A severe priest shortage in western Quebec is forcing ten Catholic churches across the Pontiac region to suspend Sunday mass this September. CTV's Kimberley Johnson speaks with Église St-Pierre pastor Father Michael Smith, who says keeping 14 local churches functioning all the time is no longer financially sustainable for the diocese. Fort Coulonge resident Mireille Chevalier notes attendance has steadily declined over the years as parishes struggle with rising heating and lighting costs. MRC Pontiac warden Jane Toller is urging congregations to stay strong while the Bishop of Pembroke works to recruit more bilingual priests to the region.
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