December's issue will be available online December 17th.
Susan Lett, Editor
In May of this year, Father Brian McNally, the well-loved pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Perth, marked his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. Since the pandemic derailed the parish’s plans to honour him with a special celebration, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight in this issue of Journey Father McNally’s years of service and valuable contribution to the Archdiocese of Kingston.
This Fall marks the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another in the interesting life of Father Louis DiRocco. The pastor of St. Edward Parish, Westport, and St. Columbanus Parish, Elgin, retired in November after 20 years of priestly service in the Archdiocese of Kingston.
by Nadia Gundert, Coordinator
As we continue to navigate through this time of pandemic, youth ministry is being challenged in many ways. These challenges may seem daunting, but they have provided us with a unique opportunity to think outside the box and try some new ideas for outreach to the youth of the Archdiocese. Over the last few months, the youth office has been sharing many resources through social media and the outreach section of our website: www.romancatholic.kingston.on.ca/outreach. This page contains information, activities, reflections, and even YouTube videos for youth and their families, as we all live out the liturgical year a little bit differently in 2020. On a personal note, since there have been fewer meetings and events to attend, my husband and I have had the time to participate in some fun activities at home with our kids to celebrate various feast days and liturgical holidays.
by Mariola Gozdek, Coordinator
“The Son of God became Man to enable Men to become the Sons of God.” From Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
I am writing this reflection while the world is under the second wave of the Covid-19 Pandemic, and many people share the common feeling that this year Christmas will be very different. Should we sing with Faith Hill: “Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you? Why have you gone away…?”
by Sister Lucy Kearney, SP, Coordinator
“Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.”
Response to Responsorial Psalm on the First Sunday of Advent.
For Christians all over the world, the season of Advent and Christmas is a time of waiting, preparing for, and celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace. Advent is a time when we pause to remember Christ’s first coming to us; a season when that remembrance directs our minds and hearts to Christ’s second coming at the end of time. Through its liturgies, the season of Advent enables us to experience the mystery of salvation. It is a time of hope and expectation; a time to enjoy the presence of God in a special way.
by Deacon Bob Wojcik
Our lives are a journey, including a spiritual journey. To make a long story short, I was born in Argentina, arrived in Canada at the age of five, along with my parents and my brother, and grew up in the Polish-Canadian parish of St. Casimir on Roncesvalles Avenue in Toronto. I graduated from Ryerson Polytechnic Institute as a chemical technologist and moved to Kingston in 1980 to work at the Research Centre of Du Pont Canada. Shortly after I arrived, I made some friends who sincerely lived their faith. They were joyful and peaceful, just like Christ. It was truly a blessing for me to meet like-minded people outside of the circle of my family and long-time friends. Margaret-Anne Charboneau and I were married in 1986 and have been blessed with two sons, Andrew and Luke. Helping to raise our boys and working in a challenging workplace taught me many life lessons. I began to experience and appreciate the concept of life-long learning. I believe that God wants us to become who He has called us to be.
Online Publication
Winter Edition 2020: December 18-19;
To submit articles for publication, contact Susan Lett, Editor susan@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca