Back to our Roots began from an Inspired Step in which parishioners set up discussion and information groups on spirirtuality, food and just practices to serve the environment and to have more awareness brought to the parish about local food production. It developed beyond the awareness of food towards an exploration of spirituality and ecology and several educational talks on this subject. Back to our Roots also sponsored an  environmental assessment of the church building and rectory which was done by Marbek. Back to our Roots has currently joined Faith and the Common Good for its meetings this year.

Bible Study is currently looking at the letters of Paul. Two parishioners with a passion for Paul research and lead discussions on the readings. Time for them eeting is 7:30pm pm Tuesdays. contact Pierre Jean-Louis for more information.

Christian Meditation Christian Meditation is a form of contemplative prayer. It allows one to pray in silence, to become rooted to God, and the love that He has for all of us.This way of prayer involves sitting quietly in stillness and listening to God from deep within the silence of our own heart where Christ dwells. Beginners are welcome. There is no fee.

Friday 7:30 p.m.  Francie D'Annunzio (613) 236-0155  

Monday 9:30 a.m.  Joe & Denise Fidia (613) 842-0518

Communications Committee is currently working on the website evaluations and recommendations as well as finalizing the implementation of the new site. The communictions committee has a mandate from Parish Pastoral Council.

English Conversation Group:   For Immigrants, Refugees, Students and Visitors to Canada  What: Informal English conversation gatherings. A group of English-speaking volunteers sit and talk with newcomers to Canada who want to improve their English conversation skills. It is an opportunity for the newcomer to speak with people whose first language is English.  Where: De Mazenod School, 88 Main Street Ottawa (corner of Lees Avenue and Main Street)  OC Transpo Bus routes: Numbers 5 and 16. www.octranspo.com or take any transitway bus to Lees Station (exit at Lees, turn right and walk west to the corner of Main Street) When: Wednesday evenings, from 7:00pm - 8:30pm September to June . Registration: None - just drop in at 88 Main Street. Cost: Fee - For Information: Contact Patrick Barr at 613-565-4596 paddybarr@sympatico.ca  Everyone is welcome.

Refugee Outreach Group Our History inthe Parish dates back to 1990. We are a group of parishioners who are interested in the plight of refugees and wish to faciliitate their settlement in Canada and ultimately inspire them to become part of our community. If you are of legal age, available for monthly meetings when possible and open to the cultural diversity of others, you are welcome to join us. You may choose to be a full-time member, a prt-time associate working on a special projecr alone or with others or a resource person with particular knowledge and skills. To join us simply call the ROC contact person - Pierre Gauthier 819-568-0229. We meet the first Wednesday of each month, from 7pm - 9pm in one of the meeting rooms of the parish. To know us better click here

Healing and Reconciliation Circle - This group began in 2007 with the hopes of engaging this Oblate Parish into the process of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and possibly lead the whole community into a new relationship of healing with the First Nations People. As an Oblate parish we felt this was a very important initiative since many of the Oblates were missionaries and ministered in Residential school across Canada.  We began small, first watching a film called Front Runner and inviting discussion, then we followed that speakers from the Oblate Apology - Bishop Doug Crosbie OMI and Sr. Marie Zawrony who has been involved in issues surrounding the residential school situation in the west. Next we invited the delegation who visited the pope to attend with us and share their experience. And finally we set up a circle of friendship and hope that evolved naturally from these gatherings. The committee has several participants who are from the First Nations Committee. One wonderful and truly challenging event occurred on the weekend of October 25th . The parish received a dream catcher from Elder Dan. The event was profound and we now find ourselves walking the sacred ground of new relationships towards healing, friendships, and reconciliation. Contact Dorothy Collins or John Weir for more information. Information on upcoming events, notes from meetings can be found here.

The History Committee  began in 2005 as the parish prepared for its 150th anniversary. A book has been written and the committee continues to search the archives and build a comprehensive history of the parish

Young Adult GroupThe Young Adult group formed from friendships at the University Mass and developed into a Young Adult Faith sharing group who meet each Monday evening at 6:45pm in the rectory. The Oblates at Stewart Street also support the ministry of this group by offering bi-weekly prayers services on Wedsnesday evenings. How to get involved? Join us at facebook and find out our schedule.

Youth Group This groups meets periodically during the year.  For the year 2010-2011 we will be meeting monthly until June. Contact Mary Murphy for more info.