Annual Diocesan Events
Diocesan Assembly 2014 – Living the Joy of the Gospel
The Diocesan Assembly combines the Pastoral Study Days (held annually) and the Diocesan Religious Educators’ Conference (held bi-annually) into one event. By widening the circle of involvement, it is hoped that as a Diocesan Family we will grow in our understanding and experience of collaboration.
The 2014 Diocesan Assembly was held October 1-3. This year’s conference was held at the Diocese of Prince George Pastoral Centre and offered several workshop tracks for both parishes and schools. The keynote speaker was Deacon Ralph Poyo (a married Catholic with five daughters) who encouraged all to be Missionary Disciples as Pope Francis has invited us all to be. We were also joined by the Alive in Christ team (Dr. Jo Ann Paradise, Pamela Rains and Aida Vorlicek) who presented in-services on the new religion resources that the entire Diocese will be start using this year. Bishop Stephen Jensen, Chris Dugdale, John Connelly and Fr. Jack Michalchuk closed the conference with inspiring talks on the ‘The Path Ahead’ for our Diocese.
Thank you to all who attended the events offered during the Diocesan Assembly. Feedback was very positive and responses will be reviewed for ways to improve the next event. If anyone missed filling out the evaluation form or has further suggestions, please contact John Connelly at jconnelly@pgdiocese.bc.ca or Fr. Jack Michalchuk at frjackm@pgdiocese.bc.ca. Alive in Christ materials can be ordered from Teresa Phillippe at 250-964-4424 extension 242 or teresa@pgdiocese.bc.ca.
Travel expenses for parish and schools will be cost shared. The travel expense summary form is below. Please submit all receipts to Teresa Phillippe by Friday, October 17th.
Pastoral Study Days
Priests, Pastoral Life Directors, Pastoral Associates, Youth Ministers, Religious, Principals and Parish Pastoral Council Representatives attended the 2013 Diocesan Study Days entitled “The New Evangelization – Building Up Communities of Faith”. The main presenter was Most Rev. Brian Dunn, Bishop of Antigonish, NS. As one of the delegates from Canada to the Synod of Bishops, he shared the background and theme of the Synod and helped assist in developing specific initiatives to promote evangelization in parish and school communities, beginning with families.