Texan delights in role as pastor

Dallas native Monsignor Donald Zimmerman was on the grassy knoll when JFK was shot . . .

Monsignor Donald Zimmerman

Monsignor Donald Zimmerman
Dallas Chapter

When Dallas Legates attend Mass celebrated by their chaplain, they know their priest is an educator at heart. A former trustee of his alma mater, the University of Dallas, Monsignor Donald Zimmerman motivates the members of his parish, Christ the King, to help financially strapped Catholic schools: “We’re affluent. If J.R. Ewing were Catholic, he’d be a member of our parish.” The native Texan also enjoys shepherding the Dallas Chapter, whose monthly meetings deepen faith and expand friendships.

Tell us about your call to the priesthood.

But by the time I was in the sixth grade, there was no doubt in my mind that I was called to the priesthood. The sisters and Jesuit fathers who taught me had a profound influence upon me. I also had the greatest mom and dad. They never pushed my vocation, but they were always supportive.

I went to Holy Trinity Seminary on the campus of the University of Dallas where I got a wonderful liberal arts education. The Cistercian monks taught theology in a very systematic, historical manner that’s been especially helpful in formulating sermons.

How were you introduced to Legatus?

Through the former chaplain, Fr. Gilbert Graham, OP, who has been my friend since I met him as a seminarian in Rome. He recommended I take over as chaplain when he retired. A number of my parishioners were Legates, too, so I was familiar with Legatus.

What most impresses you about Legatus?

Our members evidence the Body of Christ in action. Besides enjoying one another’s company, we’re also helping one another grow in faith. Mr. Monaghan had a great idea in starting Legatus. It helps strengthen ethics in the marketplace through this sort of Catholic fellowship and personal formation.

Visiting with members gives me the opportunity to delve into theological issues more deeply than in a Sunday sermon. Recently we discussed the letter of St. Justin Martyr describing the early Eucharistic celebration around 155 AD. They find it enriching, and I enjoy teaching.

How would you like to see the chapter move forward?

We have wonderful folks, but we need more. And we need people 20 years younger than most of us. I’m 64, so we need to concentrate our efforts on recruiting those in the 30-40 range. I hope they have the same devotion to the Church and hunger for knowledge.

What interests do you pursue?

I love anything and everything Italian, a love that began after spending a year in Rome. I also enjoy collecting and studying ancient Roman, Greek and Jewish coins because they are primary sources of history.

Can you recommend any devotions to help Legates fulfill their roles as ambassadors?

Since adolescence I’ve had a devotion to the Holy Spirit, who enlightens our intellect and strengthens our will. I especially recommend the prayer of Solomon, who asked for the gift of wisdom. It’s a great prayer for any Legate because it has to do with one’s responsibilities to other people — dealing fairly with the needs and complex human issues a person in a leadership position has to deal with.

You’re a Dallas native. Where were you when President Kennedy was assassinated?

You must be kidding. I saw Kennedy 90 seconds before he was shot. I’ve interviewed cops who were there at the scene. I’ve presided at the funerals of some of Jack Ruby’s girls. I’ve seen the forensic photos from the Dallas hospital. If there was a second shooter, he missed. I believe fully in the Warren Commission’s findings and believe Oliver Stone did a disservice to this country with his movie JFK.