Fr. Peter Rowe

Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Parish

Last Sunday turned out to be all that we hoped for!  First of all, the weather was in our favour (all week, as a matter of fact).  We were led in prayer at Mass by Bishop Gerard Bergie, who gave a most inspiring homily, referencing the life's work of St. Vincent de Paul, our patron.  Following  that, the gathering continued outdoors on the lawn in front of the church, where our hosts, the C.W.L. and H.N.S. and their many helpers (included several students) served refreshments and special "200th anniversary" cookies.  The Konopka family violinists provided pleasant "mingling music."  A number of parishioners and their guests adjourned to the Royal Cambridge Room of the Prince of Wales Hotel for a time of conviviality and a delicious meal.  

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the diligent preparations carried out by the Heritage Committee, comprising Brian Carty, Ann McKenzie, Kathryn Durand, Judy Obee, Pam Nowina, Joyce Rodriguez, Virginia Vickers, Doug Mantegna, Mike Paul, Joseph Sitko, Maria Rocca Martin, Connie Pillitteri, and Noel ("Sab") Sabandal (who also served as livestream host).  

We extend our gratitude to Bishop Bergie for his presence, and besides Fr. Ron Wiecek, we also had the company of Fr. Paul McDonald and Fr. Randy Gallant, both former pastors -- as well as Augustinian Br. Brent Faubert.  A sincere word of thanks to all our special guests: the deputy lord mayor, the members of Parliament federal and provincial, the neighbouring clergy, and our school principal.  Nancy Macri graciously welcomed them and Fr. Peter Rowe was presented with several plaques commemorating the occasion. Earlier, at the end of Mass, Joseph and Gabrielle Ropp presented the papal blessing to the bishop, which he formally entrusted to the parish.  

Ann McKenzie welcomed the assembled worshippers at the outset of Mass and the Sunday readings were proclaimed by Mary Slak and Cathy van der Zalm; William Rodriguez and Br. Brent Faubert led us in the Universal Prayer.  The Communion ministers were Creena MacNeill and Nancy van der Zalm.  The gifts were brought forward by Joseph and Gabrielle Ropp, along with Allyshia Gillard and Carter Breen.  Serving the Mass were Abigail Dyck, Emma Sheldon, and Bella Breen.  We were assisted by ushers Jim van der Zalm, Ron van der Zalm, Sharyn Choules, Derek Pavlakovich, and the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree members.  Outside, banners were held by representatives of the C.W.L., H.N.S., and SSVP.  Lastly, Mary Ann Brzeczka and Carol Dyck made the church look presentable for the weekend.  Our gratitude goes out to each and every one of the above-mentioned!  

Without question, the beauty of the event was enhanced by the significant contribution of our Music Ministry: Choir Director Margaret Molokach, Organist Margaret Pillitteri, all the cantors and instrumentalists, combined choir and alumni members.  Our deepest thanks to them, one and all!

Special mention for deserving thanks goes to Seaway Farms and Riverview Winery -- indeed, all members of the Pillitteri families who contributed significantly to the occasion.  We express our thanks to Mike Paul for attending to the parking lot, to Jeremy Harb and his staff at Vintage Inns, and to Frank Krahn for the musical accompaniment during the banquet.

All in all, so many contributed to making the 200th festivities a memorable experience for the parish (and sincere apologies to anyone who was overlooked) that it would be difficult to acknowledge each one individually: hence the "generic" word of thanks here.  We have honoured -- and are continuing to honour -- the past; let us embrace the future!