After two and a half years of ministry Fr. Steve is returning to the Archdiocese of St. John’s, Newfoundland. His service to the people of St. Francis Xavier Parish is deeply appreciated. His work in developing ministries here at the parish as well as the relationships fostered with parishioners have been very fruitful.
I wish to thank him for his hard work. His priestly spirit has also been very supportive for me. As with any transition, I am sure Fr. Steve will appreciate your prayerful support.
While this change may be surprising, the ordinary term of an associate pastor in the Archdiocese of Toronto is two to three years. Fr. Steve has completed more than 2½ years. He is still a priest of the Archdiocese of St. John’s and it is to that Archdiocese that his ministry is attached.
We will be receiving assistance through the summer months on weekends from Fr. Ivan Camilleri, who works in the Spiritual Affairs Office of the Archdiocese of Toronto. During the week I will be assisted by Frs. Fenech and McLean. By the fall we should know who our next associate pastor will be. We are also exploring the possibility of the ministry of a permanent deacon.
