Taken from our History Book:
Our Parish has always been most fortunate to have the "cream of the crop" when it comes to Parish Priests.
Reverend T. P Holly - 1940 - 1953
Father was the first resident pastor at Petawawa and was appointed resident Chaplain at the Petawawa Military Camp and overseas chaplain shortly after his arrival. At the close of the war he returned to St. Luke's. He was transferred to Brudenell in 1953.
Rev. A. S. Rice was appointed Administrator of the Parish from 1941 to 1943 to replace Fr. Holly at the time of the war. Father Holly was responsible for the construction of the present "Our Lady of Sorrows Church" (St. Luke's then). The most common and frequent words associated with Fr. Holly was "He was a saint". He was known for his generosity to those in need. When he acquired new clothing or any other thing, if he found someone in greater need than he, he would give it to the person. Father had a love for young people, establishing camps for them complete with riding horses. When he left this parish over 1,500 people attended his farewell dinner. Father Holly died as he lived - he denied himself while giving to others and left this world poor in monetary value but rich in the spiritual harvest. Loved by his people!
Reverend R. E. Dillon - 1953 - 1956
Shortly have his arrival the new rectory was opened and guests were welcomed. Father was brought in to "get the new church out of debt". It is reported that he said "the "fastest Mass in the area". He was a talented piano player. Transferred to Arnprior in 1956.
Reverend F. M Kennedy - 1956 - 1975
Father initiated a fund raising campaign to reduce the heavy debt load of the Parish. The campaign was so successful that the Parish was able to renovate the church in 1965 in accordance with the initiative of Vatican Council II. Father always kept himself busy doing the work of the Lord. Father Kennedy was transferred to Cormac in 1975.
Reverend K. P. Bradley - 1975 - 1995
Father was the longest serving priest - 20 years. During Fathers' time renovation work was done in 1980 and land was purchased from the village and from neighbours to give us the land we now use for parking and green space. He was instrumental in installing the present ground-source air conditioning and handicapped lift. His one love was golf but no one knows if he ever revealed his handicap. Father was transferred to Douglas in 1995.
Reverend M. D. Miller - 1995 - 1999
Reverend J. F. O'Malley - 1999 - 2012
Father was the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish from 1999-2012. Father Joseph O'Malley served the parish with considerable enthusiasm, especially centred on the sharing of and growth of the faith. During his faithful years of service, Father O'Malley facilitated many parish programs including LifeTeen, various Adult Education programs, Parish Missions and programs for young families. He facilitated leadership experiences for adults in Steubenville, and was 'instrumental' in building on our wonderful music ministry.
During his tenure, he began to provide Sacramental Preparation in the Parish, long before it became mandated by the Bishop. He recognized that the Religious Education curriculum in Separate schools did not provide sufficient attention to the teaching of the sacraments, nor did the schools have the resources necessary to accomplish this task. In addition to many pastoral concerns and services, Father O'Malley facilitated many renovations and repairs to our three parish complexes, most especially to the present day Parish Centre. Father also provided expertise and energy to the building of the present day CWL Religious Articles Room and other building projects. Father's passion for the faith and his Irish wit is very much appreciated by his parishioners. God bless Fr. O'Malley for this faithful service!