Father Quinn: People, especially kids, are his passion

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CHEPACHET – When Father Charles P. Quinn told his parishioners at St. Eugene Church that he was retiring, there were many tears.

Most people knew that the popular and very active priest needed to slow down since suffering a major heart attack last November, but they hoped that the 66 year-old pastor would stay on for a few more years. Saying good-bye to a beloved priest who has influenced countless lives is never easy.

“I’m excited about not having the pressures any more, but I’m really going to miss the people,” Father Quinn remarked in a recent interview. “We have a group of really good people here.”

Known affectionately as “Father Charlie” to the more than 900 families that comprise the rural parish, he decided to accept Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s offer of early retirement, and the chance to live life at a less hectic pace.

Father Quinn, a native of Providence, attended St. Michael School and LaSalle Academy, before entering Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Warwick Neck. He is the oldest of six children.

He credits the Mercy Sisters and the late pastor of St. Michael Church, Father Henry Shelly, for planting the seeds of his long and joy-filled priesthood.

Father Quinn continued his studies at the American College at the Catholic University of Louvain, in Belgium, and was ordained to the priesthood by the late former Bishop Bernard M. Kelly on June 4, 1966 in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence.

The priest said that it was exciting being taught by professors in Europe who had participated in the Second Vatican Council and who shared their vast knowledge and experience.

“I think that Louvain taught me that the people were important,” Father Quinn recalled. “It taught me compassion and humility.”

After his ordination, Father Quinn served as assistant pastor of St. Joseph Church, Central Falls, and in the same capacity at St. Teresa Church, Providence, where he worked diligently to rid the Olneyville neighborhood of drugs and alcohol.

He was instrumental in developing the Junction Drug Program, and drawing city and state officials’ attention to the desperate plight of the crime-infested neighborhood.

“We helped a few kids from going over the edge,” he observed.

While Father Quinn has enjoyed each of his priestly assignments, the highlight of his priesthood has been “working with young people.

“I’ve enjoyed that tremendously,” he said, noting that he served as chaplain at Mount St. Charles Academy, Woonsocket, from 1982-1987 and has been the school’s junior high soccer coach for 26 years.

“I’ll continue to do it until they roll me out in a wheelchair,” he chuckled.

While most of his priesthood brought happiness, there were a few sad times, such as burying young accident victims and the closing of the former St. Raymond School in Providence, when he was pastor of the parish church.

“That was one of the saddest moments of my priesthood,” he remembered, adding that he’ll never forget the tear-stained faces of the school’s staff and students.

“And there have been many happy times,” Father Quinn noted, adding that he’s developed countless wonderful friendships since coming to St. Eugene Church a decade ago.

‘The people were so supportive when I had the heart attack,” he said. “I really enjoyed being pastor here.”

Retirement will offer Father Quinn a chance to enjoy his two hobbies, gardening and photography.

“I love my garden,” he said, smiling. “I’ve never had much luck with vegetables but the flowers came up this year. It gets my mind off of everything.”

Father Quinn is also an avid photographer, and specializes in nature photography.

“I just love mountains; I’m awed by the scenery,” he admitted, adding that the beauty of God’s creation is something that everyone should pause to view and appreciate. Father Quinn has enjoyed photography trips to destinations throughout New England and New York, California and Alaska and has visited several national parks.

Never one to stay still for too long, Father Quinn plans to serve as a part-time chaplain at Mount St. Charles Academy, where he will celebrate Mass, offer retreats and continue as the junior high school soccer coach. He’ll also help out in parishes as needed, and will reside at his home at Wallum Lake, Burrillville.