Monsignor Francis Raymond Moeslein, a priest of the Diocese of Raleigh for 67 years who served as its chancellor from 1982 until 1984 and vicar for priests from 1984 until 1987, died May 25, 2026 in Southern Pines. He was 93.
Frank was born April 20, 1933 in Baltimore, Maryland to F. Raymond Moeslein and Mary L. Lynch Moeslein. He was raised alongside his siblings John and Mary. In 1949 the family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina when Atlantic Refining Co. transferred Raymond for work.
Frank began college at Belmont Abbey in 1951 and enrolled at St. Bonaventure University in New York the next year. He later entered its seminary, which, at the time, was called Christ the King Seminary. In 1955, he began studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He was ordained a priest Dec. 20, 1958 in Rome.
At the time of his ordination, the Diocese of Raleigh included the entire state of North Carolina. Father Moeslein’s first priestly assignment was to St. John in North Wilkesboro. From 1960 until 1962, he served at Asheville’s St. Lawrence Church, which became a basilica in 1993.
His next role was editor of the North Carolina Catholic newspaper, the publication of the Diocese of Raleigh, which he carried out while also serving at Sacred Heart [then] Cathedral in Raleigh and, later, as pastor of St. Ann in Smithfield. By 1966 he was back serving in the western part of the state as pastor at St. Benedict in Winston Salem and, later, at St. Peter in Charlotte.
In the 1970s he served as vicar of what was then the Jacksonville Deanery, while serving at a parish there. During this decade he also was a member of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission and spiritual director of the Cursillo Movement, which he valued for its ability to help create transformation and reconciliation through retreats.
Father Moeslein appreciated the sea, classical music, and learning other languages such as Italian and French. He was known to spend his free time fishing, playing Bridge, working on photography or painting in oils. Among his friends and brother priests he was known as a great cook, with a knack for preparing scallops.
Father Moeslein, served as pastor of St. Joseph in Raleigh (1973 – 1976), founding pastor of St. Mark in Wilmington (1976 – 1982), pastor of St. Catherine of Siena in Wake Forest (1982 – 1985) and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Southport (1985 – 1986).
He would later say, “The place I left crying was St. Mark. I was in tune with that parish … I could have stayed there a long time very happily.” The parishes of St. Ann and St. Egbert in Morehead City, where he actively served from 1986 until 1999, were also especially close to his heart.
In 2000 he was named a prelate of honor, with the title of monsignor, by Pope John Paul II.
Monsignor Moeslein retired from active priestly ministry not long after that but continued to live his vocation by celebrating Mass, leading Bible study, assisting the Knights of Columbus and visiting nursing homes. In a 2003 interview with the diocesan communications department, Monsignor said he felt fortunate to remain at St. Egbert as a pastor emeritus.
When asked if he had a best memory, he grinned and said, “I’ll give you five best memories: being in Rome … building up the parish and the building at St. Mark’s … Cursillo, I think I’ve worked 20 Cursillos, I find that very rewarding … and preaching.”
Monsignor was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings John J. Moeslein and Mary Moeslein. He’s survived by nieces, nephews, family members, brother priests and friends.
Funeral arrangements include a Vigil for the Deceased at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at St. Egbert Catholic Church in Morehead City. Father Michael Burbeck, vicar general, will preside. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday June 4, 2026 at St. Egbert Catholic Church in Morehead City. Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama will preside and Monsignor John Wall will share the homily. Rite of Committal will follow immediately and take place in the columbarium at St. Egbert Parish. Reception to follow in the parish hall.
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