Quebec City
June 15 to 22, 2008

Join in the festivities as part of the International Eucharistic Congress in Québec City, June 15-22nd, 2008 commemorating the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Québec and their religious dimension.

The 400th anniversary will be celebrated by important activities as Québec was the first permanent French establishment in America. When the French arrived in Québec City, this was the beginning of the Catholic Church north of Mexico. The Catholic Church has played and still plays an essential role in the life of its people and this religious dimension will play an important role in the festivities.

The Theme of the congress is “The Eucharist, gift of God for the life of the world”. The congresses now attract 12,000 to 15,000 participants for one week full of celebration, adoration, catechism, cultural events, fraternal encounters and involvement in favour of the needy. Each congress is preceded by a theological and pastoral symposium to deepen understanding of an aspect of the Eucharistic Mystery. Since 1881, the pope has always been represented by a special delegate at the celebration of Eucharistic Congresses. Therefore, we can confidently hope that Benedict XVI will continue the tradition and conclude the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Québec City.

About Québec City The very name Québec conjures up images of easy living, historical riches, world heritage treasures, and incomparable tourist appeal. Québec City is as unique as they come. From east to west, Québec City has it all. To the east, the thundering Montmorency Falls offer a superb view of the St. Lawrence River and Île d'Orléans. In the city, visitors enjoy Battlefields Park, also known as the Plains of Abraham. It was once the site of great battles between the French and English armies and is now a famous city park where recreation, culture, and history come together. Further upstream is Bois-de-Coulonge Park, a lovely public garden. This riverside park is a must-see with its beautiful flower gardens and long history. To the west, astute visitors stop by Jacques-Cartier Beach Park, an oasis of greenery on the shores of the St. Lawrence.

Included Items:

• Escorted throughout by Father Graham Keep—Diocesan Delegate
  (More info about Father Graham Keep...)
• Transportation by luxury motorcoach to/from Quebec City with pick up points in Windsor, London, Hamilton and Toronto
• Daily transportation to/from the Cathedral Basilica in Quebec City
• Seven nights accommodation at the Goveneur Hotel in Quebec City including all taxes and service charges
• Full breakfast and dinner daily including all taxes and service charges
• Full day guided sightseeing tour of Quebec City, Saint Anne de Beaupré, Montmorency Falls, including dinner on île d'Orléans
• Registration for the International Eucharistic Congress

• Any meals not indicated
• All items of a strictly personal nature
• Additional sightseeing

About Our Escorting Chaplin, Father Graham Keep BA MDiv, PP

Born in Sudbury, Ontario then as a family we moved to Toronto, Peterborough and London. My parents live in London, as do 1 sister and 1 brother – both married with children.

Pastoral Appointments

• 1985 - St. Peter’s Seminary Student Bachelor of Arts, Master of Divinity
• 1993 - Ordained Priest, London Diocese 1 May (feast of St. Joseph the Worker)
• 1993 - Associate pastor, St. Joseph’s parish, Stratford Ontario
• 1996 - Associate pastor, Sacred heart Parish, Sarnia Ontario
• 1997 - Pastor, St. Mary and St. Joseph Parishes, Hesson & Listowel Ontario
• 1997 to 2001 - Appointed Dean of Huron Perth Deanery, Diocese of London.
• 2000 to present - Diocesan Delegate for the International Eucharistic Congresses
• 2002 to present - Pastor Mary Immaculate parish, London Ontario
• 2002 to 2004 - Elected member of the Council of Priests
• 2002 to 2006 - Elected member of Ministry to Priests Team, Diocese of London

Activities

• 2005 - “Church 101” presenter on 5 episodes of Salt and Light program “In Your Faith”
• Have travelled and assisted with Catholic Renewal Ministries Missions Office, Ann Arbour,
  • On mission trips to Slovakia, and F.I.R.E Rallies in Ghana, Africa
• Organized and conducted pilgrimages to World Youth Days in Denver, Paris, Rome, Toronto and Köln
• Guest and co-host on Ralph Martin’s television program “The Choices we Face”
• Retreat master for:
  • Various men’s retreats in Ontario & Michigan
  • Various Parish missions
• Teacher for religion part one – for Separate School Board in Sarnia

Dated Activities

• Spring 2000 - Co-director for retreat in the Ukraine for Priests & Religious
• Summer 2000 - London Diocesan Delegate for the International Eucharistic Congress, Rome
• August 2001 - Keynote Speaker and presenter for the All Michigan Catholic Conference
• February 2002 - Speaker at the Florida Catholic Conference, Jacksonville
• October 2002 - Organizer and spiritual director for Marian pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes
• November 2002 - Keynote speaker and presenter for Halifax Diocesan conference
• June 2003 - Keynote speaker and presenter for Archdiocesan Catholic Conference in St. Lucia
• October 2003 - Organizer and spiritual director for Eucharistic tour of Italy
• July 2004 - Conference speaker for the Journey to the Father conference, Cornwall
• October 2004 - London Diocesan Delegate for the Eucharistic Congress, Mexico
• May 2005 - Diocesan Day of Renewal – Hamilton Diocese
• August 2005 - Organizer and spiritual director for WYD Pilgrimage to Cologne, Germany
• October 2005 - Diocesan Day of Renewal – Hamilton Diocese
• November 2005 - Keynote speaker Christ the King Rally – Archdiocese of Toronto
• March 2006 - Presenter evening reflection, St. Teresa’s Parish CWL Kitchener

Future Activities

• May 2006 – Keynote ATCR Toronto East day of reflection
• July 2006 - Keynote - Journey to the Father – Youth Conference in Cornwall
• October 2006 - Keynote speaker for 3 day Bay City Michigan Catholic Conference
• November 2006 - Spiritual director for 9 day pilgrimage to the Holy Land
• Summer 2007 - Spiritual director for 9 day pilgrimage to Ireland
• Summer 2008 - Diocesan Delegate for the International Eucharistic Congress, Quebec

Other ministries

• Retired from the Canadian Military Reserves Chaplaincy - 13 years
  • Retired as Major - Brigade Chaplain for 31 Canadian Brigade
• Spiritual director for Marian 87 Knights of Columbus, London
• Faithful Friar of the Dormer Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, London

Hobbies and Interests

• In the fall of 2006, beginning part-time studies Licence in Theology through Sacred Heart Seminary Detroit, New Evangelization program
• Music (Guitar, Piano, Pipe Organ, Cello), art, reading, skiing, golfing.