KNEELING AND STANDING:  Unfortunately, we seem to lack a common posture at Mass.  The General Instructions for the Roman Missal.  This is the list of rubrics {or rules} governing the Mass state that a congregation should observe common postures during the Mass.  As to what this common posture is, there are two options that can be used but they should not be mixed.  Beginning in one week, I would ask you to observe the follow when it comes to the posture we use at the Cathedral:

1. We stand at the Opening Hymn until after the Opening Collect.
2. We sit for the readings and the Psalm.
3. We stand for the Gospel
4. We sit for the Homily.
5. We sit for the Offertory.
6. We stand when the priest says: “Pray, my brothers and sisters that my sacrifice …”
7. We kneel after we sing the Holy, Holy, Holy and we remain kneeling for the entire Eucharistic Prayer.
8. We stand after the “Through him, and with him, and in him, …”
9. We stand for the Our Father up until after the Lamb of God.
10. Once the Lamb of God is finished, we kneel.
11. After communion, we can kneel again or sit.
12. We stand for the final prayer and the blessing.

The changes are in bold.  There are several reasons why I wish to use this option.  It is good that we don’t change positions in the Eucharistic Prayer – half way through – because the Eucharistic Prayer is one prayer.  It seems to make better sense to use one posture.  The biggest reason is that our congregation is more and more elderly.  If you have difficulty standing or kneeling, you can always sit.  However, if everyone around you is standing, it is harder to participate because you may not be able to see the front of the church.  If everyone is kneeling, then you will feel more comfortable sitting.

NOTES FOR THIS WEEK:

CATHEDRAL CWL IS HOSTING A “WELCOME SPRING” DESSERT AND CARD PARTY on Wednesday, April 12^th in Cathedral Parish Hall.    Doors open at 6 p.m.  Admission is $8.00.  Choose your games of choice for the evening. Evening includes Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, ample desserts & beverages.  Tickets available from CWL Members; evening concludes at 9:00 p.m.  Cathedral Hall is elevator accessible.

CATHEDRAL CWL invites everyone to attend a Scam/Fraud Awareness and Prevention evening on Tuesday, April 18^th at 7 p.m. in Cathedral Parish Hall.   Guests Speakers are members of the Ontario Provincial Police Auxiliary Program.  Everyone is welcome to join us for an informative evening.  Kindly rsvp to Kathleen at 613-631-0266/Charlene at 613-732-9944 or email    Karenann381@gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE:  The CWL Gift Shop will be opened following the 10:30 am mass each Sunday. If you have any inquiries, please contact Becky Chaput at 613-732-8711.

LENTEN MISSION AT OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH, led by Mr. Patrick Sullivan, Monday, March 27 “Your Life is Worth Saving“; Tuesday, March 28 “Your Life is Worth Living“; and Wednesday, March 29 “Your Life is Worth Sharing“. Mission is from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each evening, with an opportunity for questions. All in the area are invited to attend.

ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT: “Do whatever He tells you (John 2.5)” from March 24 to 26, 2023 at the Graphite Bible Camp in Maynooth. Fr. Zachary Romanowsky and Cheryl Ann Smith from Madonna House will be leading the retreat. The cost is $175.00 for 2 nights and 5 meals. Limited spots available! To register: fill in the Google registration form at RETREAT REGISTRATION , and send e-transfer to womensretreatcombermere@gmail.com(Question: What is name of retreat centre? Answer: Graphite). For more information contact us at call/text Caitlin 613-316-0992 or Kristan 613- 585-0579.

ADULT STEUBENVILLE SUMMER CONFERENCES: Registration is now open for Adult Steubenville Summer Conferences (2 in June, 3 in July). Go to: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/adult/ for more information.

IMAGE OF GOD MONTHLY SESSIONS – CANCELLED FOR MARCH – NEXT SESSION – Wednesday, April 12th from 7-8 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: Signs & Symbols: Our lives are dominated by signs and symbols – ignore them to your own peril. This event is being hosted by the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office, with guest speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist, and is open to all. Each evening has a different topic and will include time for discussion. The purpose is to grow in your spiritual health, your spousal relationship and parenting skills. No matter what age you are, you will surely find this very beneficial. Please enter through the small Parish Hall doors. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.

THEOLOGY ON TAP:  Join us at J&E Bored N’Saucy Restaurant at 1895 Pembroke St. East on Wed. March 22 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.  Guest Speaker is Father Michael Smith, Vicar General of the Diocese.  The Topic is “The Power of Prayer and Fasting.”

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development is sponsoring an Adult Faith Lenten Retreat on Saturday April 01, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall, 331 Plaunt Street South, Renfrew, Ontario from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with registration at 09:30 a.m. Celebration of the Holy Mass at 10:00 a.m. Cost is $15.00 per person (lunch and refreshments provided). This retreat is open to all the faithful.  The theme of the retreat is the “The Eucharist.” Our guest speaker will be Emeritus Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J. of Ottawa-Cornwall.  Please join us for this very special day. To register or for more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at (613) 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadriendchaput@pembrokediocese.com.  Registration deadline is Thursday, March 30, 2023.

SPRING PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE: With Father Albert MacPherson OSA, Augustinian Healing Ministry, May 10 to May 20, 2023. Price $2450.00 per pilgrim. Includes all taxes, two meals per day, double occupancy, 3-piece bathroom in each room. Five minutes from St. James Church. Services of a knowledgeable guide. Departure from Pearson International Airport, Toronto. Please contact the Tour Leader, Jack Duggan, for additional information at 613 756-2655 or email at medjugorje2023@bell.net.

ADULT FAITH LENTEN RETREAT:  Saturday, April 1, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Renfrew, Ontario, 331 Plaunt ST. South, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM with registration beginning at 9:30 AM.  Mass at 10:00 AM.  Cost is $15.00 per person.  The Retreat will be led by Most Rev. Terrence Prendergast, Archbishop emeritus of Ottawa and the theme is “The Eucharist.  To register or for more information please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613.732.7933 ext. 206 or email at dcadriendchaput@pembrokediocese.com.  Deadline to register is March 30th.

NEXT HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS AT HOLY NAME PARISH:  On April 7 from 8 PM to 9 PM at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish.  The Holy Hour consists of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a reflection by Fr. Scott Murray and we will pray the rosary for Vocations.  Open to everyone.

PARISH FINANCIAL REPORT:  The Parish Financial report will be published and distributed the beginning of April after the Parish Finance and Property Committee has met.

MASS ON TELEVISION AND THE INTERNET:  The Masses on television and the internet are wonderful opportunities for those who are sick and unable to attend Holy Mass in person at their local parish.  Because of their illness or condition, they are exempt from the Sunday Obligation to attend Mass.  It was of great benefit during the pandemic when churches were closed for the health and safety of the population.  However, the dispensation from Sunday Mass Obligation was taken away many months ago by Bishop Desrochers.  Sunday Mass on television does not fulfill your Sunday Obligation if you are not prevented by a serious reason from attending Mass in person.