My second visit to St Jude’s Catholic Church

“St. Jude’s is an English-language Roman Catholic parish in Hawkesbury, Ontario that was founded in 1959. Masses are said on Saturday at 4:00 pm, Sunday at 9:00 am, Tuesday at 7:00 pm, and Thursday at 10:00 am. Confessions are heard half an hour before each Mass. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed for half an hour after Thursday Mass. Mission Statement: We as a parish and its Pastoral Council are firmly committed, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to do our part in fulfilling the mission given by Jesus to His Church to go to people everywhere and make them His disciples. We want to proclaim the “Good News” to all with due consideration for children and young people.”

Our Mission
The parish community is deeply committed to embracing Jesus Christ’s mission of making disciples of all nations. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by St. Jude’s intercession, the community wholeheartedly engages in outreach through love, faith, and dedicated service to all individuals.

Office Hours
Wednesday & Thursday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Lunch Break: 12:00-1:00 pm

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1242350587706132&set=pb.100057936083147.-2207520000

A Year Ago we became New Life Catholic Ministry

The Archbishop convert to Catholiscism in the year 2020

A Year Ago December 2025 Industry Canada Corporation Form 4001

Articles of Incorporation

Under #4 Statement of Purpose of the Corporation

Change: Protestant Chaplaincy ( Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship) for New Life Catholic Ministry

An essential amendment to our not-for-profit corporation, Eric Michel Ministries International, was proposed. Our organization has always strived to practice the office of Chaplain. However, as we witness the evolving needs of the communities we serve, it has become clear that our statement of purpose requires refinement to reflect these changes.

After extensive consultations with our board of directors, we have unanimously agreed that our mission urgently needs to be adapted. We propose a strategic shift that will enhance our relevance and significantly increase our ability to drive positive change within our community.

Our updated goals, which include the change after the corporation’s association and membership of Eric Gagnon, align seamlessly with our longstanding commitment to the Chaplaincy. This adjustment is a natural evolution of our mission, deepening our impact and ensuring we meet the pressing needs of those we aim to support.

A] The Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist granted the corporation Eric Michel Ministries International a charter #20220406 and

B] Eric Gagnon is an Affiliate at the Confraternity of Penitents Secular Franciscan Order.

A Volunteer at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers

A member of Militia Immaculata Kelowna, BC

He was Consecrated to Our Lady by Heralds of the Gospel

He is a member of the International Conference of Catholic and Autocephalous Bishops

A member of the Sanctification of Families Union of Saint Francis of Assisi

A member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains

An affiliate member of the Canadian Practical Chaplain Association

A member of the International Federation of Christian Chaplains, Inc.

A member of the American Association of Wedding Officiants

A member of the Christian Leaders Network

A member of the Association of Christian Ministers

A member of the United Religions Initiative

During our 10 years of existence, we have developed our ministries, which has been a significant journey of growth and learning for us. This experience has shaped our understanding of the needs of the communities we serve and has led us to propose this amendment.

List of Ministries:

Based on the Quebec Sector of Economic Activity

1st Sector of Activity

Economic Activity Code 9811 Religious Organizations

Economic Activity Code 8411 International Organizations and Other Extraterritorial Organizations

2nd Sector of Activity

Economic Activity Code 8691 Associations and Organizations for the Promotion of Health Care and Public Safety

Economic Activity Code 8699 Other Associations and Organizations in the Fields of Health and Social Services

  1. Chaplaincy:

A) First Responder Chaplain Emergency Support

B) First Responders’ Listening Counselling Chaplain Ministry

C) Road Warriors & Motorcycles Chaplain Ministry

D) Prison Chaplain Ministry

E) Animal Chaplain Ministry

F) Prayer Group Chaplain Ministry

G) Pilgrimages Chaplain Ministry

H) NFP (NGO) Chaplain Ministry

  1. Bible Academy Ministry
  2. Christian Churches Association & Interfaith Ministry
  3. Deliverance Chaplain Ministry

We request that this amendment be processed effectively.

We sincerely appreciate your attention to this significant request and eagerly await your positive response as we align our efforts to better serve our community.

Warm regards,

Eric Gagnon

Marie Arnold

Eric Michel Ministries International

Number 895170-5

Validation

Advent

for both the celebration of Jesus’s birth at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, often referred to as Advent Sunday. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity. The name comes from Latin adventus (‘coming; arrival’), translating the Greek parousia from the New Testament, originally referring to the Second Coming.

The season of Advent in the Christian calendar anticipates the “coming of Christ” from three different perspectives: the physical nativity in Bethlehem, the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and the eschatological Second Coming.

Practices associated with Advent include Advent calendars, lighting an Advent wreath, praying an Advent daily devotional, erecting a Chrismon tree, lighting a Christingle, as well as other ways of preparing for Christmas, such as setting up Christmas decorations, a custom that is sometimes done liturgically through a hanging of the greens ceremony.

Downsizing

Letter to Facebook Page, Profile and Groups

Dear Members and Friends,

I hope this message finds you well.

After careful consideration and assessment of our current ministries, I have decided to make some changes better to align our efforts with the interests of our community. As a result, we will be discontinuing the Chaplain Prayer Group, the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, and our three clergy positions.

Read More

The Declaration of Utrecht

In a quaint little town of Hawkesbury where traditions ran deep and community ties were strong, a new movement was taking shape. At the heart of this movement stood Eric Michel Ministries International, a ministry dedicated to nurturing faith and fostering unity among churches. The members were inspired by the essential principles of the Old Catholic Church, particularly the Declaration of Utrecht, which had shaped the path of their spiritual journey.

One sunny afternoon, Eric, the founder of Eric Michel Ministries International, gathered his ministry in the local community center. With a sense of excitement in the air, he began to share the rich history of the Old Catholics. “As many of you know,” Eric said, “the Declaration of Utrecht, issued in 1889, serves as a vital foundation for the beliefs we hold dear. It affirms our commitment to the ancient Catholic faith, bringing together both the clergy and laity.”

As he spoke, Eric’s passion ignited the room. “We, at Eric Michel Ministries International, embrace the ecumenical creeds and uphold the decisions of the first seven ecumenical councils, emphasizing the importance of our shared heritage,” he continued. “Like the Old Catholics, we reject the notion of papal infallibility and universal jurisdiction. Instead, we cherish the collective wisdom and authority of our bishops, promoting a governance that reflects true collegiality.”

A member of the ministry raised her hand, intrigued. “But Eric, how do we translate these beliefs into action within our community?”

“That’s an excellent question,” Eric replied with a smile. “The Declaration of Utrecht emphasizes the participation of both clergy and laity in local synods, a principle we can adopt here at Eric Michel Ministries International. We must encourage everyone to share their voices and experiences, promoting a culture of unity and collaboration.”

As the conversation deepened, Eric reminded them of a key tenet from the Declaration, the Vincentian Canon. “We strive to hold onto that which has always been believed everywhere and by all people, for that is what is truly Catholic,” he said.

The congregation was captivated, inspired by the notion of creating a church that reflected the values of the early Church while welcoming all into their fold. “At Eric Michel Ministries International, we are committed to building bridges across all Christian confessions, fostering hope for unity rooted in the ancient faith,” Eric declared, his voice resonating with conviction.

Weeks turned into months, and Eric Michel Ministries International thrived as a beacon of hope and inclusivity. The teachings from the Declaration of Utrecht echoed in their actions, from community outreach programs to educational endeavors that emphasized historical understanding, encouraging a return to foundational beliefs.

As they continued their journey, Eric would often remind them, “Let’s ensure that our actions reflect what the Old Catholic Church has taught us and work tirelessly to bring everyone together in faith.” And so, with each gathering, the message of the Declaration of Utrecht grew stronger, intertwined seamlessly with the mission of Eric Michel Ministries International, fostering a unified community that cherished its roots while reaching out to others.

In this little town of Hawkesbury, Eric Michel Ministries International flourished, nurturing a spirit of genuine fellowship and commitment to the ancient faith, all while lighting the way for future generations to embrace the shared hope of a united Christian family.

The most important statement for the Old Catholic Church is the Declaration of Utrecht, issued in 1889. 

This document serves as the foundational charter of Old Catholic doctrine and polity, clearly stating their position against certain Roman Catholic dogmas that they view as innovations contrary to the ancient faith of the Church. 

Key points from the Declaration of Utrecht include:

  • Adherence to the ancient Catholic faith: Old Catholics accept the ecumenical creeds (Apostles’ and Nicene) and the dogmatic decisions of the first seven ecumenical councils of the undivided Church.
  • Rejection of Papal Infallibility and Universal Jurisdiction: The Declaration explicitly repudiates the First Vatican Council’s (1870) decrees concerning the Pope’s infallibility and his supreme, universal authority over all churches.
  • Affirmation of the Vincentian Canon: The statement upholds the principle laid down by St. Vincent of Lérins: “We hold that which has been believed everywhere, always, and of all men; for that is truly and properly Catholic” (Id teneamus, quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus creditum est; hoc est etenim vere proprieque catholicum).

Episcopal-Synodal Governance: Authority resides in the collective body of bishops (collegiality), with significant participation of both clergy and laity in local synods, rather than a single central figure.


Focus on Christian Unity: The Declaration expresses a hope and commitment for the reunion of all Christian confessions based on the shared faith of the ancient Church. 
The Declaration of Utrecht is fundamental because it defines the Old Catholic identity, which seeks to preserve the core Catholic tradition while rejecting later additions to dogma and centralizing hierarchical structures.