Monsignor Laurence O'Brien


The Parish in 1977


Monsignor O'Brien with the Women's Council

The "Guitar Group" with Rev. Helmut Hefner

Associate Pastors+Sunday Help 1972-1986
Rev.Patrick Daly
Rev.John P. Twomey
Rev.Francis J. Wallace
Rev.Brad Dusak
Rev.Patrick J. Staunton
Rev.Helmut A. Hefner
Rev.Thomas A. Bolten
Rev.John Houle
Rev.Dominici Pontolillo
Rev.Jim Barnes
Rev.Robert Butler, S.J.
Rev.Harry DeJonghe
Rev.Augustine Carter, O.Carm.
Rev.Terry Esling
Rev.Ernest Hoerdemann
Rev.William Wolfe

 Rev. Laurence O'Brien became pastor in October 1972. One of the first challenges that Monsignor O'Brien had to meet was to arrange the altar so that the presider could face the assembly during the celebration of the Liturgy. It was left to Monsignor to implement many of the changes in the wake of the Second Vatican Council. He introduced the use of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. Lay lectors started to proclaim the scripture at Mass. Contemporary music was introduced into the Liturgy, and gradually expanded under lay leadership. Monsignor had to cope with continuing staffing the parish school with fewer religious and more lay people. He established a parish council and worked to involve lay people in more of the decision making.

In addition to accommodating new requirements, Monsignor O'Brien retained and emphasized some of the long established private devotions and introduced the popular Novena of the Miraculous Medal as well as a monthly Holy Hour. At his direction, the Holy name Society was reborn with monthly breakfasts and occasional dances. Monsignor knew that many in his flock were wary of the changes in the Church. He always sought to balance Counciliar reforms with the retained devotions.

It also fell to Monsignor O'Brien to restore some of the luster that had faded from the original parish buildings. The church and the school were repainted. Paneling was installed in the church to cover chipping plaster. A new organ from Germany was installed.

Monsignor O'Brien retired from active duty in 1986, but stayed on as Pastor Emeritus and worked in the parish as long as he was physically able. He died on August 22, 1998. Cardinal Mahony was the principle celebrant for his funeral on August 26 at Incarnation Church.


Monsignor O'Brien's Funeral


More Incarnation Church History.....