March 22, 1957 — April 29, 2023
Reverend George R. Winne, Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and Immaculate Conception Parish in Allentown, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, United Kingdom. He was 66 years old. Father Winne was serving as a chaplain on a cruise from Amsterdam when he fell ill and was airlifted to the UK, where he sadly passed away a few hours later.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Father Winne was the son of the late Frederick P. and Joan R. (Redd) Winne. He attended Saint Catharine of Siena Elementary School in Mount Penn and graduated from Reading Central Catholic High School. Father Winne began his seminary studies at Saint Pius X Seminary in Dalton, Pennsylvania, in 1975, and continued at Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology. In 2010, he completed a Master of Science in School Counseling at the University of Scranton.
Ordained a priest on May 14, 1983, by the Most Reverend Thomas J. Welsh at the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena, Father Winne’s early assignments included serving as Parochial Vicar at St. Peter Parish in Reading and Saint Anne Parish in Bethlehem. He was later appointed as Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish and Saint Paul Parish in Reading.
Throughout his ministry, Father Winne held various roles including Regional Director for Hispanic Youth Ministry and CYO in Berks County, Director for Hispanics in Vocations Apostolate, and member of the Permanent Diaconate Advisory Board. He was also involved with the Council of Priests as a Parochial Vicar Representative and served as Pastoral Minister for the Shenandoah Hispanic Community. His roles extended to educational and spiritual leadership as Chaplain for Reading Central Catholic High School, Notre Dame High School, and Lafayette College, as well as Parochial Administrator for Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception in Allentown. Father Winne also taught at Allentown Central Catholic High School and directed spiritual activities at both Allentown Central Catholic and Marian High Schools.
A beloved priest known for his strong connection with Spanish-speaking communities, Father Winne enhanced his Spanish skills through the C.E.P.A. program in Santiago, Dominican Republic, in the summer of 1982. He was deeply committed to serving people across different cultures, and his infectious laughter, genuine humility, and passion for travel and adventure left a lasting impact on those he met.
Father Winne cherished his time at Lake Wenonah, especially his enjoyment of snow shoveling. He is survived by his sister Suzanne Winne Hart and her husband Steven J., his uncle Robert J. Magee and his wife Marilyn, and his close friends Louie Bonilla and Rita Schwartz. He also leaves behind many cousins, fellow priests, and friends worldwide. Father Winne’s legacy will endure through the love and faith he shared with others. As he once prayed, “Lord, I pray, Your presence may always be front and center, bright and noticeable in my life.”
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, July 10, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19606. Reverend John M. Gibbons will deliver the Vigil Homily. Priests from the Diocese of Allentown are encouraged to bring Diocesan Vestments; others are requested to wear an alb and white stole.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Saint Catharine of Siena Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading, PA. The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Allentown, will preside over the Mass, with Monsignor Donald W. Cieniewicz as the Homilist. Main concelebrants will include Monsignor David L. James, Very Reverend Adam C. Sedar, Reverend John M. Gibbons, Reverend Patrick Lamb, and Reverend James Torpey.
Interment will be held privately at Bornemann Chapel, Gethsemane Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church of Allentown, 336 N. 4th St., Allentown, PA 18102. Arrangements are being handled by Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. For online condolences, please visit www.lutzfuneralhome.com.
Con Cristo se Puede! Con Cristo se Puede! Con Cristo se Puede!
Marian Devotion to the Memory of Father Winne
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace,
We come before you, Blessed Virgin Mary, seeking your comfort and intercession as we remember Reverend George R. Winne. We ask for your gentle embrace and guidance as we honor the life and ministry of this beloved priest who has touched so many lives with his faith and love.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
You who understand the depths of a mother’s love and the pain of loss, intercede for Father Winne as he rests in the eternal peace of your Son. Surround him with your maternal care and welcome him into the joy of Heaven. Help us find solace in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
We entrust Father Winne into your loving hands, confident that he is now in the presence of Christ. May his soul rejoice in the eternal happiness of Heaven, and may his memory inspire us to live with the same dedication and love that he showed in his priestly ministry.
Let us pray:
O Mary, Queen of Heaven, we ask for your intercession on behalf of Father George R. Winne. May he be embraced by your divine love and find eternal peace in the presence of God. Comfort those who grieve his loss, and help them to remember the joy and laughter he shared with them. Inspire us to continue his work of love and service in our own lives.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy Spirit Devotion to the Memory of Father Winne
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence as we remember Reverend George R. Winne. We thank You for the gift of his life and the many ways he served Your Church with love and dedication. We seek Your comfort and solace as we honor his memory and reflect on his commitment to Your Sacred Heart.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, full of love and mercy,
Embrace Father Winne in Your infinite compassion. We trust that he now rests in the boundless peace and joy of Your Heart. May Your Sacred Heart continue to guide him, and may he experience the fullness of Your divine love in Heaven.
We entrust Father Winne’s soul to Your Sacred Heart,
Confident that he is welcomed into the eternal embrace of Your love. May the grace and mercy of Your Heart accompany him, and may he be forever united with You in the glory of Heaven. We ask that You pour out Your blessings upon his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss, giving them strength and peace through Your Sacred Heart.
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, Sacred Heart of Love, we ask You to hold Father George R. Winne close to Your Heart. May he be forever bathed in the light of Your divine mercy and love. Comfort those who mourn his passing and help us to live out the teachings of Your Sacred Heart with the same fervent dedication that Father Winne demonstrated throughout his life. Inspire us to follow his example of service, compassion, and faithfulness.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.