House Warming & Edge Camp

These have been busy days at Holy Family Parish!  On Sunday afternoon we had our House warming party for the Eisho Family. Having left Iraq over a year ago and fleeing to Syria, and then arriving in Canada at the end of June, they have been "Homeless" for quite some time!  The house that we were able to find for them is actually quite close to the church - at Queensgate and Landsbridge, and they were able to move in last Friday and Saturday.  

The generosity of people who had taken the "gift pack" suggestions that were prepared by the Refugee Welcoming Committee was quite astounding.  The family is certainly getting a solid start due to your generosity. A special thank you to Garden Foods for their generous donation of the Fruit and Vegetable Platters, and to members of Holy Family Catholic Women's League & Knights of Columbus for their work on the reception. It was a grand afternoon!

Early Monday Morning I went up to Camp White Pine, near Haliburton, where since Thursday Fr. Sherwin, Stephanie, and 56 other members of Holy Family Parish are with 375 people from 9 parishes at the annual Edge Adventure Camp.  As the day continued we were joined by other priests - including Bishop Vincent Nguyen - until there were 15 of there to celebrate Reconciliation (confession) with the campers and leaders, and then together we celebrated the Eucharist. It was the feast of the beheading of St. John the Baptist. 
As I looked upon the gathered priests, I came to a sobering realization.  I was the "dean" of these guys.  While I was not the oldest man there, I was the longest ordained (18 years)! even the Bishop is only ordained 13 years! Another "feeling old" moment!
Here are some pictures of our campers and the Dining room.

On the way to dinner - after Mass

Waiting for Dinner in the Dining Hall

Chris and Michael getting ready to head to Senior Boys session Monday Evening

Peace