Listening Committee

Dear Friends;

As we move toward the next phase as an amalgamated parish, we may find ourselves experiencing feelings of grief over the proposed closure of two of our much-loved buildings, namely, Immaculate Conception and Saint Paul’s.

Although Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is moving forward in various positive ways, we recognize that for many parishioners, this is a time of grief. As with any loss in our lives, strong feelings arise. With guidance from Archbishop Dunn, the Listening Committee was formed to develop ideas that would enable us to help each other through the process.

It should be noted that the decision to close a church is always the sole right of the diocesan bishop. By cannon law this is not something that can be put to a vote by parishioners.

Our committee recognizes that parishioners have a lifetime of memories from each of the buildings mentioned; weddings, baptisms and final farewells, to name a few. We wish to provide an opportunity to talk about this process for anyone who feels affected by the proposed closures, by inviting everyone to two meetings.

The first will be on October 19, and will focus on the closure of Immaculate
Conception.

The second, which will focus on the closure of Saint Paul’s, will be held on October 21.

Both meetings will be held in Saint Peter’s Church and will run from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. During these gatherings, we will pray together and listen to each other as we navigate through this process in a respectful and comforting setting.

IN KEEPING WITH NEW PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES, ALL THOSE ATTENDING THE IN PERSON MEETINGS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW A PIECE OF PICTURE ID AND PROOF OF VACCINATION.

The meetings will also have a Zoom option for those who can’t make it in person. Due to the limitations of Zoom we are required to have people resister for the event. Please use the link below:




In the interest of time, and with a strong desire to hear from as many people as want to be heard, we ask that you submit any thoughts or questions prior to the meeting to; listening@ourladyofguadalupe.ca

Please note that these meetings are open to anyone who would be impacted by the proposed closures of Immaculate Conception and Saint Paul’s not just current Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioners.

Yours in Faith,
The Listening Committee

Here is a letter, addressed to all the faithful of the parish, of Our Lady of Guadalupe, from Archbishop Dunn, concerning the Discernment and goals of our committee.

Here is Archbishop Dunn's announcement from Mass Sunday October 10, 2021, regarding the start of the Decrement process.