Monsignor William C. Harms, former pastor of the Parish Community of St. Helen in Westfield, from 2000-2011, died August 27 at Our Lady of Peace, in New Providence, at the age of 80.
A native of the Bronx, he was born November 15, 1939, and grew up in North Arlington. He graduated from Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, completed his Bachelor of Art at Seton Hall University, received his Master of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University, his Master of Divinity from Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, New Jersey and his Doctor of Ministry from Drew University in Madison. He was ordained in May 1965 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark.
Following his ordination he served as Associate Pastor of St. Michael’s in Elizabeth and Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oakland. Throughout his career he served in several other positions, including: Planning Associate in the Office of Research and Planning and Director of Research and Planning in the Archdiocese of Newark. He was the Director of Church Management Programs, Associate Dean at the School of Theology and Vice President of Planning at Seton Hall University.
Monsignor Harms was the son of the late William and Veronica Harms. He was the brother of Bonnie Lynch and her husband Joseph, brother of Marianne Harms, uncle of Joseph Lynch and his wife Abby and great uncle of Conor Lynch.
A viewing will be held Sunday, August 30, 2020 at Our Lady of Peace in New Providence from 3 to 7 PM. A vigil service will be held at 7:00PM. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady of Peace on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 10:30 AM
In lieu of flowers, donations in Monsignor Harms’ name may be sent to the Little Flower Building Fund, 290 Plainfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, 07922
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