DEBT REDUCED

Construction must necessarily be followed by debt-payment, so, throughout the Fall of l965 and all of l966, there was an increase in fundraising to eliminate the construction debt. The improved facilities were appreciated, and the many successful money-making schemes soon reduced the debt.

FRUITS OF VATICAN II

The Vatican Council concluded in the Fall of l965, engendering a number of new practices in our Catholic lifestyle, such as extensive involvement of all Catholics in the Eucharist and other Sacraments, re-structuring of the Sanctuaries, modern improvements in teaching the faith and an active ecumenical ministry.

To prepare for these, priests, religious and lay people were encouraged to participate in the catechetical and pastoral workshops at St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, (June 27-30) and the Liturgical Institute at Charlottetown, P.E.I. (Aug. 9 to 12).

Another Vatican II innovation was the Catholic Information Centre. These consisted of a priest, religious and laypersons teaming up to operate a downtown office, where anyone could walk in from the street and make inquiries about the faith, or peruse the library and the display of Catholic Periodicals. Classes were scheduled for families prior to Baptism, couples prior to marriage, and individuals and groups preparing to be admitted to full communion in the Church.

PASTOR RE-APPOINTED

In his clergy appointments of 1966, Bishop Lemenager appointed this writer Director of the Catholic Information Centre, Yarmouth, replaced, in Shelburne, by Father Gaston d’Entremont, effective September 12, 1966.

Reflecting on my arrival in Shelburne in 1956, I recalled having all my belongings easily packed in my small Chevrolet, whereas, on this occasion, my accumulated keepsakes and belongings required several trips with my car-trailer.

Looking back at the trepidation I felt on arriving ten years earlier, I silently prayed a prayer of gratitude, for the many friends, memories and endeavours I had the pleasure of sharing, at this, my first pastorate. Deo Gratias!