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Priest Shortage Forces Mass Suspensions at 10 Quebec Parishes
A critical shortage of priests has forced the Catholic Diocese of Pembroke to temporarily suspend Sunday Mass at 10 churches in Quebec’s Pontiac Deanery starting the weekend of Sept. 5–6.
In an Aug. 6 letter to parishioners, Pembroke Bishop Michael Brehl described the situation as an “unexpected and urgent crisis.” He reassured churchgoers, however, that the affected parishes are not closing permanently.
Remaining Mass Locations
Starting in September, Sunday Mass will only be celebrated at four regional hubs:
St. Alphonsus (Chapeau)
Église St-Pierre (Fort-Coulonge)
St. John the Evangelist (Campbell’s Bay)
Holy Name of Mary (Quyon)
Parishes Affected by the Mass Suspension
Sheenboro: St. Paul the Hermit
Saint Joseph's: St. Joseph
Waltham: Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Otter Lake: Église St-Charles-Borromée
Vinton: St. Elizabeth
Île du Grand Calumet: Église Ste-Anne
Portage: St. James the Greater
Bryson: Église de l’Immaculée Conception
Bristol: St. Edward
Lac des Loups: Église St-François d’Assise
What Triggered the Crisis?
The sudden shortfall follows the medical leave of Fr. Michael Goring and the departure of Fr. Christian Kahlue on Aug. 5, leaving only two active priests to serve all 14 communities in the deanery. While retired clergy and local pastors stepped in to cover August services, the diocese confirmed this workaround is unsustainable once fall schedules begin.
Looking Ahead
Bishop Brehl urged parishioners to attend Mass at nearby open churches, maintain financial support for their home parishes, and participate in ongoing strategic planning. However, he cautioned that a return to the old schedule is unlikely.
Echoing this sentiment, Fr. Michael Smith noted that maintaining 14 physical churches for shrinking congregations is no longer practical. He voiced optimism for the restructuring, noting, "We may have fewer parishes, but we’ll have more vibrant parishes, and that’s the goal."
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