Msgr. Charles E. McGroarty, leader of Catholic family life programs and pastor of St. Matthew parish in Philadelphia, dies at 86
Rev. Msgr. McGroarty was pastor at St. Matthew Parish in Philadelphia from 1987 to 2014. “He knew who he was, he knew Jesus, and he served his people,” a friend said.
Msgr. Charles E. McGroarty, 86, a leader of Catholic family life programs and pastor emeritus of St. Matthew parish in Philadelphia, died Tuesday, March 17, of a ruptured aortic aneurysm at Holy Redeemer Hospital.
Born in Collingdale to Edward and Margaret McGroarty, he graduated from St. James High School in Chester and earned a bachelor’s degree in science from what is now St. Joseph’s University.
While Msgr. McGroarty was in college in 1953, his mother died. Influenced by her loss and the advice of his pastor at St. Joseph parish in Collingdale, he felt a call to religious life. He enrolled in St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood.
Since he hadn’t taken Greek and Latin at St. Joseph’s, and because seminaries had exacting language requirements then, he was advised that he would have to repeat his college studies. He agreed, and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
In 1959, he was sent by Cardinal John O’Hara to study at Rome’s Gregorian University, and was ordained a priest in Rome on Dec. 19, 1962. He completed his studies in sacred theology in 1963 before returning to Philadelphia.
Msgr. McGroarty served for a short time as an assistant at St. Raphael parish before becoming a math and religion teacher at Roman Catholic High School.
He studied at Catholic University of America in Washington for a master’s degree in sociology and marriage counseling, and then returned to St. Charles Borromeo as an instructor in moral theology. Later, he became an associate professor of sociology in the seminary’s college division.
The Rev. Roland Slobogin, who remembered Msgr. McGroarty from his student days at St. Charles, said sociology wasn’t an easy subject to teach seminarians. “He got it across,” Slobogin said.
As the Catholic Church became more interested in family life, Msgr. McGroarty was appointed assistant director of the Philadelphia Archdiocese’s Family Life Bureau in 1966 and its director in 1972. His staff numbered almost a dozen.
He created programs for engaged couples, married couples, and those interested in natural family planning. He also formed groups for separated and divorced adults, widows and widowers, and parents trying to improve communication with their teenage children.
Perhaps his most popular creation was an annual Mass for couples celebrating marriage milestones. It was such a hit among parishioners that two Masses had to be held — one for 25-year anniversaries and another for 50 or more years of marriage, CatholicPhilly.com reported.
“We used to send out formal invitations to the Mass,” said Geri McTear, a longtime friend who worked with him. “Whatever he did, he did to the hilt. He was a perfectionist.
“Msgr. McGroarty’s mind, energy, and work ethic never ceased to amaze his staff. He was never afraid to try something new," she said.
In recognition of his contributions to marriage and the family, he was named a monsignor in 1976.
In 1980, Msgr. McGroarty was given a governor's appointment to serve as a Pennsylvania delegate to the White House Conference on Families. He also strongly advocated for the Respect Life Program as its archdiocesan coordinator from 1969 to 1988, and was chairman of the Pennsylvania Statewide Coordinating Committee for Pro-Life Activities from 1975 to 1981.
In 1987, Msgr. McGroarty was named pastor of St. Matthew parish. He remained there until 2014, when he became pastor emeritus with residence at St. Joseph in Collingdale, returning to the parish where his religious aspirations had begun.
Slobogin, who followed him as pastor at St. Matthew, said Msgr. McGroarty was dedicated to the people of his church. “He never thought of himself, he was always caring about you,” Slobogin said.
“I hope for my remaining years I can be the servant and teacher he was,” Slobogin said. “He knew who he was, he knew Jesus, and he served his people.”
Msgr. McGroarty is survived by many nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass and life celebration is being delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, but will be held later at St. Matthew.
Donations may be made to the Friends of St. Matt’s, 3000 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19149.