A National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

st. kateri tekakwithaCome Join Us in Prayer and Reflection at St. Mary’s Church Thursday September 30 from 9:30 am-10:30 am.

Please join us as a member of the Catholic Community as we reflect upon the legacy of Residential Schools and recognize the need to learn, to pray and to reach out to Indigenous communities.

This day had been known as Orange Shirt Day in Canada. If you have an orange shirt, a scarf or a ribbon, please wear the items as we acknowledge this important era of Canadian History.

Please contact Joanne Hough 705-324-4491 for further information.

This federal statutory holiday was passed by parliament in June of 2021. It was a bi-partisan vote recognizing the need of Canadians to undertake the serious work of reconciliation and decolonization. The purpose of the day is to engage in efforts directed toward personal education about the issues impacting the work of reconciliation. Parish offices across the Diocese will be closed on September 30th. The office will reopen after that as per usual hours of operation. To support the education efforts, please click and read this webpage on the website for the Diocese of Peterborough: https://www.peterboroughdiocese.org/en/about-us/residential-schools.aspx

UPDATE
On Thursday September 30th, members of the Catholic Women’s League, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Knights of Columbus and Development and Peace of took part in an hour of prayer for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a good first step in recognizing the work that needs to be done in the Catholic community to foster hope and peace for this generation and the next generation of Indigenous peoples of Canada.

St. Mary's Parish Community