Father Hubert Wade, Jr.
(1946-2020)
Father Hubert Wade Jr. (1946 – 2020) retired after 24 years of service in the U.S. Army. He then became pastor of Saint Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church from 1996 to his retirement in 2016. He was instrumental in establishing the Ballinger Ministerial Alliance Community Pantry. His hard work and generous spirit continue to inspire the community as we follow in his footsteps. This building, a former National Guard Armory, is dedicated to continuing his work.
More About Father Hubert Wade;
After completing a four-year tour in the U.S. Army, which included 2 years in Vietnam, Rev. Wade entered the Missionhurst CICM religious community in 1969 at Arlington, VA, and was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest by Bishop Carroll T. Dozier on May 14, 1977, in Norfolk, VA. He worked as Vocation Director of the Missionhurst Community until going to Belgium in the summer of 1979. While in Belgium, he was given permission to work as a contract chaplain for U.S. Forces in Belgium and Germany. Shortly thereafter he was granted permission to serve as an Army chaplain. In June 1980 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at Ft. Stewart, GA; Camp Howze and Camp Stanley, Korea; Ft. Monmouth, N.J.; and then back to Germany to serve as a community chaplain for 16 years. He retired from the U.S. Army on October 31, 1996.
Father Wade was incardinated into the Diocese of San Angelo on December 17, 1984, and served in the following parishes: St. Patrick Parish - Brady, St. Francis Xavier Mission - Melvin, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish - Abilene. His last assignment was for 20 years at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish - Ballinger, Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission - Robert Lee, St. James Mission - Bronte, before retiring on July 25, 2016. He was not only the parish priest; he was also very involved in the community. He was active in the local Ministerial Alliance, and together they ran the local food pantry where they served hundreds of local families with food and clothing. He also started, with two others, the "Veteran's Meal" which is to feed all the Veterans and active military who show up for the local Veteran's Day parade and celebration.
In addition to parish assignments, Fr. Wade served in numerous diocesan positions on various councils and boards: Vicar for Priests, Director of Seminarians, Diocesan College of Consultors, Diocesan Presbyteral Council, Priest Pension Board, and Dean of the San Angelo Deanery. Fr. Wade was also active in preparing couples for marriage through the Engaged Encounter.