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From the Pastor's Desk: We all carry wounds, emotional, spiritual, relational, or physical. Some come from broken relationships or rejection, while others stem from sin or struggles with self-worth. These wounds do not make us abnormal; they make us human, a natural part of life in a fallen world. The good news is that Jesus came not only to save us from sin but to heal and restore us completely, bringing wholeness to every part of our lives. During Lent, Fr. John and I will begin a new preaching series, "Heal": we explore how Christ meets us in our pain, transforms our wounds, and calls us to become instruments of healing for others, helping our two parishes understand that healing is central to Jesus’ mission. Together, let’s invite Him into areas that need restoration, and live out that healing by offering it to others.
This First Sunday of Lent, we see how healing is central to God’s heart and woven into the story of humanity from the very beginning. Created in love and for love, humanity was wounded when sin entered the world, fracturing our bodies, our relationship with God, our inner lives, and our relationships with one another. Much of our pain flows from subtle lies we have believed about God, others, or ourselves, leading to fear, shame, and brokenness. The path to healing begins with humility, recognizing our wounds and bringing them to God. God is our healer, working through prayer, community, and even medicine, and by Christ’s wounds, true and lasting healing is possible.
- Know? Healing is part of God’s original design and essential to life with Him. Wounds exist because the world is broken, not because of personal failure. God is the source of all healing, whether it comes through spiritual, emotional, relational, or physical means, and restoration flows from returning to Him with trust and humility.
- Feel? Hopeful, known, and invited. There is freedom in realizing that wounds are not a source of shame and that healing is possible. God is near, compassionate, and actively pursuing restoration, not condemnation.
- Next Steps? Acknowledge the reality of wounds and the need for healing. Turn away from pride and self-reliance and choose humility and trust in God. Bring pain honestly to Him through prayer, seek support within the Church community, and take a concrete step toward healing by allowing God to begin or continue His work of restoration.
Sacrament of Confirmation, (updated) February 20 , at St. Francis de Sales Parish, for all our candidates. Please pray for them, as this is a big step in the growth and development of every Catholic! At Confirmation, we affirm our commitment to God and the Church and receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament deepens our faith, brings us into a deeper friendship with Jesus, and strengthens us to share his love with others.
Stations of the Cross, led by the youth of our parishes. During Lent, starting February 27th, we invite the youth of both our parishes (ages 12–17) to lead the Stations of the Cross every Friday at 6:30 PM at St. Francis de Sales Parish. Altar servers will assist with serving, and other youth will take turns reading the Stations. This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to deepen their faith, serve their parish community, and take an active role in the Church. Our youth are the future of our Church, let’s encourage them to grow as leaders, disciples, and witnesses of Christ. If your child is interested, please contact Carmel Prince: carmel.prince@hotmail.ca (647-897-5299).
Archbishop's Special Collection (February 21/22). On the First Sunday of Lent, we invite your contribution to the Diocesan & Missionary Works special collection, which supports the Archbishop’s Fund for Mission Advancement. This fund helps Archbishop Damphousse respond quickly and generously to real needs and to opportunities that support the mission of the Church, especially here in the Archdiocese of Ottawa–Cornwall. Most of what is given stays right here in our diocese, supporting evangelization, youth and family ministry, Catholic education and campus ministry, and other charitable works close to home. Thanks to your generosity, more than $60,000 was raised last year. This year, our goal is $100,000. Thank you for being a part of the mission!
Update on Monthly Finances, Collections Update. Starting next month, we will share information on our parish collections and finances monthly rather than weekly. Each month, we will show:
- Sunday collections – what we received during Weekend Masses
- Other income – money coming in from other sources
- Total expenses – what the parish spent
This will give everyone a complete picture of how our parishes are doing financially. The first update will be shared in March, covering the collections and expenses from February. For any questions, please contact our parish office.
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Knights of Columbus:
- Council 11531, February 22, 8:30am - 12:30pm, Parish Breakfast at St. Francis de Sales. All are welcome.
- Council 11531, February 24, 6:30pm, our next general meeting
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Monthly Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father.
For children with incurable diseases. Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.
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Mass Intentions for the Week
Saturday, Feb 21st ST. PETER DAMIAN (OM)
4:00 p.m. (SC) Elaine Stata Seguin by Sue & Bob Lauzon
5:00 p.m. (SF)
Ronald Arthur Proulx by the Family
Special Intention for Diane Beauregard by Pauline Pelletier
Sunday, Feb 22nd FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
7:30 a.m. (SC) Intentions of Parishioners
9:30 a.m. (SF) Intentions of Parishioners
10:30 a.m. (SC)
Jack Clancey by John & Janice Meyer & Family
Paul Larin by Steven & Joann Larin & Family
11:00 a.m. (SF)
Deceased Members of the Ricci & Brosseau Families by the Families
Ron Cotnam by the Cotnam & McDonald Families
Monday, Feb 23rd ST. POLYCARP (OM)
8:00 a.m. (SF) Lise Carriere by Marleene McWilliam
Tuesday, Feb 24th
8:00 a.m. (SC) Special Intention for Penny Nash by Raymond
& Kelly Poitras
Wednesday, Feb 25th
8:00 a.m. (SF) Special Intention for Jeff Harper by Mom
Thursday, Feb 26th
8:00 a.m. (SC) Ange Maie Bisson by the Family
Friday, Feb 27th ST. GREGORY OF NAREK (OM)
8:00 a.m. (SF) Pat MacRae by Son Mark
Saturday, Feb 28th
4:00 p.m. (SC) Special Intention for Don MacDougall by Mom
Sheila MacDougall
5:00 p.m. (SF)
Myrtle Sommerville by Frances & Denis Blanchard
Girard Cuerrier & Deceased Family Members by Joan & Ed Currier
Sunday, Mar 01st SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
7:30 a.m. (SC) Special Intention for Fr. John Ogbaje by His
Daisies
9:30 a.m. (SF) Intentions of Parishioners
10:30 a.m. (SC) Intention of Parishioners
11:00 a.m. (SF)
Clement Sabourin by Carol Sabourin
Simone Lefebvre by Carol Papps
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Save The Date
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Alpha Sessions
Starting February 25, 6:30pm! Unpack the Christian faith together. Meet new people and explore the Christian faith together. Alpha is for anyone who’s curious. No judgement, no pressure.
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Visio Divina
April 14: Come listen to God through His Creation in art and photos.
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Have a great week.
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