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St. Leonard Catholic Parish
Manotick, Ont
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Monthly E-Newsletter for Sept 2017
Thank you for subscribing to the St. Leonard's monthly E-Newsletter. As we kick-off the 2017-18 Parish year we encourage you to stay informed and get involved in this year's Parish programs and initiatives and remember "they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love!" (John 13:35)
If you know someone who might benefit from this E-Newsletter, please forward it to them.
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Pastor's Message
Discipleship: Love for God and Love for Neighbor
Reflecting on the past year, I feel there was something missing from our Parish Plan and this year I want to focus on a new dimension in our Plan. What is it that will make it clear that we are truly committed disciples of Christ? I am drawn to a scripture passage that is often referred to as the greatest commandment, "Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-40). It was Jesus' new commandment, his prime directive-love for God, for neighbor, for
stranger, and even for our enemies, as he himself modeled.
If we are growing as Disciples of Christ people should see the proof of this in how loving we are both as individuals and as a Parish for as Jesus said in the Gospel of John, "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (
John 13:35
).
This is a big topic and one that I hope to build on throughout the year. But let me begin with a personal reflection. It has been quite a year for me! My life changed drastically on August 1st last year when I was hospitalized with a stroke and left partially paralyzed and unable to care for myself. It has been a year of many questions and challenges. Why did this happen to me?What was God trying to tell me? I concluded very early on and very deep in my heart that He was telling me that I needed to Love More! I had already committed my life to God so what could "loving more" mean and how has it revealed itself over the last year?
For the first time in my life I was dependent on others and faced with losing my independence. Medical workers, my fellow priests, friends, family members and, you, my dear parishioners, came to my rescue. I found myself shocked and overwhelmed with the genuine outpouring of compassion. You prayed for me both individually and collectively as a parish, you visited me in the hospital, brought me special food at hospital and at home, drove me to numerous medical visits and rehab and, most importantly, you listened patiently to my fears and through your love gave me much needed hope for a future recovery. In your faces and acts of kindness, I encountered the love of Christ.
What was I to do in the face of this love? How was I to show my gratitude to God and all those that supported me? I found a clear answer in his greatest commandment. "You must love the Lord your God and Love your neighbor as yourself."
Ultimately I am determined to surrender my all to Him and to you, my dear parishioners. God expects me, and you, to reflect His love and I promise you that I will endeavor in every way to do just that.
A special thanks to all of those that have loved me over the past year and I will close with this simple prayer: "Lord grant me this day so that I may love more."
God Bless, Father Titus
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Community News
Confirmation at Notre Dame Basilica June 25, 2017
On Sunday, June 25th, the children of St. Leonard Parish received the Sacrament of Confirmation at Notre Dame Basilica. The Most Reverend Terrance Prendergast, Archbishop of Ottawa and our own Pastor Reverend Titus Egbueh presided over the ceremony, calling on the Holy Spirit to be with our young people as they became fully confirmed in our Catholic faith. A special thank-you to the many volunteers and supporters that made the 2017 Confirmation program a success and to the parents that also prepared their children for their big day.
Heartfelt gratitude to Hilda Cambareri for her leadership and dedication to the children of the St. Leonard's Confirmation program.
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Adult Confirmation Aug 27, 2017
At the 11:00 am Mass on Sunday Aug 27th Father Titus confirmed
Laura Fascetto, Rino Marinelli and
Angela Marinelli and they were welcomed to full membership in the Catholic Church. If you are a baptized Catholic, over 18, who has not yet been confirmed, please contact the Parish Office for information on our Adult Confirmation program.
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Deacon Candidate - Daniel Giguere
Installation of Ministry of Acolyte Saturday Aug. 26, 2017
On Saturday Aug. 26, 2017 at the 4:30 p.m. Mass, deacon candidate, Daniel Giguere
was installed as an Acolyte with Episcopal Vicar, Rev. Geoffrey Kerslake officiating. A wine and cheese reception followed in the parish hall.
The Ministry of Acolyte is one of four formal, liturgical steps toward diaconate ordination. As an acolyte, the deacon candidate is instituted to serve at the altar and to assist the priest. In particular, it is his responsibility to prepare the altar and the sacred vessels and, if it is necessary, serve as an extraordinary minister and distribute the Eucharist.
A deacon is a permanent sign of Christ the Servant, no matter where he is, or what he is doing. Deacons do not celebrate Mass, hear confessions, or anoint the sick; they extend the sacramental presence of Christ's service outside of the church and into the secular world.
Diaconate service is modeled after the threefold apostolic ministry of the Bishop:
- A deacon personally serves the poor, the aged, the sick, and the imprisoned, bringing the Gospel to all those in need. He preaches and practices social justice.
- Deacons proclaim the Gospel and preach at liturgical celebrations. They provide catechetical instruction, adult faith formation, and sacramental preparation.
- Deacons assist priests during Mass, administer baptisms, witness marriages, preside at funerals and wakes, officiate at Benediction and lead community prayer services.
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Growing your Faith: FORMED renewed for 1 year!
What is FORMED?
FORMED is a revolutionary website that gives our parishioners unlimited access to video-based study programs, audio talks, eBooks, feature films, and documentaries wherever they are. The Parish has taken out a one year subscription so it is totally free of charge to all parishioners.
September Feature: Consecration
In preparation for the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima on October 13th.
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If you are new to FORMED, to get ongoing FREE ACCESS to all programs and downloadable PDF guides, movies and e-books please
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Update on Giving
At the start of March this year Father Titus requested an increase in our giving and asked us to consider moving our weekly offering to Pre Authorized Payment. We are pleased to report that, at the half way point of the year, 15 new families have become Pre Authorized Payment (PAP) givers. The number of PAP givers has risen from 59 to 74 and the amount of monthly offerings from this group of parishioners has grown from $4,940.00 to $6,350.00 per month. If you are not a part of this group, we encourage you to consider it as a way to simplify your regular offering. Keep in mind that this regular and dependable flow of contributions helps St. Leonard to budget
and dramatically reduces paperwork and administrative costs. We will continue to focus on increasing our pre-authorized giving to 100 families by the end of this year so if you are not part of this group please click here to find out how to enroll.
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J
ourney to the Holy Land Israel with Father Titus: June 3-14, 2018
Follow the footsteps of Jesus in an amazing journey to the Holy Land. Trace the roots of Christian tradition as we cross desert and mountains to the cities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth. Yesterday and today come together in this unique opportunity to deeply connect with the teachings of Christ through the land where he lived. Every Catholic should make this journey once in a lifetime!
Learn More
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Join a Seniors Drum Circle this Fall!
Seniors Drumming Circle (Ottawa West) for seniors of all abilities and all
drumming levels. Hosted by L'Arche Ottawa Seniors. Come work with a
professional drum instructor and be part of the fun. Coffee and Tea for early arrivals. Twice monthly @
10-11:30 am on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month.
L'Arche Ottawa offers a seniors social club which provides activities and supports seniors with developmental disabilities, as they continue to be active contributing community aging with dignity and grace.
This program is free to all but must register to reserve a spot. To reserve your spot contact:Rebecca Happy
613 228-7136 ex 28 or
[email protected]
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Tues. Sept. 5 Baptismal Preparation Meeting 7 p.m.
Wed. Sept. 6 Pastoral Council Meeting 7 p.m.
Wed. Sept. 13 Knights of Columbus Meeting 7 p.m.
Tues. Sept. 19 Parent Information Night for First Communion
Wed. Sept. 20 Finance Council Meeting 7 p.m.
Tues. Sept. 26 Parent Information Information Meeting for Confirmation. 6:30 p.m.
Wed. Sept 27 CWL Meeting 7 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 30 Confirmation Information Meeting for Confirmation 10 a.m.
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After the 9 am and 11 am Sunday masses in September coffee will be served in the Parish Hall. Click on the Parish Calendar for a full listing of upcoming meetings and events.
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Dear Parishioners we are very interested in your feedback. If have any comments and/or suggestions as it relates to any of our Parish activities, including the E-Newsletter, please click here.
If you would like a direct response to your suggestion, please include your email address.
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Update on St. Leonard Communications
Stay Connected!
Stay up to date on what is going on at St. Leonard through the St. Leonard Facebook page or through the St. Leonard Parish app.
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Facebook
Don't have a smart phone or tablet? Like us on Facebook. Special events and reminders are posted continually on the
St.Leonard Facebook
page
BUT you have to LIKE the page. Do it now - go to
the St.Leonard Facebook page
and LIKE the page. SHARE with your friends!
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