Canton Catholics

"St. Mary's Parish is a Catholic Sacramental Community that exists to glorify God.  We are committed to sharing the Good News with our families, our parish, and our community through worship, liturgy, and service to one another."

A special thank you to McCluskey Photography.
www.McCluskeyPhotography.net
4 Pleasant Street, Canton, NY  13617
315-244-5220

St. Mary's Catholic Church
66 Court Street
Canton, NY  13617
315-386-2543

St. Mary's Rectory
68 Court Street
Canton, NY  13617
315-386-2543

St. Mary's School
2 Powers Street
Canton, NY  13617
315-386-3572
www.stmaryscantonny.com

Dear Parish Family,

Back in July 2008, one Saturday evening I had a message to call Bishop Cunningham.  In a brief conversation, he told me he would like to see me on Sunday to discuss something with me.  At that meeting, I learned I would be coming to St. Mary’s Parish as Pastor.
 
This past Friday afternoon, I received a phone call from Bishop LaValley who told me he would like me to be the new Judicial Vicar of the Diocese upon the retirement of Msgr. Harry Snow.  He asked also if I would consider being the Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Waddington and St. John the Baptist in Madrid because he knew my new assignment would demand my presence at the Diocesan Office even more.  Even though I wanted to say I could make it work here in Canton, I know also of the things that need attention and I knew I would not be able to do so.  Therefore, trusting in God I said “yes” to the Bishop’s request.  I do so with a heavy heart knowing you are very much my family, but my father and mother taught me long ago the importance of sacrifice in caring for one’s family.  I will be leaving St. Mary’s Parish on Wednesday, June 21st to take up my new assignment.
 
At that time, you will welcome your new pastor, Fr. Bryan Stitt.  Just as I know Fr. Timothy Canaan recommended I come to Canton, I have done the same in the case of Fr. Stitt.  I truly believe you will have a holy pastor who cares about this parish family and will do his best to serve you.  I admire especially his commitment to the family, Catholic education, and his rapport with college students.  I pray that just as my years have been most blessed here at St. Mary’s, his will be, too.
 
Since I am only moving a short distance, we don’t have to say good– bye.  Just pray for me that I will be a good shepherd for my new flock and know you will always have a place in my heart and in my prayers.
 
God’s Blessings! Fr. Doug

Our Sacred Purpose
 
Christ-led,

Christ-fed, and

Hope-filled,
 
The Diocese of Ogdensburg joyfully
 
 invites the people of the  
 
North Country to the journey
 
of faith through the proclamation of
 
the Gospel,
 
the celebration of the Eucharist, and  
 
the Sacraments, and the

loving service of  neighbor.

TUESDAY:         4:50 PM