Father Adam Lech has retired from his most recent role as chancellor of the Archdiocese, and from active ministry for nearly 50 years.
Father Philip Creurer, currently the judicial vicar, has accepted to assume the role of chancellor, in addition to his current duties. Both Fr. Adam’s retirement and Fr. Adam’s appointment are effective July 17 to coincide with clergy re-assignments.
“I take this opportunity to extend to Father Lech my heartfelt gratitude for his many years of devoted service to the Archdiocese of Edmonton,” Archbishop Richard Smith said. “I know you join with me in praying for God’s blessing of consolation and peace upon Fr. Adam throughout his retirement years.”
Father Adam is 73 and is retiring on the advice of his doctor.
Adam Jozef Lech was born in 1950 in Poland. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1977 at St. John the Baptist Archcathedral in Wrocław. Father Adam arrived in Canada on June 23, 1995 to serve the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Over the course of 29 years in the Archdiocese, Father Adam served St. Michael the Archangel (St. Michael), Our Lady of Good Counsel (Skaro), Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Mundare), and Incarnation (Lamont) parishes.
He was pastor of St. Anthony’s parish in Lloydminster from 2000-2005 and the rector of St. Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton from 2005-2013. He was pastor of Holy Family parish in St. Albert from 2021 to 22.
Father Adam was also the episcopal vicar for international priests for 11 years. Father Adam was appointed chancellor on Aug. 14, 2013. The chancellor keeps the official archives of the Archdiocese, notarizes documents, and other administrative duties.