Father Bill Atkinson was a quadriplegic Augustinian Friar, priest, teacher and friend. Bill grew up in Upper Darby, PA, and after graduating from Monsignor Bonner High School, he entered the seminary to become an Augustinian priest. 

While studying for the priesthood in New Hamburg, New York, Bill was in a tragic tobogganing accident that rendered him a quadriplegic. Bill resolved to continue his studies to become a priest and, despite all odds, with the help of his family, community of Friars, and friends, Bill was ordained the first and only known quadriplegic Catholic priest on February 2, 1974.

After ordination, Father Bill continued his studies and obtained his undergraduate degree from Villanova University in 1974. Father Bill began his teaching career at his alma mater, Monsignor Bonner High School for Boys, in 1975. Father immersed himself in the life of a Friar at Bonner. He was a teacher, confessor, coach, mentor and friend to the thousands of young men whose lives he touched during his 30 years of teaching.

Father Bill lived a life of complete selflessness, depending upon others for his every need. When asked how he did it Father Bill replied, “"Day after day, help of others along the way, valued friends, sisters, brothers, I simply borrowed the strength of others." 

Father Bill passed away on September 15, 2006. He was an ordinary man called to live an extraordinary life. “All I can tell you is this. At 6:00 am this morning God sent me a huge cross to crush me; that much I am sure. But, at 6:01 am he sent a lot of people to help me carry it.”

Father Bill was an inspiration to all he knew in this life. He is a candidate for Sainthood in the Catholic Church. We chose him as our patron because like us, Father Bill was disabled. Father’s disability did not stop him from living an exemplary life of service to others. 

Our participants want to live lives just like Father Bill. Through our Corps, our adults will have the opportunities to be of service to others while they strive to be joyful contributing members of our community.