In thanksgiving for a life well-lived, the Diocese of Saint John, and the family of the Reverend Maurice Rene Swift, retired priest, announce his peaceful death at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Born in Minto, N.B, on August 9, 1937, Father Swift was the son of the late Victor and Madeline (Cullen) Swift. He was raised in Minto, where he attended local schools. He attended St. Thomas University (BA) and St. Francis Xavier where he obtained his M.Ed. He spent many years teaching in local schools and especially on Fogo Island, Newfoundland.
In the fall of 1974, he entered St. Paul University Seminary in Ottawa, obtaining his theology degree. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1978, by Most Rev. Arthur J. Gilbert at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. After ordination, he served as Parochial Vicar at St. Rose of Lima and Assumption parishes in Saint John. While in Saint John, he served as chaplain to Centracare and the Dr. William Roberts Hospital School. In 1981, he was appointed as pastor of St. Raphael’s Parish, Blackville, N.B, where he remained until transferred in 1985 as pastor of Stella Maris Parish, Black’s Harbour, N.B. and St. George’s Parish, St. George, N.B. In 1991, Father Swift was appointed pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Bartibogue Bridge, N.B. and St. Ann’s Parish, Burnt Church, N.B. where he remained until 1996 when he was appointed pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, Minto, N.B. and St. Joseph’s Parish, Chipman, N.B. In 2001, he was appointed once again to Stella Maris Parish, Black’s Harbour, N.B. and St. George’s Parish, St. George, N.B. After serving in those parishes for four years, Father Swift was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Fredericton, N.B. and St. Patrick’s Parish, Stanley, N.B. His final assignment was as pastor of St. Samuel’s Parish, Douglastown, N.B. from where he retired in 2018.
In addition, Father Swift served in other capacities in the Diocese. In 1991, he was appointed a member of the Diocesan Finance Council and served a five-year term. He also served for many years as chaplain to the Knights of Columbus and Padre for the Royal Canadian Legion.
Father Swift was a devoted and gracious priest. He will be deeply missed by family, brother priests, friends, and parishioners. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to those who provided unfailing care and comfort these many years at Rocmaura Nursing Home, Saint John, N.B.
Father Swift was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Michael. He is survived by his sister, Veronica Soloman (Calgary, AB) and two brothers, Thomas Swift (Cornwall, ON) and George Swift (Ottawa, ON) and their families.
The mortal remains of Father Maurice Swift have been entrusted to the care of Hogg Funeral Service in Minto. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 3 from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, Minto. Interment will be in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Hardwood Ridge.
