FR RON ROLHEISER, O.M.I.: 
LIVING WITH LESS FEAR 

Everything inside of our Christian faith invites us to move towards God in intimacy rather than in fear.

In virtually every instance in scripture where God appears within ordinary life, either through an angel, a special phenomenon, or through an appearance of the resurrected Christ, the first words are invariably: “Do not be afraid!” The soothing of fear, not its intensification, is the normal criterion that the voice we are hearing is coming from love.

With that in mind, I would like to offer ten principles, all rooted in the person and revelation of Jesus, that hopefully can be of help in purifying our image of God so that our faith might cast out fear rather than enkindle it.

What are the principles inviting us to live in less fear?

- God’s insight and understanding surpass our own.
- God’s compassion and forgiveness surpass our own.
- God respects nature, our human make-up, and our innate propensities.
- God is a blessing parent, not a threatened one.
- God can handle our questions and doubts and angers.
- God reads the heart and can tell the difference between wound and malice.
- God gives us more than one chance, opening another door every time we close one.
- God desires our salvation and the salvation of our loved ones more than we do.
- God is the author of all that is good.
- God can, and does, descend into hell to help us.

BISHOP DESROCHERS:  is asking all Catholics of the Diocese to please write to your local Member of Parliament to express your concerns about the proposed changes to Canada’s euthanasia laws. The Federal government is proposing to expand those who may be killed beyond those who are facing an imminent death. Disabled groups and associations are deeply alarmed with this change as they believe it poses a particular danger to their members. There is a website you can go to which provides more information on this subject as well as a link to use to write and share your objection with the government which I have posted below. Please do what you can to ensure that the government does not enact these changes. www.canadiansforconscience.ca.

CATHOLIC MARRIAGE PREPARATION: The Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend is best experienced as an in-person weekend.  Since we are on various COVID restrictions, the CEE Weekend is not possible, so please consider attending one of the virtual CEE Weekends listed on the website. For further information and registration please visit: www.ceeeast.org. Any couple contemplating marriage should first speak to a priest or deacon to ensure one’s freedom to marry in the Roman Catholic Church. The usual 6-12 month planning notice is required before any other arrangements are made and they must understand the way in which the Liturgy of the Sacrament of Marriage differs from a wedding that takes place on a beach, private home or another secular location.

ADVENT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! Create your own simple table Advent wreath centrepiece of evergreen branches and decorate the wreath with four candles – three violet and one rose. The first candle is lit on the First Sunday of Advent, with subsequent candles lit on successive Sundays. Violet and rose coloured candles are available in many places where candles are sold. Never leave lit candles unattended at home or anywhere!

PRAYING FOR OUR FAITHFUL DEPARTED: As reminder of our duty to pray for the faithful departed, especially the suffering faithful in Purgatory, the Church has dedicated November to the Holy Souls undergoing final purification. Although we do not have our Book of Remembrance at the front of the Church this year, you are still encouraged to pray for deceased loved ones who will be remembered in prayer at Mass during the month of November.

WEEKDAY MASS BOOKS: since the Word Among Us now contains the readings for all masses, along with the parts of the Mass, we will transition to the exclusive use of the Word Among Us whenever the parish subscription to the Living with Christ expires.  It does not make sense to pay for both subscriptions, since we often discard unused quantities. The Word Among Us will be available as it is now.  As indicated previously, parishioners who wish to have the Living with Christ booklet, can order their own personal copy of the Living with Christ booklet by visiting: www.en.novalis.ca. Subscribers can have the monthly book delivered directly to their home. As indicated previously, there are a few very good apps available for your smartphone or your computer, which provide all the mass readings free of charge.

RISE - IS AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVEMENT OF MEN: In its first year, RISE has transformed thousands of men’s lives all around the world. Parishes and groups have used the RISE 30-Day Challenge to cast a wide-net to all the men of the parish and bring them together into a common mission like never before.

What is it? RISE is a powerful 30-Day Challenge for men by Chris Stefanick. It is 30 days of videos and challenges done individually online, and with additional group meeting options using a Planning Guide. Each man is encouraged to do RISE with a "brother." This is a critical component to the challenge as it builds accountability and friendship based on a common mission.

What does it cost? The investment for each man is about $1/day. $32 gives them lifetime access to the challenge and membership in a community of thousands of men around the world..

Does it work? Yes! There have been over 12,000 comments from men already. Lives are being transformed in ways never thought possible.  It's easy to run a RISE Challenge! Go to https://coaching.reallifecatholic.com/RISE_parish_promo for more information.

MADONNA HOUSE ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF CONTEMPLATIVE ROSARY CD:  The Complete Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet & Jesus Prayer: Original Music for Contemplative Prayer sung by Maryana Erzinger and Fr. Michael Weitl of the Madonna House Apostolate. Act now at pay only $19.95 (regular $24.95). Call Madonna House Publications at 613-756-3728.

52^nd INT. EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: The 52^nd International Eucharistic Congress will take place in Budapest from 5 to 12 September 2021 Check out the website at iec2020.hu.

MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP: Dear Faithful & Clergy, during the last week of October 2020, two statements by Pope Francis concerning homosexuals made headlines around the world: “Homosexuals have the right to be in a family (…) and: ‘What is needed is a civil union law, they have the right to be covered legally. I defended that.”  Reactions and comments immediately erupted from all sides. To fully understand how the words of Pope Francis were quite literally taken out of context, you may read the bishop’s entire post on the Diocese of Pembroke website which is: pembrokediocese.com.  The post is found under ‘Weekly Bulletin’ for November 10, 2020.

ECCLESIA: The October 2020 issue of the Diocesan newsletter, Ecclesia, is now available in parishes and is on the bulletin counters. It is also available on the Diocesan website.

BEST ADVENT EVER 2021! We’re excited to announce that sign-ups for Best Advent Ever 2020 are now open! This year, Matthew Kelly will be giving powerful daily video reflections on the Gospel readings all through Advent. And we’re calling it Let Your Soul Shine—because that’s what the world needs from you now more than ever! Do you want to have an incredible 2021? It starts right now—with you signing up at dynamiccatholic.com.

GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR FAITH: fall & winter climate provides us with the perfect opportunity to look for a new way to 'broaden our horizons' and learn more about our faith! The perfect choice: participate in a free online course, rooted in our Roman Catholic faith! After you register online, its easy! You can learn at your own pace, repeat lessons as many times as you want and deepen your knowledge of the faith and grow in your relationship with God. 

Some of what you can explore and choose from the St. Paul Center:

GOD'S COVENANT PLAN

What is the Bible, where does it come from and what is its purpose? How are Catholics supposed to read the Bible and what story does it have to tell? These are the questions we take up in this “big picture” survey course.

Following an introduction to Catholic teaching about divine revelation and Bible, we jump right in and begin reading. We start with the creation story and Noah’s ark, and trace the history of salvation as it unfolds in the series of covenants that God makes with His chosen people - from Abraham and the twelve tribes of Israel to Moses and finally to King David. We see how this history reaches its climax and fulfillment in Jesus and the Church. The aim is to give you a solid outline and overview of the story that the Bible tells, from Genesis to Jesus.
 

For further information and to register visit here
 

THE LAMB'S SUPPER: THE BIBLE AND THE MASS

In this course we explore the intimate and inseparable relationship between the Bible and the Mass. Following an overview of the Eucharist in the New Testament, we look at the deep roots of the Mass in the biblical history of sacrifice - a history that culminates with the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist.

Besides the Old and New Testament readings we hear each Sunday, what does the Bible have to do with the Mass? Everything. In fact, one could argue that without the Bible there would be no Mass, and without the Mass there would be no Bible.

The Bible was made for the Liturgy and the Liturgy is where the Bible was meant to be proclaimed, expounded, interpreted and “heard.” That’s why, from the Sign of the Cross and the priest’s greeting: “The Lord be with you,” the Mass is one long biblical prayer - a tapestry woven from a fabric of biblical passages, phrases, and allusions. This is no accident. In the Mass, the story of salvation told in the Bible continues - is made real and present - in our lives.

We’ll study how the great events of salvation history are re-read and re-lived in the “today” of the Church’s Liturgy of the Word. Using the Book of Revelation, we’ll see how, in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we are lifted up to a real participation with the angels and saints in the heavenly liturgy.

Finally, we‘ll look at how in the Mass we renew our covenant with God - the new covenant made in the blood of Jesus which makes us children of God and heirs of the divine promises found in the Bible.
 

For further information and to register visit here
 

HOLY QUEEN: THE MOTHER OF GOD
IN THE WORD OF GOD

The Mother of Jesus is mentioned only about a dozen times in the New Testament. So why is Mary so important to Catholic faith and devotion?

As we’ll see in this in-depth study, Mary is a key gateway into salvation history. The Bible portrays Mary as the all-holy one who gave the Word flesh, the Mother of God, and the spiritual mother of all who live by faith in her Son.

We begin by learning how to read the Old Testament the way Jesus taught the Apostles to read it - as containing “types” that foreshadow and prepare His coming in the New Testament. Ranging widely through the Old Testament, we’ll explore the essential biblical “types” of Mary. We’ll see how she is depicted as the new Eve, the new Ark of the Covenant, and the new Queen Mother of the Kingdom of God. We’ll see how at critical junctures in salvation history, the figure of Mary is foreshadowed and anticipated.

We also explore the biblical basis for key Catholic doctrines and dogmas regarding Mary - her Immaculate Conception, perpetual virginity and Assumption into heaven.

For further information and to register visit here

We will all spend lots of time indoors! Let's take advantage of the opportunity!

This week, we are introducing Grow+Go, content designed to help parishioners understand what it means to be an evangelizing disciple of Christ. Using the Sunday Scriptures as the basis for reflection, Grow+Go offers insight into how we can all more fully GROW as disciples and then GO evangelize, fulfilling Christ's Great Commission to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) The concept behind the weekly series is to make ​discipleship and evangelization simple, concrete and relatable.​
 

November 22, 2020

November 15, 2020

November 8, 2020

November 1, 2020

October 25, 2020

October 18, 2020

CanadaHelps.org account:

or
to participate in our
Automatic Sunday Giving (Electronic Funds Transfer) program, a registration form is available here

All donations will be credited for Income Tax as usual. We routinely check the donations received from this service and carefully record the offerings. We sincerely thank those who have already contributed and invite all to do the same during this unusual period.  Thank you!

Due to the ongoing circumstances surrounding the COVID19 pandemic, we have had to adjust the manner in which the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in our parishes.  This includes the need for appropriate social distancing, privacy, but also our adherence to the protections afforded by the Code of Conduct for all in the Diocese of Pembroke.  As parishioners know, the sacrament was regularly celebrated before both of our weekend masses before the pandemic.

The sacrament will be celebrated on Wednesday mornings each week (during Parish Office hours) from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Parish Centre, by appointment only. A face covering is required as is the use of hand sanitizer.

Naturally, the sacrament will be celebrated 'face to face'.  We are not using our Reconciliation Room at this time because of the virus.

NEXT CELEBRATION DATE:

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2020
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
 

Please email Fr. Steve at frsfballard@gmail.com to indicate that you wish to set up a time on an upcoming Wednesday.  If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend, take your temperature at home and contact your doctor or the hospital.

Note: the email address indicated above is not monitored every hour of every day, but is checked frequently. Often some unexpected ministry concerns arise that need an immediate response - this is part of our life as a parish. Rest assured, you will be contacted by Fr. Steve as soon as possible! Your priests are fewer in number and are aging! 

Why is an appointment time needed?

We are attempting to do our part not to have groups of people gathering in clusters, if it can be avoided. We are all online checking email etc. everyday. Taking 30 seconds to zip off a quick note to Fr Steve is not too difficult! Your email will be replied to within 24 hours or sooner!

Secondly, if no one comes each week (with no appointment times being set), that is a great deal of time that can be put to use in the parish. During this unusual time, we appreciate your understanding!

Beginning this month, our parish will be offering a Monthly Holy Hour with
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

NEXT HOLY HOUR:

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2020

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
THE 10:00 A.M. MASS

Come and join us in this very special time of prayer, when we spend time with
Our Lord.

Daily Meditation:

"Overcoming Spiritual Discouragement" The Wisdom & Spiritual Power of Venerable Bruno Lanteri (Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.V.M.)

Spiritual Reading:

"Mother Teresa Come Be My Light" The Private Writings of the 'Saint of Calcutta' (Brian Kolodiejchuk, M.C.)

Latest Audiobook:

"Catholicism" (Bishop Robert Barron)

Next Up:

"Hope to Die" The Christian Meaning of Death and the Resurrection of the Body (Scott Hahn with Emily Simpson Chapman)

"Do Something Beautiful for God" The Essential Teachings of Mother Teresa

"I Heard God Laugh" A Practical Guide to Life's Essential Daily Habit
(Matthew Kelly)

"Rediscover the Saints" Twenty-Five Questions That Will Change Your Life
(Matthew Kelly)
 

A Letter of Reference (Character Reference): The Parish Priest can only write a Letter of Reference attesting to an individual’s character if he knows the individual concerned. Obviously, if a priest meets a person for the first time, he is not able to write anything since he does not know the person concerned.  Character reference letters are often easy to write when a parish priest has known someone for a considerable period – perhaps even years.  No priest (or any person for that matter) is obliged to ever write such a letter.  Various entities, including employers and other charities often follow-up with the priest by telephone for further information. A priest will never engage in ‘creative writing’ (lying) for someone who is not known to them.  Finally, it is also considered bad manners to use anyone’s name on an application form without first asking their permission.

A Pastoral Letter of Reference: on a scale of letters that may be requested, this is perhaps the most serious and one that is never to be taken lightly.  A Correctional Institution (Prison), High School, Trauma Centre, Hospice, Hospital searching for a Catholic Chaplain all seek Pastoral Letters of Reference for Roman Catholic candidates so that the individual hired is the best choice in serving the Catholic population (people) entrusted to their care.  Why is the letter important? It is important because the parish priest is being asked to attest to the fact that the candidate is: a practicing Roman Catholic, who takes seriously the obligation / invitation to worship with our Eucharistic Community and who has demonstrated their seriousness and maturity by growing in their faith, becoming a more prayerful and holy person, and by becoming involved in the life of the parish.  The priority is not in securing a lucrative paycheck.  The priority is in serving the Roman Catholic people entrusted to their care. They are entitled to that. What does this mean? A person must be registered in a parish, attending Sunday Mass regularly with the community, supporting the parish and sharing one’s gifts.  How can one share their gifts? By volunteering for ministry as a Reader, Greeter, Collector, Assistant in the Sacramental Preparation Programs, Vacation Bible School, C.W.L., Knights of Columbus etc.

With respect to a candidate for a teaching position in the Catholic School Board or one seeking potential promotion within the board, the expectation is no different and is as serious.  As the Ottawa Catholic School Board mentions in their writing: “The Catholic School Boards (and with them, Catholic parents and Catholics in general) expect from its teachers that they be Catholic Christians in more than a formal sense”. Visible expressions of faith within the parish community are never underestimated or discounted as mere formalities.  Instead they reflect an inner spiritual commitment, maturity and choice.  It should be obvious that any individual contemplating a career choice or vocation explore all the elements of the Academic Program before them, but also carefully review the Application Process in the field that they are contemplating.  If a student is away from home where they are studying, they would be well advised to become rooted in a local parish community, become involved, meet with this priest over the course of the years so that he can at some point write a Pastoral Letter of Reference if one is needed and if he is able to do so.  Obviously, a student that is hardly home at all cannot expect a local parish priest to know anything about them, let alone attest to their commitment to Christ and the Church. As the Halton Catholic District School Board material indicates to the priest: “Do you believe this applicant would influence and strengthen the spiritual growth of children within the Catholic Community”. The Wellington Catholic District School Board, Muskoka Catholic District School Board, the Diocese of Hamilton, Archdiocese of Toronto among many others all have similar questions in their resource materials for Pastoral Letters of Reference.  The decision to live a life of faith is a very personal one that is always respected.  However, employment that involves the Catholic community is no longer just a personal matter, but one that  involves the community where one hopes to serve. If a teacher places no value on a life of faith in our Parish Community, how likely are they to pass on its importance to the children in their classroom? 

All individuals concerned should ask questions first and review the above carefully.  The time to consider these matters is not on the day that you need a letter – but many months if not years before! Once again, no priest is obligated to write any letter, especially if the candidate has not demonstrated a strong commitment to the faith and to the life of the parish.  In a perfect world, any and all newly hired Catholic teachers would have a probationary period of hiring of no less than 1-5 years.  This would allow the entire Catholic Community the opportunity to assess the commitment of faith of the person hired.  Once again, no person is compelled to live a life of faith in any church.  If the expectations of the Catholic Church & School Community are seen to be too stringent, perhaps an individual should apply to the Public Board.  And so in summary here are the important points:

1) If you wish to register your name as a potential candidate for a Pastoral Letter of Reference from Father Steve in the years to come (note the word years, not days!), please speak to Father Steve or send him an email.  

2) Your candidacy for such a letter will be reviewed annually. No Pastoral Letter of Reference will be written for one who is not registered for one through this process and for one who has not had a proven record of worshipping, attending and supporting our parish over a minimum of one to two years.

3) Any candidate seeking a Pastoral Letter of Reference will have a sit down interview to establish a basic knowledge of the faith.

4) If a Pastoral Letter is provided, and the individual is not a supporting member of our parish, a monetary donation of $100 is to be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa.

Diocese of Pembroke - Decree on the Code of Pastoral Conduct for all Priests, Deacons, Seminarians,
Employees & Volunteers
Final Decree - February 1, 2019

Specific application of the policy at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa

CODE OF PASTORAL CONDUCT: this decree is applicable to priests, deacons, seminarians, employees and volunteers engaged in ministries and services in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pembroke. It’s intent is to assist all in upholding Christian values and conduct as they minister to, or work with the People of God. This final document is effective February 1, 2019 and has been distributed among our parish staff and will be disseminated among all those engaged in volunteer ministry in the parish. In order that we may be in complete compliance with the letter and spirit of the ‘Code of Pastoral Conduct’, the following is important to note:

Effective Immediately: