On Saturday, November 25 at 5 p.m., the Cedars church will welcome local country music fans for a mass like no other. Cowboy hats and boots will be worn to raise funds for the Cedars and Saint-Lazare parishes. 

For the past nine years, Diane Doris and her group Les Étoiles du Country have been taking part in country masses for interested communities.

"The religious ceremony will start at 5 p.m., but from 4:15 p.m., I'll be there with my band to perform spiritual and rhythmic gospel country folk songs. In the past, I've had a lot of help from Father Gérald Sareault in organizing the masses. Sadly, he passed away earlier this year, but I'm continuing on my journey by paying tribute to him one last time. That's why we want to raise funds to support the struggling religious communities of Les Cèdres and Saint-Lazare. We want to keep our churches going for a long time to come."

On stage, the musicians will play tunes on violin, guitar, electric guitar, electronic drums and piano (keyboard). "The celebration is open to everyone. Admission is free, and all proceeds will be donated to the two parishes mentioned above. Our bishop, Monseigneur Simard, will be with us to officiate at mass, which is a great honor. People love to take part in this beautiful celebration," she adds. 

A few songs will be sung in English, but the mass will be held in French only. "Gifts will be offered to people at the entrance, and there will be a surprise at the very end. Obviously, we're asking people to dress in country accessories. It'll be the dress of the day (laughs)," she concludes.