Many people start their faith journey from the day they are born with parents and/or guardians instilling the values, beliefs, and stories into their daily routines. Some start there’s years or even decades into their life finding a new sense of identity with their faith, just as I had. Although my parents are very supportive of my decisions regarding my journey with myself and my faith, they did not grow up in the same religion as I have chosen to practice.
When I was first introduced to religion in a serious way I didn’t fully understand the teachings. The more I read and the older I got I was able to understand more of what I was being taught and form my own opinions on what I was reading, writing, and praying about. Most of my peers had already grown up with the teachings of the bible from parents, family, and even priests. So trying to understand all the teachings by myself was a little unnerving, I spent a lot of time trying to understand the scriptures and what they mean to me.
As time went on I spent more time forming opinions and thoughts and with these teachings and understandings, I came to appreciate the catholic education system. Many of our religious studies were made up of two parts reading and discussing. The teacher would quote scripture, prayer, or story maybe not from the bible but still relating to religion then after we would discuss whatever was read to us. I loved the discussion part as I loved hearing my classmate’s views on their faith, and how they interpret what it means to them. We were able to ask questions about anything and everything and most if not all my teachers were always encouraging us to ask questions and give up thoughts on the topic. So, having support from teachers, family and friends pushed me to continue questioning everything and trying to understand my religion on a deeper level.
So, when in Grade 6 the opportunity came to get all of my sacraments other than marriage, holy orders and anointing of the sick I jumped at the opportunity but as most things go, I couldn’t just go get my sacraments and call it a day. I had to spend all of my lunches with one of the teachers at St. Paul’s reading and working through a very hefty binder explaining various topics relating to all the sacraments I was about to receive. In a way, these sacraments helped me get closer to God and I felt more welcomed and more inclined to go to church and fulfill the promises I made.
I can still remember the first time I went back to church and finally got to stand up with the others and receive the body of Christ. I can still feel that same joy and sense of accomplishment when I finally got to go up with the big kids and receive the body. That same year I pushed myself to get more involved in anything that I could. I would voluntarily ask to read in church and try to squeeze my way into any faith-based activities I could. I went through my whole Grade 6 year with the same feeling of dignity that I could finally say that I understand my faith and I am a part of the Catholic community. I continued to go to church all through the summer and even went to a bible camp for a portion of my vacation spending my day going to a small chapel and hearing the many different stories of my counselor’s faith journeys.
It inspired me to be able to start my Grade 7 year off with the Alpha youth program. I remember that I was so nervous to share my thoughts with people I didn’t know but with the help of Miss Parniak, Mrs. Palumbo, and the amazing students that put time and effort to be the best leaders I could ask for. I was confidently sharing whenever the discussion portion came up.
This followed into my Grade 8 year although very bittersweet to say I do miss all the times and opportunities I had to indulge in the many faith activities St. Paul’s had to offer. I had done the Alpha youth program for a second time and it was just as fun and exciting as the first time. Since I had done it the year before I jumped straight into it. As I had already heard these same videos before and shared my opinions. I got to look back on how my ideas have changed with only a year between when I had last thought about these and the difference in my thought process and the final answer was huge. It put into perspective how although I was comfortable in my religion I was still learning and growing in it every day with every mass I continued to dive deeper into what my faith journey meant to me.
With this, I wanted to end with a verse from the bible that I keep very close to my heart which is “no one can stop God’s plan for your life”.
Thank you for listening to my faith journey.
Paisley Johnson, Grade 9
“Reaching out to help save St. Veronica's Church. I feel that having a Church in our community is vital to our spiritual wellbeing. Our spirituality is as important as every other aspect of our being. I would like to help and hope everyone else feels the same so that we can actually sustain and keep St. Veronica open and alive.”
“Father, we received your letter and are pleased to make this donation. Regards”,
ST. VERONICA’S CHURCH
559 Douglas Street, Sault Ste Marie, ON, P6C 1V3
Telephone: (705) 253-9411
Email: stveronica@ssmd.ca
www.veronica.church
To all registered parishioners of St. Veronica’s church.
Dear: Parishioner:
We hope that this letter find you and your family in good health and good spirits.
As you know we have all been through challenging times these past two years with the Covid virus, lockdowns and restrictions and now inflation.
Although the restrictions for church attendance have been lifted, there still are about 50% of our regular parishioners who have not yet returned. We miss your presence, your smiles, and your talents.
St. Veronica’s has existed over 80 years and during that time we have been a constant light in the west end of the city. Initially helping people who came from Europe to Canada after World War II, looking for employment and a safe place to call home. We provided community and assistance to all who were in need. When the original church burnt down in the 1950’s, it was the parishioners, who through their hard work and determination, multiple fundraising efforts and by offering all they could, this beautiful church we call home today was built.
St. Veronica’s was there when the steel plant was on strike for lengthy periods of time and the workers needed help. In recent years we have raised $10,000 to renovate our hall, $15,000 to install air conditioning, $50,000 to replace our furnace and then in the middle of Covid we asked for $15,000 to purchase equipment to livestream our Masses and people responded.
We are generous people!!!
Many priests and religious women are former members of our parish. Many of our volunteers have helped not only in our parish but out in our city of Sault Ste. Marie, through various charitable events and undertakings. The people of St. Veronica’s take pride in their Parish and the community and have always been there when the Church is in need.
Now we are depending on you to continue to be that light and help this church that needs you.
As attendance dropped during Covid-19 so did our Sunday Collection donations.
In reviewing our income this year, we are in a position of not being able to continue as we have in the past. Last year we had to lay off our staff for six months. We received some government subsidies which enabled us to meet our expenses. This year our staff is back for their regular hours and there is no longer any government funding. We continue to have bills for electricity, heat, elevator upkeep and safety checks and snow plowing as winter will soon be upon us.
This Fall, we had an unforeseen expense as the roof over the Sacristy needed to be replaced.
So, it is normal that we turn to those who have traditionally supported St. Veronica’s parish with their charitable donations. We rely totally on regular weekly or monthly donations from our parishioners. We do receive other forms of income from weddings, funerals, Memorial fund donations and candles; but that varies from year to year. This year we have been using the churches savings to subsidize expenses to keep the parish functioning, but we cannot continue on this trajectory much longer.
In the enclosed brochure you will see the many things that we have done and are planning to do to continue to be a witness to the Lord in our community. You will also see the ways that you can donate and help support St. Veronica’s in its time of need. We will also be looking for volunteers to help us in upcoming outreach and fundraising initiatives.
And so, in saying this…we need your help brothers and sisters.
We ask that if you have not done so already, please return to contributing financially to the parish on a regular basis even if you are not able to attend. This gives us financial stability and enables us to continue the work of the Lord in our community.
We encourage you to give what you can, as every dollar helps. If you can afford to give a bit more than you have been giving, it would help us out a lot. We are in an unfortunate position, but with your love and generosity we can return to financial health and continue to be a beacon of light and hope for our community.
We fully realize that with inflation everyone is paying more for everything, and we are no exception, but with our income decreased by 50% we will not be able to sustain this.
We certainly thank everyone who has been donating over the past two years, even with the lockdowns, and we encourage those who are viewing our Masses online or on Shaw Cable to please consider seriously, donating what you can so that we may continue.
During Covid it was easy to forget about taking time to come to Mass. Please try to set aside that hour each week to be with the church community. We are here for you, with love.
Okay
Thank you for your consideration.
St. Veronica’s Finance Committee
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WAYS TO GIVE
!. PRE-AUTHORIZED DEBIT FORMS: can be obtained from Father Ron or call the Parish Office. To increase your donation, please come into the office or call. (705) 253-9411)
2. AUTO-DEPOSIT E-TRANSFER: send your e-transfer to stveronica@ssmd.ca It will be deposited automatically.
3. CREDIT CARD, PAY-PAL, OR INTERAC: Visit our website: veronica.church and follow the link for Donations.
4. GREEN ENVELOPES: are available at the back of the church, if you wish to give occasionally. Please fill in your information and place the envelope in the collection basket.
To those of you who donate to St. Veronica’s, we appreciate your ongoing generosity. Don’t worry if you are unable to donate, but please come to Mass. There is a place waiting here for you.