September 9, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I am writing to share an important update regarding the pastoral changes of your parish cluster.
After careful discernment, Fr. Jayanna Kanna will be returning to his home in India for health reasons. While this decision was not made lightly, it is important that Fr. Jayanna have the opportunity to focus on his health and well-being while surrounded by his family and support system. We are deeply grateful for his dedicated ministry, his faithful service, and the many ways he has shared God’s love with the people of our diocese.
Please keep Fr. Jayanna in your prayers as he begins this next chapter and seeks renewed health and strength.
To assist with the transition, Fr. Thomas Kanna, current assistant pastor of the Rice Lake cluster of parishes, will be moving to the Medford cluster of parishes as assistant pastor starting September 9, 2026. We are grateful for Fr. Thomas’s willingness to serve where he is most needed and for his commitment to the mission of the Church.
During this period of transition, the Rice Lake cluster of parishes will be assisted by several retired priests, who have generously agreed to help celebrate Masses and provide sacramental ministry. We extend our sincere thanks to these priests for their continued dedication and service to the people of God.
We are also pleased to share that efforts are underway to welcome another priest from India to serve in our diocese. While the process of securing assignments and completing the necessary immigration and diocesan requirements takes time, we are hopeful that a new priest will arrive in the coming months to provide stable pastoral assistance for the Rice Lake cluster.
Transitions can bring uncertainty, but they also provide opportunities to deepen our trust in God’s providence. We ask for your patience, understanding, and prayers during this time. Let us remember Fr. Jayanna, Fr. Thomas, our retired priests, and the priest who will eventually join us, asking the Lord to bless each of them abundantly in their ministry.
Thank you for your continued faith, support, and commitment to our parish communities. Together, guided by the Holy Spirit, we will continue to carry out the mission of Christ in our communities.
May God bless you and your families. Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. James P. Powers
Bishop of Superior