GENERAL ABSOLUTION WITHDRAWN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.

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.”

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.

SYMPATHY & PRAYERS
- to the Jeffrey & Ryan family on the death of their mother & sister Eileen Jeffrey, whose funeral took place Saturday. Please remember Eileen and her family in your prayers.

OLV WARDENS MEETING
The next wardens meeting will be on Thursday January 8th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rectory.

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.

OLV 2009 ENVELOPES
Please use your 2009 envelopes now, and write your name on your first envelope in order for us to have a record for income tax purposes. You will notice that your envelope numbers have changed for many of you, so by writing your name on the first envelope that you use, we will be able to ensure that you will be credited correctly. If you do not have envelopes and would like to use them, please call the office (819)986-3763. You may also request a receipt for 2008 Income Tax by dropping a self addressed stamped envelope in the collection basket of by calling the office.