Exciting News for OMI Lacombe Canada!

For the first time in the Oblate congregation’s history, lay associates have been asked to provide prayers for the Novena for Oblate vocations! OMI Lacombe Canada Associates have been asked to take on the project and under the guidance of a steering committee, are already at work. With a deadline of October for the May 21-29 Novena, there is little time to lose.

A steering committee, composed of Associates Darcie Lich, Lucie Leduc, and Sandra Prather, Provincial Animator for OMI Lacombe Canada Associates, thoughtfully and prayerfully considered the various aspects involved in the project and reviewed novenas from previous years in order to discern what shape the 2024 Novena should have. In the end, the 37th chapter document, ‘Pilgrims of Hope in Communion,’ was selected as the inspirational theme and a simple booklet format proposed. Eight Associates from the various districts, and one Oblate priest, were asked to be contributors. We are grateful to Pamela Dixon, Darcie Lich, Christine Taylor, Lucie Leduc, Bob McKeon, Fr. Glenn Zimmer, Francis Maza and Cathie Oberndorf, for saying ‘Yes’ to the invitation to write a novena reflection.

The steering committee identified nine ‘calls’ arising from the chapter and each day will focus on a different one. Using chapter quotes, Scripture, and gleanings from Eugene and various Oblate writings as inspiration, the writer’s reflections will, we hope, provide rich pathways of prayer for vocations for the entire Oblate charismatic family.

We are conscious of what a privilege it is to be asked to undertake this work and see it as gift and grace for OMI Lacombe Canada and, we pray, for the Oblate charismatic family globally.  Please pray that the Spirit holds and leads us!

By Sandra Prather, HOMI