Sunday, September 4, 2011

Installation of Fr. Paul Bringleson

On Sunday, Sept. 4th, Fr. Paul Bringleson was installed at the Sunday Eucharist as pastor of St. Anne parish in Flin Flon, Canadian Martyrs in Cranberry Portage, and Our Lady of the Snows in Snow Lake. The readings on forgiveness fit the occassion well, as central to the life of the church, and the ministry of a priest.
At the end of the ritual, which included mention of Fr. Paul's dog Kismet as the parish mascot, Fr. Paul received a standing ovation. The church was quite full for this occasion, and brother Knight Normand Leclerc presented a donation of over $5,000 to the archdiocese for the seminarian fund, from a fund-raising effort that he spearheaded.
The celebration was followed by a reception, and later on a catered supper for about 100 invited parishioners and guests. Fr. Paul spoke briefly at the end of the supper about the warm reception he had received, and how he hoped his present theme of serving God and loving people would help everyone to work for the common good in an inclusive way. Incidently, Fr. Paul managed to keep track of the score of the Labour Day classic, and let out the not so secret fact that he was a fan of the green and white (made a little easier now that he lives on the border).
Fr. Bill Stang OMI was unable to attend as he was doing weekend ministry in Cumberland House, but Fr. Susai Jesus OMI from Pelican Narrows managed to get to the supper. Sr. Mary Assenmacher, OP, pastoral assistant in The Pas, traveled with me to Flin Flon for the occasion.
Fr. Paul's parents, Fred and Laura Bringleson, travelled from Hamilton to spend a few weeks with Fr. Paul at this time. Paul's mother in particular has made an amazing recovery from serious health problems last year, and both are very much enjoying their stay in the West.

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