As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
MK 1:14-20
Happy 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time! Our Lord continues to call us this week to Come and See (see last week), to realize our vocation to know Him better, love Him more, follow Him more closely as missionary-disciples, and to make Him known and loved by all. I always enjoyed this particular Gospel passage, reminding me of growing up fishing trout in Sept-Iles, trying fly fishing for salmon, and jigging for cod fish in Goose Bay. Today, Our Lord invites us all to continue our ministry as fishers of all people!
This week we have been praying at all masses for the Unity of all Christians (18 – 25 January). We all have a responsibility to pray for ecumenism. Indeed, it was Our Lord’s prayer as well, ‘that they all may be one.’ (Jn 17:21) The theme this year was John 15:9, ‘Abide in my love.’ Let us continue to pray for all our brothers and sisters that they many know the peace and joy of God in Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our North Glengarry Parishes Pastoral Council has also begun to discern and discuss steps towards unity among our families, and parishes! A new section within the website will show our progress. We will also communicate these changes once they are ready. We are a team, and we need all the team players! Let us continue to pray for one another! Last call too for ALPHA starting this upcoming Thursday night! Everyone is welcome! Please consider signing up, and inviting someone you know to attend. Also, check out the fun video that our leadership team prepared. It is grrrrrrreat!
Finally, guess who is getting a new roommate? ME! Please welcome with me Deacon Steven Gaudet, who will complete his seminary studies here in Alexandria. He will be ordained to the priesthood sometime this Spring, or Summer! With the current COVID19 chaos happening, seminaries and universities had to change the way they operate. This is also the case for where Deacon Steven was currently studying, St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario. The seminarians are now sent home to complete their studies online. His Grace, Archbishop Marcel Damphouse called me this week through Fr. Pierre Champoux, director of Vocations. They asked if we were ready to host Deacon Steven Gaudet, and of course I said yes. Deacon Steven will be staying with me at the rectory in Alexandria, to complete his 8 years of seminary. Also, he will do a few practicums with me, that is preparing on how to properly celebrate the Sacraments, for his upcoming examinations in April. Please pray for him, and all the seminarians for the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. The last time i saw Deacon Steven, he had a better beard than I. Let the competition begin! Have a great week! God bless. Peace!
