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PHOTO: St. Mary Church, in Augusta, part of St. Michael Parish, is one of three Maine parishes getting new priests in January.
PORTLAND – Bishop Robert Deeley recently announced three priest assignments, including in Augusta and Auburn, and a priest retirement from active ministry, all effective Jan. 16.
The Rev. Nathan March has been appointed pastor of St. Michael Parish in Augusta, which comprises 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, 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 St. Dominic Academy in Lewiston and Auburn, and in hospital ministry.
The Rev. Robert Vaillancourt has been appointed pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Auburn, comprising Sacred Heart Church and St. Philip Church, both in Auburn. Since his ordination, 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, comprising 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, 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, has served at parishes in Portland, Peaks Island, Bucksport, Ellsworth, and Bar Harbor, as well as in hospital ministry.
The Rev. Robert Lariviere, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Auburn, has announced his retirement. Lariviere has served at parishes in Rumford, Madawaska, Lewiston, Bingham, Auburn, Kittery, and Sanford.
