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UPCOMING MASS CELEBRATIONS
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MONSEIGNEUR DUROCHER - IN MEMORY OF POPE FRANCIS
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Dear brothers, dear sisters, since learning of Pope Francis’s death, two balcony scenes have stayed with me: the first dates back to the evening of his election, when he presented himself to the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square; the second, two days ago, when for the last time he gave the Easter blessing “for the city and for the world”. It seems to me that these two moments, the alpha and omega of his pontificate, contain in nuce the twelve years of his ministry as Peter’s successor.
I clearly remember that first scene. I was at Cap-de-la-Madeleine with all the bishops of Quebec for the spring plenary meeting. Together, we watched the striking images broadcast on television: the pared-down garment, his quiet, shy smile, his deep inclination before the crowd he had invited to pray for him… all these gestures spoke of a man of great simplicity, humble and fraternal, attentive to ordinary people. And his name – Francis – already told us of his attachment to Jesus, to the least of his brothers and sisters, to creation itself.
As Christians, we become “pilgrims of hope” by following our leader, Jesus. His path leads to the fullness of life, eternal life. Of course, like him, we’ll have to walk through the terrible valley of Good Friday. But the hope he gives us generates in us the courage and strength to live through the ordeal with love, just as he did.
His words foreshadowed the major themes of his pontificate: the invitation to fraternity, the call to evangelisation, the vision of a more synodal Church. The metaphor of the pilgrimage that animated his remarks that evening is even reflected in the theme of the current jubilee year, “Pilgrims of Hope”. In an impromptu speech lasting barely ten minutes, he sketched out the twelve years that were to come.
In his final talk just a few days ago, evoking Christ’s victory over the powers of death, he once again recalled the world’s many sufferings and urged us not to forget the victims of natural disasters, violence and war. He renewed his call for universal brotherhood and peace. He spoke words of hope.
On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God! I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible!
His gestures this time were those of a very sick man, but still attentive to others: waving and blessing. His very presence in St Peter’s Square bore witness to the unreserved gift he had made of himself by accepting to become Bishop of Rome. He truly gave himself to the very end.
This man will always remain an inspiration and a model for me. His legacy is a vision of a renewed Church, radically focused on the Gospel and engaged in the world. It is up to us to work towards realising this vision.
With all of you, I mourn his passing, while entrusting him to the infinite tenderness of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Let us remember the last words he left us, words that, in the light of his death a few hours later, proved to be prophetic.
In the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, death and life contended in a stupendous struggle, but the Lord now lives forever. He fills us with the certainty that we too are called to share in the life that knows no end, when the clash of arms and the rumble of death will be heard no more. Let us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new! Happy Easter to everyone!
Your elder brother,
✝ Paul-André Durocher
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EASTER MESSAGE FROM MGR PAUL-ANDRÉ DUROCHER
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In this Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis invites us to be “pilgrims of hope.”
A pilgrimage is more than a hike. Typically, you must devote days, even weeks, to it. Every morning, you must recommit to the road, rain or shine. You have to be willing to walk through dreary, boring landscapes as well as more enchanting environments. You must endure sprains and blisters, meagre meals and hard beds. But the goal keeps you moving forward. Pilgrims know where they’re going. And pilgrims don’t journey alone, for they find themselves surrounded by brothers and sisters who share the same goal, the same ideal. Together, they move forward, encouraging each other, helping each other and singing along the way
As Christians, we become “pilgrims of hope” by following our leader, Jesus. His path leads to the fullness of life, eternal life. Of course, like him, we’ll have to walk through the terrible valley of Good Friday. But the hope he gives us generates in us the courage and strength to live through the ordeal with love, just as he did.
On this Easter Sunday, and throughout the fifty days of the Easter season, let us rejoice with the One who accompanies us on every stage of our pilgrimage. May his Spirit transform and enliven us, making us true “pilgrims of hope.” May you have a blessed, joy-filled Easter!
✝ Paul-André Durocher
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THANK YOU FOR GIVING FROM THE HEART TO SHARE LENT 2025!
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Development and Peace — Caritas Canada thanks you for supporting the Turn Debt into Hope campaign with your Share Lent donation. Your donation will help support our sisters and brothers in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
If you have not yet had a chance to give, you can still place your Share Lent envelope in the offertory or donate online at devp.org/give.
Thank you for continuing to pray for all those who are working to build a world of peace and justice.
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2025 - A JUBILEE YEAR
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What is a Jubilee? Celebrated every 25 years in the Catholic Church, a Jubilee is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation in which people are invited to come back into right relationships with God, with one another and with all Creation. The tradition is inspired by the biblical year of jubilee, a time when debts were cancelled, slaves were set free and the land was allowed to rest (Lev. 25, Deut. 15).
“This year, under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” Pope Francis invites Catholics to renew their hope and adopt a vision that can “restore access to the fruits of the earth to everyone.”
Find out how Development and Peace — Caritas Canada will be living the Jubilee at devp.org/lent.
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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS IN BUCKINGHAM |
Connexions is an important support organization for the English-speaking community of the Outaouais. Their mission is to promote the health, social wellbeing, and vitality of the English-speaking community through empowerment, participation and collaboration within the Outaouais.
Connexions has partnered with the local seniors’ centre, Centre Action Générations des Aînés, or CAGA as it is better known. Every other Monday morning at 10 am, Connexions will host one-hour activities offered in English at CAGA’s location, 390 avenue de Buckingham.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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To register, go to centreconnexions.org or call at 819-557-0615.
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The Wardens of OLV are looking for someone to join the team to fill the open position of the Fabrique Chairperson.
Duties and Responsibilities
Financial
- In collaboration with the Treasurer ensures proper financial management as it relates to the annual budget and the Parish’s investment portfolio.
- Communicate with diocesan officials on financial issues and responds to their requests for information.
- Review the financial reports in order to develop both short term and long-term fund-raising strategies.
Communication
- Manage incoming correspondence and ensures that incoming issues are addressed.
- Ensure that parishioners are kept informed of issues and events.
Other Items
- Ensure the completion of the Annual Report for the Régie des Entreprises by November 15th.
- Identify items and prepare agenda for the monthly warden meeting.
- Allocate areas of responsibility (files) for each warden.
- Ensure that the Fabrique Act is respected.
- Manage the snow removal contract. Determine if the removal of snow is completed in a timely fashion.
Rentals (Warden Responsibility)
- Ensure that guidelines including a payment schedule are in place for the management of rental agreements.
- In collaboration with the Wardens review annual rental rates and make adjustments accordingly.
If interested or if you have questions, feel free to contact any of the wardens listed below, and we will be glad to help:
- Mervin Butler
- Lyall Campbell
- Susan Lemieux
- Gail Preston
- Bill Raby
- Theresa Ritchie
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| TWO NEW CANDIDATES FOR THE PERMANENT DIACONATE |
| On October 27th and November 3rd, Archbishop Paul-André Durocher presided over the rites of admission to the diaconate of Mr. Chrislain Eric Kenfack at St. Mark’s parish and Mr. Desmond Kamara at St. Aloysius parish. This is the first official step for Chrislain and Desmond as they become candidates for the diaconate and continue their training. They join two other candidates who underwent their rites of admission last April.
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| QUEBEC ASSEMBLY OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS |
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CURRENT FOOD CRISIS |
On the occasion of May 1st, International Workers’ Day and the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the Quebec Assembly of Catholic Bishops invites Christian communities to pay attention to the current food crisis, to analyze the situation in the light of the Gospel, and to consider various courses of action to ensure that everyone has enough to eat. |
IN THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL |
Faced with the current food crisis, our Christian communities, which are often already committed to helping the vulnerable, must respond to the call of the hungry. Why should we do so? Because, in doing so, we will be acting for justice, as Jesus Christ taught us, in continuity with the great biblical tradition of commitment to justice.
This interpellation is found in “the multiplication of the loaves”. It would be more accurate to speak of “the breaking and distribution of the loaves”, i.e. their sharing (partage) in both senses of the word. This sharing is fundamental. It prefigures the Eucharist, since the evangelists use the same words as in the Last Supper to describe Jesus’ action of taking the loaves, giving thanks, breaking them, and distributing them to his disciples. Above all, the sharing of the loaves shows us that the ability to adequately feed the hungry, even today, is within our grasp. Indeed, Jesus shows us how to respond with Him to His call, “You give them something to eat”, when we can be tempted to leave each individual to his or her own means of feeding themselves. Jesus reminds us that every time we give food and drink to those who are hungry and thirsty, we are doing so to Him, bearing witness to our love and faith. Our Christian ideal is that everyone should have enough to eat. How can we achieve this, or at least come close? The first step is to take a close look at the resources available. This is the kind of counting Jesus encourages: “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” Then we need to organize a fair redistribution of resources, that is, a sharing inspired and guided by the God of love and mercy, who has given goods a universal destination and to whom we bring the little we have. This sharing involves the formation of small groups, thanksgiving, the involvement of the disciples, the actual redistribution, and, finally, the gathering of the surplus, which will once again fulfill the Lord’s word quoted by the prophet Elisha: “They shall eat and have some left.”
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POLICY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PERSONS
IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GATINEAU
For the sake of the little ones (Pr 31:9) …protect minors and vulnerable adults
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| Message from the Diocesan Coordinator for Establishing Safe Environments
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Hello everyone, I have just about completed two visits of each French and English parish, presenting the Diocesan Guide for the implementation of measures to make our parishes safe for minors and vulnerable persons, and to protect them from other types of harm (theft, fraud, breach of confidentiality, harassment, etc.). These meetings also allowed for the presentation of concrete tools for putting these safety measures in place.
Just a reminder that this project is a diocesan priority and is compulsory, affecting both volunteers and paid staff, including priests.
As a Christian community we can be proud, to finally make this significant change, assuring all parishioners served by their parish, whether young, old, or vulnerable, that they can feel (fully) secure.
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Code of Ethics and Conduct
The diocese and parishes have adopted a code of ethics and conduct. Why? Remember what Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”. (John 13:34-35). Are our attitudes and actions toward others always in keeping with the values of the Gospel? Working and being of service in a parish means being attentive and concerned for others, especially when relating to those who are most vulnerable. Adopting a code of ethics and conduct means adopting values that help us remember and live Jesus’ message to, “Love one another”.
Our First Value - Human dignity
To behave towards others with courtesy, and kindness. It means helping each other and listening. When we disrespect, belittle, harass, or humiliate another person with words and gestures, we deeply wound them in their dignity. Be attentive so that our relationships are healthy and respectful.
Our Second Value - Autonomy and Self determination
No matter where we come from, how we were brought up, or what we are capable of, each one of us has the right to express themselves, to make their own choices, to act and think for themselves. This is what the value of autonomy and self-determination in our Code of ethics means. Encourage your peers to express themselves and discuss their opinions. It is not always easy to accept having our ideas questioned by people whose opinions or experiences are different from our own. Of course, this needs to be done respectfully, that is, in consideration of others’ existence, ideas, and opinions. Maintaining prejudices, violating the right to speak, seeking to control others are just some examples of not living up to this value. “Love one another with mutual affection” (Romans 12:10). With the people we serve and in our relationships with volunteers and employees, let’s encourage one another to express ourselves and share our points of view.
Our Third Value - Personal safety
The 3rd value in our Code of Ethics and Conduct, mentions the importance of adopting physical contact that respects people's comfort level, especially if they are minors or vulnerable. How do we approach others? Are we still in the era of hugs? We have to have personal limits. These are influenced in particular by our culture and upbringing, and also, for priests, by an awareness of their authority in the Church. Jesus himself exercised authority: "Jesus spoke with authority", as the Scriptures say. The healthy authority that priests must exercise in their ministry is that of Jesus: an authority that empowers others, that listens, that inspires trust and action, that makes people want to follow, that gives them responsibility and makes them aware of their own resources. Jesus did not condemn or judge; his authority was to serve, to lift up, to liberate. Let us be mindful of the distances we need to take from people who are living in a vulnerable situation. Let's behave safely with them. I'll come back to this in a future article.
Our Fourth Value - Confidentiality
We don’t always realize how much damage is done when there is a breach of confidentiality. In this time of social media when financial institutions lose personal information, the protection of an individual’s private information is paramount. Discretion goes beyond being a good quality, it is now an obligation. A person who speaks with the secretary, with the priest, who confides in a volunteer, expects that what she/he has shared will be respected and remain confidential. What if the secretary discovers in the baptismal records that a child’s parents are not the ones, she/he thought they were, and he/she reveals that information! What if a person confides in a volunteer that they were abused as a child and that information gets out to the group of volunteers! Even the simplest type of personal data is confidential. If the person hasn’t given permission to share it, it should not be communicated to others. During committee meetings when an individual parishioner or volunteer is being discussed, always ask yourself, is it necessary to name the person? To share their personal information? To reveal all the information we have? If it is absolutely necessary, share as little as possible. A breach of confidentiality is potentially very damaging. Think about it!
Our Fifth Value - Loyalty and Integrity
“You shall not steal”, God’s 7th commandment. In a way, you might say that this commandment summarizes the 5th and last value in our Code of Ethics and Conduct: Loyalty and Integrity! Being honest and loyal. Do what is right. This last value seems to touch on all the expected behaviours included in our Code of ethics: act with respect, honesty, justice, fairness, confidentiality, etc. The parish must be able to place its trust in its employees and volunteers.
To have integrity is to rigorously observe, in all one's actions, the principles of justice and morality. Big words to say what exactly? They can trust me, I am a responsible person and I own the choices and decisions I make, I show gratitude towards others, I admit my mistakes, I don't take parish donations for myself, I don't use social networks to post malicious criticisms or insinuations about my parish or its employees and volunteers. A person of integrity is also someone who willingly offers to help, who is sincere in both words and actions. Finally, it also means that I will denounce any inappropriate behaviour, abusive language or gestures, especially when made towards minors or vulnerable persons.
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Chantale Duguay, Diocesan Coordinator for Establishing Safe Environments
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| OVERVIEW OF ARCHBISHOP’S VISIT |
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On Saturday, January 28th, Archbishop Paul-André Durocher met with the OLV Wardens and OLV representatives on the Inter-Parish Planning Committee. It was a very positive meeting with open and honest dialogue presented by the individuals at the meeting.
It is important to note that the discussion and the Archbishop’s intention was about addressing issues to ensure Parish sustainability and not about closing the parish’s doors. In fact, the Archbishop indicated that the responsibility for closing parishes was up to Parishioners, not the Archbishop.
It was pointed out to the Archbishop that we had a very strong core of volunteers that keep the parish going. For now, it is a stable core that has been volunteering for quite a while. We told him that this volunteer core totalled approximately 17 individuals and we are having a difficult time obtaining new blood. It was pointed out to him that the average age of parishioners was 75 plus and that typically, we have between 30 to 40 individuals attending Sunday mass celebrations. So this is a challenge that was identified.
On the pastoral front, the Archbishop mentioned that our partnering with St. Malachy through the Inter-Parish Planning Committee was a very important pastoral tool. We provided an overview of the Committee whose key elements are:
- Provide leadership, information sharing and content planning
- Respond to pastoral requests from the Diocese
- Develop special pastoral projects
With respect to partnerships, the Archbishop suggested that the Parishes in the English Pastoral Zone get together to discuss pastoral issues, challenges, and possible solutions. He will follow up on this proposal.
A proposal for a Bible Study session was raised and the Archbishop mentioned he has a colleague who could facilitate such sessions - he will follow up. The study sessions would be open to all parishioners of the Diocese.
Archbishop Durocher commented positively on our use of Zoom technology during the pandemic to broadcast our mass celebrations. He mentioned that many activities are happening over the internet such as retreats and Lenten projects, etc. He is urging everyone to explore the possibilities of the internet.
With respect to the social environment, the Archbishop is very impressed with our involvement in the community at large. In particular, he was impressed with the current initiative where we invite community organizations to attend our fellowship and coffee gatherings and present their organization’s mandate and mission. The Archbishop sees this as an example of what it means to be an outgoing church.
We discussed the Parish’s financial situation and presented him with a chart that indicated that our financial position was solid. We did identify two areas of concern: one is a leakage of water in the basement, and the second, the fact that the wood paneling in the basement may not meet the city’s fire code. We also advised him that our properties (Rectory and Church) were in good shape.
In closing, due to illness, the Archbishop was unable to preside at Sunday’s mass celebration. We look forward to his returning to celebrate mass at Our Lady of Victory Parish once his tour of diocesan parishes will be completed.
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NEW FROM THE DIOCESE
A FACEBOOK PAGE AND BLOG ADDRESSED TO OUR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PARISHIONERS
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The archdiocese has launched a new Facebook page specifically addressed to our English-language parishioners. You don't need to have an account to see posts, only if you want to comment, share and like them.
See the internet link: https://www.facebook.com/archgat
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We also launched a new English-language blog entitled "Together on the Way". We'll be posting longer articles here, reflections and testimonies. If you want to share a story about something going on in your parish, please feel free to contact our communications team at the diocese.
See the internet link: https://archgatblog.blogspot.com/
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SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER – April 27th, 2025
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First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
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Acts 5.12-16
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.
Revelation 1.9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
John 20.19-31
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