Paul M. Pare

Auburn-Fr. Paul M. Pare, 87, passed away at the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice House, on Nov. 3 following a long, valiant journey with vascular dementia. He was born in Lewiston, October 26, 1927, the son of Cyrille & Aurore (Lessard) Pare. Fr. Paul attended Holy Cross school and graduated as a member of St. Dominic High School's first graduating class in 1945, where he excelled in sports, playing baseball as catcher, goalie on the hockey team; and also played football. Following graduation, a scholarship led him to attend Assumption College in Mass. where he again was very involved in the sports he loved. From there, he pursued his studies in preparation to the priestly ministry at St. Paul's Seminary, in Ottawa, Canada. He was ordained a priest on May 30, 1953, in Portland, by Bishop Daniel J. Feeney thus beginning 60 years of active ministry in the diocese. His first assignment was as assistant at St. Mark's Parish in Sheridan/Ashland for two years. He then served as curate at St. Ignatius Parish in Sanford for ten years, and at St. Martin de Tours Parish, in Millinockett. In 1968, he was named Pastor of St. James the Greater Parish, in Woodland. This was followed by pastorates in the Parishes of St. Augustine, in Augusta; St. Joseph's, in Biddeford; and St. Francis of Assissi in Belfast, where he ministered for 8 years. He was then assigned to the Parish of Notre Dame in Waterville where he served not only as Pastor but was named as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart and St. Francis de Sales Parishes. His next assignments were at St. Ambrose Parish in Richmond, and St. Leo's Parish in Litchfield. Though he was then of age to officially retire from ministry, he honored the Bishop's request to minister as Interim Pastor at St. Andrew's Parish in Augusta for two years and later at Holy Rosary Parish in Sabattus. He retired from official pastoral duties in 2000, but continued to serve as a (Priest in residence) at St. Paul's Retreat Center in Augusta for two years, and again as (Priest in residence) at St. Bridget's Parish in North Vassalboro for a year. From there, he officially retired and moved to Holy Family Rectory in Lewiston where he enjoyed the opportunity to become an itinerant priest, traveling to one parish or another throughout the diocese on nearly every given week-end, replacing some of his fellow priests in over fifty different parishes all across the state. He enjoyed the opportunity to still serve, as well as meeting new people. Many will remember that it was at this period of his ministry that the song "Day by Day" became a standard ending to most Sunday Masses he celebrated, as he invited the congregation to sing it with him, urging them to incorporate the message in each of their lives: "Day by Day, 0 Dear Lord, Three Things I Pray: See Thee More Clearly, Love Thee More Dearly, Follow Thee More Nearly, Day By Day." Besides his parish ministry, Fr. Paul was Dean of his deanery for three consecutive terms. He served on the Priests Senate for four terms; on the Personnel Board from 1976 through the late 1980's. He was appointed to the Diocesan Board of Education in 1973. He served on the Diocesan Finance Council for many years. He was also Chaplain to the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament Sisters in Waterville as well as to other religious congregations. Throughout his 60 years of ministry, he always addressed whatever obstacle or adversity that came his way with dignity, integrity, enthusiasm and with a resolve in mind. He was also known to actively reach out to his parishioners as well as his fellow priests, especially those in pain or going through personal conflicts. Fr Paul was a lover of life and it was evident in all he did. Whether he was doing his priestly ministry, renovating a church building,canoeing the Allagash, watching a sunrise, researching genealogy, climbing Mt. Katahdin, singing a song, enjoying his rustic camps, first in Millinockett and later in Belgrade, instructing a convert, spending time with friends, or playing a game of volleyball with nieces and nephews, he did it all with zest. We, his family will be forever grateful for the life changing generosity Paul extended to us in so many ways and areas of our lives and for the many wonderful memories he leaves us with. Because of him, our lives have been enriched. Father Paul was predeceased by his parents; two half brothers: Cyrille Jr. and Clifford Pare, three sisters: Patricia Camire, Lucille, - Sr. Sylvie, o.p.-, and Louise Pare; two brothers: Louis and Jean-Thomas, as well as four nephews: George Camire, Michael and David Roy and Richard Pare; and several brother priests from his Emmaus group who were very dear to him. He is survived by his sisters: Madeleine Roy, Marguerite and husband Dr. Raynald Roy; one brother, Andre and wife, Mariette, as well as many nieces and nephews, and close friends who will miss him dearly Our family extends a very sincere thank you to all his caretakers on 4-East at the d'Youville Pavilion where he resided for almost 2 years and to the caring staff at the Androscoggin Hospice House.

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Pare-Died in Auburn Nov. 3rd. Rev. Paul M. age 87. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday Nov. 6th at 11:00AM at Holy Cross Church. Burial to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to St. Dominic Academy's Scholarship Fund at 121 Gracelawn Rd. Auburn, ME 04210. Visitation will be held at Holy Cross Church on Wednesday Nov. 5th from 3:00 to 7:00pm. Arrangements by Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home. 784-4023.