BARRY’S BAY – The pews were full at the special Sunday Mass at St. Lawrence O’Toole’s Catholic Church in Barry’s Bay. The faithful came to celebrate the 55 years of service of Father Mervin Coulas before he retires. On a beautifully sunny day, Father Coulas was accompanied during the service by Father Roman Majek of St. Mary’s, Wilno and Father John Hatty of St. Hedwig’s, Barry’s Bay. The Knights of Columbus led the procession into the church. In his homily, Father Coulas spoke of the wonderful human abilities of hearing and speech. We can hear the word of the Lord and we can profess the faith. Only then, said Father Coulas, can we follow the path set out for us. After the homily, Father Coulas touched on his own service within the church. He said that he was often appointed to churches that needed physical improvements and that after 17 years, he was leaving St. Lawrence physically and financially sound. To read the full story, pick up a copy of the September 12, 2018 Valley Gazette.