WESTERNPORT – With a mischievous smile, Patsy Kenealy carefully wrapped a slice of chocolate cake, the name “Adam” written prominently in frosting.
“We don’t spoil him at all,” she joked, placing it on the counter for Bishop Adam J. Parker – known fondly by St. Peter Church parishioners in Westernport as simply “Father Adam.”
Here in Western Maryland near the Appalachian Mountains, Bishop Parker began his priesthood as an associate pastor at St. Peter 25 years ago. Bishop Parker returned to what he called “his number one assignment” to celebrate his silver jubilee with an April 27 Mass.
“At that time, when I was just starting, it was the people of this parish … who welcomed me,” the bishop said. “You all taught me how to be a priest. I am so grateful.”
Bishop Parker shared with them that when he was first called to the priesthood at age 19 while studying at the University of Maryland, College Park, he questioned as many priests as possible about what the day-to-day life of a priest was like.
“I anticipated that I might be serving in parishes across the archdiocese. That parish ministry would be the course of my life,” Bishop Parker said. “Boy, was I wrong.”
After serving five years as associate pastor at St. Peter and a few years as pastor at the Church of the Ascension in Halethorpe, Bishop Parker was appointed priest-secretary to Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, later a cardinal, and joined him on his many assignments around the Archdiocese of Baltimore and later in Rome. He served one year as vice chancellor before being appointed vicar general and moderator of the curia by Archbishop William E. Lori. He was appointed monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011 and was appointed an auxiliary bishop of Baltimore in 2017 by Pope Francis.
Those assignments brought with them “so many blessings and unique opportunities. Some electric experiences,” Bishop Parker said. “I have to say though, the only part of my priesthood in 25 years that actually bore any resemblance to what I thought priesthood was going to be, was my time here in Westernport.”
More than 100 people attended the Mass and Bishop Parker greeted many by name as they congratulated him outside before entering the social hall, where a luncheon was held in the bishop’s honor.
“Something about him, we felt very strongly there was something special about him, “ said Joe Lease, a longtime parishioner of St. Peter. “I just found him to be a person who connects with everybody.”
Tammy Marple said Bishop Parker would often visit her pre-K class.
Marple said the young priest was very engaging with the students. “The first memory I have is him spending time with the kids,” she said.
Kenealy said Bishop Parker was “a young, vibrant priest” who brought many youths back to the church.
In an interview, Bishop Parker said he always tried to organize monthly events for youths and other parishioners, such as chili cook-offs, snow tubing and hiking outings.
“Someone reminded me I spent some time in a dunking booth,” Bishop Parker said, with a laugh. “We did a lot of different programs to bring people together and engage in life in the parish.”
At the luncheon, parishioners shared memories of Super Bowl parties and white-water rafting trips. They also spoke of Bishop Parker’s relatable sermons and his compassion.
“My dad was dying and he said ‘Call Father Adam. I want to see him,’” Nina Clark shared. “He (Father Adam) must have run. He was just there.”
Bishop Parker has returned to Westernport often to visit the church (now part of Divine Mercy Parish in Western Maryland). One of his most cherished memories happened only two years ago when he returned to celebrate Easter Mass.
“April 2023 was a really, really challenging time for the archdiocese,” Bishop Parker told the congregation. “I will never forget that Easter Sunday, walking up this aisle, coming around, kissing this altar and standing up and seeing you, the parishioners, here in church, full that day. I will never forget that moment and what that meant to me, because in that moment, I realized with all that gunk going on, this is what mattered, this is what’s real. The privilege of celebrating Mass.”
As to where the next 25 years will take him, Bishop Parker said “it is hard to predict the future.” He does know he is a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and that he has family in the area.
“My priesthood has been filled with a lot of blessings and so many unique opportunities I never anticipated,” Bishop Parker said. “I am open to God’s plan.”
Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org
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