Bishop of Timmins
Serge Poitras was born on May 27, 1949, in Jonquière, Quebec. He completed his classical studies at the Minor Seminary of the Diocese of Chicoutimi (1961–1967) and his theological studies at the Major Seminary of the same diocese (1968–1971), concluding them at the Major Seminary of Quebec (1971–1973). He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (1971) and a degree in Theology from Laval University (1973). He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Chicoutimi on May 27, 1973. He later earned a Doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1988. During the early years of his priestly ministry, he served as parochial vicar at the Cathedral of Chicoutimi. In 1980, he was appointed a professor at the diocesan Minor Seminary and head of the diocesan student center, a role he held until 1990. From 1990 to 1998, he served as a professor and member of the formation team at the Major Seminary of Montreal. He was responsible for the propaedeutic year and for liturgy (1992–1997) before serving as Director of Studies for two years (1998–2000). During these years of ministry in Montreal, he served as a Sunday parochial vicar in various parishes across the city. In 2000, he became a collaborator at the Apostolic Nunciature in Ottawa. In December 2010, he was appointed Adjunct Under-Secretary of the Congregation for Bishops.