October 15, 2022
Good morning everyone.
This week is shaping up to be a busy one here at St. Andrew’s. Beginning this morning until next Saturday, we will have five funerals in the parish. Starting in 2020, we have noticed a significant increase in funerals at church, the funeral home and in the cemetery. They often come in a larger number during a particular week. It is a clear sign that our parish has a significant aging population but now and then we celebrate the funeral rites for parishioners who are much younger. Last week, for the first time in a few years, we celebrated the rites of burial for a child a few weeks old. While funerals are on the increase in the parish so too are baptisms. Since the early spring and after clearing the list of baptisms delayed because of the Covid pandemic, we have celebrated several baptism’s each weekend in the church with eager parents and engaged family and friends. The cycle of life keeps turning round and round and the church has much to offer during these times of sadness and joy.
On Friday evening and Saturday morning this week (October 21 and 22) we are delighted to welcome you to join us to reflect on the visit of Pope Francis to Canada in July and give some context to what happened as he was among us. We are very lucky to have engaged Fr. Thomas Rosica C.S.B a member of the Basilian Fathers and founder of Salt and Light Catholic Television. As well as being a scripture scholar, he is a respected commentator on church affairs at home and internationally. On Friday evening (7.00 pm. in the church) he will reflect on the visit of Pope Francis to the Indigenous peoples of Canada, what he said and what happens now. On Saturday(9.30 am. to 2.00 pm. in the Parish Centre), he will speak on the Pastoral Visit to all Canadians and focus especially on the talk that he gave to the bishops, clergy, religious and lay people in the Cathedral church of Quebec City. We encourage everyone to attend one or both session. No need to register for the Friday evening talk but registration is required for the Saturday talks as it will include a light lunch. Please let Sharon know at: office@standrewoakville.com
During the week, we received a very important PASTORAL LETTER TO YOUNG PEOPLE from the Catholic Bishops of Canada. It was released in Ottawa on October 12, 2022, a day when the young Blessed Carlo Acutis is remembered – the first “millennial” to be proclaimed “Blessed”. Signed by Bishop Raymond Poisson, Bishop of St. Jerome – Mont Laurier and the President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the letter is the result of many ZOOM conversations, which took place in both English and French, between over 200 young people from across the country and Bishops of the Conference. This work began after the Youth Conference in Hamilton in 2022, one week before the first lockdown for the Covid pandemic. Using a few of the platforms available to unite groups in conversation from coast to coast to coast, these encounters resulted in the letter of reassurance and encouragement that is available here. A video summarizes the letter and makes it more easily accessible. We encourage young people, parents and grandparents to read (and view) it and hopefully keep the conversation going.
Speaking of keeping the conversation going, the Diocese of Hamilton welcomes DAVID WELLS from England to the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Tuesday evening, November 8, 2022, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. David peaks from the heart with enthusiasm and great love for the Church and brings a wealth of experience as a husband, father, educator, catechist and leader. The title of his presentation: “IS THIS SPOT TAKEN?” The Church’s Call to Radical Hospitality in a Post-Pandemic World. This public presentation is one of several that David Wells will offer during a visit to the Diocese of Hamilton.
On Thursday, October 20th, we are invited to a concert in the church featuring the George Crotty Trio at 7.00 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and can be purchased through www.eventbrite.ca/george-crotty-trio-at-st-andrews It promises to be a fascinating evening of music reflecting diverse traditions around the world.
Last weekend, we invited parishioners to help us shape a pastoral vision for music at Mass at St. Andrew’s as Charles Demuynck leaves us. The survey is here: https://www.standrewoakville.com/music-ministry-feedback-form/ We are working on developing a profile for a new director of music which will take some time. In the meantime, we will still have music in the church and will continue to support the choirs in their ministry. Please take some time to help us thank Charles for his generous and faithful service at St. Andrew’s over the years on Sunday, October 30th after the 11.30 Mass. This will be his last weekend as the Director of Music for the parish.
Finally, please remember the great change this weekend. Mass on Sunday changes to 8.30, 9.30 and 11.30 am. Mass on Saturday remains at 5.00 pm. During the week, the new schedule is: Tuesday and Thursday at 12.05 pm. and Wednesday and Friday at 9.00 am. Tomorrow after the 9.30 and 11.30 Mass, please take some time to drop by for some coffee and goodies.
Have a good weekend.
Con