Msgr, Leonard G. Scott, who has been pastor of Emmaus Catholic Community in Mount Ephraim since 2011, will retire June 30.
Msgr. Scott, who holds a doctorate in canon law from Rome, served as Judicial Vicar of the Camden Diocese Tribunal from 1978-2002. He was the first black priest elevated to the rank of monsignor in the Camden Diocese and the second named in the United States.
He also has served as president of the Canon Law Society of America.
Before his assignment to Mount Ephraim, he served as pastor of Holy Rosary in Cherry Hill, 2002-2009, and St. Aloysius in Oaklyn, 2009-11.
Msgr. Scott has served on the former Black Catholic Advisory Council and is a member of the Black Catholic Ministry Commission. He also serves in the National Black Caucus of Clergy and Religious and he chairs the Black Clergy and Religious Committee of the diocese.
Before going to Rome he attended Mother of the Angels Seminary, Niagara University, N.Y.
A native of Bridgeton, Msgr. Scott was ordained in Rome on Dec. 19, 1964. His first assignment was at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Atlantic City, in 1965. He also served at St. Paul, Stone Harbor, 1966; Sacred Heart, Camden, 1968-76; and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden, 1976-85.
Msgr. Scott also has served on the Camden Commission for Family Ministry and the Presbyteral Council.