St. Theresa Catholic Church - 5th Sunday of EASTER Holy Mass - Video, Prayers, Pictures and New Announcements

May 2, 2021. Happy 5th Sunday of Easter! Happy Feast of St. Joseph the Worker on May 1st!

 

 

May a Month Dedicated to Mary - Pope Francis asks everyone to pray the Rosary in May for an end to the pandemic.  See the Friday Facts, below from the Archdiocese with many new announcements.

Blessed Sunday! Churches are only able to accommodate 10 people under the new "stay-at-home" regulation. ***The office will call parishioners to arrange for attendance.*** Others are encouraged to watch the Holy Mass on this Blog.

WATCH the Holy Mass below with Fr. Vincent for the 5th Sunday of Easter  

 ADDITIONAL SUNDAY MASS PLEASE NOTE: To accommodate the latest provincial pandemic restrictions for attendance, an additional Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am each Sunday with no music.

NEW MASS SCHEDULE: Saturdays at 4:30 pm Sundays at 9:00 am Sundays at 10:30 am. Weekday Masses are cancelled for the time being.  (****Due to low capacity only those called by the office can attend Mass in person)

Campaign for Conscience Rights Legislation in Ontario: Archbishop Damphousse encourages all the faithful to engage in a new communications campaign launched by the Bishops of Ontario in support of establishing conscience rights legislation to protect physicians, nurses and other health care workers in Ontario. Please refer to the Archbishop's letter and the link for sending automated letters to your local MPPs: https://en.archoc.ca/current-messages.  

Message from Deacon Guy: (SEE Bottom of Blog for Letter from the Archbishop that Dcn. Guy mentions)

Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ / Chers frères et soeurs dans le Christ,
Attached is a very important message sent by Archbishop Marcel last Friday, which calls us to be bearers of hope in this time of pandemic (in case you have not received this).
God Bless! Que Dieu vous bénisse Deacon Guy / Guy Dacquay d.p.

 

We want to THANK ALL OF YOU who have been donating and contributing to St. Theresa Parish. We appreciate your support during these challenging times. 

Please Remember to Donate Securely via Credit Card or PayPal to our Ottawa St. Theresa Parish Via Canada Helps:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/128967353RR0028-st-theresa-of-the-child-jesus-parish/ 

Special Prayers to Saint Joseph - Feast May 1st and it is the Year of St. Joseph -https://www.catholicnewsworld.com/2021/05/powerful-prayers-to-saint-joseph-novena.html

SENIOR'S CORNER 

Pope chooses theme for July 25 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
To express the closeness of God and of the church to every older person, Pope Francis has chosen "I am with you always" from the Gospel of Matthew as the theme for the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
https://www.ncronline.org/news/spirituality/pope-chooses-theme-july-25-world-day-grandparents-and-elderly

Picture from the Choir with Fr. Vincent (not all choir members present)

 

 
Prayer to St. Joseph said during Mass: Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome (here state your request) My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as a power. Amen. 

 

 

 

Perpetual NOVENA Prayer to St. Theresa Little Flower:

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, Please pick for me a rose, from the heavenly garden and send it to me, as a message of love. O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God to grant the favors I now place with confidence in your hands ( mention your special prayer request here ) St. Therese, help me to always believe, as you did, in God's great love for me, so that I may imitate your "Little Way" each day. Amen ( Say 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and 1 Glory Be each day)

 

 

April 30, 2021

St. Joseph, pray for us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE

Archbishop Damphousse's 2021 Easter Message: I retain three key messages in this passage from the Gospel of Saint Mark, read at the Easter Vigil. First of all, just when the women thought they were entering the world of death, since they were going to embalm the body of Jesus in the tomb, they are told great news: Jesus has risen! What a surprise! For God, nothing is impossible. In the midst of our distress, our suffering, our darkness, the risen Christ reveals himself to us even today. Read more....

Archbishop Damphousse Named President of CNEWA: Ottawa, April 28, 2021 – At its 2020 annual meeting, held virtually, the board of CNEWA Canada ratified important changes to its membership. After serving some 17 years on its board and 14 years as its president from 2006 to 2020, CNEWA confirmed the resignation of Archbishop Terrence Prendergast. As his replacement, it has appointed Most Rev. Marcel Damphousse, Archbishop of Ottawa-Cornwall. Press release: https://cnewa.org/ca/cnewa-canada-updates-board-of-directors/.

Save the date & time - Pastoral Day: For clergy and pastoral workers, virtually by Zoom on Thurs., May 20, 10:00 am - noon. The topic will be mental health. More details & registration info will follow.

Scrupulosity and OCD - Understanding and Navigating the Disease of Doubt Webinar: This is for clergy, parish workers and parish volunteers. Fri., May 28, 12:00 – 1:30 pm. This free Zoom webinar, offered by Dr. Caitlin Claggett Woods, will provide practical tips to help navigate challenging interactions and offer guidance on how to best support parishioners suffering from this affliction. To register: https://forms.gle/E7G1GncgAYpa8adm8.

Online Mass Schedules: A list of Masses available online in the Archdiocese can be found on our website at https://en.archoc.ca/masses-online. Any corrections and additions can be sent by email to abrown@ArchOttawa.ca. Every effort is being made to keep this information as current as possible.

Notice of Death: Deacon Denis (Dan) Careau died on Monday, April 26, 2021 at the age of 75. He leaves behind his wife Jayne (Dee) and two children. He was ordained a permanent deacon in Notre Dame Cathedral on June 10, 2007 by Archbishop Marcel Gervais, Apostolic Administrator of Ottawa. He was assigned to Resurrection of the Lord Parish in Ottawa. In 2017, he was transferred to Good Shepherd Parish in Gloucester. As a permanent deacon he also ministered to the elderly and bereaved and for a time was a chaplain for the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping. Due to the restrictions for COVID-19, his funeral Mass will be at a future date. Please remember Deacon Dan Careau, his wife Dee, his two children and their family in your prayers.

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF SAINT JOSEPH

Resources from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops: Available online at https://www.cccb.ca/evangelization-catechesis-catholic-education/celebrating-the-year-of-saint-joseph/. The resources include the official prayer card (to download), prayers, litanies, and devotions, Consecration to Saint Joseph, Church documents, Patris Corde guided video reflections, catechetical activities for children and youth, along with other resources from various sources.

PRO-LIFE

National March for Life Events: During the National Week for Life and Family, May 9 – 16, 2021. Visit https://marchforlife.ca/march-for-life-week-schedule/ for up-to-date information & virtual links to the National March for Life events. EWTN is offering live coverage of March, Thurs., May 13, 11:30 – 2:30 pm (www.ewtn.com) and the Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral at 10:30 am, celebrated by Archbishop Damphousse with greeting from Cardinal Collins and Archbishop Lépine.

Campaign for Conscience Rights Legislation in Ontario: Archbishop Damphousse encourages all the faithful to engage in a new communications campaign launched by the Bishops of Ontario in support of establishing conscience rights legislation to protect physicians, nurses and other health care workers in Ontario. Please refer to the Archbishop's letter and the link for sending automated letters to your local MPPs: https://en.archoc.ca/current-messages. To directly access the website for sending automated letters to your local MPPs, please go to: Ontario | Canadians for Conscience.

Message from the Catholic Bishops to the Faithful on the Expansion of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: During this Easter season as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the new life we have in him, we desire to engage our Catholic faithful on a subject of crucial importance to all of us. Bill C-7 has now become law, expanding euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada, known as “Medical Assistance in Dying” (“MAiD”). Link to letter: here.

VOCATIONS

Prayers for Vocations: Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 9. That men and women accept Jesus’ ultimate call to “love one another” by embracing vocations to the priesthood, diaconate or religious life, we pray to the Lord.

FAITH FORMATION

Alpha Celebration Invitation Online: Experience Alpha at a reunion on Thurs., May 13, 6:30pm. Hear our Winter 2021 Alpha participants, hosts and helpers as they share their experiences. All are welcome, bring a friend. Hosted by North Glengarry Parishes Alpha Team. Info & registration: Inez Franklin (613-347-7666; inez1989@hotmail.com) or Elizabeth McDonell (613-527-3209; mcdonellbe@gmail.com).

Virtual Prophetic Boot Camp | May 14-15, 2021 (Encounter School of Ministry - Ottawa Campus): Providing the foundations to hear God’s voice more clearly for yourself and the world around you through training and activation of the prophetic gifts of the Holy Spirit in your life. Cost: $45 USD; Priest, Religious, and Seminarian: $25 USD. Register: here. Inquiries: ottawa@encounterschool.org.

PRAYER & WORSHIP

St. John the Apostle Parish – Rosary for the Month of May: Join us on Zoom or Facebook daily at 9:00 am to pray the Rosary for the end of the pandemic, as requested by the Holy Father. All are welcome! Click this link to participate: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82690991609. Further info: sjalitcom@yahoo.ca.

FROM THE CCCB

Life and Family Suggestions for Homilies and Prayers of the Faithful During May 2021: The Sunday liturgy continues to offer nourishment for prayer and reflection during the whole week – whether we are meditating on the readings or participating in a television broadcast of the Mass and making a spiritual Communion. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops continues to post homily ideas and prayers of the faithful to help link the Sunday liturgy with the national pastoral initiative for life and family. The suggestions can be adapted for family or personal prayer or for use with other groups. Suggestions for Homilies & Prayers of the Faithful.

2021 National Week of Life and Family: Material, prepared by the Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF), is available at https://www.cccb.ca/national-week-for-life-and-the-family/. This week will be observed May 9-16, 2021, with the theme, “Family, the Domestic Church: A Sign of Hope and Life”.

CCCB Executive Committee Statement on the Implementation of ‘The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act’ in Canadian Legislation: The Catholic Bishops in Canada are committed to engaging with the past and to taking meaningful active steps forward with Indigenous Peoples and communities in view of a future filled with greater respect and cooperation. Read the full statement: https://www.cccb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/UNDRIP-DNUDPA-26-April-2021-EN.pdf.

FROM THE HOLY SEE

Pope’s Prayer Intention for May: Universal intention ‐ The world of finance. Let us pray that those in charge of finance will work with governments to regulate financial markets and protect citizens from its dangers.

SCHOOLS

Catholic Education Week: Happening May 2- 7, 2021. Info: please visit the Ottawa Catholic School Board at https://www.ocsb.ca/ or the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario at https://www.cdsbeon.on.ca.

OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS

Daily Life Today as a Christian in the Holy Land: Are you curious to know what it is like to live as a Christian in the land where Jesus walked? Paul Bard, a member of the Knights of Columbus from St. Joseph’s Parish, Orleans and Catherine Casserly from St. Basil’s invite you to join in an open discussion with two Palestinian Christians living today in the Holy Land. Wed., May 5, 10:00 – 11:30 am. Registrants will receive a confirmation with link to join free webinar. Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KDF1NtRbSaer7PZTpsNLyg. Hosted by Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine. Info: https://www.ottawaforumip.org/.

WIDER COMMUNITY INTEREST

Virtual Christian Life Program: Learn what Couples For Christ is all about. The Christian Life Program (CLP) is a free integrated course intended to lead the program participants into a renewed understanding of God’s call to them as Christian couples. The CLP has two basic purposes: evangelism and spiritual renewal. 8 separate sessions, once a week starting May 8, 7:30-9:30 pm. Sessions include teaching, group discussion, and time for fellowship. Registration at https://cutt.ly/clp-registration-2021. Info: 613-519-0816; www.couplesforchrist.ca.

EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Office Administrative Support – Notre-Dame Cathedral - Bilingual: Providing secretarial and administrative support to the Office Manager in the functioning of the parish office. This position will also assist the Rector Notre-Dame Cathedral with weekly publications, ensure the accuracy of information on the website, and assist with the preparation of religious services. Full description available at https://en.archoc.ca/office-administrative-support-notre-dame-cathedral. Application deadline: May 15, 2021.

Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall Building and Construction Coordinator: The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall is looking for a Building and Construction Coordinator to integrate the Properties team. Full time position. Bilingualism (French & English) is an asset. For details, please visit https://en.archoc.ca/employment-opportunities. Application deadline: May 28, 2021. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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LETTER from the Archbishop:

ARCHBISHOP’S MESSAGE

     April 25, 2021

 Good Shepherd Sunday

The 4th Sunday of Easter highlights the Good Shepherd who gives his life for his sheep. "I am the Good Shepherd, the true shepherd," Jesus tells us. "I know my sheep, and my sheep know me." It is good to know that Jesus knows us well, that he loves us and is willing to do anything to protect us and lead us to fullness of life. Indeed, we are precious to him, and he is willing to risk his life for each of us.

 I like this biblical image of the Good Shepherd because it makes me want to imitate him and to give myself out of love for the service of the sheep entrusted to me. On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, we can certainly invoke the True Shepherd to raise up among us priests animated by the same love as Jesus. Our Church needs dedicated men who know they are loved by Jesus and know him well in order to make him known to others.

 In the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, we currently have 8 seminarians, two of whom will be ordained to the priesthood soon and three others will become deacons. It is a great joy for a bishop to celebrate the ordination of a person who generously responds to God's call. Let us assure these seminarians of our prayers and support, and let us not be afraid to challenge new ones to consider this rewarding life of following Christ.

 

Bearers of hope during the pandemic

 

Struck by a third wave that is once again destabilizing our lives, I note that the prolongation of the pandemic is causing many Catholics to feel frustrated that certain privileges or freedoms are being taken away. The restrictions imposed are severe and can test our patience. No one is happy to see our churches limited to 10 people for the celebration of Mass. We are all tired of wearing masks and practicing confinement. The information circulating among social networks is littered with truths and falsehoods, wise instructions and conspiracy theories, leaving us confused and worried. When we are exhausted and stressed, and many realities are now beyond our control, fear and distrust can easily trap us into taking positions that sow dissent, doubt and revolt. Even the most well-intentioned people, unfortunately, find themselves in camps that seek to regain control by blaming public authorities left and right and sowing division. It appears in our current frustration that many of us blame those who have the duty to see to the well-being of all and criticize their decisions. Be assured that I do not support any group, even ones self-identifying as Catholic, that seeks to stir up discord and revolt.

 As your Pastor, I want to protect my sheep and lead them on the path of hope. Let us be careful. Let us make sure that we carry a message that gives confidence and unites us. I can understand that we share various opinions on different realities of the pandemic. But I believe that we must work together as a Church with our government leaders to fight this pandemic. Even if we don't like the restrictions, I believe it is essential that we take the necessary steps to save the lives of those in our families, parishes and communities.

 

The Bishops of Ontario have been working closely with the Premier of Ontario since the beginning of the pandemic to ensure that he understands the essential value of our liturgical gatherings and sacramental life. Protocols to ensure a safe and healthy environment in our churches have been developed in partnership with public health authorities. We have done an excellent job and the government recognizes our efforts. It is important to note that, unfortunately, not all religious groups have developed similar protocols and are putting them into practice. In its directives to the various places of worship, the government must treat everyone equally; and this may seem unfair. I can assure you that the directive to limit our numbers in our churches at this time is because the situation has reached a critical stage and it is time once again to take extraordinary measures.

 

As a bishop, I choose to do my best to collaborate with the whole of society to protect the lives of human beings. Even if I have to make the great sacrifice of limiting the number of people at our Masses, I will choose to exercise charity to preserve the health and life of all. I know very well that this does not please everyone, but I beg you to join me in order to ensure a climate of peace and serenity during these difficult times.

 

Please continue to pray for me, as I do for you.

 

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

 

X Marcel