Press Release: Missionary Oblates Announce Change of Pastoral Leadership at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples

Edmonton – May 24, 2017 – On May 3, 2017, Father Ken Forster, OMI, Provincial of OMI Lacombe Canada met with Fr. Jim Holland, OMI to confirm the decision that Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples will receive two new Pastors on July 2, 2017.

After more than two decades of ministry to the parishioners of Sacred Heart and to many others in the McCauley community, Fr. Jim has been asked to welcome the new pastors who will assure that his tradition of pastoral care will continue.

“We are grateful to Fr. Jim for the dedicated service to First Nations and others who were welcomed in an inclusive way throughout these past twenty-two years,” said Fr. Forster, who is Fr. Holland’s religious superior. “Given the Oblate commitment to First Nations’ ministry we have determined that now is the right time for a transition in order to get the right people in place for the future.”

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate have served the parish since 1990, when Archbishop (Emeritus) Joseph MacNeil entrusted this ministry to the Oblates. The Oblates appointed Fr. Jim as pastor in 1995. Fr. Forster emphasized that leadership transition is normal and healthy in all communities and institutions. “However,” he said, “that does not make it easy.” The decision regarding a change in leadership was in fact made two years ago. Its implementation was delayed at the request of parishioners to allow time to prepare for the change in a manner that was respectful of them, their pastor and the unique history that they have shared together.

The Oblates celebrate with Fr. Jim the honours he has received recently: the Headdress Ceremony, the re-naming of the street beside the parish to Fr. Jim Holland Way, and the announcement that he will receive the Alberta Award of Excellence. Each of these is an affirmation of the important role Jim has played in the parish and wider community. Under Fr. Holland’s leadership the parish has developed a sensitive integration of Catholic practices with Indigenous cultural and spiritual traditions and has become a welcoming and compassionate presence in the community.

The two new Oblates will be in Edmonton by the end of June and ready to take up their new assignment on July 2, 2017. Fathers Susai Jesu, OMI and Tom Kurudeepan, OMI, who will be assuming pastoral responsibility at Sacred Heart, both have significant histories in First Nations ministry. Fr. Susai ministered in Saskatchewan, and Fr. Tom in Nova Scotia. Both men are looking forward to learning from and working with the people of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples.

Beginning in September 2017, Fr. Jim will begin a well-deserved time of sabbatical.

Media Contact Isabelle Gigault 613-230-2225 ext. 227 igigault@omilacombe.ca’

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