Love of Church defines chaplain's ministry

Father Dennis Cooney has earned a reputation as a gifted preacher-teacher . . .

Fr. Dennis Cooney

Naples Chapter

Father Dennis Cooney has earned a reputation as one of the most gifted preacher-teachers in the Legatus family. The former Oblate has served as the Naples Chapter’s chaplain for the past two years. He serves as pastor at St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, Fla., and as the Respect Life department moderator for the Diocese of Venice. Ordained in 1974, Fr. Cooney is a noted speaker at gatherings across the state of Florida, plus a much-sought-after spiritual director for staff and students at Ave Maria University.

Tell me about your call to the priesthood.

My faith was given to me as a young child. I grew up in a Catholic family where the faith was loved, lived and practiced. I had wonderful grandparents and parents. I had a desire to respond to the priesthood even as a young child. If I could use a biblical analogy, it was like the still quiet voice that Elijah heard when he returned to Mount Horeb.

I grew up in Brooklyn in the 1950s. When you told people that you were thinking about the priesthood, they would say, “Oh that’s wonderful!” Unfortunately it’s a different story today. I was surrounded by people who reinforced my call to the priesthood.

How did you get involved with Legatus?

I became involved with Legatus through my involvement with Ave Maria University. It has been my delight to participate in whatever aspect of university life they need help with. I go there every other Friday to make myself available for confession or spiritual direction.

I am also the chaplain of the AMU Founders Club in Naples. A lot of the Founders are also in Legatus. The priest who directly preceded me as Legatus chaplain was Fr. Mike Beers, and when he stepped down my name was introduced. It’s been a joy for me ever since.

What do you try to bring to the members every month?

With the grace of the Holy Spirit, I try to open the scriptures in order to deepen people’s understanding and love of the faith. I absolutely love the Catholic faith. It is Jesus Christ; it is the fullness of truth. I remember an analogy that Walker Percy, a convert, said about the faith: It’s like this beautiful, huge mansion and there are all sorts of wonderful treasures in it; unfortunately a lot of the children who belong to the house have moved to the suburbs. [Laughs.]

How has Legatus affected you and your ministry?

It’s one of the things I look forward to every month because I’m around people who share my love of Christ and the faith. We live in difficult times in which the faith is challenged and even despised. The popular culture is certainly that way, so it’s a delight to be with people who truly love the Church — and are hungry to grow in their understanding of the faith and apply it to their lives. I’m edified by that.

Do you have any other hobbies or involvements?

I used to be an avid jogger during the ’70s and ’80s, but with the passage of time I’ve had to replace that with brisk walking. If I have a hobby or passion, it’s that I love to read. If you locked me up in a cell with plenty of books around me, I’d be a pretty happy individual. I love to read books about the faith, good solid theology, philosophy and also history. I occasionally read a novel — not one that just entertains, but one that that enlightens and educates. I used to love the novels of James Michener who is like a combination of a trip to Disney World and the Library of Congress!