Oct. 12, 2016

By Deacon Kevin Mastellon
Staff writer

Watertown - The superior general of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart told a Watertown audience that clericalism is a major concern for clergy and should be for the lay community.

“You find clericalism in the man who says ‘I am a priest and I am better than everyone else,” Father Mark McDonald said. “Or in the priest who says ‘the laws don’t apply to me.’” 

Father Mark, as he is affectionately called in the Watertown community, came home from his posting in Rome, Italy for a visit with family and friends and to address this year’s annual dinner and meeting of the Sacred Heart Foundation. 

The dinner, with about 250 in attendance, was held Sept. 21 at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Father Mark is the son of Don and Anna Murrock McDonald who were long time members of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart parish in Watertown. Along with his sisters, Mary and Sally, he attended Sacred Heart School and Immaculate Heart Academy.

His sister Mary, Mary McDonald Mascott, served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the dinner.

The foundation provides funds for the education and formation of priests and brothers for the Sacred Heart Order worldwide. It was in the context of forming men for the priesthood that the man who has led that denomination since 2005 spoke of the “dangers of clericalism.”

“Humility must be present to be in ministry,” Father McDonald said. “We all have one life; the same life.
You,” he told the audience, “must keep us honest in our vocation so we can help others in theirs.”

This was the 43rd dinner meeting of the Foundation.  Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of a $10,000 donation from Watertown Council 259 of the Knights of Columbus.  The gift brings the Council’s support of the Foundation goals to $15,000 and results in an annual scholarship named for the Council.

The Sacred Heart Foundation Board of Directors awarded $78,000 in scholarships for 2016 at  its March Board Meeting. The Scholarship Committee reviewed applications from ten different MSC Provinces located in eight  countries.  Eighty-eight MSC deacons and seminary students will receive financial assistance.

The 2016 distribution was the highest annual award the Sacred Heart Foundation has given in scholarships. Since its origin in 1967, the foundation has granted over $1.6 million in scholarships.