Rev. Patrick Dooling
San Carlos Cathedral Parish 500 Church St., Monterey | (831) 373-2628, sancarloscathedral.org
Father Patrick is such an animal lover that he carries peanuts in his pockets to feed bluejays, which sometimes eat straight out of his hand. His cell phone ringtones are set to animal sounds, like pigs oinking. He brings his bulldog, Roxy, to the parish. His compassion for four-legged creatures translates to his work with humans: In 40-some years as a priest, he’s earned a reputation for empathy, and has even been known to cry while preaching at funerals. “Father Patrick is at the top of the pack for empathy, compassion and understanding,” says parish secretary Kathryn Doubek. “He doesn’t make judgement calls about people.” Or puppies.