Catholic Mission In Canada

‘Priests were not always available to travel here because of poor weather and travelling conditions, so the people made the most of it when the priest arrived, which could be once a year’

Our village, St. Paul’s River in Eastern Quebec, is a quaint and peaceful community with about 400 people, half of whom are Catholic.

Many people haven’t even heard of this place, but for those who have, it is certainly a sight to enjoy. The village sits on a mountain of rocks and lichen, surrounded by water. With very little trees and vegetation, there is nothing to block the beautiful sunrises and sunsets of this unique village on the Lower North Shore.

The Catholic community of St. Peter’s parish in St. Paul’s River has gone through many different changes in their faith life. Priests were not always available to travel here because of poor weather and travelling conditions, so the people made the most of it when the priest arrived, which could be once a year.

After many years of waiting for a permanent priest in our area, we were fortunate to have Oblate Father Alfred Proulx stationed in Lourdes de Blanc Sablon, a parish only 52 km from St. Paul’s River. A weekly Mass was held in our old school house which later became the church until 1986 when a new church was erected. This church was built by the hard work and support of people in the community. We were also aided by many donations received from many areas. The church was completely paid for in 2001 with support from Catholic Missions In Canada.

In 1985, the Sisters of St. Martha became permanent residents to our small village where they help provide services to the community when a priest is not available. They also help keep the church, convent and surrounding grounds well maintained with a lot of help from parishioners. Even with the Sisters here, there are still many challenges especially with keeping the younger population involved within the church, but we keep the youth always involved whenever possible.

Providing First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation services when the children come of age is always a celebration which brings out the whole community. Baptism and marriage services involve weekly preparation sessions for participants. The Sisters also provide weekly Communion to the elderly and the sick who cannot otherwise get to the church for regular service, a ministry that has proven to be a blessing to them.

We also try to keep the faith alive by having many people involved in our weekly Eucharistic celebration, inviting parishioners to be involved in faith ministry and through devotions for specific seasons—such as the Rosary and Stations of the Cross.

The people in the community love and cherish their church. They do all they can to keep it up and running.

Many fundraising activities help defray some costs at the church as well. Each week, the church holds small fundraisers to help raise money and to provide recreation for older people as well as younger ones.

 The women in St. Paul’s River have an excellent guild and they love what they do. The guild meets once every week to crochet, knit, sew, and make quilts and crafts. Twice a year, a bazaar is held as a social fundraising event which brings the people in the community together.

Last June, a Women’s Retreat was organized for the ladies in our parish. Fifteen women attended this retreat and were left with a greater love for God and respect for themselves and others.

During the past eight years, ever since Fr. Proulx left, we have had Mass sporadically on Sundays. We have been blessed with the priests stationed in West Ste. Modeste (about100 km from St. Paul’s River) who have graciously served in this area. This year, we have a priest stationed in Lourdes de Blanc Sablon who comes to say Mass twice a month. The Sisters have a Liturgy of the Word service when the priest is not available.

Visiting priests come for the Christmas and Easter seasons—grants that we receive from Catholic Missions In Canada enable us to receive this service. These are wonderful occasions for many spiritual celebrations. During these seasons, we also provide service for the people in Middle Bay, a small village about 20 km from St. Paul’s River.

As well, many people from the community come out to special services at church.

During Advent, St. Peter’s parish holds an annual memory tree service. Members of the community write names of their lost loved ones and tie the tiny notes to the memory tree. The names are read at the annual service, with people from Old Fort Bay to Blanc Sablon attending. The Adult and Children’s choirs provide music that always makes each service memorable.

It has been 25 years since the Sisters of St. Martha from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, responded to Oblate Archbishop Peter Sutton’s invitation to serve in St. Paul’s River. For us, this has been a joyful and momentous journey. A journey enriched by the faith of wonderful people who, over the years, have been deprived of many spiritual benefits which we take so much for granted.

A heartful “thank you” from us and from our people.

Sister Catherine Arsenault, C.S.M., coordinates pastoral ministry at St. Peter’s parish in St. Paul’s River, Quebec, in the Diocese of Baie-Comeau.

With files from Tanya Smith