UPDATED September 23, 2021

National Truth and Reconciliation Day - 30 September 2021 

On 30 September Canadians will mark National Truth and Reconciliation Day (Orange Shirt Day). Our faith reminds us that we are disciples of Jesus, “the way the truth and the life,” (Jn 14:6) who are called to seek reconciliation with all. This day gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the role the Church played in running the government’s residential schools and the devastating impact they had on Indigenous people. As Bishop Fabbro stated on 31 May, “we must continue to learn from these failings and work with Indigenous communities towards the healing called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Seeking truth means that we are open to learning more. To that end, the Springbank Catholic Family of Parishes is holding a Truth, Reconciliation and Healing: Speaker Series and Gatherings. Another option is to view Cindy Blackstock’s (Gitxsan First Nation) recent presentation from King’s Veritas Lecture Series entitled Reconciling History: Echoes of the Past: lessons of history to the contemporary injustices that First Nations children and families experience in the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its Calls to Action. While this is a normal working day for most, you are encouraged to find ways of participating, such as wearing an orange shirt to show your support. 

Indigenous Perspectives – a presentation from the deVeber Institute

The deVeber Institute for Bioethics and Social Research is hosting a lecture entitled “Life Issues: The Indigenous Perspective” on October 5, 2021 at 8 p.m. via Zoom. The lecture will feature a presentation on Indigenous midwifery, and a presentation from Dr. Carrie Bourassa on end-of-life practices and the need to decolonize health care. More information is available on the poster here Life Issues Poster to registration click here Register.

Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing: Speaker Series and Gatherings 

UPDATE: September 15 you can still sign up for Zoom.

Beginning September 8th, the Springbank Catholic Family of Parishes will host gatherings to discuss the process of reconciliation and healing with Indigenous communities.  Each week will cover a different topic and the speakers will come from both Indigenous and settler communities.  These gatherings will begin at 7:00 pm and conclude by 9:00 pm.  Registration is required.  To register and for information on guest speakers and other details, please click on Information Speaker Series or call 519-471-4220.

Visit our newly added webpage for important information, news, and updates concerning our  Canadian Indigenous people. Previous information is posted there also.  Let us continue to pray for and work toward peace and reconciliation.  
Visit the page here

The Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel, known as the Michaelite Fathers, are celebrating the 100 Year Jubilee of their official recognition by the Church.

A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica in London on Sunday, September 26 at 4:00 p.m. The presider of this Mass will be Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB, Bishop of London, and the homilist will be Most Rev. Joseph Dabrowski, C.S.M.A., Auxiliary Bishop of London. Concelebrating will be the priests of the Michaelite Fathers ministering in North America. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance at this celebration will be by invitation only, but a live stream from the cathedral is planned. Please keep in your prayers all the members of The Michaelite Fathers Religious community ministering here and around the world. Blessed Bronislaw Markiewicz, founder of this Congregation, pray for us!