Joe Stack during a speech
Te Awamutu’s Catholic community is in mourning following the death of their much-loved former parish priest, Monsignor Joe Stack.
Mons Joe Stack celebrating Mass at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Ōtorohanga. Photo: Supplied
The 76-year-old monsignor retired to Te Puke last year but regularly returned for mass at St Patrick’s Church and visit prisoners at Waikeria Prison.
Te Awamutu News 26 June 2025
Parish Council members said some of his most impactful work was done at the prison. One member noted Stack’s unique ability to blend humour with empathy and compassion endeared him to everyone he met.
Nick Prendergast said Stack would be watching with interest tomorrow (Friday), when a requiem Mass will be held in Te Awamutu.
“His forte was funerals,” he said. “He had a way of combining humour with reverence that made them truly special for families and friends.”
Hamilton Diocese bishop Richard Laurenson told The News Stack had a particular heart for those at the margins.
“Just last week he was visiting Waikeria as part of his ongoing ministry as a priest.
“Mons Joe was never an official prison chaplain, but like many priests, he had a supernatural ability to engage with those who suffer confinement and like many of those priests, it was such a natural part of them that no one really noticed, and they never advertised the fact.”
When they were young: a news clipping from the Catholic newspaper Zealandia in 1974 featuring Joe Stack and Leonard Danvers.
When Stack missed his regular visit last week, concerned friends raised the alarm. He was later found at his home in Te Puke, having died of natural causes.
“Joe’s love and care for his fellow priests is legendary. His passing has deeply touched many of us,” Laurenson said.
One of his closest friendships was with former Cambridge parish priest Mons Danvers.
The two were like brothers, recalled The News senior writer Viv Posselt, who interviewed them for their joint 50th anniversary as priests.
“Once they warmed up, they were very amusing,” she said. “Their banter was easy and familiar — clearly the product of many years of friendship.”
Their resemblance — both with grey beards and receding hairlines —often led to confusion among Waipā parishioners.
Norris Hall
Retired Anglican deacon Norris Hall said Stack had been his spiritual leader for many years.
“He was a humble person with a delightful sense of humour and we enjoyed each other’s company.”
With Jewish heritage through his mother, Hall also shared customs with Stack.
“If anyone didn’t get on with Joe, they had a problem.”
Parishioner Betsy Reymer, now in her 90s and seen priests come and go but rated Stack among the best.
“No fancy frills with him. He was always very friendly and remembered people’s names.”
His sermons were meaningful and always had a strong core message, she said.
Parish councillor Cass Sutton, who knew Stack during her time as deputy principal at St Patrick’s Catholic School described him as “kind, gentle, non judgemental and always with a twinkle in his eye.”
Bishop Richard Laurenson and Betsy Reymer. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Great mates, often mistaken for brothers – Joe Stack, left, and Leonard Danvers. Photo: Viv Posselt
Prendergast said parish priests play a critical role in families’ lives – from baptism through to burial.
“Joe was always sincere. He would take people as they were and look after them. He’s certainly going to be a loss.”
Words like empathy, sincerity, sense of humour and compassion summed up Stack, he said.
Stack was born in Auckland and ordained a priest in 1974. He was a founding member of the Hamilton Diocese and looked after parishes in Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti. But it was Te Awamutu where he spent most of his time as a parish priest.
“Joe had a quiet way of encouraging us, and being there whenever we needed him,” said Laurenson.
“Priests live an extroverted life, but most of us are very introverted and private people. We love our space, and our quiet. We spend much time in prayer with the Lord which feeds our ability to be public facing.”
A Vigil Funeral Mass is to be held tonight (Thursday) at St Mary’s in Tauranga with a requiem mass in Te Awamutu tomorrow followed by his burial at the Ōhaupō Catholic Cemetery.
See: Oh brother! It’s 50 years
See: Waipa roles in ordination
See: Christmas message
Mons Joe Stack had a great sense of humour as evidenced in Cambridge last year at his friend Leonard Danvers’ jubilee celebration. Photo: Rekord Ltd.
