Farewell and welcome: St. Mary's Hagerville, Canada

A large congregation of parishioners gathered for the 10:30 service, which began with a procession, accompanied by the music of the choir, consisting of organist Barb Matten, soloists Karen Trainer and Vanessa Matten and Mary Lane. The procession was led by altar servers Desert-Ray Nguyen, Hayden Mattice, Heidi Mattice, Darren Nguyen, Logan Mendes and Conner Mendes and included lector Max King and other Knights of Columbus members, Frank Dubniczkny, Theo Dykstra, John Goldsmith, Bill Kelly, Bill Klunder, Ed Kruis, Greg Lougheed, Bill Pelletier, Wes Poirier, Dominic Ross, Andrew VanExam, followed by Father Ron Sequeira, OCD, outgoing pastor, and Father Victor Fernandes. OCD, incoming pastor.

The Mass began with the introductory rites, after which Father Ronnie announced the intentions: for the deceased members of the Knights of Columbus and for a young girl of the neighboring community of Six Nations who is gravely ill.

Father Ron then formally introduced Father Victor and read a letter from Bishop Bergie of St Catherine’s Diocese giving him the charge of our parish of St Mary’s Hagersville and St Anne’s Walpole officially handing the Tabernacle Key to Fr, Victor.

The Mass then proceeded with the singing of the Gloria and the reading of the Collect.

Max King delivered the first reading from Ezekiel 47, 1-2, 8-9, 12, which instructs about the means of salvation.

The choir led in the singing of Psalm 45 (46), God in its Midst.

Greg Lougheed delivered the second reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, which elaborates on the theme of Christ as the foundation of the Church.

Father Ronnie read the Gospel from the book of Saint John, 2, 13-22, which chronicles Jesus’ anger with the merchants who turned God’s house of prayer into a den of thieves.

The homily was delivered by Father Ron , Elaborating on the message of the Gospel in which Jesus displays anger with the merchants, who have by their dishonest practices turned God’s house into a den of thieves. God’s house, the Church, should be a place of prayer where all are welcome and all receive the gifts offered there. He encouraged us to increase our faith by participating in these gifts, - the sacraments, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and by saying the rosary.

Then Father Victor began to thank the Father Ronnie for his faithful ministry, his hard work and his very friendly approch, despite of all challenges and difficulties and for making our parish a “house of prayer”. He asked for prayers for Father Ronnie as he leaves to take up his new charge in Prince George BC. He also asked for prayers for himself as he takes up his new charge here in our parish on this Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica.

Mass continued with the reciting of the Apostles Creed, followed by the Prayers of the Faithful led by John Goldsmith.

Father Ronnie and Father Victor proceeded with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, together consecrating the gifts of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, leading the congregation in the reciting of the Lord’s Prayer and distributing the Blessed Sacrament.

Just before the final prayers, Father Ronnie eloquently delivered his final address, which is repeated in the bulletin of the day, and in which he expressed his gratitude and love for the parishioners of St Mary’s and St Ann’s.

The principal of St Mary’s School, Ms Charmaine Hanley, came forward to explain a prayer initiative that the children of the school wish to carry out in partnership with the parishioners. and she publicly declared that fr, Ron is a most successful and spiritual pastor we had , so we all miss him , and she thanked him for the great support he gave to the school community.

Father Victor made final remarks, repeating thanks for Father Ronnie’s faithful stewardship and stating that he will be missed as well for his personal gifts, - his jovial nature, skill in the kitchen and musical talent , his leadership . Father Victor asked for prayers as he takes Father Ronnie’s place.

Father Victor announced a special gift to fr, Ron for his faithful pastoral work and it was given by parishioner Andrew VanExam .

Final prayers were followed by the procession out of the church. The congregation then gathered in the church hall for a time of fellowship and refreshments, and to wish good bye to dear Fr, Ron and to welcome fr, victor. which was beautifully organized by Ann Aitchison and her committee of helpers.