Last week Archbishop Dunn was informed of the death of Father John Williams on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Fr. John was 82. He was ordained on April 7, 1973, by Archbishop James Hayes and served in many parishes across the Archdiocese. Before his retirement Fr. John served as Rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica – for the second time - and as Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth.
You can read a full obituary by clicking here.
People gathered for prayer on Monday evening, and the funeral was held on Tuesday morning at St. Clement’s Church in Dartmouth.
We invite you to pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. John and for comfort for his family and friends as they mourn.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
Amen.
Decrees of Our New Parishes

You can find a list of
Decrees of Our New Parishes
under the "Parishes" tab and click on "Our New Parishes"
or click here.
Archdiocesan Crest
Chancery Contact
Maryn Anderson
Vice Chancellor
(902) 429-9800 ext. 307
Christine Salterio
Executive Secretary to the Archbishop
O: (902) 429-9800 ext. 324
F: (902) 425-0997
Maria O'Brien
Chancery Administrative Assistant
(902) 429-9800 ext.423
Archdiocesan Funeral Guidelines
Archbishop Mancini in collaboration with the clergy, religious and lay faithful of our Church of
Halifax-Yarmouth prepared the document on Catholic funerals in the Archdiocese of Halifax Yarmouth. The document is titled "Catholic Funerals: Theological and Pastoral Considerations".
The document touches on the frequent experience in our faith communities that funerals draw people with diverse connections to the Catholic faith or faith in general. Liturgical options, specifically the separation of the Funeral Rite (Order of Christian Funerals) and the celebration of the Eucharist, can facilitate a fuller involvement of mourners at Catholic funerals. As well new opportunities are presented to evangelize and catechized a Christian understanding of life, death and resurrection. For the faithful the opportunity to celebrate Eucharist at a memorial Mass within a short time of the funeral liturgy can be much more meaningful experience of communion.
This guidelines addresses issues like eulogies, use of Christian symbols at funerals, cremation, and the celebration of the funeral rite at funeral parlors as well as other points to assist parish personnel in the ministry to those who are grieving.
download: English (pdf) French (pdf)

