PENITENTIAL SERVICE
You will recall that the Archbishop asked all Parishes to cease the practice of community celebration with general absolution as of last Advent. While Pope Benedict reminds us that "individual absolution is the only form intended for ordinary use", his emphasis on the communal nature of sin, reconciliation and Eucharist suggests that a communal gathering to prepare to celebrate reconciliation is most appropriate. Our two parishes offered Penitential Services during Advent and have decided to offer this service again during Lent, even though only about 20 parishioners attended. Coming together as a community is an affirmation of our human weakness and being reconciled with each other is at the heart of this sacrament.

The Penitential Service will be held at OLV on Wednesday, April 1st at 7:00 p.m. Individual confessions will follow the celebration.

INDIVIDUAL CONFESSIONS
Fr. Gyan will be available for the sacrament of reconciliation, one half hour before mass (6:30 pm at St. Malachy & 8:30 am at OLV) during each of the weekends of Lent.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
There are several youth from our parish community interested in preparing for the Rite of Confirmation. Unfortunately, we have been in the position for the last few years of not having any requests or not having any leader come forth to share this faith journey. As a result, the candidates from our community have to go elsewhere.

The other unfortunate aspect of this situation is that for the last several years, the orientation of our Diocese, and thus our Pastoral Zone Council, has been to move from the practice of candidates separately preparing for sacraments, to the faith formation and evangelization of the entire community.

St. Aloysius Parish in Gatineau are beginning preparation for Confirmation on March 30th. Anyone interested may call our parish Secretary (819) 986-3763 for further details.

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT – March 22nd 2009
Next Sunday, March 29th, is Solidarity Sunday, the annual Development and Peace Share Lent Collection. With your bulletin this week, you will find a Share Lent collection envelope which is to be used on Solidarity Sunday. But for those of you who prefer to make your donations at the end of Lent, we will be holding onto these envelopes until Easter.

We hope that you and your family have found the Lifestyle Awareness Calendar and the other Development and Peace materials to be inspiring. Your donations support groups that are struggling for human dignity and to improve lives in the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

TRANSFORMATION COMMITTEE – Plastic Bags
Every week, many parishioners bring non-perishables to our two parishes, which then become part of our weekly offerings during the Eucharistic celebrations. In an effort to eliminate the use of plastic bags, the Transformation Committee is making available cloth bags for parishioners to bring offerings to church – all you need to do is deposit the articles in the baskets left at the entrance and keep the bag with you for your next food donation. To begin this project, only 10 bags have been made for each parish but more will be made available if there is a demand.

This project has been taken on by the Transformation Committee as the result of a suggestion from a parishioner. We also feel that the nicely decorated bags, with our church pictures on the front, will be a reminder to parishioners to share their food with the less fortunate. Our local soup kitchen, La Table de Bethlehem, is the recipient of our weekly donations, but any food that is not required by the soup kitchen makes its way to our local food bank, La Mie de l’Entraide.

OLV EASTER FLOWERS
A basket will be at the entrance of the church for your donations towards the cost of flowers to decorate for Easter. There will also be lists available if you wish to sign to donate a plant in memory of a loved one.

THANK YOU
Again everyone came through to make our St. Pat’s tea a success. To our kitchen staff, food table workers, servers, raffle sellers, door collectors, and anyone else who helped in any way, a huge thank you. Thank you to the Irish Dancers for some great entertainment. Hope to see you next year. All your efforts helped to raise $741:00. Hugs to all. (Signed OLV Society Committee, Evelyn, Clare & Monique.

CANCER RELAY
On behalf of the Robitaille family I would like to express our thanks to all who purchased our home baked goodies, or donation monies towards our cancer fundraiser during your St. Pat’s tea. Your kindness helped us raise $112.00. We believe that cancer can be beaten and will continue to walk until a cure is found. Please join us on June 5, at McAndrew Park to cheer us on during our 12-hour Relay for Life walk. Again our sincere thanks, (signed Linda Robitaille)