Father Thomas Cavanaugh (Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hanover)

pastoral discreet theologically grounded confidential

Thomas Cavanaugh serves as a Catholic priest at the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Hanover and functions as a discreet, trusted spiritual adviser to President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet. He provides sacramental ministry and private counsel in moments of acute moral crisis, framing political dilemmas in theological and pastoral terms rather than partisan calculus. Charlie Young acts as the pastoral conduit between Cavanaugh and the White House; Bartlet specifically requests Cavanaugh’s presence to confront the conscience‑shaping choice around a federal execution, underscoring his role as a confidential moral resource.

3 appearances

Spiritual counsel and pastoral care

Also known as: Fr. Cavanaugh, Father Cavanaugh, Father Thomas Cavanaugh

Father Thomas …'s Journey

A timeline through the narrative

3 moments

S1E14 · Take This Sabbath Day

The Execution Lands on the President's Desk

Not shown; implied as a stable, calming presence the President seeks for conscience work.

Is referenced as the requested spiritual companion from Hanover; not present but becomes an intended active participant once summoned to the White House for pastoral counsel.

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S1E14 · Take This Sabbath Day

Midnight Confession in the Oval

Calm, purposeful, gently urgent — his pastoral steadiness intentionally destabilizes Bartlet's legalistic evasions and forces moral reckoning.

Arrives quietly, greets the President, listens to Bartlet's attempts to find legal cover, then delivers a moral parable about a drowning man; offers to hear confession, dons his liturgical stole, …

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S1E14 · Take This Sabbath Day

Confession at Midnight

Calm and resolute with urgent compassion—firm in theological conviction but gentle in delivery, intent on forcing moral recognition.

Arrives, hugs the President, speaks plainly and pastorally, tells the river/parables (rowboat, helicopter, radio) to reframe Bartlet's legal searching as a refusal to accept help, offers to hear confession, dons …

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