Message from the Rector

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October 20, 2019

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

This Sunday, October 20, is World Mission Sunday (Evangelization of the Peoples). Today’s collection is organized by the Pontifical Missions Society. Those who have parish envelopes will find an envelope for this collection in their box. For those who do not have parish envelopes, you are encouraged to make a second donation by using an offertory envelope in the pew and marking it “Mission Sunday”.
 
In the spirit of Thanksgiving last weekend, parishioners were very generous in their donation of dry goods and canned items for our local Food Bank. The foodstuffs will be delivered to the Centertown Emergency Food Centre based at the Centertown United Church.
 
Our Pastoral Council met on Wednesday, October 9. Following the opening prayer, approval of the agenda and approval of the minutes from the September meeting, the members proceeded to the election of the executive for the coming year: Chair — Jim Cairney; Vice-chair — Paul Newcombe; and Secretary — Alex Ayala.  The Council approved the Fundraising Policy, which had been drafted and approved by the Finance Council. The members reviewed and approved the pastoral items for the Parish Budget 2020. The budget items will be forwarded to the Finance Council for review and inclusion in the Budget 2020. Under New Business, the members considered an initial proposal with respect to creating guidelines for weddings in order to promote the sacredness and greatness of Christian marriage. Another discussion took place with respect to how to engage parishioners, including the possibility of promoting and establishing small Christian communities within the parish. In response to a question concerning security of parishioners and the church, particularly at Mass times, the members were advised that the Finance Council is in the process of drafting a policy and procedures in that regard. Proceeding to a Committee of the Whole, the members had a general discussion concerning a number of points, including reception of communion on the tongue only, the possibility of celebrating Mass ad orientem, and the possibility of celebrating a Mass according to the Extraordinary Form. The Rector mentioned that a number of these items are under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop. Further, there is the need to value the particular pastoral work of the parish community at Saint Clement’s parish. The next meeting will be on November 13. The meeting closed with prayer.

Father Kevin