Lines from my reading chair - June 29, 2008

A new face on the block

Following the masses this weekend, I will be away for the entire month of July for holidays and to participate in the World Youth Day celebrations which are taking place in Sydney (Australia) this year.

In my absence, Bishop Plouffe has asked Father Samuele Ukeje to assure the celebration of mass and other sacraments here at Christ the King.  I had a chance to meet Father Sam this past week, and to share with him a few details about life in this part of the world.  He has been in Sault Ste. Marie for the month of June, covering at Saint Gerard Majella parish.

Father Sam was born in Nimo, Nigeria.  He completed his philosophical and theological studies in Rome and was ordained a priest for the diocese of L’Aquila in 1999.  Since that time, he has been serving as pastor of two parishes in that diocese.

He is spending his holidays here in Canada this year, covering for some of us who are away for various reasons.  He will return to Italy on August 8, but will be with us until that time.  I am grateful to Father Sam for accepting the invitation of our bishop to come to Christ the King for the next four weeks.  He will arrive on Tuesday, July 1 and will be here until I return at the end of the month.

Enjoy the summer

This past week, the school year came to an end for many of our children.  The months ahead are filled with dreams of play and rest for some, of travel for others, and the possibility of earning some well-deserved income for still others.

As is our custom here at Christ the King, there will be no printed bulletins during the months of July and August.  We will however continue the regular schedule of liturgies, and look forward to seeing you often.

In the meanwhile, information will be communicated to you either on the bulletin boards at the entrances to the church or orally at the conclusion of the masses.  Whatever your plans, have a safe and happy summer.