GENERAL ABSOLUTION WITHDRAWN
At the beginning of the month of November, Mgr Ebacher visited the pastoral regions of the diocese to meet with all the priests and to present to them the pastoral orientation of the diocese in what concerns the celebration of the sacrament of confession and the general absolution.

In his letter dated 22 October 2008, the archbishop confirms that after serious considerations, discussions with the ''Conseil Presbyteral” and prayers, he considers, at this present time, that the conditions required by the “Mottu Proprio” of John Paul II and accepted by the decree of the “CECC” so that a third form of the sacrament of confessions (community celebration with general absolution) will no longer be optional in our diocese. Therefore, the Archbishop asked that all Parishes cease the practice of the confession of its third form (general absolution) beginning the first Sunday of Advent (30 November 2008).

On the 12th of November 1974, Mgr Adolph Proulx had authorized the general absolution as described in the ritual of Paul VI, The diocese official Web site contains all the appropriate references, including the letter from Mgr Ebadcher.

INDIVIDUAL CONFESSIONS
Fr. Gyan will be available for the sacrament of reconciliation, one half hour before mass (6:30 p.m. at St. Malachy & 8:30 a.m. at OLV} during each of the weekends of Advent.

THE NEW “LIVING WITH CHRIST” SUNDAY MISSALS FOR 2009
The Sunday Missals & the Sunday Missals for Young Catholics are available and will be sold at the entrance of the Church. The cost is $6:00.

OLV WARDEN VACANCIES
Please note that 2 wardens are required at OLV for full terms and there will be one vacancy for a one year term. If you wish to become a warden you may call the office at 986-3763 or contact one of the wardens. If you know someone who might like to become a warden and help his/her parish in that capacity, you may nominate that person, but please have their acceptance prior to the nomination. The new term begins January 1, 2009

ST. MALACHY VACANCIES
Please note that 2 wardens are also required at St.Malachy for a three year term and there will be one vacancy for a one year term. If you wish to become a warden you may call the office at (819)986-3763 or contact one of the wardens. If you know someone who might like to become a warden and help his/her parish in that capacity, you may nominate that person, but please have their acceptance prior to the nomination. The new term begins January 1, 2009.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS
If you wish to donate for Christmas Flowers a basket will be at the top of the stairs for your donations.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AND PRAYER
You are all invited to join the group of prayer and adoration in the Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament every Sunday from 4 to 5 o’clock pm in St. Aloysius Church (300 rue, Abbe-Murray Gatineau) Please note that this coming advent 2008 will mark the 12th anniversary of Eucharistic Adoration and Evening Prayer at St. Aloysius Church.

In the words of Mother Julienne of the Rosary, who is presently a candidate for sainthood in Rome, “Pray that our Lord will send many adorators to His Church. My dream is that there be many priests, parishes, Eucharistic families, communities, prayer groups and generations of worshippers. Love and glory to the Holy Trinity through the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.”

CEREAL BARS
There will be a box at the entrance of the Church to collect your cereal bars for needy children at the English Buckingham Elementary School, who come to school, without breakfast. Your generosity is appreciated.

TWICE A YEAR A “MARRIAGE PREPARATION SESSION” IN OUR DIOCESE
The next Marriage Preparation Session for couples who plan to get married in one of our English parishes in the Diocese will take place November 28-30. The Session is usually held at the Diocesan Centre, 180 boul. Mont-Bleu (Hull sector). Those interested may want to contact Ginette Delorme at 819 771-8391 for registration. The next session will be held May 1-3, 2009.

LIONS CLUB ANNUAL TELETHON
The Lions Club Annual Telethon held last Sunday, December 7th at the Knights of Columbus Hall was a huge success. The goal set by the Lions Club was $56,000 – and more than $60,000.was collected to date.

The Transformation Committee presented the Lions Club with a total of $865.00 which was collected from the two parishes. Because of an increasing number of requests from the Buckingham, Masson-Angers and L’Ange Gardien population, the Lions Club will be distributing an extra 40 Christmas baskets this year.

They wish to thank all parishioners of OLV and St. Malachy who participated in the telethon, either by including donations with the regular collections, dropping by the Knights of Columbus hall and making a donation, or by calling in their donation during the telethon.