Rev. Monsignor James Vanderholt
Courtesy of the Diocese of Beaumont

A third longtime Catholic priest in the Diocese of Beaumont has died thus far in August, again marking the passing of an era with the death of the Rev. Monsignor James Vanderholt, the diocese announced late Wednesday. He was 88.

No funeral arrangements were yet announced.

The diocese on Thursday celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial for the Rev. Monsignor Kenneth R. Greig at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Groves. Greig was 80 years old.

Both Greig and Vanderholt were retired from the diocese.

Last week, the diocese celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial for the Rev. Monsignor William Manger, who until his death was pastor of St. Anne Catholic Church in Beaumont.

Bishop David Toups said in a statement provided to The Enterprise that many older priests in the Diocese of Beaumont have died recently.

"We have lost a number of our older priests in the past months. Men who served Southeast Texas for over five decades will certainly be missed, but at the same time we rejoice for them as they receive their heavenly reward," Toups said.

"At the same time, we have been blessed with a number of younger priests coming to our area to assist us with our needs at this time. In addition, we have nine men studying for the priesthood for our diocese, so we are certainly working very hard on long-term sustainability of our parishes and community. As I always say, it is the Lord’s church, and he will provide for her needs. We just have to do our part," he said.

This report will be updated.

Dan Wallach is a freelance writer.