Pastor's Page

Fr Scott Michael John Whittemore was born in Victoria and raised in Saanich, BC. He is the youngest of three children born to Marie (nee Schleppe) and the late Robert (Bob) Whittemore.

Scott sought out and obtained employment during his first year as a teenager, picking strawberries and logan berries on the Saanich Peninsula. Numerous jobs followed, including park maintenance with BC Parks, work with children at a summer day camp and Easter Seal Camps, labour at the tar sands, planting trees, driving taxi, and a variety of other labour and human ministry positions.

As a young adult, Scott attended the University of Victoria for 5 years, first in Sciences and eventually he completed a Bachelor's degree in rural Social Work. For the next nine years he worked in the Central Coast, residing at Bella Coola, and later at the Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii, as a Probation Officer/Parole Officer/Family Court Counsellor before pursuing his vocation to the priesthood.

Scott's calling to the priesthood took him to the Benedictine Abbey in Mission, where he completed a Bachelor's in Philosophy at Christ the King Seminary. He was sent to the Pontifical Institute of St Augustine's Seminary, Toronto, for their 5 year formation program leading up to a Bachelor's in Theology (from Rome) and a Master's in Divinity. He was ordained to the priesthood on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in 2005, at Immaculate Conception Church, Kelowna.

Since then, Fr Scott's appointments have included Nakusp and missions; Courtenay and the missions at Hornby Island, Gold River and Tahsis; Ucluelet with Tofino, Ahousaht and various other Nuu-cha-nulth missions on the West Coast; Port McNeill, together with Port Hardy, Port Alice, Alert Bay, Woss and a couple other missions on the north end of Vancouver Island. His most recent appointment has been to Salt Spring Island with outreach to the southern Gulf Island missions, including on Mayne and Pender Islands.

Fr Scott's extracurricular interests have included playing lacrosse, hiking, fishing, photography, scuba diving, world travel, wilderness backpacking, rock climbing, cross-country and back country skiing, ocean kayaking, and swimming.

Chapel at the Grotto of Gethsemane, Jerusalem

Pastor's Letters

Year 2023

18 August, 2023

Dear People of Christian Faith,

Jesus came for each and every person, from one generation to the next, to offer us the way of salvation. The choice is always ours to follow Him. Attendance at Mass helps to nurture that saving relationship with Jesus.

Let us be mindful of and prayerful for all those people and animals being displaced by the wild fires!!

Two Funeral Masses

This Saturday, August 19, 1 pm there will be a funeral Mass for Eleanor (Bev) Meyer, with interment at Central Cemetery immediately following and a reception in the parish hall. Also, there will be a funeral Mass for Daniel (Dan) Phelan on Thursday, August 24, 11 am. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord!

Farewell Luncheon for Fr. Scott

Don't forget to come to our farewell luncheon on 27 August 2023 after the 10 am Sunday Mass to say thank you and goodbye to Fr. Scott who is moving to Sooke. Coffee and tea will be available right after Mass and we hope to be serving lunch shortly thereafter. All parishioners are invited to attend. If you wish to bring something for the luncheon, please call me at 250 9317457 as it helps to coordinate the food. Thanks and we hope to see you all there. Joyce

Parish Picnic

Scheduled for Sunday, September 17, beginning at about noon, Drummond Park. Please mark it on your calendar.

From the Diocesan Office

From September 29 – October 1, Life Restoration Ministries will be holding a men’s retreat at RockRidge Canyon in Princeton, BC. Are you yearning to know the real Jesus? The Men's Retreat: Yeshua, delves deep into the heart of Christ. Join Jake Khym and Peter White for transformative talks, the Holy Mass, and space of adventure in the outdoors of Rockridge Canyon. Rediscover. Reconnect. Recommit. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.liferestoration.ca/mensretreat.

United Church Car Boot Sale: https://saltspringexchange.com/list/multi-family-

11 August, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Even in the storms of our lives, and especially in them, we need to seek out Jesus, for His strength and peace, to help steady, calm and still our hearts.

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This Tuesday, August 15, the weekday Mass will be held in front of the Marian grotto, weather permitting.

More on the Parish Directory

The new and improved corrected Photo Directories have arrived and are ready for distribution. If you have received the old version, please bring it in for exchange for the new copy. If you haven’t received your copy of the directory, then you can pick it up then. Distribution will happen after both masses. We are very sorry that the first version wasn’t up to our expectations, but the new one is excellent. Thanks very much,

Maureen Fath and Gerard Zentner

Funeral Masses

We have two funeral Masses planned for former parishioners. On Saturday, August 19, 1 pm there will be a funeral for Eleanor (Bev) Meyer. Also, there will be a funeral for Daniel (Dan) Phelan on Thursday, August 24, 11 am. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord!

Personal

For those who have been interested in my future mailing address, it will be 2191 Townsend Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 04H. I am also making available small portrait photos that were produced back in February. The portrait company we had here in October gave me a USB stick with one portrait photo on it, along with permission to reproduce unlimited copies. Please take a photo left at the church door entrances, to remember the parish family life we have shared and to continue your prayers for me into eternity. Thank you, and God bless you!!

Parish Picnic

Scheduled for Sunday, September 17, beginning at about noon, Drummond Park. This will be a good time for Fr Stephen to meet and mingle with parishioners. Please mark it on your calendar.

21 July 2023

Dear People of the Kingdom of Heaven,

This Sunday, Jesus will tell us some parables about the kingdom of heaven, which is here and now, and yet to be fully realized. Don't miss it!

Our parish will not be leading a Christian Service at ECU on the first Sunday of this August. The next one will be on the first Sunday in September, with Marnie scheduled to be leading it.

Please continue to pray for Daniel (Dan) Phelan and his family, as he journeys along the last leg of his life in the world.

Farewell Luncheon

Mark this very important date in your calendar! OLG will be hosting a farewell luncheon on 27 August 2023 after the 10 am Sunday Mass to say thank you and goodbye to Fr. Scott, our pastor for the last 8 years. Of course, all parishioners are invited to attend and we hope to see you there. Further details will be announced closer to the event. Joyce

Prayer for the Third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2023

Virgin Mary,

Mother of faith and hope,

an example for this humanity bent by indifference,

make me as willing as You

to accept the will of God,

to magnify and praise His Mercy.

Mary, Mother of fortitude,

you who knows my heart,

do not allow me to become discouraged.

I confidently surrender my life into your hands.

Heal my wounds.

May your tenderness accompany me on the way.

Your presence, Mother of love,

brings us to experience the joy

of seeing our families united.

Help me to transmit the tenderness and Love of God

to the grandchildren and youth

so that, in addition to praying for them,

we can pray with them.

Mary, may the gift of the Holy Spirit intercede for me:

sustain my weakness;

breathe into my heart the consolation

that I may leave traces of faith among the young,

bearing witness to the beauty of life,

knowing that life has a limit

and that beyond it lies before us our Father's embrace.

Amen.

Rachel’s Vineyard will be hosting their first retreat on Vancouver Island from August 25-27, 2023 at the Bethlehem Centre in Nanaimo (2371 Arbot Rd). This ministry is a safe place for people to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release, and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal, and healing. For information please contact Nicola at rachelsvineyardvancouverisland@gmail.com

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Vancouver is offering a weekend marriage retreat this fall from Oct. 27-29, 2023. Rekindle the romance, remind yourselves why you fell in love and learn how to make a good marriage even better! Register before September 5 for the early bird rate. For more info and to register, please visit https://beholdvancouver.org/events/couple-retreat-by-worldwide-marriage-encounter. You both deserve it!

14 July 2023

Dear People of the Sown Word,

The Word was made flesh, and visibly dwelt among us for a short time, before ascending into heaven. At the same time, the Word remains with us, invisibly present in Holy Communion, Sacred Scripture, and our own flesh and blood, providing that we are in a state of grace. If you have not been to Mass for awhile, i hope and pray that you can be there this weekend, and that you will make room in your life to faithfully and regularly attend. There is nothing more sacred, valuable, life giving, deep and profound than the Sacred Mass, which we enter into with praise, worship and thanksgiving, through Jesus the Christ. Also, i am present for the Sacrament of Confession, if you need it. God bless everyone and your loved ones!

There will be a Funeral Mass for Rosemary Szczepaniak on Tuesday, July 18, 11:30 am, St Paul's Church. There will be no regular weekday Mass that morning at OLG. Since covid, parishioners seem to be less motivated to attend parish funerals or burials. Please remember that your presence and participation in "burying the dead" is a corporal work of mercy.

Parish Pictorial Directory

The photo directories have finally arrived, and we have discovered a problem with the quality of a few of them as well as a couple of other problems with the photos. I have contacted the supplier and they were very apologetic and are considering a reprint on the whole directory. The manager is on holidays, but we hope to have a resolution upon his return. Should you have received a copy that isn’t right, please hold on until we have a solution in sight. Should you have any questions, please call or email Gerard@zentner.ca or 250-537-7628

Thanks very much,

Gerard Zentner

7 July 2023

Dear Parishioners and other Christian Brothers and Sisters,

Laszlo has been moved to Victoria. In our parish and beyond it, he has been a great model of determination to attend and participate in our Sacred Mass. God bless him and those who helped him get to Mass.

The ordination of Joseph Yuson to the transitional diaconate will be tomorrow, Saturday, July 8, beginning at 10:30 am, St Andrew's Cathedral.

Parish Pictorial Directory

Hooray, they have arrived!! They will be distributed after each of the weekend Masses to those who had their portrait taken and to those who submitted their own photo. Gerard paid for the cost of a directory for those who submitted their own photos.

From the Dioccesan Office

Come join faith-filled families at the Marriage and Family Life Camp from August 17th-20th in beautiful Nanoose Bay. Our speaker is Paul Rossetti, the Superintendent for Island Catholic Schools. There will be activities for children and youth, as well as family time. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/9th-diocesan-family-conference-august-2023-tickets-593430365197 Please also consider volunteering!

30 June 2023

Dear Christians of the Universal Church,

This past Thursday, the Universal Church celebrated the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. Peter is depicted with the keys to the Kingdom of God, which is a sign of the authority given to Him and his successors, from Jesus, to govern the Church. Paul holds a sword, which was the weapon used to behead him outside the walls of Rome. Both have a Bible in their hands because it contains 14 of Paul's letters and 2 of Peter's. Both of them suffered greatly to develop, protect, and witness to the infant Church established by Jesus the Christ. We give to them endless thanks and to the millions of Christians before us, who are responsible for passing on our treasured faith. The time is now ours to carry the torch of faith. Christ is the Light.

Parish Fellowship

A wonderful, and sorely missed by many, parish family tradition is being resurrected - Coffee and treats after the 10 am Sunday Mass!. The idea is to start with the first Sunday of the month and see how it goes before expanding to other Sundays. Let's not forget how wonderful it really was, and more importantly can still be, to spend a little time socializing with our parish family. So we hope to see you this Sunday 2 July 2023 after the 10 am Mass. ~Joyce

Christian Service at ECU

Our parish will be facilitating a Service this Sunday, July 2, 1:30 to 2 pm. Entrance to ECU is temporarily through the back side of the building.

The ordination of Joseph Yuson to the transitional diaconate will be on Saturday, July 8, beginning at 10:30 am, St Andrew's Cathedral.

The Hall Windows

They need replacement. This became more apparent when the church was being painted. About 1/2 of the window panes are chipped or cracked, and there is rot in the wooden frames. The extent of the wood rot is unknown. One set will be replaced to see how that goes. The windows will be replaced with double paned, tempered glass, which will be safer and more energy efficient. There also will be more windows that open up for better ventilation in the hall.

From the Dioccesan Office

The Instrumentum Laboris (“working tool”) for the first session of the Universal Phase of the Synod has been released. This document is based on the material gathered during the previous phases of the Synod: it shares insights that have emerged in the synodal process so far, opens up questions, and invites further study. The Instrumentum Laboris is available from the official Synod website at https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process/the-universal-phase/documents.html,

The valuable and free Pastoral Care Outreach Training series will be offered online again this fall. Nine sessions will be held via Zoom on Saturday mornings from 9:30 – noon, starting on September 23 and running until November 25, 2023 (with no session on October 7 for Thanksgiving). Participants who attend all sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion. Participants will require a phone number and email address, a computer, tablet or Smart Phone with speakers, microphone and webcam, a reliable Internet connection, and access to Zoom. Bishop Gary Gordon feels “it is important to have parishioners trained at the ready to provide a caring and compassionate experience to those who are most in need.” Previous graduates have commented: “ Loved every minute of it! I would mark all nine session evaluations as EXTREMELY WELL!!! Each of the sessions were rich in the information presented and methods of delivery and discussion. I have appreciated these classes and the beautiful warm-hearted people I have met here. It was very motivating and the presentations were excellent. I have learned so much on this journey. My first reaction was I don’t have time for this course. It went by so quickly and I gained so much info. I am so happy I said ‘yes’.” Please register through your local parish by September 12. For further information, please email moiraking@shaw.ca. Details of each training session is attached.

23 June 2023

Dear Christian Folk,

You are not only "of more value than many sparrows" and many Bald Eagles too, but also of more value to God than all of the animal kingdom put together! In Jesus, we are seated at the right hand of God the Father. We are His beloved children through Jesus.

Summer is officially here. Let the sunlight and warmth remind us of God's love for each and everyone of us!

Christian Service at ECU

Our parish will be facilitating a Service on Sunday, July 2, 1:30 to 2 pm. There is some discussion about a Service at Greenwoods too, beginning in the Fall, if parishioners are sufficiently interested and supportive.

A Funeral Mass for Beverley Meyer is being planned for Saturday, August 19, 1 pm at OLG.

The ordination of Joseph Yuson to the transitional diaconate will be on Saturday, July 8, beginning at 10:30 am, St Andrew's Cathedral.

From the Diocesan Office:

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace has released a Pastoral Letter titled Living as Catholics in the Public Square: Freedom of Religion and Conscience in Canada. This document emphasizes the significance of freedom of religion and conscience in our democratic society and explores the role of Catholics in courageously living out their faith in the public square. A copy of the letter is attached, and it may also be found online at https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/living-as-catholics-in-the-public-square-freedom-of-religion-and-conscience-in-canada-a-pastoral-letter-by-the-episcopal-commission-for-justice-and-peace/.

16 June 2023

Dear Children of God,

Happy Father's Day! First of all, to God our Father, and then to St Joseph, foster father of Jesus, and next, to all men who share the fatherhood of God in many and varied ways. Happy and blessed Father's Day!! In our society, fatherhood is undervalued, avoided, denigrated, and distorted . . . . In the spirit of St Joseph, patron of fathers, i'll say no more, except "pray for us, St Joseph!"

Chalice extends their heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Scott, Maureen and Our Lady of Grace parish for hosting a Child Sponsorship Weekend on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Chalice envisions a world where all children and families have the means to overcome the cycle of poverty; and thanks to the parish’s generosity 2 children are closer to that reality. On behalf of these children, we give thanks to God that you have revealed His love to them. Please prayerfully consider the call to sponsorship, a unique way to live out your faith by providing hope for a child in need. Please visit chalice.ca or call 1-800-776-6855 for more information on our mission and to sponsor a child today.

9 June 2023

Dear People of the Body and Blood of Christ,

I just returned from our annual priest retreat, which was held at the Opus Dei retreat center in Britannia, near to Squamish. We were exceptionally privileged to have had Fr Jacques Philippe from France, who is a member of the Beatitude Community. He is the author of many books on our Catholic spirituality, facilitating a retreat for us using his recent book on priestly fatherhood.

Last weekend we reflected upon a central mystery of our Catholic faith, namely the Holy Trinity. This weekend we reflect upon the greatest gift to the Catholic Church, namely the most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus, still present for us in the Holy Eucharist.

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

Predestination

Please join Father Scott Whittemore and me at 7 pm on Thursday, June 15, 2023 for the next faith formation session, when we will seek to better understand what the Bible and the Catholic Church teach regarding predestination. God has a plan for us, but we must cooperate in that plan. We must choose to accept a destiny that God has set out for us. This divine plan was not something God makes up as we go along. Rather, as Ephesians tells us, this destiny was set before the foundations of the world. The awesome fact is that we retain freedom in the face of such destiny. I trust that you will find this session of great interest. The Zoom link will be:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83398935548

Meeting ID: 833 9893 5548

André Corriveau

At the June 10-11 Masses, Canada’s largest Catholic Child Sponsorship organization will provide you the opportunity to begin a relationship with a child in the developing world through the benefits of Child Sponsorship. It is a powerful way to reveal God’s love for those most in need. Please visit chalice.ca for more information about Chalice and its mission. Here's a link to a two minute video on the work of Chalice: https://youtu.be/7OfzxZoH_d8 A number of parishioners, including myself for the last 25 years, are currently sponsoring children through Chalice. It is a very good Canadian organization founded by a priest in Nova Scotia. They also sponsor elders in poorer countries. Maureen will be available after the Masses on June 10 and 11 for people interested in sponsorship.

Fraud memo from the diocese attached.

Diocesan Appeal Survey

The Diocese of Victoria Development Office has created a survey to collect information about the 2022 Bishop’s Appeal: Growing Together from parishioners. Please include the following link to the survey in your paper and electronic bulletins until June 12th: https://forms.office.com/r/LsBq77QWz8

Margaret Gwyn

Executive Assistant to the Bishop and the Chancellor

Diocese of Victoria

2 June 2023

Dear Trinitarian Tribe,

Of course you are not just a "tribe" of Christian people. You are a priestly people, beloved children of God the Father, the Body of Christ, and Temple of the Holy Spirit. This weekend we celebrate and try to comprehend something of the mystery of the Holy Trinity, which gives us Life and Love.

Christian Service at ECU

Our parish will be facilitating a Service this Sunday, June 4, 1:30 to 2 pm. There are no longer any requirements for wearing a mask, prior covid testing, checking of vaccination status, or the recording of names. Masks can still be worn if desirable. Because of current construction, the entrance to Lady Minto ECU is around the back of the hospital building.

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

Predestination

Meeting ID: 833 9893 5548

André Corriveau

Please continue your prayers for Bev Meyer and her family, as she nears to passing on from this world. Since Wednesday, she has been unconscious and her breathing has become irregular.

Clergy Appointments

Some of you have already received the attached notice of appointments (and the subsequent letters?) directly from the Diocese, and the word has been spreading. This year, there are quite a few new clergy appointments; the most since 8 years ago. The good news is that the Diocese has accepted 3 new priests, one who is a straightforward replacement for Fr Josef in Nanaimo, coming from the same religious congregation. Also, the good news is that OLG will continue to have a resident priest.

Diocesan Appeal Survey

Margaret Gwyn

Executive Assistant to the Bishop and the Chancellor

Diocese of Victoria

Job Position for a Chief Financial Officer

The Diocese of Victoria is now accepting applications for the position of Chief Financial Officer. The CFO serves as the financial administrator of the Diocese and reports directly to the Bishop. This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual who wants to be part of the Diocese’s senior management team and to oversee the stewardship of the organization’s fiscal resources in support of the mission of the Diocese. The job posting may be viewed at https://www.rcdvictoria.org/employment

26 May 2023

Dear Pentecost People,

The Holy Spirit takes "centre stage" this weekend, even though the third Person of the Holy Trinity has been with us for a very long time. In fact, since before there were dinosaurs on earth or even human beings. (Or is it the other way around?) The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on that one particular Pentecost day, is what we continue to recall and celebrate, especially on Pentecost Sunday. Jesus had spoken of and promised that there would be a special descent of the Holy Spirit, Who would become the life-animating soul of the Church that Jesus had established on earth. We could also say that this special gift of the Holy Spirit to the infant Church, was the fruit of the life, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, of Jesus.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love!

Dear ladies of our Parish, and all CWL members: This Wednesday, following the 9:00 o'clock Mass, and as part of our CWL meeting, our Diocesan President Christa Grillmar will be giving us a presentation directly from National. It is called the Unity Outreach Program and is being presented across Canada at each Parish. We do hope many can attend, as it will be very informative. See you all soon - Maureen (President of our CWL)

Parish AGM Meeting, Sunday, May 28

Because of covid, we have not had an in person Annual General Meeting for years. That is about to change. Next Sunday at 11:30 after the 10am Mass. I, as Parish Council Chair, will give my annual report and Elizabeth Hengstler as Chair of the Finance Committee, will give a report on OLG's finances. There will also be an opportunity for questions. This will be Elizabeth's last report as she is leaving this fair island and moving to Victoria. Everyone is invited to come and bid a very fond farewell to Elizabeth and join us in thanking her for 20 years of faithful service to OLG. Tea, coffee, goodies and other delectables will be served. Joyce

A Request from the Collection Counters:

In order to streamline our counting procedure, please do not include coin in your numbered donation envelopes. We are not able to deposit coin at the Credit Union ATM, so when coin is received in a donation envelope, counters must then try to exchange it with their own $ bills. Many thanks for your consideration! - Elizabeth

Please continue your prayers for Bev Meyer and her family, and consider being a prayerful presence with her at Greenwoods. She continues to be an outstanding "suffering servant" with Jesus the Christ, confined to her bed and completely dependent upon care.

Christian Service at ECU

Our parish will be facilitating a Service on Sunday, June 4, 1:30 to 2 pm. There are no longer any requirements for wearing a mask, prior covid testing, checking of vaccination status, or the recording of names. Masks can still be worn if desirable.

Rachel's Vineyard

Will be hosting their first retreat on Vancouver Island from August 25-27, 2023 at the Bethlehem Centre in Nanaimo (2371 Arbot Rd). This ministry is a safe place for people to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release, and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal, and healing. For information please contact Nicola at: rachelsvineyardvancouverisland@gmail.com

Attached is Bishop Gary's Pentecost letter, as well as a handout on his plans for a permanent, diocesan synodal body.

Diocesan Appeal Survey

Margaret Gwyn

Executive Assistant to the Bishop and the Chancellor

Diocese of Victoria

19 May 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Ascended Christ,

This Sunday we recall and celebrate the ascension of Jesus into heaven, returning to where He came from. This time, though, there would be something very different about Him! What would that be?

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 20, there will be an interment of Tony Petrinov's ashes at Central Community Cemetery, 12:30. Please note, the person making the arrangements has changed the time.

Brielle will be Confirmed and receive her first Holy Communion this Saturday evening, in Victoria. She was here last week with Cesar and Grace helping with the cleaning of our church and hall. Please pray for her preparations and fruitful reception of these Sacraments.

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

The Church is unable to officiate at same sex marriages or blessings

Please join Father Scott Whittemore and me at 7 pm on Thursday, May 25, 2023 for the next faith formation session, when we will seek to better understand why both Scripture and Tradition preclude the possibility of having same sex sexual relationships endorsed by the Catholic Church. This is another issue that has frequently been raised, with many Catholics, including most recently the conference of German bishops, publicly demanding change in this regard . I trust that you will find this session of great interest. The Zoom link will be: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81291640952

Meeting ID: 812 9164 0952

~André Corriveau

A Request from the Collection Counters:

Parish AGM Meeting

Diocesan Family Camp & Conference

The camp will be held from Aug 17-20 at Nanoose Bay Camp, where you can choose to stay in a dorm, camp in a tent, or bring your camper. All types, ages, and sizes of families are invited to enjoy this weekend full of fellowship, faith and fun! For more information and to register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/9th-diocesan-family-conference-august-2023-tickets-593430365197

Rachel's Vineyard

rachelsvineyardvancouverisland@gmail.com

Synod

A new post has been added to the Diocesan website with an update on Synod 2021-2024. It includes info about the recently released “North American Final Document for the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod”, as well as links to our diocesan, regional, and national reports that were created during the Diocesan Stage of the Synod. To read the post, please visit https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/synod-2021-2024-the-journey-continues

Please continue your prayers for Bev Meyer and her family. She has been an outstanding "suffering servant" with Jesus the Christ, confined to her bed and completely dependent upon care. Please consider visiting her and being a prayerful presence with her.

12 May 2023

Happy, blessed Mother's Day this Sunday, to Mary, first and foremost, the virgin mother of Jesus and spiritual mother of us. And to each and everyone of you who exercise your life-giving, nurturing gifts of motherhood, in its various forms.

This week Madeleine McNab passed on. She and her husband were devout Catholics, living on Pender Island and attending Mass whenever a priest was there. About 5 years ago, they moved to SSI to be near to their daughters. Later, he was moved to Braehaven and she to Greenwoods. Three times a week, Robert would be wheeled over to Greenwoods where they could be together, barely talking and not conversing, but being present with each other. They had been married for something close to 70 years. Eternal rest grant unto Madeleine, O Lord!

On Saturday, May 20, there will be an interment of Tony Petrinov's ashes at Central Community Cemetery, 11 am.

If word has not completely spread, our parish will sorely miss Elizabeth, as she prepares to move to Oak Bay. She will leave a big hole here, that we have been trying to prepare for for quite awhile. God bless her move and resettling!

Some of you may have noticed that our church sign is gone. It has not been stolen, but is getting special, restorative attention from Ron. God bless him!

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

The Church is unable to officiate at same sex marriages or blessings

Meeting ID: 812 9164 0952

~André Corriveau

Diocesan Family Camp & Conference

May 15 is the early bird registration deadline for the Diocesan Family Camp & Conference. The camp will be held from Aug 17-20 at Nanoose Bay Camp, where you can choose to stay in a dorm, camp in a tent, or bring your camper. All types, ages, and sizes of families are invited to enjoy this weekend full of fellowship, faith and fun! For more information and to register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/9th-diocesan-family-conference-august-2023-tickets-593430365197

Please continue your prayers for Bev Meyer and her family.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) message to the Catholic Faithful on permitting persons with mental illness to access euthanasia/assisted suicide:

https://www.cccb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-05-Message-to-the-Catholic-Faithful_MAID-final.pdf

5 May 202

Dear Children of Our Lady,

During the month of May, the Church throughout the world gives special attention to Mary. Jesus gave her to His beloved disciples when He was dying upon the cross of His crucifixion. She guides and directs us more deeply into the Sacred Heart of her Son, and helps to form us to be more like Him.

I am back from my pilgrimage and look forward to sharing something of it. I am sorry that Fr Michael could not be here for the weekend Masses. Thanks be to Brandice, Janine and Joyce for offering a couple of Liturgy of the Word Services instead! They have invested much of their time and talent to do this for our parish. Many thanks to each of them for their generosity of self!

Christian Service at ECU

This Sunday, May 7, 1:30 to 2 pm. There are no longer any requirements for wearing a mask, prior covid testing, checking of vaccination status, or the recording of names. Masks can still be worn if desirable.

Parish Spring Yardwork

A lot was accomplished and in a short time. The chili was great too!! Thanks to all who helped to make our parish grounds look more beautiful and cared for!

Please continue your prayers for Bev Meyer and her family.

National Family and Life Week

May 7 - 14, 2023, is an invitation from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to the faithful in Canada to celebrate the joy and beauty of family and life: https://www.cccb.ca/faith-moral-issues/family-and-life/national-family-and-life-week/)

March for Life in Victoria, this Thursday, May 11. See poster in church, or for more information: https://m4lvictoria.ca/2023-march-for-life/2023-schedule/

20 April 2023

Christ is still Risen!! Alleluia!!!

And walking with us.

The parish potluck was a real success, thanks be to all the work Joyce put out to organize it, and to all who were able to be present and contribute to it.

Parish Spring Yardwork

This Saturday, April 22, beginning at 10 am with chili at about noon. Rainwear might be necessary. There will also be a Mass at 9 am. Yardwork to include:

Weeding of the garden beds,
Raking fir cones and branches, as well as weeding around our Marian grotto and the stairway.
Raking gravel back into the parking lot along its perimeter,
Cutting back blackberry vines from the perimeter of the yard.

Fr Michael Favero will be here for the weekend Masses on April 29/30.

Please continue your prayers for Bev Meyer and her family.

March for Life

Victoria, Thursday, May 11. See poster in church or for more information:

https://m4lvictoria.ca/2023-march-for-life/2023-schedule/

Here is one of many on-going and good articles from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) on assisted suicide and euthanasia: https://alexschadenberg.blogspot.com/2023/04/legalizing-assisted-suicide-is-morally.html

For World Earth Day, here is access to a booklet on "Our Common Home": https://www.sei.org/publications/ourcommonhome/

14 April 2023

Christ is Risen!! Alleluia!!!

Sunday will be the eight day of the Easter octave, with each of those days being a solemnity. That means today (Friday) is not a fast day or day of abstinence from meat. It is a feast day! For another 40 plus days, we will continue to be in the Easter season, all the way up to and including Pentecost. The Easter season is a time for us to be awed at and grateful for the resurrection - it is something new for humanity, made possible through the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Divine Mercy Novena.

We will do the last day of the chaplet, as a parish, this Divine Mercy Sunday, 15 minutes prior (ie 9:45 am) to the start of Mass. For those who are unfamiliar with the chaplet, here's a link to it (and to much more on Divine Mercy): https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet. The whole set of prayers takes about 10 minutes, and is quite simple. Also attached is the prayer intention for each day of the novena: https://saintmichael.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-novena.pdf

Parish Potluck Luncheon

Our parish social life has taken a real hit these last few years because of Covid but only with your help can we resurrect it back to life (how timely). We will be having a luncheon potluck at noon on Divine Mercy Sunday - the Sunday after Easter. Leftover Easter eggs no doubt will be welcome but your presence is what is really important! So please come and enjoy the food and the company of your fellow parishioners. ~ Joyce C. Maykut QC

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

Women in the Church: why are they excluded from the priesthood?

Please join Father Scott Whittemore and me at 7 pm on Thursday, April 20, 2023 for the next faith formation session, when we will seek to better understand why the Catholic Church is resisting calls to opening up the sacrament of Holy Orders to women. This is an issue that has frequently been raised in the past several decades but has been brought back to the forefront in the context of consultations being done in preparation of the upcoming “Synod on synodality”. I trust that you will all find this session of great interest. The Zoom link will be:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87423514037

Meeting ID: 874 2351 4037

~André Corriveau

Parish Spring Cleanup

Saturday, April 22, beginning at 10 am with chili at noon. There will also be a Mass at 9 am. Yardwork to include:

Weeding of the garden beds,
Raking fir cones and branches, as well as weeding around our Marian grotto and the stairway.
Raking gravel back into the parking lot along its perimeter,
Cutting back blackberry vines from the perimeter of the yard.

Please continue your prayers for Bev Meyers and her family.

Food Bank Donations

Please donate only food items in the baskets at the back of the church. They go to the Food Bank. Articles of clothing, like socks and underwear, could go to one of the thrift stores.

March for Life

May 11, Victoria. See poster in church for more information.

Indigenous Voices of Faith

On Monday, April 17, 3-5 pm, there will be a live streaming of the release of the Indigenous Voices of Faith booklet. It is being released by Cardus, which is a non-partisan think tank in Canada. This is what they say about the event: "Too often, the public narrative implies (or boldly declares) that there’s a fundamental incompatibility between Indigenous Canadians and Christianity or other faiths. If you’ve been following our Indigenous Voices of Faith project, you’ll know that many Indigenous Canadians strongly disagree with those narratives. We’ve interviewed 12 Indigenous Canadians about their religious faith and its interaction with their culture, published those interviews in a new booklet, and now we’d like to give you a chance to meet some of the folks we interviewed."

One of those interviewed is Maria Lucas, a Metis woman and lawyer. She says: "When I look at the parallels with my own Catholic faith as I’ve come to understand it, you can always go deeper on that journey. God’s always revealing things. But as I come to understand my vocation in reconciliation, I’ve come to understand that that very much aligns with a very core piece of our faith, which is the cross. The cross is reconciliation; it demonstrates reconciliation within Christianity. It’s how we are reconciled back to the Father. But it also demonstrates, I think, that reconciliation is not an easy journey. It’s going to be very arduous, because the cross is painful, but there’s also a lot of beauty in taking up one’s cross and carrying it. And you’re not doing it alone. You can only do it with grace."

For more information and to register for virtual attendance at this event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/indigenous-voices-of-faith-tickets-585966490547.

6 April 2023

Dear People of the Eucharist,

Today we enter the Holy Triduum with Eucharistic food for our journey into the Passion of Jesus, and onward to the glory of His resurrection. Tonight we will recall and re-enter the night Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the ministerial priesthood, both intimately united and mutually dependent. The Eucharist is the greatest gift for and from the Catholic Church; it is the "source and summit" of our Christian life. Let us give thanks and praise for this divine gift that we are fed with.

The Divine Mercy novena begins on Good Friday. We will do the last day of the chaplet, as a parish, on Divine Mercy Sunday, 15 minutes prior (ie 9:45 am) to the start of Mass. For those who are unfamiliar with the chaplet, here's a link to it (and to much more on Divine Mercy): https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet. The whole set of prayers takes about 10 minutes, and is quite simple. Also attached is the prayer intention for each day of the novena: https://saintmichael.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-novena.pdf

Pontifical Collection for the Holy Land on Good Friday

The Good Friday Collection is requested by the Holy See to help maintain the Church’s holy places in the Holy Land, so important to the faith of Christians everywhere, and also to support the faithful who struggle to survive under political and economic oppression and persecution. Those who are unable to attend the Good Friday Service, or who prefer to contribute online, may do so by Interac e-transfer or CanadaHelps by visiting www.commissariat.ca/supporting-us Please note, the blue envelope for special collections, dated April 7, in the boxes of parish collection envelopes is mislabeled. It should read for the Church in the Holy Land, not for the Church in Canada. The later special collection is in the Fall and there is an envelope for it.

Good Friday is a special day of fasting and of abstinence from meat for Catholics throughout the world. These disciplines are meant to help us be more united with the sufferings and sacrifice of Jesus, as we enter into His Passion, and eventually into the glory of His Easter resurrection. They also facilitate a tiny bit of solidarity with the poor. Abstinence from all meat is for those who are 14 or older, providing that it does not seriously interfere with health or the ability to work. All Fridays throughout the year are days of abstinence from meat, though the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops says that an extra act of charity can serve as a substitute, if necessary. Fasting is expected of those aged 18 until your 59th birthday, but that does not mean there is no value to fasting beyond then. The minimal (canonical) requirement of the fast is by no means onerous, consisting of one regular meal and two others that combined are less than the size of one regular meal. We can easily do better than that. No snacks in between meals, only fluids, such as milk and juices.

Bishop Gary's Easter message is attached.

Parish Potluck Luncheon

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

Women in the Church: why are they excluded from the priesthood?

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87423514037

Meeting ID: 874 2351 4037

~André Corriveau

Parish Pictorial Directory - Likely to be printed and ready for distribution some time in May.

31 March 2023

Dear Faithful Followers of Jesus,

This Sunday we enter into Holy Week, along with Jesus as He enters into Jerusalem and nears the passion of His agony in the garden and arrest, scourging and crucifixion, and burial in a cave. Our Lenten journey and disciplines are almost over, hopefully strengthening us to accompany Jesus into this most intense drama of His human life. It is along this final stretch when He takes on the fullness of human sin and the fullness of our sufferings, to be there with us now in our own.

Today (Friday) beginning at 3 pm, the parish will have a penitential Stations of the Cross followed by the Sacrament of Confession, with both Fr Mel and myself available. Please consider attending in preparation for the splendor, glory and Life-Giving graces of Easter.

Our Parish will be offering a Christian Service this Sunday at Lady Minto ECU, from 1:30 to 2 pm. The covid directives for entry into the residential care facility remain the same.

Bev Meyers continues to be accompanying Jesus on the Way of the Cross, and He with her. Please continue to accompany her with your prayers and presence.

Student Retreat

The retreat seemed to have gone really well for all involved. Thanks so very much to each person who contributed to it, including the hospitality and food, accomodation for the chaplain, and assistance with Eucharistic adoration. Perhaps next year we can host and facilitate the presence of a couple hundred students.

Parish Potluck Luncheon

Dear OLG family

CCCB Response to the Statement from the Vatican on the "Doctrine of Discovery"

https://www.cccb.ca/letter/statement-by-the-permanent-council-of-the-canadian-conference-of-catholic-bishops-on-the-joint-statement-of-the-dicastery-for-culture-and-education-and-the-dicastery-for-promoting-integral-human-deve/

Pontifical Collection for the Holy Land on Good Friday

23 March 2023

Dear People of the Resurrection,

This weekend, we will hear of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. He had been in a tomb, and dead for four days, yet Jesus brought him back to life. Why did Jesus do that? After all, Lazarus will die just the same, sooner or later, but the resurrection of the dead is for eternal life. Jesus is the Resurrection, who will lead the way to this new reality for humanity. But first, He must walk along the Way of the Cross, so that He might be present and accompany us along our own, very personal ways of the cross. We are not alone!

The Solemnity of the Annunciation is this Saturday, March 25. For the occasion, there will be Mass at 9 am.

On Friday, March 31, beginning at 3 pm, we will have a Stations of the Cross Penitential Service. It will be followed by the Sacrament of Confession about 1/2 hour or so later. Fr Mel Bayron will be returning here to assist. Come join this parish event as we prepare our hearts and souls for Easter.

Bev Meyers continues to be accompanying Jesus on the Way of the Cross, and He with her. Please continue to accompany her with your prayers and presence.

Student Retreat

Please pray for the grace-filled success of the retreat this weekend for a small group of university students, and chaplain, from Victoria. They will be arriving Saturday morning and will be using the church, hall and St Joseph's. Thank you to the various parishioners who are assisting with this retreat. God bless each of you for the generosity of yourselves.

Stations of the Cross each and every Friday of Lent, 3 pm.

17 March 2023

Dear People with Eyes of Faith,

This Sunday will be "Laetare Sunday," signaling to us that we are over the 1/2 way mark through Lent, heading to the glory of Easter. Now is a good time to renew your Lenten efforts, if need be, making more room for Jesus in your daily life, and incarnating Him more fully in your own flesh and heart.

Bev Meyers continues to be accompanying Jesus on the Way of the Cross, though she is also showing signs of possibly recovering. Perhaps the fruit of your visits and prayer? Please continue, for her and her family.

The Solemnity of St Joseph is on Monday, March 20. There will be Mass that day at 10 am.

Lost and found - yet still not claimed, a piece of jewelry that is of an angel, found in the church.

Student Retreat

Our parish will be hosting a retreat for ten university students, and chaplain, from Victoria, Saturday to Sunday, March 25-26. They will be using the church, hall and St Joseph's. Please pray for them, and me, for a grace-filled and transforming retreat, and that we are great hosts. They plan to attend the Saturday evening Mass.

Stations of the Cross each and every Friday of Lent, 3 pm.

From our Diocesan Office

March 25 at 8:30 am: The first workshop in a three-part series on “Catholic Social Teaching as a Solution to Polarization”, offered by Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice Canada. We live in an increasingly polarized culture, where social media can become anti-social and social justice unjust. Challenging questions of our time are frequently reduced to ideological battlegrounds where virtue signalling is often valued over virtuous leadership, division defeats dialogue, and wokeness fails to awaken us to the dignity of all. How do we solve this? For more information and to register, please visit https://www.cappcanada.ca/activities.

10 March 2023

Dear People of the Lenten Fast,

I am full! Filled up with lentils, beans and rice. It was a sorrowful and joyful gathering of parishioners, and one guest too, this Friday. We accompanied Mary along her son's Way of the Cross. That was the sorrowful part, and it was such a good exercise of the examination of conscience, contrition and repentance. The joyful part was the meal we had together. It was not only a good Friday meal for Lent, but it was also something we could do in solidarity with the poor. Many live on rice and beans, and some have less than that. Donations to CNEWA, for victims of the earthquake in Syria, were a generous $900. I hope Joyce doesn't leave town with the donations, like on a trip to Dubai or Disneyland. Will see if she is at Mass this weekend.

Please pray for Bev Meyers and her family, as her life in this world is growing short. I would think that visits from friends, just to be with her (and pray), would be welcomed at Greenwoods.

Just a reminder to set your clocks ahead by 1 hour on Saturday night. If not, you will miss Mass on Sunday.

Lost and found - a piece of jewelry that is of an angel.

Student Retreat

Our parish will be hosting a retreat for some university students from Victoria, Saturday to Sunday, March 25-26. They will be using the church, hall and St Joseph's. Please pray for them, for a grace-filled and transforming retreat, and that we are great hosts. I believe they plan to attend the Saturday evening Mass.

Novenas

For those interested in novenas, or to know more about them, please click on the following link. It will take you to a website that can help facilitate the praying of them, and gain the associated graces. https://www.praymorenovenas.com/about

BC Housing Public Meeting

In regards to the development of 28 permanent supportive homes next to Our Lady of Grace Church for those who are homeless: Community open house, Thursday, March 16, 4 – 6 pm, Salt Spring Island Lions Club, 103 Bonnet Avenue. Drop-in open house event. No RSVP required.

From our Diocesan Office

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is once again offering their Journey through Lent video series. The videos for Ash Wednesday and the First Sunday of Lent are available online now; every Monday throughout Lent, another video will be posted for the following Sunday’s Eucharistic celebration. It is hoped that this video series will provide the faithful with additional opportunity to prepare for the Church’s celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday. To view the Journey through Lent video series, please visit https://www.cccb.ca/evangelization-catechesis-catholic-education/video-resources/journey-through-lent-2023/

All people of the Diocese of Victoria are invited to join in the celebration of the Chrism Mass. At this yearly liturgy, sacred oils are blessed and given to representatives from each parish in the diocese. These will be presented in each church on Holy Thursday and used during the coming year for Baptisms, Confirmations, and Anointings of the Sick. The Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 30 at 7:00 pm at St. Peter’s Parish in Nanaimo (301 Machleary St).

2 March 2023

Dear Children of God the Father,

This Sunday, March 5, 1:30 to 2 pm, our parish will be offering another Christian Service at Lady Minto ECU for the residents. It is a joy to be there. Masks are still required and a covid test that day. Come 20 minutes early if you want a covid test done at the door. Phone me if you want more information.

Parish Lenten Supper

Our Lady of Grace will have a Lenten Solidarity Meal for Syrian earthquake victims on Friday, March 10, 4 pm, following the 3 pm Stations of the Cross. Donations for the Rice & Beans meal will be forwarded to CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association) for the welfare of Syrian earthquake victims. All parishioners are invited to support our suffering Syrian brothers and sisters through this simple meal.

~ Joyce

Adult Faith Formation

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

“ . . . deliver us from evil.”

We continue our reflection on the last petition of the Our Father prayer “. . . but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13). What are we asking God to do for us through this request and how can we collaborate with the Father’s divine providence in this regard? Please join Father Scott Whittemore and me at 7 pm on Thursday, March 9 for the next faith formation session for a topic well suited to this season of Lent. The Zoom link will be:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85612217801

Meeting ID: 856 1221 7801

~André Corriveau

Stations of the Cross each and every Friday of Lent, 3 pm.

BC Housing Public Meetings

In regards to the development of 28 permanent supportive homes next to Our Lady of Grace Church for those who are homeless.

Online community information session, Wednesday, March 8, 4 – 6 pm, Zoom meeting. Please RSVP at SSI-Community.eventbrite.ca and we will send you a Zoom link before the meeting date.
Community open house, Thursday, March 16, 4 – 6 pm, Salt Spring Island Lions Club, 103 Bonnet Avenue. Drop-in open house event. No RSVP required.

From our Diocesan Office

Equip yourself with the free

Amen Catholic prayer app

this Lent.

23 February 2023

Dear Lenten Folk,

We are at the beginning of our journey through the holy season of Lent. I hope and pray that each and everyone of you have put together your own, personal Lenten program of prayer, fasting and almsgiving/charity/works of mercy. The aim is to follow Jesus more closely, to grow in our capacity to and for Love, to allow the work of the Holy Spirit to make us more holy . . . for a greater conversion of life from that which is selfish and lifeless to becoming more like Jesus in the world, who is Love and life-giving.

Thanks to each person who brought in old, blessed palms, which were transformed into ashes. On Ash Wednesday they helped to remind us that we are dust and to dust we will return. The next opportunity for the parish accepting old palms will be in about a year. Please do not drop any off until then.

The first Corporal Work of Mercy is to feed the hungry. Each month we do that as a parish through the food donations that you bring to the church. Attached is a list of food items that the food bank most desires. Please no food that has passed the expiration date. We continue to get the odd one that has.

Parish Lenten Supper

Our Lady of Grace will have a Lenten Solidarity Meal for Syrian earthquake victims on Friday, March 10, 4 pm, following the 3pm Stations of the Cross. Donations for the Rice & Beans meal will be forwarded to CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association) for the welfare of Syrian earthquake victims. All parishioners are invited to support our suffering Syrian brothers and sisters through this simple meal. ~ Joyce

Adult Faith Formation

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

“ . . . deliver us from evil.”

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85612217801

Meeting ID: 856 1221 7801

~André Corriveau

Stations of the Cross each and every Friday of Lent, 3 pm.

Here are four well established Catholic charities that are helping earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Any financial support can be made through one of them.

Aid to Church in Need – Canada: https://bit.ly/acn-donate-syria or 1-800-585-6333 Ext 228
Canadian Jesuits International: https://canadianjesuitsinternational.ca or 1-800-448-2148
Catholic Near East Welfare Association – Canada: www.cnewa.ca or 1-866-322-4441
Development and Peace-Caritas Canada: www.devp.org or 1-800-494-1401

From our Diocesan Office

All are invited to attend the webinar ”Enlarge the Space of your Tent” Reflections on the Continental Stage of the Synod on Synodality on February 28, 2023 at 4:00 pm PT. The webinar is being offered by the Vatican II Center of Saint Paul University. For more information and to register, please visit https://ustpaul.ca/en/enlarge-the-space-of-your-tent-isa-54-2-reflections-on-the-continental-stage-of-the-synod-on-synodality_7707_17.htm.

17 February 2023

Dear People of Dust and Ashes,

It is less than 1 week until Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Holy Lent, which is always an important liturgical season. It is also a special season to take inventory of our Christian life of faith and morals, and to repent of our sin. It is a special season to increase our spiritual and corporal works of mercy: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1017. It is a special season to increase our prayer, acts of charity/almsgiving, and fasting from what takes us away from welcoming Jesus more fully into our life. It is the season to make a special effort to allow Jesus to have a greater place in our lives and daily living. Plan for this holy season, so that the grace and mercy of God will flow more abundantly into your life, and into the world.

Word Among Us booklets for the Lenten season are available in the church. They provide excellent reflections on the daily Mass Readings and include the Readings for each day.

This will be the last weekend to bring in blessed palms from previous year(s). Soon after this weekend, Marnie will reduce them to ashes. Please do not bring old palms after this weekend. Keep them until the following year or dispose of them yourself. Thank you!

On February 22, Lent will begin with Ash Wednesday. Mass on that day will be at 5 pm. Imposition of ashes will be on the forehead with the sign of the cross. Stations of the Cross will be on each and every Friday of Lent, at 3 pm.

Both Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are special days of fasting and of abstinence from meat for Catholics throughout the world. These disciplines are meant to help us be more united with the sufferings and sacrifice of Jesus, as we enter into Lent and into the Passion of Jesus, and eventually into the glory of His Easter resurrection. They also facilitate a tiny bit of solidarity with the poor. Abstinence from all meat is for those who are 14 or older, providing that it does not seriously interfere with health or the ability to work. All Fridays throughout the year are days of abstinence from meat, though the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops says that an extra act of charity can serve as a substitute, if necessary. Fasting is expected of those age 18 until your 59th birthday, but that does not mean there is no value to fasting beyond then. The minimal (canonical) requirement of the fast is by no means onerous, consisting of one regular meal and two others that combined are less than the size of one regular meal. We can easily do better than that. No snacks in between meals, only fluids, such as milk and juices.

The 2022 tax receipts are available for pickup at OLG Church, near to the main door. Any that are not picked up this weekend will be mailed out.

In Victoria, there will be a candle vigil in support of the people of Ukraine, February 24. Poster attached.

Here are four well established Catholic charities that are helping earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Any financial support can be made through one of them.

Aid to Church in Need – Canada: https://bit.ly/acn-donate-syria or 1-800-585-6333 Ext 228
Canadian Jesuits International: https://canadianjesuitsinternational.ca or 1-800-448-2148
Catholic Near East Welfare Association – Canada: www.cnewa.ca or 1-866-322-4441
Development and Peace-Caritas Canada: www.devp.org or 1-800-494-1401

9 February 2023

Dear Pilgrim People,

Have you ever been to Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal? Once upon a time, when i was driving across Canada, and returning across the US, i stepped into the basilica. At that time, i knew nothing of its significance or grandeur, or even its name. I just thought that i would check it out, as i was walking by and the front doors were open. A friend waited outside with my border collie, Jinni. Stepping into it, at a time when the pipe organ was playing, and the inside was beautifully lit, i could not believe what i had entered into. The inside was a radical contrast to the outdoor greys of the basilica, surrounding buildings and sky, as well as in contrast to the cold, stormy weather and the busyness of city life. Stepping into the basilica brought on a religious experience. Sacred places and spaces can help to do that. What our churches look like, and what we do within them, can facilitate openness, relationship, and communion with the presence of God.

Lenten Program

With Lent approaching, now is the time to begin considering what your personal Lenten fitness program will be, consisting of more prayer, acts of charity/almsgiving, and fasting from what takes you away from welcoming Jesus more fully into your life. Last year's blessed palms can be brought to OLG Church up to and including Sunday, February 19. PLEASE, no palms beyond that date. Word Among Us booklets for the Lenten season are available in the church. They provide excellent reflections on the daily Mass Readings and include Scripture Readings for each day. Stations of the Cross will be at 3 pm every Friday. A Stations of the Cross Penitential Service has been set for Friday, March 31, 3 pm. Fr Mel is scheduled to be joining us again.

On February 22, Lent will begin with Ash Wednesday. Mass on that day will be at 5 pm. Imposition of ashes will be on the forehead with the sign of the cross.

The 2022 tax receipts are available for pickup at OLG Church, near to the main door. Many have also been mailed out to those who do not live here or are not getting to Mass. Please extend your gratitude to Elizabeth for the receipts, as the diocesan program to produce them has been highly problematic, onerous and time consuming. She could use a lengthy holiday, now, and some rehabilitation. God bless her!

Development and Peace has an emergency appeal for aid to earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Donations can be made through this link: https://www.devp.org/en

Attached is a Pastoral Letter from the bishops of Canada. It flows from Pope Francis' "Walking Together" pilgrimage to Canada, and speaks to us of the meaning and pursuit of reconciliation . . ..

Seeds of Reconciliation Program

All people in the Diocese of Victoria are invited to attend the Seeds of Reconciliation program, which is a one-day overview of the Returning to Spirit (https://www.returningtospirit.org/) intensive program. It explores the concepts of what reconciliation is by discovering what it is not. The tools and resources that are presented provide individuals with valuable insights into themselves, while also giving them the essence of the Returning to Spirit workshop process.

Thursday, March 2, 2023 at St. John Paul II School in Port Alberni
Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Queen of Angels School in Duncan

Each workshop runs from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. For more information or to register, please visit https://www.returningtospirit.org/workshopcalendar, email info@returningtospirit.org, or call 250-889-4579 or 1-855-244-3963.

Margaret Gwyn, Victoria Diocesan Office

Advanced Planning for Catholics Webinar

One way God shows his love to us is through our families. Assisting your aging parents or creating your own advance care plans is

an act of prudence and compassion for your loved ones. The Archdiocese of Vancouver has gathered local Catholic experts to share wisdom and practical advice on topics of advance care, estate, wills, legacy, and memorials. This is a unique opportunity to plan ahead so your family can have peace of mind. Tuesday, February 21, 6:30 pm to 8:30. For more information or to register, click on: Register now

Pontifical Guidance on Financial Investing

The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences has recently released “Mensuram Bonam: Faith-Based Measures for Catholic Investors:

A Starting Point and Call to Action.” This document is intended to assist Catholic individuals and institutions in the management of

financial assets or investing through measures consistent with the Catholic faith and Catholic social teachings. To read the document, please visit https://www.pass.va/en/publications/other-publications/mensuram_bonam_eng.html.

3 February 2023

Dear People of Salt and Light,

The divine presence of Jesus in our lives can add an extra-ordinary dimension to who we are and what we do and say. In turn, this Presence can be so close to us that we are blind to being Christ-bearers. Others might notice, and hopefully do notice that life-giving extra, which Christians bring into the world, and Jesus likened to certain qualities of salt and light.

This Sunday, February 5, 1:30 to 2 pm, is our blessed time to offer a Christian Service at Lady Minto ECU. Masks are still required and a covid test that day. Come 20 minutes early if you want a covid test done at the door. Entrance to ECU is at the backside of the hospital.

Thank you to all of you who responded to my email while i was trying to solve the problem of why the last pastor's note never got full distribution. It looks like email accounts with Shaw were one grouping prevented from receiving the email. Apparently each email server has its own set of filters, and will stop certain "flagged" emails from going beyond the server, or direct them into your spam/junk file. Below are some comments from a fellow who was helping me through this. He read the email i had sent and noted three possible reasons for its filtering out by some servers, like Shaw.

1.) Triple (maybe even double) exclamation marks are a no-no. (I had done a triple.)

2.) Generally speaking, starting an email with an image is also frowned upon. Many spam mails use an image instead of actual text so the words can't be analyzed by a spam filter.

3.) Finally, the link looks suspicious because it has numbers, several subdomains and AWS is considered an anonymous server. (I had included a link to the daily Mass Readings located on a webpage of the Conference of Canadian Catholic Bishops.)

With these 3 issues I'm a little surprised that anyone received it [the email].

So, i will no longer use three exclamation marks in a row. Perhaps ! x3 instead. Will continue with an opening image. I guess the continued inclusion of various links will have some risk. If you don't get a pastor's note, they are also published on our parish website.

The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences has recently released “Mensuram Bonam: Faith-Based Measures for Catholic Investors: A Starting Point and Call to Action.” This document is intended to assist Catholic individuals and institutions in the management of financial assets or investing through measures consistent with the Catholic faith and Catholic social teachings. To read the document, please visit https://www.pass.va/en/publications/other-publications/mensuram_bonam_eng.html.

20 January 2023

Dear Christian Folk,

Prayer for Christian Unity Week began on Wednesday. It is celebrated throughout the world, including by other Christian denominations. It is an important opportunity and reminder to pray for all of our Christian sisters and brothers, and to repent of any of our ways or words that have added to divisions, including within our own parish.

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

Is human euthanasia and assisted suicide ever okay? Please join Father Scott Whittemore and I at 7 pm on Thursday, January 26 for the next instalment of our zoom faith formation series. We will revisit the issue of euthanasia and assisted suicide, euphemistically labelled as “medical assistance in dying”, nearly 6 years after they became legal options in Canada. We will seek to better understand why it is a concern to the Church.

The Zoom link and meeting ID are:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88534271676

885 3427 1676

~André Corriveau

A new page has been added to our website for queries about donations to the parish: https://www.ourladyofgrace-saltspring.ca/donations. Please check it out and let me know if any of the information needs to be clarified, simplified or added to.

13 January 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Through baptism we become members in the Body of Christ, are grafted into the divine life of God, and become brothers and sisters to Jesus. We also share in his mission as priest, prophet and king. That means, in short, to bring God to other people and to bring people to God (priest); to teach the truths of God and the nature of our saving relationship through Jesus (prophet); and to help order and direct our lives and other people to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (king). If those are some of the dimensions of our baptism, why would Jesus the Christ be getting baptized?

This is another short "Pastor's Note". Do i hear an "Alleluia"?!

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

The Zoom link and meeting ID are:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88534271676

885 3427 1676

~André Corriveau

Food Bank Donations

On behalf of the many recipients of your donations, both monetary and in kind, thank you!! Every month the food bank volunteers ask where the donations are coming from. I keep telling them, "they come from the people of the Catholic Church, just around the corner, who have been making monthly donations for many, many years." God bless all of you! The volunteers are also checking expiration dates, and every second month or so, including this one, reject some of our food donations because they are beyond the date. Please check the expiration date beforehand. Attached is an old list of most wanted food items, which continues to reflect their needs, though it is by no means a completely inclusive list.

6 January 2023

Dear People of the Epiphany of Jesus,

Seems like a short Christmas season this year (so i will keep this note short). On Tuesday we will be entering into Ordinary Time. After a lengthy journey, from a distant country, the wise men will be arriving this Sunday, at the Nativity. They will acknowledge something of the identity and greatness of the Baby Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes. First, it was the poor, simple shepherd boys, then the rich and powerful wise men who came to behold and adore the Baby. He came for all people, of all nations and cultures, for all time. He is the Universal Saviour, Christ the Lord.

This Sunday, right after the 10 am Mass, our Christmas tree, nativity scene, and many decorations will be disappearing for another year. Marnie will appreciate help with this task. Thank you.

Pastoral Care Outreach Training

The valuable and free Pastoral Care Outreach Training series will be offered online again this winter. Nine sessions will be held via Zoom on Saturday mornings from 9:30 – noon, starting on January 28, 2023, and running until April 1 (with no session on March 18 for Spring Break). Participants who attend all sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion. Participants will require a phone number and email address, a computer, tablet or smartphone with speakers, microphone and webcam, a reliable Internet connection and access to Zoom. Whether you are a member of your parish Pastoral Care Team, an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, a member of the Knights of Columbus, CWL or St. Vincent de Paul, clergy or religious, caring for a family member, or someone attending as a personal undertaking, this training program is important. It will show why those who visit the sick are unique and how they can offer more than a friendly visit – they can be the hands and face of Christ to others. Bishop Gary Gordon feels “it is important to have parishioners trained at the ready to provide a caring and compassionate experience to those who are most in need.” Please register through your local parish by January 18. For further information, please contact moiraking@shaw.ca

Bishop Thomas J. Lobsinger, OMI Memorial Bursary Program

The annual British Columbia and Yukon Bursary program known as the Bishop Thomas J. Lobsinger, OMI Memorial Bursary Program is underway. The 2023 program is now receiving applications. We are privileged to offer fourteen bursaries of $1,000.00 each to Catholic students across the Province of British Columbia. These bursaries are made available on a one-time only basis to young practicing Catholic students who are in post secondary education at a recognized institute of higher learning within the Province of British Columbia. Applications are accepted from January 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023 with the bursaries being awarded in the fall. The Terms of Reference may be found on our web site (kofcbc.org) after Jan 1, 2023.

Requests for application should be addressed to: Knights of Columbus BC and Yukon, 2809 Mara Drive, Coquitlam, BC V3C 5T9 Attn: Herb Yang, Bursaries Chairman. Or email: herbykofc@gmail.com

Regular Mass Schedule: OLG, Saturday, 5 pm; Sunday, 10 am;

Tuesday to Friday, 9 am (with rosary at 8:30 am).

St Paul's, second Sunday of the month, 8 am.

Eucharistic adoration and benediction each Friday, following the 9 am Mass until 10:15.

Sacrament of Confession - Saturdays, 4-ish to 4:45.

Otherwise, if necessary, alternative arrangements can be made.

Year 2022

30 December 2022

Dear Children of Mary,

The beauty and awe, the mystery and wonder of Christmas Eve and Day has passed. We can continue to linger, though, in the Spirit of Christmas, through the octave and remaining Christmas season, which extends until and including the feast of Epiphany, celebrated on Sunday, January 8. This coming Sunday will bring us into the new, secular calendar year honouring Mary, the Mother of God, who is our spiritual mother, through Jesus the Christ. He gave her to us when he was hanging from the cross.

Thanks to each person who added something to our parish celebrations of Christmas. Also, thanks so much to the many kind, generous, thoughtful folk who added to mine, by your presence at one of the Masses, or your Christmas greeting, card and/or gift. Merry Christmas to each and all, as we carry God's gift of Love into the world throughout the new year ahead.

One more Christmas nativity set is still left for the taking to a good home. It is a compact, complete set with stable. Not too late for the remaining week of our Christmas season, and for the many Christmases to follow. Please see it set up in the hall.

Christian Service at ECU

This Sunday, January 1, 1:30. Please consider putting it on your new year's resolution list. If you have not done a covid test that day, come to the ECU at least 20 minutes earlier for an onsite test. Entrance to ECU is now through the backside of the building. Masks are required.

Pastoral Care Outreach Training

Regular Mass Schedule: OLG, Saturday, 5 pm; Sunday, 10 am;

Tuesday to Friday, 9 am (with rosary at 8:30 am).

St Paul's, second Sunday of the month, 8 am.

Mass Schedule for the Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God: Saturday, 5 pm & Sunday, 10 am.

24 December 2022

O Holy Night, Mariah Carey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEJmP8T07JU

Mary, Did You Know?, praise and worship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noMp8DkyzC4

Little Drummer Boy, African Tribal version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0mT-zNxRMw

Christmas Oratorio, Bach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocktBnecnC0

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a blessed life in the new year!

The Mass schedule for the Christmas season is near the bottom of this page. The parking lot at OLG just got plowed, again. Still many slippery spots to be cautious of. The melting of snow and ice is going quickly, though! St Paul's got plowed yesterday and is in quite good shape now.

One more Christmas nativity set is left for the taking to a good home. It is a compact, complete set with stable. Not too late to have it for a Christmas present and to set it up for the rest of our Christmas season. Please see it set up in the hall, and take it from there, if you want.

There will be no coffee after Mass this Christmas Sunday, and it will be suspended indefinitely for lack of presence. If there is sufficient, committed interest in the future that can be changed.

Christian Service at ECU

Sunday, January 1, 1:30. Yes, that is correct, on New Year's Day they would like to have our presence to facilitate a 1/2 hour Service. Please consider putting it on your new year's resolution list. If you have not done a covid test that day, come to the ECU at least 20 minutes earlier for an onsite test. Entrance to ECU is now through the backside of the building. Masks are required.

Collection Envelopes

Donation Envelopes for 2023: are now available for pick up at the church entrances. The use of envelopes ensures that your donations are recorded for tax receipt purposes. Another convenient way of donating is through Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD), whereby you can arrange to donate a set amount each month. Alternatively, periodic e-transfers may be made through the Parish email address. If you would like to arrange for any of these methods, please leave a message with the parish office. Thank you and may God bless each of you for your continued financial support of our parish. – Elizabeth Hengstler

Bible Study

"The Holy Spirit inspired them. Israel sang them. Christ himself prayed them, as did our Blessed Mother. At the heart of the Bible are the Psalms, prayers from God that help us to pray. In the Psalms: The School of Prayer, discover how these sacred hymns become our heartfelt response to God’s loving and wondrous deeds for us." This is an 11 session Bible study, to tentatively commence at the end of January, continuing each Wednesday, 10 to noon. The workbook will cost about $45, which will include online video access to each of the 50 minute dvd sessions. If you are interested, please contact the parish office by email or telephone message prior to the end of 2022. (No need to pay for the workbook until it is in hand.)

Pastoral Care Outreach Training

Burying the Dead, Grieving Well

A new publication by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, attached. It gives information on grieving loss and our Catholic rituals for the dead.

Regular Mass Schedule: OLG, Saturday, 5 pm; Sunday, 10 am;

Tuesday to Friday, 9 am (with rosary at 8:30 am).

St Paul's, second Sunday of the month, 8 am.

Christmas Mass Schedule: Saturday, Christmas Eve, 7 pm, OLG and 11 pm, St Paul's.

Christmas caroling will begin 1/2 hour prior to both Christmas Eve Masses.

Sunday, Christmas Day, 10 am, OLG

Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God, Saturday, 5 pm & Sunday, 10 am, both at OLG.

16 December 2022

Dear Christian People of Expectancy,

This Sunday of Advent is the fourth and final before the grace-filled day and season of Christmas. The marriage of Joseph and Mary will become a sanctuary for Jesus and the Holy Family of Nazareth, with the Christ Child in their midst. Let us put some time aside, during this busy time of Advent, to spiritually prepare our heart, mind, body and soul to re-enter into the great mystery of the incarnation of God.

A funeral Mass for Ernestina Ripoli is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, December 17, 10 am, with a reception in the church hall immediately following. The family has asked that masks might be worn, if possible, due to a personal health vulnerability.

Looking ahead to Christmas

This Sunday after Mass, Marnie would appreciate lots of help to make 11 Christmas sprays/swags for our windows. Please consider helping her out in the hall. The Mass schedule for the Christmas season is near the bottom of this page.

SOCKS: The CWL is once again launching its Christmas Sock Drive requesting donations of new socks for men and women. We have recently purchased several pairs, all paid for through the proceeds of the save-a-tape program at Country Grocer. Please consider further donations to the baskets at the main entrance. UPDATE: COMMUNITY SERVICES HAS ADVISED THEY DO NOT DISTRIBUTE SOCKS FOR CHILDREN. HOWEVER, THERE IS NEED FOR MEN'S & WOMEN'S WINTER FOOTWARE IN GOOD CONDITION. PLEASE BRING TO OLG (in bags), AND I WILL TRANSPORT TO COMMUNITY SERVICES. Many thanks for your continued generosity to this wonderful tradition, established by our CWL member, Rita Dods. - Elizabeth

Camp Homewood for Youth

For further information and registration, there is a package attached.

Bible Study

"The Holy Spirit inspired them. Israel sang them. Christ himself prayed them, as did our Blessed Mother. At the heart of the Bible are the Psalms, prayers from God that help us to pray. In the Psalms: The School of Prayer, discover how these sacred hymns become our heartfelt response to God’s loving and wondrous deeds for us." This is an 11 session Bible study, to tentatively commence at the end of January, continuing each Wednesday, 10 to noon. The workbook will cost about $45, which will include online video access to each of the 50 minute dvd sessions. If you are interested, please contact the parish office by email prior to the end of 2022. (No need to pay for the workbook until it is in hand.)

Office Administrative Assistant

Our parish office continues to be in need of filling this position. The ad on the Salt Spring Exchange can be accessed at: https://saltspringexchange.com/list-category/hiring-employment/

The Diocesan Appeal continues with $4700 pledged from our parish. Of our 20% rebate, we will donate 50% to the local food bank and the other 50% to the new pregnancy crisis center in Duncan.

Pastoral Care Outreach Training

9 December 2022

Dear Christian People of Joy,

This Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday, reminding us that we are more than half way through Advent to the joy of celebrating and re-entering the birth day of Jesus. At Mass, we continue to hear from the prophets Isaiah and John the Baptist. Their words are meant to help us prepare for our Lord and Saviour, as we wait with expectancy, and spiritually prepare ourselves for His incarnation in the world and into our own lives.

Parish Photo Directory Update

The photos are coming!! The photo directory company has mailed them directly to everyone who purchased portraits and they indicated that they will be arriving early next week. So, we are praying that Canada Post does their best and that they will arrive prior to Christmas.

The final part of the directory is the history of Catholicism on Salt Spring, and we hope to have the first draft off to the company by the end of next week and then it will be 6 weeks or so to get the first draft back, so hopefully a finished directory by March.

Thanks for all your support! Maureen Fath and Gerard Zentner

Ernestina Ripoli has passed on, having reached her 100th birthday this past Fall. She is the mother of Joanne and grandmother (Noona) of Kirsten. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, 10 am, with a reception in the church hall, immediately following. The family has asked that masks might be worn, if possible, due to a personal health vulnerability. Eternal rest grant unto Ernestina, O Lord!

Here is a link to a recording of the Funeral Mass for Tony: Live Stream Memorial Mass for the late Ante "Tony" Petrinov And a link to the guestbook: Online Guestbook for the Late Ante "Tony" Petrinov

Any person who is a weekend Lector is welcome to take a Sunday Missal home. Otherwise, please leave them in the pews. There are also a few missals for youth to use during Mass.

Looking ahead to Christmas. If you have no other use for the "Cookies & Carols" publication inserted into the Driftwood newspaper, please consider giving it to our parish for future use. We do have a Christmas tree, thanks be to the Seabrook family! The Mass schedule for the Christmas season is near the bottom of this page.

Office Administrative Assistant

Our parish office continues to be in need of filling this position. There is an ad on the Salt Spring Exchange. If interested: https://saltspringexchange.com/list-category/hiring-employment/

Scam Emails

Please ignore, and DO NOT OPEN, any email looking like the following one. If you do open it, please do not respond to it!! The first clue that it is not from me, and should not be opened, is that the sender's email address is different from mine. Check that out before opening. When you do open up this kind of email, it leaves your email address book vulnerable for people to access other people's emails. Please be suspicious of any irregular emails that seem to be coming from me, or the parish office, or Bishop Gary. Here's the most recent scam email:

From: Fr Scott Whittemore <pastordav494@gmail.com>

Sent: December 9, 2022 8:22 AM

To:

Subject: Peace Be Unto You

Good Morning, how are you doing?

Are you available? I need a favour from you. email me as soon as you get

this message.

God Bless,

Fr. Scott

The Diocesan Appeal continues with $3700 pledged from our parish. Of our 20% rebate, we will donate 50% to the local food bank and the other 50% to the new pregnancy crisis center in Duncan.

2 December 2022

Dear People of Advent,

St. John the Baptist is one of the voices that we hear during Advent. From the wilderness and our Sacred Scripture, he calls out to us to prepare our ways for the Lord Jesus. Let us heed his voice and prepare our hearts in prayer, charity, the Sacrament of Confession, and joyful expectation for re-entering the birth of Jesus into the world and into our lives.

Our church parking lot is currently covered with ice, including the small section on the far side of the church, and a skiff of snow on top of that. Perhaps the night will bring more snow. I am sorry to be suggesting that some people might want to stay home this weekend, rather than come to Mass. A slip and a fall could ruin your Christmas . . ., and sadden me.

A funeral Mass for Tony Petrinov is scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday), December 3, 10 am at OLG Church. Interment of his cremated remains is being planned for the Spring.

The Word Among Us booklets for Advent are at both entrances to the church. They provide excellent Advent reflections on the daily Mass Readings. Any person who is a weekend Lector is welcome to take a Sunday Missal home. Otherwise, please leave them in the pews. There are also a few missals for youth to use during Mass.

Christian Service at ECU

On this Sunday, December 4, 1:30 our parishioners are facilitating a 1/2 hour Service for the residents at ECU. Please consider joining us. If you have not done a covid test that day, come to the ECU at least 20 minutes earlier for an onsite test. Entrance to ECU is now through the backside of the building. Masks are required.

There will be a Advent Penitential Service this Wednesday, December 7, beginning at 7 pm. Fr Mel will be here to help with the Sacrament of Confession.

CWL Members and Women of the Parish

We will be having our next meeting on Thursday, Dec. 8th following the 9:00 daily Mass. Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception seems a very appropriate day. Please pray for us here on Salt Spring, and for a new President and Secretary. ~Maureen

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

The Immaculate Conception and the making of dogmas.

Please join Father Scott Whittemore and I at 7 pm on Thursday, December 8 for the next instalment of our faith formation series. As this session is taking place on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, we will seek to better understand why and how the Church came to define this dogma while touching on the subject of biblical typology as applied to the role of the mother of God in the story of salvation.

The Zoom link and meeting ID are:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83565534706

Meeting ID: 835 6553 4706

~André Corriveau

Looking ahead to Christmas. If you have no other use for the "Cookies & Carols" publication recently inserted into the Driftwood newspaper, please consider giving it to our parish for future use. Looks like we have a Christmas tree lined up! Please check out the Christmas Mass schedule at the bottom.

SOCKS: The CWL is once again launching its Christmas Sock Drive requesting donations of new socks for men, women, and children who are in need. We have recently purchased several pairs, all paid for through the proceeds of the save-a-tape program at Country Grocer.

Please consider further donations to the baskets at the main entrance, especially for children. Many thanks for your continued generosity to this wonderful tradition, established by our CWL member, Rita Dods. ~Elizabeth

Office Administrative Assistant

Our parish office continues to be in need of filling this position. There is an ad on the Salt Spring Exchange. If interested: https://saltspringexchange.com/list-category/hiring-employment/

Catholic Youth retreat at Camp Homewood, Quadra Island. Poster attached, and more information to follow in the future.

The Diocesan Appeal continues with $2200 pledged from our parish. Of our 20% rebate, we will donate 50% to the local food bank and the other 50% to the new pregnancy crisis center in Duncan.

24 November 2022

Dear People of Hope,

There are three advents of Jesus the Christ. The first coming of Jesus was His birth, and we will re-enter that at Christmas. Somewhere in the future - very near or still far, far away - will be His Second Coming. His third coming is in between the first and Second, into our daily life. In hope, we prepare for, await, and welcome the advent of Jesus.

I am sorry to say that Tony Petrinov passed on rather suddenly last Saturday, though he had been ill for quite some time. There will be a funeral Mass for him at OLG Church, Saturday, December 3, 10 am. Please pass that information onto others outside of our parish, who would not know otherwise. Eternal rest grant unto Ante, O Lord!

The Word Among Us booklets for Advent have arrived and are at both entrances to the church. They provide excellent Advent reflections on the daily Mass Readings. Also, the new Sunday Missal books are in the pews. Thanks to those who helped remove the old ones. Any person who is a weekend Lector is welcome to take a missal home. Otherwise, please leave them in the pews. An Advent Penitential Service will be held on Wednesday, December 7, beginning at 7 pm. Fr Mel will be an additional presence for the Sacrament of Confession.

After the Masses of this weekend, pictures of deceased loved ones can start to be returned to your homes. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of their faces at the foot of the altar, reminding me of our continued relationship in the Body of Christ.

Looking ahead to Christmas. If you have no other use for the "Cookies & Carols" publication recently inserted into the Driftwood newspaper, please consider giving it to our parish for future use. Also, i hope and pray that somebody will be able to provide us with a Christmas tree, 9 to 12 feet high. Please let me know if you can arrange for one, somehow (but legally).

CWL Members and Women of the Parish

Office Administrative Assistant

Our parish office continues to be in need of filling this position. There is an ad on the Salt Spring Exchange. If interested: https://saltspringexchange.com/list-category/hiring-employment/

Dear Neighbours,

We are writing to invite you to an upcoming virtual information session about the supportive housing development project at 161 Drake Rd. Site clearing is now underway at this property and we recognize there is much local interest in this project. We want to continue working closely with the community to keep everyone informed and ensure this housing is a success. Please join us at the following information session where BC Housing staff will share the latest project information and answer questions: Date: Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, Time: 4:30 – 6 p.m.

To register: visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/161-drake-rd-neighbour-information-session-tickets-469326507217

We look forward to meeting you.

Warm regards,

BC Housing

The Diocesan Appeal continues with $2000 pledged from our parish, toward the $22,000 goal set by our diocese. Of that, the parish receives a 20% rebate. From the rebate, we will donate 50% to the local food bank and the other 50% to the new pregnancy crisis center in Duncan. Donations across the diocese are starting out really low this year - overall, 1/3 of what they have been in recent years.

Chalice Sponsorship of Children

Started by Fr Patrick Cosgrove, out in Nova Scotia. "Named one of the top 100 Canadian charities in MacLean's 2020 Best Charities list . . . ranked first in international charities with a 97.5% out of 100% rating." (Since 2000, i have sponsored 5 children through Chalice, all from Haiti.) Here is a very short, cute video on sponsoring a child: https://chaliceevents.org/resource-videos/sponsorship-gives-hope-become-a-sponsor-today. Then, for more information, click on "sponsor". And, also for your consideration, their Christmas gift catalogue for the poor: https://chalice.ca/gift-catalogue

18 November, 2022

Dear People of the Universe,

This Sunday will be our last in the liturgical year. The whole year has been moving toward this Sunday when we acknowledge Christ as King of the Universe. And, the following Sunday will be Advent, so it will be time to put together the Advent wreaths. Unfortunately there has been a delay in receiving the Word Among Us booklets for Advent, so they are not yet available for distribution.

The good news for our parish is that the bathrooms are again usable. The porta potty is still here, too, if you didn't get a chance to use it. The full length of the sewer line was replaced and then the excavation filled in with new gravel. Unfortunately a water line had been broken, so the next day, there had to be more excavating and another load of gravel brought in. On the third day, the job was completed. We are currently in dialogue over the cost. On the second morning of excavations . . ., the cost was to be $3000 a day; that afternoon it was changed to $6000 a day. Now, the invoice reflects charges for numerous hours that were not worked here. Coffee is on again, though, in the hall!

CWL Members

A special guest, Cathy Bouchard, has offered to meet with our members for coffee and a group photo after Mass on Sunday. She is on the National Executive (Second Vice-President and Chair of Spiritual Development) and happens to visit here occasionally. Please try to come, and please wear your CWL scarf or shawl. ~Maureen

Office Administrative Assistant

Our parish office continues to be in need of this position filled. An ad recently went on the Salt Spring Exchange. If interested: https://saltspringexchange.com/list-category/hiring-employment/

Parish Yard Fall Cleanup, and Chilli

It went really well. Some hard workers who got a lot accomplished. Thank you!!!

WinterFaire at the United Church

SSI United Church is once again celebrating the Christmas Season with their annual WinterFaire on Saturday, November 26th from 10 am to 4 pm. A one-stop Christmas shopping affair at 111 Hereford Ave! Celebrate Christmas spirit! Enjoy a Christmas Cafe featuring coffee, tea and sweets for sale as well as hot lunch of traditional Tourtierre, or Vegan Chilli, while listening to festive Music. Shop Upstairs and Down for Handicrafts, Cash and Carry Treasures, Christmas and Gluten Free Baking, Frozen bake at home Tourtierres, Preserves, Silent Auction, Winter Greenery and Jewellery. All are welcome when the doors open at 10 am.

11 November 2022

There will be a Mass at St. Paul's this Sunday, 8 am, and on the second Sunday of each month.

Some parishioners would have known Giselle Harstall. I understand that she passed on this last Sunday. This Saturday evening's Mass will be offered up for her soul. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.

We are having some problem with our sewer line to the septic tank. That means the toilets in the hall and church should not be used, unless there is some urgency or need for convenience. Until the problem is fully addressed there is an outside porta potty, in addition to the bathroom in the St Joseph's building, behind the church. The door to that building will be unlocked during our public times. Coffee in the hall after the Sunday Mass is cancelled for this week.

Parish Yard Fall Cleanup, and Chilli

Will be tomorrow, Saturday, November 12, beginning at 10 am, followed by chilli from 2 different recipes, noon-ish. Bring your own tools that you might have. Some weeding, cutting down of old flowers, trimming back blackberry bushes, raking up fir cones, pruning . . .. Rain or shine, hot or cold. Please consider being a part of this parish activity.

Viva Chorale's fall performance titled "Remembrance" is this weekend, which will include some Catholic Mass parts. More information can be found at the following link: https://vivachoralesaltspring.com/performances/remembrance-2022

The Diocesan Appeal continues. We are expected to raise $22,000. Of that, the parish receives a 20% rebate. From the rebate, we will donate 50% to the local food bank and the other 50% to the new pregnancy crisis center in Duncan. Most parishioners have received direct notification (by mail) of the Appeal. If not, pamphlets are available in the church.

2022 Diocesan Faith Day

JOIN US on Saturday, November 26th as we journey together “Seeking Truth, Healing & Reconciliation” featuring keynote speaker, Most Reverend Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina

We are a Church that is wounded and hurting, needing to search out our Pascal bearings and tell our story in a new way – to go deeper into the Paschal Mystery! How are we to be a Church (poor and for the poor) that reaches out in dialogue, seeking healing paths by walking together? For more information and to register go to https://Diocesanfaithday2022.eventbrite.com OR email gjahelka@rcdvictoria.org OR Phone 250.479.1331 ext 230.

4 November 2022

Christian Service at ECU

This Sunday, November 6, 1:30 our parishioners are facilitating a 1/2 hour Service for the residents at ECU. Please consider joining us. If you have not done a covid test that day, come to the ECU at least 20 minutes earlier for an onsite test. Entrance to ECU is now through the backside of the building. Masks are required.

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

Praying for the dead and how Catholic funerals differ from more secular “Celebrations of Life”. Please join Father Scott Whittemore and I at 7 pm on Thursday, November 10 for the next instalment of our faith formation series. In step with the month of November traditionally dedicated to remembering all those who have preceded us into eternal life with God, we will seek to better understand the Church’s teaching on the afterlife with a focus on the importance of praying for the dead and the value of a Catholic funeral mass.

~André Corriveau

The Zoom link and meeting ID are:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84144363570

Meeting ID: 841 4436 3570

Parish Yard Fall Cleanup, and Chilli

Saturday, November 12, beginning at 10 am, followed by a lunch at noon-ish. Bring your own tools that you might have. Some weeding, cutting down of old flowers, trimming back blackberry bushes, raking up fir cones, pruning . . .. Rain or shine. Please consider being a part of this parish activity.

Parish Photo Album

Thanks for all who participated in the photography session last week. We weathered it all including power outages and from what we heard the photos turned out excellent. For those who couldn’t make it there is a limited opportunity to still have your photo as part of the directory. The cost associated with using these photos is $15.00. The specifications for submissions are:

*vertical photos work best

*photos must be at least 1MB (1000KB)

*good clean background

Most mobile phones work with this high of resolution. When you email pictures off your phone there is usually a prompt asking for the size of the image and if you choose actual size it works out to 1.7 MB, which is adequate for the directory.

Email photos to gerard@zentner.ca. Any questions, please call 250-537-7628. Deadline for submissions is Sunday November 20th.

Thanks very much,

Maureen Fath and Gerard Zentner

Attached is a letter from Bishop Gary.

Catholic Women's Retreat

All women 19+ are invited to join up to 100 women from all over the Diocese of Victoria and the surrounding areas for our 4th annual Catholic Women’s Retreat held on Quadra Island at Camp Homewood November 18-20, 2022. Our theme, FIAT, led by Laura O’Reilly from Ottawa, will lead us deep into Mary’s life and all the ways she gave her FIAT, her YES , to God and how we can too in every area of our lives. Space is limited! Pricing, accommodation information and online registration can be found at the below link. Babies one-year-old and younger may also join us. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beloved-catholic-womens-retreat-registration-411298092667

Limited financial assistance is available for those who otherwise could not attend the retreat. Requests for financial assistance must be made prior to registering for the retreat via email: vicatholicwomensretreat@gmail.com

~ Marnie and Katherine

2022 Diocesan Faith Day

JOIN US on Saturday, November 26th as we journey together “Seeking Truth, Healing & Reconciliation” featuring keynote speaker, Most Reverend Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina

28 October 2022

Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Mystical Body of Christ,

November is the month when we especially remember and pray for the deceased. During that month, you are welcome to bring photos of any deceased family member, relative, friend, former parishioner. . . and place them at the foot of the altar. We will also have the Book of Remembrance placed near to the ambo for writing in the names of those to be included in the prayers of each Mass. Tuesday, November 1, will be the Solemnity of All Saints Day and the following day will be our annual commemoration of the faithful departed. Both Masses will be at the regular Mass time of 9 am.

My holidays went well. Thanks for the prayers! The original plan was to return to the deserts of Utah. With all that in place, i cancelled it. Instead, had an amazing 8 day paddle trip to the northern part of Brooks Peninsula. The water conditions were better than this past summer. Also, drove up to Vanderhoof for a friend's funeral. He died quite suddenly when he hit a deer on his newly purchased, 30 year old motor bike.

Our parish Faith Study resumes this coming Wednesday, 10 am.

Parish Photo Album

Thanks to all who participated in the photo sessions this week. Tremendous turn out with great enthusiasm and awesome pictures! Well done! Charles 20/20 lens did the trick.

The next phase we are going to start creating the editorial part of the directory, prior to sending it to print. We need a design person, so if anyone can help out, please let us know.

Once that is done then off for proofing and we should receive the copies 6-8 weeks after that.

Thanks again for all of your support for Our Lady of Grace!

Maureen Fath and Gerard Zentner

Gerard@zentner.ca

250-537-7628

PS The photographer will be moving on to do the same for the United Church here on SSI. If you were unable to get photographed during this past week, i understand that other arrangements can be made while he is still here on SSI.

Attached is a document from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) for young people.

The Diocesan Appeal has begun. We are expected to raise $22,000. Of that, the parish receives a 20% rebate. From it, we will donate 50% to the local food bank and the other 50% to the new pregnancy crisis center in Duncan. By now, most parishioners have received (in the mail) direct notification of the Appeal. If not, pamphlets are available in the church.

2022 Diocesan Faith Day

JOIN US on Saturday, November 26th as we journey together “Seeking Truth, Healing & Reconciliation” featuring keynote speaker, Most Reverend Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina

The Ukrainian bishops of Canada have written to us a pastoral letter (attached) about the war in Ukraine, and how we can help through prayer, fasting, and action.

7 October 2022

Dear Christians of the Eucharist,

Happy, blessed Thanksgiving weekend. There is so much to be grateful for and to give God thanks for. Not only for the material goods that we benefit from, but the spiritual gifts too. The Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass is the most perfect act of thanksgiving to God our Father because we make it through Jesus. He perfects our thanksgiving because he is both human and the Son of God, and has completely poured out his life in sacrificial love and thanksgiving to the Father, on our behalf.

There will be a Mass at St Paul's this Sunday, October 9, 8 am.

"Sunday Celebration of the Word"

That is the formal name of the liturgy for Sunday Services with a lay presider or two. It includes reception of Holy Communion, with some possible exceptions. It is a prayerful gathering of the parish family, to listen to the Word of God and reflect upon it; to give praise, worship and thanksgiving to God; and to continue to gather as a Christian family in the absence of a priest. It might be a temporary absence, such as in time of sickness (like covid ), or a more lengthy absence. Our bishop has been promoting this as a response to the growing shortage of priests in our diocese. Three of our parishioners have been in training and rehearsing for the days when they will lead such a Service. This Saturday at Mass, Joyce and Brandice will be installed, and at a later date, Janine. God bless them for generously accepting and dedicating themselves to this role in our parish!

Parish Photo Album

Thanks everyone who signed up in the past week. There are only two weeks to go. Please see me after masses this weekend or email gerard@zentner.ca to arrange a time. Reminder the directory is free for everyone who has their picture taken and you will be given an opportunity to purchase the portraits, should you choose, but you are not obligated to buy.

The dates are the week of October 24th through to October 28th Monday to Friday with times in the afternoon and early evening.

Maureen and I appreciate the parish support for this project.

Thanks very much,

Maureen Fath and Gerard Zentner

Fr Marc Parent will be presiding at the weekend Masses, October 15/16 and 22/23.

Otherwise, Fr Mel Bayron, in Chemainus, can be called at 250-533-9508 if there is an emergency and a priest needs to be contacted.

Please pray for me while out re-creating with God and His creation.

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

"I believe in the forgiveness of sins." (Apostles Creed)

Only God can forgive sins (Mark 2:7 and Luke 5:21). When Jesus declared that the Son of Man "has authority on earth to forgive sins" he is saying that he, himself, is God's forgiveness.

Please join Father Scott Whittemore and I at 7 pm on Thursday, October 27 for the next instalment of our faith formation series when we will seek to better understand how the important ministry of Christ continues to be made present to this day.

~André

The Zoom link and meeting ID are:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89193852455

Meeting ID: 891 9385 2455

Any person interested in joining on the 27th, might want to mark it on a calendar and set this email (with the link) aside for then. This is likely the only time there will be notice before then. Alternatively, the link can be accessed via our parish website, as two visitors did the last time.

Food Bank Donations

Any donations to the food bank must be checked to ensure that they have not passed their due date marked on the package. Volunteers at the food bank are now checking each item we deliver there and returning to us those items that have an expired date. Produce can be brought there directly on Tuesdays. They very much appreciate the donations coming from our parish.

Email from a Visitor

Dear Father Whittemore,

My husband and I visited your church for Sunday Mass about a month ago. We were the Californians in the white van. We were camping at Mowhinna and saw the sign for your church and were grateful to attend. God really met me there that Sunday in a miraculous way.

We attend the Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano, the Mission San Juan Capistrano is on the same grounds as our church. I personally had a difficult time during Covid, as so many others. My back ground is in the Dental field and I took the situation very seriously (too seriously). Because my husband just finished with his cancer, with surgery and radiation finishing a month prior to lock down we had to really “lock down” because Scott had no immune system. So not seeing our children, grand children and friends really changed me and not until our visit to the BC islands did I have a remarkable encounter of deliverance from the fear I experienced. I laugh at myself thinking God had to take me all the way to Salt Spring to finally get my attention. From the time I walked into your church, participated in the Mass and listened to your Homily about Fiddler on the Roof and the “Do you love me” question I was touched. I honestly couldn’t stop crying and the fear that had gripped me for two and a half years just melted away. Your parishioners are so loving and kind, your guidance and leadership was evident and God was there. I walked out of the church completely changed. I don’t want to be vain however I could tell even in my face I looked younger! One of my neighbors even mentioned yesterday that I still look relaxed from my vacation.

Your church community and the Mass were instrumental in my healing and I wanted you to know.

World Mission Sunday collection, October 23, is coordinated by the Pontifical Mission Societies. This universal collection is distributed worldwide according to the needs of the poorest dioceses. It provides each bishop the means and freedom of action for the formation of catechists, priestly vocations and consecrated religious life, education, health care, etc. Any donations for this outreach should be clearly marked as such.

Bishop Gary's recent letter on covid practices and our liturgical gatherings is attached. Please have a read of it. The holy water founts are filled again. Sunday obligation for Mass attendance has been resumed. Holy Communion on the tongue is again permitted.

The Diocesan Appeal will be starting up soon. For the 20% parish rebate, our parish will donate 50% of it to the local food bank and the other 50% to the new pregnancy crisis center in Duncan. Most parishioners will be receiving direct notification of the Appeal. Pamphlets should be arriving to be placed in the church for those who do not receive something directly.

30 September 2022

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Christian Service at ECU

This Sunday beginning at 1:30, our parish will be offering a Christian Service to the residents at Lady Minto ECU. It is mostly the singing of hymns (from our CBW II), which some of the residents very much enjoy and appreciate. Please consider participating. For more information, you can speak with Marnie or myself.

Church Stairs and Landing

This week, Ron and Gerard have been working long hours rebuilding the stairs and landing that lead to the main entrance to the church. (A current photo is attached.) For those who might not have noticed, there was much rot in the wood. Ron crafted three new posts and some other large wooden pieces, and covered the costs of much of the material. Many thanks to both of them for their work and dedication to this project.

Parish Pictorial Directory

Maureen Fath and Gerard Zentner are coordinating the Parish Pictorial Directory. A professional photographer is coming to our parish the week of October 24th (Monday to Friday) to take portraits of parish members. The last time we had this done was 14 years ago. The directory is free for everyone who has their picture taken. There will be an opportunity to purchase portraits from the photographer, should you choose, but you are not obligated to buy.

We are producing a Pictorial Directory of our Parish in order to acquaint ourselves with one another and strengthen the bond of our faith community.

Bookings will take place after the weekend Masses or if you prefer you can email gerard@Zentner.ca to make an appointment. Appointments will be afternoons and evenings. Book early to get the time you like.

Thanks very much,

Gerard Zentner

The Worldwide Marriage Encounter virtual weekend experience is coming to you!

Oct. 28-30, 2022 Registration deadline: Oct. 20, 2022

If you desire to restore communication & rekindle romance, this weekend is for you; no travel required and from the comfort of your own home!

Click here for registration: https://beholdvancouver.org/events/virtual-worldwide-marriage-encounter-8

Click here for info video: https://youtu.be/VvQUEZ35Ufg

A testimonial: https://youtu.be/i8hzCv3QN1A

God Bless!

Carolyn and Vern Bauer

Bishops of Canada Deepen Their Commitments to Walk Together with Indigenous Partners on the Healing and Reconciliation Journey - Letter from CCCB attached.

23 September 2022

Dear Christian Folk,

Parish Picnic

It was well attended, appreciated, and enjoyed. Thanks be to Joyce for the organization and to all the others who pitched in to make it a success for so many people.

Parish Pictorial Directory

Attached is a 2 page flyer with some preliminary information.

Church Keys

If any person has a church or hall key no longer needed for parish volunteering, could you please drop it off at the parish office, through the door slot. Thank you.

Catholic Women's Retreat

~ Marnie and Katherine

Parish Mission: St. Andrew’s Cathedral and St. Joseph the Worker Parish – October 4 to 6

Don’t Miss This Great Opportunity! In October, we honour the Blessed Virgin Mary. What a way to start it with a Parish Mission “Mary, Mother of the Blessed Sacrament” sponsored by the Cathedral and St. Joseph the Worker Parishes. Fr. Lou Cerulli, a Canadian Catholic priest with Peace, Freedom and Healing Ministry, will come to us to share his love of Mary, the Holy Spirit, and his experiences and love of the Eucharist and the healing power of the sacrament. He will celebrate the 12:10pm mass at the Cathedral and 6pm mass at St. Joseph’s followed by teachings on:

· October 4th – Mary, Source of our Joy

· October 5th – Mary and the Holy Spirit, WHAT A RELATIONSHIP!!

· October 6th – Healing in the Eucharist

Rosary will be prayed before the Masses. The 6pm Mass on October 6th at St. Joseph the Worker Parish will be a teaching and celebration of Healing in the Eucharist. It will be followed by Eucharistic Adoration and Blessing. For more information: Joji - call/text 250 882 8279 or email f7hl3jp@gmail.com

The Worldwide Marriage Encounter virtual weekend experience is coming to you!

Oct. 28-30, 2022 Registration deadline: Oct. 20, 2022

If you desire to restore communication & rekindle romance, this weekend is for you; no travel required and from the comfort of your own home!

Click here for registration: https://beholdvancouver.org/events/virtual-worldwide-marriage-encounter-8

Click here for info video: https://youtu.be/VvQUEZ35Ufg

A testimonial: https://youtu.be/i8hzCv3QN1A

God Bless!

Carolyn and Vern Bauer

16 September 2022

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Parish Picnic

Everyone is invited to come, eat, play and socialize at our parish picnic, next Sunday, September 18, at Drummond Park - noon to 4:30ish. It's our last hurrah before the warm weather leaves us. It's an outdoor fresh air potluck but if you are more comfortable bringing your own food for you and your family - no problem! Like any good picnic we will have extra hot dogs, coffee, tea and cool drinks available for anyone who wants them. Games and activities for the kids too. The last few years with the covid restrictions have taken a toll on our parish family gatherings. It's time to reverse that trend. See you at the picnic. ~ Joyce Maykut

Parish Pictorial Directory

This past weekend, there was a sufficient show of interest to go ahead with a new parish pictorial directory; the last one was completed in 2008. The photographer will be here on Monday, October 24 and for at least a few days. Each person who gets photographed (that is, each family unit) will get a free parish directory. The purchase of any portraits is voluntary. Thanks be to Maureen and Gerard who have volunteered to facilitate and manage this project. Stay tuned for more information coming forward.

A little more than a week ago, Joe McGillis passed on. This Saturday evening's Mass will be offered up for him; one of his daughter's hopes to be joining us. Eternal rest grant unto Joseph, O Lord!

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

“The truth will set you free" (John 8:32): Christian perspective and response to the Woke culture.

Please join Father Scott Whittemore and I at 7 pm on Thursday, September 22, for the next instalment of our faith formation series when we will seek to understand the current “woke” culture and explore how Christians can charitably respond to those who have fallen prey to this ideology. ~ André Corriveau

The Zoom link will be: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84055433035?pwd=VW81YVpSNDR6UnZoTUt1L01DNjhVdz09

Meeting ID: 840 5543 3035

Passcode: 112168

100 Wheelchairs for Ukraine

The Duncan Knights of Columbus, co-sponsored by the Duncan Lions Club, are pleased to report the results of the “100 Wheelchairs for Ukraine” fundraiser held this summer. A sincere thank you to the many parishioners and their pastors who participated in this fundraiser.

- The goal of this fundraiser to send 100 free wheelchairs to Ukraine was by far surpassed with a total of over $45,000 raised and 230 wheelchairs now being distributed in Ukraine.
- The approximate numbers of chairs sponsored by location were: St. Mary’s, Ladysmith: 24; St. Joseph, Chemainus: 17; St. Louis de Montfort, Lake Cowichan: 3; St. Ann’s, Duncan: 13; Combined St. Edwards/Duncan Knights: 43; Our Lady of Grace, Salt Spring Island: 16; St. Francis, Mill Bay, 15; Vendor’s event: 45. Clubs: 40. The remaining 14 were anonymous or from the general public.
- Tax receipts have now been mailed to those who requested one. Given the situation in Ukraine, it will take some time before pictures of those receiving wheelchairs can be mailed to supporters who have made that request.
- For further information or concerns, please contact Mike at 250-701-9579.

Please continue to pray for the people of Ukraine. ~ Michael Vande Wiel

Catholic Women's Retreat

~ Marnie and Katherine

Parish Mission: St. Andrew’s Cathedral and St. Joseph the Worker Parish

· October 4th – Mary, Source of our Joy

· October 5th – Mary and the Holy Spirit, WHAT A RELATIONSHIP!!

· October 6th – Healing in the Eucharist

Mass Schedule for OLG: Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 10 am; Tuesday to Friday, 9am.

Eucharistic adoration and benediction each Friday, following the 9 am Mass until 10:15.

Sacrament of Confession - is in the church, Saturdays, 4-ish to 4:45. Otherwise, if necessary, alternative arrangements can be made.

9 September 2022

Dear Children of our Merciful Father,

There will be Mass at St Paul's this Sunday, 8 am.

Eucharistic adoration and benediction will resume at OLG Church, beginning this Friday following the 9 am Mass, until 10:15, and continuing each Friday.

The painting of OLG Church is pretty well complete. Neale finished last week, and since then some painting has continued, adding to what he has done for us. Two photos are attached, and i will send two more subsequent to this email.

Catholic Women's Retreat

Marnie and Katherine

26 August 2022

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Patrick Cwiklinski, son of parishioners Zbignieu and Elizabeth, is preparing to marry Gina Wicentowich on Tuesday, August 30, St Paul's Church. Please pray for them, their wedding preparations, and a marriage bond of inseparable love and fruitfulness.

This is a reminder that the Funeral Mass for Elizabeth Trudell is scheduled for this Saturday, August 27, 11:30 am. Interment will be in Edmonton.

For those who have not already heard, Rosemary Palberg passed on, Thursday, August 18. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord! No funeral has been planned for her.

The United Church Annual Boot Sale, a multi-family yard sale, is taking place this weekend in the United Church Meadow & Basement. This will likely be the biggest sale ever! Come to shop, visit, sip a coffee, enjoy a cold drink and delicious treat, or grab a hot dog from our grill for lunch. Saturday, August 27th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. https://saltspringexchange.com/list/boot-sale-the-annual-multi-family-yard-sale-in-the-meadow-basement/

Online Pastoral Care Training

The valuable and free Pastoral Care Outreach Training series will be offered online again this fall. Nine sessions will be held via Zoom on Saturday mornings from 9:30 – noon, starting on September 24, 2022, and running until November 26 (with no session on October 8, for Thanksgiving). Participants who attend all sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion. Whether you are an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, a member of the CWL, caring for a family member, or someone who is considering simply adding these skills to their toolbox, this training program is important. It will show why those who visit the sick are unique, and how they can offer more than a friendly visit – they can be the hands and face of Christ to others. Participants will require a phone number and email address, a computer, tablet, or smartphone with speakers, microphone, and webcam, and a reliable Internet connection. Please register through your local parish by September 20. For further information, please contact the parish office.

Island Catholic Schools is currently hiring full-time teachers and educational assistants for various schools. Please visit the Island Catholic Schools' website for more information. Feel free to pass along this information should you know anyone who would be interested in joining the Island Catholic Schools team.

World Youth Day in Portugal - August 2023

The Diocese of Victoria is already in the stages of getting pilgrims together for the pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2023. This pilgrimage is an opportunity to travel to another country to be with the Pope and with hundreds of thousands of other young adult Catholics. There is still an opportunity to join in this once in a lifetime trip. If you are interested in joining, please contact Fr Harrison Ayre at hayre@rcdvictoria.org and he will share any of the information you will need and add you to our contact list. We are looking to do at least one large fundraiser together to help cover the costs, as well as events throughout the year to enter into friendship with one another, to pray with one another, and to be formed towards this pilgrimage. Please note: this is reserved for Catholics between the ages of 18 and 35.

12 August 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My two part holidays went really well. Thank you for your prayers. The extensive paddle trip was limited due to wind, waves, and fog, but it was spectacular just the same. The trip to the Okanagan was full of meaningful visits with friends and family, and a daily, early morning dip in Okanagan Lake. I left my pickup behind for repairs, as the clutch gave out the morning of my leaving.

There will be Mass at St Paul's this Sunday, August 14, 8 am. Also, weather permitting, there will be a Mass outside, at our Marian grotto, on Monday, August 15, Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, at 9 am.

Gerard Farry, a long term, seasonal presence here, has passed on. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord!! There will be an interment here sometime on August 27.

Please pray for Rosemary Palberg, whose life on earth is diminishing significantly, and she is soon to pass on.

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

"God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them." (Gen 1:27) - Part 2

Please join Father Scott Whittemore and I at 7 pm, Thursday, August 18 for the next instalment of our faith formation series that tackle important dogmas or doctrines of our Catholic faith. This next 1-hour session will provide an overview of St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the Catholic perspective on God’s design for human beings and how our human bodies are intrinsically associated with God's design. The Zoom link will be:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83800237069pwd=YXdrRU5ycVc0UzI0S0RLdnRTSkE0dz09

Meeting ID: 838 0023 7069

Passcode: 376903 -André Corriveau

What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith. This is a 10 week faith study for those who are old or new to the Catholic faith. Workbooks will cost about $40, which includes online access to the videos. (No money needs to be exchanged until the study material has been received.) We will do this faith study as a parish, but individuals can also do it on their own at home. It will likely begin on Wednesday, September 21, 10 to 11:30 am, and continue weekly. We will gather in the hall or by zoom, depending upon covid considerations and the will of participants. If you are interested, please contact the parish office by email or telephone message before Monday, August 22, as workbooks need to be ordered immediately thereafter. Any questions can be directed to me, and some more information on the series can be gathered at: https://ascensionpress.com/collections/what-we-believe-the-beauty-of-the-catholic-faith/products/what-we-believe-the-beauty-of-the-catholic-faith-starter-pack#shopify-product-reviews

A reminder that our parish picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 18, Drummond Park. Save the date.

Online Pastoral Care Training

The valuable and free Pastoral Care Outreach Training series will be offered online again this fall. Nine sessions will be held via Zoom on Saturday mornings from 9:30 – noon, starting on September 24, 2022, and running until November 26 (with no session on October 8, for Thanksgiving). Participants who attend all sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion. Whether you are an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, a member of the CWL, caring for a family member, or someone who is considering simply adding these skills to their toolbox, this training program is important. It will show why those who visit the sick are unique, and how they can offer more than a friendly visit – they can be the hands and face of Christ to others. [More detailed information is attached.] Participants will require a phone number and email address, a computer, tablet, or smartphone with speakers, microphone, and webcam, and a reliable Internet connection. Please register through your local parish by September 20. For further information, please contact the parish office.

A document is attached from the Canadian Catholic bishops on the historic visit from Pope Francis. Also from our Canadian bishops and attached, is a document that gives some meaning to the Doctrine of Discovery and its relationship to the Catholic Church.

Mass Schedule for OLG: Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 10 am; Tuesday to Friday, 9am.

Sacrament of Confession - is in the church, Saturdays, 4-ish to 4:45. Otherwise, if necessary, alternative arrangements can be made.

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Rosemary Palberg, Raymond Currie, Rita Balachandran, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods, Tony Petrinov.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

22 July 2022

Dear Christian Folk,

On the first Sunday in August (the 7th), beginning at 1:30, our parish will be facilitating another Christian Service at Lady Minto ECU. Marnie will be leading it. Please consider participating, which includes some covid cautious requirements, as previously noted. The last Service there went really well for all involved.

If you are coming to OLG Church this weekend, you will notice that the painters are at work. They are adding a beautiful blue to the trim, and to some other places. Even though the stucco walls look in good shape, especially after cleaning them, two coats of white paint will be added to the few areas in need, and the rest will get one coat. It is mostly the wood parts of the building that have needed attention. Whenever the roof needs replacement, my best guess is that it will be a blue one.

Here is a link to the video recording of Ania's and Eric's beautiful, sacred wedding:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/stmaryoftheassumption/permalink/5194899447296368/?sfnsn=mo&ref=share

There is a parish picnic being planned for Sunday, September 18, Drummond Park. Save the date, if you will.

Sounds like my name is making the rounds again in another email scam. The sender's email address is one hint that it is not from me because it is different from this email address. Don't even open it, if possible. Just delete; otherwise they have ways of sometimes accessing email address books.

This Sunday is World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Attached is a letter from Pope Francis in recognition of this occasion and in honour of our grandparents and all the elderly. Let us give God thanks for each of them and for their continued contributions to our lives. Let us affirm and thank them too!!

From our Diocese:

Accompany Pope Francis on his journey of healing and reconciliation

Pope Francis’ visit to Canada begins this Sunday, July 24th. As we prepare to welcome the Pope, all people are invited to participate in this historic journey of healing and reconciliation.

As a first step, take some time to reflect and pray about the meaning and importance of this visit. The Vatican News has published an editorial about Pope Francis’ “penitential pilgrimage”; another good resource is the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle website, which includes prayers for healing and reconciliation. Novalis has also produced a digital booklet that includes prayers, reflections on the significance of the visit, and texts for all the liturgies that will be celebrated by the Pope.

For those who hope to attend the visit in person, the final block of tickets for the July 26 Mass at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton will be released online on Friday, July 22 at 9:30 am Pacific Time. The papal visit website (https://www.papalvisit.ca/) will have a link to the ticket ordering page. All tickets are free, and will likely be claimed very quickly. There are also public events in Quebec and Iqaluit; check the papal visit website for the most up-to-date information.

There are also many opportunities to participate remotely in the Pope’s visit. The papal visit website will have livestream coverage featuring interpretation in many languages, including Indigenous languages and American Sign Language. The site will also share feeds from Vatican TV that include commentary in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and German. Additionally, Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation has a dedicated site with information and broadcast details for the papal visit.

15 July 2022

Dear Children of God,

This past week has been wonderful, with the presence and daily Mass participation of various members of the Dumas family clan and their associates. They are such a great witness to our Catholic Christian faith, in their practice of our faith and their generosity of life. About 60 children, plus their parents, have been vacationing here on SSI. A number of them are medical practitioners with large families. One family has 8 children, 4 adopted, and the father is a doctor specializing in pain management for children. That is a generous life!!!

Elizabeth Trudell passed on this week. She came to our parish 5 or so years ago, and was living at Heritage Place. She had given of herself to a husband and family of three children, and the nursing profession. A funeral Mass is being planned for late August. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord!

There is a Parish picnic being planned for Sunday, September 18, Drummond Park. Save the date, if you will.

Our next zoom faith formation might be of interest to a broader range of parishioners than we normally get. Questions and issues associated with gender identity and our Christian faith touch many of our lives. André has arranged for us to hear from a series of Catholic thinkers and speakers. His announcement immediately follows:

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

"God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them."(Gen 1:27)

Please join Father Scott Whittemore and I at 7 pm on Thursday, July 21 for the next instalment of our faith formation series that tackle important dogmas or doctrines of our Catholic faith. This next 1-hour session will focus on the current gender fluidity ideology and the Catholic perspective on God’s design for human beings as distinct but complementary male and female individuals. The Zoom link will be: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85459925823?pwd=TVd3Y2J6UGk0NFl1L014cCtuL2lyZz09

Meeting ID: 854 5992 5823

Passcode: 026453

8 July 2022

Dear Christian Folk,

I understand that Ania and Eric Box are joyfully married. In spite of some unusual and stressful complexities, the wedding came together as if it was made in heaven. I am happy to share a few photos (attached) from their wedding, though there are many more to be shared and enjoyed. Perhaps Leon and Anna will be able to do that. Ania says that your prayers, love and support have been greatly appreciated.

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

"God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them."(Gen 1:27)

Meeting ID: 854 5992 5823

Passcode: 026453

-André Corriveau

July 10th is Sea Sunday. Attached is an enlightening message from Cardinal Czerny, S.J. on the life of seafarers, whom we all depend upon for many of our goods, and economy.

1 July 2022, Canada Day

This Sunday, 1:30, will be our second time since covid, to be offering a Christian Service at Lady Minto ECU. It is mostly the singing of hymns from CBW II, for about 1/2 hour. Please consider being a part of this ministry. You need to do a covid self-test some time prior (on that same day), and be double vaccinated. Masks need to be worn, and they do a temperature check at the door. Last month, some of the residents were really happy that we were there leading in song, and i was happy to be there. (It is what you call a "win-win".) Call or email me if you want more information.

Ania Esquivel and Eric Box will be married this Saturday, July 2, at St Mary's Church, West Point, Iowa, at 11 am, PDT. Anna has sent this link to be an on-line part of the wedding: https://www.facebook.com/parish.coordinator.16. Please pray for their wedding preparations and for their future as husband and wife.

Wheelchairs for Ukraine - I am pleased to say that the Knights of Columbus effort has resulted in the purchase of sixteen wheelchairs through our parish. One family was extraordinarily generous.

22 June 2022

Wheelchairs for Ukraine - Michael Vande Wiel, with the Knights of Columbus at St Edward's Parish, Duncan, will be here this weekend, following both Masses. It is a convenient opportunity and a concrete way to make a financial contribution to this initiative. Attached is the press release that came out more than a month ago.

Family Camp is BACK!

August 19-21, 2022 at Nanoose Bay Camp

Families all across the Diocese of Victoria will gather once again for a fun, faith-filled weekend of fellowship, play, and prayer all in a beautiful West Coast setting. Join us! All types, ages and sizes of families are welcome.

The 2 night camp is held at Nanoose Bay Camp (2531 Nanoose Beach Road, Nanoose Bay, BC), where you can choose to stay in a dorm, camp in a tent, or bring your camper. Registration information and prices may be found on the Eventbrite registration link. The price includes meals, activities and your choice of dorm, tent, or RV spot.

This year's Keynote speakers are brothers Danny Brock and Father Terry Brock (who will also serve as Chaplain).

ALL FAMILIES are invited to enjoy this weekend full of fellowship, faith and fun! The weekend is sure to strengthen your family’s connection with Christ, with one another, and with other families.

For more information please email familycamp@rcdvictoria.org. To register, go to:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-diocesan-family-conference-august-2022-tickets-331496584207

Attached is a news release from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) regarding the itinerary of the Pope's visit to Canada.

Also attached for a second time is a notice and telephone number for advice on authentic palliative care. Please pass it on.

Mass Schedule for OLG: Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 10 am; Tuesday to Friday, 9am.

Sacrament of Confession - in the parking lot at my silver pickup, Saturdays, 4-ish to 4:45. You can drive or walk up to the pickup.

Otherwise, if necessary, alternative arrangements can be made.

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Raymond Currie, Rita Balachandran, Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

17 June 2022

Dear Parishioners,

There is life after covid, and there will be Masses this weekend!! Thanks so much for the overwhelming response of concern, prayers, offers, and food. I experienced so much attention and kindness that i am tempted to do it all over again. Fortunately for me, the symptoms were mostly mild. I understand that i am safe for reintegration. This weekend we celebrate Corpus Christi, re-branded as The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. It is a celebration of thanksgiving for the perpetual, enduring gift of Jesus, in the Eucharist.

To all men, Happy Father's Day, and thank you for your many ways of extending the Fatherhood of God, out to His people.

Family Camp is BACK!

August 19-21, 2022 at Nanoose Bay Camp

This year's Keynote speakers are brothers Danny Brock and Father Terry Brock (who will also serve as Chaplain).

ALL FAMILIES are invited to enjoy this weekend full of fellowship, faith and fun! The weekend is sure to strengthen your family’s connection with Christ, with one another, and with other families.

For more information please email familycamp@rcdvictoria.org. To register, go to:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-diocesan-family-conference-august-2022-tickets-331496584207

From our Diocesan Office (for the last time):

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops invites families across Canada to participate in an online “Rosary for the Family”.This live Zoom event takes place on Father’s Day, Sunday, 19 June 2022, at noon PDT. Featuring different families and voices from across the country, it is an opportunity to gather in prayer with other faith-filled families. The CCCB is hosting this national event in preparation for the 10th World Meeting of Families that will take place in Rome and in dioceses across the world from 22–26 June 2022.Everyone is welcome! For more information and to register, please visit:

https://www.cccb.ca/faith-moral-issues/family-and-life/celebrating-the-amoris-laetitia-family-year/what-are-the-plans-for-the-10th-world-meeting-of-families/national-rosary-for-the-family-19-june-2022/

Attached is a notice and telephone number for advice on authentic palliative care. Please pass it on.

Mass Schedule for OLG: Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 10 am; Tuesday to Friday, 9am.

Sacrament of Confession - in the parking lot at my silver pickup, Saturdays, 4-ish to 4:45. You can drive or walk up to the pickup.

Otherwise, if necessary, alternative arrangements can be made.

10 June 2022

Dear Parishioners,

I have some good news and some bad news. During our recent priest retreat, i won 3 games of chess to Fr Alfredo's 1. Thank you for your prayers. The bad news is that the Masses for this weekend have been cancelled, as i am sick with covid. Instead, the church will be open for an hour, beginning at 5 pm on Saturday, and 10 am on Sunday. It will be a time of individual, unstructured prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Please promote silence in the church, especially during that time. From a preacher's viewpoint, Trinity Sunday is a good one to miss, if you have to.

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

"We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.” (Nicene-Constantinople Creed)

Please join Father Scott Whittemore and I at 7 pm on Thursday June 16 for the next instalment of our faith formation series that tackle important dogmas or doctrines of our Catholic faith. This next 1-hour session will be on what the Creed seeks to convey to us when describing the Holy Spirit and what this implies for our life and the life of the Church.

The Zoom link will be:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82200625074?pwd=aFhXSUtCamJsVEkwMXpmdk5zbnRIZz09

Meeting ID: 822 0062 5074

Passcode: 646537

-André Corriveau

You might have noticed some exterior workings around OLG Church. Those are preparations for painting. It will be painted white, with some blue accents, in honour of Mary. The blue is deep and bold, to give the church a strong presence. We have an excellent painter, Neale Smith, and he has given us a good price. Thanks be to Gerard and to God!

From our Diocesan Office:

House of Grace, a local non-profit agency has recently come to the Cowichan Valley, offering Christian-based counselling to women facing unexpected pregnancies. In support of this much-needed service, the St. Edward’s Parish Catholic Women’s League, with assistance from the Knights of Columbus, is hosting a covid safe drive-in, drop-off baby shower on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 10: 00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the St. Edward’s Church parking lot, 2085 Maple Bay Road, Duncan. The addition of donations from other Valley Catholic parishes would be most welcome and appreciated. For more information please see the attachment.

Pilgrimage to Holy Lands - Fr Dean Henderson will be the chaplain for a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, leaving from Victoria in February 2023. If interested, there is more information attached.

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Raymond Currie, Rita Balachandran, Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

Visit Our Lady of Grace Parish website: https://www our lady of grace-salt spring.ca/home

3 June 2022

Dear Christian People,

This Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church, which was founded by Jesus, on the Apostles. Before the ascension of Jesus into heaven, He told them to wait in Jerusalem until they were "clothed with power from on high". Then, they were to go to all nations, to all peoples, preaching repentance of sins and the Good News of salvation through Jesus. The Holy Spirit would become the life-giving, 'animating soul' of the Church, directing, teaching, and empowering Christians. Through our Baptism and Confirmation, healed and forgiven in the Sacrament of Penance, fed and strengthened by the Holy Eucharist, we too are sent on a mission to witness to Jesus, wherever we are, and in whatever we are doing.

Christian Services at ECU - OLG will be doing the 1st Sunday of each month, beginning with this Sunday, 1:30. Masks are required, double vaccination, and a covid test done that day, either at home prior, or come 15 minutes early and it might be possible to get one done there. (I am sorry that some of the details are still a bit fuzzy, as i was unable to reconnect with Katie, at ECU.)

The Diocesan Priest Retreat will begin this Monday until Friday. If there are any emergencies during that time, a telephone message can be left for me at 1-613-608-7101. There will be Liturgy of the Word Services at OLG from Tuesday to Friday. Please pray for your priests in the diocese, as we pray for you, and more.

Next week there will be a tradesman around our parish grounds, replacing, reinforcing and restoring various wooden railings that are in need of attention. So, if you see him around here, his presence is welcomed, and appreciated.

Bishop Gary's Pentecost letter is attached.

From our Diocesan Office;

Pilgrimage to Holy Lands - Fr Dean Henderson will be the chaplain for a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, leaving from Victoria in February 2023. If interested, there is more information attached.

27 May 2022

Dear Parishioners, both Past and Present,

This Sunday we will be celebrating the ascension of Jesus into heaven, in his human flesh and nature. Until then, never before was humanity in heaven, and now instilled with greater dignity than the angels. We continue to linger in the Easter season, for another week, in awe of the resurrection and ascension into heaven of humanity, through, with and in Jesus.

Attached are a couple of photos taken this week of the garden out front of OLG Church. It is at its best colour right now. Only two years ago most of it was relandscaped and planted, and the concrete wall built.

Pilgrimage to Holy Lands - Fr Dean Henderson will be the chaplain for a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, leaving from Victoria in February 2023. If interested, there is more information attached.

20 May 2022

Dear Parishioners,

Here's the updated, accurate, non-fake news on our Parish AGM. As with the past two years, we will not have a gathering for it, neither in person nor virtually. Reports are attached. Many thanks to Joyce and Elizabeth, not only for the reports and the thoughtful work that went into them, but also this is an occasion for you and i to recognize and thank them for their workings in our parish. Both of them take the needs of our parish to heart, and extend themselves well beyond the minimal, to help our parish function and be viable. A parish is a complex unit, with numerous considerations and needs, including spiritual, liturgical, social, communal, physical, financial, emotional, psychological, pastoral, legal, and even (unfortunately) political; with on-going requirements, expectations and roles to fulfill; with a collection of mostly old buildings and a diversity of family members. Both Joyce and Elizabeth have been carrying a significant share of the parish work, which at times can be difficult and challenging, perhaps conflictual and even discouraging, especially since covid. God bless them for their dedication and perseverance!! Also, thanks to all of the other parishioners who make their own contributions to our parish life, including those who continue to financially support us, even if covid concerns are still keeping them at a distance. Finally, but certainly not exclusively, i would like to publicly acknowledge and thank Marnie, our parish sacristan and altar server, for her many considerations and contributions to our liturgical life and the care of the inner sanctuary of OLG Church, plus more. I could keep going on, to Georgina and . . .. Thank you so very much for your support of our parish, and your support of me. God bless you generously!!

Fundraiser for people of Ukraine: As per last week, i want to bring to your attention this joint initiative of the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club, both in Duncan, to purchase and deliver wheelchairs for people in Ukraine. (Early bird contributors get a bottle of wine from a Cowichan Valley winery.) More information is attached.

Mass Schedule for OLG: Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 10 am; Tuesday to Friday, 9am.

The Sacrament of Confession continues to be available in the parking lot at my silver pickup, Saturdays, 4-ish to 4:45. You can drive or walk up to the pickup.

Otherwise, if necessary, alternative arrangements can be made.

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Raymond Currie, Rita Balachandran, Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

13 May 2022

A few new notices:

Our parish AGM has been rescheduled for Sunday, May 22. Still not sure what form that might take. Parish Council meeting was rescheduled too. Please stay tuned.

Why Must Catholics Believe That?

The Ascension of our Lord: “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” (Nicene Creed)

Please join Father Scott Whittemore and I at 7 pm on Thursday, May 19 for the next instalment of our faith formation series that tackle important dogmas or doctrines of our Catholic faith. This next 1-hour session will be on what the Nicene Creed seeks to convey to us when describing the ascension of our Lord and its implications. The Zoom link, meeting ID, and passcode will be:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84737796840?pwd=N21WaWgxbkhBUXFsWkRIZkF6dTM0UT09

Meeting ID: 847 3779 6840

Passcode: 436719

-André Corriveau

Fundraiser for people of Ukraine: The Knights of Columbus and Lions Club, both in Duncan, have teamed up to purchase wheelchairs for people in Ukraine. More information is attached.

Synod 2021-2023: Attached is a letter from our diocesan office on the Church Synod.

Mass Schedule for OLG: Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 10 am; Tuesday to Friday, 9am.

The Sacrament of Confession continues to be available in the parking lot at my silver pickup, Saturdays, 4-ish to 4:45. You can drive or walk up to the pickup.

Otherwise, if necessary, alternative arrangements can be made.

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Raymond Currie, Rita Balachandran, Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

6 May 2022

Happy, blessed Mother's Day to all of the women! God bless you and those mothers who have passed on. Thank you for all of the ways you selflessly share with others the gifts of motherhood.

I got some flowers for my mother. She'll be 91 in June. Attached is a video clip i would like to share with you, which my sister sent to me of my mother and the flowers. It is really, really short, and the volume will need to be turned up a lot.

The parish social was well attended, and seems to have really "hit the social spot" for many. Thank you to Joyce, and to those who helped her, for making it a reality, especially with on-going covid concerns and considerations.

There will be a Memorial Mass for Barbara Phelan on Saturday (tomorrow), May 7, 11 am, OLG Church. Unfortunately her nephew has become ill and is unable to be here to preside. All are welcome to attend.

March for Life is back on this year. A flyer is attached for more information. (There will be a Mass that day at OLG, 9 am.)

There is talk of our parish AGM on Sunday, May 15. Not sure what form that might take. That will be discussed at our next Parish Council meeting. Stay tuned, if it interests you. (What is the right answer to that?)

Attached is a list of Catholic School employment positions that our diocese is looking to fill. On a parish level, we are still looking to fill our office position.

Mass Schedule for OLG: Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 10 am; Tuesday to Friday, 9am.

The Sacrament of Confession continues to be available in the parking lot at my silver pickup, Saturdays, 4-ish to 4:45. You can drive or walk up to the pickup.

Otherwise, if necessary, alternative arrangements can be made.

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Raymond Currie, Rita Balachandran, Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

Visit Our Lady of Grace Parish website:https://www our lady of grace-salt spring.ca/home

29 April 2022

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth; O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise, alleluia.

( Psalm 65.1-2, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Third Sunday of Easter)

The Lord be with you!

Dear Parishioners,

Here's a few parish events, and one diocesan, for your attention:

Parish Social

OLG is hosting an outdoor lunch (not a potluck), for all of our parishioners, after the 10 am Mass this Sunday. Sandwiches, sweets, coffee, tea and juice will be served. God willing it will be going ahead.

CWL Meeting

Dear sisters in OLG CWL - We will be having our first meeting again in "person" following the easing of covid restrictions. If it is good weather we will hold it outside. We will have it at 10:00 o'clock on Tuesday May 3, following the usual 9:00 Mass. Hoping to see quite a few of us - please pray for our CWL-particularly that we have a new President and Secretary this year. sincerely - Maureen Fath

There will be a Memorial Mass for Barbara Phelan on Saturday, May 7, 11 am, OLG Church. It will be presided over by her nephew, Reverend Charles Kieffer. All are welcome to attend. (There will be no 9 am Mass.)

Food Bank Donations

Attached is a list of food items that are especially appreciated for our local food bank.

March for Life is back on this year, Thursday, May 12. For more information, a flyer is attached

The Sacrament of Confession continues to be available in the parking lot at my silver pickup, Saturdays, 4-ish to 4:45. You can drive or walk up to the pickup. Otherwise, if necessary, alternative arrangements can be made.

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Raymond Currie, Rita Balachandran, Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

Visit Our Lady of Grace Parish website: https://www our lady of grace-salt spring.ca/home

"Simon son of John, do you love me?" We can be asking ourselves that same question Jesus asked of Peter, 3 times. If our answer is that i do love Jesus, then we too are urged and directed to take care of His "sheep".

Peace in the Risen Jesus,

Fr scott,

Shepherd and Sheep

22 April 2022

Receive the joy of your glory, giving thanks to God, who has called you into the heavenly kingdom, alleluia.

(4 Estras 2.36-37, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Second Sunday of Easter)

The Lord be with you!

Dear Children of God's Mercy,

Christ is Risen!! Alleluia! During the weekday Masses, we have been hearing stories of people's encounters with Jesus, after His resurrection from the dead. The Apostles and other disciples of Jesus, do not recognize Him, at first. Why is that?

This Second Sunday of Easter is also known as Mercy Sunday. Here are some related words Jesus spoke to St Faustina: "My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy."

We will do the last day of the Divine Mercy novena, as a parish, on Sunday, April 17, beginning at 9:45 am. For those who are unfamiliar with the chaplet, here's a link to it (and to much more on Divine Mercy): https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet.

Parish Social Postponed to Sunday, May 1 (2022)

Spring is breaking out and so are we! For our first parish social event in a very, very long time, OLG is hosting an outdoor lunch [not a potluck] for all our parishioners after the 10am Mercy Sunday Mass on 24 April 2022. Subject to the weather, tables and chairs will be set outside on the parking lot next to the covered carport. We are mindful that covid is still lurking around so have taken a few precautions to minimize any risk. There will be special activities for the youngsters too, so everyone please come, eat, socialize and reconnect to our lovely parish family. Joyce Maykut

CWL Meeting

An online fundraiser has been started by a board member of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre for Fr Yuriy Vyshnevskyy and his family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ukrainian-family-of-5-home-was-arsoned. Our prayers are also extended to them and St Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish. A few years ago, we made a pilgrimage to their church and joined them for the Divine Liturgy/Mass.

Food Bank Donations

It is time we recommenced our food donations to the local food bank. They can be left at the church, in those baskets just inside of the main door. On the last Sunday of each month, they will be brought forward with the regular gifts for the Mass. Attached is a list of food items that are especially appreciated for the food bank.

Healing Mass- Jesus Heals

Shalom Ministry invites you to “Jesus Heals”, a unique opportunity to receive physical and spiritual healing. Experience the healing touch of Jesus through the celebration of Healing Mass, spirit-filled Praise and worship, Eucharistic adoration and prayer led by Rev. Fr. Jilto George, CMI. This program is a unique opportunity to gather and seek healing from physical sickness and inner spiritual wounds. Wednesday, May 4th 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at St. Joseph the Worker Parish (Victoria), Thursday, May 5th 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at St. Edward the Confessor Parish (Duncan), and Friday, May 6th 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at Ascension Parish (Parksville). Come and experience the healing power in Jesus’s name. Please call 250.885.8546 for any details. Poster attached.

Bishop Gary has asked that Pope Francis' full apology be distributed, per attachment.

Also attached is an 11 second video of one child's interpretation of the sign of a priest's blessing.

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Rita Balachandran, Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

Visit Our Lady of Grace Parish website: https://www our lady of grace-salt spring.ca/home

Go forth witnessing to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead,

Fr scott

16 April 2022

Christ is Risen. Alleluia! Alleluia!!

"Easter Hallelujah", encore from last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dszpVNJIklM

"Because He Lives", Celtic praise and worship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFIr8-gH55E

"He's Alive", Dolly Parton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DQfthEHVc4

Gregorian chants for Easter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wDLHJLY1qk

Bach - "St Matthew Passion": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwVW1ttVhuQ

Dear Easter People,

We have made it through Lent, and all that it brought to us, and through the drama of the Passion of Christ. The dead, crucified body of Jesus was laid in a tomb. But He is Risen! Alleluia!! His victory over the power of death, sin, and evil, is our victory too. Through Jesus, God has forged a way for us to follow Him beyond those lifeless inflictions, to something life giving and life saving, for eternity.

The Divine Mercy novena began on Good Friday. We will do the last day of the chaplet, as a parish, on Divine Mercy Sunday, 15 minutes prior (ie 9:45 am) to the start of Mass. For those who are unfamiliar with the chaplet, here's a link to it (and to much more on Divine Mercy): https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet. The whole set of prayers takes about 10 minutes, and is quite simple. Also attached is the prayer intention for each day of the novena: https://saintmichael.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-novena.pdf

Parish Social

Spring is breaking out and so are we! For our first parish social event in a very, very long time, OLG is hosting an outdoor lunch for all our parishioners after the 10am Mercy Sunday Mass on 24 April 2022. Subject to the weather, tables and chairs will be set outside on the parking lot next to the covered carport. We are mindful that covid is still lurking around so have taken a few precautions to minimize any risk. There will be special activities for the youngsters too, so everyone please come, eat, socialize and reconnect to our lovely parish family. Joyce Maykut

OLG Parish Yard Cleanup

We had the best turn out of people that i have yet to see. So much yard work was done so fast that some people were ready to eat chilli by 11 am. It was good that almost everyone stuck around to noon because the chilli was exceptional, like the weather. Thank you to each and every person who came out and contributed to making our parish grounds look more beautiful and cared for, especially for Easter. The fellowship was excellent too, and long awaited for.

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Rita Balachandran, Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods, Raymond Currie, Fr Michael Favero. Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

Check out Our Lady of Grace Parish website: https://www our lady of grace-salt spring.ca/home

Peace and salvation in and through the Crucified & Resurrected Christ,

Fr scott

1 April 2022

Six days before the Passover, when the Lord came into the city of Jerusalem, the children ran to meet him; in their hands they carried palm branches and with a loud voice cried out:

Hosanna in the highest! Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!

O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory!

Who is this king of glory?

He, the Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory.

Hosanna in the highest!

Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!

(John 12.1, 12-13; Psalm 23.9-10, Entrance Antiphon for Passion/Palm Sunday.)

The Lord be with you!!

Dear People of the Passion of Christ,

We are about to enter into Holy Week with Jesus, from is triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when He is momentarily acknowledged and cheered as king of the Jewish People; to His institution of the Eucharist for perpetual "remembrance" of Him; into His arrest, torture, crucifixion and death; through to His victorious resurrection from the dead. What a drama we will recall and liturgically re-enter. This next week, we will enter into the most intense drama in the life of Jesus, the climax of our liturgical year, and the end of our Lenten Season. It is a great adventure in the life of Jesus, in which we are invited to accompany Him, for salvation of the world.

OLG Parish yard cleanup and chilli, Saturday, April 9, following the 9 am Mass. Please consider joining this parish work party, and pray for exceptional weather, though it is not only a fair weather event. Tasks include weeding the flower gardens; raking fir cones and pulling weeds around our Marian grotto; and raking gravel, which was displaced from snow plowing, back into the parking lot. No pruning, with perhaps one exception. Bring your own tools, though there are a few at the parish.

Good Friday is a special day of fasting and abstinence from meat for Catholics throughout the world. These disciplines are meant to help us be more united with the sufferings and sacrifice of Jesus, as we enter into His Passion, and eventually into the glory of His Easter resurrection. Abstinence from all meat is for those who are 14 or older, providing that it does not seriously interfere with health or the ability to work. All Fridays are days of abstinence from meat, though the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops says that a special act of charity can serve as a substitute. Fasting is expected of those age 18 to 58. The minimal requirement of the fast is by no means onerous, consisting of one regular meal and two others that are less than 1⁄2 the size of a regular meal. No snacks in between meals, only fluids.

Pontifical Collection for the Holy Land on Good Friday

The Good Friday Collection, on April 15, 2022, is requested by the Holy See to help maintain the Christian sites of the Holy Land and to support the Church in the pastoral, educational, and social works that contribute to a sustained Christian presence in the land where Jesus the Christ once walked.

This Pontifical Collection will be taken in the parishes during the Good Friday celebration. Those who are unable to attend the service are still able to contribute online by going to canadahelps.org and searching for “Commissariat of the Holy Land”, or by Interac e-transfers to terresainte@bellnet.ca Receipts will be issued.

On behalf of the Custody of the Holy Land, I sincerely thank you for your support,

Fr. Robert Mokry, OFM Commissary of the Holy Land in Canada

The Divine Mercy novena, which can easily be done at home, starts on Good Friday. We could do the last day of the chaplet, as a parish, on Divine Mercy Sunday, if there is sufficient interest - perhaps prior to the start of Mass. For those who are unfamiliar with the chaplet, here's a link to it (and to much more on Divine Mercy): https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet. The whole set of prayers takes about 10 minutes, and is quite simple. Also attached is the prayer intention for each day of the novena: https://saintmichael.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-novena.pdf

From our diocese, a summary of the most recent changes to the diocesan covid directives: As Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease in the province, Bishop Gary Gordon has consulted with members of the Diocesan Health Care Committee and the Diocesan Liturgical Commission about the directives that were put into place over the course of the pandemic, to determine which could be changed and which need to continue. The key updates include:

Face coverings must be worn by priests and deacons when in close proximity to people during Baptisms, Confirmations, and Anointing of the Sick; during processions through the congregation; while greeting people before and after mass; and when distributing Holy Communion.
Face coverings must also be worn by other ministers of Communion while distributing Communion.
Face coverings are strongly recommended for all people while in church buildings, especially for those who come into close proximity to others, and while participating in congregational singing.
There may be more than one lector for the Proclamation of the Word and the intercessory prayers.
The offertory procession of the gifts for the altar may resume, provided the bread and wine remain covered both before and during the procession.
In the rare situation where a person is unable to use their hands while receiving Communion, the minister of Communion must sanitize their hands before and after giving Holy Communion to the person.

The entire updated liturgical directives are attached.

Easter Triduum Schedule

Holy Thursday, April 14, 7 pm.
Good Friday, 3 pm, with Stations of the Cross at 2:15 pm. Please arrive and leave in silence.
Easter Vigil, 9 pm, with returning parish star Andrea Davidson for the Exsultet. Bring bells to ring during the Gloria.
Easter Sunday, 10 am. Any Easter food can be blessed near the end of the Mass.

Parish Social

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Rita Balachandran, Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods, Raymond Currie,

Fr Michael Favero.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

Check out Our Lady of Grace Parish website: https://www our lady of grace-salt spring.ca/home

Go forth with palms and praise for Jesus, singing "Hosanna" to "the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Preparing for the Passion of Christ,

Fr scott

31 March 2022

Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless. From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God, are my strength.

(Psalm 42.1-2, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Fifth Sunday of Lent)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Dear Children of God,

You have likely heard that "Humpty Dumpty had a great fall . . .", but did you hear that our statue of Mary also had a great fall? Even though "all the king's horses and all the king's men, couldn't put Humpty together again", Joyce was more successful than all of them. I would like to acknowledge her for repairing our statue, and Ron for his craftsmanship in building a much more beautiful and sturdy shelf for Mary.

What Catholics Believe: Redemptive Suffering

Please join André Corriveau and i this evening (Thursday), 7 pm, for the next instalment of our series of faith formation sessions that tackle important dogmas or doctrines of our Catholic faith. During this next session, we will seek to better understand Jesus Christ's redemptive work on our behalf accomplished through His passion and resurrection, and how our Catholic faith calls us to share in that work for our own benefit and that of others.

The link to this virtual event is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84549318602?pwd=U1YzZHdDMjdkY3IvL1BtQ1lQcnF4Zz09

Meeting ID: 845 4931 8602

Passcode: 281363

Stations of the Cross Penitential Service, Friday, April 1, 3 pm. Fr Mel Bayron and myself will be present for individual Confession following the Service. This is an opportunity for some Spring cleaning before Easter.

There will be about 2 dozen post secondary students from UVIC and Camosun College here for a 10 am Mass, Saturday, April 2. All are welcome to join us, and to welcome them here to our parish.

The Funeral Mass for José Gaspar is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5, 1 pm, OLG, with interment at St Paul's, 2:30 pm. There will be no Mass on this day at the regular time.

Here's the Diocesan invitation to the Chrism Mass: All people of the Diocese of Victoria are invited to join in the celebration of the Chrism Mass. At this yearly liturgy, sacred oils are blessed and given to representatives from each parish in the diocese. These will be presented in each church on Holy Thursday and used during the coming year for Baptisms, Confirmations, and Anointings of the Sick. The Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 6th at 7:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Victoria. All are welcome to participate in person, or via the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/c/RCDVictoriaLiveOne/ If anybody plans to go, please let me know so that i can arrange for you to pick up the oils for our parish.

Easter Triduum Schedule

Holy Thursday, April 14, 7 pm.
Good Friday, 3 pm, with Stations of the Cross at 2:15 pm.
Easter Vigil, 9 pm, with returning parish star Andrea Davidson for the Exsultet.
Easter Sunday, 10 am.

Parish Prayer List

Please include these people in your daily prayers:

Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods, Raymond Currie, Fr Michael Favero.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or to add somebody else (with their consent).

Our Lady of Grace Parish website: https://www.ourladyofgrace-saltspring.ca/home

Woman caught in adultery

"Let anyone among you who is without sin, throw the first . . .."

Peace in Jesus,

Fr scott

25 March, 2022, The Annunciation

Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast."

(Isaiah 66.10-11, Entrance Antiphon for the Fourth Sunday of Lent)

The Lord be with you!!

Dear Christian Folk,

Below is a list of parish events and more, including our schedule for the Easter Triduum.

What Catholics Believe: Redemptive Suffering

Thursday, March 31, 7pm will be the next instalment of our series of faith formation sessions that tackle important dogmas or doctrines of our Catholic faith. During this next session, we will seek to better understand Jesus Christ's redemptive work on our behalf accomplished through His passion and resurrection, and how our Catholic faith calls us to share in that work for our own benefit and that of others.

The link to this virtual event is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84549318602?pwd=U1YzZHdDMjdkY3IvL1BtQ1lQcnF4Zz09

Meeting ID: 845 4931 8602

Passcode: 281363

Stations of the Cross Penitential Service, Friday, April 1, 3 pm, with Fr Mel Bayron and myself present for individual Confession following.

There will be post secondary students from UVIC and Camosun College here for a 10 am Mass, Saturday, April 2. All are welcome.

The Funeral Mass for José Gaspar has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 5, 1 pm, OLG, with interment at St Paul's, 2:30 pm.

OLG Parish yard cleanup and chilli, Saturday, April 9, following the 9 am Mass.

One mother found these tips for parents, for praying to be of great benefit:

https://www.netcanada.ca/news/5-tips-for-praying-as-a-parent-written-by-mylene-moreau-alumnus/

Bishop Gary's Share Lent message for Development and Peace is attached.

Easter Triduum Schedule

Holy Thursday, April 14, 7 pm.
Good Friday, 3 pm, with Stations of the Cross at 2:15 pm.
Easter Vigil, 9 pm, with returning parish star Andrea Davidson for the Exsultet.
Easter Sunday, 10 am.

Parish Prayer List

Sandi Muller, Jeni Evanik, Rita Dods, Raymond Currie, Fr Michael Favero. Please let me know if you would like to be added to the list, or add somebody else, with their consent.

This Sunday we will revisit the parable that Jesus tells of the prodigal son, the unforgiving brother, and the merciful Father. How do you fit into the story?

Go forth in the mercy of God, forgiven and forgiving!!

In Christ,

Fr scott

12 March 2022

"Of you my heart has spoken: Seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide not your face from me."

(Psalm 26.8-9, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Second Sunday of Lent)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

A reminder that each Friday, 3pm are the Stations of the Cross at OLG Church.

Something for our young families on creating a Lenten space at home: https://buildfaith.org/creating-lenten-prayer-space-home/

From the Augustine Institute, the popular Amen Catholic app "brings you beautiful prayers, faithful meditations and nourishing Scripture to draw your mind, body, and soul to rest in God": https://amenapp.org/

The 4 day workshop, Roots of Reconciliation, is being made available by our diocese, in Duncan and for free. More information, including for registration, is available on the attached poster.

For the Lenten 30 day personal retreat, with the book Jesus, I Trust in You, we will do "Day 8" together this Sunday. I MIGHT be a bit late for it, as i am getting the 3 pm ferry from Victoria, together with my mother. The Zoom connection is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86834782365, Meeting ID: 868 3478 2365.

Also attached are the updated covid liturgical directives from Bishop Gary. There are very few changes. There has been a shift from mandatory mask wearing to "highly recommended". With our recent covid outbreak in Greenwoods and beyond, i would like to emphasize the wearing of masks at this time, to help protect our vulnerable folk. Good news is that the residents at Greenwoods are getting through the worst of the covid outbreak, but still need our prayers. God bless the staff for their heroic work there!

This could be the last weekend for our sani-station greeters. It would be good to have greeters at the door, just the same, to welcome people, especially those who might be visiting. For two covid years, now, whenever we have been open for Mass, there has been 1 or 2 greeters per Mass. At one time they were having to spray and wipe (with a bleach solution) all touched surfaces. Remember that? And kneeling was not allowed. Then there was registration for Mass, and your name would be checked by an "outside greeter" to see if you could come into the church for Mass. Remember that? I want to take this moment to thank all of our parishioners who volunteered to be an outdoor or inside greeter. Thanks for your dedication and sacrifices, for your hard work and welcoming presence, for your assistance in facilitating the many covid safety protocols. God bless you for your contributions to our parish life!!

This Sunday we will be on Daylight Saving Time. That means springing your clocks ahead. If you don't, that will mean being an hour early for Mass on Sunday. Have i got that correct?

God forth into the Light of Christ and Daylight Saving Time,

Fr scott

4 March 2022

"When he calls on me, I will answer him; I will deliver him and give him glory, I will grant him length of days."

(Psalm 90.15-16, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 1st Sunday of Lent)

The Lord be with you!!

Dear Past and Present Parishioners,

Lent has arrived with the sprinkling of ashes. It is so much less of a visible sign than a black cross on our foreheads. I hope that i never damaged any person's hairdo with the ashes. We do have parish insurance, if it goes that far.

The Lenten season is such an important one. It is a time that we are encouraged to fortify our lives with more prayer, fasting from worldly occupations, charity to those in need, cooperation with God's mercy and goodness. . .. These practices can help us to be more effective wrestlers in the spiritual battle against sin, evil, and the devil, which underlie the many signs of human divisions, destruction, and deaths, both small or incomprehensible, like the invasion of Ukraine.

For those who are participating in the Lenten 30 day personal retreat, with the book Jesus, I Trust in You, the first parish gathering by zoom will be this Sunday, 4-5pm. Zoom attendance is not expected, but welcomed. The only suggested homework prior to then, is to read the 5-page introduction. We will do "Day 1" together. If you do not have a book, you can still join us for the weekly reflection and discussion. For each Sunday, our zoom connection is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86834782365

Meeting ID: 868 3478 2365

José Gaspar recently passed away. His family is planning a funeral, but it might not be until April or May. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.

Attached is a prayer list, mostly for the clergy and religious in our diocese. It is well thought out, and was likely time consuming to produce. Perhaps this Lent, you would be interested in following it with an extra prayer each day. If any person wants to get a revised copy every two months, you can contact Joji at: jfortin2003@shaw.ca.

Also attached is a Statement from the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada. It includes information on making donations to the people of Ukraine. Please continue your prayers for them and their country. God bless and protect them!!

Also, please add to your prayers the staff and residents at Greenwoods, where there has been a significant covid outbreak. We have many parishioners either living or working there.

From the Bible Project, a short summary of the Book of Deuteronomy, with sketches to illustrate the narrative:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5QEH9bH8AU

Go forth with courage and trusting in Jesus!!

Walking the Way of the Cross this Lent,

with Jesus (and Moses?),

Fr scott

19 February 2022

O Lord, I trust in your merciful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me.

(Psalm 12.6, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all!

Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Body of Christ,

The Holy Season of Lent is near. Now is a good time to begin planning for your Lenten spiritual fitness program of prayer, almsgiving, acts of charity, and fasting. Some Lenten related considerations:

If you have any dried out palms, this Sunday is the last chance to trade them in for ashes. Please leave any palms in the basket near to the front door of the church. If you miss this weekend, the next opportunity will be in a year or so.
The ashes will be distributed on foreheads at our Ash Wednesday Mass, March 2, beginning at 5 pm.
Stations of the Cross will be held each Friday in Lent, at 3 pm. Participants will be asked to safe distance and remain in place, rather than move as a group from station to station.
On Friday, April 1, it will be a Penitential Stations of the Cross. And that is no April Fools' Day joke. Fr Mel Bayron will be joining us, and the both of us will be available afterwards for individual Confession.
The Word Among Us booklets for Lent are now available in the church.
Finally, the books, Jesus I Trust in You; A 30-Day Personal Retreat have arrived and are being distributed to those who ordered one, or three. The price is $27 each, payable to the parish. Our first Zoom gathering to launch the personal retreat will be on Sunday, March 6, 4 pm. I will send out a Zoom link nearer to that date for those participating. Please read the short Introduction prior to then.

We are still in need of a good applicant for the parish office position. Please offer some prayers for the successful filling of that important and helpful parish position.

Fr Peter Ho passed on Friday, February 14, of a heart attack. He was ordained for this diocese in 1984, and served at St. Andrew's Cathedral, as well as at Sacred Heart and St Patrick Parishes. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.

There was a suggestion from Parish Council to make available something of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si, which is on "care for our common home". It is a lengthy document, written in 2015, on ecology and care for God's creation. A two page summary of the encyclical, put out by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be available at the doors to the church. If the subject is of sufficient interest, the encyclical itself can be purchased.

Go forth extending the Love of Jesus,

even to your enemies,

Fr scott

21 January 2022

O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.

(Psalm 95.1,6, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!!

Dear Parishioners, Past and Present,

I so enjoy having a Christmas season, but all good things come to an end - well, maybe not. All that is divine is eternal, and salvation is about eternal life. The goodness of God does not end, nor does His love. The best things that God shares with us, do not come to an end, they are eternal. So, now that the Christmas season has ended, we journey in Ordinary Time for a short while, united to Jesus so that the time can have an extra-ordinary dimension, and then it is the great season of Holy Lent. Following is something that you might be interested in and able to participate in during the coming season of Lent.

Jesus, I Trust in You, a 30-Day Personal Retreat. During Lent, you will have the opportunity to participate with at least another 10 parishioners and i for a 30 day, at home retreat. It is not an all day retreat, though you could make it that, but something like 1/2 hour or less each day, using a book written by a Sister of Life, Sr Faustina Maria Pia. She presents about 5-6 pages of material to read, reflect upon, and pray about each day. How much you can and do invest in this personal retreat is up to you. There is a cost for the book of about $30. Orders for it can be made through the parish office by noon, Friday, February 4. Make sure Ania has you email address, if we don't already have it. Payment, preferably by cheque, can be made at the parish office after the books have been received and distributed. Each Sunday, at 4 pm, for an hour or less, those who are interested will Zoom gather for a reading, reflection, and discussion of that day's retreat subject. If you do not Zoom, but you do have a telephone, we can still connect you with the Zoom group. At all other times, you will be doing the retreat on your own, at your leisure, in spiritual communion with the other participants. As the author of this retreat writes, "We are made for love, and love requires trust. Yet so much in our lives can leave us skeptical or reluctant to trust others . . .. [This book] helps us uncover what keeps us from placing our trust in the Lord." The retreat will start on Sunday, February 27, with a Zoom gathering at 4, through a link that will be distributed prior to then. Any questions can be directed to myself.

St Paul's Cemetery. With the deep freeze we recently went through, it has become more obvious that some glass flower vases break, and leave behind a bit of a mess. Sometimes it is difficult to find all of the broken glass in the grass. So please give consideration to the type of container being used. Also, cleaning up the old flowers, when dead, and the old containers when they are no longer useful or looking beautiful, would be appreciated. It is always wonderful seeing signs of visitations to the graves of our dearly departed, and of the various ways of showing that love continues on for them. Eternal rest, O Lord, grant unto all of the souls of those buried at St Paul's.

Jan (John) Ettema recently passed on, at age 99. He was a very devout Catholic who moved here 1 1/2 years ago, to be near to his daughter Josina. A funeral Mass will be held for him in Mill Bay, at St Francis Xavier Church, where he and his late wife greatly invested themselves into the parish, for many decades. Eternal rest grant unto your faithful servant, O Lord.

Today we received the attached news release from Gary Holman, about a residential development for the homeless, which is already going ahead next to our church property. This is the first news of the project we have received. It is a much needed project, but will have varied implications for us, and especially for myself as administrator (and usually caretaker and guardian) of the grounds and buildings, pastor, and resident here.

Our parish subscription to FORMED will expire on February 12. You have almost 1 month to binge on the movies. I again recommend the short Benjamin Cello shows, especially for younger families, though i have enjoyed them too.

Finally, we are in the midst of Prayer for Christian Unity Week, January 18-25, which is actually an octave of days. It was started in 1908, by Rev Paul Wattson, who was an Anglican religious with the Society of the Atonement, in New York State. The following year, he and other members of the Society entered into the Catholic Church. In 1916, Pope Benedict XV extended the observance universally. Let us offer up prayers for all of our Christian brothers and sisters. Some are imprisoned and have received death sentences, primarily because they are Christian and refuse to reject their faith.

God bless each and every one of you. Go forth, bringing the good news of Jesus to the poor!

Peace and unity in Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

Year 2021

25 December 2021

Silent night. Holy night.

Miraculous night. Mystical Light.

Christ our Saviour is born.

Let us adore Him!

This is a link to a recording of the Christmas Eve Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church. (You might want to turn your volume down, as i come across quite loud.): https://youtu.be/W92Amtqnlk8

The following link is to a 13 minute film that demonstrates the Spirit of Christmas is stronger than hate and war. It is a fictionalized film, based upon an actual event that took place on Christmas Eve, 1914.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmJeWxwbSio

Merry, blessed Christmas!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9AU0gUGumE

And, joy to you and the world!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nziWgvOPj4

United with you on this blessed, sacred occasion,

of the birth day of the Christ Child,

Fr scott

11 December 2021

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near

(Philippians 4.4-5, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Third Sunday of Advent.)

The Lord be with you!

Dear Christian People Awaiting the Advent of Jesus,

Happy, blessed Gaudete Sunday! This weekend we will light the pink candle. It is a sign that we are nearing the joyful feast day of Christmas. After this Sunday, there is only 1 more Sunday in Advent. I pray that your spiritual preparations for Christmas are finding a place in your life during this Advent season. Please pray for those who find Christmas an exceptionally lonely or difficult time for some other reason.

This Sunday is also National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. A special Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) initiated it in 2002. Attached is this year's message and prayer from the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council.

Warm, winter socks can be brought to Mass and left in a basket at the main church door. I believe they will be distributed through the Community Support Society.

During this season of Advent, i encourage you to prepare for Christmas with a visit to the Sacrament of Confession. The drive-through version continues in the parking lot. You can also walk up to my pickup, Saturday evenings, beginning at 4 pm. If that won't work for you, please call to set up an alternative, but don't leave it to the last moment.😐 Thank you!!

The Province has added a new restriction to our Mass attendance. We are limited to 50% of our seating capacity. That will likely affect our Christmas Masses, especially the 7 pm Mass on Christmas Eve. It has been decided that attendance to any of the Christmas Masses (ie. Christmas Eve or Day) will be by registration only. You can email or phone Ania in the parish office to register yourself and other family members. Please do not attend unless Ania explicitly notifies you that your registration is confirmed. Registration will begin Monday morning. As with the Sunday Masses, we are limiting attendance to only 1 Christmas Mass per person. Per Covid protocol, please do not arrive any earlier than 15 minutes prior to the start of the Mass. Also, enter through the main church door and exit from a door closest to you, right after the Mass is over. Practice safe distancing whenever possible. Thanks so much for your cooperation with these directives. I am sorry that we have them, but they are not eternal. I am confident that we can leave them behind at the doorway to heaven.

I am pleased to say that we have a Christmas tree. It is already in the garage and getting watered there. Thanks so very, very much to the thoughtful, generous person who went out searching and found one for our church!! God bless her with an extra luxurious room in our "Father's house".🙂

Here's a reminder of the Christmas season Mass Schedule:

Christmas Eve

Friday, Dec 24 - 7pm & 11pm

Christmas Day

Saturday, Dec 25 - 10am

(No Saturday evening Mass)

Feast of Holy Family

Sunday, Dec 26 - 10am and noon

Mary, Holy Mother of God

Friday, Dec 31 - 5pm (vigil)

Saturday, January 1 - 10am

Feast of Epiphany

Saturday, Jan 1 - 5pm (vigil)

Sunday, Jan 2 - 10am.

There will be no morning Mass on Friday the 24th.

Go forth in joy, with the "good news" that the birthday of Jesus is near.

Longing for the advent of Jesus,

Fr scott

26 November 2021

To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame.

(Psalm 24.1-3, Entrance Antiphon for the 1st Sunday of Advent)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all!

Dear Advent People,

We await for the coming of the Lord, which also means preparing ourselves to welcome the presence of Jesus into our lives. He comes to us in many ways, but the Second Coming will be his last and final.

There remains in the church and the parish office some Advent booklets with daily reflections. Take one for a friend or family member, if you want. Added to the "take-ables" is the book Messy, written by an Australian Catholic, Matthew Kelly. Some of you have likely read other books by Kelly. A parishioner asked if he might donate the books to the parish. Thank you!!

Following is our Christmas Mass schedule. There are some variations from other years, given that both of the Solemnities fall on a Saturday and how that works out, liturgically, with the Sunday Masses. All of the Masses this year will be at Our Lady of Grace Church. Still looking for a Christmas tree for our church; something that is 9 to 12 feet tall.

Christmas Eve Masses

Friday, Dec 24 - 7pm & 11pm

Christmas Day Mass

Saturday, Dec 25 - 10am

(No Saturday evening Mass)

Feast of Holy Family Masses

Sunday, Dec 26 - 10am and noon

Mary, Holy Mother of God Masses

Friday, Dec 31 - 5pm (vigil)

Saturday, January 1 - 10am

Feast of Epiphany Masses

Saturday, Jan 1 - 5pm (vigil)

Sunday, Jan 2 - 10am.

There is another scam going around that is using my name. It is being texted to people. I have no cell phone, nor is the telephone number mine. So far, i have yet to receive any benefits from the text, so i hope that means nobody has responded in kind to it. Does that make sense? Don't believe any messages looking for money or something of value, even if it is a request from the bishop. (Unless it is the Diocesan Appeal.)

The Archdiocese of Vancouver is planning a novena, consecration to, and Mass in honour of St Joseph. (Please see below.) This third person of the Holy Family often gets ignored, overlooked, or marginalized in our lives of faith. When fatherhood and masculinity is getting attacked, belittled, and distorted in so many ways, the presence of St Joseph in our lives can help to counteract some of that cultural influence.

Novena and Consecration to St. Joseph

Beginning on November 30, 2021

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On November 30, 2021, we will begin praying a Novena to Saint Joseph as a way of preparing for the Act of Consecration on December 8, 2021, the closing of the Year of Saint Joseph.

Registrants will receive daily messages with short video reflections to prayerfully prepare for the Consecration. The reflections will be focusing on the Seven Joys of St. Joseph paired with his attributes as highlighted in Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Patris Corde. This novena will also include a special advent reflection from Cardinal Luis Tagle on December 4th. This is the only day of the novena that will not be recorded.

We hope you will consider joining us in prayer as we begin our journey through Advent with St. Joseph.

Go forward in the peace of Christ,

Fr scott

13 November 2021

The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place.

(Jeremiah 2.11, 12, 14, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.)

The Lord be with you!!

Dear Parishioners and Everybody Else,

The coming of Advent is near. That means an advent wreath, advent booklets, a new Sunday Missal in the pews, and the coming of Christmas too! The advent Word Among Us booklet can be picked up in the church or at the parish office. It has very good daily reflections that are rooted in the daily Mass Readings. There are also a few other advent booklets for children and families. If you are a current Lector, you can take home a Sunday Missal, once they show up in the church. Otherwise, we would appreciate them being left in the church. If you are interested in any of the old ones, you can have 100 of them. It is always difficult to get rid of them, as they cannot be recycled. Please let Ania know at the parish office, if you can take care of the old 20/21 missals. (This is not the time to be returning any of the past ones to the church.) Now is a good time to start scouting out your neighbour's yard for a 9 to12 foot Christmas tree for our church. Please let us know if you think you can acquire a tree for the parish. Thank you!

The Fall gathering for our parish yard work went really well, and the chilli was extra good. Thank you to all who participated. It was good to be working together. Also, the memorial service added onto last Tuesday's Mass, for parishioners who passed on in the last two years, went really well. Lots of credit for that goes to our parish CWL President, Maureen, for the organizing. One couple came all the way from Pender for the service, as their mother/mother-in-law had died almost two years ago and she was included.

There will be a diocesan priest retreat this coming week. It will be the first that we have had since covid. Will bring each of you into it, in prayer and spiritual communion. Please pray for us clergy too! Thank you.

Attached is a memo from Bishop Gary, with various links to information from the bishops of Canada. It is for those seeking to learn more about palliative care and Catholic Church teaching on end-of-life. It would be of special interest to caregivers, to persons who have recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness, to family members who need resources and guidance as they journey with a loved one who is seriously or terminally ill, and to all interested parishioners.

God bless each of you. Go forth with your eyes and minds and hearts on the Last Things to come for human beings: death and the Particular Judgement of each person for purgatory and heaven, or hell; the Second Coming of Jesus, and our bodily resurrection and union with our immortal soul; and the Final Judgement for life in the "New Jerusalem," a new heaven and earth for redeemed humanity.

In Christ,

Fr scott

30 October 2021

Forsake me not, O Lord, my God; be not far from me! Make haste and come to my help, O Lord, my strong salvation!

(Psalm 37.22-23, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hello Dear Parishioners and Beloved Children of God,

I am back from holidays. Special thanks to those who offered up prayers for my safety. The first week of holidays was spent paddling and camping out on Sandford Island, in Barkley Sound. The weather was wet and windy, so the emphasis was on camping (and staying dry), with much less of the paddling. During that time, i read two novels by Catholic authors. The second week was spent travelling up and down a really long condominium corridor, and then along a lengthy driveway to the parking lot, as i loaded up my pickup (multiple times) with items destined for one of the thrift stores. I am now 90% through the emptying out of my mother's condo in Kelowna. Had some extraordinary help from a few 30-ish year old cousins; they packed out and took away some of the larger items, like chesterfields and a bedroom suite.

The other week, the departure of Daniela was a sad one. We pray for her next chapter of life, in Victoria, and for a future that is joyful, peace filled, and full of true Love.

The month of November is when we especially remember and pray for our deceased family members, relatives, friends, former parishioners, and those who have nobody to pray for the journey of their soul. The Book of Life/Book of the Deceased will be getting set up in the church and made available for you to write in the names of deceased persons. You can also add their photographs around the foot of the altar. There will be a Mass on Monday, November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, at 9 am. The following day is All Souls Day, when we commemorate and offer up the Mass for all of the departed. On Tuesday, November 9, at the end of the 9 am Mass, we will have a special ritual and prayer for all of our parishioners (and associated others) who have passed on during the last two years. It is a meaningful and personally moving time of special remembrance and prayer.

The next Faith Formation evening will be on Thursday, November 11, 7 pm. If you are interested, please stay tuned on this one. The next bulletin will have more on it, including this Zoom link, meeting ID, and passcode:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85817167661?pwd=M2crOG8yTVBMZ2JUZGNQQjlWaVF6UT09

Meeting ID: 858 1716 7661

Passcode: 028137

Please consider coming out to Our Lady of Grace on Saturday, November 6, beginning at 10 am, for some Fall time cleanup of the grounds, and some chilli at noon. Bring your own hands and hand tools. Weather permitting, of course, though a bit of rainfall won't hold us back.

Attached is a letter from Bishop Gary regarding the Diocesan Appeal. In it he responds to some questions people have about the goal of the diocesan fundraiser and its distinction from the nationwide effort to raise funds for our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

God forth in your everyday life, loving our God and your neighbour, heroically.

Peace, Love, and Life in Jesus,

Fr scott

October 1, 2021

Within your will, O Lord, all things are established, and there is none that can resist your will. For you have made all things, the heaven and the earth, and all that is held within the circle of heaven; you are the Lord of all.

(Cf. Esther 4.17, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Lord be with you!!

Dear Parish Family,

Daniela and i have been working on a new, revised parish website: https://www.ourladyofgrace-saltspring.ca/. Please take some time to look it over and give us your feedback. I have added a Parish Photograph page and uploaded a number of photos onto it. You might see yourself in one or more of them. If you object to that, please let me know and i will delete the photo. If you have a few of your own parish photos to add, send them into the parish office for consideration. Any photographs with children, must have written, parental consent.

Now that our parish is allowed to gather more than we were in the Spring, when we cancelled our parish yard cleanup, we are going to give it another try. It has been scheduled for Saturday, November 6, 10 am to noon, weather and covid regulations permitting. That will be a chance to get the church yard and gardens ready for the winter. Tasks will include cleanup around our Marian grotto, cutting back old flowers, and weeding. Joyce will be providing chilli at noon, along with coffee. Doesn't that sound good?! Please consider joining us, as we slowly reclaim some of our parish events.

We are sorry to lose Andrea. She has moved to the Lower Mainland. We continue to support her with our prayers and give gratitude for her past contributions to our liturgy, canting for Saturday evening Masses, as well as the Easter Exultet. God bless her and the resettlement of her life.

For CWL members, i want to encourage you to join the upcoming Zoom meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October 7. Your support is needed for the viability of our local council. It has struggled for many years, but recently even more so, along with our parish, as we have been diminished in participation and support, social events and outreach, due to covid fears, cautions, and restrictions. We are blessed to have Maureen as president. Please surround her with your kind and loving support.

You might have already heard pieces of the recent announcement made by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. That is, the announcement regarding a $30M National Financial Pledge to Support Healing and Reconciliation Initiatives with our Native brothers and sisters. A copy of the "News Release" is attached.

The Diocesan Appeal begins this weekend. Our parish goal has been increased to $22,000, in an effort to raise 1 million for the Diocese this year, all of which will go to support healing and reconciliation in Indigenous communities within our diocese. Here's the bulletin notice for it: This week we kick off the Bishop’s Appeal along with all other parishes and missions throughout our Diocese. The 2021 Appeal theme, Spirit of Hope – Healing & Reconciliation, encourages us to create a path of accompaniment and relationship with Indigenous peoples. With the help of the Holy Spirit and through your generosity we can support the need for healing & reconciliation. Please consider pledging to this worthwhile endeavour. Parish Goal: $ $22,000. Our Lady of Grace Parish will contribute 1/2 of the (20%) parish rebate toward the support of a seminarian in another country and 1/2 to the Crisis Pregnancy Centre in Nanaimo.

God bless each and every one of you, and your family members!

Go forth in the Peace, Light and Love of Jesus,

Fr scott

September 17, 2021

I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord. Should they cry to me in any distress, I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever.

(Entrance Antiphon for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Lord be with you!!!

Dear Parishioners,

This past Sunday, Sonny Lucas Porciuncula Skrivan was baptised at OLG Church. It was a beautiful occasion, for which his family and I would liked to have had all of you present. Of course, with covid, it is good that you all weren't. Sonny is scheduled for some surgery on his skull this Wednesday, September 22. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Also for your prayers are the 7 children preparing for the completion of their Sacraments of Initiation; that is their First Communion and Confirmation. These Sacraments will be administered by myself at the Sunday Mass, September 26, God willing as planned. As I noted before, some family and friends will be travelling here for the solemn occasion. To maximize space and covid precautions, you might consider attending Mass on Saturday evening.

I am sorry to say that Flo's adult grandson, Stacey, died of covid this day. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord! Please also pray for the consolation of his grieving family.

We had another very good and informative Faith Formation evening with André. There was some difficulty with the zoom link, if you tried to join, but couldn't. Will try to rectify if for the next one, but if we don't, access is successful through the Zoom "join a meeting" label. Then, cut and paste (or type in) the meeting id (and passcode) from the bulletin. The next one is scheduled for October 28; stay tuned for more on that.

Tomorrow there will be a wedding at St Paul's, for Peter and Michelle, who are connected to St Andrew's Cathedral in Victoria. They have some (but limited) connections to SSI, though that could increase. Please offer some prayers for them too, as they prepare to join their lives in matrimony.

Peace, Love and eternal life in Our Lord, Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

September 4, 2021

You are just, O Lord, and your judgement is right; treat your servant in accord with your merciful love.

(Psalm 118.137,124, Entrance Antiphon for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

For many children, next week is "back to school", in its various covid forms. There are so many extra considerations and stresses on families and teachers and other school staff, now, with our covid culture. Please remember to pray for all of them, and especially for our young parish families.

Confirmations are still planned for Sunday, September 26, depending upon covid related considerations and potential restrictions. Currently, there are family members planning to travel here for the occasion, as well as the additional attendance of local family members and friends. In normal times, this would be an occasion to fill the church. With covid precautions, please consider attending the Saturday evening Mass instead.

There will be a Liturgy of the Word, this Tuesday to Thursday, 9 am, with the rosary at 8:30.

You will find a number of attachments from Bishop Gary. One is in regards to the Truth and Reconciliation Day recently set by our federal government. The others have to do with the next online sessions of pastoral care courses. I encourage each of you to consider the benefits of this online course for our parish family, or for your own family and friends.

Go forth, being open to hearing the life-giving Word of God, speaking and spreading it with your lives.

In Jesus,

the Word Made Flesh,

Fr scott

August 21, 2021

Turn your ear, O Lord, and answer me; save the servant who trusts in you, my God. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all the day long.

(Psalm 85.1-3, Entrance Antiphon for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time.)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Dear People of the Eucharist,

It has been a full month since my last note to you. Two weeks of that time were good, yet deeply tiring holidays. Part of the holidays was spent back over at Brooks Peninsula, on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. I had just over a week of paddling and camping there, much of it in the rain. Yes, that is not a typo. I did say "rain". 🙄 🙂 I went to Kelowna for the later part, when the smoke was exceptionally thick there for a couple of days. Began to clean out my mother's condominium.

I am sorry to say that Josée Crossland passed on during this last Monday. A Funeral Mass will be held for her on Saturday, August 28, 10 am, at OLG Church. Please pray for Robert (Bob) and the rest of their family during this time of great sorrow for them. And, eternal rest grant unto Josée, O Lord.

Registration for Mass is not required. Masks are mandatory. There is some singing and no guarantees of safe distancing, though it is encouraged. It has been wonderful to be welcoming visitors again.

The Sacrament of Confession is back out in the parking lot, on Saturdays, 4 - 4:45 pm. Drive in, or walk up to the ole silver pickup.

I would like to bring to your attention a movie that i recently watched on FORMED. It is called Freedom. The story is well written, connecting the life of the writer of the Amazing Grace hymn, with a family that is attempting to escape slavery in Virginia, by way of the Underground Railroad to Canada. It is well produced and acted, and only 1 1/2 hours long. You will need to be registered for FORMED to access it at: Freedom. The last bulletin has directions for registration, if you haven't registered already.

Also, i want to encourage you to mark Thursday, August 26, 7-8 pm, on your calendar. Why? That is when André will be having another Zoom presentation on our faith. This time it will be on God's invisible creatures, like angels. Please refer to the next bulletin for more information and for a link to this parish Zoom event.

Go forth in the world, even if it is not far from home, bringing the Peace and Love of Jesus with you, and to those you encounter.

In Him,

Fr scott

10 July 2021

As for me, in justice I shall behold your face; I shall be filled with the vision of your glory.

(Psalm 16.15, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time.)

Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Dear Parish Family,

The Masses last weekend were really uplifting, with a bit of singing, even through masks, and the presence of visitors. We had 4 young families join us, from the Lower Mainland. This Sunday, there will be some large families, also from the Lower Mainland, joining us. You might want to take that in consideration, and come to the Saturday evening Mass instead. With restrictions lifted on the number of people who can attend, there are no longer any assurances of 2 meter distancing. People are asked to do their best, though, to maximize physical distancing.

It is so good to be able to welcome visitors again, rather than close the door on them. And, attendance at both Masses this last weekend was the highest since covid. This is all so encouraging as our parish continues to reassemble. Masks are still mandatory for the Sunday Masses (that is, Saturday, 5 pm and Sunday, 10 am Masses), at least for a little while longer.

For weekday Masses, Tuesday to Friday, if a person has had two shots of the vaccination, plus 2 weeks after the last one, the wearing of a mask is encouraged, but not mandatory.

I understand that another email scam, with my name attached, is circulating. I haven't received any money or gifts from it, so that is a good sign you are not falling for the scam. In all seriousness now , i definitely would not be soliciting any kind of unauthorized gifts from you, especially via email or telephone. Check it out before responding, and try not to even open up those kinds of emails. (The sender's email address would not be the same as mine or the office.) Also, i find that some scammers want to communicate a sense of urgency, or even an emergency, upon others. This can cause our emotions to overtake our reason, or to skip the important step of discussing it with others before making a decision.

We have set a tentative date for the Confirmation of our children, and their first reception of Holy Communion. It will be at the Sunday Mass on September 26, God willing. I will have the honour of conferring the Confirmations. Isabelle has joined our group of 6 who are preparing for this important occasion. She has chosen Clare for her Confirmation name and made a poster (attached) on her chosen namesake/patron saint. We extend our prayers to each one of these children and their families, as they continue their preparations for these Sacraments.

New windows have been placed in the two hall bathrooms, and the inside molding around them is to be done next week. Our new Johannus One keyboard has arrived and been set up. I understand it is simple to use, with almost unlimited capabilities. I highly recommend the Organ Guy, from Vancouver, if you or somebody else is looking for an organ or a related keyboard.

Go forth like those first missionaries sent out by Jesus, proclaiming repentance and the Good News of Jesus.

In Christ our Saviour,

Fr scott

June 25, 2021

"All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to God with shouts of joy!"

(Psalm 46.2, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time.)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all!

Dear Children of God, and mine,

Attached are two AGM reports for our parish. Endless thanks be to Joyce and Elizabeth! They both do so much, often hidden work for the parish. Much of it is the kind of work that is not known, nor acknowledged. Yet, it is the kind of "nitty gritty" work of the parish that needs to be done, and is mostly taken for granted, lacking any affirmation or encouragement that some attention to them might bring. God bless them!!!!!

I also want to acknowledge Janine, who has taken so much initiative during this past year, to provide the Zoom method and materials for our on-gong catechism. The children are getting very close to completion, and eventually Confirmation. This will occur in one large group, some small groups, and/or individually. We have yet to work that out along with future covid considerations - and the anticipated reduction of them.

Lucille has also been invaluable, in her regular, on-going monitoring and care of St Paul's Church. What a source of ease it has been for me, knowing how much responsibility she takes for our little heritage church. If you are ever driving past it, please stop by and do a quick check of the building, and even the cemetery. Thank you.

Yes, Confession continues in the parking lot, every Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 pm. See you there! 😀🤔

Go forth into this summer, glorifying our Lord with your lives!!

Living through, with and in Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

June 12, 2021

O Lord, hear my voice, for I have called to you; be my help. Do not abandon or forsake me, O God, my Saviour!

(Psalm 26.7,9, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time.)

The Lord be with you!!!

Dear Parishioners and a Few Others,

Having a lot of people present at Mass last weekend, was such a joy-filled experience. Believe it or not, i am so used to daily Mass in a sort of vacuum, that the first Mass response on Saturday evening, with a multitude of voices, actually startled me, a tiny bit. After 6 months of private Masses, i had forgotten about the presence of other voices, responding and participating, especially with exuberance and joy. I look forward to the day that the masks also disappear, to see the fullness of your faces. But, for now, we continue our cautionary measures, with much gratitude for what we have.

Both the Saturday and Sunday Masses are pretty well full, with a couple of exceptions now for Saturday. I encourage each of you to at least register, if you haven't already, and get on the waiting list. That way it will help to plan for the possibility of an additional Mass. Even if churches were allowed to increase our number of participants from 50, that would not allow OLG Church to accommodate more people - at least for as long as the "safe distancing" distance is 2 meters (6 feet).

I have heard that the parish bulletin is ending up in 1 or 2 people's junk/spam folder. If you have not been getting the bulletin, please check there; otherwise, give the parish office a call.

Our parish rosary will continue each Sunday at 9 am via Zoom

The Sacrament of Confession continues to be made available each Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 pm, in the parking lot. Just drive up to my pickup, or some other variation of that.

The Archdiocese of Vancouver is offering Faith in the Home - Living out the Domestic Church, on Wednesday, June 16, 8 to 9:30 pm. It is an on-line event, with free registration through: https://beholdvancouver.org/events/faith-in-the-home-living-out-the-domestic-church

God bless each and everyone of you, and go forth helping to build up the kingdom of heaven!

Peace and Love in the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

Fr scott

May 29, 2021

Blest be God the Father, and the Only Begotten Son of God, and also the Holy Spirit, for he has shown us his merciful love.

(Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all!

Dear People of the Holy Trinity,

Looks like we are very near to re-opening our churches for Mass, which will include the many covid practices we had in place up until last November, just before public Mass was suspended. Unless you hear otherwise, we will be having public Masses, beginning with next Saturday, June 5, at 5 pm, and on the Sunday, at 10 am. We will be using the same registration lists that were in place prior to the shut down. If you can't remember which Mass you were registered for, or are hoping to get yourself added onto the registration list, or want to make some kind of change, please contact Daniela at the parish office, via phone or email. Only those who are registered and confirmed by Daniela will be admitted at the church door. The Sunday registration list is currently full, but we might be able to get creative with it, if you get onto the waiting list. For the Masses on Sunday, pews in the church addition/annex will be reserved for our young families.

[On the Covid-19 updates webpage of our website] are Bishop Gary's updated pages of general and liturgical directives for us. Masks are still mandatory and only humming is allowed with the music. Holy Communion is to be received on the hand only, and "Parishioners must wear face coverings until they reach the Plexiglas screen. After receiving the host, they must replace their face coverings before stepping away from the screen." I'll leave the rest of the directives for your reading pleasure.

Also [we got a memo] from the diocesan office [...] warning all of us about financial scams. Currently, there is one circulating with Bishop Gray's name attached to it. For your information, he is not asking for 25 e-Bay vouchers valued at $100 each to distribute to his "diligent staff." Maybe for his diligent priests???🤔😉

I would like to acknowledge William Rithaler's graduation from grade 12, which was a week ago. He did most of his schooling at Queen of Angels Catholic School, in Duncan, and the last two years at Brookes Westshore private school in Langford. It was a challenging school and a challenging year, but one that has undoubtedly helped prepare him for university. Congratulations to William, and God bless his steps into the next great chapter of his life. May he always go with Jesus the Christ.

I am forwarding a few words from Lance in regards to our parish: "I am very grateful for the outpouring of support and am praying for our faith community."

Confession continues in the parking lot on Saturdays, 3:30 to 4:15 pm.

May 15, 2021

Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at the heavens?

This Jesus whom you saw ascending into heaven will return as you saw him go, alleluia.

(Acts 1.11, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Ascension of the Lord.)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all!

Dear People of Faith in the Risen and Ascended Jesus,

Next weekend, during the Mass of Pentecost Sunday, Lance Anderson will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church, Confirmed, and receive his First Holy Communion. The rites will be recorded and distributed, as they are integrated into the Mass. Please increase your prayers for him and his family, as he makes his most immediate preparations for these Sacraments of Initiation.

On FORMED, there is a well produced movie on St Peter, starring Omar Sharif, who was also in Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago: https://watch.formed.org/saint-peter. It tells the epic story about the key event in European and world history: the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, focusing on the leader of that new religion. The movie helped add to my understanding of St Peter's character and role in the spreading of our Christian faith, and of some of the sacrifices he and others have made. The movie has more than one surprising twist in the story's telling.

Something from the Diocesan Office for the Year of St Joseph:

Back in December, Pope Francis proclaimed the Year of St. Joseph, beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th), and continuing to the same feast in 2021. This year was chosen as it marks the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. St. Joseph is the patron saint of many other things as well, including the Americas and Canada. Many Canadian churches are named for him: St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, Quebec is the largest church in Canada; closer to home, we have three different churches dedicated to St. Joseph in our Diocese, in Tahsis, Chemainus, and Victoria.

Pope Francis wrote an Apostolic Letter entitled Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”) to mark the start of the Year. In it, he describes St. Joseph as a beloved, tender and loving father; an obedient, accepting and creatively courageous father; a working father, and a father in the shadows. He also notes how St. Joseph, “the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence… reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation” – an important reminder during this pandemic, when we’ve seen how “our lives are woven together and sustained by ordinary people, people often overlooked.”

Recurring link for our parish rosary, Sundays at 9 am:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82137158847

Meeting ID: 821 3715 8847

Here's the Mass link for this Sunday of the Ascension of the Lord:

https://youtu.be/2bLJ0wvSZqE

Everything is in CBW 3

Processional #391 Sing We Triumphant Hymns of Praise

Offering #399 Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise

Communion #377 The Lord is Now Exalted

Recessional #460 Be Joyful, Mary, Heav'nly Queen

As Jesus commanded His disciples, just before He ascended into heaven, so He commands all Christians: "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation."

Peace and joy in Jesus,

the Risen and Ascended One,

Fr scott

May 1, 2021

O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders; in the sight of the nations he has shown his deliverance, alleluia.

(Psalm 97.1-2, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Fifth Sunday of Easter.) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Dear Parishioners and a few other Beloveds of Christ,

Pope Francis is asking Catholics throughout the world to pray the rosary each day, during the month of May, for the end of this deadly pandemic. Thirty of the world's Marian shrines will be involved, as the setting for these daily prayers, and Vatican News will broadcast it at 9 am, PDT. Please unite yourself with this global effort. For more information and a link to connect with the live broadcast: http://www.vatican.va/special/rosary/index_rosary.htm

I understand that Joy's surgery went well and that she is recovering really well. As she continues to heal from her major surgery, please continue your prayers for her and for all of the Blondahl family.

Joselyn's and Will's newborn son has been named Sonny. About 1 week ago, a very small number of parishioners had been invited to participate in a Meal Train for the Skrivan family. As Joselyn recovers from the birth of Sonny and they all adjust to his awesome presence and needs, I would like to extend that meal effort to all of our parishioners. Please show your support and love to this young family of our parish by signing up to provide them with a meal through: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/5e6nyw

The Archdiocese of Vancouver is offering an online, Ignatius retreat at the end of this month. Registration is free, but the number accepted is limited. For more information: https://beholdvancouver.org/events/four-four-for-you-spring-retreat

Fr. scott

April 17, 2021

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth; O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise, alleluia.

(Psalm 65.1-2, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 3rd Sunday of Easter.)

Dear People of Christian faith and Easter joy, The Lord be with you!!

With great joy, i get to announce that Joselyn gave birth to a boy, last Sunday at about 5 pm. Congratulations to her and Will, Leo and Patrick! They are happily enjoying the awe of his new born presence. Also speaking of joy, but the girl, Joy Blondahl. She will be going in for open heart surgery on Thursday, April 22. Please surround her and her family with your prayers.

Sorry that there continues to be difficulties for people trying to get onto our parish zoom rosary, Sundays, 9 am. I have completely deleted the old Zoom link and have established a new one. I will get Daniela to take a copy of it from this pastor's letter, for the next and following bulletins. No password will be necessary.

Bishop Gary has distributed a letter from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the deadly expansion of euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada.

From across the border, Archbishop José Gomez, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, gave a very good keynote address to Catholic social advocates. In it, he gives a Catholic response to racism, social justice and activism, the culture of a "throwaway world", extreme individualism, politics . . .. You can find a copy of his relatively short, yet substantial speech here: https://angelusnews.com/voices/the-catholic-difference-on-social-justice/

From the FORMED website, there is a really delightful and well produced series of short shows for children (but i have enjoyed them too. They bring me joy.). They are called The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello, who is something like a Catholic version of Mr Dressup. Following is a link to one of the shows, though you might need to be signed up with our parish subscription to access it. (If so, go to formed.org and enter the name of our parish.)

https://watch.formed.org/benjamin-cello/season:1/videos/benjamin-cello-episode-5-a-pocketful-of-seeds.

Benjamin Cello is something you can share with the grandchildren. They too can sign up with our parish subscription.

Ever since Easter, the First Reading, for both Sunday and weekday Masses, is from The Book of the Acts of the Apostles. Following is a short video, with sketchings, that summarizes the first part of Acts:

https://vimeo.com/194726227

Like the Apostles, go forth, glorifying the Lord with your lives!!

Peace and joy in the Risen Christ,

Fr scott

April 3, 2021

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!!

Ode to Joy Hymn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbJcQYVtZMo

Holy Communion for the Easter Sunday Mass will be distributed from 11 to 11:30 am.

Easter Sunday Rosary, 9 am

There still have been problems for people trying to join the rosary. I am not sure why that is. Try using the above link, rather than the one in the past bulletin. For Divine Mercy Sunday, following the rosary we will pray the Divine Mercy chaplet. For those who are not familiar with it, the prayers are very simple. If the link in the next bulletin does not work for you, use the one that is above.

This Easter Sunday falls on the 1 year anniversary of the stillbirth of Robin Aliya Skrivan. Her mother is currently pregnant and close to term. On Monday, the whole family will be going to Victoria in preparation for the birth, due later in April. Please keep Will and Joselyn, their pre-born baby, and their boys Leo and Patrick in your prayers. We are hoping for an easy birth, a healthy baby, and a really happy family!! God bless them all!

Easter Sunday is also the anniversary of Pasquali showing up at my place in Port McNeill, 6 years ago, and staying!

A reminder and renewed invitation to join Dr André Coriveau and I via Zoom, this Thursday, April 8, from 7- 8 pm, for our new parish faith formation forum, Why Must Catholics Believe That? It will consist of a presentation, followed by some Q&A. This week the topic will focus on what matters the most to us (or should): the need for salvation.

God bless you with much Easter joy and gratitude, Love and Life, awe and Peace through the victory of Jesus' Love over sin, and Life over death!!

Yours in the Risen Christ,

Fr scott

An Easter Hallelujah (In case you have not already received it.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j3NZEdHQaI

March 20, 2021

Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless. From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God, are my strength.

(Psalm 42.1-2, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Fifth Sunday in Lent)

Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!!

The First Reading is from the Book of Jeremiah. Following is another short Bible Project video, with the on-going sketching included, summarizing this large book of the prophet Jeremiah:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSK36cHbrk0

The Easter Triduum is less than two weeks away. It has been very difficult to plan and prepare for it this year, as we have not known what we have to work with. Are we going to be open, and with what restrictions and protocol, or are we going to be closed? We still do not know, so we have had to begin working out more than one plan. This is going to be the schedule:

Holy Thursday, 4 pm
Good Friday, 3 pm (and possibly an 11 am Service too)
Easter Vigil, 8:30 pm
Easter Sunday, 10 am (and possibly a 1 pm Mass too)

Please register through the parish office, as if we will be open for the liturgies, though it is looking less likely. As before, you can register by telephone or email, and your registration must be confirmed. You will know if the Holy Week liturgies will be going ahead for the public - just check the news. We will not be arranging to have them outside, if that is the only option, especially at this point of planning. Because of covid restrictions, the liturgies will not be as they normally have been. Certain parts will be omitted, such as the Washing of Feet and Eucharistic adoration on Holy Thursday, individual veneration of the cross on Good Friday, and the sacred fire and multiple Readers on the Easter Vigil.

I have had some difficulties, the past two weeks, connecting up with most everybody else on our Zoom parish rosary. I believe I have figured out the problem. The link in the bulletin is a different one from the recurring one I have been trying to use. We will rectify that in the next bulletin.

I pray that we are seeing the back end of this pandemic!! God bless those who have suffered so much because of it, and those who have been on the front lines of prevention, protection, and care of those inflicted.

Go forth in the Peace of Jesus,

Glorifying the Lord with your lives!!

Fr scott

March 6, 2021

When I prove my holiness among you, I will gather you from all the foreign lands; and I will pour clean water upon you and cleanse you from all your impurities, and I will give you a new spirit, says the Lord.

(Ezekiel 36.23-26, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Third Sunday in Lent.)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all!

Signs of Spring are multiplying, and they carry with them a taste of heaven and the promise of the resurrection of human life. For a while, though, we have our Lenten journey, encouraging our repentance from self centeredness, to Christ centeredness. Jesus the Christ teaches us, and makes available the grace, to move beyond our limited selves and to also live for others. That is the nature of Love. The Mass Readings for this Sunday take us on a journey from the Old Testament Law to the New Testament Cross of Love.

The First Reading takes us to Moses and to God's gift of the Ten Commandment. Below are links to two 6 minute videos, which have something on the Book of Exodus and the Ten Commandments. Both videos are animated in different ways, and are very good. The first is for adults, and the second for children (and adults?).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNpTha80yyE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sew1kBIe-W0

Last week's bulletin includes access to:

FORMED registration
Parish Zoom rosary and Stations of the Cross
Parish mission using the video series, Forgiven. This coming week will be session 3, Embraced in Mercy: The Rite Explained.

The children in catechism, who are preparing for Confirmation and Holy Communion, have each chosen and researched a saint. During our recent monthly Zoom gatherings, they each made a presentation on their chosen saint.

Rita D is out of the hospital and back home. Loretta is inviting and encouraging telephone calls to her mother, between 11:30 am to 5 pm, and even safe distancing visits, though those should be pre-arranged with Loretta. Please remember telephone calls to other isolated people too.

God bless each and every one of you. Go forward in your daily living, glorifying our Lord with your lives!

Peace and Love in Jesus,

Fr scott

February 20, 2021

When he calls on me, I will answer him; i will deliver him and give him glory, I will grant him length of days

(Psalm 90.15-16, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the First Sunday in Lent)

Dear People of Christian Faith, Hope, and Love,

The Lord be with you!!

Here we are, making the journey in Holy Lent, together, though somewhat physically and socially isolated from one another. Through the Body of Christ, though, we have spiritual unity.

There are a number of on-line Lenten activities that you can participate in, if you have not begun to already. I would like to summarize those, which were elaborated on in our last parish bulletin. I also encourage you to refer back to that bulletin (attached) for more details and for the internet links. Those Lenten activities include:

Registration with our parish subscription to FORMED, which will allow you to access quite a number of Lenten resources, and so much more.
The Forgiven video series, on the FORMED website, which we will use for a kind of parish mission, beginning this week (of Sunday, February 21).
Tim Gray's daily Lenten reflections. They are very short video reflections based on our daily Mass Readings.
Stations of the Cross via Zoom each Friday at 3 pm.
Drive through Confession in the parking lot, Saturdays, 3:30 to 4:15 pm. There is rarely a line up. This is the season to be making a special effort for this Sacrament of merciful love and forgiveness.

Link for this Sunday's Mass: https://youtu.be/BjUV1VFuWSU

Rosary on Sunday, February 21, 9:00 am: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81444891749?pwd=eVFZMERzNS9nOVdUcjJ1UkZUU1M4QT09

Looking for ideas to help your children or grandchildren return to the Catholic Church? Check out this thirty minute interview with Bishop Barron: https://return.wordonfire.org/returnbook

Link to the last bulletin: https://docs.google.com/viewera=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxvdXJsYWR5b2ZncmFjZXNhbHRzcHJpbmd8Z3g6N2FkYTJkMmVhOGQ1YzlhNg

God bless each of you with a grace-filled, holy Lenten journey, with Jesus the Christ!!

In Him,

Fr scott

6 February 2021

O come, let us worship God and bow low before the God who made us, for he is the Lord our God

(Psalm 94.6-7, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.)

Dear Parishioners, past and present, at home and at home,

Sorry to say that as of Friday, the suspension of Mass has been extended indefinitely, in compliance with our provincial health authorities. You will need to continue to worship God at home, in your own "domestic church".

Last weekend my computer screen gave up the picture. So, i might have missed some folk with the Sunday Mass link sent out from the parish office computer. For this weekend, the recorded Mass for the Fifth Sunday in OT is:

https://youtu.be/OPZy7qY3G6U

There has been a request for the Mass hymn numbers. Georgina has provided them. We'll leave Googling of the hymns to those who are sufficiently interested. For this Sunday, the hymns are from CBW 3 as follows:

577 Come, Rejoice Before Your Maker

363 Healer of Every Ill

522 Blest Are They

559 God, Who Gives to Life it's Goodness

Reception of Holy Communion to follow at 11 am, with the usual conditions.

Attached (in two formats) is a short letter from the bishops of Canada. In it, they explain why clergy are to no longer be using the word "one" whenever it is directly associated with "God" in the opening prayer (called the Collect), and in some other prayers of the Mass.

This Sunday's First Reading is from the Book of Job, which wrestles with the question of why we suffer. A very good, 11 minute summary of Job, with well done sketchings in black ink, can be accessed at:

https://www.bible.com/videos/25465-job

Rosary link for this Sunday, February 7, 9 am:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88015746115?pwd=cWFHeERCSXl5bkpCVVI5NDZ3UWhaQT09

Meeting ID: 880 1574 6115

Passcode: 277241

Lent Events

Holy Lent is less than two weeks away. It is a good time to begin considering your personal Lenten program, with the Holy Spirit as your spiritual coach.

On Ash Wednesday, we are allowed to do up to three Masses. So i will do a recorded Mass at 9 am, and send out a link later that day, to accompany another Mass, to be offered at 4 pm. Holy Communion and the distribution of ashes will be available from 4:45 to 5:15, for those who are interested. Reception of Holy Communion is conditional, including your participation in the recorded Mass, beginning at 4 pm. Because of covid, ashes are not to be imposed on our foreheads this year, but "sprinkled" instead.
Tim Grey's daily Lenten reflections. There will be a link in the next bulletin to sign up to automatically receive his biblical reflections for each day of Lent. For those who do not know him, he is a very good Catholic biblical scholar. (I had the honour of meeting him and his wife last year at a priest conference in California.)
There might be a parish Lenten Mission using an online video series called "Forgiven". Stay tuned for more on that.

God bless you in the Peace and Love

of Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

23 January 2021

Dear People of Christian Faith and Good Will!

Some Good News: Lance Anderson has moved from the inquiry stage of the RCIA program, to the catechumenate. Since September, he has been in formation toward the possibility of entering into the Catholic Church this Spring, along with his three boys. The boys have been in our 2 year Sacrament program for the past 1 1/2 years. If Masses were not currently suspended, we would be having a "Rite of Welcoming" for Lance. Please keep him (and his family) in your prayers, as he continues to journey toward full communion with the Catholic Church, and reception of the Sacraments that build upon baptism.

I am sorry to say that Gerard Farry has passed on. I understand that he was Instrumental in the building of the rectory. This evening's Mass was offered up for the repose of his soul and consolation for his family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.

Here is the link for Mass at OLG this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time:

https://youtu.be/UfXxHQpAMOU

Weather permitting, you may receive Holy Communion, if you desire and follow through with the established directives.

Attached is a letter from Bishop Gary.

Two Zoom events, both on the same day, this Sunday, January 24:

1) The rosary at 9 am.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82633627088?pwd=ek03b21leGpMa1NITk1NT2dhVzdwZz09

Meeting ID: 826 3362 7088

Passcode: 010241

2) A parish social at 1 pm, per notice in our bulletin. Bring your own cookies and milk.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85214033632?pwd=TzMxbVdYaTRXSzIvSUsweVlzQ05YZz09

Meeting ID: 852 1403 3632

Passcode: 808012

God bless you all! Will see some of you at the zoom.

In Christ our Saviour,

Fr scott

Year 2020

25 December 2020

Merry Christmas!

Jesus the Christ is born!!

Hallelujah!!

Are any of you home alone for Christmas? If you are, i am sorry. At the same time, we really aren't alone. The reason for the Christmas season is JESUS. The Christ Child transcends time and space. He is Emmanual, God with us. Sometimes a simpler Christmas, allows more room for the Baby Jesus to be present in the inn of our heart, and for us to be present to Him, at the side of His manager, along with Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the donkey. We are not alone. Come let us adore Him!!

CHRISTMAS SONGS

(Youtube advertising precedes some of them.)

O Come, All Ye Faithful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI2c9yptr4U

What Child is This?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbvwwwTqeRo

Joy to the World

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXAWz1jwCow

Hallelujah (Handel)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VX7L1WK3fg

Christmas Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church

I am sorry that the recorded Christmas Mass at OLG Church will not process for sending out.

Instead, just for Christmas day, you can connect with another Christmas Mass at about 10 am, if you want to receive Holy Communion at the church between 11 and 11:30 am.

Here are links to Masses with Bishops Robert Barron and Gary Gordon, and another very beautiful Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UGdg9iVFSc

https://www.rcdvictoria.org/diocese-of-victoria-live-stream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrZYDRYAcVk

Attached are 2 photos of our church and my Christmas homily.

Parish Rosary

Sunday, Dec 27, 9 am

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85923497202?pwd=bS85VTFVZ200NmpVQ3BlNXY0V2Nydz09

Meeting ID: 859 2349 7202

Passcode: 180692

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12 December 2020

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.

(Philippians 4.4-5, Entrance Antiphon for the 3rd Sunday of Advent)

Dear Christian Folk,

We have so much to be thankful for and to rejoice in, even when we are suffering. Indeed the Lord is near, not only in the birthday of Jesus, when we celebrate and re-enter that divine event at Christmas. But, also in His nearness to us ALL OF THE TIME!

It was certainly disappointing news to hear that our provincial government will not allow Christian places of worship to be open for Christmas, and that we are closed down until midnight, on January 8. My hope and prayer is that the spread of the covid infection will be greatly reduced during this partial lockdown. And, that we might be open for Mass on January 9/10. That would be for the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, which is situated at the end of our Christmas season. Then, at least some of you would be able to enjoy a Mass in the Christmas season and spirit, including with our decorated tree and nativity scene. Yes, arrangements have been made for a Christmas tree, thanks to Marianne. Since those arrangements, there have been various offers to provide OLG Church with a Christmas tree. Thank you!!!

This Sunday in Advent is Gaudete Sunday. Rose is the colour, as it signifies something more joyous than the penitential purple. (See attached photo). What is so joyful this time of the year, at this point in Advent? The birthday of Jesus is getting very near. You might not feel joyful about that, if Christmas preparations are getting in the way of the spiritual nearness of Jesus. The Readings for this Sunday can be reached at the following link to the website of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB): http://ec2-34-245-7-114.eu-west-1.compute.amazonaws.com/daily-texts/reading/2020-12-13. A homily is attached.

Drive in Confession continues, Saturdays, 3:30 to 4:15 pm. It is covid safe and has been working really well. If you have yet to try it out, just drive up to the orange cones parallel to my pickup truck, in the church parking lot. Regardless of the weather, you stay reasonably comfortable, until i give you your penance.

Here's another quote from 15 year old Blessed Carlo Acutis. This one is related to Confession. “Our soul is like a hot air balloon. If by chance there is a mortal sin, the soul falls to the ground. Confession is like the fire underneath the balloon enabling the soul to rise again. . . It is important to go to confession often.”

Our parish rosary via Zoom will continue this Sunday, Dec 13, 9:00 am. Please consider joining us, if you have not done so already. It really does provide a wonderful parish connection, with a tiny social dimension to it, and an opportunity to pray with others, which is often easier to do than on your own. Click on the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83445838051?pwd=VGg5dENzVzZDL2NWU1kvTnRUMkdQQT09

Meeting ID: 834 4583 8051

Passcode: 228753

Tony Petrinov would like you to know that he got a pacemaker "installed" this past Thursday, and is already feeling stronger and more energetic. Please keep him in your prayers as he heals and lives with the loss of Linda.

Go forth, witnessing to the Lord Jesus, with your lives!!

Joyfully awaiting the birthday of Jesus,

Fr scott

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November 28, 2020

To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame.

(Psalm 24.1-3, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 1st Sunday in Advent)

Dear Parish Family,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

This greeting is the same words that we read and hear from St Paul, in the Second Reading for this Sunday's Mass. We begin this first Mass in the season of Advent, blessing the Advent wreath and lighting a candle on it. (Photos of wreath and church in Advent colours are attached.) I am sorry that you cannot be present, especially for the beginning of a new liturgical year, and the start of our liturgical and spiritual preparations for Christmas. It is my hope and prayer, along with many of yours, that our church will be open for Christmas.

There is a recent letter from Bishop Gary on the new covid restrictions and directives for our churches in the diocese. That should be getting onto our parish website very soon, if you have not already seen it.

If you have not received an Advent booklet and want one, please contact the parish office to arrange that with Daniela. With our new liturgical year, we also have new Sunday Missals. For any of our current lectors who would like a copy at home, that can also be arranged through the parish office, or at the sani-station when we reopen. If anybody wants some large, already-been-used Advent candles, 3 purple and 1 pink, for making a wreath, we have a set of them from a prior year. There is still lots of life in them. Again, arrangements can be made through the parish office.

The Sacrament of Confession continues on in the parking lot of OLG Church, on Saturdays, 3:30 to 4:15 pm. Advent is an especially important time of the year for that.

I have attached a homily for this First Sunday of Advent. If you don't have access to the Mass Readings, here's a link to them: http://ec2-34-245-7-114.eu-west-1.compute.amazonaws.com/daily-texts/reading/2020-11-29

The Catholic Bishops of Canada have produced "a new online weekly video series created to help the Canadian Catholic faithful to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus," titled Journey through Advent. You can access and read more about it through the following link: https://zenit.org/2020/11/24/canadian-bishops-offer-video-journey-through-advent/

Our Parish Council has put together a Christmas Mass schedule, including for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. That schedule will be in the next bulletin. Providing that we can reopen for Christmas, prior registration through the parish office will be required for attendance to one of those Masses. We are still looking for a Christmas tree. Can somebody help with that?

Thank you to the few who responded to my request for some refining of the various tv channels I previously sent out, where virtual Mass can be found. Shaw subscribers now have a more comprehensive and accurate list below. I would also like to hear from somebody who has Telus.

Mass on the TV:

Salt and Light Television, 160 (Shaw): 5 am, 8 am, 9 am (at St Peter's, Rome), noon, & 7:30 pm.
Joy, 7 (Shaw): 7:30 am.
EWTN, 130 (Shaw): 5 am, 8:30 am, 4 pm (at St Peter's, Rome)
Vision, 120 (Shaw): 5 am and 9 am

There is also Mass on the radio, as I have been kindly informed, and share with you:

If you have Francophone parishioners - there is a Mass on the CBC Radio-Canada at 10:00 am coming from l´Oratoire Saint-Joseph in Montréal every Sunday for the shut ins. This has been a regular feature of Radio-Canada for more years than I can remember. (It is a full hour Mass with a half dozen priests taking their rotating turns. It used to be with a full choir & organist & large public attendance. Due to covid-19 it is scaled back to the organist & one or two singers & a few nuns in attendance). Well worth the listening.

Leaving off on a rather sad note, Madeleine Cooper will be moving to Victoria. She says the move will be sometime near to the end of December. As many of you already know, she has been a long time parishioner here and has really invested herself into the parish. Among other contributions, she has been an altar server, extra-ordinary minister of Holy Communion, and gardener, planting and caring for many flowers and shrubs on our church property.

Go forth Madeleine, and each of you, glorifying the Lord with your lives!!

Peace and expectant joy in the birth of Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

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November 13, 2020

The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place.

(Jeremiah 29.11,12,14, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Fall is definitely with us. It is such a beautiful and dynamic time of the year, though Spring is still my favourite.

In only two weeks, we will be entering Advent, followed by Christmas. A Christmas Mass schedule should be out at the beginning of December. I am hoping that we can have another Christmas tree in OLG Church. However, our former supplier has no more trees. So, I am wondering if anyone would have a fitting tree on your property? Or perhaps in your neighbour's yard? 😉 We are looking for an evergreen that is 9-12 feet tall. Would want it sometime shortly before the weekend of December 19/20. No earlier, if possible, as it will be in the church until January 10, which is the last day of the Christmas season. Please contact me or the parish office, if you can help obtain one for the church. Thank you.

We recently lost a parishioner, and gained one. Marilyn Wasney has moved to Alberta with her family. God bless them and their new home. Diane Turner gave birth to a girl, whom they have named Veronica. Congratulations to her and Andrew, and to little Thomas! She will be baptized in Vancouver.

This Sunday, Nov 15, 9 am will be another parish Zoom rosary. This is a chance to pray together as parishioners, past and present, and especially for those unable to get to Mass. It is a way for us to connect as a parish - and for some to re-connect. If you are not familiar with praying the rosary, or aren't particularly keen on it, I encourage you to join us, just the same. It is simple, and you don't even need a rosary, or 10 fingers. Just your prayerful presence.

This Sunday has been designated World Day of the Poor. Bishop Gary's blog speaks to it and to what some parishes in the Diocese are doing for the poor. His blog can be accessed below: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/diocesanblog/we-shall-remember-them-lest-we-forget

I want to thank all of the people, who have contributed bleach, wipes, hand sanitizer, gloves and masks during past months. We currently have a good supply of all of those items. Thank you!! Thanks also to the many parishioners who continue to financially support the parish, even those who are not able to be attending Mass. We recently had one large donation from a former parishioner. God bless her and each of you for your generosity and thoughtfulness!!

As we move further into the Fall and then into Winter, and as we become more isolated by various covid restrictions, we still need to find ways of connecting with each other. I know some parishioners are already getting depressed and feeling lonely. I would encourage you to continue or resume telephone contact with the various people I arranged for last March. I also have asked Daniela to start going through our parishioner list, contacting each person on it. So, sooner or later you should be getting a call from her, and hopefully one or more from me again. If you aren't getting any calls, please make some yourself, to connect, and to let us know.

The Gospel Reading for this Sunday is the parable of the talents. Each and every person has a unique mix of talents given to us. Happiness is found in using those talents for the good of others and for the glory of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Go forth in the Peace, Love, and Life of Christ,

Fr scott

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1 November 2020

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, as we celebrate the feast day in honour of all the Saints, at whose festival the Angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.

(Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Solemnity of All Saints)

Dear Parishioners,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

This will be a short note.

A few weeks ago, i discovered that a number of people had been dropped, some way, from the parishioner's email list. Sorry for that.

We recently got Bishop Gary's updated covid directives. Most of the changes, as few as they are, don't affect us, except that we are now "strongly encouraged" to be wearing masks during Mass. We have extra masks, if you want to ask for one at the "sani-station". When wearing a mask, it is good practice to take it off just before receiving Holy Communion.

Attached is my homily for this weekend, together with some photos loosely associated with it, from my paddle retreat.

God bless you!

May your lives be a holy journey, with all the Saints, through Jesus the Christ.

Fr scott

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October 4, 2020

(Esther 4.17, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Lord be with you!!

The Mass Readings for this Sunday can be accessed at: http://ec2-34-245-7-114.eu-west-1.compute.amazonaws.com/daily-texts/reading/2020-10-04 Just the same, here's the Gospel Reading:

Matthew 21.33-43

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country.

“When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way.

“Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.’ So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.

“Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.”

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’?

“Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

On October 10, Carlos Acutis will be beatified. He died in 2006 and was only 15 years old. He was a computer genius, and his body has been found to be incorrupt, but those are not the reasons why he will be beatified. No, he is to be beatified because of the holiness of his life, which was centered on our Eucharistic Lord.

Following is a link to much more information on Carlos, including a passionate interview with his mother. There is also a lengthy, computer generated animation, for adults and youth, that he was largely responsible for. It focuses on numerous topics related to the real and special presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, including the miracle at Lanciano. https://carloacutis-en.org/?ml_subscriber=1517541244450903047&ml_subscriber_hash=v2d4

Let us give praise, honour, worship and thanksgiving to God our Father, through Jesus Christ, His Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit!!

God bless you!

Fr scott

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September 18, 2020

I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord. Should they cry to me in any distress, I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever.

(Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Dear Family of Christian Faith,

These smokey conditions are lingering long and affecting many of us. I hope it can be a reminder to pray for those who have lost their homes and/or lives, because of the wild fires, and to pray for the many others throughout the world suffering from natural and human caused disasters. Let us pray for all of them and give God thanks for the abundance of goodness in our lives.

Many parishioners from of old would have known Elsa Drummond. Well, she passed onward early this morning. She was 101 years, plus another 6 months or so. There will be a Funeral Mass for her at OLG on Thursday, September 24, 10:30 am, followed by a burial at St Paul's Cemetery. I understand she was one of Christ's faithful servants and an active member of our parish life. Please consider attending the funeral. There will be a small number of family present. As usual during these covid times, you will need to pre-register through the parish office.

Please join my condolences and prayers for Diane Turner and her family. Her father, Mike Shackleford, died quite suddenly and unexpectedly a day or two ago. He was living in South Africa, together with the rest of his family. It will not be possible for Diane to get there. This morning's Mass was offered up for him and his family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. May he rest in peace!

The life of another one of Christ's faithful servants is currently winding down, quite quickly. That would be Andrea's mother, Patricia Kathleen Davidson. She is in her 90's, lives in the lower mainland, and continues to fight the good fight of following Jesus the Christ, to the end. Please pray for her and her family. This is both a critical and sacred time in the life of Pat, as she prepares to pass onward, from life in this world and into eternal life with our beloved Jesus, we pray.

Finally, among these notes of loss, is one other. Our almost life-time parish collection counter and Finance Committee member, Susan Eide, has moved to Victoria, together with her husband. Along with many others on SSI, we will dearly miss her presence and her generous contributions to the life of our parish. Much of what she did for us was rather hidden, and therefore done out of pure love and kindness for our parish. God bless her and Lyle with their new home life.

The number of people registered for Saturday evening Mass has just grown by three, including a new parishioner named Carlos. Our Sunday Mass remains slightly overbooked, with a short waiting list. If any person who is currently registered for Sunday, would be able to attend the Saturday evening Mass instead, that would be very much appreciated. If so, please contact the parish office.

The refrain for this Sunday's psalm is: "The Lord is near to all who call on him". Yes, He is always near to us, awaiting our invitation to enter into our daily life. In perfect love and humility, our all powerful God does not impose Himself. Instead He awaits us to take the hand of Jesus, who leads us to our Father.

God bless each and everyone of you. Please continue your prayers, and many of them. There is so much to be praying for.

Go forth in the world, or on this small island, or wherever you are, bringing the Peace, Light, and Love of Jesus the Christ with you, for others!!

In Christ,

Fr Scott

An update:

Patricia Davidson has passed on from our human life in this world. Tomorrow evening's Mass will be offered up for the repose of her soul, and for Andrea and her grieving family. Eternal rest grant unto Patricia, O Lord!

Short video:

Below is a link to a 8+ minute video from Fr Mike Schmitz. It is a very good one, I found, on making decisions, doing the will of God, and discerning signs . . .

https://media.ascensionpress.com/video/whats-a-sign-from-god-and-what-isnt/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Weekly+Media+Roundup+(New)&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fmedia.ascensionpress.com%2fvideo%2fwhats-a-sign-from-god-and-what-isnt%2f&utm_id=195804&sfmc_id=78123969

Fr s

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August 7, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

I am back from holidays - a week with my mother and a week on the west coast, paddling in Barkley Sound, in the Deer Group of islands. Thank you for your prayers. I am temporarily exhausted with catching up. Please pray now, that I get a homily done tonight.

There has been much news about hand sanitizers that are not approved for use. We have checked out ours and they are approved, including the ones that have been donated. Thank you for those donations, and thanks for the anonymous donations of wipes, which were just in time and will be for our future use too.

Please continue your prayers for our ailing and more isolated parishioners, including Ruth and Rita D, who had a fall and was hospitalized for a time.

This year we did not have our AGM. Just the same, Joyce has put together a written report for us. Thank you, Joyce! It is a reminder that we are a parish family, which is life-giving, both spiritually and socially, for both parishioners and the many we reach out to. In the words of St Paul, it is the love of Christ that urges us on.

God bless each of you!!

Pax Christi,

Fr scott

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July 10, 2020

"As for me, in justice I shall behold your face; I shall be filled with the vision of your glory"

(Psalm 16.15, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

I would like to share with you a message from the bishop of Nelson Diocese, where my mother lives. It was in her bulletin a week or so ago. Each diocese has had a different response to our covid precautions, according to the directives of each bishop. At the same time, Bishop Gregory very much speaks to something of our common reality and experience in the re-opening of our churches. (I shortened the part about singing, as we have none.)

"Greetings in the Lord!

It has now been approximately 1 month since re-opening our parishes. It seems most things are going very well.

A big thank you to our pastors, staff and volunteers who have helped to set up our churches for Mass and prayer. I know that everyone is grateful to be able to come to church once again. Another big thank you to all who are respecting the restrictions we need to follow to keep everyone safe.

I remind everyone that we need to keep vigilant, even if it seems we’re managing the virus well. This keeps everyone from harm, clergy and lay faithful alike, and protects those most vulnerable from infection by the virus. We need to be cognizant that many people are caring for sick or elderly family, and we are acting with the utmost charity, when we keep others before ourselves.

Please be aware that we are all being scrutinized for what we do and don’t do now that our churches have reopened. This is why it is important to follow our guidelines for re-opening.

There are 2 concerns that have been brought to my attention recently, which i must address, since they pose the greatest risk to our clergy and lay faithful. They are:

1. Singing during Mass [. . .]

2. Communion on the hand: this is to be the only method of distribution and reception of Holy Communion. The danger of contamination from the virus is too great to take this risk.

I know the above restrictions will be more difficult for some people than others, but we have to look to the common good over and above our personal desires or even rights. The very lives of our vulnerable and at risk brothers and sisters are at stake. Surely, we can put them before ourselves. Again, these measures are temporary and are not meant to be permanent.

Please continue to pray for an end to the pandemic and for quick development of a vaccine.

God bless all of you and keep you well!

Gregory J Bittman

Bishop of Nelson"

This week we revisited our protocol on the attendance of visitors at our regular weekend Masses. It was reaffirmed that attendance is to be restricted to parishioners only, both full and part timers. I am sorry, especially during this time of year when family members are visiting.

Thank you to those who brought some sani wipes. We will happily receive any more that come our way, and will reimburse your costs, if it is accompanied with a receipt. They can be left at the parish office, or at the sani-station when you come to Mass.

Linda Petrinov's funeral (Saturday, 11 am) still has space for about 10 more people. We are prepared to receive and register people at the door, on a "first come first served basis". Doors will be opened to the public 15 minutes before the funeral. Masks will be offered, but not mandatory.

There will be a parish rosary via Zoom this Tuesday, 8:30 am.

God bless each of you!!

Sincerely in Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

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June 27, 2020

All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to God with shouts of joy!

(Psalm 46.2, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Lord be with you!!!

Just a short note here. I did get out for a 4 day paddle. It was a really good one, including a couple of spectacular wildlife sightings, some treasured solitude, a few shots of adrenaline getting through Porlier Pass, and a lot of exercise. Thanks be to God for all of that and more!!!

Linda Petrinov is in the hospital in Duncan, dying. She is unconscious. Tony is walking to the hospital 4 times a day to be with her. Please keep them in your prayers.

Noella and Michael Fraser recently became grandparents, again. That would make Larry and Ethel great grandparents, again. Congratulations!!

Congratulations, also, to our high school grads, especially to Samantha Shoore and Jada Myers. God bless you and your future. May your lives be a pursuit of God's calling of you!

Registration for the Sunday Mass is completely full, with a short waiting list. Lots more room at the Saturday evening Mass. It is an especially good Mass to attend if you are looking for extra safe distancing.

Here's a link to Bishop Barron's homily for this Sunday: https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/elisha-and-the-shunemite-woman/27754/ i have yet to do mine.

We are transitioning into an altered way of coming together and celebrating Mass, which is likely to be with us for a while. We will get more used to it, and better at it. What i am appreciating so much is the presence of many of you. For the many people unable to be present, for whatever reasons, God bless you and keep you safe!! I am hoping to see you again, some time!

Pax Christi,

Fr scott

PS We are getting low on sani wipes. I have been unsuccessful finding some more locally. If anyone can get their hands on some for the parish, would appreciate that. You could leave them with the person at our church sani-station, or at the parish office, along with a receipt for reimbursement. Thank you!!

PSS We received a donation of masks for the parish. If anyone wants to take one or two, just ask the person at our church sani station.

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June 20, 2020

"The Lord is the strength of his people, a saving refuge for the one he has anointed.

Save your people, Lord, and bless your heritage, and govern them for ever."

(Psalm 27.8-9, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!!

This weekend will be our third one, with the offering of Mass once more at OLG Church. The protocol team continues to have a weekly Skype meeting, to refine what we are doing. Sometimes that means tightening up our protocol, and other times, it means loosening it up. We had music this past Sunday, with no singing - only humming allowed. With lots of practice, we might be able to do a CD under the label of Our Lady of Grace Happy Hummers, or something catchier.

This week the protocol team discussed the possibility of kneeling. That took us in a variety of directions, including an examination of what would be involved in sanitizing the kneelers. What seemed quite simple, at first, wasn't, and we concluded that standing will continue to take the place of kneeling. I am sorry to those who have a special regard, and rightly so, for kneeling, as a sign of reverence, humility, adoration, worship. . . to God. We are certainly open to further discussion, to see if we can make it possible, without kneeling directly on the floor nor damaging the carpet or kneeler coverings with disinfectant.

Also, with further input from Bishop Gary, we decided that for now, Mass attendance will be reserved for parishioners only. That would include those who are part-timers, with their primary residence elsewhere in BC. They too must pre-register. We also have a new parishioner signed up for the Saturday Mass. Please welcome her, if you have a chance.

Our Sunday Mass has full registration, but there are some possible openings. If you have not already registered and want to, and cannot attend the Saturday, 5 pm Mass, please put your name on a waiting list for Sunday. I am considering the possibility of an additional Sunday Mass, like at 8 am. That will be given more serious consideration, if the Saturday Mass fills up significantly more, and there is a substantial number of people on the Sunday waiting list.

Rita D got to Mass last Sunday. She was beaming with joy!!! And so were we.

Father's Day is tomorrow. God bless each and every man, for the giving of your lives, for others. Our fatherhood is expressed in the begetting of life, parenting, grand-parenting, god-parenting, and other expressions of fathering. We tend to be protective, and teach in word, and example.

Next week, I might be getting out for 3-4 days of kayaking, locally, over to Dionisio Park on Galiano and perhaps to Blackberry Point on Valdez. There is a large tide exchange, so currents will be strong. Weather looks like it will be very good. Daniela will take care of ole Pasquali.

In the Gospel Reading for this Sunday, Jesus says, "Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body." How do those words currently relate to the threat of the covid virus? Yes, it can kill the body, or at least inflict it with illness. Fear not!!! The greater fear should be what kills the soul, which is something we very much have control over. Each and every person is called into a saving relationship with Jesus. How are you responding to that invitation? Even under the threat of death, illness or injury, the health of our soul is determined by the choices we freely make. As Victor Frankl discovered in concentration/extermination camps, such as Auschwitz, and wrote about in "Man's Search for Meaning", even when our lives have been stripped of most everything, we still have the freedom to make the most fundamental and important decisions of our lives.

Your telephone calls are still very important to those suffering from physical and social isolation. Loneliness was a contributing factor to the recent loss of one of our parishioners. God rest his soul in peace!!!

Our lives are much more interconnected in the spiritual dimension, let alone in our physical world, than we might think. Let us not live in isolation, as if our little world is all that matters. Jesus showed that our lives are intended to be poured out for others!

Pax Christi,

Father scott

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June 12, 2020

"He fed them with the finest wheat and satisfied them with honey from the rock."

(Entrance Antiphon for Corpus Christi Sunday, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ)

The Lord be with you!!

Last weekend was really wonderful, being surrounded again by physically present people, giving praise, worship, and thanksgiving to God, in spiritual communion with countless others. It was such a joy to have gathered again, around the Eucharistic altar, even if there have been many changes since we were last together. Now, attending Mass is something like the pre-boarding of an airline jet, in the lining up for all of the safety/security measures. It seems to have gone quite smoothly, though, for a first weekend. Your patience and flexibility is very much appreciated. Please remember that all of these new measures are intended to promote the protection of others, especially in consideration that we do have a large number of vulnerable people, whose health is compromised or they are beyond the age of 65, or both.

For everybody's consideration, I would like to repeat some basic instructions:

1. Safe distance at least 6 feet. That includes in the pews, which means sitting at opposite ends.

2. Please do not take an aisle seat, when the window seat has yet to be filled.

3. Please, please, please let go of your historical place of seating. That can lead to a reduced number of people that we can get into the church, with safe distancing.

4. You must pre-register for Mass. That needs to happen during office hours, and your registration must be confirmed before you show up.

5. Sunday Masses are pretty well full. Any remaining spots are being reserved for those not able to attend an evening Mass, and for our young families.

6. Reserve the handicap parking spaces, and the two back rows of pews (in the main body of the church), for those with mobility issues.

7. If you have not already read the protocol, it is again attached. Please be familiar with it prior to coming to Mass. One modification to the protocol: after Holy Communion, people are welcome to return to their seat; dismissal will happen after the final blessing.

I will be resuming Confession in the parking lot, with different hours, though. Every Saturday, starting immediately, I will be sitting in my pickup from 3:30 to 4:15 pm. Please come during that time, if at all possible. If not, phone me to make other arrangements.

Bishop Gary Gordon has taken over the pastoral care of Pender Island, and relieved me of the need to be commuting there. That happened extremely quickly, and he has already had a Mass for them. I have been pastor there for 5 years, and have enjoyed a very good relationship with many of the people. I am sorry to be departing the people, but I am not sorry to be leaving behind the commute. I have had almost every mission in this diocese, including Ahousaht, Tahsis, Zeballos, Port Alice, Hornby Island, Ocluje, and many more. Going to other Gulf Islands, from Salt Spring Island, has been way more onerous than travel to any of those other missions. I will very much miss some of the Pender folk, and they have appreciated some connection with the SSI folk, such as on our past inter-Gulf Island pilgrimages.

This Sunday we focus on the great gift from Jesus the Christ: the eternal gift of his Body and Blood, poured out for us on the cross, and remaining with us in the Eucharist. Come let us adore Him!!

Peace in Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

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June 5, 2020

Blessed be God the Father, and the Only Begotten Son of God, and also the Holy Spirit, for he has shown us his merciful love.

(Entrance Antiphon for this Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you!!

Good news!! Our Lady of Grace Church will be open for Mass this weekend, for the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, and St. Teresa's Chapel will be open for a Liturgy of the Word Service the following weekend, on Corpus Christi Sunday. I want to thank those who helped so much with their various contributions toward the establishment of safety protocol, the special preparations of the physical spaces, and the provision of protective equipment and materials, like hand sanitizers and disposable gloves. This has been a multi-team effort, and not an easy task, involving a multitude of considerations, points of view, discussions, and decisions. The goal has been to gather again as a People of Faith, taking new measures to protect one another from the potential transmission of a covid infection.

This is a good time, during this low risk time of infection, to put into practice new habits intended to protect each and everyone of us from some future covid infection. As we go on, we will refine some of our practices, to maximize the protection of each and every person, so that we can come together without the threat of passing on some serious infection. Your cooperation, patience and input in that direction is appreciated.

In the COVID-19 Updates page, you will find a copy of the protocol that has been articulated. Please ensure that every adult intending to be present, has read the protocol, or had it read to them. That is essential. It will make the re-opening experience go more smoothly for everybody. Thank you!!

Since every person intending to attend Mass, will need to enter the church through the main door, it is really important to reserve those handicap parking spaces for people with mobility issues. If any person is planning to accompany somebody who needs mobility assistance, please consider coming to your first Mass on your own, to become familiar with all of the changes. We would like to leave the back two rows of seating, in the main part of the church, for those with mobility issues. In the annex, we would like to leave the back row or two for some of our young families, though they are in no way being restricted to those pews. Please do not sit at the aisle end of a pew, IF there is nobody seated on the other end of the pew - ie. against the wall. That is problematic. People will need to enter the church with some detachment from their historic places of seating.

Many people will choose to not yet attend, so as to maximize their safety and protection from any potential infection. We will start small and carefully. Please do not forget the people who are still living very much of an isolated life, needing a telephone call or two, and prayer. There will be no Zoom rosary during this transitional time, though perhaps something later on, at a different time than recently established.

Our life in the Trinity is mostly a mystery. Thanks to God the Father's plan, Jesus "put a face on God" when he took on human nature and a human body. It was through the incarnation of Jesus, that we learned so much more about ourselves, our calling, and our God, including the trintarian nature of God: three Persons, yet one God. Through Jesus, heaven was opened up for humanity, and the Church was established to help us get there. The Holy Spirit was sent to animate the Church, as a human soul gives life to the body.

Soon, the scattered family of St Teresa's Chapel and Our Lady of Grace Parish will begin to gather together, as a people of faith and worship, hope and praise, courage and thanksgiving, light and love. Will see some of you very soon!!

Go forth, safe distancing,

in the Life and Love of Jesus!

In the Holy Trinity,

Fr scott

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May 30, 2020

The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit of God dwelling within us, alleluia.

(Romans 5.5; cf 8.11, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday.)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with each of you!

This Pentecost Sunday brings an end to our Easter Season, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, after he had ascended into heaven, to guide and teach us in his ways. The Holy Spirit would become the animating Spirit of the Church, making Jesus present to us, and within us. The gifts of the Holy Spirit would help Christians witness to Jesus, with courage and perseverance, conviction and passion, wisdom and truth, light and peace, love and joy. Come Holy Spirit, en-kindle in us the fire of your love.

So our churches are opening up. Just a small crack, at this time, but enough to let the Light of Christ shine out to us. Two small groups are helping me establish protocol, applying the many directives Bishop Gary made known last week. It is an interesting, challenging, and tiring process. The group from Our Lady of Grace Church have started off with a different emphasis than the group from St Teresa's Chapel. Next week we meet again by way of video-conferencing, to rework and refine the protocol. The aim is to maximize the safety of each person intending to be present at one of the liturgies.

There will be two Masses at OLG Church: Saturday, 5 pm and Sunday, 10 am, but no other Masses. If there were other Masses, such as a weekday Mass or two, you would still be allowed to attend only 1 Mass each week. If interested in attending one of the 2 scheduled Masses, you must register ahead of time. Please phone (250-537-2150) or email the parish office (ourladyofgrace@shaw.ca) to register. We might be ready to open for the weekend of June 6 & 7. We'll let you know next week, but you can still begin registering for a Mass time, and your registration must be confirmed by the parish office. That means registrations must take place before Friday, noon, at which time the parish office is closed for the weekend. If you normally attend the Sunday, 9 am Mass, please consider shifting to the one on Saturday, 5 pm.

We will have another Zoom rosary this Sunday, at 9:30 am. Same link and password as the last few weeks.

Looking forward to the beginnings of the gathering together of our parish family, and to seeing your faces.

In the words of Jesus: "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (to be missionary disciples).

God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit!

Fr scott

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May 23, 2020

Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at the heavens? This Jesus whom you saw ascending into heaven will return as you saw him go, alleluia.

(Acts 1.11, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.)

Dear Christian Family,

This weekend we celebrate the ascension of Jesus into heaven. The greatness of this event, is that Jesus brought our humanity into heaven for the first time. Through Him, with Him, and in Him, our humanity has been elevated above the dignity of angels, and is seated next to God the Father. That is the glory of the ascension. It is our glory before God!

Attached (on the covid-19 page) are three documents recently sent out by the diocesan office. Sounds like quite a number of people have already received them. One is a pastoral letter from Bishop Gary on re-opening our churches. The next two documents have many directives for doing that. Next week, I will be forming a small group of people on both Salt Spring and Pender to discuss the implementation of these directives. It is even more complex than it looks. We will need some time to put it all together, to maximize the protection of all who will be involved in our divine liturgy. Pentecost Sunday will not necessarily be our opening day. You will be informed, though, when we are ready.

In the meantime, we will continue to have our Zoom rosary on Sunday, at 9:30 am. Same link and password as the last two weeks. Give me a call or email, if you want to join, but are unsure of how to do that. Just don't wait until Sunday morning. 😐

On the OLG website, check out the sung blessing over Canada, done by an assortment of Christian denominations from across Canada. You'll find it on the homepage: http://www.ourladyofgrace-saltspring.ca/. And on the Covid-19 page is an encouraging Ascension Sunday message from Cardinal Bo. "This day, he said, is the celebration of victory of light over darkness, life over death, hope over despair, good over evil, God over Satan."

I am hoping to see some of your beautiful faces, soonish!☺

The Lord be with you!

Go in peace!

Trusting in the resurrected and ascended Lord,

Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

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May 16, 2020

Proclaim a joyful sound and let it be heard; proclaim to the ends of the earth:

The Lord has freed his people, alleluia.

(Isaiah 48.20, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 6th Sunday of Easter)

Dear Past and Present Parishioners,

There is talk of re-opening the churches for Mass. Alleluia!! Each bishop will have his own variation of what that will look like. It sounds like the Mass will be very different, though, from what we are accustomed to, and may include: no singing (perhaps we can hum instead); no Sunday Missals or missalettes; no Servers or Sacristan; no procession of the gifts or the passing of the collection basket; no lingering in the church; Holy Communion to be distributed in the hand, beneath a plexi-glass barrier; sanitization protocol; and of course physical distancing, which will limit the number of people present . . .. When ready, Bishop Gary will be releasing the details. Then, it will take some time to properly prepare the churches and people. These are precautionary measures to minimize the risks of spreading a covid infection. It is not yet time for us to be moving into the norm that we were so used to, and desire. I am sorry! I know the changes will be difficult to "get our heads around", including for me.

Our parish AGM was scheduled for May 3. That did not happen, obviously, and we will be forgoing it completely this year. Because we are not a registered society, but a charity, it is not mandatory, though laudable to have these AGM's.

Thank you to those who showed up this week to help with the grounds at OLG Church: weeding, planting, and raking up fir cones. The yard is looking really good. Please come by to see it, if you can, including the garden in front of the church. That project has been a lot of work, but it has gone well and is near completion. I will attach a couple photos of it. There have been some generous donations toward the cost of the plants and soil. Thank you.

During this past week, not much has been added to our parish website, except a selection of videos, podcasts and articles from Ascension, including a video "Forgive and Forget": Is it Really Possible?

Please continue your prayers and your telephone outreach. Both of those activities are invaluable, and each person can do them. Those are important ways that we can extend the love of God to others. We will continue with our Zoom rosary this Sunday, same time (9:30) and place, and the same link and password as last week.

I continue to have daily Mass, except on Mondays. At those times, and at other times in the day, especially near to the end of it, I visit with you in prayer, and present you to God our Father, through Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. I also continue specific prayers, for specific people, with specific burdens, sufferings, hopes and needs, as we all journey in this blessed life to our ultimate goal of eternal life in heaven. God bless you, and . . .

The Lord be with you!

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord!

Peace and Love in the Resurrected Christ,

Fr scott

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May 9, 2020

O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders;

in the sight of the nations he has shown his deliverance, alleluia.

(Psalm 97.1-2, Entrance Antiphon for Mass on the 5th Sunday of Easter)

Dear Parishioners,

We are at the 5th Sunday of Easter, already, and something close to 2 months has passed since there was public Mass. It really has gone quickly for me. How about for you? Most people seem to be weathering the covid isolation quite well, though not without some anxieties or deprivations, extra stresses and considerations; some are thriving with their more home-centered life; and a few are not doing well at all. The isolation they were already experiencing, pre-covid, has really intensified and has even disrupted their will to live. Please keep up your prayers and telephone outreach!!

A happy, blessed Mother's Day to all mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, godmothers, and to all women who exercise their motherhood in a variety of ways. God bless you for the giving of your lives, so that others may be nurtured, encouraged, cared for, and know the love of God through you.

Talking about the gift of self. Did you catch the news about 29 staff workers at a nursing home in Villanova, France? They locked themselves in the nursing home for 47 days, so as to continue to take care of the residents, while at the same time reduce the chances of them bringing a covid infection into the facility. Isn't that heroic and heart warming, to say the least? Lives would have been transformed by such tremendous acts of love.

About 600 people joined online with Bishop Gary on May 1, for Mass and the consecration of our country and diocese to the protection and care of Mary, Mother of the Church. As pastor, I added my consecration for all of you.

Still looking for some help with OLG grounds. Marlene and Arnica have been doing more around here, but I know there are more parishioners than just the two of them. Lucille has been cutting down broom bush at St Paul's, and Leon is cutting the hay there. Well, I am exaggerating. He is making sure the cemetery and church grounds don't look like a hay field, but cared for. Thanks Leon, and Lucille, and Marlene and Arnica.

We have so much to be grateful for: life and love, food and clean water, shelter and places to walk or garden in, family and friends, our mothers . . .. In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me." We can be especially grateful for the gift of faith that keeps us believing and following Jesus the Christ. He also tell us, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Thanks be to God for the gift of His Son and the gift of faith for us to believe, even if we might have unbelief too.

On this Sunday, when we give thanks for our mothers, let us also remember to give thanks to our spiritual mother, Mary. She is not only the Mother of God, but ours too. Jesus gave her to us, to be our mother, when he was hanging on the cross. He gave her to all "beloved" disciples of Jesus, our Risen Lord and Universal Saviour.

The Lord be with you!

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life!!

Yours in the Risen Christ,

Fr scott

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April 25, 2020

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth; O sing to the glory of his name.

O render him glorious praise, alleluia.

(Psalm 65.1-2, the Entrance Antiphon for Mass on this 3rd Sunday of Easter.)

Dear Parishioners,

Since Easter, many of the Mass Readings have been testimonies and accounts of people actually seeing and meeting the Risen Lord. Mary Magdalene was the first. Often times, people did not initially recognize the risen Jesus. Mary thought he was the gardener. Do you remember that? Well, I thought, for a moment, that Jesus was here on the church property, along with one other person. But it turned out that the gardeners were actually Marlene and Arnica Langevin. They have brought a lot of beauty, which was hidden by all kinds of weeds, to the garden beds behind the church. (I hope the wheat didn't get pulled out with the weeds, or am I getting confused with some story Jesus told?)

So, life is going on here at OLG Church, though with a very diminished presence of people. Daily Mass continues for you, and for the whole world. (I had a few post-Easter days booked off to visit my mother. That will not be happening, now, though I MIGHT get out for a few days paddling. If so, I will still be offering up Mass, but not at the regular 9 am time.) We have had good attendance for our ventures into virtual parish life, with the Stations of the Cross, rosary, and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. We made our first attempt to have a Parish Council meeting by way of Zoom, thanks to Joyce. The Family Apostolate had a humble response to Julie-Ann's virtual gathering, also with Zoom. She had this wonderful idea of our parish families geo-caching stories about miracles. If you have not already heard of "geo-caching", I'm going to leave it with you to "Google" that, or ask around. Janine emailed to our young parish families, a reflection and an assortment of puzzles and other activities related to last Sunday's Mass Readings, so the children could have a Liturgy of the Word at home. Parishioners are continuing to send in, transfer and drop off financial donations for the parish - and food for the poor pastor. Emails and phone calls really quieted down this week.

Your phone calls to other parishioners is especially life-giving to some, and are helping to be one of few parish connections in this time of so much physical isolation. Please keep the calls going, and remember the Lord's Prayer when you are washing your hands, for an end to the spread of covid, for the protection of those on the front lines in various ways, and for the recovery of those who are inflicted with covid. Your prayers, in union with the victorious Lamb of God, are important!

Last week I wrote of the blessed palms waiting for your return. Attached is a photo of some of them. On the home page of our website, check out The Bells of Banff.

We continue to look for ways to promote our connection as a parish family, in spite of our physical distancing and isolation. We are all spiritually united in the Body of Christ, so that what you do in your home - the domestic church - in union with Jesus, can be efficacious and ultimately lead to the salvation of souls. Be heroic in your prayers and creative in your acts of charity.

Peace and joy in the Risen Lord and Saviour,

Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

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April 18, 2020

Christ is Risen!!! Alleluia!!

This is our Easter chant, our confession of faith, our hope, joy and meditation. Christ is risen from the dead, becoming a new creation, a new reality for humanity.

It was a rather odd experience this year, celebrating the Easter Triduum without your visible presence. Just the same, it still was and is a very beautiful set of liturgies to be a part of. I hope you were able to connect with them, in some way.

I did get tired of hearing my voice during the Easter Vigil. There were four Old Testament Readings, Epistle and Psalm Readings, and of course, a Gospel Reading. It is much better having a variety of voices and personalities for all those Readings. The church was decorated with Easter lilies, together with the most beautiful collection of daffodils I have ever seen. There must have been about 10 different kinds, grown to honour our resurrected Lord. I wish you could have seen them. There are a few photos attached, including one of the sanctuary during Good Friday - a stark contrast to the Easter decorum.

Palms have been blessed and are awaiting to be taken to good homes. They will be available when we are on the other side of this pandemic and are allowed to resume our public liturgies. This year, there is a mixture: the usual variegated kind that are imported, some local ones donated, and some crosses that Daniela has made with the leaves.

Directing your attention, again, to our parish website. On the Domestic Church page, there are 50 ways for families to celebrate the 50 days of Easter. On the COVID-19 page, there is Pope Francis' "Urbi et Orbi" Easter message and blessing. There is also the Easter Vigil homily of Archbishop Pizzaballa, at a Mass near to Jesus' tomb - the holy sepulcher.

Our Parish Council had set a date for our spring yard cleanup at Our Lady of Grace Church, lunch included. This will not be happening; however the weeds are still happening and there is a need to do some other Spring cleanup on the grounds. If interested, or willing for some other reason, please contact me, and I can give you some direction and open up the hall for access to the bathrooms. You will need your own tools, though a wheelbarrow or two should be available. The grounds are looking beautiful, just the same, with spring-time blooms. Out front of the church, that very visible flower bed is under going a transformation. I hope to have it re-landscaped, so that it adds beauty to our church and property, and reflects something beautiful and life-giving of our God and faith community.

I am hoping that we can get our Parish Council and Finance Committee meetings going again, albeit physically distant. CWL could be doing the same, and perhaps something with our catechism classes. We need to pursue alternative ways to continue to be a parish family. I also hope that you are finding the time and motivation to reach out to other parishioners via the telephone. Drive in Confession continues each Saturday, 4-5 pm.

Praying for each of you, and especially for those whom I know have some serious trials or inflictions. May God console you, heal and restore you, and perfect each of you in the image and likeness of his Son, Our Risen Lord and Saviour. God bless you all!!!!

Pax in Jesus, the Risen Christ,

Fr scott

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April 10, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

We are on our way into the Holy Triduum. Last Sunday was Palm Sunday, marking the start of Holy Week, and yesterday we had Holy Thursday. I have included a couple of photos of the church sanctuary from those days. Today the altar is stripped.

On Sunday, I found some local palms on the back steps of the church. The ones ordered had yet to arrive. Yesterday, some lilies were delivered. Both of these appearances were unexpected, timely, and helpful in reflecting something of the special days we were celebrating, on those days, throughout the world, albeit, without the physical presence of the flock. Definitely missing you and your visible presence, but continuing on with the Masses, and today will be our Good Friday Service at 3. Tomorrow will be the Easter Vigil at 9 pm. On Sunday will be an Easter Mass at 10 am.

Our website has on-going additions to the two new web pages. On the COVID-19 page, there are two excellent messages from Cardinal Tagle of the Philippines and Bishop O'Toole of England, relating our faith to Covid-19. Also, there is a letter from numerous Christian leaders of BC. Included in the letter are many suggestions of living out our faith during this difficult time.

I am trying out an on-line, parish Stations of the Cross via Zoom, at 2:15. It might take some time and patience for us to adjust to it. Planning to do something similar with the rosary. Thanks to all the people who responded to my email on the rosary. Further responses are still welcome.

Today we can be with Jesus, as He is with us through all that we experience. Today we can accompany Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying with Him, as He prays for us. Today, He looks to have been defeated by the power of sin and evil, as He takes it all on, for us. Today He dies for us and is buried in a tomb, truly dead. Let us enter into the tomb with Him, as He destroys the power of human death, so that we can journey with Him, to eternal life and resurrection of the body.

God bless you,

as we pray and journey together

through, with, and in the Passion of Jesus the Christ,

to the other side - the Light and glory of the Resurrection.

Fr scott

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April 4, 2020

Grace to you and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ!

That is the Mass greeting often responded to, poorly. Do you recall it? The other two greetings seem to work much better.

This Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday. I'll be celebrating the Mass at 10 am, privately. For some odd reason, likely covid related, the palms have yet to arrive. Usually they get here somewhere around the Wednesday prior to. Whenever they do get here, I'll bless them and make them available to you, when we are on the other side of this covid crisis. OLG Church has the crosses and statues covered. (See attached photo.) They have been that way since last Sunday, the 5th Sunday in Lent.

I would like to encourage you to check out our parish website, if you haven't already: https://sites.google.com/site/ourladyofgracesaltspring/home. In particular, the two new pages. On the COVID-19 page, we have added a letter from religious leaders of Canada in response to the covid-19 pandemic. We have also added a simplified version of a decree by the Apostolic Penitentiary. The decree provides for covid-related plenary indulgences. On the Domestic Church Resources page, you can partake in a virtual retreat through Ascension Press (though much of it is over now), or join our bishop for on-line Mass and a Mission.

Through baptism, we share in the common priesthood. There are two significant roles to the priesthood. The first is to make sacrifice for the love and salvation of others. That can be exercised in numerous ways, both small and heroic, and sometimes it is the small sacrifices that are done heroically. The other role is bringing Jesus to people and people to Jesus. Intercessory prayer is one way we can do that.

I am hearing that some people are really having a difficult time praying, even though we need it more than ever. This difficulty highlights how much we can be encouraged to pray when we are praying with others. I hope we can discover and apply new ways of doing that, during this time of physical distancing.

Through thick and thin, in season and out, we need to try to keep our eyes on Jesus. He reveals to us our true likeness and image, and leads the way to our Father. He is our Saviour, who knows our human sufferings and is present in them.

Missing your presence in the pews!!

Peace in Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

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March 28, 2020

The Peace of Jesus be with you!

During this surreal time of threat and spread of covid-19, it is easy to get anxious, stressed, or fearful of the future. This can be expressed in anger, sadness, edginess and more. These are real human emotions to be acknowledged, named, and allowed to some extent.

At the same time, we need to remember Jesus, and trust in Him. He is the victorious Lamb once slain. Evil never had the last word in His life, nor does it have to in ours. God is stronger. With Jesus, we too share in the victory of good over evil, life over death.

Let us continually turn to God, first in praise and thanksgiving for the gift of His Son, for the gift of faith, and for the multitude of other gifts in our lives. Second, to share our fears and anxieties, and seek out guidance, strength, comfort, peace and protection. Third, to extend our prayers beyond ourselves, to our family and neighbours, to our friends and the local homeless, to the sick and vulnerable in other countries, to those on the front lines in medical and health care, to those still working in various essential services, to our government leaders . . .. This is a time we Christians need to be praying more, not less.

We are a people of faith, and these days we have been denied our gatherings together for Mass, the Easter Triduum, Eucharistic adoration, Liturgy of the Word, Stations of the Cross, a Penitential Service, the rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, prayers for healing, potlucks, our faith study, CWL, prayer shawl ministry, family apostolate, feeding the poor, Christian Services at Lady Minto and Heritage Place, after Mass coffee and fellowship, taking Holy Communion to the sick or isolated . . .. It is a lot that we do as a small faith community, which has now been temporarily suspended. There has been a lot of loss to what we do as a People of Christian faith.

It is my hope and prayer that we will use this time to build up the "domestic church". The Holy Family was the first domestic church, with Jesus at the center of their home life. During our current time of significant isolation, i pray we will nurture and foster a home life where Jesus becomes more central, more often. I pray that we may welcome and live the mystery of our salvation through Jesus, at home, more frequently and more deeply.

Our parish web site now has a page named "Domestic Church Resources" where you will find numerous resources to help foster the domestic church in your life at your home. Check out the various Masses you can connect with. Do click onto the Form page and see the many ways you can feed your faith with Lenten reflections, Bible studies, faith studies, movies, documentaries, and more. Look over Scott Hahn's, The Quarantined Catholic Hub.

I continue to offer up Mass 6 days a week, for each and everyone of you in general, for many of your specific needs that have been brought to my attention, and for all of the southern Gulf Island people. You can join me, in spiritual communion, during these private Masses at Our Lady of Grace Church. They are being held Tuesdays to Saturdays, at 9 am, and on Sundays at 10 am.

"Drive through Confession" worked well last Saturday, and will continue from 4-5 pm each Saturday. Lent is a penitential season, do come by.

Please remember to reach out by telephone, and often, to those who are now isolated at home, especially those living on their own. When you are washing your hands, pray the Lord's Prayer for the end of the spread of covid-19.

In solidarity with one another, united to Jesus the Christ, we can do more than survive, we can thrive and be a sign and instrument of hope, faith and love in the weeks and perhaps months of physical isolation ahead of us. Let us not be socially distant anymore, in our physical distancing. Let us not be spiritually distant in our Christian faith, but more connected than ever with God, through Jesus.

This is a time we Christians need to be praying so much more, not less.

I have been receiving more telephone calls and emails than usual. Thank you so very much for your thoughtfulness, support, feedback, suggestions, questions, and sharings. I might be cutting back on my responses, but that does not mean your contact is not appreciated. If any person never received my first pastor's letter (last week), and wants a copy, just let me know.

Be not afraid, we have a Saviour!

God bless and protect all of you and your families.

In Jesus the Christ,

Fr scott

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Friday, March 20, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

The Peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you!!

I hope that most of you have already gotten a version of this email from me, with the accompanying memo from Bishop Gary. He sent it out on Wednesday. I asked a number of people that day, to help with the distribution of it.

Since then, Daniela and I have completed an extensive email list for most of our parishioners, as well as a phone list for those without email. God bless her for so much help! We will try to maintain some kind of contact during this time of social distancing and isolation.

The memo from Bishop Gary, asked that we suspend all Masses, immediately. We have done that. I am sorry. It is a radical step, but a cautious and temporary one. In some ways, it could feel like the Church is abandoning our people in time of need, but we will discover ways to connect and lessen the distance.

I have and will continue to offer Mass, privately, in Our Lady of Grace Church. I will offer Mass from Tuesdays to Saturdays, beginning at 9 am, and on Sundays at 10 am. In his most recent memo to the priests, Bishop Gary made it clear that we are not to be allowing others to be present. But you can be present, if you want, in spiritual communion with me during that time, maybe even from the comfort of your La-Z-Boys (and Girls).

It is also possible to connect with Mass on the internet, and on TV. Daniela will send out a memo as to where Mass can be found on the television. Salt and Light can be found on most televisions. EWTN usually requires a special subscription, but it is minimal and worth it. Each of these stations have Mass televised.

On-line Masses can be found at:

https://dailytvmass.com/

www.ewtn.com/tv/watch-live

and https://www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass/ (Bishop Barron)

The parish website will be used for some announcements or postings, but we realize it reaches a small number of people, so it will not be the sole means of communication. A new page has been added for our Covid-19 updates. There is a good letter on it from our Canadian bishops. We also hope to add a page for resources that will help to promote our life of prayer and connection with the Church.

We need to pray for one another, for the health and protection of our families and flocks; for caregivers, health and medical personnel; for those front line people who keep the groceries and gasoline flowing; for the world of people beyond our own little (but important) worlds; and for a miraculous end to the spread of Covid-19.

PLEASE PRAY!!!! That is something we Christians can be contributing!

As we have heard many times: Wash your hands often, and for 20 seconds! That is the time it takes to pray one Our Father. I have been offering up that prayer, at each hand wash, for the end of the spread of this virus. Perhaps you can get into that habit too.

During this season of Lent, the Sacrament of Confession has a special place. I will be united with other clergy, in other places, offering "drive through" Confession. The payment is your sin, and the take away is God's mercy and forgiveness. Sounds like a better deal than an A&W drive through, though I really like their burgers. I'll either be in my silver pickup or seated in the parking lot of OLG Church. An orange cone will designate the boundary of safe distancing; if you run it over, you are too close. The hours will be 4-5 pm, Saturdays. Additional arrangements might be made in the future, especially for those without vehicle use. If a carload of penitents arrive, each person will need to take the penitent's seat, while the others are walking the parking lot (praying?). Take advantage of this, while the weather is good.

Give somebody a call and pray the rosary with them, if that is a form of prayer they do. I do this with my mother, at least weekly, now. That time of prayer spent with her, is more substantial and meaningful than the conversations we usually have. There are a growing number of initiatives for praying the rosary with others, distantly. Here is an on-line one, live each day, at 1pm: https://www.facebook.com/AscensionPress/

As people become more isolated, please take time to make regular telephone calls to those who are especially isolated and vulnerable to this virus. Chat, see if they need any help or support, offer words of hope and encouragement, try some humour, pray together, rejoice in all the goodness we share, give thanks for the Life of Jesus and the gift of faith...

Entrusting each of you, and our flocks and families, into the care of Our Lady, as we pray:

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,

Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.

We fly to you today as your beloved children.

We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,

as you did at the wedding in Cana.

Pray for us, loving Mother,

and gain for our nation and world,

and for all our families and loved ones,

the protection of your holy angels,

that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,

we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.

Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,

wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,

teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.

Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,

knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,

health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,

keep us in the embrace of your arms,

help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

God bless you,

in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Fr scott