Osprey Media. - Brantford Expositor: "Former Anglican minister becomes married Catholic priest

Michelle Ruby
Local News - Monday, November 20, 2006 Updated @ 11:28:46 PM

Rev. Bill Foote's office at St. Pius X Church is a comforting retreat lined with wooden cases packed with books of theology, its walls adorned with religious artwork.

Only a couple of framed snapshots tucked into a corner distinguish it from the typical quarters of a Catholic priest. The photos are of Foote's now grown daughters, images captured years ago when they were young girls.

And often present at Mass is Foote's wife, Margaret, whom he met when the two were attending the University of Western Ontario decades ago.

Foote, a former Anglican minister, is one of a handful of married clergymen who have been granted special permission by Pope Benedict to become Catholic priests. Foote believes there are fewer than 10 married priests who were former Anglican ministers in Canada, including one other within the Diocese of Hamilton to which St. Pius belongs. He estimates there are 75 in the United States and a couple of hundred in England.

There are thousands of priests across North America who have left the active priesthood in order to marry.

'It's an unusual situation,' Foote acknowledges of his new post. 'For some people, it has taken a little bit more explanation.
There were questions that needed to be responded to. But people have been very gracious. There has been no hostility, nothing but kindness.'

Born in Paris, Foote spent some of his childhood living in Brantford before moving with his family to Preston. He grew up in the United Church, but says the music, liturgy and sacramental nature of Angli"