Thank you for your prayers while I was away on retreat. It was a wonderful clergy retreat because it really fosters closer relationships among priests, bishops and especially to God as we gather together in prayer at the Eucharist. Most Rev. Richard Gagnon participated with us and Most Rev. John Corriveau, OFM, Bishop of Nelson was our speaker.

Today is the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord — our Parish Feast Day. After the resurrection, the Risen Christ appeared in a new and supernatural existence beyond human comprehension, but the disciples didn’t mind. They were just pleased that Jesus was with them again as their Lord and Shepherd. But is was not for long. Forty days after his Resurrection, Jesus was to depart from this world and enter the divine glory which rightfully belongs to him in eternity. This is the event of the Lord’s Ascension into heaven which was Jesus’ final apparition to his disciples.

Jesus has ascended to heaven, but his spirit remains with us. Our mission now is to bring God’s love to the world by making Jesus present in the daily lives of people. We can do this by living and promoting gospel values such as love, understanding and forgiveness. We must respond to this challenge or the world will never know the immensity of God’s love.

Today, Sunday, May 20th I invite all parishioners to attend our parish’s Annual General Meeting, following the 10:30am Mass.

On behalf of our parish pastoral council and myself, I wish to express appreciation and gratitude to all parishioners who have actively participated in our recent parish surveys. Thank you to each of you.

Happy Feast Day to all of us.
... Fr. Mel