Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, was a French Carmelite nun born in 1873 and canonized in 1925. Renowned for her “little way” of spiritual childhood and simplicity, she emphasized trusting in God’s love and doing small acts with great love. Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, has inspired many with its profound yet accessible spirituality. Thérèse is considered a Doctor of the Church and is the patroness of missions, despite her own life spent primarily in her convent, due to her deep desire to bring others closer to God through her humility and love.

At Eric Michel Ministries’ chapel, we cherish the presence of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in our hearts. Her unwavering faith and gentle spirit remind us of the beauty found in everyday moments. We understand that life can be challenging, and Thérèse’s teachings encourage us to embrace love, hope, and small acts of kindness. Together, let’s honour her legacy and seek comfort in her intercession during our journey. You are not alone; we are here for each other. 🌹🙏 #StTherese #Community #EricMichelMinistries

Alex was 27, quiet but kind, always ready to help at church events or lend a hand at the food bank. He had a gentle smile and a way of making others feel seen. But lately, something had shifted.

He stopped showing up for Wednesday night fellowship. When asked, he said he was “just tired.” He missed two Sunday services in a row, which was unlike him. His social media posts became vague and somber—quotes about pain, silence, and endings.

One day, his friend Marcus noticed Alex had given away his guitar, something he cherished. “I just don’t play anymore,” Alex said with a shrug. “It’s better in someone else’s hands.”

Marcus tried to reach out. “You okay, man?”

Alex smiled faintly. “I’m fine. Just tired of everything.”

That phrase stuck with Marcus. He remembered a workshop at church about mental health, where they talked about warning signs—withdrawal, giving away possessions, expressions of hopelessness.

Later that week, Alex posted: “Sometimes the weight is too much. I want it all to stop.”

Marcus didn’t wait. He called Alex, then drove to his apartment. They talked for hours. Marcus didn’t try to fix anything—he just listened. He reminded Alex he wasn’t alone. Together, they called a local crisis line and scheduled a visit with a counsellor.

Recognizing the Signs

Alex’s story is fictional, but the signs are real. People struggling with suicidal thoughts may:

• Withdraw from social or spiritual activities
• Express feelings of hopelessness or being a burden
• Give away meaningful possessions
• Speak in vague or dark language like:
• “I’m tired of everything.”
• “You’d be better off without me.”
• “I just want it all to stop.”

What You Can Do

• Listen without judgment. Don’t try to fix—just be present.
• Ask directly but gently. “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” can open a door.
• Encourage professional help. Offer to go with them or help make the call.
• Know your resources. Keep contact info for local crisis lines, counsellors, and support groups.

Alex avait 27 ans, discret mais gentil, toujours prêt à aider lors des événements de l’église ou à donner un coup de main à la banque alimentaire. Il avait un sourire doux et une manière de faire sentir aux autres qu’ils comptaient. Mais dernièrement, quelque chose avait changé.

Il avait cessé de venir aux rencontres du mercredi soir. Lorsqu’on lui demandait, il répondait simplement qu’il était « juste fatigué ». Il avait manqué deux services du dimanche d’affilée, ce qui ne lui ressemblait pas. Ses publications sur les réseaux sociaux étaient devenues vagues et sombres — des citations sur la douleur, le silence et la fin.

Un jour, son ami Marcus remarqua qu’Alex avait donné sa guitare, un objet qu’il chérissait. « Je ne joue plus, » dit Alex en haussant les épaules. « Elle sera mieux entre d’autres mains. »

Marcus tenta de lui parler. « Ça va, mon frère ? »

Alex sourit faiblement. « Ça va. Juste fatigué de tout. »

Cette phrase resta dans l’esprit de Marcus. Il se souvint d’un atelier à l’église sur la santé mentale, où l’on avait parlé des signes d’alerte — isolement, dons d’objets précieux, expressions de désespoir.

Plus tard cette semaine-là, Alex publia : « Parfois, le poids est trop lourd. Je veux juste que tout s’arrête. »

Marcus n’attendit pas. Il appela Alex, puis se rendit chez lui. Ils parlèrent pendant des heures. Marcus n’essaya pas de tout résoudre — il écouta simplement. Il rappela à Alex qu’il n’était pas seul. Ensemble, ils appelèrent une ligne d’aide et prirent rendez-vous avec un conseiller.

Reconnaître les Signes

L’histoire d’Alex est fictive, mais les signes sont bien réels. Une personne en détresse peut :

• Se retirer des activités sociales ou spirituelles
• Exprimer un sentiment de désespoir ou de fardeau
• Donner des objets ayant une valeur personnelle
• Employer un langage vague ou sombre, comme :
• « Je suis fatigué de tout. »
• « Vous seriez mieux sans moi. »
• « Je veux juste que tout s’arrête. »

Ce Que Vous Pouvez Faire

• Écoutez sans juger. Ne cherchez pas à tout réparer — soyez simplement présent.
• Posez la question directement mais avec douceur. « Penses-tu à te faire du mal ? » peut ouvrir une porte.
• Encouragez à chercher de l’aide professionnelle. Proposez d’accompagner ou d’aider à faire l’appel.
• Connaissez vos ressources. Gardez les coordonnées des lignes d’écoute, conseillers et groupes de soutien.

𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹

We’re overjoyed to announce that the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission has entered into 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 with Eric Michel Ministries International, led by Metropolitan Archbishop Eric M. Gagnon.

Signed on 1 August 2025, this communion affirms our shared commitment to sacramental life, apostolic tradition, and radical Gospel inclusion — expressed not only in word, but in prayer, mission, and mutual support.

Both churches remain self-governing, but now walk side by side in friendship and ecclesial unity.

We give special thanks to Archbishop Gagnon’s decades of ministry, rooted in Catholic tradition, Franciscan spirituality, and pastoral chaplaincy across many communities.

𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.

Read the full announcement here.

Learn more about our churches:

https://apostolicoldcatholic.org

We believe in the power of agreement. Because of this, we are inviting churches, ministries and like-minded organizations from across Canada to register their “agreement” for the establishment of this annual National Day of Prayer for Canada.

Canada Annual National Day of Prayer

Eric Michel Ministries International NDOP 2025 Agreement Registration Form / Online Result #31608055

National Prayer gatherings in the spirit of 2 Chron. 7:14.

Interdenominational. Intergenerational. Multicultural. Interregional. Non-partisan.

We believe in the principle of the power of agreement. Because of this, we invite churches, ministries and businesses across Canada who agree with the vision to establish an annual National Day of Prayer in Canada to sign onto the following simple declaration:

“We, Christian organizations from across Canada, come together to declare that we are in agreement for the establishment of an annual National Day of Prayer in Canada in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14:
If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (NIV)

Mailing Address:
National Day of Prayer c/o TheCRY Canada
PO Box 21045, Quispamsis, NB E2E 4Z4
E-mail: info@nationaldayofprayer.ca