Robert W. Medley, the pastor at Queenship of Mary in Plainsboro and director of the diocesan office of worship and Episcopal ceremonies, is now a monsignor.
As part of the Diocese of Metuchen’s 30th anniversary celebration, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski conferred pontifical honors upon nine diocesan priests January 29 during an evening prayer service held in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. The bishop petitioned Pope Benedict XVI to bestow papal honors upon the priests in recognition of their outstanding service and significant contributions to the people of the diocese.
Medley’s parents, Miriam and James, were emotional when they heard the news. “They were extremely proud and extremely pleased,” says Medley. “I am very pleased for them and in a sense, happier for them than for myself.”
He announced the news to the parish family the next weekend. “People in my parish had a wonderful reaction. I explained a little bit of what (becoming a monsignor) means. I believe that when a priest is honored, it’s really shared with the people that he ministers with,” he said. “Sometimes I’ve gotten the credit, but the parish did the work.”
Medley was born in Neptune and has two brothers, James and Michael. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University Of Notre Dame. It was while attending Notre Dame that he first discerned his priestly vocation.
“My best experience of church was at Notre Dame. In the midst of my college experience, Notre Dame requires theology courses,” he said. “It was my growth in faith, and a greater experience of God and the Church, that opened me to hearing God’s call to the priesthood.” He received a master of divinity degree from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, South Orange.
He has ministered as diocesan vice chancellor, director of the diocesan Office of Vocations, and chairman of the Commission for Ministry with People with Disabilities. In 2002 he was named administrator of Queenship of Mary and was installed as pastor in 2003.
“There are so many joys in the priesthood for me. Liturgy and worship are especially among my joys,” he said. Another of his passions is ministry with the deaf. His brother James is disabled and has always been an inspiration. “I still consider myself an advocate for those who are disabled, to help people recognize that people with disabilities are people, and have gifts to offer, and are full members of the Church,” Medley said. “There is more to the person in the wheelchair than just the wheelchair.”
