Archdiocese of Kingston says review found more than $630,000 removed through irregular cheques at St. John Parish; police investigation now underway.
Newsroom (17/07/2026 Gaudium Press )The Archdiocese of Kingston says an internal review of parish finances has uncovered more than $630,000 in funds removed from St. John Parish through what church officials describe as irregular financial transactions, prompting a police investigation and the departure of the parish’s pastor.
Father David Collins, O.F.M. Conv., had served as pastor of St. John Parish in the Archdiocese of Kingston since at least 2017. On June 13, the archdiocese publicly disclosed that a financial matter involving the parish had come to light.
In a statement announcing the development, the archdiocese said that “a financial issue has come to light regarding Friar David’s use of the accounts of St. John Parish.”
Archbishop Michael Mulhall said an investigation was launched after “significant financial irregularities” were discovered within the parish’s accounts. According to the archbishop, the matter came to light during a review of parish finances.
Following questioning about the issue, Fr. David returned to his Franciscan community in Toronto, Mulhall said. The archdiocese appointed Fr. Tim Shea to provide sacramental ministry at St. John Parish on an interim basis while preparations are made to appoint a new pastor in the fall.
The scope of the financial concerns became clearer in a July 10 letter sent by Archbishop Mulhall to members of the local Franciscan community. The letter stated that a review of parish financial records dating back to 2019 had uncovered extensive irregular activity involving parish accounts.
“A review of all parish accounts extending back to 2019 has determined that over $630,000.00 has been taken from the parish accounts through the issuing of irregular cheques,” the archbishop wrote in the letter.
The review identified a total of 1,196 irregular cheques. According to the archbishop, the overwhelming majority of those cheques were issued from the parish’s general account, while three were issued from the Mass account.
Church officials said investigators are still working to determine where the funds ultimately went.
“At this time, it is unclear where all of the funds were distributed. The police are now investigating,” the letter stated.
The findings represent a significant escalation from the initial June disclosure, transforming what was first described as a financial issue into a case involving hundreds of thousands of dollars and more than a thousand allegedly irregular transactions over several years.
No further details have been released regarding the recipients of the funds, the specific nature of the cheques, or whether any criminal charges have been filed. The archdiocese has indicated that law enforcement authorities are now involved and that efforts to trace the movement of the funds are ongoing.
Meanwhile, St. John Parish continues under temporary pastoral leadership as the Archdiocese of Kingston works toward appointing a permanent pastor later this year. The financial review and police investigation remain active.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from The Pillar
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