Fr. Charles Noone

My good friend, Father Charles Noone, and I have spoken much about teaching and learning over the years.  He has often shared the insight shared with him at the outset of his teaching career by the late Father James Mulligan, who at the time had all of one year’s seniority.  Muggsy’s insight was this: “They won’t remember much of what you say, but they’ll always remember how you make them feel.”

Well, Father, there’s good news and there’s semi-good news.   I can verify that – in my case, at least – Father Mulligan was right.  I can’t say that I remember a single specific item from the syllabus of Freshman Religion.  But I can say, with conviction, that I’ve never forgotten the feeling of partnership in life’s journey that was kindled then and that has been re-kindled and persists quite profoundly through our recent years of renewed association.  And I’m certain that I’m in no way alone in those feelings.

Father Noone served as a member of McDevitt’s faculty from 1968 through 1980.  Twelve years…three full generations of students, with touches upon three others at each of the other ends of the continuum.

Never a seeker of the limelight, focusing on his teaching, on bolstering the work of several colleagues in the activities they headed and, through his moderation of our Mothers’ Club, supporting the families of our students.

Religion teacher, Department Chair, and Retreat leader.  Quite a few of us first encountered high school level religion, so distinct from the more doctrinal instruction that characterized elementary school instruction, in Father Noone's classroom. As we began to wrestle with the real underpinnings of what theretofore had been presented as so black and white, Father Noone was there to guide us in forming questions and seeking answers. 

Respected journalist and fellow Lancer Ronnie Polaneczky, Class of 1976, who first knew Father during his years at Holy Martyrs Parish, has this to say:

“Father Charles Noone – known as "Father Chuck” or just "Chuck" to so many of us – is, simply, the embodiment of a man of God. He emanates love, acceptance, and kindness. Eschews phony formalities. Connects with people easily and with curiosity and joy. There are no divides in Chuck's worldview, just a presumption of our shared dignity and worthiness in the eyes of the divine…  At Holy Martyrs…, his boyish energy, great sense of fun, relentless compassion, profound yet unfussy faith, and deep humanity helped define the parish itself. He is committed to being present to the world, to those he serves, to his faith in the (capital S, capital B) Something Bigger that unites us all. He meets us where we’re at, with a caring heart, with unconditional love.  He makes the world better. And I am so grateful to call him my friend.” 

In the years since his departure from McDevitt and, many years thereafter, his retirement from full-time priestly duties, Father Noone remains an important friend and mentor to many of us, a sterling example of a well-lived life of faith and service. Always ready for a phone or electronic contact or for an in-person conversation (unless he’s in North Wildwood with his beloved family, or stopping on the Boardwalk for a slice at Sam’s Pizza Palace), Father Noone remains a humble servant of God, well aware that chief among his duties to his students over the years has been attention and devotion to them as people, even more than as scholars, first and foremost.

As Father Noone’s student and his friend, I am proud to have nominated him.  Please welcome a true Legend of Bishop McDevitt, Fr. Charles J. Noone.