Encyclopedia Dubuque
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SHEEHY, Maurice S.
SHEEHY, Maurice S. (Rev. Msgr.). (Irwin, IL, Apr. 26, 1898--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 10, 1972). Ordained in 1922, Rev. Sheehy read his first Mass in St. Joseph's Church in New Hampton, Iowa on June 13, 1922. (1)
The first chaplain to achieve the rank of vice admiral, Sheehy had attended ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY and Columbia (LORAS COLLEGE). In 1917 while attending college, Sheehy was the "sporting editor" and published a magazine which featured photographs of football teams going back to 1907 when the game was first played at the school. The popularity of the publication led it to be placed on sale at the Standard Office Supply Company, Fitzpatrick's book store, Fitzpatrick's billiard room and two newspaper stands. (2) He also reported college sports news for the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald. (3) This was done at the same time as he served in the Reserve Officers Training Corps with the rank of first lieutenant in Company A. (4) After graduating, Sheehy and other Dubuque College cadets were commissioned U. S. military officers and sent to Fort Sheridan near Chicago. It was there that Sheehy, a former Knights of Columbus secretary, suggested the construction of a K. C. building. In this location, K. C. representatives distributed free chocolates and cigarettes to troops and presented movies for the troops' entertainment. (5)
From 1922 to 1927 he taught at Loras. In 1924 he was unanimously re-elected secretary of the Western Interstate Athletic Conference. (6) In 1936 he gave the funeral service for Senator Richard Louis MURPHY. He began his naval career in 1941. (7) He was stationed at the U. S. Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida. (8)
Sheehy compiled a record of thirty-three months service in the Pacific during WORLD WAR II as the district chaplain for the United States Navy. He received the Bronze Star and six battle stars.
In 1947 Sheehy was the head of the religion department at the Catholic University of America and a captain in the U. S. Naval Reserve. (9) He was named rear admiral in 1954 and promoted to vice admiral upon his retirement in 1958. This was the highest rank ever accorded to a naval chaplain.
The recipient of a Papal appointment as a Prothonotary Apostolic, the highest station awarded a monsignor, Sheehy wrote eight books including The Priestly Heart and Six O’clock Mass. He served thirty years with the Catholic University of America, seventeen of which were spent as Head of the Department of Religious Education.
On August 8, 1957 Sheehy became pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He taught daily in Immaculate Conception High School and served as Head of the Department of Religion at Mt. Mercy College. His chief concern was increasing the practice of Frequent Communion.
In June 1967 the fourth annual John F. Kennedy Award was conferred on Rt. Rev. Msgr. Sheehy, retired vice-admiral of the U. S. Navy Reserve at the Loras College Commencement activities. Although retired, Msgr. Sheehy had recently served on a seven-member Civilian Advisory Panel on Military Procurement led by Gen. Mark Clark. (10)
In 1980 the Chaplain Schmitt Park Committee saw their dream realized with the city council renamed CITY ISLAND in honor of Chaplain Aloysius SCHMITT. The committee had also worked to have the road on the island named in honor of Msgr. Sheehy. This the council also approved with the road being named Admiral Sheehy Drive. (11)
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Source:
1. "Rev. Sheehy Reads First Mass," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, June 13, 1922, p. 27,
2. "Review of Football at Dubuque College," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, January 12, 1917, p. 9
3. Sheehy, Maurice. "Nebraska Champs to Play Dubuque," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, February 6, 1917, p. 15
4. "Dubuque College Cadets Rated High," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, April 29, 1917, p. 12
5. Ward, Archie. "Ward Interviews Invalid Troops," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, January 7, 1917, p. 5
6. "Interstate Track Meet Here May 16," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, December 14, 1924, p. 26
7. "Sheehy Gets JFK Award," Telegraph Herald, June 5, 1967, p. 1
8. "9th Chaplain From Diocese," Telegraph-Herald, June 19, 1941, p. 12
9. "Sheehy Gets JFK Award..."
10. Ibid.
11. "Freund, Bob. "City Island to be Renamed Schmitt," Telegraph Herald, March 25, 1980, p. 13