2 Whitehorse priests called back to Quebec, Ontario

The Catholic community in Whitehorse is preparing for the departure of two priests.

Father Claude Gosselin and Oblate Father Jim Bleackley have both been called back to other dioceses, and the search to replace them could be difficult.

The announcement of Gosselin’s departure was made public in a weekly notice to parishioners. He will return to his Quebec diocese because of the shortage of priests there.

"It's a bit challenging here. There's no priest anymore," said Jean-Marc Belanger, the president of the French Catholic committee in Whitehorse.

"We have to look everywhere — we have a little brochure we're going send to maybe 50 dioceses or community of priests or sisters."

Belanger said Gosselin will be hard to replace

The number of French-speaking Catholics in Whitehorse has grown from just six or seven 11 years ago, to about 60 who regularly attend Sunday Mass.

Gosselin himself is convinced something good will come of it

"Maybe it's a renewal for the community too. I hope that the personal call that we have received is also a call for the community to grow."

Bleackley has been promoted to Ottawa. His departure will mean the end of a century of active Oblate priests in the territory.