Patrick J. Conroy
Encyclopedia
Fr. Patrick J. Conroy, S.J., (born October 31, 1950) is a Jesuit Priest who is serving as the 60th Chaplain of the House of Representatives. His selection was announced by the office of John Boehner
, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
, on May 6, 2011, and he was sworn in as the new House Chaplain May 25, 2011, following a unanimous confirmation of his nomination by the House.
Conroy delivered his first prayer as House Chaplain on May 26, 2011.
. When his parents divorced in 1958, he moved with his mother to Arlington, Virginia, living there until midway through his sophomore year in high school. When his family moved back at that point to the State of Washington, he transferred to Snohomish high school, graduating in 1968.
He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Claremont Men’s College
in Claremont, California
in 1972. In 1977, he received a Master’s Degree in philosophy from Gonzaga University
in Spokane, Washington
; in 1979, a law degree from St. Louis University; in 1983, a Masters of Divinity (M. Div.) from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, in Berkeley, California
; and in 1984, a Masters of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) from Regis College of the University of Toronto
.
Conroy says that he intended to become a lawyer and then go into politics, aiming for the United States Senate, but during his first year of law school "had a very dramatic sense of God's call to join the Jesuits." "That was really my call," he says, "but for most Jesuits, that call includes becoming a priest. I joined the Jesuits because it was Jesuits who inspired me.”
According to biographical information on the official House Chaplain website: "Fr. Conroy was a competitive runner in college and for a few years after, a recreational runner for many years, and continues to have an interest in remaining physically fit. He plays the guitar, and especially through years of retreat work has learned how to lead sing-a-longs, favoring classic rock and roll."
and the Spokane Indian Reservation. From 1986 to 1989, he also served as pastor of St. Philip Benizi in Ford, WA, Sacred Heart Mission in Wellpinit, Washington
, and Our Lady of Lourdes in West End, Washington, serving the people of the Spokane Indian Reservation.
From 1990 to 1994 and again from 1997 to 2003, he was chaplain at Georgetown University
. In between, Conroy was chaplain at Seattle University
.
While at Georgetown, Conroy – then "universally known as Father Pat" – was Director of Escape, a special student retreat program. Although described as non-religious (and therefore open to all students, of any religion, or no religion) the program "grows out of Georgetown's Catholic traditions," and as Conroy explained to one session's group, "Jesuit education is not designed to force you into a way of life imposed from the outside, but to help you discover in yourself what it is that gives you the most meaning, the most peace and the most joy."
On the occasion of Conroy's 25th anniversary of his ordination as a priest, the Northwest province of the Society of Jesus used these words to describe him: "Pat’s talent for connecting with people is legendary. He remembers names, faces, and notable facts of all he meets. He cares for people, and they remember him as a true friend, a true equal, and a priest they trust and in whom they can confide."
Prior to his selection as House Chaplain, he had been teaching freshman theology at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon
since 2004 In addition to his work as a teacher, he is known at the High School "for his engaging and challenging homilies, his legendary storytelling abilities, and his singing and guitar-playing around the campfire on retreats."
While working at the High School, Conroy was also "formation assistant" for the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus during the 2006-2010 timeframe, where his responsibilities included helping future priests work toward ordination.
," Boehner has positive memories of Jesuits during his time at Xavier University, and so he decided he would like to have a Jesuit priest as the next House Chaplain. He consulted Minority Leader Pelosi, who "also knows and trusts Jesuits via the University of San Francisco
and having sent her son to Georgetown." Fr. Daniel Coughlin
, the House Chaplain preparing to retire, contacted the Jesuit office in D.C., which sent out notices to Jesuit provincials around the country, requesting that each provincial nominate one candidate. After interviews that included a May 4 meeting with Boehner and Pelosi, Conroy was offered the chance to be nominated for the position.
When he announced Conroy's selection, Boehner said that Conroy, age 60, has shown a "dedication to God's work, commitment to serving others and experience working with people of faith from all traditions."
Conroy said of his nomination:
Conroy said that Jesuit spirituality focuses on making good decisions, based on the writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century. According to Conroy, "that could fit well in the business of the House of Representatives."
"I would hope I'd be able to remind everyone what they're about. They are not about winning something so someone else loses, but winning so everyone wins. They are there to serve, not to gain glory." He said that one of his goals would be "to help House members and staff discern which urges are coming from God and which are coming from them...[because] You need to know the difference."
Conroy says that the understands that counseling will be a large part of his responsibilities as House Chaplain, and his past experiences have prepared him for that role: "As chaplain, I won't be responsible for the religious life of the people working on the Hill, how they practice their faith in their respective congregations. A chaplain is not a cultic figure, but more like a counselor. They know I am capable of that. It's what I did at Georgetown and what I do here (at Jesuit High School)."
Coughlin, who retired April 14, 2011, was the first Catholic priest to serve as House Chaplain, so Conroy will be the second Catholic priest, and the first Jesuit priest, to hold that position. As a Jesuit, he will live in a Jesuit community in Washington, D.C., keeping a small amount of the salary he will receive to pay the amount he will be charged to stay with them, in addition to other basic needs, but will donate the rest to his order.
Nancy Pelosi
, was announced, it was made clear that his name would be submitted to the full House for confirmation, with plans to have him sworn in (if confirmed) on May 25, 2011, and begin service May 26, 2011. However, on May 11, Pelosi announced she was "reconsidering" support when it was revealed that the group for which Conroy worked had paid $166 million for more than 400 claims of child sexual abuse, Boehner's reaction was to say that Conroy was vetted and that the nomination would stand.
However, The Seattle Times
reported that Conroy had written a letter in 1986 to then-Seattle Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen
about an accusation of abuse by a priest in Hunthausen's archdiocese, and when Conroy received no reply, he did not follow up on the issue. Fr. Dennis Champagne, the accused priest remained in the ministry until 2002, when he finally resigned after the boy made his accusations public.
Conroy's group, the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus, paid the largest sex-abuse settlement of any order in the Roman Catholic Church. A spokesperson for Pelosi's office stated that "new information has arisen" since the initial review of Conroy's candidacy, and would be reviewed "as expeditiously as possible" with no "pre-judgment." According to Fox News Channel
, Pelosi did not have information about the 166 million dollar settlement when she initially supported the nomination.
A number of groups supporting alleged victims of sexual abuse said that appointing any priest from the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus would be inappropriate, and some like the "Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
" (SNAP)oppose the nomination because of what they believe was insufficient action on Conroy's part to follow up to a greater extent on the knowledge of abuse that he had. Supporters of Conroy insisted that he should be judged on the fact that he was never accused of abuse or molestation, not on past problems associated with others within the group. For example, the Very Rev. Patrick Lee, the group's "superior," said that “Fr. Conroy is an excellent priest worthy of the nomination made by Speaker Boehner. He has never been the subject of an allegation of child abuse.” The views of many were summed up in the statement made in a May 11 report that, "It would be a shame if the first Jesuit House chaplain is denied confirmation due to guilt by association with events that did not involve him, not even in the most tangential way."
Conroy himself described the controversy like being in the middle of a "firestorm," but says that ""It's a pretty clear case of guilt by association, but my conscience is clear."
After a flurry of news reports during the day, Drew Hamill, a spokesman for Pelosi, made the statement that "Father Conroy has responded to additional questions" and "the leader sees no obstacle to him being named chaplain."
since 1984. Retired from work for the federal government, she said that all of her children were born in Everett, Washington.
John Boehner
John Andrew Boehner is the 61st and current Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. A member of the Republican Party, he is the U.S. Representative from , serving since 1991...
, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, or Speaker of the House, is the presiding officer of the United States House of Representatives...
, on May 6, 2011, and he was sworn in as the new House Chaplain May 25, 2011, following a unanimous confirmation of his nomination by the House.
Conroy delivered his first prayer as House Chaplain on May 26, 2011.
Early life
Conroy was born October 31, 1950, in Everett, WashingtonEverett, Washington
Everett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and...
. When his parents divorced in 1958, he moved with his mother to Arlington, Virginia, living there until midway through his sophomore year in high school. When his family moved back at that point to the State of Washington, he transferred to Snohomish high school, graduating in 1968.
He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Claremont Men’s College
Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college and a member of the Claremont Colleges located in Claremont, California. The campus is located east of Downtown Los Angeles...
in Claremont, California
Claremont, California
Claremont is a small affluent college town in eastern Los Angeles County, California, United States, about east of downtown Los Angeles at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The population as of the 2010 census is 34,926. Claremont is known for its seven higher-education institutions, its...
in 1972. In 1977, he received a Master’s Degree in philosophy from Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Spokane, Washington, United States. Founded in 1887 by the Society of Jesus, it is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and is named after the young Jesuit saint, Aloysius Gonzaga...
in Spokane, Washington
Spokane, Washington
Spokane is a city located in the Northwestern United States in the state of Washington. It is the largest city of Spokane County of which it is also the county seat, and the metropolitan center of the Inland Northwest region...
; in 1979, a law degree from St. Louis University; in 1983, a Masters of Divinity (M. Div.) from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, in Berkeley, California
Berkeley, California
Berkeley is a city on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay in Northern California, United States. Its neighbors to the south are the cities of Oakland and Emeryville. To the north is the city of Albany and the unincorporated community of Kensington...
; and in 1984, a Masters of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) from Regis College of the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
.
Conroy says that he intended to become a lawyer and then go into politics, aiming for the United States Senate, but during his first year of law school "had a very dramatic sense of God's call to join the Jesuits." "That was really my call," he says, "but for most Jesuits, that call includes becoming a priest. I joined the Jesuits because it was Jesuits who inspired me.”
According to biographical information on the official House Chaplain website: "Fr. Conroy was a competitive runner in college and for a few years after, a recreational runner for many years, and continues to have an interest in remaining physically fit. He plays the guitar, and especially through years of retreat work has learned how to lead sing-a-longs, favoring classic rock and roll."
Pastor and teacher
Ordained in 1983, his past work includes service as a parish priest, pastor of St. Michael's Mission in Inchelium, Washington, where the members of his congregation included residents of the Colville Indian ReservationColville Indian Reservation
The Colville Indian Reservation is an Indian reservation in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Washington, inhabited and managed by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, which is recognized by the United States of America as an American Indian Tribe...
and the Spokane Indian Reservation. From 1986 to 1989, he also served as pastor of St. Philip Benizi in Ford, WA, Sacred Heart Mission in Wellpinit, Washington
Wellpinit, Washington
Wellpinit is an unincorporated community in Stevens County, Washington, United States. Wellpinit has a post office with ZIP code 99040. The population of the ZIP Code Tabulation Area for 99040 was 930 at the 2000 census....
, and Our Lady of Lourdes in West End, Washington, serving the people of the Spokane Indian Reservation.
From 1990 to 1994 and again from 1997 to 2003, he was chaplain at Georgetown University
Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
. In between, Conroy was chaplain at Seattle University
Seattle University
Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic university located in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA.SU is the largest independent university in the Northwest US, with over 7,500 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within eight schools, and is one of 28 member...
.
While at Georgetown, Conroy – then "universally known as Father Pat" – was Director of Escape, a special student retreat program. Although described as non-religious (and therefore open to all students, of any religion, or no religion) the program "grows out of Georgetown's Catholic traditions," and as Conroy explained to one session's group, "Jesuit education is not designed to force you into a way of life imposed from the outside, but to help you discover in yourself what it is that gives you the most meaning, the most peace and the most joy."
On the occasion of Conroy's 25th anniversary of his ordination as a priest, the Northwest province of the Society of Jesus used these words to describe him: "Pat’s talent for connecting with people is legendary. He remembers names, faces, and notable facts of all he meets. He cares for people, and they remember him as a true friend, a true equal, and a priest they trust and in whom they can confide."
Prior to his selection as House Chaplain, he had been teaching freshman theology at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
since 2004 In addition to his work as a teacher, he is known at the High School "for his engaging and challenging homilies, his legendary storytelling abilities, and his singing and guitar-playing around the campfire on retreats."
While working at the High School, Conroy was also "formation assistant" for the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus during the 2006-2010 timeframe, where his responsibilities included helping future priests work toward ordination.
Attorney
Information on the website for the Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives includes a description of Conroy's experience as a lawyer:"During his years of training, Fr. Conroy did practice law for the Colville Confederated Tribes in Omak, WA, representing tribal members in state courts, he represented Salvadoran refugees for the Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Immigration Office in San Francisco while studying theology, and again worked for the Colville Tribes helping to develop the case for the Tribes’ treaty fishing rights in the mid 1980’s. He has not practiced law since 1986."
Public prayer
Conroy's work with students of all faiths has helped him feel comfortable with prayers that are inclusive. For example, he says that "I never pray in the name of Jesus – except when I'm doing something Catholic – saying Mass, for example."Selection
According to the "Catholic SentinelCatholic Sentinel
The Catholic Sentinel is, according to its masthead, the "Oldest Catholic Newspaper on the West Coast." A weekly publication, it is sent out every Wednesday to subscribers and is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Portland and the Diocese of Baker...
," Boehner has positive memories of Jesuits during his time at Xavier University, and so he decided he would like to have a Jesuit priest as the next House Chaplain. He consulted Minority Leader Pelosi, who "also knows and trusts Jesuits via the University of San Francisco
University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco , is a private, Jesuit/Catholic university located in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1855, USF was established as the first university in San Francisco. It is the second oldest institution for higher learning in California and the tenth-oldest university of...
and having sent her son to Georgetown." Fr. Daniel Coughlin
Daniel Coughlin
Fr. Daniel P. Coughlin STL served as the 59th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives from March 23, 2000, to April 14, 2011. He was the first Roman Catholic priest to serve in that position, and the process that led to his selection included some controversy...
, the House Chaplain preparing to retire, contacted the Jesuit office in D.C., which sent out notices to Jesuit provincials around the country, requesting that each provincial nominate one candidate. After interviews that included a May 4 meeting with Boehner and Pelosi, Conroy was offered the chance to be nominated for the position.
When he announced Conroy's selection, Boehner said that Conroy, age 60, has shown a "dedication to God's work, commitment to serving others and experience working with people of faith from all traditions."
Conroy said of his nomination:
"“One does not aspire to become the Chaplain to a chamber of Congress. This opportunity to serve is an extraordinary gift, and I hope to be worthy of the trust the Speaker of the House and the Minority Leader are extending to me. I am also humbled by the confidence my Jesuit superiors are demonstrating in making me available to answer this call to serve the People’s House.”
Conroy said that Jesuit spirituality focuses on making good decisions, based on the writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century. According to Conroy, "that could fit well in the business of the House of Representatives."
"I would hope I'd be able to remind everyone what they're about. They are not about winning something so someone else loses, but winning so everyone wins. They are there to serve, not to gain glory." He said that one of his goals would be "to help House members and staff discern which urges are coming from God and which are coming from them...[because] You need to know the difference."
Conroy says that the understands that counseling will be a large part of his responsibilities as House Chaplain, and his past experiences have prepared him for that role: "As chaplain, I won't be responsible for the religious life of the people working on the Hill, how they practice their faith in their respective congregations. A chaplain is not a cultic figure, but more like a counselor. They know I am capable of that. It's what I did at Georgetown and what I do here (at Jesuit High School)."
Coughlin, who retired April 14, 2011, was the first Catholic priest to serve as House Chaplain, so Conroy will be the second Catholic priest, and the first Jesuit priest, to hold that position. As a Jesuit, he will live in a Jesuit community in Washington, D.C., keeping a small amount of the salary he will receive to pay the amount he will be charged to stay with them, in addition to other basic needs, but will donate the rest to his order.
"Jesuit communities charge a per diem. In Washington, D.C., it might be $50 a day. I'll pay that. And I'll keep enough for my working budget – something I'll decide with my provincial (supervisor) – and the rest will go to my province. The Jesuits paid for my education. The Jesuits pay for my health care, for my housing, for my transportation when I need it."
Controversy
On May 6, 2011, when his selection, made in consultation with House Minority LeaderMinority leader of the United States House of Representatives
The House Minority Leader is one of the party leaders of the United States House of Representatives. This title is currently held by Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi of California....
Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro Pelosi is the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives and served as the 60th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011...
, was announced, it was made clear that his name would be submitted to the full House for confirmation, with plans to have him sworn in (if confirmed) on May 25, 2011, and begin service May 26, 2011. However, on May 11, Pelosi announced she was "reconsidering" support when it was revealed that the group for which Conroy worked had paid $166 million for more than 400 claims of child sexual abuse, Boehner's reaction was to say that Conroy was vetted and that the nomination would stand.
However, The Seattle Times
The Seattle Times
The Seattle Times is a newspaper serving Seattle, Washington, US. It is the largest daily newspaper in the state of Washington. It has been, since the demise in 2009 of the printed version of the rival Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle's only major daily print newspaper.-History:The Seattle Times...
reported that Conroy had written a letter in 1986 to then-Seattle Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen
Raymond Hunthausen
Raymond Gerhardt Hunthausen is a retired American prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Helena from 1962 to 1975 and as Archbishop of Seattle from 1975 to 1991.-Early life and education:...
about an accusation of abuse by a priest in Hunthausen's archdiocese, and when Conroy received no reply, he did not follow up on the issue. Fr. Dennis Champagne, the accused priest remained in the ministry until 2002, when he finally resigned after the boy made his accusations public.
Conroy's group, the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus, paid the largest sex-abuse settlement of any order in the Roman Catholic Church. A spokesperson for Pelosi's office stated that "new information has arisen" since the initial review of Conroy's candidacy, and would be reviewed "as expeditiously as possible" with no "pre-judgment." According to Fox News Channel
Fox News Channel
Fox News Channel , often called Fox News, is a cable and satellite television news channel owned by the Fox Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of News Corporation...
, Pelosi did not have information about the 166 million dollar settlement when she initially supported the nomination.
A number of groups supporting alleged victims of sexual abuse said that appointing any priest from the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus would be inappropriate, and some like the "Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, known as SNAP, established in 1989, is the oldest and most active support group of survivors of clergy sexual abuse and their supporters in the United States...
" (SNAP)oppose the nomination because of what they believe was insufficient action on Conroy's part to follow up to a greater extent on the knowledge of abuse that he had. Supporters of Conroy insisted that he should be judged on the fact that he was never accused of abuse or molestation, not on past problems associated with others within the group. For example, the Very Rev. Patrick Lee, the group's "superior," said that “Fr. Conroy is an excellent priest worthy of the nomination made by Speaker Boehner. He has never been the subject of an allegation of child abuse.” The views of many were summed up in the statement made in a May 11 report that, "It would be a shame if the first Jesuit House chaplain is denied confirmation due to guilt by association with events that did not involve him, not even in the most tangential way."
Conroy himself described the controversy like being in the middle of a "firestorm," but says that ""It's a pretty clear case of guilt by association, but my conscience is clear."
After a flurry of news reports during the day, Drew Hamill, a spokesman for Pelosi, made the statement that "Father Conroy has responded to additional questions" and "the leader sees no obstacle to him being named chaplain."
Swearing in
At the May 25 ceremony to swear in Conroy as the new House Chaplain, Pelosi slipped and referred to the Speaker as "Father Boehner," with Boehner replying that he has been called "a lot of things – but not that." Pelosi then said to Conroy, "We pray for you. Please pray for us."Family
Conroy's mother, Ruth, has lived in Naples, FloridaNaples, Florida
Naples is a city in Collier County, Florida, United States. As of July 1, 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population at 21,653. Naples is a principal city of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated total population of 315,839 on July 1, 2007...
since 1984. Retired from work for the federal government, she said that all of her children were born in Everett, Washington.
See also
- ChaplainChaplainTraditionally, a chaplain is a minister in a specialized setting such as a priest, pastor, rabbi, or imam or lay representative of a religion attached to a secular institution such as a hospital, prison, military unit, police department, university, or private chapel...
- Chaplain of the United States House of RepresentativesChaplain of the United States House of RepresentativesThe election of William Linn as Chaplain of the House on May 1, 1789, continued the tradition established by the Continental Congresses of each day's proceedings opening with a prayer by a chaplain. The early Chaplains alternated duties with their Senate counterparts on a weekly basis, covering the...
- Chaplain of the Senate
External links
- Speaker Boehner welcomes Conroy as new House Chaplain (CSPAN House 2011 - YouTube)
- Conroy's first prayer as House Chaplain (CSPAN House 2011-YouTube)