Archive for the ‘Diocese Alexandra-Cornwall’
Lenten Appeal by Bishop Paul-André Durocher – Share Lent Collection for Development and Peace
Cornwall, March 29, 2011
To all the Faithful of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall :
Next week, we will hold the annual Share Lent collection, the proceeds of which are given to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. This organization, set up more than forty years ago by the Bishops of Canada, is dedicated to transforming the world in view of the Kingdom of justice, peace and joy which Christ came to inaugurate among us.
We are all quite aware of the many situations of poverty and injustice that exist across our planet, especially in what we call the Third World. Our Christian faith calls us to alleviate the symptoms of this poverty by coming to the help of those who suffer most. It also invites us to eradicate the causes of this poverty by involving ourselves in the development of a more just world. Development and Peace acts on both these fronts, through its emergency help when major disasters occasionally strike our planet, as well as through its education and action programs both in Canada and in the Third World.
With the help of the Bishops of Canada, Development and Peace is committed to integrating the whole of the Church’s social and ethical doctrine so that all its projects and services will reflect the convictions that we share as disciples of Christ. I invite you to collaborate in the work of the bishops by supporting Development and Peace through your generous contribution next Sunday to the Share Lent collection.
Matthew Kelly – A Call to Joy – A Presentation in Cornwall
Matthew Kelly is coming to Cornwall as part of our Diocesan Speaker Series this fall. Who is Matthew Kelly, you might ask? Well the best way to tell you is to show you. In March of 2009 he gave a mission at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish – Chandler Arizona (Theme: The Genius of Catholicism). Major segments of this mission were filmed and now appear as Videos on the parish website. In The Genius of Catholicism, Matthew Kelly talks about the 7 pillars of Catholic spirituality and challenges us to discover the relevance of Catholicism for modern problems, happiness, and day-to-day living. He challenges his listeners to be the best version of themselves – and to recognize and open their hearts to all their Catholic faith has to offer. The presentation will take place at St. Joe’s – General Vanier Auditorium on December 15th, 2009. For Further details please visit our Diocesan Website.
Three Women Who Made a Difference
Sister Kathryn Cameron, c.s.c, Sister Jeannine Bissonnette, s.s.c.g., and Sister Georgette Thibault, s.s.c.g., of our Diocese of have been awarded the Holy Cross Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice medal by Pope Benedict XVI. The awards were presented to them during a special mass to close the Year of St. Paul, on June 29th at St. Finnan’s Cathedral in Alexandria by His Excellency, Bishop Paul-André Durocher. Read More
Our New Retreat Centre – Shalom House Has Moved
OUR RETREAT HOUSE HAS MOVED
Did you know that Shalom House, our Diocesan Retreat Centre, has ceased operations at its long-time facility in St. Raphael’s, Ontario? Iona Academy Catholic Primary School will be expanding into the premises in the near future.
The new Retreat Centre is located in the former Poor Clare Sisters’ Monastery and has been transformed into the new Shalom Retreat Centre. All renovations are complete and the Centre is already open. The facility sleeps 28 in a combination of rooms. Every bedroom is servced with a sink, and individual washrooms are located in the hallways. A large chapel and smaller oratory are available for worship, prayer, and contemplatin. A large meeting room is complemented by smaller breakout areas. The Retreat Centre also includes a full-service kitchen with cook and a sunny dining room. On the grounds one will find a grotto of the Nativity, Shrine to Our Lady and a Rosary meditation path.
Contact Sr. Alice Larin for retreats, bookings, programs, and further information at 613-347-2391.
Fr. Gary Ostler – Remembered by Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve
Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve was born on Christmas Day 1923, and ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1947 to serve as a priest in the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall. After suffering minor stroke a few years ago, he retired as pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Lancaster, Ontario.
But, Fr. Rudy didn’t really retire. Ever zealous in his priestly ministry, he joined Fr. Gary Ostler, as Fr. Gary began his second term as pastor at St. Columban’s Parish, the largest parish in the Diocese, and situated in the downtown core of Cornwall, Ontario. Like all large inner-city parishes, the pastoral needs are many and perpetual, Along with Fr. Matthew Brunet, (ordained 2006), Fr. Rudy worked side by side with Fr. Gary and Fr. Matthew in responding to the spiritual needs of the parishioners.
It should be mentioned that Fr. Rudy was and inspirational figure and mentor in Fr. Gary’s life. As pastor,years earlier, he new the Ostler family and the young man Gary. And, it was Fr. Rudy that inspired and encouraged Gary during his journey to ordination on September 9, 1972.
Fr. Gary Ostler – Obituary from St. Columban's Bulletin
Father Gary Ostler
April 5th, 1946 – May 29th, 2008
Prior to ordination he headed public relations for the diocesan synod
and had the synod Mass aired on national TV.
Fr. Gary was Fr. Rudy’s Associate Pastor at St. Francis de Sales in 1972.
While there he organized a folk group of 70 young people for Saturday afternoon Mass, which drew a large turnout. He also led them on a successful tour of Western Canada. He launched the diaconate program in the diocese.
At Nativity Parish he became chaplain of La Citadel High School. He started the Neumann Club at St. Lawrence College and also taught the student nurses.
Fr. Gary Ostler – Funeral Mass
The weather was just right today in Cornwall. The sun rose early in clear blue skies. For me, it was the day to say good bye to a long-time friend, and the weather made it so much easier. A refreshing breeze of the kind that one enjoys by the sea, kept the cathedral sized church of St. Columban’s, comfortable, despite the overflow of people who gathered.
As I entered the church and proceeded to the vesting room, I was greeted by friends, both new and old, and it was a comforting trip down memory lane. All of us had one thing in common, Fr. Gary, and we had come to pray for him, and to celebrate his faith and our own faith. (more…)
Fr. Gary Ostler – Wake Service at St. Columban's
June 1, 2008
For many this was a very sad day, as Fr. Gary returned to St. Columban’s for one last time. Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve, one of our oldest priests, and Fr. Matthew Brunet, one of our youngest presided over the service. Here are a few pictures of his final return, and the loving tribute the Parish, Diocese, family, and friends welcomed him with.
