Our Pastor

Having previously worked in the private and government sectors in both business and engineering environs, Father Brian Hennessey came to serve God and his people later in life. He studied at St. Paul's University (Ottawa), and the University of Toronto's School of Theology. He was ordained in June 1997 by Archbishop Marcel Gervais and has been pastor at Our Lady of the Visitation since July 2002.

Since his arrival Father Brian has brought about many updates to the Parish including: our new Banquet Center and offices, our new rectory and church roof, complete re-landscaping of our property and parking lots, installation of new pews and hardwood floors, a new heating system and new sound system, renewed electrical system, renovation of the Sacristy, and refurbishing of the choir loft and foyer.

Message from the Pastor

In 1845 Irish and French settlers gathered in Christ to celebrate as a community in faith. Together they built a legacy for the future of their children -- and their children's children. Over 165 years later we continue their forward thinking; working to secure our children's religious future and heritage.

Historically significant and culturally dynamic, our Lady of the Visitation Parish continues to be a prominent center of spirituality in Ottawa South. Today OLV embraces the multifaceted challenge of conserving the best, while building a functional facility to meet the needs of our time.

To this end OLV has assembled a tour de force. Today our dynamic Parish Pastoral Council works in concert with an impressive and competent Finance Council. Both work in harmony with our Hall Operations, and Construction sub-committees; a team approach of putting discernment into action to secure the needs and future of our parish.

With a phased approach to construction and financing, OLV has implemented a cohesive and comprehensive business plan to achieve our much needed development.

Indeed, with fiscal responsibility and an eye for the bottom line, the parish has achieved an astounding refurbishment of our church interior. Our Project Management team working with the Renovations and Maintenance Committees (all parishioner volunteers) have restored the warmth and charm of our historic church, which sparkles anew once again.

With 10,000 new homes scheduled for construction in our parish over the next few years, the vibrancy of Visitation is, itself, under renewal. The needs of the future are being addressed today.

As Visitation open the doors of our renewed church and newly constructed family center/ banquet facility, we welcome all our parishioners; new and old alike! As Pastor I invite you to make your mark within this community by continuing the work of building a legacy for our children -- and our children's children. The key in all of our planning and operations continues to be, “Taking it to Prayer -- ask the Lord!”

To accomplish our goals, every parishioner's assistance is needed. I invite each member of our faithful congregation to regularly and prayerfully review their role in continuing to build the legacy of our Parish.

May your generosity and faithfulness be one before the Lord, for He is never out-done in either! Let us continue to work and to pray that God grant us a sensitivity to do his will, the peace of his presence, and the wisdom to embrace both.

God's peace -- Father Brian