Jeff Huard Saint Paul Seminary Spiritual Director dies at 68

Publish date: 2024-05-09

In a shocking turn of events, the Saint Paul Seminary community is grappling with the unexpected passing of their esteemed spiritual director, Reverend Jeffrey Huard. The news of his demise, at the age of 68, was announced on Friday, leaving the community in mourning.

Fr. Huard, a native of Duluth, Minnesota, breathed his last, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his priestly duties. Recognized as a holy priest, he dedicated a significant portion of his life to guiding fellow priests and seminarians on their spiritual journey towards Christ.

Saint Paul Seminary Rector, Father Joseph Taphorn, expressed the community’s grief, saying, “We are saddened by the loss of our brother, colleague, teacher, mentor, and friend. Yet, we are equally grateful for all he did for the seminary and the surrounding community over the past 14 years.”

Born in 1955, Fr. Jeff Huard underwent his studies at The Saint Paul Seminary, eventually being ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1994. His commitment to spiritual guidance and leadership was evident during his tenure as the director of spiritual formation at the seminary from 2009 to 2021.

Fr Jeffrey "Jeff" Huard Duluth MN, Saint Paul Seminary spiritual director died at 68 https://t.co/vP5iGryHAn

— Bryan Moses (@Benjami13640863) November 19, 2023

Even after stepping down from his leadership role, Fr. Huard remained dedicated to providing regular spiritual direction to seminarians until his passing. Throughout his ministerial journey, he functioned as a spiritual father for numerous seminarians and priests, offering faithful guidance and support.

Fr. Huard’s roles included serving as a parochial vicar at All Saints Parish in Lakeville (1994-1997), chaplain of the Community of Christ the Redeemer in West St. Paul (1996-1999), director of campus ministry at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul (1999-2007), and pastor of St. Mark Parish in St. Paul (2007-2009). Proudly associated with the Companions of Christ priestly fraternity, he also served as its moderator for a period.

The cause of Fr. Jeff Huard’s death has not been released.

Funeral arrangements for Fr. Huard are as follows, all at St. John Neumann Parish in Eagan, Minnesota: Visitation will be from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, followed by vespers for the dead at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 with interment immediately after, followed by lunch at the parish hall.

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