Monsignor Thomas R. Duffy papers

Collection

Identifier: A-03-2004.018

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection is primarily relevant to Msgr. Tom Duffy's tenure with Catholic Charities and as State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus. His press releases also constitute part of the bulk of the collection. The remainder are notes, writings, and correspondence against the use of the death penalty; logistic notes for the 1987 papal visit to Columbia; and publications and writings on poverty and deprivation. Items of particular interest are 1965-1970 Knights of Columbus correspondence regarding the admission/integration of African Americans into its membership, and an 18 December 1984 application of Joseph Carl Shaw for commutation of death sentence.

Dates

Created: 1965-1999, undated

Creator

Duffy, Thomas R., 1932-2004 (Duffy, Thomas Robert) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Diocese of Charleston makes no representation that it is the owner of any copyright or other literary property in the materials contained in its archives. In providing access to or permitting the reproduction of any such materials, the Diocese of Charleston does not assume any responsibility for determining the nature of any rights, ownership or interest therein; nor for obtaining the appropriate permissions to publish or use; nor for determining the nature of any liabilities (for defamation and invasion of privacy) that may arise from any publication or use. This rests entirely with the researcher.

Biographical or Historical Information

Monsignor Thomas Robert Duffy, a Roman Catholic priest, was born November 1, 1932 in Charleston, South Carolina to John J. Duffy and Mary McMahon. Thomas Duffy attended area Catholics schools, including Cathedral and Sacred Heart parochial school and Bishop England High School. In 1954, Duffy earned a B.A. from St. Mary's Seminary, in Baltimore, Maryland, and in 1959, a M.S.W. from Catholic University of America. Bishop John J. Russell ordained Duffy to the priesthood at Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston, S.C., on May 17, 1958. Pope John Paul II elevated Duffy to a Prelate of Honor in 1983. Pastoral assignments in the Diocese of Charleston included the following: Associate, Blessed Sacrament Parish (Charleston), June 1959- Feb. 1961; Associate, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Feb. 1961- 3 Dec. 1966; Associate, Stella Maris Parish (Sullivans Island), 3 Dec. 1966-5 June 1967; Associate, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 5 June 1967-1 Aug. 1967; Administrator, St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish (Charleston), 1 Aug. 1967-17 Oct. 1968; Administrator, Our Lady of Mercy Parish (Charleston), 17 Oct. 1968-31 Jan. 1984; Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish (Charleston), 15 June 1982-14 June 1985; Pastor, Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 31 Jan. 1984-12 June 1987; In residence, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 14 June 1985-24 Aug. 1985; Administrator, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 24 Aug. 1985-12 June 1987; Pastor, St. Joseph Parish (Charleston), 12 June 1987-15 mar. 1990; Pastor, St. Anthony Parish (Florence), 15 Mar. 1990-2 July 1997; Pastor, St. Michael Parish (Garden City), 2 July 1997-25 Sept. 2004. Administrative assignments with the Diocese of Charleston included the following: Asst. Director for Catholic Charities, June 1958-Feb. 1962; Director of Catholic Charities, Feb. 1962-Aug. 1985; Personnel Committee, 1971-1974; Vicar General, 1 June 1974-22 Feb. 1990; Tribunal, 1983-(?); Council of Presbyters, 1984-22 Feb. 1990; Chancellor, 24 Aug. 1985-12 June 1987; Moderator of Curia, 1985-June 1987; Director of Catholic Charities, 15 June 1989-22 Feb. 1990; Priest Personnel Board, 15 Mar. 1996-25 Sept. 1994(?); Vicar Forane for Pee Dee Deanery, 15 Mar. 1996-25 Sept. 2004(?); Ecumenical Commission, unknown dates; Director of Permanent Deacon Program, unknown dates; College of Consultors, unknown dates; Editorial staff of the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Banner, dates unknown; Bishop England High School Board, dates unknown. Extra-diocesan assignments and activities included the following: Chaplain to the City of Charleston Police department, 1959; Charleston Deanery director of the Catholic Youth Organization, 1963; Charleston radio program, "Catholic News and Views, 1967-1987; State chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, 1971-1977. Monsignor Thomas (Tom) Robert Duffy died on Sept 25, 2004. He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, on James Island, South Carolina.

Note written by

Extent

1.75 Linear Feet (1 Records Carton)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Press releases, writings, correspondence, and programs regarding Monsignor Thomas Duffy and his work with Catholic Charities and Kinghts of Columbus.

Arrangement Note

1: Catholic Charities, 1969-1976, undated 2: Death Penalty, 1981-1999 3: Knights of Columbus, 1965-1978 4: Papal Visit, 1979-1988 5: Writings, 1976-1987