Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

This past Tuesday the St. Regis Catholic Church parish said farewell to its priest of more than 15 years, Rev. Edgar Belgarde S.J.

At the age of 75, Father Belgarde was eligible to retire from priesthood but relies on the orders of the diocese. He turned 75 last year, but since there was no immediate priest to replace him, he remained assigned to the St. Regis Catholic Church until March 1, 2011. The next day, he moved out of the church rectory to return to his bishops for an order of retirement or a new placement.

The St. Regis Catholic Church receives its priest assignment from the Diocese de Valleyfield (although Father Belgarde was borrowed from another region) and they in turn work with the Diocese of Ogdensburg to determine St. Regis’ priest. Father David Deluca will be filling Father Belgarde’s place for a few weeks, until a permanent replacement is found.

Elaine Cook of Akwesasne has been involved with the church for many years and was just recently appointed by the bishops to be a pastoral coordinator. In the absence of a priest, she now has the authority and blessing to lead funerals and other church ceremonies.

“We’re still in good standing because the bishops are not going to just leave us without a priest,” Cook said.

Debbie Thomas is the assistant at the church and she and Cook are both confident about the church’s business continuing as usual.