PARISH NEWS
Have you noticed some changes in the Sanctuary lately? As the renovation process begins its next phase, you can follow along through the blog of our designer, Adele Pierce. Adele is a talented artist and interior designer who has worked on projects for groups like CCO and the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. She will be sharing about the renovation process at Annunciation on her blog, so if you want the inside scoop, be sure to check it out: https://www.adelepierce.com/blog.
Please pray for Adele as she continues her work!
GOD IS GOOD – A TESTIMONY BY RICHARD O’REILLY
“I would tell friends that the sun was there—I never gave up my belief in God—but there were clouds, dark clouds in the way that didn’t allow me to really see his face and feel his warmth. So I asked my friends to pray for me, that the clouds would dissipate. And one of my first experiences after my illness was when we were at Mass. I was meditating on the cross, wondering if the Lord had any words for me and I heard the Lord clearly say, “Pick up your cross and follow me.”
This past Wednesday, parishioner Richard O’Reilly spoke at our first Behold night of the season. He shared about dealing with his cancer diagnosis and how God is still good, even amidst illness. If you weren’t able to join us, you can watch the recording of his testimony below:
HALLOWEEN OUTREACH
Halloween is coming, and it brings with it a chance to reach out to our parish neighbourhood! On October 31, Annunciation will set up a tent on the front lawn and hand out candy, hot chocolate, and popcorn to kids and parents in our community.
Be a part of this outreach opportunity by dropping off candy donations at the Info Desk, or by joining us on Oct 31 to prep candy bags, make and serve treats, hand out candy, or set up/take down supplies. Remember the houses that gave the best candy at Halloween? Let’s be that place!
Click here to learn more or to sign-up as a volunteer.
FEAST OF ALL SOULS MASS
To celebrate the Feast of All Souls on Nov 2, there will be a special 7pm Mass followed by a reception. All Souls is an opportunity for us to remember those who have gone before us, and to pray for their souls. Mass is a beautiful way to entrust them to the Lord’s mercy.
INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION FUND – SPECIAL COLLECTION
Last year, the Archdiocese held the first special collection to raise funds for the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund as part of our continuing journey of seeking reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. Our people and parishes were incredibly generous, helping to raise more than $650,000! Thanks to your donations the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund has been able to provide grants to five exciting projects in the Archdiocese, including:
- A Children and Youth Pow Wow (Odawa Native Friendship Centre).
- Six retreats to promote healing and reconciliation (Kateri Native Ministry).
- A 12-month program to promote cultural healing and wellness for Indigenous women (Minwaashin Lodge).
- An equine assisted learning program for Indigenous children and their families (Madahoki Farm).
- A program using music to teach the Mohawk language through hymns and songs to Akwesasronon youth and adults. (St. Regis Mission)
This year we will be holding a special collection the weekend of November 4th and 5th. Pick up an envelope in the pews this weekend!
The next General Meeting of the Catholic Women’s League will be in person on Wednesday, November 8th at 7:00 pm. This will be our annual Memorial Service for all our deceased members, followed by refreshments and a short meeting. We look forward to seeing you.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – NOV. 18
This year’s CWL Christmas Bazaar will be Nov. 18, 2023 from 9:00am – 12:00pm. We will be raffling a large lap quilt with a Christmas theme and another pen by Fr. John. We are also making our Tourtieres shortly, which will be available for sale, along with advent candles, crafts, baking, and a silent auction. There will be a free Tearoom provided once again. Come and enjoy, and invite your friends!
SENIORS MASS & LUNCHEON
All seniors are invited to join us monthly for Mass, fellowship, and good food. There is no cost to attend (though a free-will offering is appreciated), so invite a friend! Our November speakers are Tom Kelly and his associate Bonnie Schroeder.
Date/Time: Nov 15, 12pm
Registration closes at 12am on Nov 9 in order to give enough time to calculate meal numbers.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
QUO VADIS – DISCERNMENT NIGHT FOR PRIESTHOOD
Is the Lord calling you to serve him as a priest? Join other men discerning the priesthood for monthly formation, fellowship, and Eucharistic Adoration. Each night will be held at the new Café des Tours, located in the basement of Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa.
The next Quo Vadis evening will be held on October 26 from 7-9pm.
To join the Quo Vadis email list or for more information, contact Fr. Connor O’Hara, the Vocations Director for the diocese, at vocations@ottawacornwall.ca.
WEBINAR SERIES – 4 CONSTITUTIONS OF VATICAN II
In preparation for Jubilee 2025, the year 2023 is dedicated to Vatican II. The CCCB Office for Evangelization and Catechesis will host a webinar series, “The Four Constitutions of Vatican II”, inviting the faithful to reflect on the meaning of these documents for the life of the Church today.
Simultaneous interpretation (French/English) will be available for all four sessions of the webinar series:
- “Sacrosanctum Concillium” — Monsignor Murray Kroetsch, PH, VG
Tuesday November 7 from 1:00-2:30 pm EST - “Dei Verbum” — Bishop Yvan Mathieu, SM
Tuesday November 14 from 1:00-2:30 pm EST - “Gaudium et Spes” — Sr. Donna Geernaert, SC
Tuesday November 21 from 1:00-2:30 pm EST - “Lumen Gentium” — Dr. Catherine Clifford
Tuesday November 28 from 1:00-2:30 pm EST
All webinar sessions will be recorded and packaged with a reflection guide for later release.
If you wish to attend any of the webinar sessions or to be notified when session recordings are made available, click here to register.