SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish issued the following announcement on Nov. 10.
Father Thomas A. Federline was always early for Mass to say his prayers in the sacristy. He had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother, and his family asked his flock to pray that Mary wrap him in her mantle of love during his hospitalization for COVID-19.
Father Federline, who was pastor of St. Pius X and Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary parishes in Mount Pleasant, succumbed to the serious aftereffects of the virus Nov. 8.
The deep religious roots of Father Federline's faith were planted early on by his parents, the late Alice and James Federline, according to Father Richard J. Kosisko, pastor of Holy Family Parish, Latrobe. He and Father Federline were classmates in the seminary and were ordained together on May 4, 1985. Father Federline worked in the private sector before entering the seminary. Father Kosisko was pastor of the Mount Pleasant parishes for nearly 12 years before moving to Holy Family Parish. Father Federline moved from St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Indiana to Mount Pleasant July 8, 2020.
Father Federline was an avid reader and brought many books to Mount Pleasant, Father Kosisko recalled.
"His parents were such good, faith-filled people. You can see where his vocation came from," he said.
Bishop Larry J. Kulick recounted that Father Federline had a very strong prayer life. "He was very much interested in the devotional life of the church and served in a variety of capacities," Bishop Kulick said. "Even though he could have retired at the age of 70, Father Federline received a new assignment graciously, which I believe is a model of his priestly dedication and service," Bishop Kulick said.
Sheryl Nagy, director of liturgical music for St. Pius X and Visitation parishes, said she's sad Father Federline didn't get to hear the choir sing because of the pandemic.
She recalls during lunch one day, Father Federline told her he had something for her. He attended a conference and saw a book he thought she might like called "How the Choir Converted the World: Through Hymns, With Hymns and In Hymns."
"I was so excited he was going to hear the choir sing again. He was always so kind, appreciative, grateful and thankful for what I did," said Nagy.
In one of Father Federline's homilies, he said when he went to heaven, he would be so excited to meet relatives he had never known, she said. It made her think that people you've never met are still a part of the thread of your life.
Father Paul A. Lisik, administrator pro-tem of the Mount Pleasant parishes, said Father Federline brought together other faiths as director of ecumenism for the diocese.
Father Lisik expressed his condolences to the parishioners.
"You lost a pastor who loved you and was very interested in the different aspects of a parish, but was hampered in getting to know a lot of people by the pandemic," he said.
"We mourn the loss as a parish family and continue to ask God to give him his place in the heavenly Kingdom and send His graces as we mourn the loss of Father Federline and work through all the aspects of this pandemic which continues to hit home."
He said Father Federline had such a great devotion to the Blessed Mother that when he couldn't get the EWTN Global Catholic Network, on the hospital's cable system, he asked his brother to bring him tapes and CDs so he could listen to the rosary and prayers.
Father Anthony Onoko worked with Father Federline as parochial vicar from July 8, 2020, until his appointment as pastor of St. Raymond of the Mountains in Donegal on June 24, 2021. He said Father Federline believed in love, dedication and sharing his thoughts. His dedication to the Blessed Mother and Padre Pio was strong, as were his love for the Eucharist and devotion to the Divine Mercy, he said.
Father Onoko, also chaplain at Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School, recalled Father Federline sharing stories about his mother, which was the cornerstone for his dedication to the Blessed Mother.
"(His family was) especially important to him and brought him much joy. He would speak about his family during homilies, sharing stories of growing up and facing challenges as a family," he said.
"One would be surprised that this burly man with a soft-spoken voice could sing loudly and enthusiastically. His voice could be heard in all corners of the church," Father Onoko added.
He said Father Federline found much solace in children when they prepared for the sacraments.
"He would listen intently to their stories as they captured his curiosity," he said.
"He was also my friend – a friend who enjoyed a delicious meal, mentored me on religious life and shared his love for America," said Father Onoko. "Rest on in the bosom of the Lord, dear Father Tom. You were a good priest."
The funeral arrangements for Father Thomas A. Federline, the pastor of Saint Pius X and Visitation Parishes – Mount Pleasant, PA are now complete. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at the Hart Funeral Home located at 3103 Lillian Ave, Murrysville, PA 15668.
On Friday, November 19, 2021 there will be additional viewing at Mother of Sorrows Church located at 4202 Old William Penn Hwy, Murrysville, PA 15668 from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by The Most Reverend Larry J. Kulick at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the Priest section of the Greensburg Catholic Cemetery in Hempfield, PA.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up