role during his junior and senior years, including “Music Man.” He would walk to high school, saving his money instead to buy candy, ice cream and cigarettes.
After graduating from high school, he worked at Westinghouse Corp. in Chester until that facility closed and he was transferred to Charlotte, N.C. During three decades of employment with Westinghouse, he advanced through the ranks from production clerk to photographer, production coordinator and computer coordinator. In 1986, he retired from Westinghouse and remained in Charlotte.
He then met the late Jesuit Father Gene McCreesh, who inspired him to consider the priesthood. His Catholic faith had always remained important to him – from the days when he was an altar server for daily Mass to when he was a young adult attending Charismatic Prayer Meetings, held at Our Lady of Peace Church in Milmont Park, Pa., from 1975 to 1984.
He applied with the Diocese of Charlotte and was accepted, and he entered Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Wisconsin. He was ordained on May 30, 1992, in Charlotte, N.C. He served for more than 20 years, first as an associate pastor at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and then pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa. In 2003, he retired from the Charlotte diocese and returned to Pennsylvania, where he served as pastor from 2008 until 2019.
In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling and photography.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Father Latsko’s name to: St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrew Pl., Swannanoa, N.C. 28778-2506, or to St. Peter Church, 2835 Manor Road, West Brandywine, Pa. 19320.
James J. Terry Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
PHILADELPHIA — Sister Anne Thomas Taylor, SSJ – who served for more than two decades at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville – passed away Monday, Dec. 26, 2022. She was 71.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at Saint Joseph Villa in Flourtown, Pa. It will be livestreamed on their website: www.stjosephvilla.org.
The daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret (nee Knebel) Taylor, she was the sister of the late Margaret Taylor Graham and Joan Taylor Fisher. She was also the sister-in-law of the late John Graham and Clifford Fisher.
Professed with the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Philadelphia, Sister Anne began serving at Bishop McGuinness High School in 1996, first as the music teacher and then as the dean of students for 20 years. She worked to establish theater arts as its own department and was actively involved in productions while serving at the high school.
She is survived by nieces, nephews and members of her congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Saint Joseph Villa, 110 W. Wissahickon Ave., Flourtown, Pa. 19031.
Condolences may be shared online at www.kollerfuneralhome.com.
Koller Funeral Home Inc. of Philadelphia is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
Read more about the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph at Bishop McGuinness High School and at St. Leo Parish and School in Winston-Salem: "Three beloved Sisters of St. Joseph who taught generations bid farewell"