The "Good Stop" Priest

July 16 will mark the 10-year anniversary of Fr. Robert Titus Scott's last "good stop" in this world on his way to "the best stop." He served 30 years of ministry at St. Austin Catholic Church, the University Catholic Center at UT, St. John Neumann, and St. Paul the Apostle in Horseshoe Bay. His "Good Stop" homilies encouraged collegiates and congregations of the faithful of every age that attending Mass weekly is always a "good stop" in a busy life. He was also known as the "jock priest" for his die-hard love for sports like football and tennis. He was also the priest called to be with Lady Bird Johnson during her final moments. Fr. Bob passed away in July 2012 at age 90 and was laid to rest in Oak Ridge, NJ, near South Orange NJ, where he grew up. He returned to his native New Jersey in 2011.

Obituary in the Statesman

The Paulist Obituary

Out of the Archives came a folder capturing memories, photos, and reflections from our parish community - we'll mingle those memories and photos with a few you've shared recently. The source of the reminiscences was a scrapbook celebrating the moment in art, poetry, and photos lovingly shared.

Fr. Bob Scott was a bright light in our community - his radiant joy was inspiring- it helped us shine. These memories reflect his glow still bright in our hearts years despite the passing years. We hope you'll share your memories of Fr. Bob with us at [email protected]. 

August 1981 - Fr. Robert Scott – came to St. Austin’s and had already been a priest for 32 years.
(Ordained in 1949). Previously worked with college students from UCLA to Ohio State to
Tennessee. At St. Austin’s, he promoted the idea of neighborhood gatherings where people
from family units in the parish from various areas around the city can get to know each other.
He is a lifelong sports enthusiast, and by his own admission, an excellent tennis player.
Source: The Spirit, Advent 1981

Fall 1982 – St. Austin’s Collegiates for Christ, a new group of university students in the parish,
meets every Wednesday evening in Newman Hall. Almost 150 students have been attending.
The interesting aspect is that most are upperclassmen or graduate students. A number of the
collegiates are serving the parish in the CCD program, as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, ushers,
and in the folk group for the 9:30 a.m. Mass and in the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Fr. Robert Scott is a chaplain.

October 1985 – The Collegiates for Christ meet regularly at St. Austin’s. Meetings include bible
studies, service projects, intramural sports and many social activities.

January 1986 – Pastor Fr. David O’Brien announced that Fr. Bob Scott will no longer
be a regular member of the parish staff as of Feb. 1. Fr. Scott has reached the age
where he qualifies for Appropriate Senior Ministry within the Paulist Community
Fr.  Scott will remain at St. Austin’s where he will concentrate in ministry to University students,
particularly the Collegiates for Christ.

August 1986 – Welcome article in the parish newsletter to University students by Fr. Bob Scott
for the fall and inviting them to join St. Austin’s Collegiates for Christ.

October 1986 – Fr. Bob Scott's 65th birthday, October 21.

Summer 1989 - Fr. Bob Scott celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination on May 6
with over 300 parishioners. Family and friends gathered in the Parish Center. 

October 2000 – Fr. Bob Scott is coordinating the Paulist Associates program, a new program for
St. Austin Parish and the University Catholic Center. The program gives lay people an
opportunity to explore the spirituality of the Paulist community and to seek ways to apply that
spirituality in their own lives. (more information about how the program will work is in the
article by Susan Kaderka, St. Austin Parish Newsletter.)
 

Notes from the Archives compiled by
Mary Lou Gibson, June 2022.