Most parishioners today are dependent on seasonal work and U.I.C. benefits. Attempts to develop Tourism have not been very successful, but developments nearby provide some spinoff jobs, enabling some young parishioners to remain. Seasonal jobs may not be ideal but the alternative may be even less attractive. In our old church at Palmer Road, once people pass through its portals — whether rich or poor — in the presence of God everyone feels part of the same community.

PROBLEMS OF PROSPERITY

Prosperity, relative though it be, can have its drawbacks. The problem of abuse of alcohol and drugs, which has increased along with better times, has led to the need for alcohol treatment and support programs such as A.A., Al—Anon, and Al-Ateen. Their assistance in rehabilitation has provided rays of hope for both abusers and their unintended victims.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENTS

Spiritual development has had some recent additions. One of the most popular devotions to appear in the 1940’s was the Nine Day Novena before the feast of St. Anne. It was started by the . Church Organist of the time, Cyril Doucette, as a personal attempt to get rid of a crippling foot problem. Familiar with the Pilgrimage to Ste. Anne de Beaupre but unable to afford the trip, he decided to do his own Nine Day Novena and walked the five miles return each day. By the end of the nine days his feet were healed. He promised to continue the Novena and others soon joined. Marcel Perry, a member of Cyril’s choir, joined in 1960 and helped to add to the ceremonies which are part of the present day Novena.

Another recent development in the spiritual life of the Parish is the Charismatic Renewal Movement, which started in 1981 and is still providing inspiration for a large number of people. The weekly rally at the parish hall gives people an opportunity to expe— rience God in different ways and derive emotional relief through different modes of expression. The movement was started with the presentation of the first Life in the Spirit Seminar in 1980—81 led by Rev. Claude Shea who had just returned to P.E.I. after his tour of duty as a chaplain with the Armed Forces.

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