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Police are investigating the apparent theft of more than $600,000 from a parish in Ontario, and the pastor has been removed from ministry while the investigation takes place.
Father David Collins, O.F.M. Conv., has served as pastor at St. John Parish in the Archdiocese of Kingston since at least 2017.
On June 13, the archdiocese announced that “[a] financial issue has come to light regarding Friar David’s use of the accounts of St. John Parish.”
Archbishop Michael Mulhall of Kingston said an investigation had been launched into “significant financial irregularities” that had been discovered in the parish’s accounts.
After he was questioned about the matter, Mulhall said, Fr. David has returned to his Franciscan community in Toronto, and another priest, Fr. Tim Shea, would be providing sacraments at the parish until the appointment of a new pastor this fall.
A July 10 letter from the archbishop was sent to local members of the Franciscan community, with updates on the situation.
“A review of all parish accounts extending back to 2019 has determined that over $630,000.00 has been taken from the parish accounts through the issuing of irregular cheques,” said the letter, which was obtained by The Pillar.
“The vast majority of the 1,196 irregular cheques issued
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