Father Milton McWatch, pastor, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus parish, in Beardmore, Ontario.
‘From my youngest days, St. Theresa’s parish and school were my life. The Grey Nuns taught us our religion and Mom and Dad nurtured our faith.’
When I received news that we would receive a grant this spring for St. Theresa’s parish in
Also at about the same time, I got a request for a baptismal certificate from a family who lived in Beardmore and worshipped at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus parish many years ago. When I looked up the information, the name came up as the 540th baptism recorded since 1946. Previously, baptisms were recorded in the mission records out of
Elder Thomas McCready, Madeline Turbide and Gennette Goodman of St. Theresa’s parish.
Elder Thomas McCready says: “St. Theresa’s has always been our family parish.”
Anna McCready recalls: “From my youngest days, St. Theresa’s parish and school were my life. The Grey Nuns taught us our religion and Mom and Dad nurtured our faith. Now that I am a parent, I’m doing the same for my children. Yes, St. Theresa’s is my lifeline to my passion, Jesus Christ.”
With the silencing of the forests, many parishioners have moved on. What a tremendous gift the little parish of St. Theresa’s has given to our land through its many baptisms. St. Theresa’s of the Child Jesus parish still unites and binds us as we journey toward our heavenly home. As priest to these people, I maintain their link with the diocese so that the full benefits and blessings of the holy
The forests may have fallen silent, and the loggers have moved on, but the land and the people still sing praises, glory, and Alleluia to God.
Father Milton McWatch is pastor of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus parish and missions in Beardmore, and Annunciation of Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Nipigon, in the Diocese of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
