Fr. Thomas Maher, Gateway, Leaves Legion

Image of Fr. Maher. He tells us he is not escaping. He is leaving through the main door, proudly leaving behind 23 years in the Legion to go to a parish; a move sanctioned by his superiors, he tells us.

Fr. Maher's message to Gateway Academy families contains a typo, "pray" instead of "prayer". Was he in a hurry, under stress...? He says he is still a Legionary. But he will not be living in a LC religious community. So will he still be a religious without being in a religious community? Is he taking a leave of absense from the Legion, officially remaining a member?. He still  sounds like a Legionary, because of this unclear double talk. But let's give him time to find his senses.

Question: is this the same diocese that accepted Fr. Stephen Fichter exLC many years ago.

Fr. Maher's ad lit message  follows:

Dear Gateway families,

I've been in the Legion for 23 years. It's been a very fulfilling time in my life, particularly the time spent at Gateway Academy.
Through pray and discernment, I've asked for the opportunity to work in a parish and have been assigned in the Diocese of New Jersey. I remain a member of the congregation of the Legion of Christ [bolded by poster], and am grateful for the years I have worked in the many apostolates of the Legion.
I am thankful to all of you for allowing me to be a part of your life. I ask that you keep me in your prayers and know that you will always be in mine.
God bless,
Fr. Thomas Maher, LC