Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

On January 5, 2025, we will be saying to the Jesuits “Thank you and come again!”

It is with much sadness, we would like to inform you that the Jesuits will be concluding their mission in the diocese of Thunder Bay on Sunday, January 5, 2025. The Jesuits had to make such a painful decision due to lack of members. The Jesuits arrived in the diocese of Thunder Bay in 1893. They served a number of parishes in the diocese. We would like to thank them for their service and commitment to the Church in the Diocese of Thunder Bay. Their mission among the First Nations is really commendable. We remember their commitment with a sense of gratitude. In a special way, we thank Fr. Gerry McDougall S. J. who rendered his service at St. Anne, Fort William First Nations; Kitchitwa Kateri, Thunder Bay; Our Lady of the Snows, Armstrong and Sacred Heart of Jesus, Gull Bay.

The Jesuits have faithfully sown the seed of faith in the hearts of the People of God. Their service and commitment will be remembered forever. Let us keep them in our prayers so that they may continue to proclaim the good news of salvation wherever the Lord leads them.

In order to express our sense of gratitude to the Jesuits, we are having a Thanksgiving/Farewell Mass Presided by the Jesuit Provincial Minister on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at St. Peter’s Parish at 12:30 pm. There will be a Reception after Mass at St. Peter’s Parish Hall. Please come and join the Jesuits in the Thanksgiving/Farewell Mass.

Sincerely in the Lord,
Fr. Joseph Arockiam
Diocesan Administrator
Diocese of Thunder Bay