Pastor resigns from Saint John the Evangelist, to leave priesthood

The pastor of a North Naples church has resigned from his parish and is leaving the priesthood after 21 years.

The Rev. John Ludden, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for about 10 years, sent a letter to parishioners dated Sunday, Sept. 30, to say goodbye.

In the letter, Ludden, 47, said the bishop of the Diocese of Venice, which oversees Catholic churches in Collier and other Southwest Florida counties, granted him a medical leave of absence to address personal issues several weeks ago.

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"During this leave, I have had much time to continue to reflect and pray about my own personal life and health," Ludden wrote in the letter. "It has become more evident to me during this time, and in fact during the past few years, that God is calling me to journey down another path."

He ultimately decided to withdraw from his religious appointments.

In a letter dated Thursday, Sept. 27, Bishop Frank Dewane, leader of the Diocese of Venice, told parishioners that while they may experience "surprise and disappointment," it is important they respect Ludden's decision.

"I share in the shock that this is for many," the bishop wrote in his letter. "Father Ludden was valuable counsel in his respective responsibilities and I know he was a good pastor for you in his commitment to the parish."

Ludden could not be reached for comment Monday. The church referred all questions to the diocese. The Diocese of Venice declined to comment further on Ludden's departure.

"As I move forward, I ask you to continue to pray for me," Ludden wrote in his letter. "I have been overwhelmed by the many cards and letters that I have received during this time. It is with gratitude that I look back on what has almost been 10 years at St. John the Evangelist."

The bishop's letter said the Rev. Thomas Zalewski, of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradenton, was appointed pastor at Saint John effective Oct. 8.

Zalewski previously served as a parochial vicar at St. Agnes Catholic Church in North Naples and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Fort Myers, the letter states.

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