Linwood's Our Lady of Sorrows Pastor Dies

Father Paul Harte, the pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Linwood died on Feb. 18th. He was 74.

Father Harte had been the pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows for over 20 years.

When he took the position, Father Harte was the first diocesan priest to be appointed to Our Lady of Sorrows, which had previously been under the care of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Father Harte's Background

Father Harte was born in Camden and studied at Siena College in Albany NY, then went to Immaculate Conception Seminary.

He was ordained in 1976 and assigned to Queen of Apostles Church in Pennsville until 1980.

Father Harte then served as pastor at Nativity Parish in Franklinville, Corpus Christi in Carneys Point, and St. James in Penns Grove.

When those parishes merged, Harte was named pastor of the new parish.

He was named pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows in 2013.

Father Harte also taught religion at Holy Spirit High School in Absecon and Gloucester Catholic High School.

His Legacy at Our Lady of Sorrows

The Catholic Star Herald spoke with several associates of Father Harte's, who all remembered him as a dedicated priest.

"MaryAnn Eger, secretary at Our Lady of Sorrows, called him a “very holy (and) dedicated priest” who “truly represented Christ.”

“Our parish was blessed to have Father Harte with us,” said Sally Pietrofitta, the parish’s Lector Coordinator.

“He worked with each of us to instill community,” she continued, particularly noting his “warm, upbeat personality and his patience and love. He always had time for everyone.”

Father John R. Perdue, M.SS.CC., said that “the Missionaries are deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Father Paul Harte. From his early days at Our Lady of Sorrows, he included the Missionaries in assisting him to cover the parish as needed.”