Fired House Chaplain

Preached At St. Mary’s

COOPERSTOWN – Father Patrick J. Conroy, who filled in in at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Catholic Church when the pastor, Father John Rosson, went on vacation in October, has been ousted as chaplain at the U.S. House of Representatives under a cloud of controversy.

“As you have requested, I hereby offer my resignation as the 60th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives,” read Father Conroy’s letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, dated April 15.   Conroy, a Jesuit, leaves the job on May 24.

In Cooperstown, Conroy preached on on Sirach 35:15-22, “The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and it will not rest until it reaches its goal” and asked parishioners to contemplate the text prior to the presidential election.

The chaplain is responsible for opening the House each day with a prayer, as well as offering counseling to lawmakers and aides.