We must stay the course. Please pack St. Columban's 4 p.m. Mass next Saturday - the ONLY Mass at our church during the archbishop's visit that weekend!
This is being announced at Masses this weekend:
"A MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF OTTAWA-CORNWALL
Dear Parishioners of St. Columban and St. Francis de Sales Parishes.
Thank you for taking the time to express your viewpoints in public forums and in e-mails to the archdiocese. Your voices have been heard and your viewpoints understood.
First and foremost: There are no plans to close St. Columban or St. Francis de Sales AT THE PRESENT TIME.
But here is the reality of our situation, and the broad guidelines we are working on:
1. The current situation is NOT sustainable as there is insufficient attendance and resources to sustain two parishes so close together. The time has come to be clear minded and realistic about the challenges we face.
2. Options and solutions need to be discerned. This will continue to be an open process, informed by practical and prayerful reflection. This includes assessing the gifts, skills, and dedication of our parishioners - and our parish buildings, land, and financial resources - to determine how best to use them for the future mission of the Church.
3. St. Columban and St. Francis de Sales currently function together as a single pastoral unit, and they will continue to do so during this time of discernment.
Archbishop Marcel Damphousse's visit NEXT WEEKEND will be to speak to the archdiocese's vision to Go out, Go deep and Go together. This vision calls us to be a missionary Church that attracts new members, deepens its relationship with Christ, and walks together as one people in communion and faith. Archbishop Damphousse will be encouraging you to work together toward a viable future.
Both churches will continue to hold REGULAR WORSHOP SERVICES during this time of looking at options and solutions. The archdiocese is grateful for your passion and dedication. Let us continue to pray for each other as we discern the future together."