"Boundary Violations': Priest Removed from Markham Church after Complaint

By Jeremy Grimaldi
Metroland News/YorkRegion.com
September 9, 2020

https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/10175675--boundary-violations-priest-removed-from-markham-church-after-complaint/

Father Joseph Grima no longer at Markham's Blessed Federic Ozanam Parish

A Markham priest has been ousted from his role for undisclosed behaviour.

On Aug. 22, Father Joseph Grima was removed as pastor of Blessed Frederic Ozanam Parish, near Highway 7 and Ninth Line, for “boundary violations” and behaviour inconsistent with the vows and expectations of a Catholic priest.

The media release was clear to say the behaviour was not illegal.

And although the Archdiocese of Toronto would not say much more, Neil MacCarthy, director of communications, said the complaint does not involve a child.

He added that priests can be removed for a number of reasons, including alcohol, drugs, gambling addictions, anger or mental health issues.

Other issues include having a physical relationship with someone, considering all priests must take a vow of celibacy at the outset.

MacCarthy said despite many individuals' minds turning directly to abuse, he insisted that this instance was not a criminal code matter.