During Catholic Education Week, Our Lady of the Angels Province friars, Fr. James Fukes, OFM Conv. (center) and Fr. David Collins, OFM Conv. (right) received the Annual Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board’s Contribution to Catholic Education Award, on behalf of all our The Franciscan Friars Conventual of Kingston.
The Contribution to Catholic Education Award recognizes those who have made a significant visible contribution to the school system. The Franciscan Friars Conventual of Kingston, both past and present have gone above and beyond their vocation of pastoral ministry, in supporting the Elementary Catholic School communities of St. Patrick, St. Peter & Holy Family, (in Fall 2017 these three schools will consolidate into one under the patronage of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School), as well as that of the oldest Catholic High School in Canada, Regiopolis-Notre Dame. Our friars have supported students and staff through the RCIA/RCIC programs, supported families in need, provided professional development to staff, were involved in a Nativity Project, accompanyed students to Providence Manor, provided altar server training for students, and were involved in the transition process to the new St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. In addition they support academic achievement through regular participation in Religious Education classes at Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School and class visits at the elementary level; most recently helping the students learn more about St. Francis of Assisi. The long-service of the Friars in Kingston has been interwoven with the rich history of the four Catholic Schools there, and will continue with the opening of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in the fall.
Currently Fr. James Fukes, OFM Conv. serves as Guardian of the St. Anthony Friary, pastor of Holy Family Parish, chaplain of Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School, and as administrator of St. Barnaby Catholic Church (Seeleys Bay, ON).
Currently Fr. David Collins, OFM Conv. also resides in the St. Anthony Friary, serving as pastor of the Parish Community of St. John the Apostle.
The other friar living in the Kingston ON Friary, Fr. Edward Debono, OFM Conv. serves as the Sunday chaplain for the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, as well as a contact for Vocations.ca.
Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. was de familia to the St. Anthony Friary, serving as a professor in the St. Paul University Canon Law Program. As of August 1, 2017, he will become Guardian of our newest friary under the patronage of St. Andre Bessette (Ottawa, ON)
Congratulations to our friars of Kingston, Ontario. Please keep them, their ministries and those whom they serve in your continued prayers.
