PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
A Matter of Concern for People of Faith: Bill C-9
Many Canadians may not be aware that Bill C-9 (the “Combatting Hate Act”) has recently been pushed forward in Parliament with the support of the Bloc Québécois and the Liberal government. This development has raised serious concerns among faith communities across Canada, including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
One of the key concerns is the removal of section 319(3)(b) of the Criminal Code, sometimes called the “religious text” or “good faith” defence. This provision has historically helped ensure that people could quote or teach from sacred texts in good faith without fear of criminal prosecution under hate-speech laws.
Bill C-9 is part of a series of recent federal bills affecting speech and civic life, including Bills C-2, C-8, and C-63, raising broader concerns about freedom of conscience and open debate in Canada.
For those interested in a deeper explanation of these developments and their broader implications, a detailed analysis can be found in the article “Canada’s Ominous Bills That Would Make Orwell Blush” available at:
https://scottventureyra.com/canadas-ominous-bills-that-would-make-orwell-blush/
While the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects religious freedom in principle, the bishops and many legal observers warn that removing this explicit safeguard creates legal uncertainty. Without this protection, clergy, teachers, and ordinary believers may feel pressured to self-censor religious teaching or moral discussion out of fear that it could be misinterpreted under criminal law.
This is not about defending hatred or discrimination. Rather, it is about protecting the freedom to teach and discuss religious beliefs openly and in good faith, which is essential in a free and democratic society.
Parishioners are encouraged to respectfully contact their Member of Parliament and express their concerns. Since the final vote on this bill may take place very soon, it is important that citizens speak up now. If you reside in Ottawa South, you may contact our local Member of Parliament using the information below. Those living in other constituencies are encouraged to contact their own Member of Parliament. Please also share this information with fellow Christians and other people of faith, as these changes may affect the freedom of conscience and expression of Canadians.
Contact information for the Member of Parliament for Ottawa South
Hon. David McGuinty, P.C., M.P.
Email: david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca
Main Constituency Office
613-990-8640
Parliament Hill Office (House of Commons)
613-992-3269
Please continue to pray for Canada and for wisdom among our leaders.
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HOLY WEEK
Daily Mass: Mon.–Wed. (Mar. 30, 31; Apr. 1)
PASCHAL TRIDUUM
Holy Thurs. (Apr. 2) – 8:00 PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Good Fri. (Apr. 3) – 3:00 PM Passion • 7:00 PM Stations (No Confessions Good Fri. or Holy Sat.)
Easter Vigil (Apr. 4) – 8:00 PM only
Easter Sun. (Apr. 5) – 9:00 AM • 11:00 AM
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Parish Breakfast
Join us for breakfast in the hall this morning – pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit, juice, tea and coffee – hosted by the Knights of Columbus after the 9:00am and 11:00am Masses. Cost: $10.00 -cash only- Free for children under twelve.
CWL Book Sale will take place during the Breakfast.
Lenten Stations of the Cross
Join us for this devotion on Fridays at 7:00pm as we walk with Jesus on the path to Calvary. Hosted Mar. 20 by our 11:00am Choir. Please take this opportunity to enrich your prayer life during Lent.
“On Track for Justice”
There will be a special ShareLent collection held next week in support of Development and Peace – Caritas Canada (DPCC). Your donation supports projects that transforms lives and communities! This year’s theme is ‘On Track for Justice.’ Envelopes will be available on the back tables. For details: https://devp.org/en/campaign/on-track-for-justice/
Parish Penance Service
Our Lenten Penance Service will be held Thurs. Mar. 26 at 7:00 PM, concluding with individual confessions. As the Triduum (Holy Thursday–Easter Vigil) is the most sacred time of the year, parishioners are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Holy Thursday.
Flowers for Easter
| To donate to our Easter Flower display, please use the envelope in your set, one marked ‘Easter Flowers’ or simply put ‘flowers’ on any envelope and put it in the collection. Thank you. |
SCAM ALERT!
No priest, including our pastor Fr. Frank Brewer, will ever ask parishioners by message to purchase gift cards or send money. If you receive such a request, it is a scam and should be ignored.
Children’s Liturgy
This program takes place during the 9:00am Sunday Mass. Children (ages 4–8) are invited downstairs at the beginning of Mass. After hearing the Gospel adapted to their level, and taking part in discussion and an activity, they return to their families after the Creed.
Pastoral Care Ministry – Volunteers Needed
Our parish is creating a Pastoral Care Ministry to reflect God’s care through emotional, spiritual, and physical support. We’ve identified a particular need among homebound parishioners and seniors living at home, in retirement residences, or in long-term care.
Support may include:
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Bringing Holy Communion
-
Offering prayers
-
Providing companionship
The shape of this ministry depends on our volunteers. Training will be provided.
Planning team members will be available after the 9:00 and 11:00 am Masses on Sunday, Oct. 5 to discuss this outreach. A Q&A session will be held later in October to share our vision and hear your input.
For more details, contact: caroldavid1565@gmail.com
Let’s bring Christ’s presence and care to those who need it most.
Around the Diocese
Faith Podcasts & Online Resources
Ascension Press Podcasts – Fr. Mike Schmitz
Ascension Press offers two very popular podcasts hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz:
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Bible in a Year – Listen at: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/bibleinayear/
For the complete reading plan, visit: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear -
Catechism in a Year – Learn the teachings of the Catholic Church in daily episodes:
https://ascensionpress.com/CIY
The Catholic Register Podcast
The Catholic Register newspaper (Toronto) offers a weekly podcast called REGISTERED, covering Catholic news and topics of interest.
Listen at: https://podcast.catholicregister.org
Daily Prayer – Hallow App
Hallow is a Catholic prayer and meditation app featuring guided Bible stories, prayers, meditations, sleep content, and Christian music. Free and paid versions are available.
Learn more at: https://hallow.com
CCCB Lenten Video Series – “Journey Through Lent”
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents a weekly video reflection for Lent. A new episode is released every Monday throughout Lent, including Palm Sunday.
Watch at: https://www.cccb.ca/lent/
Pope Leo XIV – Message for Lent
Read the Holy Father’s message for Lent:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/messages/lent/documents/20260205-messaggio-quaresima.html
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming Events
| Coffee Sunday Join us this morning for our Heart to Heart Coffee Hour following the 9:00am and 11:00am Masses in the parish hall. Come enjoy coffee, tea, snacks, and more in a cozy setting. New to the parish? This is a great way to meet your fellow parishioners and discover ways in which you can benefit from the many opportunities available here. Sponsored by the Secular Franciscans in our parish. St. Blaise The blessing of throats will take place after the Tuesday 9:00am Mass on Feb. 3.
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER Join us in the hall for our parish supper on Tues. Feb. 17 from 5:00-7:00pm. Blueberry & Regular Pancakes, Sausages, Beans & Fruit Salad, tea, coffee and juice. Tickets will be sold after Mass beginning Jan. 31. Cost: $15 for Two Adults in Advance, $10 for one Adult in Advance, $10 at the Door. Children under 12 eat FREE, but must have a ticket. Old Palms Ash Wednesday will be on Feb. 18, so if you wish to return your old palms, please do so by Feb. 15. Growing In Prayer Join Fr. Frank on Tuesday mornings from 9:45-11:15am beginning Feb. 3 for a seven-part small group faith study program entitled When You Pray: A Clear Path to a Deeper Relationship with God, using videos and a workbook. To register, contact the office. |
Children’s Liturgy
This program takes place during the 9:00am Sunday Mass. Children (ages 4–8) are invited downstairs at the beginning of Mass. After hearing the Gospel adapted to their level, and taking part in discussion and an activity, they return to their families after the Creed.
Pastoral Care Ministry – Volunteers Needed
Our parish is creating a Pastoral Care Ministry to reflect God’s care through emotional, spiritual, and physical support. We’ve identified a particular need among homebound parishioners and seniors living at home, in retirement residences, or in long-term care.
Support may include:
-
Bringing Holy Communion
-
Offering prayers
-
Providing companionship
The shape of this ministry depends on our volunteers. Training will be provided.
Planning team members will be available after the 9:00 and 11:00 am Masses on Sunday, Oct. 5 to discuss this outreach. A Q&A session will be held later in October to share our vision and hear your input.
For more details, contact: caroldavid1565@gmail.com
Let’s bring Christ’s presence and care to those who need it most.
| In Appreciation You know there are many in our parish who have been ‘quiet builders’ and ‘encouragers’ over the years. They have given dedicated service without seeking any kind of recognition. There are times, however, when it is important for us to say, ‘Thank you.’ One way to do this is at our Parish Annual Meeting in May, when we will formally thank some long-standing members for their dedicated service. To nominate someone to be recognized, please contact the parish office. Note that the persons must still be members of the parish. Current members of the Pastoral and Finance Councils cannot be nominated.
Pope Leo’s Prayer Intentions February: For children with incurable diseases Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope. |