Family Christmas 2023!

 We had family Christmas a bit later this year, i.e. today! My sister and her family came up from Nashville, Tennessee, where they have been for the past little while.

My aunt Mish was there, as well as my sister-in-law Tawnia and her three daughters and their respective significant others. And, of course, my mom! Given the decline in her health we had the event at Saint Patrick's Home in Ottawa, where she resides (which explains why we were meeting in what looks like a board room - because it was). 

I was very happy to be there with everyone, given that I now live far away. Many thanks to my sister Miriam for putting it together.

Mass with the HHCJ at their new convent

I had the pleasure this evening to celebrate the inaugural Mass for the Sisters of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus, in the chapel of their new convent.

I was joined by two African priests of our diocese who know this community well and who came to show their support. Some other members of the local prayer group were also in attendance.

May this community flourish in our diocese!

Time for my own cooking show?

 We had our meeting of the Diocesan Finance Council today, and while on a break one of the members presented me with a lovely gift: my own kitchen apron, which he made himself!

Steve has apparently become quite crafty (in a good sense!) in the last few months. As for me, I love to cook, so this will definitely come in handy. Many thanks!

My kindergarden teacher passed away at age 100

I went to the visitation for Doreen Lewis this afternoon, who died on December 6. We celebrated her 100th birthday this summer. She was my kindergarden teacher when I was little. Please pray for the repose of her soul.

Obituary

In Loving Memory of Doreen Mary Frances Lewis (nee D'Cruz)

The oldest of 12 children, is united with her loving husband, William Lewis, and her eldest son, Richard. She will be sadly missed by her children: Michael Lewis (Brockville), Mark Lewis (Pointe Claire), and Celia Wiley (Sudbury - David predeceased). She leaves behind a legacy of 29 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren who celebrate her life of service and deep belief. A third-order Franciscan, Doreen, inspired by the Holy Spirit, spread the Love of God in community works of Faith. Church communities where she lived her faith were changed by her Loving presence at St. Lawrence, (Karachi), Ste. Suzanne (Montreal), St. Charles Borromeo (Toronto), and St. Patrick's in Sudbury. A dedicated teacher and consummate pedagogue, she left her mark on the hearts of her students for almost 50 years from her beginning in Karachi, Pakistan to Montreal, Quebec. To all who knew her and loved her, she would say " I love you, I bless you, I leave you in God's hands".

My oldest parishioner!

 I'm doing another week-long parish pastoral visit, this time to the churches in Dowling, Levack and Cartier, and this morning I met a lady who is probably the oldest parishioner in my diocese (or at least, the oldest still going to church). So I had to take a selfie with her.

Meet Angie Charlevoix, who is 105 years young and who is still quite spry! May God reward your faithfulness these may years!

Mystery charges from Uber

 Hello blog readers, just a warning to check your credit card statements if you have an Uber account. I got signed up for Uber One without my knowledge, and my credit card was charged on a monthly basis without my permission. When I called the credit card company, they said that they have received many similar complaints regarding Uber charges. When I contacted Uber, they were very unhelpful, and unwilling to acknowledge their error. Having read some similar stories online, there is a class action lawsuit waiting on this, I am sure. Anyway, if you have ever used the Uber or Uber Eats app and have your credit card info in it, be sure to check your statements.