We have received the sad news from our advocate members that two additional pastors from the Ft. Worth Diocese have turned in their resignations to Bishop Michael Olson over the past two weeks.
Father Jeff Poirot of Sacred Heart in Wichita Falls and Father Gary Picou of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Keller have both resigned their roles as pastor of their respective parishes.
Bishop Michael Olson made the announcement about Father Gary Picou during the weekend Masses on November 3rd and 4th. According to our members, Father Jeff Poirot had also resigned as of last week.
This is terribly sad news for the parishes. Both of these situations have eerily similarities to what has happened with Father Richard Kirkham at St. Martin de Porres. We have heard from members familiar with these priests and parishes and they have told us that these priests are beloved in their communities. Very few details were given when the resignations were announced and parishioners are in a state of shock.
These statements can be found on the homepage of the Ft. Worth Diocese:
Statement regarding Father Gary Picou
Statement from the Ft. Worth Diocese
November 5, 2018
On Monday, October 29, 2018, Bishop Olson received a letter from Father Gary Picou
resigning his office as Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and requesting a leave of absence from active ministry. This request for a leave came to the Bishop without any prior communication from Father Picou. The Bishop accepted Father’s resignation as pastor and granted his request for a leave thereby removing Father Picou’s priestly faculties.
Please keep Father Picou in your prayers.
Statement regarding Father Poirot Statement
Statement from the Ft. Worth Diocese
November 5, 2018
To Members of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, Wichita Falls, Texas
On Friday, November 2, 2018, Father Jeff Poirot resigned his positon [sic] as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and requested a leave of absence from active ministry. Father Poirot wrote that he made the decision to leave ministry after prayer and consultation with family and friends. Bishop Olson learned from Father Poirot of his decision to abandon the ministry at 4 p.m. on November 2. Bishop Michael F. Olson has accepted the resignation and granted the leave of absence. Father Poirot’s resignation does not involve any scandal.
The Diocese is saddened by Father Poirot’s unexpected decision. Please pray for Father Poirot as he discerns his future and pray for members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
We ask you to add Father Gary Picou, Father Jeff Poirot, and the parishes of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Sacred Heart to your prayers.
Seeking the Truth?
This certainly brings about many questions among the laity. What is causing these pastors who who seem to be loved by their parishes to resign so abruptly?
If you are a member of either of these parishes and are seeking answers, we encourage you to write letters to the church leadership expressing your concerns. Throughout the situation with Father Kirkham, we have found the most effective way to get the attention of leadership is through writing letters and fervent prayer. See the “How to Help” page for information about suggested members of the Church leadership for you to send letters to.
If FRK Advocates receives any additional details regarding this troubling news, we will share it with the group.
Thank you for your prayers and May God Be Praised.
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