Sixth Sunday of Easter
The Month of May is Dedicated to Mother Mary
"Madonna of the Goldfinch” (Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, 1767/1770)
Dear Friends in Christ,
This Wednesday, May 13th, is the 109th anniversary of the Blessed Mother appearing for the first time to three children in a tiny hamlet in Portugal called Fatima. She said many things to those children, but the most important was this: Pray for Peace! The last century was the bloodiest of centuries in the history of civilization, if for no other reason than we have found newer and better ways to kill each other. As one Bishop said, “the most dangerous place in our country is the womb of a mother.” Not safe even there! People can be on all sides of debates about wars and about foreign or domestic policy of our country. But whatever your opinion may be of any of it, you do have as a duty to pray for peace.
When the Blessed Mother asked her children to pray for peace, she told them to pray the Rosary. Such a simple prayer. One that can go with you everywhere. Pope Saint Pius X said, “Among all the devotions approved by the Church, none has been favoured by so many miracles as the devotion to the Most Holy Rosary.” Our best defence against the powers of evil in this world is not the government (even though so many do their job well for the protection of us all, and thank God for them!) but the protection of the Blessed Mother.
So get those beads out and put them in your pocket; have them by your nightstand, in the car, in your desk at work. And use them. Pray the Rosary often and well, especially during this Marian month, invoking Almighty God especially to end the war in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Fr. Justin
This Wednesday, May 13th, is the 109th anniversary of the Blessed Mother appearing for the first time to three children in a tiny hamlet in Portugal called Fatima. She said many things to those children, but the most important was this: Pray for Peace! The last century was the bloodiest of centuries in the history of civilization, if for no other reason than we have found newer and better ways to kill each other. As one Bishop said, “the most dangerous place in our country is the womb of a mother.” Not safe even there! People can be on all sides of debates about wars and about foreign or domestic policy of our country. But whatever your opinion may be of any of it, you do have as a duty to pray for peace.
When the Blessed Mother asked her children to pray for peace, she told them to pray the Rosary. Such a simple prayer. One that can go with you everywhere. Pope Saint Pius X said, “Among all the devotions approved by the Church, none has been favoured by so many miracles as the devotion to the Most Holy Rosary.” Our best defence against the powers of evil in this world is not the government (even though so many do their job well for the protection of us all, and thank God for them!) but the protection of the Blessed Mother.
So get those beads out and put them in your pocket; have them by your nightstand, in the car, in your desk at work. And use them. Pray the Rosary often and well, especially during this Marian month, invoking Almighty God especially to end the war in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Fr. Justin
Crowd at Fatima circa 1958
FROM MADOC TO OTTAWA
DON’T MISS THE BUS!
Once again,our friends from Our Lady of Mercy parish in Bancroft will be hiring a bus for the annual March for Life in Ottawa this year. Let's try and fill the bus! Reserve a spot by calling Kathy Tripp @ 613.332.9383. The bus will be picking pilgrims up at the Tim Hortons on Hwy 7/62 around 8:45-9am this Thursday, May 14th. Join thousands of other people standing up for the most vulnerable among us. This is an opportunity to put faith into action! Come join us. You will be glad you did!
Congratulations to our own Maureen O'Connor for being awarded Teacher of the Year!
Our entire parish and community is thrilled and very proud that one of our own parishioners was named Educator of the Year by the ALCDSB school board this past Monday. It's a well deserved honour and fitting capstone to a long and fruitful teaching career for Maureen O'Connor. Felicitations Maureen!
Acting VP Lisa Alberta celebrating Maureen with the entire school present at SHJ gymnasium yesterday, with cupcakes and cakes for all.
I invite all parishioners to congratulate Maureen for this notable distinction and impending retirement by joining us for refreshments and cake.
Sunday, June 14th
after 11am Mass
SHJ Hall
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Weekly Schedule
Sat, May 9 @ 9:30-11am
First Communion Class
#6 - Sacrifice of the Mass
SHJ Hall
First Communion Class
#6 - Sacrifice of the Mass
SHJ Hall
Catechists: Colleen Shannon & Colleen MacAlister
Holy Rosary starts at 4:40pm
6th Sunday of Easter
Sat, May 9 @ 5pmGlen & Carol Sweet †
[req. Shane & Denise Gillis & Family]
Holy Rosary starts at 10:40am
6th Sunday of Easter
Sun, May 10 @ 11am*Pro Populo
*Jr. Liturgy
Lectors
5pm: Madeleine McGregor
11am: Jeanna Black
Sun, May 10 @ 3pm
Mother of Perpetual Help Novena #3
Mother of Perpetual Help Novena #3
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- The Holy Rosary
- Perpetual Help Prayers
- Veneration of Image
- Benediction
Mon, May 11 @ 9am
Unannounced Mass
Tues, May 12 @ 9am
In Thanksgiving for Personal Blessings
[req. Paul Cheng]
Unannounced Mass
Tues, May 12 @ 9am
In Thanksgiving for Personal Blessings
[req. Paul Cheng]
Tues, May 12 @ 7pm
Knights of Columbus #7301 Meeting
SHJ Hall
Knights of Columbus #7301 Meeting
SHJ Hall
Our Lady of Faitma (OM)
Wed, May 13 @ 9amDeceased Bishops & Priests of Archdiocese †
[req. Fr. Brian Price]
Wed, May 13 @ 9:30-10:30am*
** Holy Hour! **
*Mother of Perpetual Help Novena #4
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- The Holy Rosary
- Perpetual Help Prayers
- Veneration of Image
- Benediction
St. Matthias, Apostle (F)
Thur, May 14 @ 9amFernandes Family
[req. Aileen Haig]
Fri, May 15 @ 9am
Branka Cebo †
[req. Visitor]
Fri, May 15 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Branka Cebo †
[req. Visitor]
Fri, May 15 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Sacred Heart of Mary
Weekly Schedule
Holy Rosary starts at 8:40am
6th Sunday of Easter
Sun, May 10 @ 9am*
For Peace in the World,
in Families & in our Hearts
[req. Paul Cheng]
*Jr. Liturgy
Lector: Don Bailey
Greeters: Cathy & Paul Francis
Our Lady of Faitma (OM)
Wed, May 13 @ 9am
Sheila Barcier †
[req. Carol Tyo & Rita McDonald]
Wed, May 13 @ 9:30-10:30am*
** Holy Hour! **
Wed, May 13 @ 5pm
Choir Practice
7-Day Votive Candle Offerings
SHJ CHURCH
OUR BLESSED MOTHER
Intentions of the Clemens Family
[req. Dale Clemons]
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
[available]
ST. JOSEPH
For the safety of those in flood prone areas
[req. Anne Marie McGregor]
ST. ANNE & OUR LADY
[available]
SHM CHURCH
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
[available]
OUR BLESSED MOTHER
[available]
You can put your $10 7-Day Votive Offering in a pink visitor offertory envelope. Make sure to mention...
1) For which church?
2) For which saint?
3) What's the intention?
4) What's your name & envelope #?
Please contact Pauline at the parish office @ 613.472.2220 or sacredheart.mm@archkingston.ca
Requesting Mass Intentions
Requesting a Mass Intention is easy! Just contact our secretary Pauline Davis (613.472.2220 or SacredHeart.MM@archkingston.ca) or better yet, use the mass intention envelopes found in the vestibule, fill it out and put in the $20 offering and place it in the collection basket at Mass. We will do our best to have the Mass offered on the date requested.
This Easter season we thank everyone who has supported our parishes with their time, talent and financial contributions. As the pace of life speeds up, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions.
shjpayments@gmail.com (SHJ)
shmpayments@gmail.com (SHM)
Of course we gratefully accept donations by cash or cheque mailed or dropped off into our secure mailboxes, or in the plate during the offertory collection.
You may have heard of FORMED before. It is a Catholic streaming service that has lots of Catholic movies, documentaries, talks, resources to better understand the faith, children’s shows, lives of the saints, etc. There is no cost. All you need to do is create an account to log in to start watching lots of great content.
Go to https://signup.formed.org
Enter our parish’s postal code (K0K 2M0)
Enter your name and your email address
SHJ Parish Council Members
Jan O'Neill
Maureen O'Connor
Anne Marie McGregor
Garry Poirier
Steve Davis
Mark Leahy
Bob Murphy
Dale Clemens
Bob Vesterfelt
Confession Times This Week
Sat: 4-4:45pm
Sun: 8-8:45am & 10-10:45am
Mon: 8-8:45am & 9:45-10:15am
Tues: 8-8:45am
Wed: 8-8:45am & 9:45-10:15am
Thur: 8-8:45am
Fri: 8-8:45am & 9:45-10:15am
Anointing of the Sick
"Viaticum" (Domingos Rebelo, 1919)
Pastoral Care of the Sick: Is one of your loved ones struggling with illness or homebound? Or are they at the hospital or retirement/nursing home and would like to have a visit from one of our Pastoral Care team members or by Fr. Justin? Does your homebound or hospitalized loved one wish to receive Holy Communion? Would you like prayers for your loved one? Do you wish to have the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick? Remember that the Sacrament of Anointing is for the sick, not just a sacrament for those who are actively dying. Those Catholics confronted with serious illness, chronic illness, or surgery are invited to request the Sacrament of Anointing by calling Fr. Justin for an appointment. We also have a wonderful Pastoral Care team made up of generous parishioners who can bring Holy Communion to the sick and those confined to their own homes. Again, if you are someone or know of someone who would like to receive Sacraments at their home, please contact the office @ 613.472.2220 more information.
By using the white Flower Sponsor envelopes (located in the narthex), a one time donation of $40 will provide flowers for the sanctuary and shrines, and you'll also get a Mass intention included in that. So a great deal if you think about it! The churches are beautifully decorated in large part to your flower donations. And when you see in the Flocknotes Masses being offered "For the X Family Intentions" - usually those are from the Family flower sponsor. Thanks to Shirley Gauvreau, Brenda Poirier, Iris Doyle & Joanne Forestell for always doing such a splendid arrangement of the flowers! Thank you for your support!
SHM Parish Council Members
Karen Nickle
Debbie Wood
Larry Massey
Diane Smith
Cathy Mouck
Charlotte Lahey
Dave Ascott
Don Bailey
Recommendations, Links & Random Thoughts
This past Monday, the building mainternance group and the Knghts of Columbus spent the entire day gathering to rake SHJ church and rectory yard. A really dedicated and hard working group of men prepping the grounds for planting. The parish thanks them for all the time they put into the care of our church.
Jacques L. doing a masterful job trimming the hedges and trees on rectory grounds. Thank you Jacques!
Mrs. Kerby's class came over to visit Our Lady and pray the Regina Coeli, in prepartion for this Friday's "Living Rosary" in SHJ's school yard @ 1:40pm.
Terrific school choir directed by Mr. C & Mrs. Kerby, including some great new hymns.
It turned out to be a beautiful day to finally consecrate our new statues of Our Lady of Lourdes & St. Bernadette.
Nice to have our choir lead us in singing the traditional Lourdes hymn, Immaculate Mary and the Regina Coeli after the blessing.
A fun gathering in O'Neill Parish Hall with a delicious brunch prepared by Donna Murphy.
The dafodils on the tables were from Jane Rupert's yard
Honouring those who played an instrumental part in installing the statues, including some former parishioners from Good Thief Parish, where the statues originated
A sampling of pictures showing our visits to a few of the 16 churches we visited last Friday. We've already begun planning our next leg of out goal to visit every church in the Archdiocese. Our next tour? The smallest of our deaneries, the Eastern Deanery on Wed, June 24th. This tour will include:
1) St. Francis Xavier, Brockville
2) St. John Bosco, Brockville
3) Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cardinal
4) St. Mark the Evangelist, Prescott
5) St. Mary, Morrisburg
6) St. Cecilia, Iroquois
7) St. Mary of the Presentation, Chesterville
8) St. Daniel the Martyr, South Mountain
9) Holy Cross, Kemptville
Details to follow. Stay tuned!
Charlotte Lahey kicking our pilgrimage off by giving us a brilliant talk after Mass about the history of SHM and our beautiful church. She and Sharon Vesterfelt (SHJ) will do the same today (Fri) for pilgrims visiting from Holy Rosary in Belleville.
Arriving at St. Carthaugh's during the middle of Mass with Fr. Aiden
Arriving at Sacred Heart in Batawa where Anne Marie Aquino showed us wonderful hospitality and gave a tour of all the recent upgrades of this cute little church.
Fr. Timothy Harrison (Pastor) and vicar Fr. Paul Finn holding forth during out fun visit to St. Peter in Chains in Trenton - Fr. Price's home parish.
After a delicious lunch at The Grance in PEC on our wayt o St. Joseph's in Belleville.
Warmly greeted by many parishioners of St. Gregory the Great in Picton, one of my favourite churches.
Ron Durkin recounting the storied history of ST. Charles Borromeo in Read
Lori telling us about the history of St. Mike's, including the most recent grand renovations. It's the assigned pilgrimage church for our deanery, so many of us got the plenary indulgence!
One splendid way to honour the Mother of God in this Marian month is to promote the welfare of all mothers, especially those in need of assistance, and to that end task every family in the parish to share in a simple form of service to mothers with crisis pregnancies.
Anchor of Hope is a local organization in Madoc which provides direct assistance to women with unplanned or unwanted pregnancies and who are probably considering an abortion. During this month of special Marian devotion, this weekend we will make available at the door of the church small baby bottles to be used to collect money for the support of mothers in distress.
I encourage you to take a bottle home and fill it with spare change, bills or even cheques until Father's Day weekend. This year a prayer guide will be included. People who take a bottle should sign their name on the sheet provided so we can keep better track of who has/hasn’t returned their bottle. Thank you for your continued support in this life-giving ministry!
The Brownson kids went door to door and collection food donations as well as contributions after last Sunday's 11am Mass. So thank you parishioners for your donations - $288.70 was raised and dropped off at the food bank.
- Inside baseball: wanna know how the vast majority of priests feel? Read this. Totally confirms the 2022 landmark study and survey of 10,000 Catholic priests in "Well-being, Trust and Policy in a Time of Crisis: Highlights from the National Study of Catholic Priests." (below)
- "Why are Muslims converting to Christianity in places where the faith is banned, persecuted, or heavily restricted—yet in open, tolerant Europe, with welcoming churches on every corner, many grow firmer in Islam and some even become radicalized?" ~ Terrific piece which explores this and ties in nicely to this Sunday's Second Reading.
- SHM Parishioners: The Holy Rosary will be prayed every day during the month of May at 9am in front of the Our Lady of Fatima shrine (except for Wednesdays)
- Let's remember that the obligation to attend Mass is a serious one rooted in the Third Commandment of the Decalogue: "Remember to Keep Holy the Sabbath Day" (for Christians - Sunday). Only a serious reason (illness, care of a child, etc.) excuses the obligation. To deliberately and wilfully miss Mass on Sunday provides the material for Mortal Sin which would require sacramental confession for forgiveness.
- Travelling? Check out these nationwide Mass Times to find mass times at a parish near you.
- Lasting Tribute: Please remember SHJ and SHM in your will. At the death of a loved one you might name “Sacred Heart of Jesus Marmora or Sacred Heart of Mary Madoc " for memorial donations.
- Gardening Volunteers Needed: to help with the beds and gardens, planting and maintenance of the gardens at SHJ & SHM. Frequency will depend on how many volunteers we have; a schedule will be created once a team has been formed. If you would like more information, speak to Fr. Justin
- SHJ Tower Windows: Parish Council approved the motion to remove and dispose the 5 current windows in the tower which are in terrible condition (rotting, single pane, held in parts by tape) and install 5 new frosted double.pan windows, at a cost of $11,017.50 from our Restoration Fund.
- SHJ new Cemetery Garage & Rectory Garage installation was generously paid by the Knights of Columbus #7301 at a cost of $1307. Thank you Knights!
- On Thursday of this week (May 14), the Church keeps the feast of St. Matthias, the man chosen by the surviving Eleven Apostles to replace Judas Iscariot. We read of the selection of Matthias in the Acts of the Apostles 1:15-26, and there we learn that Matthias was thereafter counted an Apostle. Beyond these simple facts, we know nothing for certain about Matthias, although several ancient traditions speak of his ministry and his martyr’s death. The most important lessons to take from the selection of Matthias are these: 1) No one in the Church is irreplaceable, except of course for the Lord Jesus, and 2) The apostolic succession always provides shepherds for the Lord’s flock, even when one entrusted with the apostolic ministry falls into wretched sin and disgrace as did Judas. In these days of public scrutiny and shame caused by the moral failures of too many bishops and priests, let us take courage from the example of St. Matthias.
To the Parishioners of Sacred Heart of Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Project Rachel wishes to extend a sincere thank you to your parishes for the generous contribution of food for the weekend retreat, April 24-26. We were without a cook when the word went out to your parishes and the result was truly 'loaves and fishes'. We had an abundance, an overflowing even, of the very best dishes delivered to us. The retreatants felt nourished and cherished and surrounded by people who cared. The body was fed but the spirit of all of us was sustained by such enormous Christian service and hospitality. Thank you for your support of this ministry and the women who come to the Refuge seeking healing.
Debbie Marrocco
Project Rachel wishes to extend a sincere thank you to your parishes for the generous contribution of food for the weekend retreat, April 24-26. We were without a cook when the word went out to your parishes and the result was truly 'loaves and fishes'. We had an abundance, an overflowing even, of the very best dishes delivered to us. The retreatants felt nourished and cherished and surrounded by people who cared. The body was fed but the spirit of all of us was sustained by such enormous Christian service and hospitality. Thank you for your support of this ministry and the women who come to the Refuge seeking healing.
Debbie Marrocco
Executive Administrator
St. Mary of Egypt Refuge
613.473.2679 (available for voice mail)
Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery Board
News and Updates
- St. Joseph's Cemetery, Queensborough: We are planning a spring "grass" planting bee at our beautiful St. Joseph's Cemetery in Queensborough. The sacred soil of St. Joseph's cemetery is mostly sand, which makes it difficult for grass to survive. We have purchased some topsoil, in attempts to resurface some areas, plant some new grass seed and then pray that our good and gracious Lord will provide some rain. If you have a few hours to spare, please reach out to either Denis or Debbie Wood @ 613.848.7102 and we can coordinate a good time for this project.
- We are blessed at Sacred Heart of Mary to have three cemeteries, with monuments dating back into the mid 1800's. Preserving our headstones is a link between our past and future generations and the value of our cemeteries and the history they possess cannot be overstated. As Catholic cemeterians we are committed to keeping our cemeteries a place of dignity that reflect our Catholic faith.
- As you know, last year we purchased a product, D2 biological, that can be used to clean your family monuments. D2 biological solution is a biodegradable, easy to use liquid that removes stains from mold, mildew, lichens and air pollutants. It is highly effective in removing the stains from cemetery monuments and is strongly recommended by our local Campbell Monument Company. We are offering monument cleaning on a “first come-first serve” basis, or you may purchase some product and do the cleaning yourselves. Instructions will be provided upon purchase.
- D2 Solution only for self-cleaning
- $15 for 5 ounces (minimum purchase)
- Additional ounces are $3/oz
- Cleaning by your SHM Cemetery Board
- $40 per flat marker
- The pricing of upright monuments will vary depending on size and condition
- We are encouraging you to join us in restoring these headstones. In doing so, you are helping to preserve the final resting places of your loved ones, your friends and your church family. Please contact Debbie Wood for further details @ 613.848.7102
- Before and after pictures of some monuments can be found on our cemetery bulletin board at the entrance of SHM church. Or better yet, visit the cemetery for a first-hand look.
- D2 Solution only for self-cleaning
Novena to the Holy Spirit: The Easter season culminates on Pentecost Sun, May 24, 2026. Christians have prepared for Pentecost for over 2000 years by joining together for 9 days of prayer. This first Novena was instituted when Jesus instructed the Apostles, “And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you” (Luke 23:49). We invite you to pray this novena - beginning on Fri, May 15 - for the intentions of the Archdiocese. Learn more about the Novena to the Holy Spirit, including the daily prayers for the nine days leading up to the Feast.
Sacred Heart of Mary CWL Scholarship Applications
- For graduating students who will be pursuing post secondary studies.
- Deadline for submission is May 30, 2026.
- If you would like an email application, please contact Teresa Lee @ 613.472.4527 for further details.
8th Annual Rideau Canal
Men’s Retreat 2025
Tues. to Thur. August 4-6, 2026
An invitation to Catholic men 18 years and older (including fathers and teenage sons) to share and deepen their Faith while enjoying male camaraderie - in the context of an outdoor adventure by canoe.
Travelling by canoe, kayak or pontoon boat from Seeley’s Bay to Upper Rideau Lake, with overnight tenting at Davis Lock and along McNally’s Bay.
Canoes and paddles supplied, along with meals.
Daily Mass, Rosary, prayer, opportunities for Confession, talks by priests and laymen, socializing, and invigorating exercise make this annual Catholic men’s retreat a popular one.
Cost: $100
Information:
frbrianmcnally@gmail.com (613-464-2908)
Registration:
hart.daniel64@gmail.com (613-899-9514) or
rrmiron2019@gmail.com (613-218-6497)
- Reminder - Annual Priests' Retreat: Fr. Justin & Fr. Price will be away the week of May 18th – 22nd on their annual Priests Retreat at St. Augustine's Seminary in Toronto. Weekday Masses and Holy Hours will be cancelled. Weekend Masses will proceed as usual. Fr. John O'Brien, SJ, from the Martrys Shrine in Midland is the retreat master.
SHJ Cemetery Board
- 2025 was a busy year…15 burials!
- Thanks to all who helped with pressure washing. Every monument has been cleaned in north and center sections, and worked back to the pine trees in the south section…over 880 stones repaired!
- Will be doing 180+ more stones in the south section starting in June.
- Cleanup already started: levelling of many plots that sunk through winter, esp. with all the rain we’ve been getting.
- We’ve had to purchase a few items: a small rock breaker and small electric chainsaw and used ATV.
Update: I know that there are many who have expressed interesting in joining us, but are (understandably) taking a wait-and-see approach to register. But if you're seriously interested in this pilgrimage, please secure your spot by completing the registration forms and returning them with a copy of your passport. Note that we will not charge any payments until we know for sure we are going (however, anyone intending to pay by credit card must complete the credit card section). But it's important to secure your spot because there's very high demand and you don't want to miss this opportunity. We're already over 50% booked, and should a stable ceasefire be negotiated and hold in the next few weeks, there will be an explosion of demand.
PILGRIMAGE
TO THE HOLY LAND
With Fr. Justin & Fr. Price
Have you ever longed to visit the Holy Land during your lifetime, to follow in the footsteps of Our Blessed Lord, to pray, kneel and kiss the soil where his sacred feet trod? Would you like the Sacred Scriptures to be opened up in new and exciting ways? Do you want to experience His Mercy? Do you want your family to be converted? Do you expect a healing for you or someone you love? Do you desire to make atonement for your past sins? Or simply to give thanks to God for all the blessings He's given you?
Then let us go up to Jerusalem!
Fr. Justin & Fr. Price are thrilled to invite you to the pilgrimage that transforms lives more than any other: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land, October 5–15, 2026, with Fr. Justin and Fr. Price. This is no ordinary trip. It is a living encounter with the very places where the Word became flesh. Bring the Bible and the earliest days of the Catholic faith to life. Daily Mass. Meet other great people. Catholics and protestants welcome! Spots filling fast!
We have carefully designed this itinerary with one goal above all: deepening your personal relationship with the Savior. That’s why we have built in generous time at each holy site – plenty of time for silent prayer, reflection, and lingering before and after Mass. No rushing from one place to the next. We want you to be able to sit, pray, and let the Lord speak to you in the very places where he once walked. You have no idea how many sites I cut because I wanted a slower, more relaxed and meditative pace. And beware: the terrain of the Holy Land is not easy, and if you thought the walking in Rome was a bit of a challenge, well...
Many of you have told me how much you missed the Holy Land during the pandemic years, and how the war has made returning seem uncertain. Now is the perfect time: the region is open, safe for pilgrims, and the spiritual hunger is stronger than ever. Come and see for yourself – walk where our Blessed Lord walked, touch the stones he touched, and let the Holy Spirit renew you in ways that words cannot describe. Many of you know that the Holy Land is my favourite place in the world, and I've been longing to get back there after the last 4 planned trips have been cancelled.
The detailed day-by-day itinerary and registration form are attached. Please review them, share it with your friends and family, pray about it over Christmas, and let me or Edgar know as soon as possible if you’d like to join us. It will be an unforgettable grace-filled experience.
Because of the physical rigours of making a trip of this kind, all pilgrims must be in general good health and able to walk up stairs and across rough ground without assistance. This trip is not a vacation, and we are not looking for rest or recreation. A pilgrimage is a journey of faith that entails penance, conversion, reconciliation, and restoration, and each part of the journey must therefore be marked by a spirit of renunciation of self in order to be conformed more completely to the Lord Jesus.
“Christianity, which has been ludicrously accused of being gloomy and the enemy of life, has distinguished itself among the creeds of the world by its quite peculiar insistence on the fact that life is sacred, even when it is sad; that a man is sacred, even when he is oneself.”
