Mission in St Albert Parish March 21-23, 2011

The parish of St. Albert is celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. Each month they are putting on a special event. Bishop Emeritus Croteau OMI kicked it off in January; In February the provincial of the Lacombe Canada Oblates, Fr. John Malezdrewich, presided over a celebration honoring all the priests and religious who ministered in the parish over their history. In March I was invited to take the weekend liturgies and then offer a three evening mission. The theme was Rooted in Faith; Living in Hope and Growing in Love. I combined those themes with the idea of discipleship and finished each evening with a ritual. Above the folks are venerating the Word. The first night we venerated historical objects ( Bishop Grandin's crozier and Bro. Anthony's cross) as well as a relic of Saint Margarite D'Youville. The last night was a ritual of washing each other's hands. There were even two miracles during the mission, as the francophones insisted that I give them two sessions in French and I managed to do that - a miracle! The music ministry was great, and it was a pleasure to work with Fr Andrew who is the pastor.