Obituaries

Brother James Cartwright, O.S.B.

Brother James Cartwright, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, died Saturday, September 29, 2018 after a long struggle with diabetes.

He was born in Connellsville on December 5, 1946, a son of the late Winifred L. Moon Cartwright and the late Clarence E. Cartwright. Surviving are his brother, Thomas (Cindy) E. Cartwright of Connellsville, nephews Brian and Shawn, and nieces Nikki, Janae, and Janille.

He attended Immaculate Conception Parochial School, graduated from Geibel Catholic High School in Connellsville in 1965 and then attended Saint Vincent Scholasticate from 1967 to 1969.

Brother James professed simple vows on July 10, 1984, and solemn vows to the monastic community on July 11, 1987. His service to the monastic community includes serving as assistant to the prior, director of religious education at Saint Vincent Parish, assistant director of retreats and manager of the monastery infirmary.

From 1991 until 2003 he was assigned to the pastoral staff at Sacred Heart Parish in Jeannette. His duties included assisting the coordinator of religious education in the areas of adult education, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, and in the confirmation program. He assisted with training of liturgical ministers, made communion calls and hospital and home visits. He also served as moderator of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and spiritual director for the Holy Name Society.

His experience before coming to Saint Vincent included working at Anchor Hocking Corp. of Connellsville for nine years, Uniontown Hospital for four years, Immaculate Conception Parish, Connellsville for two years. He was a CCD teacher for 22 years and served as a director of religious education for six years. At Immaculate Conception he was a sacristan and lector for 14 years, a cantor for three years, and a six-year member of the parish council, serving as president for five years.

His community service included serving as a member of the Greater Connellsville Jaycees, Greater Connellsville Community Fund, member of the BPO Elks #503, the Knights of Columbus, the Braddock Trail Scouting District and the Chamber of Commerce in Connellsville.

The body of Brother James will be received at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 4 at the Elizabeth J. Roderick Center at Saint. Vincent. A vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Archabbey Basilica. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 5 at the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica, followed by the Rite of Committal at Saint Vincent Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benedictine Health and Welfare Fund, Saint Vincent Archabbey, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690.