UPDATE: This report has been updated with expanded calling hours for visitation for Monsignor John P. Murphy.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Funeral services have been announced for Monsignor John P. Murphy, pastor emeritus at St. Thomas More Church in Allentown, who died Friday at age 86.
Murphy had been a priest in the Allentown Diocese for more than 40 years before retiring two years ago.
Murphy, a Schuylkill County native who was ordained a priest in 1964, died at his residence in Macungie, according to the diocese.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Monsignor Murphy will be celebrated by Allentown Bishop Alfred A. Schlert at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, in St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown.
The Rev. Christopher S. Butera, pastor Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Bath, will be homilist.
Major Concelebrants will include Monsignor David L. James, Vicar General and pastor of Saint Peter Parish, Coplay; the Very Rev. Eugene P. Ritz, vicar for clergy; Monsignor Daniel J. Yenushosky, vicar forane of Lehigh Deanery and paster of Holy Trinity Parish, Whitehall Township; the Rev. John S. Pendzick, pastor of St. Thomas More parish, Allentown; the Rev. Joseph J. Kweder, pastor of St. Rocco Parish, Martins Creek; the Rev. Stanley M. Moczydlowski, pastor, St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish, whitehall and the Rev. Eric R. Arnout, pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Slatington.
Calling hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, in St. Thomas More. A Vigil Service will be conducted at 7 p.m., by Monsignor Yenushosky, vicar forane, Lehigh DeaneryHomilist will be Father Kweder.
Additional calling hours will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, prior to the Mass.
Interment will be at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery, Shenandoah, Schuylkill County.
Murphy, a Schuylkill County native who was ordained a priest in 1964, died at his residence in Macungie, according to the diocese.
Murphy was born in Shenandoah and attended Annunciation School and the old Shenandoah Catholic High School.
He previously served as assistant pastor and pastor at Immaculate Conception BVM Church in Allentown. He also was director of CYO for the diocese and Lehigh County.
