Sheep have lost their shepherd
This weekend a letter from Bishop Plouffe was read at masses and posted on the parish doors. Fr. George LaPierre is no longer with the parish. Here are the full contents:
March 13, 2008
Dear Parishioners of St. Gerard Majella,
This week, I received a letter from Fr. Gordon Judd, CSB, Vicar General of the Congregation of St. Basil asking me to inform you of the following:
Father George LaPierre has requested and received permission from Fr. Kenneth Decker, CSB, Superior General of the Basilian Fathers of Toronto to take an administrative leave from his duties at St. Gerard Majella Parish in our Diocese. Father LaPierre may be absent from the parish for some time or may not be returning to Sault Ste. Marie and understands that the Diocese may need to replace him in order to meet the pastoral needs of the Parish.
Both Father LaPierre and Father Decker deeply regret the suddenness of this situation and apologize for the difficulties that this may create in attempting to find an interim sacramental minister, especially as Easter draws near.
They have assured me of their prayers and the continued best wishes of the Basilian Fathers. They regret that at this time they are unable to provide another Basilian for priestly ministry to the church in the Sault where they have enjoyed a long and devoted relationship with so many.
I will personally convey to Father LaPierre that he can count on your prayers and mine, especially during the great liturgies of Holy Week.
Beyond this totally unexpected news, may the Risen One rekindle our hope as we celebrate with faith and devotion the Paschal Mystery.
Fraternally yours in Christ
Jean-Louis Ploufe
Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie
