Are you in grades 6-12? Please fill out this survey to help the youth ministry coordinators of Orleans figure out how we can best minister to you during this difficult time!

Our Federal Parliament is considering the possibility of extending the categories of those who may be permitted to request Medical Aid in Dying – which masks what is really taking place, that is, euthanasia and assisted suicide.

The St. Vincent de Paul Conference of our Parish is once again participating in the National collection of food for the people in the Canadian Far North – Rankin Inlet, who are living in extreme poverty. Click to read more! Thank you for your generosity.

Starting February 28 - Friday’s at 7:00 p.m. led by the different ministries of the Parish followed by a poverty meal. Come and join us as we walk through the stations to experience this powerful way to contemplate, and enter into, the mystery of Jesus’ gift of himself to us. All are welcome.

Ash Wednesday is on February 26. For the convenience of the Parishioners, two Masses will be celebrated with the imposition of Ashes at 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. respectively. All are welcome to participate. Please remember that Ash Wednesday is a universal day of fasting and abstinence.

The Knights of Columbus will host the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Tuesday, February 25, 2020, from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Tickets will go on sale the weekend 8-9 February after all Masses.

There will be a second collection for Building Maintenance the weekend of February 8/9.

Cursillo is now accepting men's application for the next Men's weekend starting March 5-8 2020. Please apply on line at the www.ottawacursillo.ca. or call Helen Lemoire at 613 590-7450 for assistance. Cursillo is an experience of your faith in Christ, a three day journey with a priest and lay people like you, who give you the tool to enrich your catholic faith in your daily live, with your family, community life and daily living.

Registration is now open for the Spring Bible study of the Letter to the Hebrews. The Letter to the Hebrews reviews the History of Israel to demonstrate how Jesus Christ fulfills and even surpasses all the hopes expressed in the Old Testament. The course is offered Monday evening, Wednesday morning and Wednesday afternoon for 7 weeks - April 20 - June 8. The registration deadline is March 27, 2020. For more information, email gsbiblestudy@rogers.com

Can you believe your little one is ready for kindergarten? If your child turns 4 before December 31, 2020, it’s time to register for school. For more information please visit: https://www.ocsb.ca/kindergarten-2020-2021-registration-starts-january-13/

Beginning this last weekend of January, we will not give both species at communion, in consideration of the vulnerable people in our parish and all our parishioners during flu season. As for the sign of peace, do not feel obliged to shake hand, a simple nod of the head or other form of acknowledgement will also be appropriate.

Under Spiritual Guidance of Fr. Virgil Amirthakumar Pastor of The Good Shepherd Parish, Ottawa, ON November 8 - November 14, 2020 - 7 days CA$2799.00 (Taxes & Tips Incl.) for Ottawa departure Travel arrangements by QS Travel & Tours Inc. affiliate of Queen Syrena Travel Inc. 3055 Dundas St. W., #4, Mississauga, ON L5L 3R8. Tel. 905.412.3355 or 1-800-565-3619 www.qstours.com CA $50.00 OFF for registration before March 31, 2020! Please see the pamphlet in the gathering space for details.

There will be a Basic Spring course for Pastoral Care on March 9th – May 11th. The course will be given both afternoon and evening. Cost is $125 before March 1st and $140 after March 1st. The Church will pay half of the cost. There is a form on the bulletin board outside the secretary’s office, and I have others. Pastoral Care is a very rewarding ministry, and sorely needed in our Parish with so many ill and elderly parishioners. To be able to journey with people unable to attend Mass and to bring them Communion is extremely gratifying. If at all interested, please call me Carol Faure at 613-824-0693 so we can chat about what all is involved after you have taken the course. It would be preferable that you be available during the day, no longer workings, or have other responsibilities that would disallow you not to be able to visit. Our visits take place during the day, and on occasion after Masses on weekends.

Establish a culture of blessing in your family with Craig Hill. Includes teachings on DVD, prayer ministry and a workbook. Resurrection of Our Lord, 1940 Saunderson Drive. Fri., Jan. 24, 6:30-10:00 pm, Sat., Jan. 25, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm. Early registration deadline: Jan. 22. Cost: $60 or $100/couple. Info: 613-523-1377.

The Knights of Columbus Flag Relay is travelling throughout Ontario to raise public awareness of Special Olympics and to support our local Athletes. A flag is on display in the entrance area. Please stop by and add your signature to indicate your support. On completion of the relay, the Flag will be displayed at an upcoming Special Olympics event.

Features stories of ordinary Catholics working on the margins who see an agent of change in Pope Francis. This is not a film about Francis changing the church; it’s about the church changing the world. Saint Paul University Amphitheatre, 223 Main St., Feb. 24, 7:00-9:30 pm. Free. Info: Joe Gunn jgunn@omilacombe.ca.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Parish Reverse Advent Calendar Project! Contributions were received Saturday 4 January and were delivered to the local Food Cupboard in Blackburn Hamlet.

The eleventh annual Don Bosco Gala celebrating youth ministry in the Archdiocese will be held Saturday February 1, 2020. Come out and celebrate all that God has done in youth ministry in Ottawa this year!

Join other young people from across the Archdiocese of Ottawa travelling to Steubenville Toronto this summer. Jul. 3-5. Dive into the theme "Restored" at Canada's largest conference for Catholic high school students. If you are 21 years and up consider applying as a chaperone. Visit www.fymottawa.com/steubenville-toronto-2020 to register and www.steubenvilletoronto.com to learn more. Registration deadline: Jan. 13. Info: Andriano De Luca ( adeluca@archottawa.ca).

Advent is long over, and we have also come to the successful conclusion of this worthwhile activity. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Reverse Advent Calendar Project. All contributions were received this morning (9 am - 12 noon, January 4) and were delivered to our local Food Cupboard in Blackburn Hamlet. They were very grateful for the generosity of our parish and sincerely thank everyone who participated in this outreach project. The need for assistance is ongoing, and those who visit the Food Cupboard for help will be the recipients of our parish’s generosity and kindness. For those who did not deliver their box of items Saturday morning, you may bring them to the church during office hours and they will be delivered to the Food Cupboard in the normal delivery cycle.