THERE IS AN INSERT IN TODAY’S BULLETIN TITLED THE CHRISTMAS INITIATIVE
It is a reflection on the Gospel reading for Christmas Day, taken from Living with Christ. Please take the time to take it home and read it.

GENERAL ABSOLUTION WITHDRAWN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 Ebacher.

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.

OLV WARDEN VACANCIES
Please note that 2 wardens are still 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 1st, 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 1st, 2009.

THANK YOU
We, the wardens, wish to thank the Society for their donation of $2600.00 to assist with the cost of the fuel. Also we wish to thank All who helped with the carpet, especially Lewis Rowe, Raymond St. Jean, Kenny Simpson and Clifford Ivall.

UPDATE ON THE CHRISTMAS TEA
Thanks to all who donated food, to the ladies who made and sold their crafts and donated the profits to the Church, to our first time servers who had a great time answering your food & beverage needs, to all the ladies who took care of the raffle tickets, the door, and bake table, to all those who helped to prepare the food on Friday to be served, to all who attended and to everyone else who may have helped in any way to help make this a success. $1626.00 dollars was raised and this amount will be used to help pay for the fuel. Thank you again (signed the Society)

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 4:00 PM to 5:00 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.”

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.