Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Rest in Peace Father Donald P. Merrifield, S.J.

..."Fr. Merrifield was assigned to the Jesuit Community, Honolulu, Hawai‘i in 2003. He served the Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community, the Newman Center at U.H./Manoa, the Hispanic Community in Kalihi and Prison Ministry. With his extensive academic and administrative background, he was welcomed to the Board of Governors of Chaminade University.

Shortly after his arrival in Hawaii, he took up the ministry of bringing breakfast to the homeless in Ala Moana Park twice a week. Using his own funds and gifts from friends he quietly served some 30 homeless people whom he befriended. As he walked the park with his brother Peter, a long time O‘ahu resident, he got to know their stories. He served in such an unassuming manner that most had no idea that he was a Catholic priest. As his health declined, others came to assist him especially from the Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community and students from the Newman Center at U.H/Manoa. What started as a small outreach has now grown to some 365 people being fed each week in several of our local parks. A great legacy of service. A few years ago, this ministry was named in his honor—Fr. Don’s Breakfast Club.” This he said touched his heart more than any honor he had ever received...
Read the article in its entirety over at Father Marc's Blog

For funeral arrangements and where to send messages of condolences, click here

I remember Father as a kindly priest with a nice smile and who gave good homilies. Rest in peace dear Father.