‘I’d much rather say hello than goodbye’
HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish has been home to Oblate Father Joseph Zuschmidt on and off for the past 33 years.
Noted for being a humble priest with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales who has a way with homilies, the 84-year-old “Father Joe” recently retired as senior priest, completing his fourth assignment at the parish since 1989.
During this 50th anniversary year of the diocese, it is noteworthy that Father Joe played a vital role in shaping many ministries during his time in western North Carolina.
He was the founding pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte in 1978, serving there for 10 years, besides serving as campus minister for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte adjacent to the parish.
After a year’s sabbatical, he moved to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for his first tenure as pastor, a three-year assignment. Several years later he returned to serve as pastor for another seven years. He has also served as parochial vicar and as senior priest in residence.
“He left and came back (over the years), and we’re happy he chose to come back to us,” says IHM administrative assistant Ann Marie Bullock, hired by Father Joe more than 25 years ago.
“Father Joe did make IHM a much more vibrant church. He made us aware of the community and how we should help our surrounding community,” Bullock notes. “He has always loved IHM and did what was best for the parish (during his time here).”
Deacon Wally Haarsgaard arrived at IHM around the same time as Father Joe in 1989. He also attests to Father Joe’s commitment to fellowship and fraternity.
“He did so many good things here at the parish, and we really miss him already,” Deacon Haarsgaard says.
Some of the popular social functions Father Joe instituted over the years include the FISH fellowship, “Fellowship In Someone’s Home” monthly small group meetings, donuts and coffee socials after Mass, Simplicity Meals during Lent and the parish picnics.
“He also had a great love for RCIA,” Deacon Haarsgaard adds. “He loved to welcome people seeking the Catholic faith (through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). We’re certainly going to miss him in that area.”
IHM’s current pastor, Oblate Father Peter Leonard, considers Father Joe a wonderful mentor, teacher and friend.
“The people love him. He’s been involved in just about everything (over the years),” Father Leonard says, noting that Father Joe was at IHM in 1996 when 32 acres were purchased to build a new church.
Father Joe was there in 2002 for the church dedication by Bishop William G. Curlin. And, as senior priest, he was present in 2013 when a Parish Life and Education Center was built to house parish education programs and Immaculate Heart of Mary School.
“We appreciate and treasure his leadership and guidance in helping IHM become the church it is today,” Father Leonard says.
In typical style, Father Joe insisted that no one fuss over his departure. In a message to parishioners last month, he stated his reasons for leaving the parish in simple terms:
“At the directives of my superiors and due to my age (I’ll by 85 shortly) and health, I have moved to the Oblate retirement home in Childs, Md. I have enjoyed my lengthy stay at Immaculate Heart of Mary. It has been life-giving. I have made many friends and I am grateful for all the love shown to me over the years.”
Bullock, reflecting on Father Joe’s low key approach to his departure, says his note fits one of his well-known expressions: “I’d much rather say hello than goodbye.”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
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Want to send Father Joe a note? His mailing address is: Father Joe Zuschmidt, Attn: De Sales Center Oblate Residence, P.O. Box 43, Childs, Md. 21916-0043. Or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
