Father John McGrath was born July 13, 1922 in County Tipperary, Ireland. He attended St. Patrick's College and was ordained on June 8, 1947 in the Cathedral of the Assumption, also in Ireland.
He arrived in Pueblo, Colorado on October 1, 1947. He was assigned to Sacred Heart Church in Fruita in June 15, 1960.
He was instrumental in getting the Palisade Mission assigned to the new Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Grand Junction in 1961.
Father McGrath retired from the priesthood on November 18, 1985.