Terence Cauley, OFM

1916 – 1980

Fr. Terence Cauley, OFM, was born on May 6, 1916, in Rochester, N.Y. Before joining the friars, he studied in the diocesan minor seminary in Rochester.

He entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1936 and professed temporary vows the following year. In 1940, Fr. Terence made his profession of solemn vows. He was ordained a priest in 1942.

During his formation years, Fr. Terence was the class organist and music director. After ordination, he was assigned to St. Joseph’s Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where he served for 24 years. There, he was choir director and chaplain to the youth settlement house and camp. He earned a reputation in the valley as an eloquent preacher of the perpetual novena to St. Anthony.

Fr. Terence also served as regional vocation director for the diocese and for Holy Name Province. In 1969, he joined the staff of Christ House in Lafayette, N.J., serving as liturgist and organist. In 1978, he was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Beach Haven, N.J., and was a consoling presence for the terminally ill and their families. So great an impression did he make that a new wing of the parish’s St. Francis Community Center was named in his honor the year after he died. Fr. Terence’s ministry was always one of gentle listening.

He died Oct. 2, 1980, at Southern Ocean County Hospital in Manahawkin, N.J. Fr. Terence was 64 years old, a professed friar for 43 years and a priest for 38 years.