Father James Radloff was removed from St. Francis by the Baker Diocese last fall.

He sent Bishop Liam Cary his resignation on Good Friday -- after waiting for him for half a year to place him in a new parish.

Father Radloff will be a priest with the breakaway denomination, the Evangelical Catholic Church -- a more liberal denomination that allows priests to marry and supports gay marriage.

Former St. Francis parishioner, Michael Cleavenger left St. Francis after 27 years when Radloff was removed and is helping him start up this new church.

"I think there's a significant number of people already that have left and they are attending many other churches in central Oregon searching for their spiritual home.  This gives Christian Catholics a chance to belong to a church pastored by Father Radloff."

"We are looking forward to putting our time, talent and treasure into this with people who share our view.  We hope to establish this with this new church."

An informational meeting will be held on Saturday June7th at Bend's Riverhouse and Convention Center for interested people.  The new chruch will be called "Holy Communion Church."