Dr. Patrick J. Mitchell

Dr. Patrick (Pat) Mitchell, was born in Tucson, Arizona where he was raised with two sisters, Kathleen and Harriett. He served in the United States Marine Corps and Reserves as a young man. Pat completed his doctorate degree in Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara and worked as a Professor Emeritus at St. John’s Seminary where he taught philosophy and theology for 35 years. His primary academic interests were the relationship between theology and spirituality, science and faith, and the theology of interreligious dialogue. He was a founding member of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Spirituality Commission as well as of the Archdiocesan Justice and Peace Commission. Pat was a certified Spiritual Director (trained at the Shalem Institute) and served hundreds of people in this capacity for the past 35 years. He was also Benedictine oblate at New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, California. Pat was a gifted contemplative meditation teacher for the World Community for Christian Meditation and at St. Joseph’s Parish. In retirement he taught a "Contemplative Practice and Mental Health" course at Marymount College, served as a RCIA Team member and Lector at St. Joseph’s Parish, and facilitated a weekly contemplative meditation group.

Pat enjoyed sailing his boat "Morning Star" with his wife Marie, spending time with family and friends at the beach on weekends and holidays, watching professional tennis, attending concerts, visiting museums, reading, and sharing his faith with all. He recently completed his Memoir and it is in the process of being published. Pat was a devoted husband and absolutely adored his wife Marie. Their love for each other was incredibly deep and robust. They were always seen holding hands, gazing at each other, laughing with each other, praying together, and praising God for uniting them. Pat was such a gentle spirit and a shining example of living in gratitude on a daily basis. He touched the lives of many people with his smile, gentle voice, sincerity, faith, genuineness and compassion.

He is survived by his wife Marie, stepdaughters Aimee and Kristen, daughter Molly, sisters Kathleen and Harriett, numerous priests and clergy members that he taught over his lifetime, and countless friends.