By Mary Quilici Aumack, CEO
I met Bishop PJ McGrath when he came to San Jose in 1998. It was at a reception for Catholic Charities. I know that there is such a thing as “instant like,” and that is most certainly what I felt. When I first asked him to participate in an endeavor of mine, he labeled me “That Woman” who got him to commit. He referred to me as “That Woman” for the rest of our 25-year friendship.
Back Row, L to R: Ron Pelzel, Barbara Gentzkow, Bishop McGrath, Sheryl Pelzel, Susan Flach, Doug Aumack
Front Row, L to R: Peg Normandin, Paul Gentzkow, Mary Quilici Aumack, Oliver Flach, Lon Normandin
Among our cherished memories are those with “the gang” as he called us. A group of five couples that gathered with him periodically just to share a meal, memories, laughs and love. We learned about his family, and he ALWAYS had a fun(ny) story to tell.
In 2004, Bishop McGrath embarked on the Rooted in Faith campaign which raised funds for many great ministries, and the Catholic Foundation was formed. In 2008, he designated me to join the board of the Foundation, an appointment for which I will always be grateful. We worked together for many years to bring endowments to our parishes. When he retired, we were honored to work with the Diocese to introduce the Patrick J. McGrath Endowment for Ministry.
When we gathered in the Cathedral to bid farewell to Bishop McGrath, I just KNOW that he would have loved how the building swelled with song and community.
You can read many other articles about the achievements of Bishop McGrath. Here are the things that stood out to me:
- He was FUNNY.
- He was at once our Bishop and an everyman.
- Had he not been a priest he would have been an architect, and he continued to observe and study architecture throughout his life.
- He enjoyed entertaining and getting to know the parents of clergy. I have heard from more than one of my priest friends about the beauty and value of this.
- He had a soft spot for the women religious (who doesn’t?).
- He loved homemade orange marmalade (which I enjoyed making for him).
- He appreciated the company of friends – and there were so many.
Although it was too soon, and my heart still breaks a little, I am grateful for the presence of this man in my life.
Rest in Peace dear Bishop McGrath. The value of your place in my faith journey is ineffable.