“Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus…”
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will…” We have not sung this for the past four Sundays of Advent, and will sing it for the first time again for Christmas. You’ve likely noticed that this hymn of praise is a staple at Sunday Mass, and is sung or recited at every Sunday Mass outside of Advent and Lent.
Through this hymn, we carry with us the song of the angels sung in the fields outside Bethlehem that first Christmas night, as they announced the birth of our Saviour to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-15). Each Sunday we proclaim together the wonder of Christ’s birth and the glory of God!
“We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we
glorify you, we give you thanks for your great
glory…”
On this Christmas night or Christmas day, and truly through-out the whole season of Christmas, we turn our attention as a family of faith towards the wonder and glory of God, who has come to be with us. What is the true origins of Christmas? It is the Christ-child, God among us, Jesus, the only Son of God the Father, who was born to join us in the realities of human life in all its complexity. He became one of us and one with us, so He could save us.
The Light of the world has flooded the darkness of night, the darkness of fear, of sin, of sadness, and of shame with a Divine Light that casts away all shadows. Jesus’ Divine Brilliance heals and brings peace, joy, offers clarity, knowledge, and wisdom. In sorrow, we are reminded that we are not alone by turning to adore the One who has come to be with us, and who has promised that he will always be with each one of us—out of a love so great, so pure, and so deep.
Personally and as a family of faith, let us turn to Christ along with the shepherds, the angels, and Mary and Joseph, to praise and adore the Child who has brought us peace and new life.
Merry Christmas and many blessings to you all!
It is time again this year (very soon!) to begin preparation for your child’s reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion! Here is a letter to parents from Fr. Matthew and the necessary forms. The registration forms can be downloaded, printed and filled out and returned to the Parish Office.
2019-2020 -First Reconciliation – First Eucharist Registration Form
Congratulations Fr.Matthew! We are blessed to have you as our Pastor.
There is a great need for READERS or LECTORS for the 11 00 am Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption. We currently only have 4 volunteer readers on this team, and we could benefit from 4 more helpers to round out the schedule and team. Young people who have been confirmed are encouraged in a special way to join If you are willing or able to volunteer for the Ministry of Lectors, then please speak to our coordinator Monique Tobicoe, or contact her at pmtobicoe@telus net .
Marriage Congratulations!
Congratulations and blessings to Cyleene Patrick Boily on the occasion of their Marriage. They are members of the St. Bernard’s Parish and were married on June 15th.
“Best wishes on your marriage, as you build your new lives together with the guidance of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
Sacrament of Confirmation Congratulations!
To: Ronin Jay Angeles, Ziazan Arellano, Nayeli Barajas, Jenna Calvero, Ralf Castillo, Nicholas Chowanetz Lucas, Godard, Lauryn Fong, Efren Jr Garcia, Regie Garcia, Hazel Vorgaard Omonivie Isoa, Ehimare Isoa, and Rayniel Santos.
Congratulations and blessings to all these young people who were Confirmed in our parish last Sunday, June 16 We also had an adult, Faith Isoa receive Confirmation alongside her children. Our whole parish thanks God for all of you and for your growing faith, and we pray to the Lord Jesus Christ to bring you love, peace and guidance.
“Oh, Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore You Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me Let me only know your will. Amen”
As we begin the summer season, and as this is the last parish bulletin until September, it is an excellent time to
express my appreciation to the whole parish for all that has happened since our arrival in November. My first word of thanks goes to all of you, who have done so much to help the new priests feel welcome and settle in I can say with confidence you have succeeded! So many offers of generosity, of hospitality and cheerful gifts of help. You have filled our bellies and made us smile.
Around our churches there have been so many who have contributed to the well being of our prayer and our prayer
spaces. There have been teams that have looked after beautifying the spaces, the sacristy and the care of our sacred
items, vestments, and accessories, teams that looked after frozen pipes, and leaky roofs, people who go on trimming,
fixing, weeding, mowing, and gardening. There are teams that continue to look after the needs of celebrating good
liturgy through service, music, and proclamation, those who continue to offer hospitality to foster fellowship following
Mass. There are teams who have helped train and form and support youth to prepare for their sacraments and
helped at the various rituals that followed there are many who have organized acts of service and fundraising for the
well being of the parish and those in need there are humble teams who assist in feeding the poor week after week.
Throughout our parish district there are many families who bring the next generation into our midst breathing life and
hope into our parish community. There are elders who share their memories, wisdom, and guidance. In all of this we see a living parish a community of families that are bound together by baptism, belief, and union with Christ through the sacraments.
It is early, but as the last publication before August, I express a warm word of deep gratitude to Fr Valentine Suum,
who has served faithfully and happily alongside me in partnership providing me with the ability to respond to the
bishop’s call into active ministry earlier than originally expected. As I have been called to continue with this parish as pastor, I am looking forward to sharing life with you here in service, ministry, friendship, and as Christian family.
Have a blessed and happy summer!
Fr. Matthew Emmelkamp
Bishop McGrattan has released the 2018 Clergy moves and assignments. The document (PDF) may be read in full HERE:
We wish all the clergy involved well in their new assignments.
Bishop McGrattan has issued a statement to members of our Diocese on the changes introduced by the current Federal Liberal government to the application process for the Summer Jobs funding program in 2018.
His letter may be read HERE:
Letter from the Bishop Re: Changes to the Government Requirement for Canada Summer Jobs Program
Current Announcements from the Diocese Catholic Pastoral Centre may be read HERE: