Welcome to St. Matthew’s!
Joining our church community is an invitation for you to look at the magnificent creation that surrounds us, given to us to discover all the goodness that God does for us. This invitation also encourages all of us to look at what will further our vision and mission of church, as our mission statement summarizes: “We are called to share God’s love as we welcome and care for our community.”
At St. Matthew’s, we affirm to be a spiritual family; we are inclusive, open to the world, and we live our faith through concrete commitments. We strive to provide a taste of how it is to be part of this mission of church, reaching out to the hearts of many people, whether on the social, community or pastoral level. As our way to develop discipleship to reach some of those who are waiting, our volunteers are always involved in ministries, outreach programs and regular events.
May this journey together be a renewal and a path to grow as a spiritual family, and to fully live our mission as baptized people. Let us be united and good to each other, to truly be a life-giving church.
Blessings,
Rev’d Gilles+
Joining our church community is an invitation for you to look at the magnificent creation that surrounds us, given to us to discover all the goodness that God does for us. This invitation also encourages all of us to look at what will further our vision and mission of church, as our mission statement summarizes: “We are called to share God’s love as we welcome and care for our community.”
At St. Matthew’s, we affirm to be a spiritual family; we are inclusive, open to the world, and we live our faith through concrete commitments. We strive to provide a taste of how it is to be part of this mission of church, reaching out to the hearts of many people, whether on the social, community or pastoral level. As our way to develop discipleship to reach some of those who are waiting, our volunteers are always involved in ministries, outreach programs and regular events.
May this journey together be a renewal and a path to grow as a spiritual family, and to fully live our mission as baptized people. Let us be united and good to each other, to truly be a life-giving church.
Blessings,
Rev’d Gilles+
Season of Lent 2026
As we enter this holy season of Lent together, we step once more into a time of reflection, renewal, and quiet hope. Lent invites us to slow down, to listen more deeply for the voice of God, and to rediscover the grace that meets us in every moment. At St. Matthew’s, this journey is never taken alone—we walk it as a community shaped by prayer, compassion, and the Gospel we share. During this Lenten season, may we open our hearts to God’s quiet work within us. May this be a time to deepen our prayer, renew our compassion, and rediscover the joy of walking with Christ. And as spring approaches, may new life—both in nature and in our parish—remind us that God is forever bringing forth renewal.
May the blessing of this holy season rest upon you: May Christ walk beside you in your fasting and your feasting, may the Spirit strengthen you in your seeking and your surrender, and may the love of God surround you, guide you, and bring you to Easter with a heart made new. Amen.
Blessings, Rev'd Gilles+
As we enter this holy season of Lent together, we step once more into a time of reflection, renewal, and quiet hope. Lent invites us to slow down, to listen more deeply for the voice of God, and to rediscover the grace that meets us in every moment. At St. Matthew’s, this journey is never taken alone—we walk it as a community shaped by prayer, compassion, and the Gospel we share. During this Lenten season, may we open our hearts to God’s quiet work within us. May this be a time to deepen our prayer, renew our compassion, and rediscover the joy of walking with Christ. And as spring approaches, may new life—both in nature and in our parish—remind us that God is forever bringing forth renewal.
May the blessing of this holy season rest upon you: May Christ walk beside you in your fasting and your feasting, may the Spirit strengthen you in your seeking and your surrender, and may the love of God surround you, guide you, and bring you to Easter with a heart made new. Amen.
Blessings, Rev'd Gilles+
Season of Advent: renewal, service, humility and transformation.
As we enter the holy season of Advent, we are invited once again to walk together in the light of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. These four themes guide us through each Sunday of Advent, preparing our hearts to celebrate Emmanuel—God with us. Over the past months, we have witnessed the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our parishioners, and the strength of our community. Together, we have built something stronger, rooted in faith and service. Advent reminds us that this journey is not only about what we have accomplished, but also about how we continue to grow. The Gospel readings this season—Matthew 24:36-44, Matthew 3:1-12, Matthew 11:2-11, Matthew 1:18-25, and Luke 2:1-7—call us to watchfulness, repentance, joy, and the embrace of God’s love revealed in Christ’s birth. They remind us that hope is not passive; it is active, shaping how we live and how we renew ourselves in faith. This Advent, I invite each of you to reflect on renewal. Renewal can be found in small acts: sitting in a different pew, meeting new neighbours in the congregation, or trying something new in ministry. These simple changes open our eyes to the gifts of others and help us see ourselves anew. Renewal can also mean stepping into unfamiliar service, working alongside different people, or exploring new avenues of personal spiritual growth. Serving others is not only for our own need; it is to serve for the purpose of God’s Spirit—to allow God to transform the lives of others through our actions, and in turn, to let ourselves be transformed. Our service and commitment are not ends in themselves, but acts of hope and love offered in the name of God. Sometimes, renewal requires us to let go of ego, pride, self contentment, or habit, and instead allow the Spirit of God to work around us and within us. Everything depends on perspective. By shifting our gaze, we discover fresh ways to encounter Christ in one another. As a community, let us embrace renewal, change, and hope— walking together on paths we may not have taken before. The coming year will bring many opportunities. Let us begin now, in this season of Advent, by opening our hearts to renewal and preparation to celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth.
May our journey together be marked by hope, strengthened by peace, filled with joy, and rooted in love.
In Christ, Rev’d Gilles+
Prayer of Blessing for Advent
Loving God, Emmanuel, we thank You for the gift of this holy season of Advent.
Bless our community with hope that sustains us, peace that calms us, joy that uplifts us,
and love that binds us together. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Your Son,
renew our hearts, open our eyes, and guide our steps. May our service bring light to others,
and may Your Spirit transform us in humility and grace. Bless our families, our parish, and all
who seek You. May the celebration of Christ’s birth fill us with wonder
and may Emmanuel, God with us, be our strength and joy, now and forever. Amen.
As we enter the holy season of Advent, we are invited once again to walk together in the light of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. These four themes guide us through each Sunday of Advent, preparing our hearts to celebrate Emmanuel—God with us. Over the past months, we have witnessed the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our parishioners, and the strength of our community. Together, we have built something stronger, rooted in faith and service. Advent reminds us that this journey is not only about what we have accomplished, but also about how we continue to grow. The Gospel readings this season—Matthew 24:36-44, Matthew 3:1-12, Matthew 11:2-11, Matthew 1:18-25, and Luke 2:1-7—call us to watchfulness, repentance, joy, and the embrace of God’s love revealed in Christ’s birth. They remind us that hope is not passive; it is active, shaping how we live and how we renew ourselves in faith. This Advent, I invite each of you to reflect on renewal. Renewal can be found in small acts: sitting in a different pew, meeting new neighbours in the congregation, or trying something new in ministry. These simple changes open our eyes to the gifts of others and help us see ourselves anew. Renewal can also mean stepping into unfamiliar service, working alongside different people, or exploring new avenues of personal spiritual growth. Serving others is not only for our own need; it is to serve for the purpose of God’s Spirit—to allow God to transform the lives of others through our actions, and in turn, to let ourselves be transformed. Our service and commitment are not ends in themselves, but acts of hope and love offered in the name of God. Sometimes, renewal requires us to let go of ego, pride, self contentment, or habit, and instead allow the Spirit of God to work around us and within us. Everything depends on perspective. By shifting our gaze, we discover fresh ways to encounter Christ in one another. As a community, let us embrace renewal, change, and hope— walking together on paths we may not have taken before. The coming year will bring many opportunities. Let us begin now, in this season of Advent, by opening our hearts to renewal and preparation to celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth.
May our journey together be marked by hope, strengthened by peace, filled with joy, and rooted in love.
In Christ, Rev’d Gilles+
Prayer of Blessing for Advent
Loving God, Emmanuel, we thank You for the gift of this holy season of Advent.
Bless our community with hope that sustains us, peace that calms us, joy that uplifts us,
and love that binds us together. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Your Son,
renew our hearts, open our eyes, and guide our steps. May our service bring light to others,
and may Your Spirit transform us in humility and grace. Bless our families, our parish, and all
who seek You. May the celebration of Christ’s birth fill us with wonder
and may Emmanuel, God with us, be our strength and joy, now and forever. Amen.
An Invitation this Fall Season
Here we are, entering a new season that invites us to look at all this magnificent creation that surrounds us, given to us to discover all the goodness that God does for us. This new autumn season also invites us to look at all that we have accomplished together, and to go further in our vision and mission of church; it sets the tone for self-examination and discovery of what we must do together for renewal, broadening our overall vision, and our mission. In the coming months, I would like as a goal for us, to develop a new way of discipleship to reach those who are waiting, to provide to the hearts of many people a taste of how it is to be part in this mission of church whether on the social, community or pastoral level. We affirm to be a spiritual family and that we are inclusive, open to the world, and that we live our faith through concrete commitments; but what does this consist of, and how do we transmit this affirmation? Is this inclusiveness and openness simply about looking at what we experience together as a Christian community or should we do more to renew, so that this mission can reach and go beyond the walls of our routines? “Behold, I am doing a new thing: it is already sprouting, do you not see it?” (Is 43:19). God challenges us through the words of Isaiah: do we not see the call for renewal of the Church? So, what more can we do together, to bring about renewal, change and a new way of being church together and to reach out more to those who need it? There is in these biblical verses, a beautiful reflection, that we are all invited to make, and to become aware of. It is about seeing that renewal is not called to be a simple fad or recurring effect, the Church that we are is called to better correspond to the spirit of the times, and to be an essential presence in our community in general. How could our way of evangelizing be more of a reflection of our mission? How can we let the miracle of Pentecost be reproduced through our actions and commitments? How can we be a presence of the Church? Does this not involve not only a conversion of hearts and mentalities, but a conversion of practices or ways of acting? Together, we must carefully review the way in which we welcome people and receive their requests. It is important to return to the heart of the Gospel to operate a discernment that will lead us to rethink our actions, our commitments, and our mission. Furthermore, what do we want for the next three or five years to come? How do we see our mission, our community and our way of living the gospel? Where do we want to be? I challenge us to reflect on this, and see how we can renew our commitments to be a loving, welcoming and living presence that could better reflect the Gospel. This season, I will be inviting us to reflect more on this urgent need to define our vision and mission to be a church close to all. May this new season be for us, a renewal and a path to grow together, and to fully live our mission as baptized people. Let us be good to each other and in unity, be open to renewal, to truly be a life-giving church. Blessings, Rev'd Gilles+
Here we are, entering a new season that invites us to look at all this magnificent creation that surrounds us, given to us to discover all the goodness that God does for us. This new autumn season also invites us to look at all that we have accomplished together, and to go further in our vision and mission of church; it sets the tone for self-examination and discovery of what we must do together for renewal, broadening our overall vision, and our mission. In the coming months, I would like as a goal for us, to develop a new way of discipleship to reach those who are waiting, to provide to the hearts of many people a taste of how it is to be part in this mission of church whether on the social, community or pastoral level. We affirm to be a spiritual family and that we are inclusive, open to the world, and that we live our faith through concrete commitments; but what does this consist of, and how do we transmit this affirmation? Is this inclusiveness and openness simply about looking at what we experience together as a Christian community or should we do more to renew, so that this mission can reach and go beyond the walls of our routines? “Behold, I am doing a new thing: it is already sprouting, do you not see it?” (Is 43:19). God challenges us through the words of Isaiah: do we not see the call for renewal of the Church? So, what more can we do together, to bring about renewal, change and a new way of being church together and to reach out more to those who need it? There is in these biblical verses, a beautiful reflection, that we are all invited to make, and to become aware of. It is about seeing that renewal is not called to be a simple fad or recurring effect, the Church that we are is called to better correspond to the spirit of the times, and to be an essential presence in our community in general. How could our way of evangelizing be more of a reflection of our mission? How can we let the miracle of Pentecost be reproduced through our actions and commitments? How can we be a presence of the Church? Does this not involve not only a conversion of hearts and mentalities, but a conversion of practices or ways of acting? Together, we must carefully review the way in which we welcome people and receive their requests. It is important to return to the heart of the Gospel to operate a discernment that will lead us to rethink our actions, our commitments, and our mission. Furthermore, what do we want for the next three or five years to come? How do we see our mission, our community and our way of living the gospel? Where do we want to be? I challenge us to reflect on this, and see how we can renew our commitments to be a loving, welcoming and living presence that could better reflect the Gospel. This season, I will be inviting us to reflect more on this urgent need to define our vision and mission to be a church close to all. May this new season be for us, a renewal and a path to grow together, and to fully live our mission as baptized people. Let us be good to each other and in unity, be open to renewal, to truly be a life-giving church. Blessings, Rev'd Gilles+
Summer
Dear friends,
Here we are at the time when we will take a break from certain activities for the summer period. Summer has arrived at our doors and we are each planning in our own way a time of relaxation, vacation, and pleasure to enjoy either the sun, outings with family, or any way to replenish our strength. In a sense, a time to recharge spiritually and to find oneself alone, away with God. Whatever our action plan for this time of rest may be, let us remember well that God is always present with us and that He does not take a vacation, and that His love and faithfulness are always there to support us with His presence. I invite you to take the time to breathe deeply during this time to discover the wonders of God around you and in His creation. Also take the time to have meaningful encounters and discoveries, whether with your family, friends, or simply through reading a book you love. One thing not to do is to try to chase after time. Rather, take the time to live and to rest. I wish you a very beautiful summer. It is certain that pastoral life will continue its course. Visits to the sick, hospitals, shelters, and services will continue their normal schedule. We will certainly welcome new faces this summer during our celebrations; it will be an opportunity for us to affirm our mission and our faith. We must always be there to announce Christ and especially to ensure that our church remains alive and can be a place of encounter with the Good News. I count on each of you, dear friends, even on vacation or traveling or in your cottages, to keep our church alive and to support the proper functioning of primary needs, whether at the pastoral, spiritual, or financial level. Let us together be builders of Peace, Love, and Joy around us this summer, and may the Holy Spirit be with you and guide you.
Let us pray: “God, as we embrace the warmth and beauty of summer, we thank You for the gift of this season. May the sun's rays inspire us to shine brightly in our lives and in the lives of others. We pray for joy, peace, and rejuvenation in our hearts. Help us to appreciate the wonders of nature and to find time for rest and reflection. May we be filled with gratitude for the blessings we receive. Amen.”
Blessings, Gilles+
Happy Easter!
Easter is the celebration of spring, the celebration of all new beginnings, the celebration of hope, the celebration of life and new life! It is the celebration of God's gift to each and every one of us. He is here, Alive, Present, and He walks with us.
Easter is the encounter with the Risen Christ. God comes to live with us and make His home in our midst, and He extends His hand to us to walk fully with Him. God comes to us and draws near to us, molding us from new clay, reaffirming His love for us, and re-creating us with tenderness.
Today, Easter must bring us a source of new life, despite everything that is happening in our world. Political uncertainty must not oppress the joy of Easter. The indifference in the world must not tarnish the certainty that God loves us and is with us. Only Love and Forgiveness can bring Peace and revive within us this loving presence of Christ.
We are invited to move from fear into freedom, to work together to build a more humane world, a world of hope and resurrection. We are invited on this Easter feast, to be buds that burst into beauty and wisdom, to reflect the Word of God that lives within us and makes us say: Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen. Let us not be afraid, Christ is truly Risen.
Blessings, Rev'd Gilles+
Easter is the celebration of spring, the celebration of all new beginnings, the celebration of hope, the celebration of life and new life! It is the celebration of God's gift to each and every one of us. He is here, Alive, Present, and He walks with us.
Easter is the encounter with the Risen Christ. God comes to live with us and make His home in our midst, and He extends His hand to us to walk fully with Him. God comes to us and draws near to us, molding us from new clay, reaffirming His love for us, and re-creating us with tenderness.
Today, Easter must bring us a source of new life, despite everything that is happening in our world. Political uncertainty must not oppress the joy of Easter. The indifference in the world must not tarnish the certainty that God loves us and is with us. Only Love and Forgiveness can bring Peace and revive within us this loving presence of Christ.
We are invited to move from fear into freedom, to work together to build a more humane world, a world of hope and resurrection. We are invited on this Easter feast, to be buds that burst into beauty and wisdom, to reflect the Word of God that lives within us and makes us say: Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen. Let us not be afraid, Christ is truly Risen.
Blessings, Rev'd Gilles+