James Dominic Keating, O.P.

James Dominic Keating, O.P.

Born:  March 8, 1925

Professed:  August 16, 1949

Ordained:   June 6, 1956

Died:  July 11, 2005

Father James Dominic Keating, O.P., was born in Saranac Lake, NY, on March 8, 1925.  Having graduated from Chaminade High School on Long Island, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served on board a destroyer in the Pacific Theatre during World War II for over two years and participated in eight major campaigns.

After his naval service, he entered Providence College with the intention of preparing to be a Dominican priest, and following two years of study, received the Dominican Habit on August 15, 1948 at St. Rose Priory, Springfield, KY.  Dominic made his Simple Profession on August 16, 1949 and Solemn Profession three years later.  Having completed his study of philosophy and theology over the next several years, he was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 1956, at St. Dominic’s Church in Washington, DC, by then Archbishop Patrick O’Boyle.

Fr. Keating then began a remarkably successful parochial ministry spanning some 43 years.  His first assignment was to St. Mary’s Parish in New Haven, CT where for eighteen years he made an impressive impact, especially on the young people of the parish.  His Youth Group became legendary throughout the city, and his religious and social programs for high school students led ultimately to his witnessing of over 100 marriages of former members.  He served also as coach of several athletic programs at St. Mary’s, even as he cared spiritually and sacramentally for all of the members of the parish.  Imposing of stature and voice, Father Keating was also a noted preacher.

For the next several years Father Keating served with similar success as Pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Columbus, OH, and also at  St. Dominic’s, Youngstown, OH where he also generated a large and enthusiastic following as a result of his dedicated and enthusiastic ministry to people of all ages.  He was later assigned to Holy Name, Philadelphia, PA, and then Sacred Heart Priory in Jersey City, NJ, from which he embarked on yet another span of pastoral ministry at St. Mary’s Parish in New Monmouth, NJ.

Because of failing health, Father Keating was a resident at St. Dominic’s Priory in Washington, DC, in the Center for Assisted Living, from 2000 until the time of his death on July 11, 2005.  His Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Dominic’s by the Provincial, V. Rev. Dominic Izzo, O.P., and several concelebrants.  A close friend, Rev. Terence Quinn, O.P., preached the homily and burial was in the Dominican Friars’ section of Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Washington, DC.

Dominic Keating will long be remembered for his large frame, large voice, and even larger heart.

Mt. Olivet CemeteryPastorProvidence CollegeSt. Mary's ChurchSt. Patrick's Church