Diocesan News

March 2, 2007

Diocesan Feast - Celebration of Archbishop Gervais' Episcopal Ministry in Ottawa

Because of the upcoming retirement of Archbishop Gervais, the Episcopal Council has decided to change the date of this event. It will now be held on Thursday, May 31st at 7:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Cathedral. Consequently, the Pro-Life Celebration held annually on the Feast of the Visitation has been cancelled. Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation.

VOCATION TALKS IN SCHOOLS: The week of April 23 27, 2007 has been allotted by the Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board so that Pastors may visit Grade 12 religion classes to speak on the topic of vocations. This special week leads into Vocation Sunday (Good Shepherd Sunday). Info: Msgr. Len Lunney (738-5025).

CHRISM MASS: This years Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 3, 7:30 p.m. It will be followed by a reception in the Cathedral Hall, and all the clergy, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese are cordially invited to attend.

FROM THE DIOCESAN CENTRE

ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT: Who are we in Relationship with the Other Great Religions of the World? Presenters: Prof Fabrice Blée, Saint Paul University.Sat., Mar. 3. Cost: $15. 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Diocesan Centre, 1247 Kilborn. Info: Carol (738-5025 X 251); ([email protected]). Registrations: ([email protected]); (738-5025 X 217).

COME AND SEE FOR WOMEN: Are you a young woman interested in discerning a vocation to religious life? If so, you are invited to attend the monthly Come & See for women. St. Theresa parish (Somerset & Cartier), Fri., Mar. 9, 6:30 p.m. We will share food, friendship and prayer. Info: Camille (613-276-1679).

COME AND SEE FOR MEN: Have you ever thought of becoming a priest? Our "Come and See" group meets each month for fellowship, prayer and discussion. The next meeting is on Fri., Mar. 16. Info: Msgr. Len Lunney (613-738-5025).

BUDGETING AS A NEWLY SINGLE PERSON: Joel Grise of Credit Counseling Services of Ottawa to speak to the Ministry to Separated and Divorced Catholics on Wednesday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Diocesan Centre 1247 Kilborn Place. This talk is open to all. No registration required. Info: Deacon Paul Coderre (613-738-5025 Ext 222); ([email protected]).

CONSIDERING RE-MARRIAGE? Anyone who was previously marriage and separated through divorce or the death of a spouse and is considering marrying for a second time is advised to take a Re-Marriage Seminar. This seminar will deal with the issues associated with living in a new relationship while remembering the old. It is for those who have received a Declaration of Nullity or are widowed. Fri., March 23, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., & Sat., March 24, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Info & registration: Deacon Paul Coderre (613-738-5025 Ext 222); ([email protected]).

MARRIAGE PREPARATION FACILITATORS WORKSHOP: Proposed jointly by Novalis and the Diocesan Family Ministry Office. Sat., March 24. Explore a new marriage preparation program Saying I Do published by Novalis. The programs author Mona-Lee Feehan will be the presenter and the intended audience includes pastors and marriage preparation facilitators. The workshops will be held as follows: One west at St. Isidores, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., and the second east at Divine Infant, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Cost: $20, payable with registration. Info: Deacon Paul Coderre, Coordinator, Family Ministries, (613-738-5025 Ext 222). E-mail: ([email protected]).

ANNUAL DIOCESAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS: For couples celebrating their 25, 40, 50, 60th or more anniversary this year. Notre Dame Cathedral, Sun., May 6, 2:30 p.m. Please return the completed registration form (available from your parish) before April 27. Info: (738-5025 X 217).

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESAN YOUTH OFFICE: Did you know that our Diocesan Youth Ministry has a website? It has information on parish youth ministries, diocesan events, training, youth movements, crazy captions and much more! Info: (www.ottawacatholicyouth.com).

VARIA

HOLY CROSS PARISH LENTEN MISSION: Theme: KAIROSThe Time is Now. Preacher:Fr. Paulson Veliyannoor CMF from San Gabriel Mission, California. Wed., Mar. 7, Thurs., Mar. 8, Fri., Mar. 9, 7:00 9:00 p.m. All welcome. Free will offering generously accepted to meet expenses of the Preacher. Info: 685 Walkley Rd., (613-731-7834).

INTER-FAITH SERVICE FOR COMMONWEALTH DAY: Christ Church Cathedral (Sparks at Bronson) on Sun., March 11, 4:00 p.m. Colourful Flag Procession, fine music and singing of the Cathedral Girls' Choir, directed by Timothy Piper. Readings by representatives of Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Moslem, Jewish and Christian faiths, and by Commonwealth diplomats. Followed by an informal reception. All are welcome.

TOMMY SANDS AND HIS IRISH BAND: Concert, Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr. March 14, 8:00 p.m. Called The Songman, he is a true folk artist and superb entertainer who also sings traditional Irish material. Presented by St. Clement Church as a fundraiser. Tickets: $34.50. Centrepointe box office: (613-580-2700).

ST. ELIZABETH PARISH CELEBRATES ST. PATRICKS DAY: Bean Supper and a variety of Irish music. Friday, March 16, 4:00 p.m. Tickets: contact the parish office (613-725-2242).

DESSERT & CARD PARTY: St. Theresas CWL will hold its annual Dessert & Card Party on Sat., March 17, 1:00 4:00 p.m. in the church hall. Tickets at the door: $6. Everyone (men & women) invited. Free parking. Info: Lila Dempsey (613-232-7941).

A JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS - ST. ELIZABETH PARISH LENTEN MISSION: Given by Rev. Harry McNeil. 7:30 p.m. on March 21, March 22 & March 23. Info: call the parish office (613-725-2242).

NEW LIFE RETREAT: Would you like to take part in a life-changing experience? Are you looking for more meaning in your life? Are you seeking a personal encounter with the living Jesus Christ? New Life Retreat, Friday Monday, March 23 26, at St. Mary's Parish. Info: (613-224-5723); (www.christianministries.ca/newliferetreat).

A FEMINIST SPIRITUALITY FOR CHRISTIANS: Reflections on our culture and the traditional sources of our spirituality. Facilitator: Dolores Hall, D.M. Sat., Mar. 24 & Mar. 31, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register by Mar. 15. Cost: $15/session. Info: KAIROS Spirituality-for-Social Justice Centre, 211 Bronson, (613-236-6557); ([email protected]).

ANNUAL ST. PATRICKS SUPPER DWYER HILL: Homemade hot meal of turkey, ham, salads, potatoes, beans, pies & desserts. Sunday, March 25, 4:00 6:30 p.m. St. Clare Parish, 4001 Dwyer Hill Rd. South. Raffle. Adults: $12; Children (6-12) $5. Info or directions: Shirley OConnor (613-838-2704).

ASPECTS OF WAR AND PEACE A CHRISTIANS PERSPECTIVE: Guest speaker: Dr. Ray Hobbs of Hamilton, Former Old Testament Professor at McMaster Divinity College and published author. March 29, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Saint Pauls University: Room 101. Refreshments at 7:45 p.m. Small discussion groups beginning at 8:00 p.m.

CANADIAN SINGER/SONGWRITER & CATHOLIC MISSIONARY MARK MALLETT: Performing at St. Francis de Sales Church, Elmsley Street, Smiths Falls, Sunday April 1, 7:00 p.m. A dynamic entertainer with a powerful message and music, Mark performs his own material and keeps audiences on their toes with his rich melodies, compelling message, spirited sense of humor and keen wit. Advance tickets: $10/person; at the door: $15. Youth 17 and under are free. Info: Robert or Mary Ellen Drapeau (613-283-8918); ([email protected]) or Parish rectory (613-283-0220).

MARRIAGE PREPARATION WEEKEND SESSIONS: St. Anthony Church, 427 Booth St. Registration and non-refundable fees to be paid in advance at Parish Office, Monday to Friday. May 25 - 26. Info: (613-236-2304).