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.
From Our Parish Archives on the Occasion of the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination & Today
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].
Book Cover by Rose Baxter
What a Character!
A Caricature by Robert "Windy" Winn
"Marie & Bill in NC"
He Celebrated the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination in Austin, Too
The grand celebration of Fr. Bob’s Golden Jubilee of ordination was held on May 1, 1999, with Mass and a reception at the University Catholic Center. His best friend and Paulist brother, Fr. Harold J. “Bud” Powers was the homilist. Gracing that sacred space is the beautiful Holy Spirit window donated by loving and grateful friends to honor his many years of priestly service.
A dinner following Mass at St. Austin Parish Center gathered many friends of Fr. Bob who came from near and far to share memories of the “Good Stop” priest. One highlight, reflecting Fr. Bob’s nine years in campus ministry in West Virginia, was his rousing rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” you know... “Almost heaven, West Virginia...”
Fr. Bob with the Emersons
A Recollection from Terry & Julie Lyons
Fr. Scott's Favorite Thing To Do - Weddings!
It's so much easier to stand in the back of the church and watch someone else go through the motions so you don't have to rehearse.
Always have two or three weddings on the same day and promise to show up at each reception.
Fr. Bob's Guide to Reception Attendance
Enter
Pick an obscure place to sit
Visit with a few immediate family members in the vicinity of your chair
Request your favorite cocktail - "a stiff one"
Slide out before being paraded aaround by the bride and groom
If lucky, you'll miss getting a BIG piece of wedding cake
Eagerly await the next chance to be asked to marry another couple.
Marrying Sam
In notes preparing for the 40th Anniversary celebration is this one, "Fr. Bob's brother, Jack, gave him the nickname 'Marrying Sam' because he would travel far and wide to marry almost anybody. By now he's married more people than Mickey Rooney and Elizabeth Taylor put together."
Fr. Scott Officiating The Murrays' Wedding
Praying for Frances with the Shays
"From 1999 to 2001 my mother lived with us as her dementia continued to advance. All along the way, she joined us for 9 AM Mass at UCC each Sunday, and then she would sit in the chairs next to the kitchen, waiting for us to finish visiting with friends. Fr. Bob always spoke to her.
When she suffered a stroke and ended up at St. David's before going into hospice, it was only fitting that we asked Fr. Bob to come to the hospital for an Anointing of the Sick. Before he started the litany of saints, he suggested that instead of responding with 'Pray for us,' the family could say 'Pray for Frances.' We did. After the third intercession, my mother joined us, saying 'Pray for Frances.' Her first words in six days and her last forever."
- Jim Shay and family, Summer 2022
Fr. Bob Beams at Rachel Gaines' Baptism
Fr. Bob Prayed with the
Marshall University Football team
Send an email with your memory and/or photo of Fr. Bob Scott to [email protected].
Joy During the Sprinkling Rite
"Fr. Bob was such a loving man, but he was also very funny! My kids would be on the lookout when he was blessing the congregation with holy water. He would see the kids, look right at them, and give them a good douse and laugh! They still talk about Fr. Bob."
- The Mariotti Family
Summer 2022
The Baptism of Ryan Scott Martin
December 27, 1986
Ryan's Grandmother, Dorothy Cavett Recalled
"During the Baptism, Ryan chewed on the booklet; however during the Our Father he decided that instead of holding Fr. Scott's hand, he would chew on his finger, making it difficult for Fr. to keep from "smiling" to the point of laughter.
The picture does not do justice to the event. The video recording of the occasion shows the happy moment and you can hear Fr. commenting on how Ryan must have found some holy oil on his finger."
Memories from the Oliver Family
He's Featured in the Credits of
We Are Marshall, A 2007 Movie
Fr. Bob's Time in Austin
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.