ARE YOU NEW TO OUR PARISH? WELCOME!
Welcome to those who want to make our parish their faith home. You may have come from other places. You may have been “away for a while”. Be assured that we love to have you among us. We would appreciate it very much if you identified yourself at Mass. It would also help if you would take the time to fill out a registration form. The next time you are with us, you may leave it in the collection basket or give it to one of the ushers or to the priest. Thank you and welcome.

CATECHESIS SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 21
Today, parishes across Quebec celebrated Catechesis Sunday with a special mass to give visibility to catechesis and to create solidarity around the catechetical mission. What does that mean exactly? We can look to today's 1st and 2nd readings for a hint, with reflections offered by Basilican priest and scripture scholar Timothy Scott C.S.B.:

In Isaiah 55.6-9, "the challenge comes to us to take our spiritual journey seriously" and in Paul's letter to Philippians I.20-24,27, they are being asked "to stand firm in their faith; their faithfulness to Christ is expressed through their unity of faith."

In preparation for this special mass, members of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) and the Liturgy Committee produced a poster board which depicts some of the vital forces of our Christian community. The insert in today's bulletin provides a more detailed reflection on a healthy community.

As indicated in last week's bulletin and in the recent parish letter sent to all parishioners, you are being beckoned to "seek the Lord" (from today's 1st reading) and to "stand firm... side by side" (from today's 2nd reading) after mass on September 27 at St. Malachy and September 28 at OLV. As it says on the poster board, "It is never too late to work in His Vineyard – our community is not complete without the whole community working together".

WITH FATHER GYAN GOING ON HOLIDAYS IN OCTOBER
- the Wardens and the joint PPC have discussed options available to our 2-parish community. Although easy to say 'just get a priest in for Mass’, there is much more to worry about (weekday Mass, funerals, sick & shut-in visits, regular 'pastoral availability', etc). And the vision that our diocese has entrusted to us must be considered as well.

With that said, Fr. Yves Mass has graciously agreed to celebrate Sunday Mass at OLV and St. Aloysius on those October Sundays. Since a suitable replacement priest cannot be arranged, the Mayo Wardens have decided to forego the Saturday evening Masses at St. Malachy. All parishioners are invited to join together as one community at OLV during this time. All of Father Gyan’s other 'duties' will be coordinated through our parishes' secretary Alma Miller as well as Linda Cameron and Ellen Butler for funerals.

We are all in this together – even in requests such as this for flexibility and compromise – and we will always aim for communication and dialogue, with the intent to reach informed and consensual decisions – by all and for all – no matter how easy, difficult or otherwise.

THE BISHOPS' COLLECTION FOR THE NEEDS OF THE CHURCH IN CANADA WILL BE HELD NEXT WEEKEND
The monies raised will be sent to our diocese, which will use the total amount collected to pay its annual contribution to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). This contribution is determined according to a per capita calculation that takes into account the number of Catholics in each diocese of Canada. The CCCB offices are located at 2500 Don Reid Drive, Ottawa. A staff of approximately 40 work in different services, supporting the pastoral work of the Bishops nationally and internationally. Evangelization, faith education, ecumenism, social justice, liturgy, theology, the Marriage Tribunal... these are some of the areas where the Bishops are specially involved. This Collection for the Needs of the Church is one of five "special collections" in the yearly calendar of the Catholic Church in Canada.

THE NEXT JOINT-PPC MEETING
- is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd from 7:15 p.m. at the rectory.

THANK YOU
A huge THANK YOU to all who donated, bought tables and helped to set up for the Garage Sale. Also Hugs & Kisses to our workers who had fun negotiating with our buyers. A total of $500:00 was raised for the Church.

Thanks again.
(Signed) Monique for the OLV Society

HARVEST SUPPER
St. Malachy’s and OLV Parishes are holding a Harvest Supper on October 24th, at OLV Church hall. Cocktails: 4:30 pm, Dinner 6:00 pm.:
     Adults: $15:00
     Children 6-12: $6:00
     Children 5 and under: FREE

SUPPER
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Supper is on September 21st. Meal will be served at the Hill & Gully Riders Snowmobile Club on Inlet Road, between 4:00 -5:00 and 5:00 - 6:00. Tickets $20:00 for adults. Children 12 and under Free. Tickets are available in advance from Gary Teske at 819-986-7753 or Sheila Achtell email sachtell@mondenet.com. All are welcome to attend.

CANCER BOTTLE DRIVE
Are you tired of seeing all those empty soda bottles, cans and beer bottles hanging around? I will gladly pick these up (or you can bring them to the church every Sunday) turn them into cash and donate to the 2009 Relay for Life event.

I am looking at this as my project, from now until May 2009, please call 986-3166 to begin to fulfill this dream.

Thanks,
Monique

USED STAMPS
One cancelled stamp can help feed a child for a day. If you would like to Support the Redemptorist Mission Stamp Collection, there will be a box at the entrance of the church to collect your stamps, and they will be forwarded to the Missions.