Above: Father Gerry Waterman, OFM conv.
Beloved priest completes his ministry at Syracuse University
By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
On Palm Sunday, Syracuse University sponsored a recital at the campus’s St. Thomas More Chapel for the dedication of the new Greg Harrold pipe organ. University organist Anne Laver performed at the event. Included in the recital pieces was the world premiere of “Fragments of a Psalm,” by Dr. Peppie Calvar, performed by the Hendricks Chapel Choir and commissioned by Chancellor Kent Syverud in honor of Father Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv. and his 10 years of service to Syracuse University.
Father Gerry will complete his ministry at Syracuse University this summer. “I am sad to leave the ministry that I love with all my heart. I’ll miss my one-on-one time with the students through reconciliation, breaking bread, saying Mass, and time spent in fellowship,” he said. Fr. Gerry said there is a true sense of trust and love between him and the students.
Sophomore Cam Ryan is one of the many students, faculty, and staff who sent messages of congratulations and thanks to Fr. Gerry upon hearing of his departure from SU. “Fr. Gerry taught me how to instill my own faith in the people around me,” Ryan said. “He taught me that no matter what happens, God will always have a plan for me.”
Ryan said he’s had many conversations with Fr. Gerry about meaningful relationships in his life and received incredibly important advice to follow. “He is completely selfless, always caring for others before himself … Every day, he works diligently to make sure the students at SU feel heard and know that their situation matters. I am saddened that he is leaving and will miss him dearly. However, I know that we will stay in touch.”
“Building a strong and vibrant Catholic community is what I would consider the legacy I will leave behind,” said Fr. Gerry. “A community [that grew so much] that it warranted a bigger space and a new chapel. I’ve done the best I could with what I had been given, and I know it’s time. My heart and soul will always be with this ministry, and my heart and soul will ache a little bit when I leave here.”
In his next chapter of semi-retirement, Fr. Gerry will be based in Washington, D.C. To see the livestreamed performance of “Fragments of a Psalm,” which was inspired by Psalm 139, visit https://video.syr.edu/media/t/1_a85y7oun.
