FATHER JAMES MCKARNS BECOMES A NEW PAUL HARRIS FELLOW

During the May 8, 2015, meeting Father James McKarns was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow. Past President Dan Matthews and Canton Rotarian Suzette Matthews presented this PHF to Father McKarns.  PP Dan had this to say about Father McKarns:

 

"It is my privilege today to honor Fr. James E. McKarns, Pastor Emeritus, at St. Paul Catholic Church in North Canton.  He is the Author of Seven Books on Scripture, Homiletics and Practical Psychology…

 

His Latest book: “Lean Against the Wind” is a self-help road map for Retirement, now in its 4^th printing.  The idea of the book is this: “Look ahead; See where you want to be; if realistic, then try to get there.”

 

In 1967 he was the first priest to participate in the Boston Marathon. Ordained in 1962, he served in six parishes until his retirement from St. Paul’s in 2000.  Fr. McKarns has travelled extensively for Isaiah Ministries, giving retreats on such topics as “Nine Habits of Highly Successful Christians” and “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”.  A great pastor, homilist, counselor, missionary, author, and friend, Fr. McKarns also performs, in character, at local parishes, as John the Baptist and as the apostle, St. Paul.

 

Fr. McKarns also cooks a great breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast for guests at the B&B in Louisville where he now lives. Fr. McKarns’ life exemplifies Rotary’s ideal of “Service above Self”  Please join Suzette and me in congratulating Canton Rotary’s newest Paul Harris Fellow, Fr. James E. McKarns!".