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In the News - February 20112
Introducing Chaplain Fr. Joe O'Neill
by Bill Leader
Fr. Joe O'Neill, a Roman Catholic priest, has joined the Chaplaincy and is available on Thursdays and Fridays in the terminals for the growing number of people of the Catholic faith.
From County Laois in the Republic of Ireland (Southern Ireland), it didn't take Fr. Joe long to become familiar with some of the worries of airline and airport personnel.
Due to the recent bankruptcy filing by American Airlines, "Some of the American Airlines employees are under some stress. They're uncertain what the future holds for them," he noted. He also shared that some people working the concessions program at the airport are also concerned with job security as a result of the TRIP program. "Some of the people working the shops and restaurants, you call them concessions here, are worried about the changes taking place. They worry if their units will remain open after the renovations."
The genial priest is a good listener, although, with his lilting Southern Irish accent, many people have enjoyed listening to him!
He has also talked with U.S. troops departing for Afghanistan. "It makes you very conscious of the sacrifices they are making," he said.
And he's talked to the day-to-day passengers, noting concerns of family problems and some suffering financial issues.
Fr. O'Neill arrived to the United States on September 9, 2011 for a year's sabbatical leave from his home diocese in Kildare and Leighlin. He is a guest of the Holy Family of Nazareth Parish in Irving. It is a Catholic Parish within the Diocese of Dallas and he describes the parish as "a lovely community" and as "having been made feel most welcome."
"Every ten years or so, it is possible for a priest to avail of a 'sabbatical' year. This sabbatical year can be used for further studies or to work overseas. I chose to work in the United States," explained Fr. O'Neill. "I'd spent a vacation in Florida. I speak the language and the food is good!" he said with a chuckle. But at the same time, he finds it interesting to experience his faith from a different perspective.
Knowing the Chaplaincy was seeking a Catholic priest, Bishop Kevin Farrell, who leads the Dallas Diocese, suggested Fr. O'Neill might offer his services. Fr. O'Neill began his work in the DFW terminals late November.
"In Ireland there's a very high percentage of Catholics - maybe 90 percent of the population, although some may be nominally Catholic, not actually practicing. Here, there are so many different religions. Dallas/Fort Worth is part of the 'Bible belt' and there are many evangelistic churches," he notes.
While Fr. O'Neill is enjoying his time in this country, he will return home at the end of the year. "I am needed more at home," he says. The Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin has a population of over 225,000 but there are only 86 priests available for the 56 parishes. Congregations are growing but the number of people entering the priesthood is not.
When asked if the Catholic Church permitted priests to marry, would the church be able to recruit more priests, Fr. O'Neill answered, "I don't know if it would make a huge difference. Priesthood is a way of life. If a priest were to marry and have children, how would they be supported? What would happen should the priest die unexpectedly? Having married priests would raise new issues."
As he meets new people, "when I mention I'm from Ireland people ask about the troubles in Northern Ireland." The problem, often depicted as being between Catholics and Protestants has, Fr. O'Neill said, "been hugely exaggerated by the news media. It is reported as a Catholic versus Protestant problem, in essence it's a political problem. While the Republic of Ireland gained independence from Britain in 1916, strife continued over the six counties in the northeastern part of the island that remained part of the United Kingdom. The troubles continued up to the 'Good Friday Agreement' in 1998 which marked a turning point in the relationships between Britain and Ireland. Indeed, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited Ireland last year and they were graciously received."