MANSFIELD — St. Peter’s Parish and Schools distributed a letter Tuesday morning to its community about honoring its late pastor, The Rev. Gregory Hite.

Here is the entirety of that letter from St. Peter’s Head of School Laurie McKeon:

Dear St. Peter’s Family,

As you may know, Father Gregory Hite, former pastor of St. Peter’s Parish, passed away late Thursday night. Since his arrival in 2011 until his recent retirement in July, Father Hite was an integral part of our parish and of our school. Not only was Fr. Hite the spiritual leader of St. Peter’s Parish, but he was also the Superintendent of St. Peter’s School, serving as a trusted friend, wise mentor and religious advisor to our school staff, students and families.

Recognizing the importance of honoring Fr. Hite and his immeasurable contributions to the St. Peter’s community, school will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 4, to allow our school staff, families and students to attend his funeral services in Toledo. For those of you who wish to pay your respects to Fr. Hite and his family, St. Peter’s Parish will be organizing bus transportation to Toledo. Call the parish office for more information. To see Fr. Hite’s obituary, click here:

https://www.walkerfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Gregory–R-Hite-?obId=22846606

I realize that we have our first Day of Grace on Friday, Nov. 12 and also realize that this Friday is an optional day of service for our junior high and high school students. However, our priority will always be to honor those who have given so much to our parish and our school. Fr. Hite dedicated his life to our Catholic faith, to serving others and to leading St. Peter’s for the past 10 years.

He baptized our students, celebrated our weekly Masses, heard our confessions, blessed our communicants, presided over family weddings and funerals, sharing in our joy and in our sorrow. As Fr. Hite was here for St. Peter’s in life, St. Peter’s School will be with him in death.

Thank you in advance for understanding the need for this day off. I ask that you not only pray for Fr. Hite at this time, but also take the time to pray for all of those who are near and dear to your own hearts.

Details on the memorial Masses that will be said here at St. Peter’s will be forthcoming.

Best regards,

Laurie McKeon