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	Priest Headed for Bail Hearing As Diocese Moves to Find Replacement Hamilton Spectator November 10, 2011 http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/622924--priest-headed-for-bail-hearing-as-diocese-moves-to-find-replacement A popular Catholic priest facing a sexual assault charge will have a bail hearing in Hamilton court next week as his temporary successor settles in at his old parish at St. Mary’s church. Rev. Jose Silva, 34, a popular parish priest at the church on Park Street North near Bay and Cannon streets, was arrested Sept. 22, after an 18-year-old musician told police he was assaulted in the priest’s residence at the church during a festival Sept. 18. Silva, who was released on bail Sept. 23, was remanded in Hamilton court Thursday for a bail hearing Nov. 17. Silva was not in court and counsel Dean Paquette spoke for him. Meanwhile, the diocese of Hamilton expects to have a replacement pastor in place for St. Mary’s church this week. Msgr. Vincent Kerr, chancellor of the diocese of Hamilton, said in a statement he expects a priest in place this week to serve the immediate needs of the parish, pending the appointment of a full-time, bilingual pastor to serve both English and the Portuguese-speaking parishioners. He did not name the temporary replacement. “I greatly admire the patience and forbearance of the Portuguese community during this very unsettling time,” Kerr said, adding he himself will celebrate the November Mass for the Deceased at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington Sunday at 2 p.m. when he hopes to bring parishioners “a message of hope and encouragement.” Kerr said earlier Silva had indicated “that he no longer wishes to remain in pastoral ministry in this country and will be in consultation with his own superior," in Brazil. The Hamilton Spectator Contact: jburman@thespec.com
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