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  Major Decisions Face Sault Area Bishop

By Brian Kelly
Sault Star
January 4, 2010

http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2245457

It could take awhile to find a new spiritual shepherd for Sault Ste. Marie and area Catholics.

Bishop Brian Dunn, who was auxiliary bishop responsible for the area, will be installed as the bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish, N.S., on Jan. 25.

He replaces Raymond Lahey, who resigned from his position last fall after child pornography was allegedly found on his laptop computer.

Dunn, who was ordained bishop in October 2008, was based at Precious Blood Cathedral. He was responsible for parishes in the Sault, North Shore and Manitoulin.

Given the size of the Sault diocese, and its ministry to English, French and aboriginal sectors, Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe's preference is to have two auxiliary bishops share the leadership workload. It's rare for him to have the extra help.

The appointments of Dunn and Noel Simard in 2008 marked the first time in about 20 years that Plouffe had two auxiliaries.

Simard continues to be based in Sudbury. He is responsible for the French parishes in Sudbury and Nipissing and English parishes in Sudbury.

Two factors are expected to slow Plouffe's need for a second auxiliary.

First, it takes time to process his request. Plouffe has to submit the names of three priests he'd like considered for the position to the papal nuncio, or Pope Benedict's diplomatic representative, in Canada. The papal nuncio consults with the diocese's priests, brothers and sisters and lay people.

If the three candidates are approved, their names are sent to the Pope.

A decision is made by Pope Benedict and the Congregation for Bishops.

 
 

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