Father Howard E. Muhlbaier, senior priest at St. Andrew the Apostle, Gibbsboro, will retire Oct. 1, Bishop Joseph Galante announced.
Father Muhlbaier, 74, continues in residence at St. Andrew.
Throughout his years of active ministry Father Muhlbaier served in parishes, schools and Kennedy Hospital, Washington Township.
He was pastor of Assumption, Atco, 1992-2000, and then served as chaplain at Kennedy Hospital until his appointment to St. Andrew in 2008.
Born in Swedesboro, Father Muhlbaier studied at St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md.; Loyola College, Baltimore; and St. Mary’s Seminary, Roland Park, Baltimore.
He was ordained by Archbishop Celestine J. Damiano on May 22, 1965, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden.
He joined the faculty of Gloucester Catholic High School, and later became guidance director at Paul VI High School, Haddon Township.
He also served as parochial vicar at Incarnation Parish, Mantua, 1965-71, and Sts. Peter and Paul, Turnersville, 1990-92. He was parochial vicar in residence at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Pitman, 1971-75; St. Andrew, 1975-76; and St. Maurice, Brooklawn, 1976-80.
Father Muhlbaier also served as an Engaged Encouter team moderator.