Message from the Rector

April 15, 2018

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Before Holy Week, the Pastoral Council met on Wednesday, March 21.  The members reviewed some of the activity which has been generated by parishioners with respect to our online membership to the Catholic resource FORMED.org.  Given the valuable resources which are available, more publicity should be given to this website.  The members settled on the final text for the decorum policy (see elsewhere in the bulletin).  Planning continues for the presentation of a Trends session which would provide a venue for single adults and parents to discuss the issue of appropriate dress.  The Council continued its reflection on the Parish Mission Statement and how the approach from the book Divine Renovation might assist us at Saint Patrick’s.  An updated version of the draft statement will be made available to parishioners in coming weeks.  The proposal for an electric vehicle charger was withdrawn but we understand that the Archdiocese is pursuing its own plans in that regard.  The members received a brief report from the Refugee Committee advising that both Syrian families are now in Ottawa and are being supported in the community settlement by the members of the Committee.  The Finance Council transmitted its desire that other worthy causes be identified with respect to our Poor Fund given its well-funded status.  Our parish conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society continues to receive ample support for its work on our parish territory.  The Rector advised that the time of the Sunday evening mass will be a matter of study and consultation in the coming weeks.  An initial proposal was put forth suggesting the use of modern technology for donations and for webcasting the Sunday Mass.  In response to a member of the Council, the Rector advised that it is up to the decision of each person whether or not they give to the collection for Development & Peace, noting that the collection is still mandated in our Archdiocese.  The next meeting of the Council will be on Wednesday, April 18.

The Finance Council met on Tuesday, March 20.  The members were pleased to welcome a new member of the Council, Charito Babol, who retired in 2017 from her last career position as an auditor with CMHC.  Her accounting and finance experience will be a great assistance to the work of the Council.  With respect to an update on the insurance situation, it was noted that we are still waiting for the final position of our insurer with respect to the insurance premium which will be due in June for the next year.  The members debriefed with respect to the 2017 Report and the 2018 Budget submitted to parishioners in March.  Overall, the reception was positive and parishioners were encouraged to see that we ended last year in a surplus position.  The members reviewed the financial statements for February and noted that most budget figures were on target to date.  With respect to building and maintenance projects, the members received a report with respect to the sanctuary and transept walls plaster restoration.  It was reported that overall the project was completed on time and on budget, subject to the extra that was required for fine art repairs to the upper sanctuary.  Some deficiencies were noted and the contractor has been contacted in that regard.  Arrangements are being made to remedy the deficiencies during the spring.  It is anticipated that daily Masses and confessions might need to be scheduled in the Scavi for one or two days while the remedial work takes place.  The contract has been awarded for the rectory porch foundation and rebuild.  It is anticipated that the work will be completed before summer.  The next meeting of the Council will be on Tuesday, April 17.

Before Holy Week, the Vatican announced that the Holy Father has instituted a new Marian feast: Our Lady, Mother of the Church, will be celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost.  This year the celebration will take place on Monday, May 21.

Next Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, we will observe the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  Catholics are invited to reflect on the meaning of God’s call and to pray for vocations.  Christ, the Good Shepherd, continues to lead his people through bishops, priests and deacons.  We rejoice in the ordination recently of a priest for our Archdiocese who was ordained on April 6 at the Cathedral.  Fr. John Orban will be ministering as Associate Pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Stittsville.  Priestley, diaconal, and vocations to consecrated life should be a constant concern in the hearts of God’s people.  (Ordo, page 214).  I encourage you to give generously to the special collection in favour of Vocations. The funds are used to support seminarians who are in formation for service in our Archdiocese.

Fr. Kevin