PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 11, 2005

Archbishop drops plans to move altar.

The parish bulletin of Notre Dame Cathedral dated Sunday October 1, 2005 carried a letter from Archbishop Marcel Gervais on the subject of the proposed changes to the Cathedral sanctuary. Aware of the division that exists in the parish and in the wider Catholic community and wanting to be faithful, above all, to his ministry of unity, he has abandoned the sanctuary project.

(See previous articles in the Citizen on this issue, e.g. 03/20/05)

For further information: Guy Lajoie, 738-5025, ext. 238

Announcement for the Cathedral Bulletin

On the subject of the proposed changes to the Cathedral sanctuary, since the beginning of September, I have met with some members of the parish councils and with other people who have expressed a strong interest in the future of our Cathedral church. Aware of the division that exists in the parish and in the wider Catholic community and wanting to be faithful, above all, to my ministry of unity, I have abandoned the sanctuary project. I would like you to be able to see what I had planned. I will be in the parish hall after the 10:30 Mass (French), and the 12:00 Mass (English) on Sunday October 2, 2005.

I do want to advise you, however, that I intend to proceed with an addition to the Guigues Street side of the Cathedral. It is my hope that the new addition will provide a quiet place of prayer in a Blessed Sacrament Chapel and a space where the women important to our salvation history and to the history of our diocese will be honoured. It is also my hope that the new addition will provide a parish reception area, offices, a gift shop, an elevator to facilitate barrier-free access to all facilities. When plans are further developed, I will present them to the parishioners and to the diocesan community for review and comment.

With my best wishes in Jesus Christ our Lord, I remain,

Marcel Gervais+