January 2007
There is a tradition among the Québecois which has powerful meaning for me. Québecois families are by and large patriarchal in culture. I intend this as descriptive of how things are; I‘m not offering it as the “ideal” model of family dynamics. It is expected in Québecois families that the generations will approach the family patriarch, the pater familias, (there can be more than one) and ask for his blessing on New Year’s Day. Since my Dad died in October of 2003, I now ask my Mom for her blessing on New Year’s Day. This is a radical departure from what is customary but I think she’s pleased to be asked and I’m pleased to be the recipient of her benediction. When my children were children, I taught them to ask my Dad, their Pépère, for his blessing but I never suggested they should ask me for mine. Carolanne’s family, also Québecois in heritage, did not continue this practice after immigration. Though she was gracious in asking her father-in-law for his blessing, she never asked her own father or grand-fathers and she was not about to ask me. So the tradition is dying. After my Mom dies (she’s 87) I won’t do this anymore. But I will miss it. Happy New Year. Bonne et heureuse année!
As your minister, I offer you a pastoral blessing for the new year:
Que la nouvelle année vous bénisse avec tous ce que vous méritez. Je vous benie au nom de tout ce qui vous êtes sacré. (May the new year bless you with all that you deserve. I bless you in the name of all which is sacred to you).
You have recently received the results of a survey conducted last year. A series of forums will be held this month for all of us to give voice to what we learn from this survey. Three have been scheduled. One will be on a week-day in the early afternoon. Another will be on a week-day evening and the other will be on a Sunday following the service. Your participation is important. The Long Range Planning Committee will use the data gathered at these forums to set the course for the future of our church. The dates and times were chosen to accommodate the largest number of people possible. Participatory democracy is one of the principles that define and shape Unitarian Universalism but you must be present to participate. Please pay attention to announcements of days and times. The forums are facilitated by a trained professional from the District who has no investment in the outcome nor does she have any preconceived agenda.
Amities and love,
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