Most Rev. Austin A. Vetter Bishop | Diocese of Helena

St. Louis, MO - Monsignor John Francis McCarthy, a highly respected figure in the Catholic community, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on March 11, 2024, at the Mother of Good Counsel Home in St. Louis, Missouri. He was surrounded by friends and fortified by the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church.

Born in Butte, Montana on May 7, 1930, Monsignor McCarthy dedicated his life to serving the church. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Helena, Montana in 1955 after completing his education at Carroll College.

Throughout his illustrious career, Monsignor McCarthy held various prestigious positions, including serving as a Professor at the Lateran University in Rome and as an official of the Vatican Congregation for the Oriental Churches. He also founded the priestly Society of the Oblates of Wisdom and its lay affiliate group, the Marian Academy of the Oblates of Holy Tradition.

Monsignor McCarthy's commitment to his faith extended beyond his professional life, as evidenced by his family members who also embraced religious callings. His brother, Father James McCarthy, and his sister, Sister Anita of the Blessed Virgin Mary, were also devoted to serving the church.

In addition to his family, Monsignor McCarthy is survived by numerous relatives, first cousins, and the priests of the Oblates of Wisdom, as well as the Oblates of Holy Tradition, who are grateful for his leadership and guidance.

Friends and members of the community are invited to pay their respects at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Sunday, April 14, 2024, with a Parish Vigil to be recited at 7:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Austin Vetter on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 11:00 am at the same church.

A memorial Mass in honor of Monsignor John Francis McCarthy will also be held at St. Mary of Victories Chapel in St. Louis, MO, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11:00 am. The legacy of Monsignor McCarthy's dedication to his faith and his community will continue to inspire and guide those who had the privilege of knowing him.