Father Robert Cummins Jr.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Father Robert Cummins, Tuesday, April 26, 11 a.m., at St. Thérèse, Chesapeake. Father Cummins, 75, died on Palm Sunday, April 10.
A native of Paducah, Kentucky, Father Cummins grew up in Chicago. Having completed seminary studies, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Richmond on May 17, 1986.
Following ordination, he served as associate pastor at Holy Trinity, Norfolk, for four months, before being named to the same position at St. Edward, North Chesterfield.
Father Cummins served as parochial vicar of Holy Family, Virginia Beach (1989-1993). In 1993-1994, he did pastoral work in Ethiopia.
In 1995, Father Cummins was named parochial vicar at Our Lady of Nazareth, Roanoke. Subsequent assignments as parochial vicar included Star of the Sea, Virginia Beach (1996-1997), and Ascension, Virginia Beach (1997-1998). This was followed by three months as administrator of St. Rose of Lima, Hampton.
Father Cummins received his first pastorate in 1998 when he was appointed to St. Thérèse, Chesapeake, where he served until 2009. During that time, he also served as pastor of Good Shepherd, Smithfield (2004-2008).
From 2009-2010, Father Cummins was administrator of Visitation, Topping, and St. Francis de Sales, Mathews. He was named pastor of both parishes in 2010 and served until 2016.