Good News in Christ!

If you haven’t heard already our very own Michel Gagne will be ordained to the deaconate March 28th. I would invite all that are able to come out to the cathedral, 7 p.m. to celebrate this wonderful step in Michel’s life and the life of the Church.

Remember the words to the hymn, “I am the Church! You are the Church! We are the Church together! ...” We, people who look to Christ in faith, are a royal priesthood 1 Peter 2.8-10. Although, we play different roles in this ministry, we must be together in Christ.

What is that all about? Some will need to begin very intentionally praying for Michel... praying that when he enters into the “dark places” that God’s light shines even more brightly. Those called to pray for him will need to pray that in times of joy he reminds all that true joy comes from this loving and life-giving God.

Others may be called to vest him with stoles or purchase him bibles or write him a word of encouragement or ... you can fill in the blank. This is done to remind him, you, I and others of the work Michel is called to complete.

Ordinations can be an important sign of hope in our own renewal. They can challenge us a new! At best they have us consider our own calling or own confirmations. Maybe there was a time when people didn’t need to worry about their role in the church. Many might just say, “That’s the priest’s job”. But we aren’t on a pedestal anymore and that’s a good thing!

I do love winter and not just because I don’t have to cut the grass. It is a good time to make ready. Make ready how we are going to work on being more of the person and people we are suppose to be!

It always helps to remember where we come from. You might think I was going to say God. Well actually, that is correct, but not where I was going. Take time to explore your roots, not to become nationalistic, but in joy at your heritage and to see the diversity of this great land.

I was telling my mother that I had found where one of her great grandparents was from, Monkland, Scotland. She became amused. She went on to tell me how that made perfect sense. I asked why? She said that her cousins, the Brodie family, a wee bit Scottish, used to own a farm in Montreal. Much of the farm had been sold by my mother’s time, but the farm house and a nice bit of land sat on “Monkland Avenue”.

May this winter, this Lent, and being part of the faith community at St. Paul’s remind you of where you come from and in God’s care, where you are heading!

In joy,
Fr. Craig