Vocations

Jesus loves us so much that, in the midst of a sinful and broken world, he entered our world as Fully God and Fully Man.  He came to destroy the power of the devil, to forgive us our sins, and show us the way to Heaven.

Before his death and Resurrection, Jesus founded the Church, a Universal ('catholica') Church, in which the gates of hell would not prevail against it.  He appointed 12 apostles to live with him, learn from him, and eventually, to follow in his footsteps to bring the gospel of Jesus to the entire world.  These apostles, following the death and Resurrection of Christ, became the first bishops of the Church, and they ordained, through the laying on of hands, other bishops, priests and deacons to become fellow shepherds and evangelists in the world.

The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall is looking for good men with Christlike hearts to proclaim the Good News of salvation to the faithful of this Archdiocese.  Christ is calling men who are truly humble with a shepherd's heart to teach, celebrate sacraments, to safeguard the teachings of the faith, and encourage, protect, and lead all souls to Heaven.   

Whether you are discerning a call to the priesthood or supporting a friend or family member pursuing a vocation, the Vocations Office is here to provide spiritual guidance and ongoing support.  If you feel the Lord nudging you in the direction of the priesthood, your parish priest is usually the first point of contact.  Sometimes a discerner feels that he's not called to the priesthood because of fear of failure at the seminary, questions regarding lifelong celibacy, or fear of authority figures.  I had similar questions when I was first discerning my call to the priesthood.  Remember, there aren't any stupid questions, and every unique calling begins with the first step.  As director of Vocations for Ottawa-Cornwall, I look forward to hearning from you!  Leave me a message on my phone or email me.  We can talk on the phone or by zoom.  Eventually (hopefully soon), we can meet one on one, in person.

Fr. Pierre
Director of Vocations, Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall
vocations@archottawa.ca
c613-558-1445

sunday, october 4, 2020

Ordination to the Diaconate of Two Candidates at Notre-Dame Cathedral

On Sunday, October 4th Michel Goyette and Claude Vachon were ordained to the Permanent Diaconate. In addition, Diego Rebeles who is studying for the priesthood was ordained to the transitional diaconate.

All three men are slated to serve in the francophone sector of the Archdiocese.

Please keep these men and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
In the photo: Deacons Michel Goyette (Yvonne), Diego Rebeles, Claude Vachon (Isabelle). In the background (masked): Bishop Desrochers, Archbishop Damphousse.

Monday, August 10, 2020

Ordination to the Diaconate of Seven Candidates at St Finnan's Parish in Alexandria
On August 10, the feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, Archbishop Prendergast ordained seven men to the diaconate—six permanent diaconate candidates and one who is a candidate for the priesthood—in St. Finnan’s Church, Alexandria.
 
The men who were ordained and their home parishes are:

• Guy Cote (Blessed Sacrament, Cornwall);
• Steven Gaudet, candidate for the priesthood (St. Bernard, Finch);
• Chris Moffat (Blessed Sacrament, Ottawa)
• Richard Murphy (St. Bernard, Finch)
• Kevin O’Shea (St. Maurice, Ottawa)
• Phil Richards (Divine Infant, Orleans)
• Tom Sudsbear (Holy Redeemer, Kanata)

Please keep these men and their wives and families in your thoughts and prayers.

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Ordination to the Priesthood of Jonathan Graham Kelly at Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica.

Fr. Jonathan Kelly's priestly ordination took place in Notre Dame Cathedral during a Mass celebrated on the Feast of the Transfiguration, August 6, 2020. 

Please keep Fr. Kelly and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Jonathan Graham Kelly was born in Ottawa on April 4, 1989. He grew up in Aylmer, Quebec. His parents, older sister, and two younger brothers attended Mass at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Aylmer. After High school, he attended CEGEP Heritage College to study natural sciences. On a pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Australia in 2008, an experience led him to consider the priesthood. A year later, he entered the seminary and began discerning. He received his undergraduate degree in philosophy from St. Philip Neri Seminary in Toronto. He obtained his Masters of Divinity from St. Augustine’s Seminary. During his time at St. Augustine’s, he entered a non-academic propaedeutic year to learn the rules of discernment of St. Ignatius. He did a one-year internship at St. Augustine Parish in Ottawa.