Faith Alive Summer Camp returns! We are seeking volunteers for the 1/2 day Faith Alive camp: July 24th -28th (9 am-noon)—an excellent opportunity for high school students who need volunteer hours. Please get in touch with Erika at eeaglesham@dol.ca for more information.                                                       

Bishop Fabbro's Letter to the Faithful for our annual Share Lent collection that will take place on March 26, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, is available in English and French.

Bishop Fabbro has recorded a video encouraging parishioners to support this campaign. The letters and the video are available on the diocesan homepage at www.dol.ca.

Additional Resources are available from Development and Peace - Caritas Canada at this link. They can also donate online at http://www.devp.org/give.

It is with mixed emotions that the Avon Thames Family of Parishes announces the retirement of Maureen Marcelissen. If you know anyone in your network who fits the description below, or if you would like to receive a full position summary, please contact Patricia by email:pignor@dol.ca. We are aiming to have this role filled by early May. We thank Maureen for all her work these past three years and wish her nothing but health, happiness and joy as she steps into retirement.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Part-time Bookkeeper for the Avon Thames Catholic Family of Parishes manages all accounts payable and accounts receivable functions to ensure accurate and timely processing of all transactions. The Bookkeeper manages the family of parishes cash flow, maintains accurate records and provides timely financial information to the family of parishes Finance Committee.

I have reviewed your emails and have thought carefully about the schedule of Easter mass times which I have decided on.

I understand the disappointment that some Immaculate Conception parishioners may feel about not being able to celebrate Easter Sunday mass in the church where you feel most comfortable and at home. Still, our movement toward being a Family of Parishes instead of three standalone parishes has required all three parishes to make sacrifices in their choices of mass times and locations. For example, Holy Name of Mary had no Christmas Masses last year. 

Further, my decision is based on last year's low attendance at Immaculate Conception's 10 a.m. Mass. And while we have not had a Sunday mass at Immaculate Conception for over two years, all parishioners continue to have convenient access to Sunday mass. Also, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work to plan and execute the liturgies of the Easter Triduum. This takes a lot of work from the priests, staff,  ministers and music ministry etc. The Eucharist is our faith's source and summit, which should be our primary focus this Easter Sunday, regardless of location.

So asking Immaculate Conception parishioners to travel a short distance to St. Joseph's on Easter Sunday is not a large sacrifice, and I expect many will find that the larger numbers of worshippers will increase the joy and meaning of Easter Sunday mass for everyone. 

In light of concerns, I have decided to add the Octave of Easter Mass Monday at noon at Immaculate Conception.   Our church teaches that the celebration of Easter is not just one day but an octave of 8 days.

I appreciate your understanding.

Fr. David Butler

Pastor