The Salesians’ 74-year association with the Brooklyn Park/Richmond parish will conclude at the end of this year.

Parishioners were notified last month by Archbishop Wilson that a decision had been taken “very carefully” by the Salesian community after significant discernment and consultation, and in light of decreasing numbers and the advancing age and infirmity of many Salesians.

In a letter read out at Masses on the weekend of June 24/25, the Archbishop gave thanks for the generous, faithful and loving service of the Salesians to the Brooklyn Park and Richmond communities, as well as to the Archdiocese, since they commenced their care of the parish in 1943.

“Our lives have been blessed by the ministry of the Salesians in so many ways,” he wrote.

“I want you to know that I appreciate how deeply this decision will touch the hearts and lives of many of you…I want to assure you that I will be doing all that I can to support you through the process of transition.”

A taskforce has been formed to identify the issues that will need to be considered for a supportive transition to new arrangements in 2018.

Archbishop Wilson paid tribute to Fr Joseph Lee and the present Salesian community Brooklyn Park/Richmond.

The Salesian community will remain part of the Archdiocese through its ministry in the parish of Gawler and at Xavier College.