With death hovering near, a new life for Father Field

Despite pancreatic cancer, priest offers message of hope to a caring congregation
By Michael Paulson
Globe Staff / June 7, 2009

It's Pentecost Sunday - the birthday of the Christian church - and the pews are packed. The parishioners who took medicine to the Dominican Republic are giving their report. The Kilpatrick family is here for baby Brendan's baptism. And after Mass, the whole congregation will gather out front to pose for its annual photo. Father Field can feel the adrenaline rush, and he is upbeat, funny, and familiar, as he walks the center aisle, clasping his hands and closing his eyes as he sings "Lord, Send Out Your Spirit."

There are bad days, too. On Holy Thursday, Father Field was doubled up on the floor in pain. His vulnerability to infection means he has to wear a mask to visit those who are sick; some weeks, he can't shake hands during the sign of peace, and on rare occasions he even avoids distributing Communion.

The Rev. James A. Field has spent years helping others cope with death and dying. He has anointed the sick, buried the dead, and comforted the bereaved. the rest