Father Robert G. Lynam Sums up 40 years in the Priesthood with Two Words

Is it possible to sum up 40 years in the priesthood with just two words? Yes, and Father Robert G. Lynam is eager to share those words with all he encounters.

"Che gioia,” he said. “What a joy. It is my theme of priesthood.”

The foundation for those 40 years of joy was laid in 1958 in Mount Holly where he was born to Joseph and Dorothy Lynam. He completed parochial elementary school and public high school, and his next step came as no surprise tohis faithful Catholic family – while still a 10-year-old altar server at Mount Holly’s Sacred Heart Parish, “I announced at school I wanted to become a priest,” he said. “It was a moment of clarity.”

The young man entered the Cistercian monastic community of Our Lady of Fatima Monastery, Mount Laurel, in1978, but decided to pursue priesthood as a diocesan seminarian. He earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies at Seton Hall University, South Orange, then entered Immaculate Conception Seminary, Mahwah, where he received a master’s degree in divinity.

Father Lynam was ordained by Bishop Theodore E. McCarrick May 12, 1984, in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. He has served as associate pastor in Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, and St. Cecelia Parish, Iselin; as temporary administrator of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Avenel, and pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Port Reading.

Father Lynam’s ministry in the Diocese of Metuchen has included service as director of the Office of Youth Ministry, director of Vocations, dean of the Forsgate Deanery, and as a member of the diocesan Presbyteral Council and the Board for Seminary Education. Pastoral assignments include terms as as-sociate pastor in Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, and St. Cecelia Parish, Iselin. The priest also has served as temporary administrator of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Avenel, before being assigned as pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Port Reading.

Father Lynam was appointed to the board of trustees of Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange, and has been invested as a Knight Commander of the Holy Sepulchre.

When Bishop Edward T. Hughes appointed him as pastor of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish on Oct. 10, 1995, Father Lynam expressed his apprehension to assume the helm of such a large parish and school. He recounted the wise council from his shepherd.

“Bishop Hughes said, ‘Just love the people,’” Father Lynam recalled. 

That loving relationship with the Kendall Park community of faith is nearing 30 years. The priest counts among his favorite ministries teaching its congregation and nurturing vocations; he pointed out that May 12, the anniversary of his ordination, is also the feast day of St. Lucy Filippini, the foundress of the order of nuns which teach in St. Augus-tine of Canterbury School. 

With a nod to Bishop Hughes’ sage advice, Father Lynam would remind prospective priests and religious to “remember to smile.” The pastor expressed his joy about that long, fruitful period with yet another Italian phrase. 

“Speak to the heart, cora a cora, heart to heart.”