8 questions for Father Patrick McCormick
Father Patrick McCormick, 67, was born and raised in Erie, Pa., with four siblings. He attended the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and Gregorian University in Rome before being ordained in 1968 at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican as a priest for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Ga. Also known as Father Pat or PJ, Father McCormick spent the next several decades working in the Atlanta area. In July 1990, he joined the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, as a Navy chaplain and served Navy assignments in La Maddalena, Italy, on the USS Constellation in San Diego, in China Lake, Calif., and in Yokosuka and Iwakuni, Japan. In Feb. 2003, Father Pat arrived in Hawaii to be the chaplain at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. From 2007-2009 he served in Kabul, Afghanistan. Ranked a commander, Father McCormick is now the Marine Corps Base Hawaii chaplain and plans to retire from the Navy in July.
1. Can you name a challenge you’ve faced as a priest and how you dealt with it?
Fear of preaching. I faced it by preaching whenever possible.
2. What is your favorite Bible passage?
My favorite is Psalm 37: “Entrust your cares to the Lord and He will support you… Be still and wait patiently for the Lord.” It reminds me that the works of my life, especially being a priest, can only be fruitful and have meaning if they come under the direction and providential plan of my Lord. My cares, concerns, hopes, and plans must always be directed by God to their final outcome as a part of his holy will. For my life to be worthwhile, it cannot be separate in any part from God’s holy plan and will.
3. What is your favorite movie?
“A Man for All Seasons,” the story of St. Thomas More. Paul Scofield played Thomas More. The story portrays the struggle and development of Thomas More in his fidelity to God. He knew his weaknesses and moved carefully and cautiously as historical events and the demands of his faith unfolded in his life. I think if Thomas More were to see the play or movie, he would be surprised and pleased at the portrayal and insights into his life as a faithful Christian. His story taught me that in the end, it is the struggles of life, not the apparent successes, that brings about the true character of a good person.
4. What book are you reading now (and what do you think about it)?
“Catherine of Siena” by Sigrid Undset, the story of a powerful woman in 14th century Italy. She trusted implicitly on God for direction and strength in everything she did. Catherine was a woman of extraordinary faith, who accomplished great things for the whole church and for individuals whom she directed.
5. Who is your favorite saint?
St. Francis de Sales. He was a priest and bishop who was contemplative in action and had great insight into human nature and compassion for his fellow man. St. Francis de Sales wrote a great book called “Introduction to the Devout Life” that I think spiritual directors can use to perceive the gentleness of God in our lives.
6. Who was the greatest positive influence on you becoming a priest?
My parents. They were humble, devout Catholics.
7. What advice have you received that has significantly influenced your life?
“Always love the church.” Archbishop Paul Hallinan of Atlanta told me this when I was in my first year of theology in Rome during the Second Vatican Council in 1965-66. At the time, I had no idea why he would say that. It was also the last thing he ever said to me before he died in 1968. I also had no idea of how challenging it would be to take that advice, nor what a source of security and blessing it would be for me. As I grow older, I grow in my love of the Catholic Faith though not of the institutional part of the church. However, as the Protestant Reformation revealed, the church and its faith are a package deal; you cannot separate them.
8. What was your favorite assignment as a priest?
The Chapel at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Great people.