Tilling the Soil at Blessed Sacrament

Dear parishioners and friends of Blessed Sacrament Parish,

We give thanks to God for this warm pleasant summer, offering us reason to go outside to take in some sun, to rest, refresh, renew and re-create.  We hope that you had an opportunity to enjoy some days of relaxation!

Our calendars proclaim January 1st as the beginning of a new year, but September really feels like it is the beginning of our ‘new year.’  For our children, vacation time is over, visits to the campsite and cottage will be fewer and now it is time for sort of a ‘get back to a normal’ routine. 

Even though Fall is harvesttime, our parish is beginning a springtime. We are ‘tilling the soil!’  After some years of fallow, we are planting seeds for new life, renewal and growth.  This summer has shown a remarkable increase in attendance and people are ready to offer a more of themselves, their time and talent for the glory of God. We are just at the cusp of something new and wonderful for our community! 

Our Religious Education program is starting soon and now accepting registrations. We have a program to be proud of and I encourage you to register your children to grow in faith and Church friendships. Also, if you are new to the faith and would like to become Catholic or have not received all your sacraments, contact me.  We already have several teenagers and adults who will be renewing their faith this year through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults/Teens.

As for youth and young people’s ministry, I sincerely pray to the Holy Spirit to inspire the hearts of individuals to come forward. If you are interested in youth ministry for children, teens and young adults in either leading or participating, we are gathering names.  Simply email or call me. The Holy Spirit will breathe new life into the faith formation and friendships of our young people.

After a break of many years, it is my desire to revive the Knights of Columbus in our parish. The Knights are a worthy and fraternal Catholic organization of men who gather to pray, grow in faith and serve.  The first meeting of the Knights will be on Tuesday October 4th at 7:00pm in the Parish Centre.  All those interested, mark your calendars come on out!

In just a couple of weeks during the weekend masses, I will update the parish with a pastoral and building plan. Collaborating with our Finance and Building Committees, the parish has done a needs assessment of our Church and Parish Centre buildings. The Church is showing its age of over 55 years and needs repairs and upgrades. Also, after doing due diligence, it has been decided that our Parish Centre is beyond repair and needs replacement. More information will be shared on how we have arrived at this decision and a plan for the immediate and longer-term future will be given.  I invite those with a background or interest in art and architecture, construction, design, engineering, trades or simply interested parties to already consider joining a soon to be formed ‘Construction Committee’ for a one- or two-year commitment.  More information to come.

A new ‘Social Committee’ was established in June.  They lead our Feast Day celebrations with food and fun.  Next, they are hosting a ‘Come and See’ weekend September 17/18. This weekend will be an opportunity to invite your friends, family and those who have not been to Church in a while to ‘Come and See’.  Fellowship is planned to follow the masses. Come and meet your neighbours!   

And so, as September begins, we embark upon our new schedules and routines. We pray that we may all be open to the powerful inspiration of the Holy Spirit, supporting and encouraging us as a parish. Blessed Sacrament is awesome!  The liturgy, music and friendships are inspiring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to breathe deeply into the hearts of our community.  New and exciting things are happening, and we are embarking on a long future of renewal and growth of faith, love and joy!

​Fr. Kevin