Jeffrey Jeff Huard, Saint Paul Seminary Spiritual Director has died at 68

The Saint Paul Seminary community and the broader church of Minnesota are mourning the sudden loss of a cherished spiritual director, Reverend Jeffrey “Jeff” Huard. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1955, Fr. Huard passed away unexpectedly on Friday at the age of 68. He is remembered as a warm, kind, holy priest who dedicated his life to guiding others towards a closer relationship with Christ.

A Life Dedicated to Spiritual Guidance

Fr. Huard’s journey into the priesthood began at The Saint Paul Seminary, where he underwent his studies. His commitment to the spiritual life was evident early on, leading him to be ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1994.

His passion for spiritual guidance and leadership was further manifested during his tenure as the director of spiritual formation at The Saint Paul Seminary from 2009 to 2021. Even after stepping down from this leadership role, Fr. Huard remained committed to providing regular spiritual direction to seminarians up until his passing.

The Saint Paul Seminary

The Saint Paul Seminary warmly remembers and asks for prayers for the repose of the soul of the Reverend Jeffrey Huard. The seminary spiritual director passed away unexpectedly Friday at age 68.From 2009 until 2021, Huard served as director of spiritual formation at the seminary; after stepping down from this leadership role, he continued to serve seminarians in regular spiritual direction until his death. He is remembered by the community as a warm, kind, holy priest who devoted much of his life to helping other priests and seminarians grow closer to Christ.“We are sad to have lost our brother, colleague, teacher, mentor and friend, but are equally grateful for all he did for the seminary and surrounding community the past 14 years,” Saint Paul Seminary Rector Father Joseph Taphorn said. “He served as a spiritual father for hundreds of seminarians and priests and was a faithful shepherd to many souls throughout his years of ministry.“I recall fondly his often-quoted verse from our patron St. Paul, ‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me’ (Gal. 2:20). How true this is for Fr. Huard today.”Born in 1955 in Duluth, Minnesota, Huard attended The Saint Paul Seminary and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1994. He also served as parochial vicar of All Saints Parish in Lakeville (1994-1997), chaplain of the Community of Christ the Redeemer in West St. Paul (1996-1999), director of campus ministry at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul (1999-2007) and pastor of St. Mark Parish in St. Paul (2007-2009).Huard was a proud member of the Companions of Christ priestly fraternity association, and for a time served as its moderator.Funeral arrangements for Fr. Huard are as follows, all at St. John Neumann Parish in Eagan, Minnesota:Visitation will be from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, followed by vespers for the dead at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 with internment immediately after, followed by lunch at the parish hall.

Fr. Jeff Huard Obituary

Throughout his ministerial journey, Fr. Huard served as a spiritual father for countless seminarians and priests, offering faithful guidance and support. Those who had the privilege of knowing him remember him as a warm, kind, and holy priest, deeply devoted to his faith and his community.

His sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of many, but his legacy continues through the lives of those he guided and impacted throughout his life. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral arrangements for Fr. Huard have been announced as follows:

Visitation: Scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24.
Vespers for the Dead: Will begin at 7 p.m. following the visitation.
Funeral Mass: To be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25.
Internment: Immediately following the funeral mass.
Reception: A lunch will be held at the parish hall after the internment.

All services will take place at St. John Neumann Parish in Eagan, Minnesota.

Fr. Huard’s sudden departure is a significant loss to the spiritual community of Minnesota. His life and work have left an indelible mark on the lives of many, and his memory will continue to inspire and guide those he touched. May his soul rest in peace.

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Martina Birk

Update: 2024-02-18

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