After a half-century of service to persons with disabilities, Father Joe McNulty retired earlier this year from his position with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland. He also retired from parish ministry after serving 49 years at St. Augustine Parish in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, including 43 years as pastor.
Father McNulty had served as director of the diocesan deaf apostolate, a ministry of Catholic Charities.
St. Augustine Parish is a hub for Catholic Charities’ services, including a robust hunger center. The parish also collaborates with Catholic Charities for several programs, including ministries for the disabled, including the deaf, blind, mentally ill and developmentally disabled.
“We couldn’t do all this alone,” Father McNulty said, crediting partnerships with several suburban parishes.
The Hispanic Senior Center, a Catholic Charities ministry located in St. Augustine Towers on Cleveland’s West Side, was bustling as staff members, family, friends and former co-workers stopped by on Sept. 15 to wish Father McNulty well.
“He’s an amazing person,” said Sister Kathleen Ryan, who served as director of the Diocesan Social Action Office before her retirement. She recalled how Father McNulty took classes to learn American Sign Language as he embraced the ministry for the deaf and hearing impaired.
Others enjoying the reception included Patrick Gareau, president and CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland; Fredy Robles, chief program officer; Marilyn Scott, director of disability services and ministries; Sister Rita Mary Harwood, recently retired director of the diocesan Secretariat for Parish Life and Development; and Maureen Dee, former director of substance abuse programs.
Some of Father McNulty’s family also dropped by to wish him well. His brother, Father John McNulty, pastor of Communion of Saints Parish in Cleveland Heights, was there, as was another brother, Dennis, who retired from disability services ministry, and Dennis’ wife, Jill.