London North Central Catholic Family of Parishes
St. Michael's Parish | St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica
St. Josephine Bakhita African & Caribbean Catholic Community
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Info Board
This page is a screen-reader-friendly version of our weekly bulletin.
Summer Edition
July 2026
WELCOMING OUR NEW BISHOP
A special edition featuring the Bishop's first message to the Diocese and highlights from a historic summer.
A message from Bishop Miehm:
"I feel humbled to be called by the Holy Father to serve the Church as the Bishop of London.
I look forward to serving the people of the Diocese of London, and to working collaboratively with the
clergy, consecrated men and women, and lay members of the faithful.
I ask your prayers for me."
A HISTORIC DAY FOR OUR DIOCESE
Episcopal Installation of Bishop Daniel J. Miehm
June 29, 2026 | St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica
On the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Bishop Daniel J. Miehm was installed as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of London.
Main photo: Bishop Miehm, wearing a mitre and holding his crozier, is seated at the centre of the sanctuary during the installation Mass. He is surrounded by bishops, priests, and other ministers dressed in red vestments.
Installation Highlights
Photos courtesy of Morris Lamont
Fr. Daniel Bombardier presents a crucifix to Bishop Miehm. The bishop kisses the crucifix as a sign of humility, love, and reverence for Christ’s sacrifice.
Proclamation of the Papal Bull
Fr. Paul Baillargeon, Chancellor, proclaims the Papal Bull of Nomination appointing Bishop Miehm as Bishop of London.
Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, Apostolic Nuncio, presents Bishop Miehm with his crozier, or pastoral staff.
Bishop Miehm is led to the cathedra, the bishop’s chair and a symbol of his teaching authority in the Diocese of London.
[Watch the full Episcopal Installation Mass on our Family of Parishes YouTube channel.]
[View more photos from the installation here.]
CALLED TO BE SEALED WITH THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Registration is now open for students entering Grade 8 (or above) in September who wish to prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Registration closes Friday, October 9
Families will choose ONE preparation stream and attend that same session day throughout the program:
Sunday Sessions
Oct. 25 – Dec. 6
Tuesday Sessions
Oct. 27 – Dec. 8
Parent Information Night: October 20 at 7 PM
To register, please submit:
• Completed Registration Form
• $25 Registration Fee
• Copy of the Candidate's Baptismal Certificate
• Signed Liability Waiver
🔗 All forms, registration details, and additional information can be found at: lncc.dol.ca/confirmation
📧 Questions? Contact Leigh at lduckworth@dol.ca
We look forward to accompanying your family on this important step in your child's faith journey.
MEET FR. MATTHEW SAWYER
Originally from Mitchell, Ontario, Fr. Matthew Sawyer was ordained to the priesthood in 2024.
He recently joined our Family of Parishes as Associate Pastor, marking his second assignment with the Family of Parishes since ordination. Bringing a joyful spirit and enthusiasm for parish life, he celebrated his first weekend Masses with us earlier this month.
We warmly welcome Fr. Matt and invite you to read his message below as he introduces himself to our parish communities.
“Thank you for the warm welcome I have received since joining the Family of Parishes. I look forward to working with Fr. Daniel and our whole Pastoral Team as we continue to serve our faith community.
Priesthood in some way, shape, or form has always been in my heart. One of the first presents I remember receiving on my 4th birthday was a Fisher-Price Picnic Table, a gift I used almost exclusively as a child to offer Mass for my neighbours who would walk by my family home. The homilies might have been simple, and communion might not have been valid (Ritz crackers and grape juice), but the passion and excitement were already there, and it’s that excitement and passion I can promise to serve you all with during my time here. I can’t wait to see what we can do together to help build the Kingdom of God here in London and help each other become the people God created us to be.”
WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS &
THE ELDERLY SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2026
For the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme: "I will never forget you" (Isaiah 49:15). These comforting words remind us that God's faithful love never abandons us and is the enduring answer to the isolation and loneliness that many older adults experience.
Pope Leo acknowledges the reality that many grandparents and elderly people live with loneliness, whether at home, in long-term care, or far from family and friends. He reminds us that we are called to make God's love visible through simple yet meaningful acts of tenderness, presence, and compassionate care.
The Holy Father invites each of us to revive the beautiful tradition of visiting grandparents, elderly relatives, neighbours, and those who have no one to visit them. A conversation, a shared prayer, a phone call, or a quiet visit can become a living sign of God's love and a source of hope.
Pope Leo also speaks directly to older people, encouraging them not to fear the vulnerabilities that often accompany aging. He reminds them that this stage of life remains a sacred vocation—a time to deepen prayer, seek reconciliation, grow in faith, hope, and love, and offer the invaluable gift of intercession for peace in our families, our communities, and throughout the world.
As we celebrate this World Day, may we honour the wisdom, faith, and witness of our grandparents and elderly, ensuring that no one feels forgotten and that all may experience the enduring promise of God’s love. “I will never forget you”
ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA COMMUNITY
Highlighting community life: Monthly Masses are followed by a social gathering where families connect, singles build friendships, children play, and lasting relationships are formed. The community also comes together each week for an online Rosary, while our chaplain offers regular virtual doctrinal classes that provide meaningful faith formation.
Milestones & celebrations: Community life is enriched by an annual summer picnic, a festive year-end celebration filled with singing and dancing, and monthly Thanksgiving Masses celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other family milestones.
Growth: The community continues to flourish, welcoming one or two new families almost every month. Its rich cultural diversity is celebrated through music, traditional attire, and shared meals. All are welcome!
ST. MICHAEL'S DRIVEWAY PROJECT
The grassy area south of the rectory garage doors is now being converted into a paved laneway and parking area, creating an additional parking space for parish staff, visitors, and parishioners throughout the week.
There will be safety tape and cones marking the area until the asphalt is in place.
Thank you for your patience while this work is completed.
ST. PETER'S CATHEDRAL RESTORATION UPDATES
During the second week of August, contractors will be rearranging some of the safety fencing along the north side of our parking lot to permit the placement of waste bins on the foundation of the former school site.
At the same time, heavy equipment will also be on-site for the removal of unused iron pressure vessels and piping in the basement of the Cathedral's boiler rooms. Due to the nature of the work, circulation fans will be turned off to prevent excessive amounts of dust and smoke from welding torches from entering the Cathedral's interior space. For a two-week period, this work
will result in the loss of approximately 6 parking spots adjacent to the rear doors of the sacristy.
Missed our June 3 Information Evening? Catch up online!
Full presentation on YouTube (with chapter timestamps)
Event photo gallery
Project updates: www.lncc.dol.ca/cathedral-restoration
Follow our social media for Beyond the Cathedral Walls, a new video series documenting the Cathedral's restoration journey.
EXPLORING THE CATHOLIC FAITH:
RCIA INFORMATION NIGHT
Wednesday, August 5 from 7 to 8:30 PM
St. Michael's Parish Hall
Are you an adult, not baptised, looking to explore the faith of the Catholic Church? Are you a baptised adult from a different denomination looking to further your relationship with Jesus through the Catholic Church?
Our church has a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), Initiation being the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Through weekly gatherings, we pray,
share, reflect, and explore various themes and teachings of the Catholic church.
All are welcome to attend as you continue to explore your journey of faith.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Registration is open for students entering Grade 8 (or above) in September who wish to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Registration closes Friday, October 9
Families may choose ONE of the following preparation options:
Sunday Sessions: Oct. 25 – Dec. 6 OR
Tuesday Sessions: Oct. 27 – Dec. 8
Registration Requirements
✓ Completed Registration Form
✓ $25 Registration Fee
✓ Copy of Baptismal Certificate
✓ Signed Liability Waiver
🔗 Forms & information: lncc.dol.ca/confirmation
📧 For more information, contact Leigh at lduckworth@dol.ca
UPCOMING: FIRST RECONCILIATION &
FIRST COMMUNION
Registration for First Reconciliation and First Communion (2027) for students in Grade 2 and older will be open September 1–November 27, 2026. More information and registration details will be available on our website in September.
ST. MICHAEL'S KofC BOTTLE DRIVE
Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9
Donate your refundable bottles to help raise funds in support of St. Joseph's Hospice.
Please bring your beer, wine, and liquor bottles and cans to St. Michael's Church parking lot (at rear of church), between 9 to 10 AM and 4 to 5 PM Saturday; or between 7 AM - 12 PM Sunday,
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COR FOR MEN
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18 or over? Single, married? Retired, working?
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Looking for:
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More from your faith?
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A closer relationship with Jesus?
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The opportunity to grow in your faith?
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A group of men to share your faith with?
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Beginning September 12, 2026. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus. For ALL men in our Family of Parishes.
Watch out for our information table after Masses on August 15/16.
Contact: Gord Smith gosmit@execulink.com or Mel Imbroll melimbroll@gmail.com
ST. MICHAEL'S & ST. PETER'S CWL RETREAT
All women of our parishes are invited to our August 15th Retreat, "Exploring and Nourishing Your Gifts" facilitated by Toinette ParisIo, a former L'Arche Community leader. Come and spend a day of reflection, prayer, and fellowship as we explore the unique gifts God has entrusted to each of us and how we can nurture them in service to others.
The retreat is from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Doors open at 8:30. Registration is $15.00, which includes morning refreshments and lunch. It will be collected at the door.
Please register by August 5th to cwlstmichlon@gmail.com.
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ST. PETER'S CWL BURSARY
St. Peter's Cathedral Catholic Women's League is pleased to announce the offering of a $3,000 bursary to a qualifying student. Applications are available in the Narthex of St. Peter's Cathedral or may be accessed through the Catholic Central High School virtual Grade 12 Guidance page.
We encourage eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY
If a family member or parishioner is recovering at home or residing in a care facility and would appreciate a pastoral visit or the reception of Holy Communion, please contact Sharon Hunt, Pastoral Minister, at shunt@dol.ca
PROFESSION OF PERPETUAL VOWS OF
SR. ANASTASIA MARIA OF THE CROSS
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Sr. Anastasia Maria of the Cross, a native of London, from St. George Parish, will profess her perpetual vows as a religious sister in the Queenship of Mary Community! The Mass of Profession will take place at Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa, ON at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception at Stella Maris Convent (1030 Baseline Rd, Ottawa, ON). You are warmly invited to attend. Please keep all of the Sisters preparing for vows in your prayers, as they anticipate this joyful union with their Divine Spouse, Jesus Christ! For more info, visit www.queenshipofmary.ca.
ELECTRONIC BULLETIN DELIVERY NOTICE
Some subscribed parishioners may not have received their weekly electronic bulletin because emails bounced back. Kindly ensure your inbox is not full and add basilica@dol.ca to your
contacts or safe senders list.
Parishioners are also encouraged to:
• Ensure that their email inbox is not full
• Check Spam or Junk folders regularly
• Avoid blocking parish emails through email filters or settings
• Notify the parish office if their email address has changed
Our electronic bulletin is normally sent on Fridays. If you do not receive it, please contact the parish office for assistance.
You may also access the bulletin online at: https://www.lncc.dol.ca/weeklybulletin