Rev. Donald W. Jacques

Rev. Donald William Jacques, 90, died on December 14, 2017, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. He was born in Milford, NH on February 9, 1927, the son of Leon J. Jacques and Vera B. (Stoddard) Stimson. After graduating from Milford public schools, he attended St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH. He then completed his studies in philosophy and theology at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA. He was ordained to the priesthood, for the Diocese of Portland, by Cardinal RJ Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on September 29, 1953. During his years of full-time, active ministry, Fr. Jacques served in the following assignments: St. Mary’s Parish, Bangor – Parochial Vicar (October 1953-September 1964), St. Patrick’s Parish, Portland – Parochial Vicar (September 1964-March 1967), Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of Portland (March 1967-1969), then added St. Teresa Parish, Brewer – Temporary Administrator (January-June 1969), St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Bucksport – Pastor (June 1969-October 1972), St. Joseph Parish, Gardiner – Pastor (October 1972-June 1982), St. Raphael Parish, Kittery – Pastor (June 1982-January 1993), which included Portsmouth Navy Shipyard Catholic Chaplain, St. Charles Borromeo, Brunswick – Pastor (January 1993-June 1997, at which time he retired from full-time administration) Fr. Jacques remained active in sacramental and pastoral ministry through 2017 in the dioceses of Portland, ME, Manchester, NH, and Venice, FL, and for the Apostleship of the Sea of the USA. In addition to the above pastoral duties, Fr. Jacques also served the Diocese of Portland in the following capacities: Spiritual Director – Legion of Mary, Bangor, Director – Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for the St. Bernard Deanery, Greater Bangor Area, Chief Coordinator – Altar Boys’ Convocations for the Diocese, Confessor – Various Communities of Religious Sisters, Moderator – Maine Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, Chaplain – Knights of Columbus Canabas Council #1299, Gardiner, Faithful Friar – Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly #1431, Brunswick, Chaplain – Diocesan Human Relations Services, Region III (Waterville) and Region VI (Saco), Priests Personnel Board, Priests Senate – Southern Kennebec Deanery, Vicar Forane – Southern York Deanery (1983-1993), and Vicar Forane – Sagadahoc-Lincoln Deanery (1993-1997). Early on in his formation, it was said that “[Donald] is earnest and sincere, and his character is solid and reliable.” During his years of ministry, it was noted that he had “a remarkable gift for addressing and delivering timely homilies and expounding upon issues relevant to all—young, middle-aged and old.” In 1997 on the occasion of his retirement, Bishop Joseph J. Gerry, O.S.B. wrote to Fr. Jacques and stated: “Throughout your ministry you have had a reputation for hospitality and warmth, for your love of the liturgy and the attention you gave to creating a fitting environment for worship. I know from personal observation of your great generosity and compassion…” He was predeceased by a brother, Lt. Leon J. Jacques, Jr. Family members include his sister, Jeanne M. Jacques of Milford, NH; a sister-in-law, Marion Jacques Dube of Meredith, NH; and a nephew, Stephen G. Jacques of Newington, NH and extended family. The Rite of the Reception of the Body will take place at St. Patrick’s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford, NH, where Fr. Don will lie in repose, on Monday, December 18th from 2:00-4:30pm closing with evening prayer at 4:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial with the Most Reverend Robert Deeley, J.C.D. Bishop of Portland, ME presiding, will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesday at 11:00am. Rite of Committal will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Amherst, NH in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Saint Anselm College, Alumni Association, 100 Saint Anselm Drive #1738, Manchester, NH 03102-1310.