Always pray to have eyes that see the BEST in people,
A HEART that forgives the worst,
A MIND that forgets the bad,
And a SOUL that never loses faith in God.
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Dear Parishioners of North Central Windsor Catholic Families of Parishes,

Pastors and Associate Pastors around the world are adapting to celebrating Mass without the presence of the faithful, but several admit that Holy Week this year will be very different as we all adjust to continued restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

On a personal note, without you the people of North Central Windsor Catholic Family of Parishes, it will not be as joyful and inspirational. However, given the present tribulation that we all face, I ask that all of us hold each other close within our hearts while we celebrate Holy Week within the walls of your own homes.    

Holy Week Video Links of the Masses celebrated at St. Peter’s Cathedral will be shared via the dol.ca website. Unfortunately we do not have the proper equipment installed to live stream our celebrations from any of our churches. It was very kind of parishioners to offer to help with this but I prefer that we all be obedient to our Government’s strict restrictions of staying home.

With praise and gratitude to Almighty God, the Diocese of London and St. Peter’s Seminary announces the ordination of Rev. Mr Steven Eckert, Rev. Mr. Phil Guimaraes, and Rev. Mr. Robert Renaud. If you recall, Deacon Rob was with our Family of Parishes back in January. These fine men have been called to the Order of Priesthood. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ordination celebration has been postponed from May 2 to a later date (to be determined).

This past Friday I was notified by police that Our Lady of Guadalupe Church was broken into. This matter is still under investigation as I write my “Pastor’s Pen” to you. If for any reason you are out making an “essential visit somewhere” I ask that if you drive by any of our four churches and notice something out of the ordinary that you report it to me. Thank you.

I wish to thank those who have contributed to one of the parishes through online methods explained in last week’s Pastor’s Pen. Knowing that times are tough for many families I certainly appreciate anything that comes into any of our four churches.

May the Lord our God shower His grace upon you all. May you come to know and be convinced that God is your healer (see Exodus 15:26).

In my thoughts and prayers,

Father Greg

Parishioners can continue to financially support their Church during this time of extreme turbulence through our website for Our Lady of Guadalupe, Most Precious Blood, Sts. Cyril & Methodius and St. Theresa’s there is a donate button – donations through Canada Helps. San Juan Diego could not be set up because we are still waiting for their charitable donation number. All four parishes can also receive donations to the parish by e-transfer. It has been set up that they will be automatically deposited to the bank account for whatever parish people choose to donate to. They do so through their bank accounts using the parish email to send it to.

To assist you I include the following email addresses:

Most Precious Blood email – mpbwin@dol.ca

Our Lady of Guadalupe email – olog@dol.ca

St. Theresa e-mail – sttheresa@dol.ca

Sts. Cyril & Methodius email – stscyrilmethodius@dol.ca

The Family Website – www.ncwcf.dol.ca

Please pray this Litany everyday. Please!

For our world leaders, Lord hear us.
For our Country and its leaders, Lord hear us.
For our Province and its leaders, Lord hear us.
For our City and its leaders, Lord hear us.
For Diocesan Staff and Parish Team, Lord hear us.
For our Parents and children, Lord, hear us.
For all our parishioners, Lord hear us.
For our Pope, bishops, clergy, religious and deacons, Lord hear us.
For those holding vigils in their homes, Lord hear us.
For the end to the coronavirus, Lord hear us.
For the Common Good of all people, Lord hear us.
For conversions, Lord hear us.
For prayer and fasting during this Lenten season, Lord hear us.
For the homebound and those in hospitals and nursing homes, Lord hear us.
For doctors, nurses, hospital staff, administration and their families, Lord hear us.
For all emergency personnel, Lord hear us.
For those who are ill, Lord hear us.
For those waiting results, Lord hear us.
Please add here your own intention….. Lord, hear us.
 
May Jesus, Mary and Joseph guide our thoughts and actions as we work together as citizens with others in our communities to take measure to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

An Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, 
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. 
I love You above all things, 
and I desire to receive You into my soul. 
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally, 
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.