St. Francis Parish - Statement read in Parishes of St. Joseph's, St. Mary's, Lochee, St. Ninian's, Sts Peter & Paul's on Sunday 20 June 2010.

On Sunday 20 June, Bishop Logan celebrated Mass in St. Francis Parish and at the end of Mass informed the parishioners that it has become necessary to close the Parish of St. Francis.

There have been many factors that have been taken into account when making this difficult decision. Two years ago there was a community of priests living in the house, which was reduced to two last year and by the end of this month will be further reduced to one, Father Frost. This means that he will be living alone in a very large house, which is not owned by the Diocese, and was originally built for a community of priests and brothers, which, along with the rest of property, is in need of large capital expenditure to bring it up to standard.

Recognising that Father Frost, as Episcopal Vicar to the Polish community in the Diocese, has an extensive remit, and wishing him to remain in the city, it has been decided to appoint him to St. Joseph's as Parish Priest with its attendant responsibilities.

The parish will be split geographically so that parishioners will be served by the church most accessible or closest to them. This will involve our parish and I know that, along with me, your Parish Priest, you will extend a warm welcome to the parishioners of St. Francis who will now become part of our parish community. There will be a map on the notice board showing the part of St. Francis which will become part of our parish.

The last Masses will take place on Sunday 15 August, the Solemnity of the Assumption.

I ask you to remember the parishioners of St. Francis in your prayers and the Trustees of the Diocese who have had to make this difficult decision.