Father Melvin Joseph Bennett, D. Min. 69, of Carmel, was born into eternal life on April 19, 2011.
Father Bennett was the Senior Associate Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Carmel; concluding a long career of service to the Lord in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. Fr. Bennett was a graduate of Theological College at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C; he later received his Doctorate of Ministry from Christian Theological Seminary at Butler University. Fr. Bennett was ordained a Priest by Bishop Raymond Gallagher May 24, 1969 in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Lafayette, Indiana.
Following his ordination he served parishes in Tipton, Kokomo, Logansport, Zionsville, and Crawfordsville. While he was Pastor at St. Bernard Parish in Crawfordsville, Fr. Bennett served as the Chaplain at Wabash College. Fr. Bennett was appointed the first Vicar for Clergy of the Lafayette Diocese and was instrumental in creating the annual Convocation for priests in Brown County, which is a legacy of his work that continues.
Father Bennett was born on July 17, 1941 on his family farm in Jasper County, the seventh child of Fred and Agnes (Benner) Bennett. He is survived by his brother, Leo C., D. John (wife Pat) Bennett and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Norman E., Murl C., Lois E., G. Thomas, and James E. Bennett.
Father Bennett had a tremendous sense of humor and an infectious personality. He possessed a great gift to share God’s love in a simple, effective, and understandable manner. His loss will be mourned by the many people whose lives he touched in an unforgettable way.
Father Bennett’s body will be received at 11 a.m. Easter Monday, April 25, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where a 24-hour vigil will begin. The Wake Service will be at 7 p.m. during the evening of the vigil. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. April 26 at the church with Bishop Timothy L. Doherty, Celebrant, and Priests of the diocese, Concelebrants. Following the Mass Fr. Bennett will be interred alongside his family at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Earl Park, IN. |