Fr. Robert T. Monaghan

Father Robert Thomas Monaghan
On Friday, January 23, 2026, God called home one of His devoted shepherds, Father Robert Thomas Monaghan.

Father Monaghan was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1962, for the Sacred Heart Province of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM). After 19 years of service as a Franciscan friar, he was excardinated from the OFM and incardinated into the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis on May 19, 1981, beginning a new chapter of diocesan ministry in Minnesota.

Father Monaghan served five years as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Saint Paul. He later became Parochial Administrator of the Church of the Incarnation, where he was subsequently named Pastor in 1981. He faithfully served the Incarnation parish community for 32 years, retiring in 2010.

At the age of 14, Father Monaghan left home to attend high school and then entered the seminary. Following his ordination, he spent 19 years as a Franciscan friar, deeply valuing the fraternity of religious life and the camaraderie shared with his confreres.

As a diocesan priest, Father Monaghan especially cherished his years at the Church of the Incarnation. He loved teaching religion to students when the parish maintained a school, and he held a special fondness for the parish’s liturgical celebrations—particularly Easter and Christmas.

Father Monaghan’s 48 years of priestly ministry stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Catholic Church. He was widely respected for his calm and welcoming presence, his commitment to strengthening parish life, his positive outlook, and his gift for clearly explaining Catholic teachings in his homilies.

An avid traveler, Father Monaghan visited the Vatican, Ireland, and many other places around the world. He loved animals—especially dogs and cats—and was often accompanied by the pets he cherished. He also treasured time spent traveling with his sister and her children. A devoted photographer, he documented family gatherings and travels alike; wherever he went, a camera was never far from reach.

In his younger years, Father Monaghan enjoyed biking, rollerblading, and attending basketball and football games. He found great joy at his lake cabin, where he appreciated the peace of nature and time for reading—a pastime that remained a source of comfort and serenity throughout his life.

Father Monaghan was honored to officiate at his niece’s wedding and to baptize several great-nieces and great-nephews. He also served as sponsor for a great-nephew’s confirmation. He was a cherished blessing to his family, who were grateful for his loving presence in their lives.

Father Monaghan was preceded in death by his parents, Henrietta and Thomas Monaghan, and by his great-nephew, Jacob Nicolay.
He is survived by his sister, Sharon Monaghan; his nieces, Lori Nicolay (Monte), Jodi McAtee, and Kaci Miranda (Erik); his nephew, Richard Drake (Debbie); and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Father Jerry Arrono-Ponce will preside at the recitation of the Rosary on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Both services will be held at Queen of the Holy Rosary Wea, in Bucyrus, Kansas. Father Monaghan will be laid to rest at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Olathe, Kansas, where his mother is also interred.

Click here to download Fr. Monaghan's tribute video.