Obituary for Rev. Edward C. Poulin
Norwich -- The Reverend Edward C. Poulin, retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, died Thursday, April 15, 2010, in Windham, Connecticut. He was 82. Father Poulin was a devoted educator, hospital chaplain, parish administrator and pastor, most recently at St. Mary Church in Willimantic, before retiring in 1987.
Father Poulin was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, December 17, 1927, son of the late Joseph Simeon and Blanche Antoinette Poulin. They lived across the street from St. Joseph Church, where Father Poulin was baptized the night of his birth. In 1941, he began his high school and college education with the Marist Fathers in Bedford, MA.
He completed his studies for the priesthood at Marist College and Seminary in Framingham, MA., and Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He also received a Master of Education from Boston College. He was ordained a priest by Most Reverend Erick Mckenzie, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Boston on June 17, 1954, in Sacred Heart Church, Newton Centre, MA.
Shortly following his ordination, Father Poulin’s first assignment was as a teacher at Notre Dame High School in Detroit, MI. Five years later, he began his parish ministry at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Providence, R.I. Following his three years in Providence and Watch Hill, R.I., he became Chaplain for Mass. General Hospital in Boston. In 1965, Father re-entered parish ministry, leading him to the Diocese of Norwich, his pastoral home for the remainder of his life. During his years in the Diocese, he served at St. Mary Church in Clinton and Sacred Heart Church in Taftville, prior to his many dedicated years at St. Mary Church in Willimantic.
In his own words intended someday to be included in final reflections on his life, Father wrote, “My greatest joy was in being able to offer Mass.” This is the essence of the sacred role of the priest -- bringing his flock into communion with Christ through the Holy Eucharist. Father Poulin was forever true to his calling.
Father Poulin is predeceased by his sister, Mildred. He is survived by his brother, Martin, of Richmond, Virginia, and by several nieces and nephews.
The Transfer of the Body to St. Mary Church, 46 Valley Street, Willimantic, CT will take place at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 20, 2010. Following that ceremony, Father Poulin’s body will lie in state from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Church. A Parish Mass will be celebrated for his repose on Tuesday evening, April 20, at 7:00 p.m. in St. Mary Church. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, on Wednesday, April 21, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church.
Burial will be in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect St. Willimantic, CT., is handling the arrangements.
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