Thousands of current and former parishioners of St. Kilian’s Church in Mission Viejo, as well as members of the community at-large, gathered Sunday afternoon to celebrate the priesthood of Fr. Jim Dunning. The party marked the retirement of the beloved pastor after 20 years of service at the parish and 47 years in the priesthood.
Fr. Jim Dunning
After a barbecue luncheon provided by Outback Steakhouse, Fr. Jim’s admirers stood in long lines for a chance to say goodbye. Fr. Jim led the parish through the growth period of the final build-out of the City of Mission Viejo. Last year St. Kilian’s christened its new Parish Center, which all agreed Friday would not have happened without Fr. Jim’s leadership. Plans are in place to build a new sanctuary.
“There is always more that one wants to complete before one departs,” said Fr. Dunning. “There are always more ideas, more projects, more outreach, but I am confident in all of you to carry on our good work and plans for the future. After praying about it, I realized it was time to step down and let someone with more energy carry out all of our ambitious plans, although it was very difficult for me to come to that conclusion and I did not do so without much prayful consideration.”
The Faithful filled the new parish hall community room, for a gentle roast of Fr. Jim by parishioners, family and friends. Fr. Jim is known for a great sense of humor and the ability to serve out and accept ribbing graciously. Perhaps the highlight of the “roast” was his nephew and niece recalling that on his trips to visit the family in Nebraska, he would take them to the mall. It seemed whenever he engaged in a conversation with anyone, he would quickly point out that they were his niece and nephew. They presented him with a T-Shirt that proclaimed, “These are NOT my kids.”
Fr. Dunning’s retirement is effective at the end of July. Fr. Bruce Patterson and Fr. Wayne Adajar will begin their new assignments as Pastor and Parochial Vicar, respectively.
St. Kilian's Gathering In Parish Hall
[Article by Allan Pilger]
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Father Jim has been an inspiration at St Killian’s all these years – he baptized both my boys and helped celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary last year. He was there for my firstborn’s First Communion, but sadly, will not be there for my youngest son’s First Communion next May. We went to say goodbye yesterday, and I had a lump in my throat! He will be sorely missed and we wish him the best.
What a blessing for a immigrant from Dublin, Ireland to end up in such a wonderful parish that is St Killians. Father Jim has been a constant face for the past 15 years. Always wanted to know how the golf was back home and if Padraig Harrington was playing well. He baptized all 3 of my children , the oldest two received Holy Communion from him, maybe will will have a special invitation Mass in a few years so Connor may also receive his first commuion from Father Jim. We were even blessed to have him re-marry us on our 10th anniversary. We sadly missed yesterdays celebration but know we will see Fr Jim around town. God Bless you Fr Jim, and keep those Irish Eyes smiling. Fiona and family.
Fr. Dunning’s service–his faith, hope, and charity–was personal with him, I believe. When my husband died at Mission Hospital, Fr. Dunning came straight away to give him the Last Sacrament and to share comforting thoughts with me. He didn’t know us … we were visiting from out of town. I shall never forget his kindness.
Surely, he will be sorely missed by his parish.
Alinde and I regret missing the retirement party but we were on vacation 7/15-29.
God bless Fr. Jim in his future endeavors. The life of a priest, especially a rector, is never easy.
Our best to him in the future.
Congratulations on Fr Dunning’s retirement. Hope you are moving back Nebraska way. Remember Us? Our daughter Vicki was 2 and will be 41 years old August 20 (Chadron, Neb.). We would love to hear from you.
Fr. Jim made a difference and it was our sincere pleasure to call St. Kilian’s our Spiritual Home under his dedicated ministry. Blessings always dear friend. Smile!