The

Father Richard Doheny

Religious Education Fund

About Father Dohney

For 57 years Father Richard Doheny offered inspiration, wisdom and kindness to the people of Sacramento through Catholic ministry. During these years he placed particular importance on the benefits of education and reaching out to people.

Born in the parish of Gortnahoe in County Tipperary, Father Doheny left Ireland in 1948 for Sacramento. After a brief spell at St. Patrick's Parish in the town of Angel's Camp, he was transferred to St. Joseph's Parish in Marysville. Five years later he was appointed Pastor of St. John Parish in Quincy, where he spent the next six years. St. Paul's Parish in Sacramento was Father Doheny's next destination. Here he spent 16 years and has been credited with spearheading a major overhaul of the parish.

In 1976 Father Dohney moved to St. Mel's in Fair Oaks. Here he spent his remaining years, overseeing the expansion of the parish both physically and spiritually. His lasting legacy at St. Mel's can be seen in the youth ministry room, the parish offices, and in the perpetual adoration chapel. But just as importantly, Father Doheny has inspired untold people, and nurtured the spiritual and emotional well-being of many.

For more information on Father Doheny there is an excellent article about him written by Nancy Westlund of the Catholic Herald. You can read Nancy's article here.