In his reflection for the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, our Pastor, Fr. Jim Bleackley OMI, shares:
“The mystery of poverty is that by sharing in it, making ourselves poor in giving to others, we increase our knowledge of and belief in love. Also, let us ponder Jesus’ warning about how one’s abundance can blind a person to the present condition of global society, where injustices abound, and growing numbers of people are deprived of basic human rights and often exploited by a system that favours the rich and powerful. Let us examine our hearts to see if our self-reliance makes it difficult for us to stand in solidarity with the poorest of our brothers and sisters.”
Liturgical Resources
- Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – November 7 2021 – Liturgy of the Word for use at home
- READINGS FOR THE THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – 2021
- READINGS FOR CHILDREN – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – 2021
- Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 2021 – Prayers of the Faithful
Parish Update
Thank you to Dan Handfield for many years of service!
Dan Handfield, our Parish Carpenter and Handyman, retired from his position at St. Joe’s. The Parish has been an important part of Dan’s life for well over a decade. Throughout the rectory and church there are many examples of his work and talent over the years. Some of his larger projects included the sacristy, the confessional kitchen, the altar, the healing space and sanctuary, the deck, the Oblate kitchen and projects in the Women’s Centre and Supper Table. Although Dan will no longer be working here, he remains part of the St. Joe’s community.
Prayers for Brian Kerr and his family
St. Joe’s parishioner Brian Kerr died this week. Our community extends its prayers to Brian’s family and to all who mourn him.
Seeking a ride to church from Kanata
We are looking for a ride to Church for a parishioner who lives in Kanata – close to Campeau Drive and Kanata Avenue. This is for the 11:30 Sunday Mass. Currently the parishioner is having to pay for a taxi to get to St. Joe’s on Sunday mornings. Once at church there is a friend who can drive her home, so it is just a one-way drive. Ideally it would be great to get a few names and numbers. If you can help please call Eleanor Rabnett at 613-315-5317 or email her at [email protected] and she will connect you with the parishioner. Thank you so much!
News from the St. Joe’s Women’s Centre
As we moved into a new month, it is hard to believe where the time went by. The staff are preparing for the cool weather upon us and the need to outfit the women and children. We received winter coats, hats, and mittens for women and the Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa outfitted the children.
In preparation of Christmas donations, the Centre closed October 29th so the staff could coordinate a day of deep cleaning from the kitchen, foodbank room, offices, the main part of Centre, the computer room, and our toiletries cupboard.
- St. Joe’s Women’s Centre Christmas Sponsorship Program
The 2021 Christmas season is quickly approaching, and many families are patiently awaiting this joyous time of year. Yet, for those who come to St. Joe’s Women’s Centre, Christmas is often a time of worry and tight budgets. The mothers who come to the Centre would love nothing more than to provide a warm, nutritious meal and a little something under the tree for their family but often struggle to make this a reality.
As Covid-19 continues to affect all our lives, it has had more severe impacts on families that frequent our centre. Families still are finding it challenging to fully access services they have relied on in the past such as meal programs, activities for their children, and stable living arrangements. Support is needed more than ever, and we are reaching out to generous supporters like yourself.
Over the past year the women’s centre has continue to expand services where they can and staff have continued to ensure clients are receiving nutritious food, access to shower facilities, winter clothing, and supportive services.
Our centre continues to set up social distancing measures, have a security guard in place for screening, and provided masks and hand sanitizer to families. We also want to ensure the safety of our generous donors is maintained. We have decided to again solicit for gift certificates ONLY. This limits face-to-face interactions, condenses time spent in stores, and empowers the women to have the ability to make purchases for their families themselves.
Below are some examples of gift certificates we are accepting:
Walmart, Giant Tiger, Bayshore Shopping Centre, St. Laurent Shopping Centre, PC gift cards.
If this is something that you or someone you know may be interested in, or if you have any questions about the program, please contact Kathryn O’Meara. Email: [email protected] or Tel.: 613-231-6722.
A November 2021 Invitation and Update from the Refugee Outreach Committee
Like many other groups, the ROC is in a transition period with some easing of our virtual support to children with the resumption of in-person schooling. Adults have gained familiarity, skill, and independence in online English Second Language learning, academic pursuits, and areas of employment. This calmer period is an excellent time to consider becoming part of the Leadership of our ministry. We want to ensure we have a solid base in place as new involvements are launched in the months and years ahead. You will be accompanied in the process by those currently serving as Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and fulfilling other lead roles in education, records oversight, and parish contact. On that note, please email any comments or questions to Dona Bowers who serves as our ROC parish contact ([email protected]).
At this point we are close to submitting two sponsorship applications that have required lengthy preparation over 2021. Once submitted we begin the year or two of waiting and preparing for the arrival of the families that we are hopeful to welcome. As well, we have communicated with the Catholic Centre for
Immigrants that we are ready to provide volunteer assistance with the Afghan Resettlement and we will share more on that front once more is known. Visit the CCI website to learn more of the work they are doing to provide services to all immigrants and to coordinate volunteers.
We have exciting news on the horizon! We received confirmation a month ago that “Ordinary Citizens, Extraordinary Actions” is officially in production and advertised at the University of Ottawa’s spring catalogue (p. 12): https://ampersandinc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/W22-University-of-Ottawa-Catalogue.pdf.
The authors began their research on the 30-year history of the Refugee Outreach Committee in mid 2019 and the book will be released in May of 2022. Parishioners will be informed about any book launch celebrations. Thanks to the generosity and goodwill of our parish community, the Refugee Outreach Committee continues our mission to invite and welcome refugees and newcomers into our midst.
Crafts from the Holy Land available at St. Joe’s
On the weekend of November 13-14 after all Masses, St. Joseph’s Parish will welcome our special guest Sebastien Cardinal’s team representing the group “Handicraft Holy Land Christians.” This team of volunteers graciously requests your support through conscious prayers and will have many unique hand-carved olive wood religious art pieces made by families in Bethlehem available for purchase after every Mass. Proceeds of the sales generate much needed employment for our Christian brothers and sisters in Bethlehem. Cash, debit, credit cards and cheques will be accepted. May God Bless you for your generosity, for your help and for your prayers.
Vocation Reflection: “Giving Liberates The Soul Of The Giver”
By Susai Jesu, OMI – Vocation Team
“Today’s readings invite us to ponder how someone who was as poor as this widow was able to perform an act of such spontaneous goodness. One needs to have been faithful over many years to the practice of generosity to have a heart like hers. It is not achieved by a few great deeds but by a lot of little ones. It is only through habitual generosity that the heart continues to remain open, and one becomes a loving person.”
Read the reflection here (published on Wednesday November 3): https://omilacombe.ca/become-an-oblate/
Three Employment Opportunities with the CCCB
The CCCB is searching to fill the following three positions: Lead, Communications Service; Advisor, Ecumenical
and Interfaith Relations; Information Systems Technician. The job postings are available on the CCCB website.
Three Employment Opportunities with the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall
The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall is seeking to fill the following three positions:
Sunday offerings for October 31, 2021: $8,300
Thank you for your generosity!
