Cenacle Prayer Group: Embracing the Call of Our Blessed Mother. She has asked that the laity, especially families and children, be included in her Movement. The Cenacle comprises a Rosary, Songs, Meditation, Consecration, Petitions, Thanksgiving and a reading of Faustina’s words from her “Book.”

From our Facebook groups: Groupe de prière du Chapelain / Chaplain prayer group https://www.facebook.com/groups/chaplainprayer and EMMI Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary https://www.facebook.com/groups/emmiconfraternity. As Mary and the apostles did, a group of committed Catholics gathered in the Upper Room. Under Mary’s mantle, the Cenacle Prayer Group meets weekly to pray the Rosary. It meets online on Tuesday evenings at 20:00 (8 p.m.). Anyone and all are welcome.

Contact person: Brother Eric OFS, ofs@ericmichelministries.org

The Cenacle Prayer Group prays for the chaplains, our priests, staff, ministries, parishioners, and any other needs parishes may have.

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“The exodus from slavery to freedom is no abstract journey. If our celebration of Lent is to be concrete, the first step is to desire to open our eyes to reality. When the Lord calls out to Moses from the burning bush, he immediately shows that he is a God who sees and, above all, hears: “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex 3:7-8). Today too, the cry of so many of our oppressed brothers and sisters rises to heaven. Let us ask ourselves: Do we hear that cry? Does it trouble us? Does it move us? All too many things keep us apart from each other, denying the fraternity that, from the beginning, binds us to one another.”– Pope Francis.

When Jesus appeared to St. Faustina, He told her, “I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it, pressing it to My Merciful Heart” (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 1588).

Oh, what great graces I will grant to souls who say this chaplet … Write down these words, my daughter. Speak to the world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy.”
—Our Lord to St. Faustina (Diary, 848)

**Christmas Day Sermon**

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, as we come together to celebrate the miraculous event of Christmas, we are called to embrace the profound joy and wonder surrounding the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This day is not just a commemoration of His arrival, but a powerful reminder of God’s overwhelming love for each one of us.

In the book of Isaiah, we read the beautiful prophecy: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). On this sacred day, we reflect on God’s astonishing choice to enter our world as a humble child, born in a stable—a testament to His humility and His profound desire to connect with the most vulnerable among us.

This story imparts essential lessons about love, hope, and the spirit of giving. As we gaze upon the nativity scene, let us recognize that Christ’s birth was a divine gift to all—a gift of grace and redemption. It reassures us that in our times of struggle, we are never alone; God chose to walk alongside us, sharing in our joys and pains.

As we celebrate today, let our hearts overflow with gratitude. We give thanks for the incredible gift of Jesus, who came to offer us salvation. Additionally, let this joy urge us to embody His love by extending it to others. The essence of Christmas beckons us to be a beacon of light in the world, spreading messages of hope and peace.

We must also remember those around us who are facing hardship during this season—those who feel isolated, grieving, or despairing. We are called to be bearers of Jesus’ light, bringing compassion and comfort to those in need. In our communities, let us strive to reflect Christ’s love through our actions and our words.

As we prepare to leave this space today, let us commit to carrying the spirit of Christmas in our hearts throughout the year. May we ponder the love that God has shown us, and may we freely share that love with everyone we encounter.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Chaplain, Brother Eric Michel

**Sermon du jour de Noël**
Chers frères et sœurs en Christ,
Aujourd’hui, alors que nous nous rassemblons pour célébrer l’événement miraculeux de Noël, nous sommes appelés à embrasser la joie et l’émerveillement profonds qui entourent la naissance de notre Seigneur et Sauveur, Jésus-Christ. Ce jour n’est pas seulement une commémoration de son arrivée, mais un puissant rappel de l’amour immense de Dieu pour chacun d’entre nous.

Dans le livre d’Isaïe, nous lisons la belle prophétie : « Car un enfant nous est né, un fils nous est donné ; la domination reposera sur son épaule ; on l’appellera Admirable, Conseiller, Dieu puissant, Père éternel, Prince de la paix » (Isaïe 9:6). En ce jour sacré, nous réfléchissons au choix étonnant de Dieu d’entrer dans notre monde en tant qu’enfant humble, né dans une étable, un témoignage de son humilité et de son profond désir de se connecter avec les plus vulnérables d’entre nous.

Cette histoire nous donne des leçons essentielles sur l’amour, l’espoir et l’esprit de générosité. En contemplant la crèche, reconnaissons que la naissance du Christ était un don divin pour tous, un don de grâce et de rédemption. Cela nous rassure : dans nos moments de lutte, nous ne sommes jamais seuls ; Dieu a choisi de marcher à nos côtés, partageant nos joies et nos peines.

Alors que nous célébrons aujourd’hui, que nos cœurs débordent de gratitude. Nous rendons grâce pour le don incroyable de Jésus, qui est venu nous offrir le salut. De plus, que cette joie nous pousse à incarner son amour en l’étendant aux autres. L’essence de Noël nous invite à être un phare de lumière dans le monde, à diffuser des messages d’espoir et de paix.

Nous devons également nous souvenir de ceux qui nous entourent et qui sont confrontés à des difficultés pendant cette période, de ceux qui se sentent isolés, en deuil ou désespérés. Nous sommes appelés à être les porteurs de la lumière de Jésus, à apporter compassion et réconfort à ceux qui sont dans le besoin. Dans nos communautés, efforçons-nous de refléter l’amour du Christ par nos actions et nos paroles.

Alors que nous nous préparons à quitter cet espace aujourd’hui, engageons-nous à porter l’esprit de Noël dans nos cœurs tout au long de l’année. Puissions-nous méditer sur l’amour que Dieu nous a montré et puissions-nous partager librement cet amour avec tous ceux que nous rencontrons.

Au nom du Père, du Fils et du Saint-Esprit, Amen.
Joyeux Noël !

Aumônier, Frère Eric Michel
Translated by Google
https://ucccma.ca/2024/12/24/1774/

Our Theology views the Eucharist as the core of the Christian Church; from this point of view, the ministry is a community of believers. All are in communion with one another around the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as the highest expression of the love of God. Therefore, the celebration of the Eucharist is understood as the experience of Christ’s triumph over sin. The defeat of sin consists in bringing together that which is divided.

We practice Open Communion, allowing members and non-members to receive the Eucharist (also called Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper). The only requirement is that the person receiving communion be a baptized Christian.

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