“THE MATTER IS CLOSED! "
Further to Michael Swan's article Parishioners Demand Removal of Pastor., in the October 3rd
issue of The Catholic Register, I would like to present my view of the situation, that is the view of
your average parishioner at St. Martin of Tours parish.
First and foremost let me start by saying that I found the article to be rather biased in
presentation. I am one of the 150 members of the St. Martin of Tours parish who protested at St.
Michael's Cathedral. I do not see myself as part of any "elite clique" in the parish. However, I do
see myself as a parishioner who sees his parish falling apart because there is no reconciliation
between various parties and the pastor. This is affecting the church community, and there is no
one out there in the archdiocese who is willing to mediate or assist in resolving the conflicts at
hand.
When we joined the parish almost 8 years ago, we enjoyed the warm welcome we received, and
the invitations to join a wide variety of activities offered by this very strong community driven,
spiritual parish. The choir under the leadership of Mr. Fergus Egan, was another beckoning
force, as it gave so much added value to the weekly Sunday and other services at the church.
Being a part of this parish meant a lot to us, as the spirit of giving and sharing was always evident.
In the past few months we have seen a very visible decline in attendance at church, maybe as
much as 40%. The once active parish is certainly in withdrawal. The parishioners who led the
various church groups and founders of the parish are publicly chastised from the pulpit for their
"anti Christ like" attitude. What should have been behind close door arguments and
disagreements are now open to the parish, which is very disheartening, and there is no sign of
reconciliation or communication needed to return St. Martin of Tours to its former community
driven, spiritual parish. The Archdiocese obviously does not comprehend the significance and
impact of this conflict on the parish. As parishioners of St Martin of Tours we are asking that the
archdiocese be an effective manager and use its resources to resolve the ongoing conflict. We
ask that in responding to the parish's needs, it see all sides in this matter, and take whatever
necessary action is needed to save St Martin of Tours parish.
Trevor Fernandes
(Letter to The Catholic Register, published week of October 24, 2004, reprinted with permission)
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Email:bishop.boissonneau@rogers.com Fax: 416 207-4984.
His Eminence, Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic Fax: 416 934-3452.
For more information contact:
Judy Byrnes 905 275-1536
Anna Jushkevich 905 279-7822 Aisling Egan 416 671-4710
Pat DeAngelis 416 809-1819 Duncan Walker 905 277-9825
Lucy Pires 905 273-6093 Dunstan Bazely 905 275-3946
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GOOD SHEPHERDS DON’T SCATTER SHEEP
Thanks to all participants in last Sunday’s successful Rally. Observed by the media,
upwards of 100 parishioners were present with flags flying. “The matter is closed!”
???????
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PARISH TAKES PROTEST TO WIDER COMMUNITY
Toronto – about 100 parishioners of St. Martin of Tours parish bussed in from Mississauga on
September 19 to make their parish concerns more visible to the public at large.
At odds with both their pastor Fr. Octavio Beltran and the area bishop John Boissonneau, the
parishioners stationed themselves across from St. Michael’s Cathedral bearing signs which said,
“Save our Parish” “Deliver us from ….” and “Good shepherds don’t scatter sheep.”
One of the spokespersons, Judy Byrnes, a 17-year member of the parish and a mother of four,
said, “We have lost too many good people who have just walked away.”
Roland Singh, a former Eucharistic member, appeared with a gag in his mouth, symbolizing “our
lack of a voice here. There’s enough turmoil in the world without having a pastor who scatters a
parish. Imagine firing a man like Fergus Egan (the deposed choir director who had served 28
years). He’s the salt of the earth.”
On the same day, flyers were handed out at the parish saying that “We have lost all trust and
faith in our Cardinal, Bishop and Pastor.” The long simmering dispute over the alleged “rude,
disrespectful and cruel behaviour” has now flared into open anger against the area bishop John
Boissonneau, who is accused in the flyer of “treating the parishioners with disdain. He maintains
only the clergy have rights.”
Archdiocesan spokesperson Suzanne Scorsone fielded media questions. Mrs. Scorsone
maintained that the group represented only a fraction of the parish.
(with permission from The Catholic New Times – October 24, 2004)
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The Parish Finance Council has so far not provided the 2004 Share Life Report, nor are
the parish weekly collections published in the bulletin. The Council is derelict in its
duty.
“The sad implosion (in our parish) raises the question of church governance, accountability and
transparency. Lay people comprise 99% of church membership.” How can our voices be heard?
Let your money be your voice. The following charities listed below are very grateful for your
support. Please continue to send your contributions to them.
1. Catholic Missions of Canada, 201-1155 Yonge St., Toronto, Ont. M4T 1W2
2. St. Vincent de Paul Society, 240 Church St., Toronto, Ont. M5B 1Z2
3. Birthright Mississauga, 307-2600 Edenhurst, Mississauga, Ont. L5A 3Z8
4. Canadian Food for Children, 40 King George Rd. Toronto, Ont. M8X 1L3
5. Ian Anderson House, 430 Winston Churchill Blvd. Oakville, Ont. L6J 7X2.
