December 13, 1953
Msgr. Thomas Maher
Msgr. Maher was born on June 13, 1878 at Brighthouse, Yorkshire, England. He studied for the priesthood at the College of Glastonbury in England, the University of Appolinaris in Rome and the Ecclesiastical College of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in France. On January 12, 1902 he was ordained a priest in the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy, London, England. Before coming to Kansas, he served for four years in St. Albans, England and two years in the Diocese of Fall River, MA. In 1904 he was incardinated into the Diocese of Wichita and served as an assistant for one year at the Pro-Cathedral. As pastor he served at St. Catherine’s Parish in Dubuque (1909-1914); St. Patrick’s Parish in Fulton (1914-1936); and at St. Mary’s Parish in Parsons (1936-1953), where he replaced his brother, Fr. John Maher. He retired on September 5, 1953 and moved into a house in Parsons until his death on December 13, 1953 at 75 years of age from complications from a broken hip. During his priesthood Msgr. Maher was made a Domestic Prelate in 1949 and was dean of the Parsons Deanery. Bishop Carroll celebrated the Solemn Pontifical Mass of Requiem at St. Mary’s in Parsons on December 16, 1953. Burial was also in Parsons.