Message from the Rector

To view the Message from the Rector on the Sacrament of Confession - please click here 

January 26, 2020

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Next Sunday, February 2, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which occurs 40 days after the celebration of Christmas. As part of the liturgy, there is the option of the blessing of candles and procession. For practical reasons, this part of the liturgy will only take place at the 12:15 PM Mass. I understand that our Book & Gift Shop will have available blessed candles for the Presentation. February 2 is also celebrated in the Catholic Church as the World Day for Consecrated Life. The purpose is to “help the entire church to esteem even more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels”. It is also the occasion for consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervour of their offering to the Lord and to the Church. (cf. Ordo, page 132)

Parishioners were made aware of the federal government’s consultation process with respect to extending the provisions of medically assistance in dying (medically assisted suicide). The link to the government’s consultation site is provided in the bulletin. We encourage you to complete the survey with a view to promoting our Catholic position on this issue. As feared when first proposed and legislated, the provisions for medically assisted suicide are being widened and vulnerable populations are being increasingly targeted.

Last Sunday at the 11 AM Mass, we welcomed Deacon Bob Farmer as deacon of office. Deacon Bob, incardinated in the Diocese of Pembroke, and his wife Carmel have been parishioners for some time after they move from their home in Quyon to Hull.  We extend to Deacon Bob our best wishes and prayers for his ministry to us.

Attentive to detail, a number of parishioners noted that two sets of our interior doors on Kent Street are missing. Our restoration contractor began their work on January 13 and have completed the plaster and painting renovation to the south wing of the choir loft and the stairway leading to the choir loft on that side. From a practical standpoint, it was simpler for them to remove the doors and bring them to their woodworking shop where the doors will be restored and refinished. Some might question the advisability of removing our interior doors during the cold weather. The fact that the contractor offered a price reduction for this work to be done during the wintertime encouraged us to proceed. Their work on the exterior doors will occur later.

It has been brought to my attention that there is a critical shortage at our local food bank, which our parishioners support faithfully. Any effort that you can make to offer canned goods and dry goods for the food bank would be greatly appreciated. The blue bins for the collection are placed at the entrances of the church before every Sunday Mass. I thank you in advance for your consideration of our needy neighbours.

Father Kevin