Our parish community is in Unama’ki (the Land of Fog), the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, who we acknowledge as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land. Our relationship is based on a series of Peace and Friendship treaties between the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Crown, dating back to the early 18th century.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office: 40 Cabot St. Sydney, NS B1P 4C8
Phone: (902) 564-9021
Fax: (902) 564-0855
Email: st.marguerite.bourgeoys@bellaliant.com
Website:
saintmbparish.ca
Parish Priest - Rev. Bill Burke
Parish Administrator – Louise Lumsden
Parish Caretaker – Joe Giacomantonio
REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE
Weekend: Saturday at 4pm & Sunday at 10 am
St. Anne: Saturday at 6 pm
Weekday: Wednesday & Thursday at12:10PM
NOTE: Weekday Mass is cancelled if there is a funeral or if school is cancelled
Stations of the Cross before 12:10 Mass on Thursdays during Lent with CND Associates
OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Thursday 9 am to 1 pm
Parish Finances and Fundraising
Regular collections: $3623.15
Required weekly collection: $4500.00
Weekly deficit/Over: -$876.85
Accumulated debt to date: $3759.05
The 2025 Tax Receipts are ready to be picked up in the Office.
Renovation Funds
Total Roof Replacement Cost: $116,000.55
Amount Paid: $64,683.69
Amount Owing: $51,316.86
Donations this week: 0.00
There are envelopes in your new envelope box for direct donations to support renovation projects
If you would like to send your donation via e-transfer, please use the email account st.marguerite.bourgeoys@bellaliant.com
To receive a tax receipt, please put your address in the notes section.
On-Line Auction
An online auction has started as a fundraiser for the parish. To access enter St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish On-Line Auction through Facebook. As a parish, we need to share this link to have a successful auction. Thank you to all who contributed. We are also looking for new items for the auction. If you have anything to donate, contact Corey at 902 202 4999. Please read and follow the rules carefully.
Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers (February)
Sat 4 pm – Judy Locke, Barry Head, Sarah Genter, Mary or Walter MacMillan
Sun 10 am – Pat Almon, Flora Marchand, Debbie Lewis, Lucia MacIsaac
Lectors
Sat February 14, 4 pm – Orella McNeil & Helena MacLeod
Sun February 15, 10AM – Pat Bray and Kharla Orillo
Parish News and Events
Old Palm
If you have old blessed palm left from last Palm Sunday, please bring it in before Sunday, February 15 so that it could be turned into ashes for Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026.
A Synod Diary
We have a few copies of Dr. Michael Higgins book still available at the office, the cost is $21.00.
We need your help
We welcome parishioners to participate in various ministries. If interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister, please contact Lucia MacIsaac at 902 539 1007; If interested in becoming a lector, please contact Marie Oake at 902 539 1833
Parish Council and Parish Committees
Parish Council Chair - Donnie MacIsaac Vice Chair – Tom Ripley
Finance Committee Chair – Carol Ripley
Liturgy Committee
Social Justice Committee – Ron Martin and Chris Gallant
The social justice group is looking for volunteers who have a truck to pick up and deliver furniture. We hope to create a list of volunteers that can be placed on a rotating list so that it is not a hardship for just a few. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Please leave your name at the office if you can help.
A need wall has been set up in the front foyer. If anyone has a need for something, place the need on the wall with your phone number only. If you are someone who can supply the need, you take the need and phone the person to let them know you can help. Also, on one side of the board will be an area for those giving something away to place that on the board with their phone number and if someone is looking for that item, they take that give away off the board and call that person. This direct exchange should be very helpful to minimize storing items at the church.
CWL News and Events
CWL President - Helena MacLeod (email - glencoegirl.hm15@gmail.com)
Note Change of time for our next meeting to be held March 1st /26 12.30 for executive 1pm for general followed by a presentation at 2pm by police officers on Scam and Fraud protection. All are welcome.
Re the Mobile Blood Clinic for the CBRM mentioned in the bulletin A sample letter that can be used as a guide to write letters is available in the foyer. Cwl Members can submit membership dues for 2026 of $34.50 in an envelope marked CWL Dues and put in the collection at mass.
Liturgy Corner
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday February 18, 5pm St. Ann’s Membertou
7PM St Marguerite Bourgeoys
Religious Education
Religious Education is underway. Grades 1 and 2 will meet on Sunday at 9 am before Mass. Grades 3 and 4 will meet on Sunday at 11 am after Mass. Any questions please feel free to call Corey at (902) 202-4999.
Grad Primary and Grade 1 enrollment will stay open feel free to register anytime.
Diocesan Information
Challenge/Cursillo
Cape Breton Challenge Executive are trying to renew the Challenge movement in our area again. We are reaching out to our Challenge/Cursillo family to see if there is anyone among you who would be interested in working a Challenge weekend or be a member of the Challenge Executive. If this is of interest to you please reach out to us - Eastern region Rose Henry roseh5029@gmail.com or 902-577-1517, Mabou region Ashley Roach roachashley1988@gmail.com or 902-224-5035.We ask you to keep us in your prayers as we move forward and for the success of reviving this beautiful movement. Thank You from Lay Directors Rose and Ashley
Do you receive our diocesan newsletters?
Seven Ears of Grain is emailed each Monday morning, with news and events from our diocese and parishes, plus news and resources from the Vatican and national offices. Witness of Hope is our seasonal newsletter.To subscribe, visit https://www.antigonishdiocese.com/newsletter/ or email jennifer@dioceseofantigonish.ca
Community Events
TEA and TALK
Sydney Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 1:30-3:30 PM An invitation to join with other women to share
TEA and TALK at Holy Redeemer Convent 24 Neville St. Whitney Pier, just behind the Pier Post Office.
This invitation is open to women of all ages. This is an attempt to provide an opportunity for women to join with others to simply share a cup of tea and to experience the joy of being together. For further information phone 902 270 4840 or 902 539 6331.
Intro to Cape Breton Step dance & Square dance
Taught by: Leanne Aucoin, weekly on Wednesdays; 10am - 11am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys church Foyer. Beginner level - no experience necessary. $10.00. Please wear a pair of comfy shoes you can dance in, and loose clothing. Water is a good idea too. Any questions or to register for class please email: leanne.aucoin@gmail.com
Mobile Blood Donor Clinic for CBRM
The Antigonish Diocesan Council of the CWL is advocating for a mobile blood donation clinic in CBRM. One million new blood donors are needed over the next five years. The nearest clinic in Port Hawkesbury requires a 4–5 hour round trip. Parishioners, please write to the NS Premier, Minister of Health and Wellness, local MLAs, and MPs, and Dr Graham Sher, CEO Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4J5 urging support for this request.
THE MANY FACES OF CHRISTIAN PRAYER
You are invited to join us for two sessions on prayer and the many ways we can come to God in our prayer.
Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10:00 until 12:00 Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 10:00 until 12:00
(Weather Date if needed) Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10:00 until 12:00; Sessions will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, 34 Archibald Ave. North Sydney Sessions are facilitated by members of the Cape Breton Local of the Atlantic Association of Spiritual Directors. There is no fee although a donation is welcomed. Registration is required to reserve your space. To register, please contact: one of the below with your name and phone Number Gary Fancey (gafancey@netscape.net) (902-862-7580) or
Julia Townsend (juliat@eastlink.ca) (902-562-8423) or St. Joseph’s Parish Office (902-794-3951)