November 16, 2018

FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE

Notre Dame Cathedral’s Christmas Concert: The choirs of Notre Dame Cathedral will present a Choral Celebration on Sun., Dec. 16, 2:30 pm. Young and old, friends and family, all come together to sing our joy at welcoming Jesus into our world. Free will offering. Followed by a reception in the parish hall. Info: 613-241-7496.

FOR THE PARISH OFFICE

Parish Advent Penance Service Times: Parishes, please submit your Advent Penance Services/Confession times, before Fri., Nov. 23, using our online submission form, found here ( catholicottawa.ca/advent-penance-schedule-request).  The final schedule will be published on our website. 

VOCATIONS

Prayers: Solemnity of Christ the King - November 25.  For a deepening understanding among those discerning their vocation that the One who calls them is Jesus Christ the King, we pray to the Lord.

FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

Singing From The Heart : Join in the singing of some favorite hymns along with solo performances led by musician Joanne Parenteau on Sat., Nov. 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, 1489 Shea Rd., Stittsville.  Free will offering welcomed in support of Holy Spirit Youth Ministry.  Info: john@holyspiritparish.ca.

Family & Youth Ministry November 2018 Update: PDF available here.

Natural Family Planning : SERENA Couples trained to use and teach the Symptothermal Method (STM) of Natural Family Planning (NFP) are available to meet privately or in groups. Sessions held each month. Distance learning online available. Info: ontario@serena.ca.

PRO-LIFE

Catholic Bioethics Moments:  Videos produced in both English and French by The Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute (CCBI).  The videos examine topics such as ethical issues at the end of life and matters of conscience. Of interest to anyone wishing to learn more about the Church’s teaching on conscience and moral decision-making as part of a lived faith.  To view all the series: CCBI's YouTube channel.

CARE FOR CREATION

Advocacy : Advocacy with elected representatives can help us move forward in dealing effectively with environmental degradation and climate change. In their document "A Church Seeking Justice", our Canadian Bishops highlight Pope Francis’ concern that time is running out and that ‘there exists a clear, definitive and unpostponable ethical imperative to act.’ How to proceed? Contact John Dorner ( jdorner@archottawa.ca; 613-738-5025, #251) for suggestions. Together we can make a difference!

SOCIAL JUSTICE

World Day of the Poor , Sun., Nov. 18 : The mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is ‘To live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.’ Consider supporting the works of SSVP through charitable donations of food, clothes, furniture and household items to thrift stores, 1273 Wellington St. and 1620 Merivale Rd.  Info: 613-241-1225; http://ssvp.on.ca.

FROM THE CCCB

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Expresses Solidarity and Support to the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua:  Letter from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua.

2018 Message to mark the Hindu celebration of Deepavali:  Hindu communities in Canada began their celebrations of Deepavali this year on 7 November.  Link to the Message.

Resource from the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis:  To assist those who work in evangelization and catechesis with adults to plan processes and programs.  The resource highlights best practices that were identified in the survey on Evangelization and Catechesis with Adults that was completed last spring.  Info:  http://www.cccb.ca/site/eng/office-for-evangelization-and-catechesis.

PRAYER & WORSHIP

Solemn 1^st Vespers of St. Clement : Solemn Latin Vespers, Special Hymns & Organ pieces. Special guest: Fr. Josef Bisig, first Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter. Booklets will be provided. St. Clement Parish, 528 Old St. Patrick, Thurs., Nov. 22, 7:30 pm.  Info: pastor.st.clement@rogers.com, 613-565-9656.

Heart of Worship : Guest speaker: Fr. Hezuk Shroff on ‘Advent and our waiting for Christ’. Opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Evening followed by fellowship in the hall. Holy Redeemer Parish, 44 Rothesay Dr., Kanata, Tues., Nov. 27, 7:00 p.m.  Info: reception@holyredeemer.ca.

FAITH FORMATION

"The Veil of Veronica: From Concealment to Revelation":  Survey the  literary versions of the Veronica legend and explore the miraculous image’s significance as a symbol of Incarnation.  Saint Paul University, room GIG 103, Wed., Nov. 28, 7:00 - 8:00pm.  Free. Info: mslatter@ustpaul.ca.

New Evangelization Summit 2019 in Ottawa: On May 4, join Catholics from around the world participating via webcast.  Learn to evangelize our parishes, families, and communities.  Info: www.newevangelization.ca.

PARISH EVENTS

Christmas Concert : 27 ^th Annual Concert at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in support of Canadian Red Cross Tornado Appeal & the Heron Emergency Food Centre. Cost is free but a goodwill offering can be made for either organization. The soloist this year is Jacinthe Parisé. 1758 Alta Vista Dr., Dec. 9, 3:00 p.m.  Info: 613-791-9115.

St. Philip Parish seeking parish photos: In preparation for their 200 ^th Anniversary, the parish is seeking historical and recent photos/videos of family or parish events at St. Philip’s from current and former parishioners/friends. Printed or digital accepted; originals returned. Contact: RichmondPhotos200@gmail.com; 613-838-2314.  

EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

St. Basil's Parish looking for a Music Director : Starting in January, 2019. Part-time, paid assignment. Responsibilities include: conduct choir for Sunday 11:00 a.m. Mass; weekly rehearsals; choose the music for both Saturday 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m Masses. Knowledge of the Roman Catholic liturgy, willingness to develop that knowledge as needed, and experience with choral conducting required. Send résumé to: St. Basil's Parish, 940 Rex Ave., Ottawa, ON K2P 2P7.  Info: office 613-729-5149; stbasilsparish@gmail.com.

PILGRIMAGES

Medjugorje & Ireland Pilgrimage : Accompanied by Fr. Dominic Lim, OFM Conv. Fully escorted, with return flights from Ottawa. Medjugorje, Zadar, Galway, Limerick & Dublin, April 22 - May 5, 2019.   Cost: $4,395/pp double occupancy.  Info: 613-686-6143; dawn.guindon@joewalshtours.com.

WIDER COMMUNITY INTEREST

Christian Meditation Advent event : Come meditate in silence. Talk by Deacon Ron McRae.  Waiting for and on the Lord: our committed practice of silence and stillness during Advent opens a space for us to reflect with anticipation, joy, and commitment. Holy Spirit Church, Stittsville, 1489 Shea Rd., Nov. 24, 9:30am-noon.  Sponsored by Ottawa Christian Meditation.    Info: cmadventretreat@gmail.com.

Concert “Festival of Light across the World”:  The University of Ottawa Choir takes you around the world in music, to celebrate the light of Christmas.   Musical direction: Robert Filion. Narration: Annick Léger. Percussion: Alvaro de Minaya Yanez. Piano: Nick Rodgerson .  Dec. 2, 3 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church (Wilbrod & Cumberland). Tickets:  tix@uottawachoir.ca. Cost: $30 ($25 advance); $15 students/youth. Info:   www.uottawachoir.ca.