Msgr. Thomas Bender, Retired Priest in the Diocese of Columbus for nearly 50 Years, Educator, Principal, and Pastor, Originally from Lancaster, Ohio

Msgr. Bender grew up in Lancaster Ohio and attended St. Mary’s with his family. “I was drawn to the priesthood at the age of 13 and I never had a doubt about it. I was raised by good, hard-working Catholic parents who were active in the Church,” said Msgr. Bender.

He was asked to be an altar server and he was mentored by a young priest who encouraged him to consider the priesthood.

College and Seminary

Msgr. Bender attended St. Charles Preparatory School as a boarding student for four years of high school and four years of college (minor seminary).

“During my schooling at St. Charles, my father died, and it was a crucial time in my life when I had to decide whether or not to go home to be with my mother who was not in good health or to continue with school. I stayed at St. Charles,” said Msgr. Bender.

Msgr. Bender attended The Catholic University of America, Washington D.C., for major seminary. This seminary is known for developing teachers and leaders for the Church. He was ordained with a class of 12 men in 1956, and as of November, 2008, three are still active priests in their 70s.

An Active Parish Priest

Upon ordination in 1956, Msgr. Bender was assigned as Assistant Pastor to Newark Church of the Blessed Sacrament. “I found it very agreeable to be a parish priest,” said Msgr. Bender.

At one point, he thought about becoming a mission priest, but he enjoyed the diocesan priesthood and the opportunity to stay in the area near his mother.

“That first assignment is so important. It is on-the-job-training. Fortunately, I had a priest friend in a nearby parish who helped me in this early transition,” said Msgr. Bender.

“In those days, seminary, which means ‘seed bed’, was a place to separate and mold priests. Today, the seminarians are exposed to active ministry much earlier,” said Msgr. Bender. “There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.”

After his first parish assignment, Msgr. Bender enrolled at Ohio State University to obtain a Masters in Educational Administration. At that time, he was an Associate Pastor at Columbus St. Francis of Assisi and was also a chaplain at Doctor’s Hospital.

Serving the Diocesan Schools

While completing his Masters degree at The Ohio State University, he was assigned as Assistant Principle at Bishop Hartley High School, Columbus. He lived in residence there for four years working alongside the Notre Dame Sisters.

The Bishop then assigned him as Principal to Bishop Flaget High School in Chillicothe where he had “a very positive experience.”

His next move was to principal at Marion Catholic High School where he worked with the Sisters of Charity for six years. At all his school assignments, Msgr. Bender celebrated Mass and was involved in parish life at nearby Catholic churches on the weekends.

Parish Life and Retirement

He was then assigned as co-pastor at St. Cecelia’s with a priest, nearing retirement, who had been his mentor in his younger years. “They were such wonderful people at St. Cecelia. I loved getting back into parochial life,” said Msgr. Bender.

He enjoyed a four month sabbatical and took advantage of Notre Dame University’s continuing education for priests and to take the time to “internalize the teachings of Vatican II Council.”

After the sabbatical, he assisted at St. Philip Parish in Columbus for six months. He was pastor at Sunbury St. John Neumann and Powell St. Joan of Arc. While at St. Joan, he received the honor of ‘Msgr.’ from Bishop Griffin.

Msgr. Bender served at Bremen St. Mary’s. He was glad to be near his hometown of Lancaster, “and to be with the good people of Bremen.” Msgr. Bender retired in 2005.

Enjoying Retirement at the Villas at St. Therese

“I had 49 ½ years as a priest. I then moved into the Villas at St. Therese Center and I am very content and happy,” said Msgr. Bender.

At the age of 78, Msgr. Bender is in good health and can be seen walking the beautiful grounds of the St. Therese Center and concelebrating daily Mass with his retired brother priests.

When asked about his many years as a teacher and administrator, he comments that he enjoyed it very much but that “my first love is parish life.”

“I love the variety of things one encounters in the parish. There is St. de Paul Vincent helping the needy. You have young families raising children, there is First Communion and Confirmation and sitting on committees such as parish council,” said Msgr. Bender
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“Individual priests come with different backgrounds, personalities, and talents. But each has a desire to serve God by serving God’s people,” said Msgr. Bender.

He cautions pastors at big and busy parishes: “Administrative challenges will always be there. It is important to continue to nurture one’s prayer life always.”

Advice to Seminarians

His advice to seminarians is to “throw one’s self wholeheartedly into requirements of seminary and see how things develop.” He also recommends that they get plenty of sleep “so they maintain active ministry while not neglecting the spiritual life.”

Favorite Saints

His favorite saints are St. Pius X and St. John Vianney, Cure of Ars, because they are “beautiful role models for diocesan priests. Their total dedication to prayer and penance is inspirational.”

Msgr. Bender enjoys walking, exercising on a cardio machine, and watching history television programs. As a younger man, he enjoyed playing tennis.

Favorite Scripture

His favorite scripture passages is, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” He also agrees with the Jesuits, “All for the greater Glory of God.”