The era of Msgr. Robert C. Pollock has come to an end

Intermountain Catholic

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Msgr. Robert C. Pollock’s casket passes by Bishop John C. Wester, his brother priests, and parishioners he served one last time before being laid to rest at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

SALT LAKE CITY – Monsignor Robert Charles Pollock was laid to rest at a funeral Mass concelebrated by the Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of Salt Lake City, and priests from throughout the diocese in the Cathedral of the Madeleine Dec. 6. Msgr. Pollock died after suffering a stroke Dec. 2, 2010.

"Msgr. Pollock was often perceived to be a rather strict, perhaps even stern person. But I believe that was misunderstood by some people," said Msgr. Robert Servatius, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, in his homily. "He had a deep love of the Catholic faith and a strong reverence for the Holy Eucharist. He was always adamant in defense of the Church’s doctrines, and he demanded the proper respect and deportment from people at Mass. And yet, he had a marked sense of humor.

"He was known for his very strong pro-life advocacy, especially in defense of the unborn," Msgr. Servatius continued. "He had a deeply generous heart and gave a great deal of financial support at the missions. He generously supported our diocesan seminary fund."

Msgr. Servatius was 11 years old when he met Msgr. Pollock in 1949, a year after Msgr. Pollock was ordained to the priesthood. Msgr. Servatius’ family had just moved from Syracuse, N.Y., to Salt Lake City, and became members of Saint Ambrose Parish, where Fr. Pollock’s parents also were members. "Fr. Pollock would join his parents for parish events," said Msgr. Servatius. "From my very first meeting I always held a certain sense of ‘awe.’"

When Msgr. Servatius was a sophomore at Judge Memorial High School, Fr. Pollock was his religion teacher," Msgr. Servatius said, and "I discovered two more strong qualities: He was a no-nonsense person and he had a deep commitment to the Catholic faith and to the priesthood. He was one of the priests who inspired me to begin considering a vocation to the priesthood."

After serving as assistant pastor in several parishes, Msgr. Pollock began serving as pastor in a series of parishes. He served at Saint Olaf Parish in Bountiful from 1955 to 1969. There he built a school and a convent for the Daughters of Charity, who taught there. "Church was so important to him; he introduced tithing to the parishioners and made the first pledge as an example," said Daughter of Charity Sister Germaine Sarrazin, whose first assignment was at St. Olaf School in 1962, two years after it opened, adding that she had "seven wonderful years" with Msgr. Pollock.

Msgr. Pollock served at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Midvale from 1969 to 1972, and he was the founding pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Sandy in 1972, where he built a temporary church that lasted 30 years, a rectory and a parish center. He served that parish for 14 years and retired from Saints Peter and Paul Parish in West Valley City in 1992.

"In recognition of his many years of faithful service as pastor, builder and pro-life advocate, he was named a Prelate of Honor by Pope John Paul II," said Msgr. Servatius. "After retirement, he continued to assist priests in parishes where there was a need.

"At St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo, Calif., he acquired the nickname ‘Windy Pollock,’ he said. "He was never at a loss for words, and could expound at length on any topic in any discussion."

The 62-year era of Msgr. Pollock as a priest has come to an end, said Msgr. Servatius. "What we have now is his wonderful legacy: pastor, builder, churchman and one who took care of souls," he said. "So we pray that the soul of this just man is in the hands of God."