Dear Parish Family,
Summer is finally here. In many ways this will be a relatively ‘normal’ summer. We haven’t had one since 2019, or as I like to call it, 1BC (Before Covid). I hope and pray that all of you will be able to enjoy some well-deserved rest, relaxation and recreation with family and friends.
This summer, I will be taking my three weeks of vacation in two parts. I will be away with my family in Kitchener from July 18 - 25. I will then take two weeks, from August 14 - 28, to go to Disney World with my brother, sister-in-law, and my three niblings (two nieces and one nephew). I am looking forward to making some memories with them, as this will be my first time there.
As we shift into summer mode, I just wanted to mention a few updates to keep everyone in the loop. Firstly, thanks be to God, the two job postings have been filled. We are just working out the signing of contracts, and other details at present. The plan is for the positions of Discipleship & Evangelization Team Leader, and Manager to begin on Tuesday, August 2. I am really looking forward to introducing these two new hires to all of you once everything is official. These two new hires are concrete steps toward our strategic plan.
For those of you who may have missed our parish launch of the five-year strategic plan entitled, Know, Grow and Go, released on June 12, please click here to view it, as we will be following this plan closely, moving forward.
There will be some construction work being done on the front steps of the parish office starting on July 4. Hopefully it will only take a few days, but it will be weather dependant. Things may be noisy during Mass this week, but we will make do. Please use the lower doors to come to the office while the repairs are being made. The Perry Street doors to the Church will still be usable for getting to Mass.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue Tuesday evenings without interruption, but the Wednesday and Thursday daytime Adoration will stop for the summer and resume after Labour Day on Wednesday, September 7.
In the Parish Rectory, Fr. Marcus and I are living with Fr. Allan Macdonald, who moved in last month. We have said our farewells to Fr. Jerry, who has moved to Combermere to live at Assumption Farm. In the fall, we will be welcoming a seminarian intern to join us for the year. His name is Michael, he is originally from B.C., so he and Fr. Marcus will be holding the nostalgia for their home province. While Fr. Allan and I will be proud Ontarians. We are really looking forward to welcoming Michael to our household. I know that you will all grow to appreciate and enjoy his presence among us this year.
Again, have a great summer, and be assured of my prayers for all of you. I pray that this September will be a great beginning to my final year as your Pastor. I am counting on the Holy Spirit to do wonderful things in our midst as we take the next steps toward becoming a parish of missionary disciples, making a difference in our families, schools, workplaces and neighborhood.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Tim
