Father Paul Chenot, CP, a Passionist priest of the St. Paul of the Cross Province of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, died at the Immaculate Conception Monastery in Jamaica on Dec. 19, 2023. He was 79 years old. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Father Chenot graduated from South Hills Catholic High School in 1962.
He entered the Passionist Preparatory Seminary in Dunkirk, New York in 1962. From 1965 to 1968 he completed collegiate studies at St. Ann’s Monastery in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Immaculate Conception Monastery in Jamaica. In 1970 he completed graduate studies at St. John’s University, achieving a degree as a Master of Theology and then in 1971 completed further graduate studies at St. Michael’s Monastery in Union City, New Jersey.
Father Chenot’s first profession of vows to consecrated life with the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ was in 1965 at Saint Paul of the Cross Monastery, Pittsburgh. He became fully professed in 1968 and, in 1972, was ordained to the priesthood on May 26 by Bishop Reginald Arliss, a Passionist bishop, at Saint Paul of the Cross Monastery, Pittsburgh.
Father Chenot began his priestly ministry at St. Joseph’s parish in Baltimore, serving there from 1972 to 1975. He then assumed a chaplaincy ministry at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens
between 1975 and 1978. In 1978 he became rector of Immaculate Conception Monastery in Jamaica, exercising senior leadership there until 1986.
He then ministered from 1986 to 1988 on behalf of youth at the St. Gabriel’s Retreat Center in Shelter Island, New York. Simultaneous to these ministries in the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Father Chenot also ministered as chaplain at the Dominican Commercial High School in Jamaica. From 1988 to 1990 he was part of the retreat team at Cardinal Spellman Retreat Center in Riverdale, New York.
Father Chenot had a particular commitment to ministry with those living with psychiatric needs. In 1990, he returned as chaplain to Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, continuing there for almost 30 years until retiring due to health concerns. A beloved fan of the music group Grateful Dead, Father Chenot found much wisdom in particularly favorite songs such as “Ripple” and “Eyes of the World.”
“Father Paul was a very unique person, who was exceptional with people who had special needs,” said Father Jim Price, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish and vicar provincial of the St. Paul of the Cross Province, who knew Father Chenot for 30 years.
“He was always good with pastoral advice; a good person, who was great with the patients at Creedmoor.” A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Passionist Provincial Father James O’Shea, at Immaculate Conception Parish in Jamaica, on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Interment was at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.
Sister Mary Dowden, RSM, (formerly Sister Mary Secour), 85, a Sister of Mercy for 67 years, died peacefully on Dec. 23, 2023. She attended St. Gerard Majella School in Hollis and Marcy Juniorate, entered the Sisters of Mercy Novitiate in September 1956, and professed her final vows in April 1962.
Sister Mary taught in St. Brigid (1959-1963), Maria Regina, Seaford (1963-67), and Our Lady of Peace, Lynbrook (1967-86). After 19 years teaching at Our Lady of Peace, Sister assumed the role
of principal, in which she served for 30 years. Every March 17 you would see her march in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade along with the marching band and twirlers she trained so impeccably.
Having bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education made her expert in forming and directing a choir and glee club. She was well loved by three generations of parishioners, as was evidenced at her funeral Mass where every seat was filled. Her Mass was celebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan and burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn.