JULY-AUGUST 2008
www.celtic-connection.com
Page 31
Happy 35th Wedding Anniversary to Pat and Ira Geary
On August 4,1973, Pat and Ira Cleary were married at Holy Name Church located at Cambie and 33rd Avenue in Vancouver B.C. Father Pat Kenny officiated.
The couple opted out of the usual limousine service and decided instead to use a Hansom cab and driver. The cab took the couple from the church to Queen Elizabeth Park for a photo session. Afterwards, they rode the whole way by a circuitous route to 12th Avenue and Trutch where the reception was held in the garden of Ira's aunt and uncle.
Along the way to the reception, motorists stopped and honked and pedestrians waved and smiled. Kids and their parents who had never seen a horse and carriage in that part of town were surprised and showed their approval with clapping and cheers.
Pat recalls, "This was our wedding day. It all seems so long ago, and yet so fresh in our minds. Since then, we have been blessed with three fine sons, health, family, and friends. This coming August 4 will be B.C. Day, and you know who will be celebrating that little bit extra." Congratulations Pat and Ira. Wishing you many more years of happiness together.
Scotland Ready to Host Euro
2012 or Euro 2016?
Scotland and the Republic of Ireland failed in their bid to stage the Euro 8008 football tournament, which launched in Switzerland and Austria.
Scotland did not bid for Euro 2012 and that is to be staged in Ukraine and Poland. But UEFA, the game's governing body in Europe, has expressed concern about the lack of progress in their preparations and the suitability of stadia and infrastructure.
They have suggested that if the current 2012 hosts do not meet the required standard, moving the competition to Scotland would be a possibility.
After 2012, the event is to be enlarged and Scotland would not be capable of staging it on its own. However, the Scottish Government is reported to support a joint bid by Scotland and Wales to host the Euro championships, perhaps in 2016.
Eight stadiums would be required in Scotland and four in Wales. That would need Aberdeen and both grounds of the Edinburgh clubs being upgraded. The two Dundee clubs would need to move to a new joint stadium - an idea that has been considered and rejected in the past. But times change and representatives of both clubs have voiced support.
NOVENA
Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary (never known to fail). O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God. Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. 0 show me herein you are my Mother, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (three times). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You gave me the Divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me. This prayer must be said for three days, even after the request is granted and the favour received, it must be published.
-KL PMKMC, MJR CTK, BR CBLMKI, MPRD, and DF
Publication of this prayer is $25 monthly (Canadian residents include 5% GST)
LOOKING FOR PART-TIME DRIVERS
The Celtic Connection needs part-time drivers to help distribute our newspaper in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. This is a position that would be ideal for a retired person who is familiar with the Celtic community. If this is something that would appeal to you, please give Catholine a call at The Celtic Connection for more details. Call (604) 434-3747 or e-mail: cbutler@telus.net.
IN LOVING MEMORY
IN MEMORY of Paddy Kane who passed away in Vancouver, B.C. on August 18, 1988 at the age of 42 years. Paddy was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland and is remembered by his many friends in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Giving newcomers a head start Donner aux nouveaux arrivants un bon depart
The Government of Canada believes in immigration. We want more newcomers to join us and be an important part of Canada's future. That's why we are improving our immigration system by:
1. Creating a more flexible, fair and responsive immigration system
The changes to Canada's immigration laws will help to attract the skilled workers Canada needs most and ensure families are reunited faster.
2. Helping internationally trained individuals
The Foreign Credentials Referral Office was created in 2007 to help newcomers get the information they need to have their credentials assessed and recognized in Canada.
3. Increasing settlement funding
The Government of Canada has invested $1.4 billion more in settlement funding, which includes language training and job search and employment services to help newcomers succeed and make a new home in Canada.
4. Reducing the Right of Permanent Residence Fee
The federal government reduced the right of permanent residence fee from $975 to $490. Learn more at www.cic.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 -800-622-6232) TTY: 1 -800-926-9105.
Le gouvernement du Canada croit en 1'immigration. Nous voulons accueillir plus de nouveaux arrivants et que ces derniers jouent un role actif pour assurer I'avenir du Canada. Voila pourquoi nous ameliorons notre systeme d'immigration en prenant les mesures suivantes:
1. Creer un systeme d'immigration plus souple, plus equitable et mieux adapte
Les modifications apportees a la legislation canadienne en matiere d'immigration contribueront a attirer les travailleurs qualifies dont le Canada a le plus besoin, ainsi qu'a reunir les families plus rapidement.
2. Aider les personnes formees a I'etranger
Le Bureau d'orientation relatif aux titres de competences Strangers a ete mis sur pied en 2007 pour aider les nouveaux arrivants a obtenir I'information dont ils ont besoin pour faire evaluer et reconnoitre leurs titres de competences au Canada,
3. Accroitre le financement en matiere d'etablissement
Le gouvernement du Canada a investi un montant supplemental de 1,4 milliard de dollars en fonds d'etablissement, notamment pour financer les cours de langue et les services d'orientation et d'aide a la recherche d'emploi pour permettre aux nouveaux arrivants de s'integrer avec succes au Canada.
4. Reduire les frais relatifs au droit de residence permanente
Le gouvernement federal a reduit de 975 $ a 490 $ les frais relatifs au droit de residence permanente.
Pour en apprendre davantage, visitez le www.cic.gc.ca ou composez le 1 800 0-Canada (1 -800-622-6232), ATS; 1 -800-926-9105.
Citizenship and Citoyennete et Immigration Canada Immigration Canada
Canada