Father Robert E. Nee was born January 19, 1945 in Boston, Massachusetts. His journey towards priesthood began at St. Mary’s College (now University) in Minnesota, where he lived in the house of studies of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Ordained April 14, 1971, Father Nee’s first assignment was a five- year “rookie” education with the pastor and parishioners of St. Mary of the Angels in North Fairhaven, Massachusetts, which he describes as an “enriching and enjoyable” experience. Father Nee also was on the Provincial Council of the Sacred Hearts Community, where he directed the Office of Justice and Peace. During the summer months, Fr. Nee was chosen to travel to other parishes to speak about missionary work for the community and others in less economically privileged places.
In addition to his 25 years as a parish priest, Fr. Bob ministered with Catholic Charities as a Social Worker providing child and family therapy in Lawrence within the immigrant community. His final full-time ministry was as Catholic Priest Chaplain at Boston Children’s Hospital. Now retired, he assists at a local parish and has a small practice providing counseling to the home bound.
He is pleased to return part-time to carrying the invitation to Catholic parishes to join the Church as we care for the poor as Jesus calls us.