History

This first page on the history of our Church in Gatineau-Hull is meant as an exercise to awaken our collective memory, by retracing projects, facts, and events that marked the 35 years of the history of our Church. Reading this brochure may also reactivate your memory, and bring forward facts that could enrich the next edition. So please do not hesitate to communicate with us, and signal to us omissions, errors, or improvements you would like made the text.

“There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book.” (Jn 20, 25) “Personally, when I was named Bishop of Hull, in the middle of the Vatican II Council, I immediately discerned in this call of the Lord – without vainglory, I hope – an “original” mission in its proper sense, i.e. a mission that would serve as a model. I didn’t see in it an act of pure luck or coincidence. Instead, I saw, in the faith in Christ and the Church that I love, the mission to be, without a doubt, the pastor of a new people; and also, the mission to be the bishop of a Church that had to be – more than any other Church – a Church of spring, a Church of renewal, a Church of well-understood traditions, a Church invited to courage, according to the words of Pope Paul VI.”

Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau
The Church of Hull 1963-1971, collection “The Church of Hull”, April 27th, 1971.

“My worry is that our Christians may become deaf and blind. At this moment, their salvation is in danger because, you see, the poor and the voiceless are the road to our salvation. But for that, we must love them, love them to the point of risking to lose our reputation. Love them enough to desire a dynamic change to our society, in order to better welcome them.”

Bishop Adolphe Proulx
A Voice for the Voiceless, Novalis Editions, p. 149, 1987.

“We are a people in movement. The day we will settle down, to no longer move, will be the day of our death.”

“We are inhabited by a powerful force. Since it is to us that the risen Jesus never ceases to say: “As my Father sent me, I too send you.” It’s on us that endlessly blows the breath of the Spirit of renewal and life.” … “We are on a mission; and the day we forget that, we`ll be turning around in circles. This mission, we also need to desire it again from season to season.”… “We are a people whose every member is called to “feel” his place, want it, and occupy it in the conscience of his dignity and his mission.”

Bishop Roger Ebacher
The Gospel for the Outaouais, September 1992.

(documents in French only)

1963- At the request of Bishop Marie-Joseph Lemieux, metropolitan Archbishop
  • At the request of Bishop Marie-Joseph Lemieux, metropolitan Archbishop of Ottawa, to Pope John XXIII, the Quebec portion of the diocese of Ottawa separates, and becomes the diocese of Hull. (April 27th)
  • Nomination of Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau, then Auxiliary Bishop of Ottawa, as the first bishop of the diocese of Hull. (April 27th)
  • Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau takes up residence at the Priests’ Fraternity building on Laurier Street in Hull, now home to the La Pièta Long-Term Health Care Center.
  • Insertion of the Little Sisters of the Assumption community, to help disadvantaged families in Hull. (May 7th)
  • Official inauguration of the Episcopal service of Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau, at the St-Rédempteur Cathedral in Hull. (May 21st)
  • Pastoral letter by Bishop Paul-Emile Charbonneau, Bishop of Hull, to the members of the clergy. Letter that was meant to be a spiritual charter for the new Diocese of Hull. In the collection “The Church of Hull”, vol.1, no. 1. (August 29th)
  • Pastoral letter by Bishop Paul-Emile Charbonneau, Bishop of Hull, to lay people, priests, and nuns of the diocese. Given message: May the Diocese of Hull become a home for Evangelical charity. In the collection “The Church of Hull”, vol. 1, no. 2. (September 29th)
  • Participation by Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau at the second session of the Vatican II Council. (September 29th)
  • Implementation of the liturgical reform.
  • Hiring of a lay sociologist, Mr. Claude Létourneau, full-time, to divide the country vicariates into homogenous pastoral zones, and to study the social environment that was the Church of Hull.
1964 -Foundation of the parish of St-Luc in Buckingham. (July 22nd)
  • Foundation of the parish of St-Luc in Buckingham. (July 22nd)
  • Foundation of the parish of St-Matthieu in Gatineau. (September 4th)
  • Participation of Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau at the third session of the Vatican II Council. (September 14th)
  • Purchase by the Diocese of the School of Arts and Crafts on Carillon Street, in Hull, to make it into the new Diocesan Center. (December 9th)
1965 -First training in Theology offered to lay people of the diocese
  • First training in Theology offered to lay people of the diocese, in the Hull-Aylmer region.
  • Grand mission in the Old-Hull section. Following that mission, a committee made up of priests and lay people study the possibility of setting up a pastoral service for the disabled.
  • Pastoral letter by Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau, Bishop of Hull, Lent 1965, “A Liturgy and a Christian Life Renewed”, in the collection “The Church of Hull”, vol. 1, no. 3. (March 7th)
  • Participation of Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau at the fourth session of the Vatican II Council. (September 14th)
  • Formation of the Marguerite d’Youville consortium: transformation of the curriculum at three classic colleges, St-Alexandre, Marie-Médiatrice, and Marguerite d’Youv
1966 -A group of lay people assembled by the bishop lays the foundation
  • A group of lay people assembled by the bishop lays the foundation for a first Diocesan Pastoral Council.
  • Search for a new type of presence of the Church in the region. Organization of round-tables in the different zones of the diocese, for the appropriation of conciliar decrees with the cooperation of Father Médard, Capuchin, collaborator at the Pastoral Center of the Interior Missions (P.C.I.M.) of France, and theologian at the Council.
  • With the creation of numerous new high schools, many parish priests become school chaplains.
1967 -First experience of priests in workers
  • First experience of priests in workers’ districts with the arrival of the Capuchins in the Old-Hull district, at the request of Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau.
  • Construction of a new bishopry on St-Rédempteur Street in Hull.
  • Catechism sessions for adults, at the request of Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau, in many parishes of the diocese, using booklets published by Father Émile Legault.
  • Contract given to Mr. Jacques Beaucage for the animation of training sessions for lay persons.
  • Decision to officially close the Marie-Médiatrice College. (March 20th)
  • Hiring of first secular prosecutor, Mr. Albert Dumont, by Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau. (May 31st)
  • Establishment of the first provisional Council of Priests. (June 6th)
  • Opening of the CEGEP de l’Outaouais following the consortium of Marguerite d’Youville with the Hull Normal School, and the Hull Institute of Technology.
1968 – Formation in Theology offered to lay people in the Thurso
  • Formation in Theology offered to lay people in the Thurso region.
  • Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau invites Father Roger Poirier, o.m.i., to run a social action project in the Old Hull district.
  • Implementation, at the Diocesan level, of the decrees of the Vatican II Council concerning the co-responsibility of lay people, and the creation of the first Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs.
  • Bishop Paul-Émile Charbonneau is named a member of the Study Commission on Lay People and the Church, put together by the bishops of French Canada in 1968, and presided by Mr. Fernand Dumont.
  • First general assembly of the Île-de-Hull district, along with the grouping of all citizens’ committees in Hull.
  • Creation of a Diocesan information service. (June 3rd)
  • First edition of a social animation week for priests and lay people of the Île-de-Hull district. (June 3rd-7th)
1969 – Decision made by the Presbyterium to make of the zones the basic pastoral
  • Decision made by the Presbyterium to make of the zones the basic pastoral units for the diocese, during reunions at the Orleans Notre-Dame-de-la-Providence House, for something that was called Orleans Days. (June)
  • Hiring of a professional social animator, Mr. Jacques Beaucage, in order to favour a better cooperation between priests and lay people. (August)
  • A new team of Oblate Fathers moves into the Old-Hull district, adding themselves to the other diocesan priests, nuns, and lay workers of the zone.
1971 – First Day of Christianity, with delegations from all the parishes of the diocese
  • First Day of Christianity, with delegations from all the parishes of the diocese.
  • Creation of a first Development and Peace team in the diocese.
  • Creation of the Regional Council on Development, who officially recognizes the Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs as a participating member. This council is a platform on which all ideas and proposals that come from people in the area can be publicly expressed. The result of a long period of work in the Church of Hull by the creation of zones. (March)
  • Foundation of the parish of St-Richard, in Gatineau. (26 avril)
  • Sale of the Hull Bishopry. (May 7th)
  • First cell of the Cursillo Movement in the diocese. (September)
1972 – Institution of a complementary retirement program for the clergy
  • Institution of a complementary retirement program for the clergy of the Diocese of Hull. (January 1st.)
  • Foundation of the parish of St-Pierre-Chanel. (April 30th)
  • With the hiring of a diocesan pastoral director, the Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs plays a true leadership role in the pastoral life of the diocese.
  • Establishment of a study group in order to reconsider the practice of giving the sacrament of Confirmation to Grade 2 students.
  • Gathering of Citizens’ Committees in Hull. (GCCH)
1973 – Second Day of Christianity, with delegations from all the parishes of the diocese.
  • Second Day of Christianity, with delegations from all the parishes of the diocese.
  • Establishment of an action research committee on the ministry of initiation sacraments for children.
  • Establishment of a Roundtable of Volunteer Organizations on Public Education (OVEP).
  • Resignation of Bishop Charbonneau, who accepted to continue on as a simple administrator until his successor could be named. (May)
  • Referendum on the nomination of a new bishop.
  • Provisional Committee of New Ministries.
1974 – Nomination of Bishop Adolphe Proulx
  • Nomination of Bishop Adolphe Proulx, from the bishopry of Alexandria-Cornwall, as the second bishop of the Diocese of Hull. (February 7th)
  • Official inauguration of the episcopal service of Bishop Adolphe Proulx at the St-Rédempteur Cathedral in Hull. (March 30th)
  • Establishment by the Diocesan Committee on Pastoral Affairs of three work groups: the first one, on the parish; the second one, on new ministries; and the third one, on the material and financial situation of the diocese.
  • Foundation of the Ozanam Shelter of Hull, with the notable cooperation of the Ottawa Sisters of Charity and the St-Vincent-de-Paul Conference, (the benevolent organization behind the Soupes Populaires soup kitchens.) (August 19th)
  • Foundation of the Jean-XXIII Christian Community in Gatineau. (September 14th)
  • Foundation, by Danielle Jobin, of the Agapê House, in the parish of St-Richard of Gatineau.
1975 – Diocesan orientations on the ministry of baptism. (February 7th)
  • Diocesan orientations on the ministry of baptism. (February 7th)
  • Implantation of the Marriage Encounter Movement in the diocese by Father Nazaire Auger, c.j.m. and a few couples among the Cursillists. Movement founded to help married couples. (Autumn)
  • Opening of the Bethel Prayer House in Masson-Angers, at the request of Bishop Adolphe Proulx. (December 7th)
1977 – Report from the action research committee on the ministry of initiation
  • Report from the action research committee on the ministry of initiation sacraments for children.
  • Second vocation for the Redemptorists’ Monastery in Aylmer: Visitor Center for Christian Renewal. (March)
  • Orientation document for confirmation: pastoral teaching will, from now on, be exclusively taken on by the parish communities, and not by the schools, and thus starting at Grade 6.
  • Ordinance no. 1 on the treatment and work conditions for priests.
  • First reunion of the Diocesan Council for Financial Administration (DCFA). (March 31st)
  • Nomination of four Episcopal vicars responsible for the region. (June)
  • Ordinance no. 2 concerning the contributions of parish councils to the diocese, from now on putting them all on the same level. (November 4th)
1979 -Foundation of the Joy of Living Movement in the diocese
  • Foundation of the Joy of Living Movement in the diocese by Father Nazaire Auger, c.j.m. and a group of Cursillists. Movement to assist people recently divorced or separated.
  • Diocesan politics on marriage.
  • Roundtable put together at the request of Bishop Proulx, in order to discuss the report by the Council on the Status of Women, Justice and Equality.
  • Project for the faith education of adults: approaches and animation instruments on the life of Jesus and the Church.
  • Foundation of the Accueil-Parrainage-Outaouais organization at the request of Bishop Adolphe Proulx. Organization presided by Father Lévis Martel, with the collaboration of the nuns at the Communauté des Soeurs du Christ-Roi. Many parishes in the diocese sponsor refugees.
  • Following a request by Bishop Adolphe Proulx, the Ottawa community of the Sisters of Charity acquire the house once owned by the Christian Brothers, to convert it into a home for the retired priests of the diocese. This work is placed under the patronage of Elizabeth Bruyère. (July 2nd)
  • Foundation of the Open Door Movement in the diocese by Father Nazaire Auger, c.j.m. and a couple of Cursillists. Movement coming to the aid of widowers and widows. (August)
  • The National Society of Quebecers award Bishop Adolphe Proulx with the Albert-Lamont Prize, to honour his social and civic involvement in the Outaouais community. (Autumn)
  • Opening of the Mechtilde Center, a home for battered women, with the participation of many religious communities, and at the request of Bishop Adolphe Proulx. (November 29th)
1980 – Appointment of a diocesan spokesperson on the status of women
1981 -Diocesan orientation document on the ministry for sacramental

Diocesan orientation document on the ministry for sacramental initiation.

1982 – The diocèse of Hull becomes the diocese of Gatineau-Hull
  • The diocèse of Hull becomes the diocese of Gatineau-Hull, and the parish of St-Jean-Marie-Vianney of Gatineau is designated as the cathedral parish, while the St-Joseph Cathedral in Hull becomes a co-cathedral. (March 1st)
  • Inauguration of the St-Joseph-de–Hull Co-cathedral by Bishop Adolphe Proulx. (June 12th)
  • Inauguration of the new cathedral at the St-Jean-Marie-Vianney parish by Bishop Adolphe Proulx. (13 juin)
  • Sale of the St-Rédempteur church. (July 8th)
1983 – Foundation of the Chapter for the Ill, by Bishop Adolphe Proulx
  • Foundation of the Chapter for the Ill, by Bishop Adolphe Proulx. (September 15th)
  • Establishment of a Diocesan Study Commission on the economic crisis and poverty, presided by Mr. Reynald Labelle. (Autumn)
  • Opening of the Gîte-Ami homeless shelter in Hull (December 23rd)
1984 – Happy are the Poor…?
  • ‘Happy are the Poor…? Thoughts and Positions on the Poverty Situation in the Outaouais’. Report by the Diocesan Study Commission on the economic crisis and poverty.
  • Visit of Pope John-Paul II at the Monastery of the Servantes de Jésus-Marie, in Hull. (September
1985 – Launching of the Diocesan Council: ‘A Church to Take to Heart…
  • Launching of the Diocesan Council: ‘A Church to Take to Heart…’ Three great themes: co-responsibility, the sense of belonging, and the option for the poor.
  • Bishop Adolphe Proulx, invited by the Quebecers’ National Society, pronounces an exposé on the conditions of survival in the year 2000: “How to survive the year 2000.” (March 27th)
1986 – Formation of a Workers’ Table, and a Committee for Labour Relations
  • Formation of a Workers’ Table, and a Committee for Labour Relations, at the Diocesan Center.
  • Establishment of an Episcopal Council on Laity (ECL) by Bishop Adolphe Proulx, to temporarily replace the Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs. (March 21st)
  • Publication of a book by Roger Poirier: ‘Who Stole Main Street?’ This book relates the struggles of many citizens’ committees and people’s groups in Hull. (May 1st)
  • Update of the pastoral orientations for confirmation: ‘Will the Church of Gatineau-Hull Confirm Anyone Else?’ (May 18th)
  • Establishment, by Bishop Adolphe Proulx, of a Pastoral Commission Concerning Sexual Ethics in the Diocese of Gatineau-Hull, presided by Father André Guindon, o.m.i., of St-Paul University. (June 3rd)
1987 – Death of Bishop Adolphe Proulx
  • Death of Bishop Adolphe Proulx. (July 22nd)
  • Report by the Pastoral Commission Concerning Sexual Ethics in the Diocese of Gatineau-Hull (September 9th)
  • Referendum on the naming of a new bishop.
  • Publication of the book, ‘A Voice for the Voiceless: the Social Message of Msgr. Adolphe Proulx, Bishop of Gatineau-Hull’, by Novalis. (Autumn)
1988 – Nomination of Bishop Roger Ébacher
  • Nomination of Bishop Roger Ébacher, of the Diocese of Baie-Comeau, as the third bishop of the Diocese of Gatineau-Hull. (April 6th)
  • Official inauguration of the Episcopal service of Bishop Roger Ébacher, at the St-Jean-Marie-Vianney Cathedral. (May 6th)
1989 – Establishment of a Committee of Vigils for Peace
  • Establishment of a Committee of Vigils for Peace, who proned for non-violence in solving social issues. This ecumenical committee existed until 1996.
  • Pastoral letter by Bishop Roger Ébacher on the sacramental initiation of children (Pardon and Eucharist).
  • Diocesan orientations on school ministry at the elementary level.
  • Diocesan forum on the man-woman partnership in the Church.
  • Implementation of training programs in Theology and Pastoral Services, in cooperation with the Marie-Victorin College, and Sherbrooke University. (September)
  • Bishop Roger Ébacher presides the Special Committee of the Canadian Conference of Bishops on cases of sexual agression against children. (October)
  • Sale of the diocesan center on Carillon Street, in Hull. (November 19th)
  • Request by Bishop Roger Ébacher to name lay people to the presidency of parish councils in all the parishes of the diocese. (Décember)
1990 – Formation of the Diocesan Table of Intervention
  • Formation of the Diocesan Table of Intervention Teams in Impoverished Areas T.I.T.I.A. (January)
  • Four diocesan priorities selected by the Diocesan Assembly at the closing of the Diocesan Council: faith education in adults, co-responsibility, the option for the disabled, and youth ministry. (May)
  • Formation of a provisional Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs by Bishop Roger Ébacher. (August 30th)
  • Moving of the Diocesan Center to 180, Mont-Bleu Blvd., in Hull. (October)
  • Constitution of the Ecclesiastical Province of Gatineau-Hull, whose archbishopric would be the Diocese of Gatineau-Hull. (October 31st)
1991 – Establishment of the Table on Justice and Faith, in the Petite-Nation region
  • Establishment of the Table on Justice and Faith, in the Petite-Nation region.
  • A Church in Transit: The Present and Future of our Church in Gatineau-Hull. (April 10th)
  • Foundation of Solidarity Gatineau-West (S.G.W.). The initiative of a partnership between five parishes, the Diocese, and a few religious communities. (May)
  • Socio-demographic portrait of the Diocese of Gatineau-Hull (Bouvier Report). (September 23rd)
1992 – Participation in the action research project by the Assembly of Quebec Bishops (A.Q.B.)
  • Participation in the action research project by the Assembly of Quebec Bishops (A.Q.B.) on the future of parishes: ‘Risking the Future’.
  • First working agreement for the lay personnel of the Diocesan Center.
  • Opening of the Espoir Rosalie Center for single-parent and unwed mothers and their children. (January 15th)
  • ‘Sex Education in Elementary Schools’, a diocesan document that seeks to show how the Ministry of Education program will favour consultation among all those involved in education, and also what the different schools can bring to the discussion. (April)
  • ‘The Gospel for the Outaouais’: Pastoral letter by Bishop Roger Ébacher, in collaboration with the Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs. (September)
  • Action plan to develop and accentuate the establishment of a zonal ministry in the Church of Gatineau-Hull. (October 19th)
  • Formation of a committee at the Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs (D.C.P.A.) to study the problem of the permanent diaconate and the question of the moratorium. (December 2nd)
1993 – A project of giving little study groups
  • A project of giving little study groups the opportunity to comment on the ‘Risking the Future’ project.
  • Diocesan Bible weekend at the St-Alexandre College, under the theme “Living in Acts”. (April 23rd)
  • Establishment, by Bishop Roger Ébacher, of the Diocesan Committee on Poverty in the Outaouais, presided by Ms. Michèle Deshaies. (June)
1994 – Diocesan management guides concerning the hiring
  • Diocesan management guides concerning the hiring and work conditions of technical service personnel in the parish councils and the pastoral services. (January)
  • Opening of the Alonzo Wright House, a center for psychological and spiritual guidance, (site provided by the Spiritan Fathers). (April)
  • Adoption of a constitution by the Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs. (May 4th)
  • Report by the Diocesan Commission on Poverty in the Outaouais: ‘Let’s Stand Together!’ (May)
  • Formation of a Diocesan Table on the Male-Female Partnership in the Church. (August)
  • Regional forums following the discussions sparked by the action research project from the Assembly of Quebec Bishops: ‘Risking the Future’.
  • Publication of the document ‘The Course of Christian Faith, Towards a Community and Mission Church’, nos. 1 and 2. (Autumn)
  • Update of the socio-demographic portrait of the Diocese of Gatineau-Hull (Mr. Luc Bouvier). (November 21st)
1995 – Training meetings for members of the Parish Pastoral
  • Training meetings for members of the Parish Pastoral Councils, for the formulation of the parish ministry project.
  • First awarding of the Méritas Prizes: the Bishop Charbonneau Prize, and the Bishop Proulx Prize.
  • Three regional Days, for the appropriation of the document by the Assembly of Quebec Bishops: privileged options in faith education of adults. (February)
  • Memoir on the draft law for Quebec sovereignty presented at the Outaouais Commission on the Future of Quebec, prepared by Bishop Roger Ébacher and the Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs. (February 20th)
  • Demographic and economic evaluation of the diocese, on a medium- and long-term perspective. (Mr. Robert Robert). (April 3rd)
  • Presentation of the report by the Diocesan Research Committee, on the permanent diaconate, and analysis by members of the Diocesan executive. (April 5th)
  • Recognition of the Our-Lady-of-Fatima Portuguese Catholic Mission (December 6th)
  • Recognition of the St-Esprit Portuguese Catholic Mission. (December 13th)
1996 – Establishment of an intervention project in the Daniel-Johnson area
  • Establishment of an intervention project in the Daniel-Johnson area, originating from a partnership between three parishes, the diocese, and local social groups.
  • Establishment of a Consultation Table on Hunger in the Outaouais. (February)
  • Following the consultation on the permanent diaconate, the Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs maintains the moratorium on the permanent diaconate. (February 7th)
  • A Doctorate honoris causa is awarded to Bishop Roger Ebacher by the University of Québec in Hull, for his social contributions to the Outaouais. (May 29th)
  • Relaunch of the Redemptorists’ Monastery in Aylmer, as a Christian Renewal Center. (September)
  • Formulation of a university training program in Pastoral Studies, in collaboration with the Montreal Dominican Pastoral Institute. (September)
  • Publication of the pamphlet describing the program for the years preparatory to the Year 2000 Jubilee of the Church in Gatineau-Hull. (September 5th)
  • Official address pronounced by Bishop Roger Ébacher during the graduation ceremony at the University of Quebec in Hull, on the future of the Outaouais, and the importance of popular and community movements in the region. (November 2nd)
1997 – Publication of an animation kit
  • Publication of an animation kit for the Parish Pastoral Councils: ‘Putting Together a Ministry Project’. (January 1st)
  • Update of the Constitution of the Diocesan Council on Pastoral Affairs. (March 30th)
  • Publication of a Bible dissertation on suffering: ‘Between Rage and Courage: Our Fight Against Suffering’. (June)
  • Election of Bishop Roger Ébacher, to the vice-presidency of the Assembly of Quebec Bishops. (Semptember)
  • Participation of Bishop Roger Ébacher in the American Synod, as a delegate for the Canadian bishops. (November-December)
  • After 35 years of loyal commitment in Brazil, Father Gérard Mauzeroll, a Diocesan priest, becomes the first laureate of the Human Rights Award, given by the Council for the Defence of Human Rights, in the Province of Sao Paulo, Brazil. (December)