(Observer file photos)
ROCKFOR—Msgr. Charles W. McNamee, JCL, STL, PA, died Friday, March 13, at Presence Cor Mariae Center, here, where he was a resident. He was 90 years old.
Msgr. McNamee was born on July 2, 1924, in Chicago, to Charles J. and Loretta (Emond) McNamee.
He attended Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary, Chicago; St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein; and St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore. He earned a master’s degree in education from Loyola University, Chicago, in 1959 and studied Canon Law at Gregorian University in Rome receiving a licentiate cum laude in 1980
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1950, by Bishop John J. Boylan at St. Patrick Parish in Dixon.
He served first as parochial vicar at the Cathedral of St. Peter Parish, Rockford, from 1950 to 1951, then at St. Laurence Parish, Elgin, from 1951 to 1963, while also assistant superintendent and faculty member at St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin from 1951-1963.
He was pastor of St. Mary Parish, Morrison from 1963-1966 and on the faculty at Newman Central Catholic High School, Sterling; was pastor of St. Andrew Parish, Rock Falls from 1966 to 1968 and on the faculty of Boylan Central Catholic High School; was pastor of St. Mary Parish in Pecatonica from 1968 to 1969.
In 1970 when he also left teaching duties at Boylan Central Catholic High School, he began to work full-time in the Diocesan Tribunal. Throughout his career, Msgr. McNamee worked in many capacities at the tribunal including as auditor, vice-officialis and promoter of justice from 1966 to 1999.
He served as chancellor for the Rockford Diocese from 1986 to 1999, Censor Librorum for the diocese.
He retired as chancellor and from active ministry in August 1999, but continued weekend assistance to Holy Spirit Parish, Roscoe and the Boy Scouts.
Among other positions held by Msgr. McNamee were secretary-treasurer of the Clergy Relief Society; bishop’s secretary for retired priests; director of Vianney Oaks; chaplain of Mount St. Francis Convent in Rockford from 1970 to 1976; and, associate director of Catholic Cemeteries from 1985 to 1999.
He was appointed Prelate of Honor (monsignor) by Pope John Paul II on Nov. 14, 1994, and installed by Bishop Thomas G. Doran on March 12, 1995. He was invested with the title of Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary, the highest rank of monsignor, by Pope John Paul II on May 11, 1999.
Msgr. McNamee has long been associated with the scouting program in the Rockford Diocese, having been appointed as diocesan director by Bishop Raymond Hillinger in 1954. He served in that capacity continuously for 42 years.
His interest in scouting began when, as a teen, he attended his first scout camp in 1937. He returned to the camp’s staff and later, while in the seminary, spent two summers on the staff of a Catholic camp in Tennessee.
After ordination he helped scouts at St. Laurence Parish earn the Ad Altare Dei medal. As diocesan director of scouting, “Father Mac,” as he was affectionately known, revived the practice of a diocesan-wide presentation of scouting’s religious awards at the request of Bishop Loras T. Lane. That celebration, first held at the beginning of the Diocese of Rockford’s year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary in 1959, continues to this day. He also helped organize the first religious retreat for scouts in 1963.
In 1980 the Lutheran Association of Scouters joined with the Catholic Committee to form what is now known as the Blackhawk Area Council Annual Religious Retreat. He also served for many years on the Executive Board of the Blackhawk Area Council.
Even though Msgr. McNamee retired from the directorship of scouting in 1996, he continued as chaplain at camps and religious retreats, and attended Order of the Arrow Conclaves until the time of his death.
Msgr. McNamee received the Vigil of Honor Award in Scouting in 1956 and was given the Silver Beaver Award, scouting’s highest honor, in 1960. He was also awarded with the St. George Award and the Bronze Pelican Award for scouting.
When interviewed for a history of Camp Lowden compiled by Everett Worrell and Steven Sarver, Msgr. McNamee talked about his love of the Lord and the outdoors when he said, “Camps and trips are great opportunities to bring our Lord to Catholic boys and girls and adults in an informal and elementary setting. But we also have contact with non-Catholics, so these are opportunities to bring our Lord to these people and to allow them to grow with Him too.”
In September 2013, the Catholic Committee on Scouting honored “Father Mac” by erecting and dedicating a new stone altar in his name at the outdoor chapel at Camp Lowden in Oregon during the 50th religious retreat Mass. That even was his last Mass at Camp Lowden.
Monsignor is survived by his sister Loretta McNamee, Crystal Lake and many cousins, brother priests and special friends. He is predeceased by his parents, sister, Sister Rose McNamee, BVM and brother William.
Msgr. McNamee’s Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, March 20, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church Street. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 19 at the church with rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the Mass. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Elgin.