Home Erie News Msgr. Thomas McSweeney died Tuesday, well-known Erie priest, media personality, actor

Msgr. Thomas McSweeney died Tuesday, well-known Erie priest, media personality, actor

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McSweeney
Image credit: Diocese of Erie.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie announced the passing of Rev. Monsignor Thomas Joseph Patrick McSweeney, who died Tuesday at the age of 79.

Msgr. McSweeney was known as “a gifted communicator, educator and dedicated priest”, according to a Diocese Facebook post. He is credited as a founder of the Department of Theatre and Communication Arts at Gannon University in the 1970’s, a regular celebrant of the Mass for Shut-ins formerly broadcast for decades on WICU Channel 12, to appearances on national media to provide commentary in the U.S. on major events in the Catholic Church. McSweeney was also an actor and director in local live theatre, appearing at the Erie Playhouse in roles such as Don Quixote in The Man of La Mancha, Nicholas Nickleby, and Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady.

Funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 11:00 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1626 W 26th St in Erie, celebrated by Bishop Lawrence T. Persico.