A Second Life for Fr. Bill Mulchair, M.S.

Fr. Bill Mulcair, M.S.I recently spent a couple hours visiting my fellow La Salette priest, Fr. Bill Mulcair, at the Intensive Education Academy in West Hartford, where he has worked since 1988.

The Academy, founded in 1971 by Sister Helen Dowd, a Sister of St. Joseph of Chambery, in the basement of their motherhouse on Park Street in West Hartford, CT. The Academy serves youths from 6 to 18 years of age who have learning disabilities and emotional problems.

In 1995 the school was able to purchase and transfer to a very contemporary designed synagogue building which has since expanded into an impressive education complex. The Academy has a well-respected reputation throughout Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. When written up in newspaper accounts, a label often given to the Academy is “A School Founded on Love.” Fr. Bill is a Counselor, therapist, spiritual guide, and a member of its Board. He has been a major part of the Academy’s growth and development.

 

From Across the Pond

Fr. Bill was born in the La Salette parish of St. Peter’s in Dagenham, England. The example of the La Salette priests serving in his home parish sparked in him the desire to join the La Salette community. His early seminary and novitiate formation took place in France; his studies in Philosophy in Belgium; his theology in the U.S., where was ordained in 1965.

Fr. Bill’s home parish of St. Peter’s, Dagenham, England; left: Church and Rectory façades; right: interior viewThe first half of his priestly life included teaching in our La Salette Seminary in Cheshire, CT., for nine years, four years as Parish Associate in Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Hartford, and St. James, Danielson. He also served as pastor for twelve years in three different parishes: Immaculate Conception in Holyoke, MA, his home parish of St. Peter’s in Dagenham, England, as well as Blessed Sacrament Parish in Atlanta, GA.

He also served on the Provincial Council for three years. In Rome he served for five years as a member of the General Council and Secretary General, doing worldwide administrative and financial oversight work for the La Salette Congregation. In other words, he has gathered extensive experience in the areas of administrative, pastoral, ministerial, human and spiritual dynamics.

Choosing a Second Life

However, having worked in these various areas, Fr. Bill, in his late 40s, took a completely new direction. He returned to school to become a professionally certified and licensed Marriage and Family Counselor and therapist for the State of Connecticut. This licensing has involved attending ongoing formation for fifteen years to maintain his professional standing.

Fr. Bill also worked at the Elmcrest Psychiatric Hospital in Portland, Ct., for 1 year, at Lutheran Counseling Services in Hartford and New Britain for four years. Then he joined the staff of the Intensive Education Academy in West Hartford, CT, where he has served up to the present.

Among other honors, he has received several awards for his outstanding dedication and service, as well as an honorary Ph.D. from Briarwood College, in Southington, Ct. He lives and participates in the religious life of the La Salette Community on New Park Avenue in Hartford, CT.

A Ministry of Reconciliation

Sr. Helen Dowd (on far right) and supporters of the Intensive Education Academy in West Hartford, CTDuring my visit at the Academy, I was very impressed with the close relationship Fr. Bill has with Sister Helen, the founder of the school. It was also evident that he has a friendly rapport with the staff. Walking the corridors of the school, it was enjoyable to be swept up in the energy the students displayed when they interacted with Fr. Bill.

His pleasant presence undoubtedly spills over in his interaction with the parents of the students.
As I drove away I thought of Fr. Bill, a La Salette priest, doing work that had resonance with the apparition at La Salette where Our Lady appeared to two youngsters with limited learning and troubled background.

Some of the youths at the Academy fall into the same category, with limited learning abilities and some with a troubled background. Part of the La Salette mission is to address the problems of the day, and the needs of our youth are certainly a major issue of our day. Fr. Bill brings the La Salette grace and gift to that need in his work at the Academy.

The Marvelous Dedication of La Salettes

A La Salette Crucifix emblem from the large La Salette Mosaic in St. Peter’s Parish in Dagenham, EnglandI am truly inspired by many of our La Salette priests but especially by our senior priests who have not retired from full involvement in ministry or have not done so until it was absolutely necessary. These are men for whom retirement is a word that does not seem to exist in their vocabulary. They continue to put their energy and zeal into full ministerial service of God’s people.

Fr. Bill may soon retire. Age and reduced energy may require that. Yet to me, it seems that it will happen because Fr. Bill will hear God saying, “O.K., Bill, it’s enough now,” rather than Bill himself saying, “Hey God, it’s enough. I’m retiring.”

It is precisely that difference that inspires me most.