Honoured by St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.
Father Peter Moher was born on February 15, 1954 in North Bay. He was the second of four children, son of Rose and John Moher. He attended elementary school at St. Hubert’s, St. Rita’s and Mother St. Bride. He spent much time exploring, hiking and getting into mischief. He would concoct schemes and practical jokes to drive his siblings crazy. At a very young age, Fr. Peter began to take piano lessons. He diligently practised before and after school and could easily pick up tunes from the radio and play them by ear. He especially loved ‘The Beatles’ and was thrilled to see them guest star on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’.
Fr. Peter’s high school years were spent at Scollard Hall. It would be hard to find a more faithful or loyal fan of all things ‘green and gold’! Hockey and football games were never missed, particularly the ‘east/west’ tournament. He also entertained patrons at ‘The Golden Dragon’ restaurant by playing dinner music on the piano. It was during his high school years that he began to consider the priesthood as his calling. After taking one year at Nipissing University, and completing his A.R.C.T certificate in piano, he headed to Resurrection College at the University of Waterloo. After his ordination, he became the pastor of a number of churches in this diocese. Some of these included Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Elliot Lake and Manitouwage.
During his adult life, Fr. Peter would continue to share his musical abilities. For a number of years, he was part of a group of singing priests known as ‘The Hidden Talents’. He loved to entertain with his jokes, puns and flying fingers. In his spare time, he liked nothing better than to ‘hit the road’ with the C.D. player as his trusty companion, and multiple stops at Tim Horton’s or McDonald’s.
Although he enjoyed all of his assignments, he was happiest in his hometown of North Bay, or being near enough to visit on his day off. For the past 12 years, he has happily been the pastor of St. Peter’s parish. During this time, he took great pride in watching the waterfront being developed, and loved to walk through the park and ‘show it off’ to visitors and relatives. As of September, 2012, Fr. Peter will be transferred to Sudbury. It seemed only fitting that his parishioners would decide to honour him with a leaf on the pergola.
Father Peter could be described as an ‘ordinary person who has been extraordinary’. He is a sincere and faith—gilled pastor who cares deeply for each person in his parish. He can be as serious or light hearted as the occasion allows. He delivers inspiring sermons to young and old, plays the piano before Masses, and his singing voice is a beautiful expression of prayer. Father Peter will be greatly missed, but we wish him the best of luck in the future and hope he visits often and strolls under the pergola.