Our parish offers a
Monthly Holy Hour with
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Benediction

NEXT HOLY HOUR:
 

Friday March 5, 2021 

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.

Liturgical Celebrations 
February 21 - 27, 2021
 

Eucharist
Tuesday 8:30 a.m.
Thursday & Friday 10:00 a.m.
 
Stations of the Cross
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.

A sign in sheet will be on the foyer table for the Stations of the Cross on Wednesday. Father Steve has the names of all of our regular mass attendees for Weekday Mass.  Attendance is recorded at each weekday Mass.  No pre-registration for Mass is required.  All must wear a mask, physically distance  and must remain at home if one is not feeling well.


Celebrating the Lord's Day 
Saturday 5:00 p.m. & Sunday 10:00 a.m.
 

WEDNESDAYS OF LENT FOLLOWING ASH WEDNESDAY
AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE CHURCH

February 24

March 3, 10, 17, 24

The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. At each station, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event from Christ's last day. Specific prayers are recited, then the individual moves to the next station until all 14 are complete.

The Stations of the Cross are commonly found in churches as a series of 14 small icons or images. They can also appear in church yards arranged along paths. The stations are most commonly prayed during Lent on Wednesdays and Fridays, and especially on Good Friday, the day of the year upon which the events actually occurred.
 

All are most welcome to join us! 

Taken in its entirety from CatholicOutlook: News from the Diocese of Parramatta
 (NSW - Australia)

"Worshippers will from late November notice a slight change to the words the priest prays just before the Liturgy of the Word, with the amendment supporting a more faithful understanding of the Trinity.

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments earlier this year wrote to episcopal conferences that use the English translation of the Roman Missal (2010) regarding a change to the conclusion to the collects – or opening prayers – used in the Mass.

A typical conclusion to the collect read as follows:

“Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”

The letter indicated that the inclusion of the word “one” before God is problematic in relation to the Latin text “Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum”.

It explained that the inclusion of the word “one” before God “can serve to undermine the statement of the Son’s unique identity within the Trinity which the Latin formulas so strongly convey and, on the other hand, it can also be interpreted as saying that Jesus Christ is ‘one God’”.

The letter, signed by the Congregation’s prefect Cardinal Robert Sarah, said “either or both of these interpretations is injurious to the faith of the Church”.

“It is clear from the Latin texts that the doxology emphasises the divinity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son, who intercedes on our behalf, as the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, to the Father and which prayer is made in the unity of the Holy Spirit,” the cardinal wrote.

“Thus the Son’s role of priestly mediation is made clear. To transfer the Trinitarian relational element in unitate as meaning unus Deus is incorrect.”

The final words of the collects will be changed to read “God, for ever and ever”. The people, as they currently do, will give their assent to the prayer by saying “Amen”.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has agreed to implement the change to the prayers from the First Sunday of Advent this year – November 29."

N.B. In accordance with the Decree issued from the CCCB, the change indicated above comes into full use on Ash Wednesday 2021.

Additional Resources:

1) Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

2) Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales
   
     Pg 2

     Pg 3

IMPORTANT NOTICE 

First Communion / Sacrament of Confirmation
 

Following discussions with our Parish Catechetical Team we have decided to delay our plans for catechetical instruction  for First Reconciliation, First Communion (Eucharist) & the Sacrament of Confirmation, until the Fall of 2021.

Registration for these Sacraments continues now and through the next number of months.  We can only accept registration from families of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish.  For further information or to raise any questions, please contact: Deacon Dan @ 613-687-4764 ext. 2 or email him:
 

olsreleducation@gmail.com

The changing circumstances during this pandemic, requires us to be flexible and to make adjustments as we plan for our parish programs.  
 

 
THE DIOCESAN BULLETIN
CAN BE FOUND HERE

A great amount of information is available for all, including other writings of Bishop Desrochers and pastoral programs taking place within the diocese,
or outside of it.
 

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.

By my Side Ottawa – A Program of Spiritual Friendship and Healing for Separated and Divorced Catholics

This 6 week online women-only and 6 week online men’s-only program starts on March 27, 2021. By My Side is a non-profit structured support group for separated and divorced Catholics. All classes are hosted virtually. Christ holds those who suffer close to his heart and desires to bring about healing. This program helps participants find their way to reconciliation, peace and hope through Christ and the Church. We ask participants for a $40 payment to help cover resources and promotion. Any leftover funds are donated directly to charity. Our program (previously known has Journey of Hope Ottawa) began 6 years ago and has had over 100 class participants. Included are resources, 2 follow-up classes, and monthly Facebook posts offering Spiritual Food for Thought. To find out more and to register go to www.bymyside.ca.

FR. RON ROLHEISER, O.M.I.

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!

Following her dedicated service of over 20 years as the Director of Religous Education
for Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Mrs. Glenna Mackenzie has recently retired as of January 1, 2021. Words cannot express the depth of gratitude and appreciation we owe to Glenna, for the countless hours that she has spent preparing our students and our catechists for the catechetical preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist (First Communion) and Confirmation each year. While these individual sacramental celebrations were front and centre over the course of over 20 years, many could not imagine the many hours shared by Glenna behind the scenes. With Father Joseph O'Malley, former Parish Priest, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish cultivated one of the first comprehensive and well organized catechetical programs in the Diocese of Pembroke.  Hundreds of students have benefitted from Glenna's work and many adults have been assisted in cultivating a deeper relationship with the Lord.



To say that Glenna 'has been an active presence in the community', following her teaching career and as a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother, is more than just the understatement of the year! In addition to her service as the Director of Religious Education in our parish, Glenna has been an active member of the Catholic Women's League, where she has served in a number of roles on the Executive.  She worked on the Anniversary Committee for the parish in 2002,
in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the present church building
and assisted in the development of Parish Photo Directories.

Her work and dedication is seen in abundance in the community!



She was honored by the Province of Ontario 
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration in 2015
 

"Glenna MacKenzie of Pembroke has managed several community health improvement projects that were life-changing for the seniors in her community. These include the re-development of the Pembroke Civic Hospital into a 92-bed assisted living facility, and the conversion of a local motel into a 30-bed retirement care home.

Glenna MacKenzie, de Pembroke, gère plusieurs projets d'amélioration de la santé en milieu communautaire qui ont changé la vie des personnes âgées de sa localité. Cela comprend le réaménagement de l'Hôpital régional de Pembroke en centre de vie avec services de soutien de 92 lits et la transformation d'un motel local en maison de retraite de 30 lits."

 

Glenna's life and service is a good reminder for us that the Christian life is not just about words but action! Our parish joins with the Pembroke and Petawawa communities in praying that Glenna enjoy a very healthy and happy retirement, although we know
that she will not always be sitting still, for too long!

Father Steve, Ann Marie, Larry
& Parishioners

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:

For Lent 2021
ALL PARISHIONERS ARE INVITED
TO 'PRAY40' USING

HALLOW

at no cost for all of Lent 2021 !

Parishioners will be receiving download instructions by email.  To receive yours,

email:

frsfballard@protonmail.com





 

** The #1 Catholic App **

WHAT IS HALLOW?

Hallow is a Catholic prayer app that offers audio guided meditation sessions to help us grow in our faith & spiritual lives and find peace in God. Explore over 500 different sessions on contemplative prayer, meditation, Catholic Bible readings, music, and more.

In today’s world, we’re stressed, anxious, distracted, & can’t sleep. At the same time, we’re searching for deeper meaning, purpose, & relationship. We believe these two challenges can be addressed with the same solution: peace in Jesus. In the end, after all, a halo in heaven is the goal :)

WHAT YOU GET

* Daily prayers: Pray daily across methods including 3 of our most popular - Lectio Divina (on the Daily Readings), the Rosary, & the Divine Mercy Chaplet

* Christian Meditation: This can seem similar to mindfulness meditation in learning to be comfortable in silence, but the difference is the goal is never to remain in ourselves, but always to lift our hearts & minds to God, to talk with Him, listen to Him, & recognize His presence with us

* Bible Sleep Stories: Try Night Prayer from Liturgy of the Hours / Daily Office, and Catholic Bible stories read by folks like Jonathan Roumie from the Chosen or Fr. Mike Schmitz from the New American Bible

* Rosary: Meditate with Mary through the mysteries of the Catholic Rosary and other devotionals

* Ignatian Examen: Reflect on your day & discover an awareness of God, Jesus Christ, & the Holy Spirit

* Lectio Divina: Enter into a conversation with God through Bible passages / Scripture

* Taizé & Gregorian Chant: Meditative chant & music

* Community: Match your prayers to the season with the #pray40 Lent Challenge, starting Ash Wednesday, or our #pray25 Advent Challenge for Christmas

* Homilies & Guests: From Father Mike Schmitz, and on topics on being a Catholic Dad, St. Augustine & more!

* Praylists: Sessions on joy, humility, discernment, or stress / anxiety / calm

* Challenges: Re-discover the Our Father, Stations of the Cross, Psalms, and Saints - or start with the Intro 9 Day Novena

* Litanies & Novenas: Try out the Litany of Humility, the 54 Day Novena, and more!

* Minute Meditations: Jesus, I Trust in You, Angelus, Rosary Decade, St. Michael the Archangel prayer and more!

Additional features to help customize your prayer experience:

* Journal after every prayer

* Choice of man or woman guide

* Options for 3 different lengths for every prayer (typically 5, 10, or 15 minutes)

* Ability to set prayer reminders

* Option to include calming background music like Gregorian Chant

* Ability to download sessions for offline listening

* Ability to join a Hallow Family to share prayer intentions and prayer reflections with one another

As Hallow is a Catholic App (#1 among Catholic Apps), the content is developed by experienced Catholic theology and spirituality guides and reviewed by senior leaders within the Church (e.g., PhD’s, professors, Bishops, authors) and based on content from the approved Catholic Bible. We were also featured on EWTN. While it can be a beautiful app for Catholic men and women, it is meant as a resource for people of all faiths & religions.
 

Hallow app is an Evangelization project, sponsored by Our Lady of Sorrows Parish,
to assist our parishioners in growing
in their knowledge and love of the Lord, 
and as a helpful resource to prepare
to celebrate Easter 2021 !

What is Lent?  Why is it important?

Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving

Pope Francis: Message for Lent
 

New Video Series for Lent 2021

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 17, Journey through Lent offers an introduction to the Season and reflections on Gospel readings of each Sunday in Lent. It is the result of a joint project between the CCCB’s Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, the National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie.  The French series were filmed here in Notre Dame Cathedral of Ottawa.  To access the video series on the CCCB website: in English and in French.  Each Monday, the link for the upcoming Sunday celebration will be released. The CCCB are very grateful to Bishop Gerard Bergie and Archbishop Marcel Damphousse for their generosity in preparing and recording these spiritual and pastoral reflections. For further info, please contact Mrs. Margaret Shea-Lawrence, at m.shea-lawrence@cccb.ca.
 

More Resources for Lent

Explore the following resources all about the season of Lent:

• Ideas for Kids and Cathechists: 40 Ideas for 40 Days by Joe Poprocki

• Franciscan Media: For information on Ash Wednesday, fasting, going to confession, etc. 
• The Many Customs of Lent
• Creighton University Online Ministries – Lent Resources – A lot of good resources for Lent
• Lent in Three Minutes – Busted Halo
• 25 Great Things You Can Do For Lent – Busted Halo
• A Convert’s Guide to Lent – Busted Halo
• Living Lent Daily – Loyola Press

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated before both weekend Masses

Saturday 4:30 p.m. & 
Sunday 9:30 a.m.
 

Due to the unique circumstances of Covid 19, confessions will be heard at the front left alcove of the church where the choir is usually situated (the mosaic of the Resurrected Lord). Two chairs will be placed, with sufficient distance, so that the penitent will have their back to the pews of the church, and the priest will sit, clearly visible, facing the church body.  All are asked to where masks until seated. 

If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to church or go to other social gatherings.  If you have worrying symptoms of any kind, remain at home and contact the Renfrew & District Health Unit and / or your doctor.

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!

2020 PARISH FINANCIAL REPORT

IS AVAILABLE FOR ANY OF OUR DONORS WHO REQUEST
IT BY EMAIL. WE CONTINUE NOT DISTRIBUTING MANY FORMS OF PRINTED MATERIAL TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS.

Donor = envelope holder who has financially supported the parish in 2020

Send an email to: frsfballard@protonmail.com

These will be sent out as a batch at least once, maybe twice a week. Please do not become alarmed if you do not receive yours the same day that you request it.  We are so very grateful to our faithful and generous supporters!

 RECEIPTS FOR CHARITABLE GIVING
 

Receipts reflecting donations received in 2020 have been printed and are now available. In order to receive yours, please place a self-addressed stamped envelope in the rectory mailbox (Priest's House) or in the mailbox outside the main door of the Parish Centre.  Rest assured, your receipt will be mailed out immediately.

Alternatively, we would be happy to mail your receipt at anytime, with or without a supplied envelope, if you would simply like to call or send us an email.

Call Ann Marie
 at 613-687-4764 ext. 1
or send her an email: olsparishoffice@gmail.com. 

As always we are very grateful for your kindness and financial support!

+Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R.,

Bishop of Pembroke

Bishop Guy's Chronicles

Message for Lent 2021
 

Lent: a time to fall back
in love with God!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It’s resolution time! At least, that’s what most people think of doing when Lent begins. There are signs that remind us of the importance of making new resolutions and keeping them: our pants have become too small; our waist is too round; the mirror seems to be distorting us a bit. It’s time to eat healthy, we say… which also allows us to eat a little more, perhaps!

But for Christ, there is nothing truly “holy” about this kind of resolution. Lent is a time to renew our loving relationship with Christ and with our brothers and sisters around the world. Through the beautiful texts that will be offered to us throughout Lent, God will invite us to renew our Christian commitment by nourishing our faith in his Word and reminding us that “we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. “(Mt 4:4) Attentive listening to the Word of God, lived each day in the silence of our hearts, is the primary attitude that will enable us to undertake a true spiritual turning point or change in our lives, which can so easily become anemic or lukewarm as we follow the currents of the world.

You might say, “I don’t really need to change anything in my life. I have been a good Christian for a long time. I don’t commit any serious sins. ” But consider the great apostle Paul: he wasn’t a great sinner either. On the contrary, according to Jewish law, he claimed to be a man without fault. But when Jesus challenged him one day, this personal encounter with Jesus completely overwhelmed Paul and he became a man whose heart burned with love for God and for his neighbor.

Prayer, fasting and sharing. These are the three magic words that define the time of Lent. To live a “holy” forty days that will surely lead us to participate in the glorious resurrection of Jesus at Easter, I propose to you a different kind of fasting. A fast that will give a true place to God in your heart and that will consume you with love for your neighbor:

– Fasting from food a few times a week, or reducing its quantity, will lead me to stand in solidarity with the 3 million people who die of hunger every year all over the world.

– Fasting from electronic games, television, or worldly readings or activities that do not elevate the soul in any way. This fasting will allow me to devote more time to intimate prayer, a heart-to-heart conversation with God.

– Fasting from unnecessary shopping or extravagant spending.

– Fasting that pushes me to share certain goods or talents with the most needy.

– Fasting from certain leisure activities, allowing me to do some volunteer work that will bring me in solidarity with those who suffer from chronic or terminal illnesses, or who are desperately waiting for the presence of someone who will know how to chase away their morbid loneliness.

– Fasting that takes the form of a thousand and one small renunciations of my own will, renunciations offered to God to relieve or save souls, especially those who are still waiting for their deliverance from purgatory.

I wish each and every one of you a “holy” Lent. Let us take advantage of this sacred time that God gives us to fall in love with God again; to become more supportive and compassionate towards our brothers and sisters who unfortunately stopped “bothering” us a long time ago. Imagine, for a moment, how transfigured and radiant the Earth would be if we all decided to live this Lent by making more effort to love one another sincerely, as Christ has shown and taught us by his example and words? We would already be in paradise, I am sure! As Lent begins, let us choose to embellish and transfigure our world by devoting more of our time to God and to our neighbor.

Sincerely yours in Christ our Redeemer,

+ Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R.

Bishop of Pembroke

Pastoral Letter
January 10, 2021



MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP

Reading or viewing internet articles with discernment

February 3, 2021

Development and Peace – Caritas Canada: There has been major restructuring at Development and Peace, after a survey, analysis, and recommendations by Deloite. The Executive of D&P has four committees, each of which includes a Bishop. Bishop Desrochers, Bishop of Pembroke is a member of one of the committees (Communications). 

In October 2020, Bishop Desrochers proposed to the Council of Priests that the diocese return to supporting Development and Peace in its annual Lenten collection, as a gesture of good faith. Council members accepted this proposal. 

Accordingly, beginning this Lent 2021, 75% of the Lenten collection will be distributed to Development and Peace, and 25% will be sent to mission appeals.
 

We introduce Grow+Grow, 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.​

Second Sunday of Lent 

First Sunday of Lent

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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.