NEW BEDFORD — Father Conrad Salach, O.F.M. Conv., pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in New Bedford, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 30, 2021. He had served the parish for the past ten and a half years and had recently observed his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination.

Born in Methuen, Mass., he entered the Franciscan Friars Conventual Novitiate in Ellicott City, Md., in 1961, professed Temporary Vows in 1962 and Solemn Vows in 1965.  He was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1971.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Hyacinth College and Seminary in Granby, Mass., in 1966; a master’s in theology from St. Anthony on Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer, N.Y. in 1971; and a master’s in counseling and psychology from the University of Notre Dame in 1972.

Father Conrad’s early years of ministry were in Catholic education as a teacher and counselor and later a director of guidance at schools in Baltimore and Shamokin, Penn. He then served in parish ministry in assignments in Pennsylvania and in other areas in Massachusetts before coming to the Fall River Diocese in January 2011 upon his appointment to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.

Father Conrad leaves a sister, Barbara J. Salach, and his Franciscan family.

Visiting hours will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Thursday, November 4, from 4 to 7 p.m., at which time a Franciscan Wake Service will take place. There will be additional visitation time on Friday, November 5, from 9 to 10:45 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 11 a.m. on Friday. Interment will be in a family plot in Lawrence, Mass.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Machnowski Funeral Home in New Bedford.

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