We are blessed to have a new priest to serve our Parish Family. Please welcome Fr. Arun Paul into our lives and our church.
I was born in Chennai, South India. I entered religious life in 1993 and was ordained in 2006. I worked as an Associate pastor, Administrator and Seminary Rector for a couple of years, and went to England to pursue Master’s Degree in London, England. I immigrated to Canada in 2010. I am a Canadian Citizen by naturalization. During my years as a priest, I have worked in parishes, in a seminary, providing social services and Hospital Ministry, and served as a Chaplain in a senior home. I have taught Math and Physics in various schools during my seminary vacations.
Besides my philosophy and theological education, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Masters’ Degrees in Communication and Psychology, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management. I strongly believe that these skill sets enable me to serve the People of God in an efficient way and to build God’s kingdom.
I belong to the Institute of Voluntas Dei, Canadian District, Canada. The Institute of Voluntas Dei is composed of baptized and consecrated people who live the evangelical counsels in the midst of the world in order to be the “salt of the earth”, “light of the world” and “leaven in the dough.” We follow a spirituality of 5-5-5. One of fives which I like the most describes how to develop the spirit of recollection, humility, and fraternal charity. Part of that five I would like to put into practice is the Absence of Complaint and Absence of Criticism.
I come from a family of Five children. I am the youngest. I have three brothers and a sister. I am a priest today because of my mother. She was an ardent member of Legion of Mary. She was instrumental in fostering my priestly vocation. My father, mother and two of my brothers are deceased. I am blessed with three nieces and a nephew.
During my years of priesthood, it has been a great experience to meet parishioners from different places and cultures. It is always a learning process and it helps me to learn and grow as a better person. This has opened my horizon to new societies and people. My hobbies are reading and traveling.
My thrust is the Gospel culture of encounter and service. I believe the Gospel has to be rooted in the culture and it is prime in proclamation. One has to continue the mission of Christ in the context where one is sent to fulfill the “ Go commission”. My ultimate goal or motto is To Serve the People of God. May God use me as an instrument in bringing God’s love and mercy to the parishioners of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
God Bless You,
Fr. Arun Paul