“People were drawn to him. He brought many people back to the Church, he brought people to Jesus,” said Fr. McNulty, pastor of St. Edith Parish in Livonia.
As pastor of St. Jude Parish in northeast Detroit until about three years ago, Fr. Liberty was known for his outreach to the poor and vulnerable, Fr. McNulty continued, adding that this aspect of his friend’s ministry was also evident from his work with the Crossroads social service agency during his seminary years.
He was also personally generous, Fr. McNulty continued: “If someone admired something he had, he would give it to them.”
Fr. Liberty, who had been on a medical leave of absence since leaving St. Jude Parish, died suddenly April 17. He was 43.
Many parishioners from his time at St. Jude or earlier, as an associate pastor at National Shrine of the Little Flower Parish in Royal Oak, have shared their memories of him.
“He made a lasting impression on our family while at Shrine,” said Dina Heiler. “We were so excited to see that he would be the priest that baptized our eldest daughter, and he did so with much love, kindness and humor.”
Gay Thacker said, “I first met Fr. Liberty when I returned to the Church after 35 years. It was because of him that I was inspired to return and enjoy going to Mass again. It broke my heart when he left Shrine, and I would often visit him at St. Jude.”
Tia Klein said, “Fr. Robert led the most beautiful, sacred and heartfelt holiday and Holy Day Masses at St. Jude. I will always remember one particular Holy Thursday Mass and his first Christmas Midnight Mass at St. Jude as two of my favorite celebrations.”
Klein added, “Fr. Robert was such a sweet, loving soul, and truly shined with Christ’s light. And he was so witty and frank and down-to-earth. He just made you feel at ease.”
Robert Liberty Jr. was born Feb. 24, 1970, in Warren to Robert (Sr.) and Kathalene Liberty. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart Major Seminary of Detroit, and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 7, 2003.
Fr. Liberty’s assignments included serving as weekend assistant at St. Lawrence Parish, Utica; associate pastor at National Shrine of the Little Flower Parish, Royal Oak; and pastor of St. Jude Parish, Detroit. He also served as a chaplain with the U.S. Army.
He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Dianna. He is survived by his sisters June (Irvin) Miller and Annette Zalucki; and by many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass was celebrated April 22 at the National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, with Fr. McNulty as homilist. Interment was in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.
Condolences may be sent to Mrs. June Miller, 9811 Pickerel Lake Road, Petoskey, MI 49770.
