Father Jerome R. Gingras, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, Glenville; Our Lady of Grace, Ballston Lake, and St. Joseph’s, Scotia, died suddenly today. He was 71.
Father Jerry, as he was popularly known, was ordained May 6, 1978, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany. He joined the Conventual Franciscans in Granby, Mass., and served in parishes in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. He was incardinated into the Diocese of Albany in 1994 and began his ministry at Immaculate Conception in Glenville as an associate pastor. He went on to serve at St. Mary’s in Clinton Heights, before being named pastor of Immaculate Conception, Glenville, in 2007.
“We are terribly saddened by today’s news and by the loss of a dedicated priest. While we mourn the sudden loss of Father Jerry, we know that he lived his life for this moment. We will feel the pain of his absence, but eternal life is his reward and that is no small thing; it is everything,” said Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. “We will be praying for his family and for the parishioners who were a second family to him, and, of course, we will pray for the repose of his soul. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.”
The Immaculate Conception parish website includes the following quote from Father Jerry, summing up his vocation to the priesthood: “I am privileged to be allowed to enter into the lives and hearts of people, and to offer them consolation, share in their joy, and walk with them on their journey. Also, as a priest, I am humbled to provide the Eucharist for my people each week, and to offer the Lord's sacraments to them."
Fr. Gingras’ body will be received at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Glenville, at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 7 p.m.; Bishop Scharfenberger will be the main the celebrant. The Mass will be livestreamed via a link on the church’s website.