When I arrived back from vacation at the beginning of August, I sadly learned that Deacon Ernest Bellefeuille had died, and I found myself answering a question many silently wonder. “Did I make a difference?” If you were asking this question Ernie, I would like to answer it. “Yes Ernie, you did, a big, big difference!”
I became friends with Deacon Ernie while I served at St. Columban’s Parish in the early 90′s. Ernie was a pharmacist (graduated from the University of Toronto’s School of Pharmacy in 1953), and founded the Medical Arts Pharmacy in Cornwall in 1956. He and his wife Shannon (MacDonald) raised five wonderful children. In the late 70′s Ernie, a deeply religious man, heard God’s call to the Diaconate, and in 1982 he was ordained at Nativity Co-Cathedral. For 25 years he ministered at St. Columban’s Parish along with his wife Shannon. I’ll always fondly remember our Pastoral staff meetings every Tuesday morning in the living room of St. Columban’s rectory. While working full time and long shifts at his pharmacy, he always arrived early to happily help plan the pastoral programs of the parish. Giving generously of his time and talents, Deacon Ernie preached at a daily Mass, served as Deacon at the Sunday Eucharist, preached at all six masses once a month, and along with his wife Shannon coordinated the Marriage Preparation Program, the RCIA, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, along with numerous other pastoral duties. Ernie never asked for anything in return. He was indeed a good and generous man, and an inspiration to all of us, as he quietly gave of himself in God’s service. And, as I and many others discovered, Ernie was always available as a kind and supportive friend and listener. Thank you Deacon Ernie, may the Lord reward and bless you with eternal joy and peace. Let us all remember Deacon Ernie, his wife Shannon, his children, and his grand-children in our prayers.
