Statement of Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, Diocese of Toledo

It is with genuine sorrow that I received the news that the Baltimore Province of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (C.Ss.R or Redemptorists), after its recent discernment and pastoral planning process, has announced their decision to withdraw from the Diocese of Toledo’s parishes of Saint Gerard, Lima and Saint Mary, Bluffton, effective June 30, 2026.

Since 1833, the Redemptorists have generously exercised an invaluable ministry for the faithful in the Bluffton and Lima communities.

While we, as a diocesan family, are saddened by their pending departure, we understand the Redemptorists have been engaged in realistic and responsible planning for their future regarding maintaining, changing or drawing to completion current apostolic commitments. Challenges, including an aging community, declining vocations, and their inability to continue all of their ministry commitments, have precipitated the Redemptorists to make such a decision.

The Redemptorists have repeatedly expressed gratitude to me for the support they have received from the Lima and Bluffton communities here in the Diocese of Toledo. They have also expressed their confidence that our working together in the upcoming transition year will provide the People of God with stability and continued pastoral care. In coordination with the Provincial Superior, Father John Collins, we are grateful that this weekend the pastors of the affected parishes will inform parishioners of their decision to withdraw and pastoral care will be offered the weekend of May 17/18 with a personal visit by Father Collins.

We respect the dedication the Redemptorists have shown in exercising their mission and charism for those entrusted to their care and will be forever grateful for the selfless devotion they have shown ministering to the faithful in our diocese. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Father John Collins, Provincial Superior, Father Mike Sergi and Father John Murray, local pastors, Father John McLoughlin, Brother Dan Hall, along with all those Redemptorists who have served, past and present, in the Diocese of Toledo for over a hundred and ninety years.

See the Redemptorists statement HERE.