Father Joe Gorman Catholic Register
Priest, Archdiocese of Toronto, Ontario. Ordained 10 May 2008. Prior to his ordination spent 16 years as Director of St. Columban’s Camp (1992-2008)
April 2015, after what seemed to be a four month scuffle/showdown with the archdiocese, announced he was leaving the priesthood.
What turned into a chaotic few months for Aurora’s Our Lady of Grace parishioners and others started when the priest was asked by his superiors to take a time off for reflection, this in light of expressed concerns regarding finances and “serious civil and ecclesiastical irregularities” regarding weddings officiated by Father Gorman.
According to media reports. Gorman married a couple despite the fact that one of the couple had not had a previous marriage annulled, hence the marriage was invalid.
Later Gorman married a Catholic ‘couple’ from Our Lady of Grace at an Anglican church and falsified the documents to indicate that it was not he who officiated at the wedding “after being advised on more than one occasion this was not permitted.” . There has been no further explanation regarding the ‘couple’ or this ‘marriage’ – but the ‘marriage’ was also invalid.
Gorman was asked to advise his congregation at Our Lady of Lourdes in Aurora that he was taking a leave: he refused to do so.
In February 2015 an auxiliary bishop arrived at Our Lady of Grace and spoke to the congregation, advising that Father Gorman had been asked to step aside for a period of reflection. There was a veritable uproar at the news.
Over 2,000 people signed a petition demanding Father German’s return.
On Saturday 25 April 2015, only seven short years after his ordination, Father Gorman announced that he is leaving the priesthood.
September 2016: word is that he is getting married
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21 December 2015: Gorman uses power of communication at Toronto hospital
29 April 2015: BLOG How terribly unfortunate…
28 April 2015: BLOG He’s leaving the priesthood!
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Unless otherwise indicated, the following information is drawn from Canadian Catholic Church Directories (CCCD) and media (M)
28 April 2015: listed on Our Lady of Grace website as Pastor: ‘Pastor and Staff – Our Lady of Grace Parish in Aurora, Ontario’ -28 April 2015
Fr. Joseph Gorman was born and raised in Newmarket, Ontario. The son of Terry and Jill Gorman, he is one of seven children (5 sisters and 1 brother). He likes to say he has one brother and six ‘mothers’!
Fr Joe says his vocation was nourished and supported from a very early age in the home. He credits Fr. Bill Scanlon with inspiring him to be a priest for the people.
A graduate of York University, Fr. Joe was also a member and a Director of the Columbus Boys Camp from 1992 – 2008. He was ordained on May 10th, 2008. Prior to his appointment to Our Lady of Grace parish, Fr. Joe was Associate Pastor at St. Ignatius Loyola parish in Mississauga where he worked closely with the principals and teachers in the parish, elementary and high schools.
February 2015: aged 38. – Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Kilpattrcik advised parishioners of suspension of Father Gorman for alleged financial irregularities and “ecclesiastical irregularities” at weddings. It is important to note here that, according to one article, Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick advised the congregation that ‘there is no reason to suspect that Father Gorman sought any personal financial gain.’ (M)
2014: Pastor, Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, Aurora, Ontario (CCCD)
2013, 2012: Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, Aurora, Ontario (Pastor Father Timothy Hanley) (CCCD)
2011, 2010-: St. Ignatius Loyol Roman Catholic Church, Mississauga, Ontario (Pastor Monsignor Joseph Shiels C.H.H (CCCD)
10 May 2008: ORDAINED at St. Micahael’s Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario
1992-2008: Director of Columbus Boys Camp
scroll down to see reference to Joe Gorman on Sylvia’s Site in “Staff and parents go back to school”
2002: entered seminary – St. Augustine’s
attended York University- quarterback for university football team
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UPDATED: OLG’s Fr. Joe Gorman leaves priesthood
The Auroran
April 25, 2015
By Brock Weir
Father Joe Gorman, pastor of Aurora’s Our Lady of Grace Catholic Parish, announced his decision to leave the priesthood Saturday.
Fr. Gorman said, in a letter distributed to parishioners following Saturday’s mass, his decision was his and his alone.
His resolution comes after two months of speculation over his future after he was asked by Cardinal Thomas Collins of the Archdiocese of Toronto in January to “take some time away from the parish”, citing “financial irregularities” and “involvement in marriages not sanctioned by the Catholic Church.”
According to the Archdiocese, the marriage in question involved Fr. Gorman presiding at a ceremony where one of the individuals had been previously married and had not received an annulment, a requirement for marriage within the Catholic Church. After this initial incident, they say he presided at a wedding of two Catholics from the Aurora parish that was held in an Anglican chapel “after being advised on more than one occasion this was not permitted.”
They went on to say he completed marriage records following the ceremony “to indicate a minister from another denomination officiated even though Fr. Gorman officiated. This activity was contrary to the laws of the Catholic Church and violated the Civil Marriage Act, putting his own license in jeopardy.”
As for the financial irregularities, the Archdiocese said Fr. Gorman did not follow “clearly outlined procedures on accounting of certain special collections” but said they did not suspect Fr. Gorman had any personal financial gain from the irregularities.
“This ongoing pattern of disregarding church procedures led to a series of meetings with archdiocesan officials,” said Neil MacCarthy, spokesperson for the Archdiocese, at the time. “Ultimately, Cardinal Collins asked Fr. Gorman to step away from the parish for a period of prayer and reflection.”
The result of that reflection was made clear in Fr. Gorman’s letter, dated April 25.
“I first want to thank you for all the good wishes and support you have shown me over the last number of months,” wrote Fr. Gorman. “I love this parish. It is such a community of faith, I loved being a part of it. As your Pastor, I was always in awe of how you ministered to each other. You literally lived our Lord’s message of faith, love and peace. It was so inspiring to me.
“This journey we have been on, and I say ‘we’ because it affected all of us, has not been easy, but after a lot of prayer, thought and family support, I have decided to leave the priesthood. My heart and my mind are made up and I am happy with my decision. It is my decision and mine alone. Although I will miss seeing the parishioners of Our Lady of Grace on a daily basis, I feel truly at peace with myself and with God.
“Life is a gift that is meant to be lived with great love and faith, and always with hope. My hope for you is that you will continue to live your life in faith and love, and care for one another as you always have.”
Parishioners were told at Saturday’s Mass that Fr. Gorman asked the Archdiocese for the chance to address parishioners directly through this letter. They were duly left on a stack near the exit of the Yonge Street church, alongside a stack of letters to the OLG community by Cardinal Thomas Collins.
As parishioners exited the church, many told The Auroran they were left cold by the decision to leave the messages to be picked up on the way out, rather than read aloud at the front of the church, as was the case this past winter with the initial letter from Cardinal Collins.
In this second message, in which Cardinal Collins calls for “healing and reconciliation”, he said he was grateful for the Parish’s “patience and prayers.”
Since then, he said he had “remained in contact and dialogue” with Fr. Gorman regarding his request to “reflect on his responsibilities as a pastor and to follow a path of personal reflection that would enable him to grow in his priestly life before returning to pastoral ministry.
“Unfortunately, Fr. Gorman has declined my requests to participate in the proposed path of reflection and has recently informed me of his decision to leave the priesthood,” said Cardinal Collins. “We are all saddened any time a priest decides to leave the priesthood. I am grateful to Fr. Gorman for the many contributions to the faithful he has provided since his ordination in 2008 and know that you will join me in praying for him.”
In an email to The Auroran, Mr. MacCarthy declined to elaborate on just what was entailed in Cardinal Collins’ “proposed path of reflection” “out of respect for the discussions that took place between Cardinal Collins and Fr. Gorman,” other than “several options were presented to Fr. Gorman.”
Since Fr. Gorman was asked to “take some time away”, the parish has been served by Fr. Thomas Lim. Cardinal Collins said Fr. Thomas will continue in this role until a new pastor is named in the summer.
The Auroran reached out to Fr. Gorman for comment.
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King rallies in support of Catholic priest
yorkregion.com
05 February 2015
King Connection
By Tim Kelly
Rev. Joe Gorman Priest at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church in Aurora
Michael Barrett
The temporary removal of Father Joe Gorman has left the congregation at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, including many people from King Township, angered and willing to fight for his return.
Nearly 2,000 signatures have been collected on the online petition addressed to Cardinal Thomas Collins that calls for the full reinstatement of Gorman, who was asked to take some time away from the parish.
“I have seen many end-of-life scenarios and nobody — nowhere — brings as much kindness, compassion and grace to those who suffer and those who grieve,” said Leslie Hobson, a volunteer with Hospice King-Aurora for the past 12 years and a strong supporter of Fr. Gorman’s return, said
“Fr. Gorman’s boundless energy and sense of humour have filled that church with children, young people and seniors all coming back where they feel welcomed. For non-Catholics, he is a constant supporter in the community and respectful of all.”
In a vague written statement about Gorman’s leave, the Archdiocese of Toronto said there were “irregularities relating to the financial administration of the parish and serious civil and ecclesiastical irregularities concerning the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony”.
The statement confirms Gorman is still the priest of the church and after a period of “reflection” he could return.
The lack of details in the statement has allowed room for speculation among the parishioners. Some have heard Gorman let a group use a room without charging a fee and others suspect he gave to charity without going through the church, meaning the church didn’t get the percentage to which it is entitled when it comes to charitable donations.
Specific details involving the marriage or marriages in question remain unrevealed, except for the fact those who were affected have been notified.
While little explanation was offered at mass last weekend, many members of the Aurora church are speaking out in support of bringing their beloved pastor back.
A standing ovation dedicated to Gorman at Saturday evening’s mass was a testament to the respect and adoration his parishioners have for him.
Deborah Edwards explained on the comment board below the online petition that she wasn’t a member of the church, but when her father died, she wanted a Catholic funeral. She was reluctant to approach the church and expected retribution and judgment for being absent for so long but, to her surprise, she was met with love, compassion and understanding.
“Since then I have returned to church and my faith and devotion has grown,” she wrote. “Father Joe has inspired me to inspire others. Because of him, I lead by example and have inspired so many. Bring Father Joe back to us.”
Jovita Scleranski credits Gorman with restoring her faith and participation in the Catholic Church and her children now always ask to go to Gorman’s mass, she wrote on the discussion board.
“He has a good heart and brings people together,” she said. “I hope he will be around to guide my children and foster their commitment to the church.”
Several supporters joined the conversation with words of praise for Gorman and some are criticizing those responsible for his absence.
“It seems so very sad and wrong to have a wonderful religious leader’s wings clipped,” Tricia Fleischaker Fossa posted. “It will prevent so many from flying because of it.”
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Popular priest told to “take time away” from duties at Aurora parish
The Catholic Register
05 February 2015
A popular pastor has been asked to step aside for a “period of reflection” after financial and ecclesiastical “irregularities” were uncovered in a large Archdiocese of Toronto parish.
Fr. Joe Gorman was asked to take some time away from Our Lady of Grace parish in Aurora to reflect on his role as pastor after the archdiocese confirmed financial issues and two cases of “serious civil and ecclesiastical irregularities” related to weddings performed by Gorman. He has not been removed as pastor.
The 38-year-old priest was found to have performed a marriage in which one of the parties had failed to obtain an annulment of a previous marriage. In a more serious incident, he married a Catholic couple in an Anglican chapel despite being expressly denied permission by the archdiocese to do so. He then falsified a copy of the marriage record to conceal his participation in the marriage, according to an archdiocese spokesman.
In the eyes of the Church, both marriages are invalid.
The financial issues were of lesser concern. They related to improper accounting of some smaller special collections in the parish. The archdiocese said there is no reason to believe Gorman receive any personal financial benefit when he failed to follow protocols that “provide transparency to protect both the community and the pastor.”
Many parishioners of Our Lady of Grace, a parish with about 6,000 families, have been rallying around Gorman. An online petition organized by a group called “concerned citizens of Our Lady of Grace” received more than 2,500 signatures, many accompanied by glowing praise for Gorman, before it was closed on Feb. 4. The petition asked Cardinal Thomas Collins to appoint a mediator to help facilitate Gorman’s return and “we ask for transparency, due process and clear communication to help us through these difficult times.”
When Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick explained in a statement at Sunday Masses on Feb. 1 that Gorman had been asked to “take some time away from the parish,” several parishioners stood and loudly objected. They demanded Gorman be immediately reinstated.
The statement from the archdiocese indicated the situation with Gorman has been ongoing for several months and “the Archdiocese of Toronto has been working closely with Fr. Gorman, to support his role as pastor.”
“We recognize this is a very difficult situation for all involved,” read the statement.
The Cardinal asked Gorman to inform his parishioners at the end of January that the pastor would be leaving the parish for a short period of prayer and reflection, but the priest chose not to do so.
Gorman was not available for comment.
The archdiocese said it ultimately acted in response to an “ongoing pattern” by Gorman to disregard Church procedures. That was particularly the case when Gorman married a Catholic couple from his parish in an Anglican chapel “after being advised on more than one occasion this was not permitted,” according to Neil MacCarthy, the archdiocese director of communications. Gorman then falsely indicated on marriage papers that another minister had performed the ceremony.
“This activity was contrary to the laws of the Catholic Church and violated the civil marriage act, putting his own licence to celebrate weddings in jeopardy,” said MacCarthy.
“This was not a rash decision,” said MacCarthy. “It followed ongoing discussions over several months with Fr. Gorman.”
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Aurora Catholic priest married couple in Anglican church, claimed someone else performed service: archdiocese
yorkregion.com
Aurora Banner
03 February 2015
Discovered “financial irregularities” are the reason for a controversial temporary dismissal of an Aurora pastor.
Rev. Joe Gorman, pastor at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, was asked to leave his responsibilities for an undetermined period of time to “pray and reflect” after a number of irregularities regarding financials and marriage ceremonies were discovered.
Archdiocese of Toronto communications director Neil McCarthy acknowledges the contributions Gorman has made to the community and the wonderful stories told by admiring parishioners. However, when the rules are broken there must be consequences, he said.
“Financial irregularities” relate to Gorman not following accounting procedures set out for special collections, McCarthy said, adding accounting methods provide transparency to protect the community and the pastor in tracking the collection and disbursement of funds.
“While we have no reason to suspect any personal financial gain for Gorman, these procedures were clearly not followed,” he added.
The pastor of a parish represents the archbishop when administrating weddings and priests must follow church and civil law in doing so, McCarthy said, adding Gorman performed a ceremony where one party had previously been married and had not received an annulment. Despite clear paperwork and direction provided to every priest, Gorman went ahead with the wedding.
“Rev. Gorman was assigned a mentor to liaise with and ensure future weddings would follow church guidelines,” he said.
Several months later, Gorman is said to have performed a wedding ceremony for two Catholics from his parish held in an Anglican chapel after being told it was not permitted. McCarthy added Gorman then completed the paperwork indicating a minister from another denomination officiated the ceremony instead of himself.
“This activity was contrary to the laws of the Catholic church and violated the civil marriage act, putting his own licence to celebrate weddings in jeopardy,” McCarthy said.
The ongoing pattern led to a series of meetings with the Archdiocesan officials.
While Cardinal Thomas Collins, who officially asked Gorman to take leave, requested he speak to his parish, it was Gorman who chose not to do so.
Since Gorman took his leave, more than 2,300 people have signed an online petition to bring him back to the church.
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Aurora Catholic priest married couple in Anglican church, claimed someone else performed service: archdiocese
yorkregion.com
03 February 2015
Rev. Joe Gorman
Michael Barrett
Discovered “financial irregularities” are the reason for a controversial temporary dismissal of an Aurora pastor.
Rev. Joe Gorman, pastor at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, was asked to leave his responsibilities for an undetermined period of time to “pray and reflect” after a number of irregularities regarding financials and marriage ceremonies were discovered.
Archdiocese of Toronto communications director Neil McCarthy acknowledges the contributions Gorman has made to the community and the wonderful stories told by admiring parishioners. However, when the rules are broken there must be consequences, he said.
“Financial irregularities” relate to Gorman not following accounting procedures set out for special collections, McCarthy said, adding accounting methods provide transparency to protect the community and the pastor in tracking the collection and disbursement of funds.
“While we have no reason to suspect any personal financial gain for Gorman, these procedures were clearly not followed,” he added.
The pastor of a parish represents the archbishop when administrating weddings and priests must follow church and civil law in doing so, McCarthy said, adding Gorman performed a ceremony where one party had previously been married and had not received an annulment. Despite clear paperwork and direction provided to every priest, Gorman went ahead with the wedding.
“Rev. Gorman was assigned a mentor to liaise with and ensure future weddings would follow church guidelines,” he said.
Several months later, Gorman is said to have performed a wedding ceremony for two Catholics from his parish held in an Anglican chapel after being told it was not permitted.
McCarthy added Gorman then completed the paperwork indicating a minister from another denomination officiated the ceremony instead of himself.
“This activity was contrary to the laws of the Catholic church and violated the civil marriage act, putting his own licence to celebrate weddings in jeopardy,” McCarthy said.
The ongoing pattern led to a series of meetings with the Archdiocesan officials.
While Cardinal Thomas Collins, who officially asked Gorman to take leave, requested he speak to his parish, it was Gorman who chose not to do so.
Since Gorman took his leave, more than 2,300 people have signed an online petition to bring him back to the church.
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Aurora parishioners noisily demand to get their suspended priest back
Father Joe Gorman was suspended for alleged “irregularities” at weddings and accounting issues.
The Toronto Star
Published on Tue Feb 03 2015
Miichael Barrett / The Aurora Banner
Father Joe Gorman has been suspended from duties at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Aurora.
They stood up; they yelled; they walked out.
Members of Aurora’s Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church had a raucous mass on Sunday, the first since learning that their pastor, Joe Gorman, had been suspended from his duties due to alleged financial issues and “ecclesiastical irregularities” at weddings.
When contacted by the Star on Tuesday, the 38-year-old priest said he had no comment on the allegations.
Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick was dispatched by the Archdiocese of Toronto to explain the situation to the congregation, which is 6,000 families strong. But many in the church, which was packed with confused parishioners, were angry that their priest could be removed without warning.
Kirkpatrick read a statement issued by the Archdiocese and specified that there was no reason to suspect Father Gorman sought any personal financial gain, before he was interrupted by several people who stood and demanded their pastor back.
“They said the Catholic Church should be more open to change,” said Randall Gerrits, who regularly attends mass at the church. “There was a standing ovation and then people started walking out.”
“Nothing’s been explained; everyone’s still in the dark,” Gerrits said.
Father Gorman’s tight-knit congregation learned of his suspension the previous week and launched an online petition calling for his reinstatement. Within hours, it had hundreds of signatures. As of Tuesday, more than 2,300 people had put their names to the call addressed to Cardinal Thomas Collins.
“We, the parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, ask for your intervention to help heal our community, which has been wounded by the abrupt removal of our beloved pastor, Fr. Joe Gorman,” the petition states. “We ask your Eminence to appoint a mediator to assist us with the process of returning Fr. Joe as our pastor, and we ask for transparency, due process, and clear communication to help us through these difficult times.”
In the comments below the petition, many supporters shared how his temporary removal will affect them.
“His (departure) will tarnish all the progress we’ve made in introducing God in our family’s lives. He is one of us. Tangible, approachable, compassionate and strong,” wrote Tracey Hache of Newmarket.
Several people who attended Father Gorman’s mass described him as young, down-to-earth and charismatic, a priest who welcomed non-Catholics into the church enthusiastically and made them feel comfortable.
“I’m not Catholic. My husband’s not Catholic, but we go to Our Lady of Grace because of Father Joe,” said Gerrits. “During mass, he’s funny. People laugh. He’s great with kids and makes them part of mass, so they have fun and want to go.”
On Monday, the Archdiocese explained that Father Gorman had presided over a wedding where one person had not annulled their previous marriage. Later he allegedly wed two Catholics in an Anglican chapel and altered the records to indicate another minister had officiated.
“This activity was contrary to the laws of the Catholic Church and violated the civil marriage act, putting his own licence to celebrate weddings in jeopardy,” wrote Archdiocese spokesperson Neil MacCarthy.
Gorman is also accused of not following accounting procedures for special collections. While this was the less serious concern, MacCarthy said, it was still an important issue.
“Clear accounting methods provide transparency to protect both the community and the pastor in tracking the collection and disbursement of funds. While we have no reason to suspect any personal financial gain for Fr. Gorman, these procedures were clearly not followed,” MacCarthy wrote.
According to Gerrits, Gorman was using church funds to help out members of the congregation who were “in need.”
Gorman was asked to tell his congregation about his suspension at his last mass in January, but declined to do so, MacCarthy said.
“I’m quite certain that if Father Joe doesn’t come back, that church will lose lots of people,” said Gerrits.
With files from Sadiya Ansari
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Aurora’s Our Lady of Grace parishioners rally in support of priest in wake of temporary removal
yorkregion.com
02 February 2015
Rev. Joe Gorman Priest at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church in Aurora
Michael Barrett
The temporary removal of Rev. Joe Gorman has left the congregation at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church angered and willing to fight for his return.
Nearly 2,000 signatures have been collected on the online petition addressed to Cardinal Thomas Collins calling for the full reinstatement of Gorman, who was asked to take some time away from the parish.
In a vague written statement about Gorman’s leave, the Archdiocese of Toronto said there were “irregularities relating to the financial administration of the parish and serious civil and ecclesiastical irregularities concerning the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony”.
The statement confirms Gorman is still the priest of the church and after a period of “reflection” he could return.
The lack of details in the statement has allowed room for speculation among the parishioners. Some have heard Gorman let a group use a room without charging a fee and others suspect he gave to charity without going through the church, meaning the church didn’t get the percentage to which it is entitled when it comes to charitable donations.
Specific details involving the marriage or marriages in question remain unrevealed, except for the fact those who were affected have been notified.
While little explanation was offered at mass last weekend, many members of the Aurora church are speaking out in support of bringing their beloved pastor back.
A standing ovation dedicated to Gorman at Saturday evening’s mass was a testament to the respect and adoration his parishioners have for him.
Deborah Edwards explained on the comment board below the online petition that she wasn’t a member of the church, but when her father died, she wanted a Catholic funeral. She was reluctant to approach the church and expected retribution and judgment for being absent for so long but, to her surprise, she was met with love, compassion and understanding.
“Since then I have returned to church and my faith and devotion has grown,” she wrote. “Father Joe has inspired me to inspire others. Because of him, I lead by example and have inspired so many. Bring Father Joe back to us.”
Jovita Scleranski credits Gorman with restoring her faith and participation in the Catholic Church and her children now always ask to go to Gorman’s mass, she wrote on the discussion board.
“He has a good heart and brings people together,” she said. “I hope he will be around to guide my children and foster their commitment to the church.”
Several supporters joined the conversation with words of praise for Gorman and some are criticizing those responsible for his absence.
“It seems so very sad and wrong to have a wonderful religious leader’s wings clipped,” Tricia Fleischaker Fossa posted. “It will prevent so many from flying because of it.”
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Ordinandi 2008 Biographies
The Catholic Register
10 May 2008
|
Joseph Gorman Age – 31: Since I was born, I have had many priest role models. Through their example and my family’s support and encouragement I was able to listen to what God was calling me to do. Listening to God’s call, I entered the seminary in 2002 and now I am looking forward with joy and energy to serve in the Archdiocese of Toronto. |
Role models led to priestly call
The Catholic Register
TORONTO
Joseph Gorman had many role models that led him to the priesthood. His parents — “the first teachers of my faith” — brothers and sisters, teachers and others.
He particularly remembers with great fondness one priest: Fr. Bill Scanlon of the archdiocese of Toronto. Here was a man he wanted to emulate.
Over the years, Gorman had a normal life, full of the joys of growing up in Toronto as a good student and athlete. He played hockey, went skiing, worked as director of the former Columbus Boys Camp and was quarterback of the York University football team.
But, in the end, it all came back to an irresistible call to the priesthood. This call started when he was in Grade 2 and never went away.
Seminary studies began in 2002. Now, at age 31, he will be ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Toronto on May 10 at St. Michael’s Cathedral.
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It’s time for a change, for God’s sake
This morning, seven men will lie prostrate on the floor of St. Michael’s Cathedral. And in front of the Roman Catholic Archbishop, an audience and all the saints, ask to be accepted as the newest priests for the Archdiocese of Toronto. These fellows don’t have pristine, God-driven pasts. One was a
This morning, seven men will lie prostrate on the floor of St. Michael’s Cathedral. And in front of the Roman Catholic Archbishop, an audience and all the saints, ask to be accepted as the newest priests for the Archdiocese of Toronto. These fellows don’t have pristine, God-driven pasts. One was a mechanic, another got his PhD as an engineer. And more than a few gave God the boot while they pursued their own worldly goals. But today they’ll be ordained . Brianna Goldberg met with three of them to find out how their lives in Toronto set them apart, and kept them together.
JOE GORMAN, 31
Home town Newmarket Unlikely candidate because Former football quarterback Where he finds soul in the city On the field
He passed up the field, ran down the clock, and strategized for everything in between.
But unlike some of the other soon-to-be-ordained, being a priest was always in the game plan for Gorman. Even before he really knew what it meant.
“I remember writing in my journal in Grade 2, ‘When I grow up I want to be a hockey player and a football player and a priest.'”
Done, done, and done: Football quarterback for York University, member of the Flying Fathers Catholic hockey team, and, tomorrow, he’ll be one of Toronto’s newest priests.
The huge but gentle Gorman says he learned leadership in the game.
“You can’t have someone sitting on the outside, and have that team be successful,” he says. “So I said — we all said — ‘Let’s build this team together. So, our faiths are different… but let’s be able to openly share it.'”
And if the humility of that quarterback wasn’t proof of his higher calling: a few years ago he even chucked out the attic-full of sports trophies he accumulated since he was a kid.
Gorman says he just needs the memories, the ones that helped get him ready to be a priest in Toronto, where there’s over 220 parishes.
“Being in sports gave me the cultural background to be able to serve in these different communities. You have to learn from them,” he says.
“I like steak and potatoes but maybe going out to dinner you’re going to have to have samosas…” His eyes widen, “I can’t wait!”…….
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SPREADING THE WORD
Share Life (Gorman Share Life 2008)
(May 1, 2008) As we enter May, the progress report for ShareLife has a lot of good news and a bit of bad news, too. I’m very happy to tell you we have rounded the halfway mark in our journey toward our 2008 parish campaign goal of $12.0 million, making up some of the $1 million shortfall we originally experienced in the campaign. Unfortunately, we remain 10% or $730,000 behind last year’s progress at this point in the campaign.
We continue to appeal to Catholics in the Archdiocese of Toronto through the mail and public speeches to make a contribution to ShareLife as we work to assist the 34 agencies and 11 grant recipients that are supported through your generosity.
If you haven’t made a contribution as of yet, please consider doing so and encourage your friends and neighbours to do so as well. The third in-parish collection for the campaign takes place on the weekend of May 31-June 1st.
There are many examples of how ShareLife makes a positive difference in our Archdiocese and around the world. As we experience warmer weather, I think about the 400 young boys who will receive a summer camp experience as a result of our efforts. In our new DVD, the Camp Director tells viewers about a camper who arrived for his week-long stay with nothing more than a bag of ketchup chips. The staff of our agency went out to obtain clothing for the boy, and then provided him with a memorable experience of fun and fellowship.
The Director of the camp is Joe Gorman, who will soon be ordained a Priest of the Archdiocese of Toronto, after completing his studies at St. Augustine’s Seminary (also supported through ShareLife funding). We congratulate Deacon Joe Gorman on his upcoming ordination, and pray for him and all seminarians who are to be ordained on May 10th.
Thank you for your ongoing support of ShareLife.
Sincerely,
Arthur Peters,
Executive Director, ShareLife
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Staff and parents go back to school
Mississauga News
29 March 2011
Byline: Julia Le; jle@mississauga.net
Staff, parents and guardians are going back to school on April 9 to learn about issues facing students today.
They’ll be participating in Central Committee of Catholic School Councils’ annual Conference and Marketplace from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Joseph Secondary School.
St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Father Joe Gorman will open the day, speaking about faith-based education and the importance of a strong home-parish-school dynamic.
He will be followed by a number of workshops on topics that include special education, cyber safety, homework help, and diversity and inclusivity. There will also be two dozen vendors on-hand to share information about products that can be procured for school use in fundraising initiatives.
For more information, call 905-890-0708, ext. 24034.
jle@mississauga.net
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Dufferin-Peel Metafore Charity Golf Classic
The Brampton News
07 July 2007
Mississauga – Two hundred and eighty-eight golfers, playing a six-hour round of golf in Monday’s blazing heat, raised $92,000 for the Four Winds Boys’ Camp. The high temperatures failed to deter the golfers, who took part in the 10th annual Classic Golf Tournament, co-hosted by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and its business partner, Metafore IT Solutions at Rattlesnake Golf Club in Milton. The funds raised will support 900 underprivileged boys, aged 7-13, from across the Archdiocese of Toronto, to enjoy a summer camp experience at Four Winds, the former Columbus Boys’ Camp, located on Lake Simcoe near Orillia.
“Over its 10-year run, The Classic has raised over $820,000 for various selected charities, each of which has a direct link to helping young people,” explained Michael Bator, director of education at Dufferin-Peel. The tournament’s participants include business partners/suppliers of either Dufferin-Peel or Metafore, and staff members of both organizations. “This is a unique partnership among educators and education service providers to positively impact lives outside the classroom,” said Bator. “We know from hearing testimonies from kids that our day of friendly competition on the golf course may create life-changing experiences and we are grateful for the opportunity to have such a positive impact.”
“We have always had two primary criteria for determining the charitable beneficiary for The Classic,” said Bryant Jackson, President and CEO at Metafore. “The organization must operate locally, and it must help children in some way.” Past beneficiaries have included: ShareLife, Sunshine Foundation, the Arthritis Society, Community Living Mississauga, S’port for Kids Foundation, the Kidney Foundation and the Canadian Diabetes Association.
“The community spirit displayed by our corporate partners, customers and all the golfers made for a tremendous day,” added Bryant Jackson. “We are very pleased to be able to make a direct and tangible impact on deserving kids in our communities.”
“The funds raised are a huge boost for us,” said Joe Gorman, director of the Four Winds Boys’ Camp. “These funds will effectively allow 900 young males, many of whom are coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, to experience summer camp in a way they could never imagine.”
Congratulations and thanks to Metafore and all business partners who participated in and contributed to another successful Classic.
Just to update, I emailed the archdiocese of Toronto with my families concerns about what they published in their bulletin, no apology or anything. I also contacted St. John’s no reply too, they close ranks when they do wrong. Heard from someone at the pool their was child molestation accusations at OLG……I have always loved my faith and was fortunate growing up to have great priests in my life. My family does not want to ever return to mass, it did give me much peace, (Sylvie you know what I have been through)…..however, clergy who find other’s despair amusing while sitting on the Alter is vile…..well, as my sister said the Pope said you don’t have to go to mass it is about how you treat others and your prayers in private. So this is what my family will do. So sad for me, I always found great peace in the church. what I experience is not something I think Jesus would approve…..God Bless, I will pray for the church!
Thanks for the update Cindy. I pray that you and your family will return to Mass and will once again find the peace you enjoyed – meanwhile my thoughts and prayers are with you.
well, this is the latest update, I have returned to OLG they have a group for people with mental health issues, I heard, “Joe Gorman” is now engaged….wow didn’t take long! anyways, many people left the church because of this priest, however, he seems well has a great job and is now engaged to be married, hopefully people return to their faith and get over this situation, Joe Gorman seems to not care about the pain he caused the parishioner ( witnessed this today), many left the church due to this priest who felt no way about leaving the priesthood…..hoping the best for him and his future bride……anyways, I always had mixed feeling about Joe Gorman, he has a lot of charisma but he proved to me he should have never have been a priest….he left many upset, however I do believe he was not a victim of the church!!!!
Thank you for the update cm.
For the sake of his bride-to-be I pray that he will be more faithful to his wife than he was to his Church.
Hi Sylvia,
Yes, I do too. He caused a lot of distress in the church and he still continues to do this. So many left the church because he fooled them. I pray everything works well in his life and also that the people who felt hurt will heal and continue return to mass as we go to mass for Jesus not a priest. God Bless!
Another update, apparently his family was behind the news media, one sister is a lawyer.
People were jealous that the Bishop was going to OLG (to keep an eyes on hime)and not to the other churches, there is more to this story that the archdiocese have not exposed….I wish him the best, but he was raised to be a priest by his family. Hopefully, he will move on in life with his fiancé and realize how much he was not loyal to the church.
OLG is recovering under Father Frank…so hopefully we can put this behind us.
I wonder though when he received the sacrament of priesthood, will he be able to marry in a catholic church? once a priest always a priest. Knowing him he will perform his own marriage or perhaps go to a protestant church or the city hall, anyways, hope the best for him…guess it was a blessing he left the priesthood he didn’t want to be a priest and many have strayed from the church (which to me is Evil)…you never know he may marry in St. Johns the church he grew up with, I do hope he realizes the pain he caused many!
God Bless I hope the best for him..
Thanks for the update cm.
I believe that in order for a priest to marry in the Church he mustboth seek laicization (return to the lay state) and petition to be released from his promise of celibacy.
Oh that is interesting, must be a long process. Perhaps, that is what they are planning to do, well hope all goes well, the scandal was craziness, but seems like it is all forgotten now and everyone has moved on. We have good priests at the OLG now, actually Father Joe Pham was a wonderful priest he got overlooked when he was working under Joe, but many people feel he is holy. I hear he is doing well too! There are great priests out there, I was fortunate that I always had good priests in my life. Thanks for the info! It is interesting, I don’t think it happens often but what do I know.
Fr Joe Pham did a wonderful job during a very trying time.
The priest at Our Lady of Grace before Joe Gorman was appointed did a great job. He was sent to OLG under very difficult circumstances. Joe Gorman managed to undo all the good that had been accomplished in a matter of months.