For Everything There is a Season

For Everything There is a Season. (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8)

“A time to plant and a time to uproot”. In 1906, the seeds for the many bountiful gifts and joys that were to come from Our Lady of Grace Parish, Sedley, were planted.  Throughout the 120 years of the life of Our Lady of Grace Church, many baptisms, weddings, confirmations, first Eucharists, funerals and special celebrations occurred. Our Lady of Grace spread its love of the Gospel throughout the Archdiocese, with 20 priests and 28 sisters being ordained from the parish. The town of Sedley, Our Lady of Grace Parish and the sisters of the Loretto Convent collaborated to create and maintain a thriving community.

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the roots of the Parish were transplanted to a smaller facility that would allow the roots to continue to flourish, but in a way that would be manageable for the parishioners.

The Decommissioning Ceremony of Our Lady of Grace church was a combination of a Palm Sunday and a Decommissioning Ceremony. Symbolically, it was an excellent representation of the upcoming Triduum.  The church was filled.  An abundance of individuals were willing to fill the various ministries necessary for the ceremony.

Prior to the commencement of the mass, Jeannine Nelson, Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson, spoke about the history of Our Lady of Grace.  The church bells rang to start mass, and the 15 choir members gathered from a number of parishes led the congregation in song.

The mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Donald Bolen.  Concelebrants were Rev. Louis Abello, past pastor; Rev. Dennis Remot, current pastor; Rev. Francis Kurisinkal, Very Rev. Valentine Amobi, Dean; and Rev. Mr. Ken Fahlman, Deacon. Just prior to the concluding rites, Rev. Abello addressed the congregation, expressing gratitude for his 27 years as pastor of Our Lady of Grace.

Although it was “a time to mourn,” it was also “a time to dance” as many people came to celebrate together the decommissioning of the church.  Comfort was found knowing that the former church will now be used as a Christian Education centre, training where youth from across Canada will come to learn the aspects of faith and leadership, which they will spread throughout their communities. A lovely meal was shared after the celebration.

As the members of Our Lady of Grace Parish continue to worship in the New Horizons Centre, Sedley, they would like to extend an invitation to all to join them in their new home.