Bishop Deeley Announces Three Priest Assignments and a Retirement
Bishop Robert Deeley has announced three priest assignments and a priest retirement from active ministry, all effective January 16, 2023.
Assignments
Fr. Nathan March has been appointed pastor of St. Michael Parish in Augusta. The parish is comprised of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Augusta; St. Augustine Church, Augusta; St. Joseph Church, Gardiner; Sacred Heart Church, Hallowell; St. Denis Church, Whitefield; St. Francis Xavier Church, Winthrop; and St. Michael School, Augusta. Since his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. March has served at parishes in Camden, Lewiston, Rumford, Bridgton, Norway, Gorham, Westbrook, Augusta, and Windham. He has also served as the director of vocations for the Diocese of Portland, chaplain at Saint Dominic Academy in Lewiston and Auburn, and in hospital ministry.
Fr. Robert Vaillancourt has been appointed pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Auburn. The parish is comprised of Sacred Heart Church and St. Philip Church, both in Auburn. Since his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Vaillancourt has served at parishes in Biddeford, Brewer, Bridgton, Camden, East Millinocket, Falmouth, Hampden, Madawaska, Old Town, Peaks Island, Portland, Rumford, and Winterport. He has also served as the director of vocations for the Diocese of Portland and in hospital ministry.
Fr. Anthanasius Wirsiy has been appointed administrator of St. Brendan the Navigator Parish in Camden. The parish is comprised of Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Camden; St. Bernard Church, Rockland; St. Francis of Assisi Church, Belfast; and St. Mary of the Isles Church, Islesboro. Since his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Athanasius has served as a chaplain, parish priest, rector, and finance secretary for the Diocese of Kumbo in Cameroon and after arriving in Maine in 2016, he has served at parishes in Portland, Peaks Island, Bucksport, Ellsworth, and Bar Harbor as well as in hospital ministry.
Retirement
Fr. Robert Lariviere will retire from active ministry. Fr. Lariviere is currently pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Auburn (churches comprising the parish listed above). Since his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Lariviere has served at parishes in Rumford, Madawaska, Lewiston, Bingham, Auburn, Kittery, and Sanford.
