Chaplain moves from court room to chancery

Monsignor Robert McClory has served as Detroit Northeast’s chaplain since 2002. . .

Monsignor Robert McClory

Monsignor Robert McClory

Detroit Northeast Chapter

Detroit’s new Moderator of the Curia may have just celebrated his 10th anniversary of ordination, but the Legates he serves know he’s just getting started in his priestly ministry. Monsignor Robert McClory, only 45 years old, has already served the archdiocese as chancellor since 2003 and Legatus chaplain since 2002. The former attorney also serves as an assistant professor of canon law at Sacred Heart Major Seminary’s Graduate School of Theology and as a weekend associate pastor at St. Andrew Parish in Rochester.

Tell me about your call to the priesthood.

I was a practicing attorney when I felt a call to the seminary. My discernment process began with my family, and it emerged in my grad school and law school years.

The best seminary I ever attended was at my family’s house because it nurtured my love for Christ and my love for the Church. As I got older, there was a gradual sense that it would be a life well spent if I gave my life entirely to Christ in service to his Church. When I said Yes, God was very good.

How did you become involved in Legatus?

A number of Legatus members from the first parish I was assigned to were beginning to form the Detroit Northeast Chapter. They asked Cardinal [Adam] Maida if I could serve as chaplain. It’s been a great joy. I’m inspired by the members’ commitment to the faith, especially in these difficult economic times.

The economy has really hit Detroit hard.

Yes. It’s a challenge because many of our members own — or are related to — parts suppliers and ancillary support services for the Big Three. Many are facing difficult decisions about layoffs or hours of operation. They want to be loyal to the employees who have been loyal to them, but at the same time, they realize that the dollars are getting tighter and tighter.

Now more than ever, Legatus has a role to play in times of economic distress — being clear on values and priorities. Life can be easy when we have economic prosperity. But when the economy is challenging, the things Legatus is trying to infuse in its members are most important. We have an opportunity to show those values even more clearly now.

How do you encourage Legatus members?

Legatus itself is a source of encouragement. It gives members a sense of a bigger picture. Ultimately, even our businesses are part of the whole sweep of salvation history. That might sound unusual, but sometimes we are so consumed with the problems of the day that we forget that Christ has the victory through his death and resurrection. Our job is to get to heaven and to bring as many people with us as we can. At the end of the day, that’s what is important. Legatus helps its members keep in mind our eternal destiny in Christ.

You’re an administrator. Do you get any tips from members?

That’s a good question. When people hear I’m in administration, I tell them that I’d like to put the minister in administer because any form of service in the Church is a ministry. It’s been helpful for me to see how Legatus members make decisions, process information and lead their companies and organizations. When you’re surrounded by people whose daily lives are not just implementing decisions but having to make decisions, it helps you approach those same tasks whether you’re in the Church or in the private sector.

Do you have any hobbies?

I follow the Detroit Tigers, and I enjoy spending time with family and friends. During the summer, I like to take advantage of going out to some of the beautiful places in Michigan.