The following letter from Fr. James Martin Nobles, OP, was recently sent to all Parish Family and Friends of our St. Peter Catholic Church. The very best to Fr. Augustine “Fr. Auggie” DeArmond, OP, and welcome to Fr. John Dominic Sims, OP. Many blessings to our Dominican Friars…
Dear Parish Family and Friends of St. Peter,
As the Provincial Chapter of the Southern Dominican Province comes to a close, we have the following bittersweet announcement to make.
Fr. Augustine “Fr. Auggie” DeArmond, OP, who has served our parish for nine years, eight of those as pastor, has been appointed Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in New Orleans. As I mentioned earlier this month, Fr. Auggie has been appointed Syndic (that is Chief Financial Officer) of the province. As a result, Fr. Auggie needs to be close to our provincial office, so as to fulfil the work of the important role entrusted to him by the friars.
Fr. Auggie will be succeeded by Fr. John Dominic Sims, OP, who comes to us most recently from St. Anthony of Padua in New Orleans. He is excited to come of Memphis and serve our historic faith community.
The date of Fr. Sims appointment is August 1, 2022. Until that time, Fr. Auggie will be with us, although transitioning into his new role. Also, Fr. Sims will be visiting around mid-July to get to know the parish.
In due time, we will have a gathering here at St. Peter to give Fr. Auggie a proper send-off.
Please join me in thanking Fr. Auggie for his dedicated service to our parish. I also ask for your prayer for both Fr. Auggie and Fr. Sims as they prepare for this next stage in their vocations as friar preachers.
Thank you for your love and support of both the St. Peter Church and the Province of St. Martin De Porres. On behalf of all the friars, we are honored to be your priests and Dominican friars.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. James Martin Nobles, OP
Vicar, St. Peter Church
