The St Pius Parish community has lost a Pastor, friend, and dynamic leader. Fr John arrived in Brantford four years ago and in that short time he made quite an impact. Serving alongside Fr John, as his support staff, we have heard several stories of his influence throughout the years and even more so now with his passing. We invite our parishioners to take some time in prayerful reflection to remember Fr John and his commitment to evangelization, hospitality, and spiritual growth.
He was deeply committed to the ideals of hospitality, evangelization, and the positive life impact of a personal encounter with Christ. All anchored Fr John in his ministry. This passion was and remains present in our ongoing projects – from the Host Team and Welcome Desk to our Digital Hosts and summer socials – all of which are focused on welcoming new faces and engaging in a hospitable and welcoming manner.
Under his leadership, our community started to experience changed lives and spiritual growth. We have heard this from a broad range of people who have witnessed a transformation in their faith life. While helping their son or daughter prepare for Confirmation, parents told us of how watching “The Search” shifted their personal relationship with Christ and his Church. Other members engaged within our Small Groups have formed new friendships and experienced a deepening of their personal faith life. Prayer lives have been strengthened and supported by our “Pray Today” emails, and our live stream Masses became a lifeline in a time when churches were forced to close due to COVID-19.
Looking to the year ahead, Fr John had exciting plans for our parish: growing our Small Group program; engaging parishioners in church ministry; and leading mission projects throughout the city. With an additional focus on younger generations, Fr John wanted to help young families plan for their financial futures and at the same time equip and encourage senior members of our community to share their faith with younger generations. His love for the next generation included the goal of renewing and bringing back our youth ministry programming and in-person Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Creating a fresh emphasis on sacramental life and honouring special moments, like wedding anniversaries, were also in his goals for the year ahead. Offering “The Search” (a dynamic Catholic video series that sets out to answer life’s most fundamental questions) as an opportunity to invite friends and community members to discuss life’s big questions was a key pillar of our plans.
Although this is a time of sadness for our entire community, it does not mean the end of the mission: Fr John’s desire to change people’s lives by helping them encounter Christ. As a faith community, let us honour Fr John’s legacy and take up the challenge of continuing his mission; let us make the lives of those in our community better by introducing them to our Lord, the King of Kings.
REDMOND, Father John William. On August 7, 2021, at Parkhill, Ontario, in his 61st year. A priest of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. Beloved son of the late William P. and Ileen (Broderick) Redmond. Brother of Mary (Charles Fernandes) and Daniel (Tracy Dobbin). Loving uncle of Raphael, Michael (Emily), and Mae Redmond Fernandes. Will be missed greatly by his parishioners, fellow priests, family, friends, and neighbours. Visitation at McMillan & Jack Funeral Home, Dundalk, 7-9 p.m., on Monday, August 16. Funeral to take place Tuesday, August 17, 11 a.m., at St. Pius X Church in Brantford. Ad Altare Dei.
Visitation: Monday, August 16, 2021
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
McMillan and Jack Funeral Home
291 Main Street East, Dundalk, ON
Funeral Mass: Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Pius X Parish,
9 Waverly Street, Brantford, ON
Burial: Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Following the Funeral Mass
Shelburne Cemetery
156035 Highway 10 North, Shelburne, ON
The church is now fully registered, but we have overflow space available in St Pius X Elementary School across the road. Please contact the Parish Office at 519-753-8439 or via email at office@stpiusbrantford.ca to register or learn more.
If you’re not able to join us in person, please feel free to join us on our livestream.