Christ the King University Parish Newsletter

The Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy) | April 11, 2021

A simple act of abandonment is enough

to overcome the barriers of darkness and sorrow,

of doubt and desperation.

The rays of your divine mercy restore hope,

in a special way,

to those who feel overwhelmed by the burden of sin.

Pope John Paul II

Homily for Divine Mercy Sunday, 2001

Week At A Glance

Sunday April 11, 2021

11:00 AM Eucharist (Livestream)

Second Sunday of Easter

Monday, April 12, 2021

12:00 PM Midday Prayer (Virtual)

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

7:30 PM Breaking Open the Lectionary (Virtual)

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

12:00 PM Midday Prayer (Virtual)

Friday, April 15, 2021

12:00 PM Midday Prayer (Virtual)

OFFICE HOURS: In hopes of reducing the spread of COVID-19, the staff are mainly working remotely. Please know that the voice mail is checked regularly and that we will endeavour to return your phone call in a timely manner. Should you wish to contact a member of the team directly, emails are provided at the bottom of this newsletter.

Following the stay-at-home order issued yesterday by the provincial government, the new health and safety guidelines from Western University, and in order to protect the most vulnerable in our community, we have made the difficult decision to suspend in-person Eucharist for the next four weeks.

This is not a decision that was made lightly, for we recognize that our community expresses its identity most profoundly through the Word and through the Eucharist where we are strengthened and fed.

While it never substitutes for in-person gathering, we will continue to livestream our Sunday 11:00 AM Masses to our Facebook page and YouTube channel. You can find the current YouTube link on our website or under the "Week at a Glance" section of this bulletin.

All current reservations on Eventbrite will be cancelled. When we return to in-person worship, you will be able to register for Mass on a weekly basis.

Announcements

CONGRATULATIONS are extended to Christopher Jackson, son of Sabrina and Charles Jackson; and to Ilaria Pasini, daughter of Jennifer Cyr and Federico Pasini, as they celebrate their baptisms with us on April 10, 2021. We pray Christopher and Ilaria grow in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord and that their families provide them with a witness of God’s love throughout their lives.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME: The assurance of our prayers and best wishes are extended to Chanel Gonzalez, daughter of Jhon Gonzales and Rocio Perdomo; and to Daniayis Ramirez Sanchez, who were received into the Catholic Church through baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. We pray Chanel and Daniayis grow in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord and that their families provide them with a witness of God’s love throughout their lives.

IN MEMORY: Please remember in your prayers, Ann Finkelman, sister of John Harper, who died on March 28, 2021. May Ann know the fullness of life in God’s presence and may those who mourn her death find hope in the promise of resurrection.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: A number of newcomers have expressed the desire to meet with members of the parish for fellowship and for conversation. They desire both community and the opportunity to practise their conversational English. The latter will be necessary as they seek to make London their home. If you can be of assistance, please contact Deacon Victor Salazar at vsalazar@dol.ca or by calling the office at 519-963-1477.

HERE FOR YOU: We know that these continue to be very challenging times with the pandemic. Know that the Campus Ministry Team is working hard to continue to serve your needs. Need support or someone to talk to? Contact us by email at campusministry@kings.uwo.ca or call 519-963-1477 and a member of our team will be happy to connect with you.

Events and Programming

The Student Development & Peace Group

The Student Development and Peace Group gathers online this year to explore issues of justice from a Catholic perspective. We support the work of Development & Peace - Caritas Canada and engage in community awareness. This provides an opportunity for formation, connection and community rooted in social justice. We meet virtually Monday evenings at 8:00 PM. Contact Annette Donovan Panchaud to become involved.

Breaking Open the Lectionary

For students interested in reflecting on Sunday Scripture and what it means for you. Join us Tuesdays from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM for Breaking Open the Word. Contact Annette Donovan Panchaud in Campus Ministry for more information or to get involved.

Children & Family Opportunities

SUNDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM: Children ages 4 to 6 are invited to take part in catechetical activities, virtually on Sundays at 11:30 AM via Zoom. Activities include prayer, singing, and a variety of crafts related to the Sunday Gospel reading. Contact Maija Wilson to register and for more information.

YOUTH GROUP is gathering online during the academic year on a monthly basis. Each of these opportunities focuses on bringing our young people together to love and serve the Lord. There are always great opportunities for high school volunteers. Contact Maija Wilson to register and for more information.

Click here to view the Children and Family Programs webpage which includes our family opportunity calendar, weekly youth bulletin and volunteer registration form.

PARENTS & BABIES GROUP: We come together online to create community for parents and their babies. We share struggles and triumphs. We read stories, do special activities around the liturgical seasons of the church, and learn from a variety of early year specialists. Contact Maija Wilson to register and for more information.

Pastoral Counselling

PASTORAL COUNSELLING is available for persons of all faith traditions or spiritual orientations, no matter where you are on your journey. Sessions generally last between 50 to 60 minutes in length and the frequency is determined on an individual basis. Current sessions are taking place virtually. To make an appointment, please contact Jim Panchaud or by contacting The Office of Campus Ministry at 519-963-1477.

Financial Support Needed

For many of us, the restrictions brought about by the pandemic have been little more than a distraction or an inconvenience, but for the poor and marginalized in our city, their needs have only increased. Many charitable organizations have had to close their doors and others are not able to meet the needs of their clients. The same is true for those that are new to our country. Those things that they need to access for survival are beyond their reach. Our parish has an obligation to respond. At this time, we are desperately in need of your financial contributions.

Click here to set up your donation. If you require assistance, please contact Lisa Caeiro. Your donations can be directed towards either "REFUGEE" (those coming from elsewhere) or "SOCIAL ACTION" (those from the area).

Soon, we will need people who will help tutor, mentor and offer hospitality to the stranger among us. Any inquires or concerns can be addressed to Father Michael Bechard. We continue to pray and trust that God will grant the increase.