Author Archives: Erik Deprey FSSP

1st Homily of Pope Leo XIV


FULL TEXT: Pope Leo XIV’s Homily at Mass With the Cardinal Electors in the Sistine Chapel
(Pope Leo XIV delivered this homily at his first Mass as Pope in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, the morning after being elected the 267th successor of St. Peter, addressing the cardinal electors who had chosen him.)

(extemporaneous, in English): I begin with a word in English, and the rest is in Italian, but I want to repeat the words of the responsorial psalm: I will sing a new song to the Lord because he has done marvels. And indeed, not just with me, but with all of us, my brother cardinals, as we celebrate this morning, I invite you to recognize the marvels that the Lord has done, the blessings that the Lord continues to pour out upon all of us. Through the ministry of Peter, you have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission, and I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a church, as a community of friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the Good News, to announce the Gospel.

(in Italian, reading): “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). In these words, Peter, asked by the Master, together with the other disciples, about his faith in him, expressed the patrimony that the Church, through the apostolic succession, has preserved, deepened and handed on for two thousand years.

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God: the one Saviour, who alone reveals the face of the Father.

In him, God, in order to make himself close and accessible to men and women, revealed himself to us in the trusting eyes of a child, in the lively mind of a young person and in the mature features of a man (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 22), finally appearing to his disciples after the resurrection with his glorious body. He thus showed us a model of human holiness that we can all imitate, together with the promise of an eternal destiny that transcends all our limits and abilities.

Peter, in his response, understands both of these things: the gift of God and the path to follow in order to allow himself to be changed by that gift. They are two inseparable aspects of salvation entrusted to the Church to be proclaimed for the good of the human race. Indeed, they are entrusted to us, who were chosen by him before we were formed in our mothers’ wombs (cf. Jer 1:5), reborn in the waters of Baptism and, surpassing our limitations and with no merit of our own, brought here and sent forth from here, so that the Gospel might be proclaimed to every creature (cf. Mk 16:15).

In a particular way, God has called me by your election to succeed the Prince of the Apostles, and has entrusted this treasure to me so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator (cf. 1 Cor 4:2) for the sake of the entire mystical Body of the Church. He has done so in order that she may be ever more fully a city set on a hill (cf. Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world. And this, not so much through the magnificence of her structures or the grandeur of her buildings — like the monuments among which we find ourselves — rather through the holiness of her members. For we are the people whom God has chosen as his own, so that we may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called us out of darkness into his marvellous light (cf. 1 Pet 2:9).

Peter, however, makes his profession of faith in reply to a specific question: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Mt 16:13). The question is not insignificant. It concerns an essential aspect of our ministry, namely, the world in which we live, with its limitations and its potential, its questions and its convictions.

“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” If we reflect on the scene we are considering, we might find two possible answers, which characterize two different attitudes.

First, there is the world’s response. Matthew tells us that this conversation between Jesus and his disciples takes place in the beautiful town of Caesarea Philippi, filled with luxurious palaces, set in a magnificent natural landscape at the foot of Mount Hermon, but also a place of cruel power plays and the scene of betrayals and infidelity. This setting speaks to us of a world that considers Jesus a completely insignificant person, at best someone with an unusual and striking way of speaking and acting. And so, once his presence becomes irksome because of his demands for honesty and his stern moral requirements, this “world” will not hesitate to reject and eliminate him.

Then there is the other possible response to Jesus’ question: that of ordinary people. For them, the Nazarene is not a charlatan, but an upright man, one who has courage, who speaks well and says the right things, like other great prophets in the history of Israel. That is why they follow him, at least for as long as they can do so without too much risk or inconvenience. Yet to them he is only a man, and therefore, in times of danger, during his passion, they too abandon him and depart disappointed.

What is striking about these two attitudes is their relevance today. They embody notions that we could easily find on the lips of many men and women in our own time, even if, while essentially identical, they are expressed in different language. Even today, there are many settings in which the Christian faith is considered absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent. Settings where other securities are preferred, like technology, money, success, power, or pleasure.

These are contexts where it is not easy to preach the Gospel and bear witness to its truth, where believers are mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied. Yet, precisely for this reason, they are the places where our missionary outreach is desperately needed. A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society.

Today, too, there are many settings in which Jesus, although appreciated as a man, is reduced to a kind of charismatic leader or superman. This is true not only among non-believers but also among many baptized Christians, who thus end up living, at this level, in a state of practical atheism.

This is the world that has been entrusted to us, a world in which, as Pope Francis taught us so many times, we are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour. Therefore, it is essential that we too repeat, with Peter: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16).

It is essential to do this, first of all, in our personal relationship with the Lord, in our commitment to a daily journey of conversion. Then, to do so as a Church, experiencing together our fidelity to the Lord and bringing the Good News to all (cf. Lumen Gentium, 1).

I say this first of all to myself, as the Successor of Peter, as I begin my mission as Bishop of Rome and, according to the well-known expression of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, am called to preside in charity over the universal Church (cf. Letter to the Romans, Prologue). Saint Ignatius, who was led in chains to this city, the place of his impending sacrifice, wrote to the Christians there: “Then I will truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ, when the world no longer sees my body” (Letter to the Romans, IV, 1). Ignatius was speaking about being devoured by wild beasts in the arena — and so it happened — but his words apply more generally to an indispensable commitment for all those in the Church who exercise a ministry of authority. It is to move aside so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that he may be known and glorified (cf. Jn 3:30), to spend oneself to the utmost so that all may have the opportunity to know and love him.

May God grant me this grace, today and always, through the loving intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church.

Prayers for the Papal Conclave choosing a new Pope

Prayer for the election of the Sovereign Pontiff

V. I will raise Me up a faithful priest, who shall do
according to My Heart and My soul.

R. And I will build him a faithful house: and he
shall walk all day before My Anointed.

Let us pray.
We most humbly entreat Thee, O Lord, that Thy
boundless goodness may grant as pontiff to the
most holy Roman Church one who shall ever be
both pleasing to Thee, by his loving zeal in our
regard, and, by his beneficent rule, deeply revered by
Thy people to the glory of Thy name. Through
Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

Lingua Latina:
V. Suscitabo mihi sacerdotem fidelem, qui iuxta
cor meum, et animam meam faciet.

R. Et aedificabo ei domum fidelem, et
ambulabit coram Christo meo cunctis diebus.

Orémus.
Súpplici, Dómine, humilitáte depóscimus: ut
sacrosánctæ Románæ Ecclésiæ concédat
Pontíficem illum imménsa píetas; qui et pio in
nos stúdio semper tibi plácitus, et tuo pópulo pro
salúbri regímine sit assídue ad glóriam tui
nóminis reveréndus. Per Christum Dóminum
nostrum.
R. Amen

 

Important Schedule Changes This Week

Monday April 21:  7am Mass only (roof replacement work continues)
Wednesday April 23:  7:00 am Mass only (7:30 pm Cancelled because of the FSSP Regional Meeting of Priest of Eastern Canada in Montreal)
Thursday April 24:  7:00 am & 10:30 am Funeral for RIP MIchael Kearney
Please refer to the parish bulletin for the full schedule and announcements.

 

Parish Financial Statements for 2024

Our 2024 financial statements are now available for your review, with adjoining comments from our Parish Finance Council.  If you have any questions please contact Mr. John Fennelly, chairman of the parish finance council.

Visual Chart of 2024 Financial Statements

Explanation of 2024 Financial Statements

 

Confraternity of St. Peter – Enrollment


The Confraternity of St. Peter is a sodality of members who wish to unite themselves to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter and aid in the work of our fraternity, primarily by their prayers.

The Confraternity of St. Peter is spread throughout the world, and is divided into three regions: The English-Speaking Region, the French-Speaking Region and the German-Speaking Region. For more information on these regions and the Confraternity in general, please visit the international website at :

https://www.fssp.org/en/help-us/confraternity-of-saint-peter.

Members pray a decade of the Rosary and the Confraternity Prayer each day for the intentions of the Confraternity.

Enroll in the Confraternity online.

Or print and mail this enrollment form:

Confraternity Enrollment Form and Prayers.

The FSSP Has Renewed its Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Lourdes

For more information and photos on this important event in the life of the FSSP, please visit our international website at https://www.fssp.org/en/the-fraternity-has-renewed-its-consecration/
***
Information on the novena itself can be found below:
The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter will be renewing its consecration of the FSSP and its apostolic works to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and entrusting all its intentions to her care. This consecration will take place on February 11, the feast of the apparitions of Our Lady at Lourdes. It will be preceded by a novena of preparation, from February 2 to 10. The faithful are invited to join the members of the FSSP in this Novena.
 
The Novena consists in a decade of the Rosary followed by the Memorare of St. Bernard.  No specific decade is designated for this novena; however you might want to consider praying the 5th Glorious Mystery, the Coronation of Our Lady, as it would seem most fitting to the apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes.
 
You will find above this message a link with the prayers and instructions and are invited to print this document for your family use. You will also find the prayer of consecration itself for Feb. 11.
 
United in spirit with the FSSP and your parish priests, let us try to prepare ourselves to make this consecration with a generous and trusting heart. 
 
Let us pray that this step will obtain for us the graces that we need and that Our Heavenly Mother will look upon us with kindness and gentleness, and grant us her merciful assistance.

Family Camp 2025

Dear Families of St. Clement Parish,

The St. Clement Family Camp team is organizing another wonderful week this summer at Dominus Vobiscum on Lac Maskinongé in the Quebec Laurentians from July 27 to August 2, 2025.

The cost of this volunteer-run camp is $900 per family for the week. This includes cabin accommodations, daily lunches, and activities including childcare during the parent morning conference.  

The deadline to apply is Thursday, February 21, 2025. Due to limited camp capacity, only 8 families can be selected and will be notified by March 16, 2025. Returning families are welcomed to apply.

If you’re interested to participate this summer, please fill out this Google Form:


Camp details:
The camp offers daily morning Mass, supervised morning activities for children (catechism, sports, crafts), parent conferences and afternoon free time at the two beautiful private beaches. Canoes, row boats, beach volleyball, ping pong and pool tables, and bikes are available for all to use. After supper, all are invited for evening Rosary followed by fun activities including campfires, a treasure hunt, summer Olympics and a talent show or trivia night. The day ends with beautifully sung Compline at 9 PM.

Accommodation:
– Each family stays in their own cabin (capacity up to 10) with their own bathroom and shower.
– Families supply their own bed linens, sleeping bags and pillows.

Food:
– A full lunch is provided by a team of volunteer chefs.
– Each family is assigned their own refrigerator/freezer and dining table.
– Families share a large fully-equipped common kitchen in the central lodge to prepare their own breakfast and supper.
– The priest, seminarian, and camp staff join families for supper on a rotating basis

Attached are photos from previous family camps.

Family Camp – Throughout the Years PDF

Please contact with any questions.

We appreciate your prayers in making this camp a successful grace-filled week for everyone.

God bless,
The St. Clement Family Camp team

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus

The litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus received the Church’s approval for private use by Pope Sixtus V in 1585, and public recitation by Pope Leo XIII in 1886. Powerful against the attacks of the evil one, its use is promoted especially for use in the month of January.  

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us.

Jesus, hear us. 
Jesus, graciously hear us. 
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us 
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 
God the Holy Ghost, 
Holy Trinity, one God, 
Jesus, Son of the living God, 
Jesus, splendour of the Father, 
Jesus, brightness of eternal light, 
Jesus, King of glory, 
Jesus, sun of justice, 
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, 
Jesus, most amiable, 
Jesus, most admirable, 
Jesus, the mighty God, 
Jesus, father of the world to come, 
Jesus, Angel of great counsel, 
Jesus, most powerful, 
Jesus, most patient, 
Jesus, most obedient, 
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, 
Jesus, lover of chastity, 
Jesus, lover of us, 
Jesus, God of peace, 
Jesus, author of life, 
Jesus, example of virtues, 
Jesus, zealous lover of souls, 
Jesus, our God, 
Jesus, our refuge, 
Jesus, father of the poor, 
Jesus, treasure of the faithful, 
Jesus, good Shepherd, 
Jesus, true light, 
Jesus, eternal wisdom, 
Jesus, infinite goodness, 
Jesus, our way and our life, 
Jesus, joy of Angels, 
Jesus, King of Patriarchs, 
Jesus, Master of the Apostles, 
Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, 
Jesus, strength of Martyrs, 
Jesus, light of Confessors, 
Jesus, purity of Virgins, 
Jesus, crown of all Saints, 
Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus. 
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus. 
From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus. 
From all sin, 
From Thy wrath, 
From the snares of the devil, 
From the spirit of fornication, 
From everlasting death, 
From the neglect of Thine inspirations, 
Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, 
Through Thy Nativity, 
Through Thine Infancy, 
Through Thy most divine Life, 
Through Thy labours, 
Through Thine agony and Passion, 
Through Thy Cross and dereliction, 
Through Thy sufferings, 

Through Thy death and burial,
Through Thy Resurrection, 
Through Thine Ascension, 
Through Thine institution of the most Holy Eucharist, 
Through Thy joys, 
Through Thy glory, 
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, 
Spare us, O Jesus. 
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, 
Hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, 
Have mercy on us, O Jesus. 
Jesus, hear us. 
Jesus, graciously hear us.

Let us pray:
O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast said: Ask and ye shall receive, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you; mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the gift of Thy divine charity, that we may ever love Thee with our whole heart and with all our words and deeds, and may never cease from praising Thee. Make us, O Lord, to have a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy Name, for Thou never failest to help and govern those whom Thou dost bring up in Thy steadfast fear and love; who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

Novena and Consecration to the Holy Family

The families of St. Clement Parish are invited to participate in a novena and Consecration of our parish families to the Holy Family which will take place on Sunday January 12, Feast of the Holy Family. The novena begins on Friday, Jan. 3rd. More information can be found below. We would like to thank the St. Clement’s Knights of Columbus (Council #17725) for promoting this initiative at the parish.

Novena and Consecration to the Holy Family EN

We would like to thank the St. Clement’s Knights of Columbus (Council #17725) for promoting this initiative at the parish.

A special Christmas message from Fr. Deprey

+JMJ+

My fellow parishioners,

A few months ago, after having unlocked the church for a baptism on a Saturday afternoon, someone entered in, went to a pew and started praying.  I assumed it was someone coming for the baptism that afternoon; I didn’t realize it was an unbaptized man, who, intrigued by the church, tried the door, entered, and, inspired by a lofty sacred space, began to pray.  Keep in mind the church is usually locked at that time.  After praying for a long while he approached me with questions, and I soon realized he wasn’t there for the baptism; but that he was in search of truth.   I invited him to return for Mass the next day, which he did, and fortunately a seasoned parishioner noticed he needed help on how to follow Mass and promptly sat next to him to provide assistance.  Long story short, this young man is now taking Fr. Debow’s convert catechism class, making friends, and preparing for baptism this Easter!  God provided for this wandering soul, and the charity of a parishioner drew him more into our parish community.  Deo Gratias! 

This is one of many beautiful stories unfolding at our parish. We are blessed beyond measure that so many are seeking the truth and beauty of the faith and are drawn to St. Clements itself as they turn their hearts towards the Incarnate Lord.

Thomas à Kempis once said, “the loftier the building, the deeper the foundation must be.”  This is applies of course to our spiritual life, that it must be deeply rooted and strong if it is going to last; but it also applies to all that supports it, such as the sacred liturgy and the church building itself.

As a parish community, we highly value, truth, beauty and goodness. Since 2012, we have invested considerable time, money, and talent to restore the interior beauty of our church.

Now the time has come to protect this restored beauty from the ravages of wind, rain, and snow.

As many old buildings require restoration and protection, it will come as no surprise that we are needing to significantly update our roof. We are currently installing a new metal roof because the shingles had been constantly twisting off in windstorms, creating the danger of expensive water damage to our interior enhancements.

Thank you for your generous support of this important project. To date, we have received $237,055. The projected cost to install the metal roof is $375,000; however, our engineer has advised us that we need to install additional reinforcements to the roof structure (the purlins) which will cost a further $52,500.  This work is necessary to secure the building envelope and cannot be deferred. 

As many of you wish to give before the end of the fiscal year, we hope you will consider making a charitable donation toward this important project for the protection of our church interior.

This is not just about a building, as our parish community is much more than that. This is about ensuring our community can continue to grow, thrive and honour our Lord in a protected and beautiful space.

This is about people like that young man, who was inspired to pray in a lofty sacred place – who recognized a house of God.

Please mark your contribution as “New Roof”, either here or via cheque or Cash on Sunday in the regular collection.  E-transfers can be sent by following the instructions found here .  Funds raised for this project will not be subject to the diocesan tax (13%).

I thank you for all that you give to our parish. Our community is blessed to have so many who are highly invested in many ways.

I wish you and your family a Blessed and Merry Christmas.

In Christo,

Fr. Erik Deprey, FSSP
St. Clement Parish

“Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the wilderness the paths of our God … and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh together shall see, that the mouth of the Lord hath spoken.” (Isaiah 40: 3-5)

10th Annual Golf Day Results: Thank-you to all our sponsors and donors !

Our 10th annual golf event fundraiser on August 13th was a huge success!
We had 167 people at the dinner with 98 golfers and raised $32,357 after expenses. Deo gratias!

Thank you for all your support – to all the volunteers, to those who contacted sponsors, to all the sponsors, to those who provided auction items, to those who made financial donations, and to all who were able to join us for the day.

We would like to especially thank the many businesses and professionals who were sponsors for the tournament and all the donors who contributed to this year’s silent auction. These are identified in the programme below :

PDF format:  Template Golf Pamphlet 05-08

Powerpoint format:  Golf Pamphlet 05-08

May God reward you for your generosity and support of the parish !

 

1st Communions BBQ sign-up

 

Triduum Schedule

Holy Thursday
7:30 pm Solemn High Mass with Adoration at the Altar of Repose until Midnight.

Good Friday:
Stations at 2:00 pm
Solemn Liturgy at 3:00 pm

Holy Saturday:
9:00 pm Easter Vigil (fulfills Sunday obligation)

Easter Sunday:
8:00 am Low Mass
10:30 am Solemn High Mass
(the 5:30 pm Mass is cancelled)

Norms for Lenten Observance (Archdiocese of Ottawa)

The liturgical season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 14. The following are guidelines of Lenten observance for the faithful in the Archdiocese of Ottawa:

• Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence from meat.

• all other Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence from meat.

Fasting binds all persons who have completed their 18th birthday through those who have completed their 59th year, unless prevented by poor health.

On days of fast, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s own needs. Eating between meals is not allowed although fluids may be taken.

Abstinence from meat binds all persons who have completed their 14th birthday, unless prevented by poor health.

The consumption of meat is not allowed on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent (in the Archdiocese of Ottawa).   The Archbishop mandates this observance for the spiritual well-being of the faithful.

Removing Holy Water from fonts during the season of Lent is not permitted (CDF Prot. N. 569/00/L March 14, 2000).

The covering of crosses and images from the Fifth Sunday of Lent may be observed.

Lent is a penitential season and, as such, religious practices such as daily Mass, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Stations of the Cross, works of charity and justice, and acts of self-denial are highly encouraged.

Update Regarding the Parish Hall Capital Campaign

As so many of you remarked, the St. Elias Centre was a very nice venue for a parish dinner celebrating the 150th anniversary of our beautiful church, our spiritual home since 2012.

As nice as this venue was, in the future we hope to be able to host this type of celebration on Old St. Patrick Street in our own parish hall.

This past July our parish launched a capital campaign to raise $900,000 over three years, beginning this year, toward the building of our hall. Without including the proceeds from the dinner, we have received about $165,000 in pledges from about 45 donors. This is a good start, but we need to reach $900,000 in pledges by the end of December.  Although we don’t require all the money by that time, we do need your pledges now. The reason for the December deadline is that early in 2024 we can meet with the archdiocese for approval of a mortgage. Then we would be able to finalize our hall design and begin the construction process.  

We presently have about 500 donors to our parish. We know that regular donations vary widely according to the means of each individual. But, when averaged out, everything counts, and each donation makes a difference. To put the campaign in perspective, if our 500 donors pledged, on average, an additional $50 per month above and beyond their normal contributions, realizing that some will give more and some less, we would attain our goal of $900,000 to qualify for the mortgage. But we will never really know until we see your pledges of support.

If you have not done so already, we would ask that you consider making a pledge using the pledge form below. Please determine how much you can give above and beyond your normal contributions.

Parish Hall–capital campaign–Pledge Form (PDF)

Remember that your donations are eligible for a significant tax credit.

Our parish has a great future and together we can meet our campaign goal.  May God reward you for your generosity!

Fr. Erik Deprey, FSSP
November 26, 2023