WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2009, JANUARY 18-25
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites the whole Christian community throughout the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). In 1966, the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches and the Vatican Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity began collaborating as a common international text for worldwide usage.

Although our parishes have not planned a special mass during the Week other than the Sunday celebrations, for those interested in participating in daily scripture readings and reflections, the Daily Scripture and Prayer Guide, produced by the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute is an excellent instrument to promote Christian unity. Copies of the Guide can be found on the table at the entrance to the churches.

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.

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.

ALTAR SERVERS FOR OLV
Altar serves are still needed for OLV If you would like to become a server, please call Monique at 819-986-3166 of the Rectory at 819-986-3763.

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.

OLV SOCIETY NEWS - ST. PATRICK’S TEA
Please mark your calendars, the St. Pat’s Tea will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. This is the time to start planning ahead on what you would like to bake for this event.

Are you getting the winter blues? Want to meet other people, belong to a team, be a leader and co-ordinator of a rewarding event. If so, being a convenor for the St. Pat’s tea would meet all these requirements.

Your job as convenor is to oversee that all items have been purchased and cooked to make the sandwiches, getting a team to help you out on this. Setting up the hall for the tea. Some helpers have already come forward.

You may contact Monique (986-3166), Evelyn (986-2477, or Clare (986-2853) to obtain more information.

CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE
You may still donate your bottles to this worthwhile cause. There is a container at the entrance of the Church. The Cancer Relay in Buckingham will take place in June, and more information will follow.

Also, the Robitaille family will once again be participating in the 2009 relay for life and are looking for your support. Starting Sunday, January 25th and each following Sunday there will be goodies on sale in the basement after Mass while quantities last.

USED STAMPS
The response to the request for used stamps has been great. Please continue to donate your stamps. There is a container at the entrance of the Church and the stamps are then forwarded to Missions.