The December Function was truly a beautiful event in many ways. I wish to share a few thoughts on the day, especially for the members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Praesidium who were not able to be with us. I also wish to acknowledge and thank all those who made such a valuable contribution to the success of the day.
The day started when a man from Gatineau appeared at the church by 8AM. He spend two hours on a bicycle to make it to the church. When I met him he was 'as happy as the days are long' to be with us. He joined those of us there in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and then helped to prepare the Parish Hall for the luncheon. He was a long time member of the Legion of Mary in Quebec but when their president died, the Legion ceased to be and the parish eventually closed. At this time he lost contact with the Legion of Mary. He found out about the December function by reading an ad at one of the parishes in Vanier and decided he would like to join us. For me, this gentleman was like an angel who came to us from Heaven. Imagine spending two hours on a bicycle on this frosty Dec morning. He left home at 6AM in the dark. This was one of many highlights of my day. He left the church before I could speak further with him but I will never forget M. Gatreau.
Father Shroff in spite of being under the whether with cold symptoms delivered a wonderful homily on the topic of gifts and gift giving. Today, we celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas. Father told us about St. Nicholas and how he anonymously shared what he had with the poor by placing valued coins into their shoes and stockings. Father emphasized three precious gifts we receive at various times throughout the year from God. It all starts with the birth of a precious Babe born in a manager at Christmas, then the Father gives us the gift of His Son at Easter Time and then at Pentecost the Holy Spirit is yet another gift sent to us from God. As Catholics we are so blessed to have our faith and knowledge of our history. At The Good Shepherd Parish we are so blessed to have Father Shroff who instructs us and inspires us. Someone said recently that Father Shroff preaches the Gospel with boldness and celebrates the Eucharist with reverence.
Since the active members of Our Lady of Guadalupe could not join us for the day, I was feeling a bit like a 'nervous Nelly' concerned that things may not unfold in that perfect way that we all desire. Oh ye of little faith. Thanks to St. Maurices' Praesidium, before long, the Parish Hall was turned into a 'dining room' with 14 tables set, the coffee brewing, and delicious food appearing, all this to the backdrop of Sr Eileen warming up on the piano in preparation to lead the congregation in singing the parts of the mass. Three probationary members from Our Lady of Guadalupe, even though members of another parish were so helpful and worked arm in arm with the Praesidium members from St. Maurice s' parish to put everything in the right places. Then at the closing of the day the reverse happened and the Parish Hall was immaculate and back the way we found it.
Great big thanks to all of you!
The sung rosary before Mass was enjoyed by all. By the third decade the church was filled with not only the voice of Donna Cori Gibson but with the voices of those in the pews. The church was alive with music! I have a long list of names who wish to receive a copy of the CD. One person wants 10 copies. The music during the mass was truly beautiful. We sang the Sanctus and the Agnes Dei, oh yes music helps us to pray twice.Thank you Sr Eileen for sharing your gift of music.
A gentleman whom I've known through pro-life activities came immediately after Mass to say he is joining the Legion of Mary. He said the thought hit him like a thunderbolt during mass. Plus we have two new auxiliary members as a result of the day. I'm giving thanks to Frank Duff for these people.
I am feeling quite overwhelmed by the events of the day and all the things sent to us by God, His mother, all the angels and the saints. I just want to say how grateful I am for the members of the Legion of Mary who helped to set up and to clean up today, to Sr Johanne for her shopping for supplies thus ensuring we had everything needed at the tables, and to everyone who participated in every other way. Most especially a heartfelt thank you Father Shroff for permitting our parish to host the December Function.
Let us continue to prepare for the real reason for Christmas as we enter the second week in Advent.
God bless,
Jennifer Snell