Author Archives: diocese

Wednesday Weekly – 9Oct13

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Wednesday Weekly October 9, 2013 Print Version

1.     Appeal News

A financial update from the Appeal is provided below. Please place the following notice in parish bulletins:

A heartfelt and sincere thank you to all who responded to the Appeal during Commitment Weekend.  While this weekend marks the end of the active, promotional phase of the appeal, this year’s appeal continues until August 31, 2014. This gives contributors the opportunity to fulfill their pledges over a period of time rather than all at once. It is also an opportunity for those who were not able to contribute in September/October, or for those who might wish to make a further contribution later in the year. About mid-November, there will be a second letter sent from the appeal office to all members on our list who did not respond to the first invitation to participate in the appeal.  If you have not made a pledge yet, but are planning to, please contact your parish (even if you cannot fulfill it immediately) and the information will be sent into the appeal office and we will not send a second letter to you.

20131009 Appeal Update

 2.    Diocesan Study Days

Thank you to all who attended Diocesan Study Days.  Please contact Susan Campbell at (250)964-4424 or at smcampbell@pgdiocese.bc.ca if you would like a copy of Bishop Brian Dunns’s PowerPoint presentation on Evangelization.

 

 3.    WCB

 Please report your 3rd quarter WorkSafeBC (WCB) payments made to individuals and to contractors who are not registered with WCB to Payroll Services by October 15, 2013.

 

4.    Organ for Sale

The Immaculata Parish in Burns Lake has a Two Deck Electone Organ for sale; asking price $100.00 or obo. For more details, please phone the parish office at (250)692-3568. Photos can be emailed to those who are interested.

 

5.     Vocation Live-In

Please place the following notice in parish bulletins. Posters and registration forms were distributed during Diocesan Study Days. 

On the weekend of November 15-17, there will be a Vocation Live-In for young men Grades 10 and up who may be interested in the priesthood or the consecrated life, at the Seminary of Christ the King, Mission, BC. For more information call 604.826.8715 or Fr. Terry Brock at 250-635-2313.

 

6.    Development and Peace

During the Annual General Meeting of Development and Peace in September, the members elected a new chair, Annie Kearns and vice chair, Catherine Nolin. Both are very involved in social justice and will bring much vitality to Development and Peace.  Congratulations to both and thank you for your commitment.

 

7.     Defensora

 Please put the attached poster on parish bulletin boards and the following notice in parish bulletins in the Central Region:

Prince George Development and Peace, along with the UNBC Geography Program, Guatemala Research Group and Department of First Nations Studies, presents a free screening of Defensora, a film which captures the voice and spirit of a community working together to reclaim their ancestral lands and to seek justice in Canada for crimes committed by Canadian mining companies in Guatemala.  The screening takes place on Monday, October 28 at 7 p.m. in the Canfor Theatre (6-213) at UNBC. Donations will be accepted at the door.

 Defensora Poster

 

8.    A Voice for Justice

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace launched its 2013 fall education and action campaign, entitled “A voice for justice”. The campaign is in solidarity with the concerns of the Church and its Bishops in the Global South over international mining operations, many of which involve Canadian mining interests. Background information on the campaign is available on the Development and Peace website at: http://www.devp.org/en/blog/launch-voice-justice-highly-mobilized-and-ready-action

 9.    Resources for 2014 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Resources for the 2014 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity can now be ordered from the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC), using the attached form or by emailing order@councilofchurches.ca. Resources may also be freely downloaded online; but a donation to help support its work and mission would be greatly appreciated. The resources were drafted by a Canadian Writing Committee under the chairmanship of Most Rev. Donald Bolen, Bishop of Saskatoon.

CCC WeekofPrayer Order Form

Wednesday Weekly – 2Oct13

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Wednesday Weekly October 2, 2013 Print Version

1.     Appeal News

A financial update from the Appeal and a message from Fr. Richard is provided below. Parish priests have been provided blank pledge cards for Commitment Weekend.

Fr. Richard’s ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL Message

Appeal Update 2Oct13

 2.     Pregnancy Loss Memorial Service

Please put the attached poster on parish bulletin boards and the following notice in parish bulletins in the Central Region:

The Prince George Crisis Pregnancy Centre invites you to a Pregnancy Loss Memorial Service: “Exploring the journey from loss to hope” to be held Saturday, October 12th, 2013, 2 pm at the Salvation Army Community Church, 777 Ospika Blvd, Prince George. This will be a non-denominational memorial service, supporting anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, termination, or adoption placement.

 3. Prince George Pregnancy Crisis Centre

 Please place the following notice in Prince George parish bulletins:

The next training sessions for men and women who may be interested in volunteering at the Prince George Pregnancy Crisis Centre will be held Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturday on the following two weeks: (October 24th, 25th,  26th) and (October 31st, November 1st and 2nd).  Pre-registration is required by October 18th.  For more information please call the Centre at 250-562-4464.

 Pregnancy Loss Memorial Service

4.  MaterCare International

From September 18-22, 2013, MaterCare International, hosted an international conference to bring together leading medical experts and religious leaders to discuss maternal health in Rome. To read more on resources and coverage regarding this event including Pope Francis’ address, please see their website at: http://matercare-international.blogspot.ca/p/upcoming-events.html

5.  50th Anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

CCCB Publications has released several new resources in light of the 50th Anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Please review the attached promotional brochure or visit their website at http://www.cccbpublications.ca/ for further information.

CCCB Sacrosanctum Concilium Resources

Wednesday Weekly – 25Sep13

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Wednesday Weekly September 25, 2013 Print Version

 

1.     Appeal News

An Appeal financial update and message from Fr. Richard is attached.  Appeal Tip:  Parish offices can process online donations for parishioners by using the CanadaHelps link located on the diocese website.   Click the “Donate Now through CanadaHelps” button and follow the steps. A credit card number and email address are required.  The donor may need to be reminded that CanadaHelps produces the income tax receipt, not the Appeal office.

Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

 

2.     Ordos

We will be placing an order for the Ordo next week. Listed below is the number of copies each parish ordered last year. If there are any changes to your order, please contact Lisa Weber before Wednesday, October 2, 2013. Thank you.

 PARISHES                              OTHER

Burns Lake – 1                           Chancery – 1
Chetwynd/Tumbler – 2          Pastoral Centre – 4
Dawson Creek – 4                     Prison Ministry  – 1
Fort St. James – 1                     Sr. Maria – 1
Fort St. John – 6                       Sr. Gerarda Slanina – 1
Fraser Lake – 1                         Dominican Sisters  – 1
Houston – 2                                Domano Renewal Centre  – 2
Kitimat – 2                                  Fr. Andy – 1
Mackenzie – 1
McBride – 2
New Hazelton – 2
PG, Cathedral – 6
PG, Christ Our Savior – 4
PG, Imm. Conception – 3
PG, St. Mary’s – 6
Prince Rupert – 3
Smithers – 4
St. Theresa’s Missions – 2
Terrace – 4
Vanderhoof – 1

 

3.    Religious Education Trust

The Religious Education Trust provides funding to support and encourage initiatives for religious education in our diocese. The closing date for submission of applications for the next distribution of funds is October 1st, 2013.  A copy of the Application Form is attached. Forms can be sent to Lynn Monteith via email: lynn-monteith@pgdiocese.bc.ca or fax: (250)964-2101 or mailed to the address on the form.

 RET Application Form

 

4.    Anointing of the Sick

Please place the following notice in Prince George parish bulletins:

Bishop Jensen will celebrate Mass and Anointing of the Sick for all the city parishes at 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 6th at St. Mary’s Church. Everyone is welcome.

 

5.      Safe Parish Communities

A review of the Criminal Record Checks and Safe Parish Communities Pledges indicates there are a number of parishes in the Diocese that have not followed the required protocols. It may be that the documents have been obtained but not sent in to this office. If that is the case, parishes are asked to please send in all completed Criminal Record Checks and Safe Parish Communities Pledges as soon as possible to:

            Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin, Box 7000, Prince George, BC V2N 3Z2

Parishes are reminded that all employees (including priests and religious) and volunteers are required to undergo a Criminal Record Check and sign a Safe Parish Communities Pledge if they are categorized at a high risk or simply to sign a Safe Parish Communities Pledge if they are categorized as general risk. Information and Pledge forms can be found on the Diocesan website at www.pgdiocese.bc.ca. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin at 250-964-4424 ext. 234 or majamin@pgdiocese.bc.ca.

Instructions and Criminal Record Check Consent Forms (Please read WW – Safe Parish Communities Instructions first):

WW – Safe Parish Communities Instructions sept 25 2013

List of accepted ID sept2013

CRC Consent Form 2013 Scan

CRC Volunteer #1 letter    CRC Volunteer #2     CRC Volunteer #3

CRC Volunteer #4

 

6.     Silent Live-In Retreat for Women

Please place the following notice in parish bulletins:

The Sisters of the Child Jesus, North Vancouver, are holding a silent Live-In Retreat for women interested in discerning a call to Religious Life from 7:00 pm Friday, November 8, 2013 to 3:00 pm Sunday, November 10, 2013.  For further information or to register contact Sister Denece at (604) 985-4872 (dbillesberger@shaw.ca) or Sister Linda at (604) 936-2875 (bechardlinda@gmail.com).

 

7.      Ocean Falls and Bella Coola Reunion

Please place the following information in parish bulletins:

Former Pastor Jim Fagan is pleased to announce the celebration of the Centenary of St. Margaret’s Parish in Ocean Falls, and the 60th Anniversaries of St. Margaret’s School in Ocean Falls and Holy Name of Mary Parish in Bella Coola.  A tea will be held at the Star of the Sea School auditorium (15024-24th Ave., South Surrey) from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, followed by Mass at the adjacent Good Shepherd Church at 5 p.m.  Former parishioners and friends from Ocean Falls and Bella Coola are invited to attend the tea, bringing photos, mementos and stories to share.  Please register for the St. Margaret’s Centenary by contacting Janice Boots at 604-535-7097.  Questions may be directed to Fr. Jim at jimfagan@cox.net.

 

Wednesday Weekly – 18Sep13

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Wednesday Weekly September 18, 2013 Print Version

1.     Appeal News

The Appeal is underway!  The week of September 21/22 is an Educational Weekend. Please refer to your Appeal Manuals for further information. A report on goals and pledges will be included with next week’s Wednesday Weekly.

 

2.     Bank Signing Authorizations

At the June Consultors’ meeting, a motion was passed requiring two signatures on all cheques issued at the parish and school level.  As a result of this resolution, the signing authorities held at the CIBC and the Royal Bank need to be updated. Lisa Weber will coordinate obtaining the updated paperwork.  Please forward the names of all authorized signers for your accounts to Lisa at lisa@pgdiocese.bc.ca.  Thank you!

 

3.    Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada

Please find attached a document regarding the Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada on September 28/29, 2013 from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. It provides suggested bulletin announcements and Prayers of the Faithful, one for this weekend and one for next weekend. Please insert the bulletin announcements in parish bulletins. Thank you.

2013 Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada

Wednesday Weekly – 11Sep13

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Wednesday Weekly September 11, 2013 Print Version

 1.     Appeal News

 

The 2013 Diocesan Annual Appeal begins this weekend. If your parish has not received an Appeals package (or hasn’t made previous arrangements to pick up this week), please contact Esperanza Vezina at the Diocese.  Further instructions regarding the Appeal are provided in the attachment “Annual Diocesan Appeal Cover”.  Please refer to these instructions on how to use the attached Appeal Kick Off Letter and Appeal Manual.

Annual Diocesan Appeal Cover

Appeal Kick Off Letter

Appeal Manual 2013

 

2.     Diocesan Directory

 

The 2013-2014 Diocesan Directory is being finalized so that it can be distributed at Study Days.  Esperanza Vezina, Receptionist will be contacting parishes in the next week to confirm the contact information on file is correct. Please review and return any changes to her attention. Thank you.

 

 3.     Rev. John C. Mulligan, OMI

 

We pray for the repose of the soul of Father John Mulligan, OMI, who died in St. Albert, Alberta on Sunday, September 8th at the age of 96. Father Mulligan came to the Diocese of Prince George in 1979 to serve as pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in McBride. He later served at St. Peter’s in Mackenzie and when he retired moved to St. Joseph’s Parish in Vanderhoof. Before moving to Foyer Lacombe in St. Albert he lived briefly at St. Mary’s Parish in Prince George. The Funeral Mass for Father Mulligan will take place in St. Albert on Saturday, September 14th.

 

4.     Monthly Day of Adoration

 

Parishes in the Central Region are asked to put the following notice in bulletins for the next few weeks:

Due to chapel availability, the October date has been changed. Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on October 1 in the Domano Chapel (at the Domano Renewal Centre, 6500 Southridge Ave.). Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m. and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a day of silent prayer and adoration. We will pray especially for the people and needs of our Diocese, the universal Church, and the world. In particular we will pray for the protection of all human life, for vocations, and for the intentions of those participating in the day.

Employment Opportunity: Director, Office of Evangelization & Catechesis

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Print Version Director, Office of Evangelization & Catechesis Ad

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George seeks a full-time Director for the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

Reporting to the Bishop or his delegate, the Director’s role is to assist parishes and the diocese in identifying and addressing needs in the areas of evangelization and catechesis, including: formation in evangelization initiatives, reflecting the direction of the new “Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization”; marriage preparation and post-marriage/family life support programs; children’s and youth catechesis; adult catechesis and faith formation.

The Director is not solely responsible for initiatives in evangelization and catechesis, but provides support for parish efforts. Other qualified persons or groups may be enlisted from time to time to assist with specific, short-term projects.

Major areas of responsibility:

  • collaborate with the Superintendent of Catholic Schools to promote effective catechesis according the curriculum approved by the Bishops of BC
  • assist in identifying best resources for parish and Catholic school catechetical programs and adult education
  • assist with professional development of Catholic school teachers and parish catechists
  • organize the diocesan Lay Formation Program
  • convene an advisory board for the Office
  • develop policies for the Office and evaluate them to ensure effectiveness
  • maintain links with other dioceses and organizations in the areas of responsibility
  • supervise the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Coordinator and Office support staff

 Qualifications/Skills:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Catechetics, Religious Education or Theology
  • Experience in adult faith formation and children’s catechesis
  • Familiarity with the major catechetical resources (e.g. General Directory for Catechesis, and catechetical resources for children and adults)
  • Experience in assessing faith formation programs would be an asset
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to work in a team as well as being self-directed
  • Experience with webinars, social media and video conferencing would be an asset
  • Excellent administrative skills

The Director is required to travel throughout the diocese and be available to work evenings and weekends. The successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal record check.

Please submit a resumé and covering letter to:

Rev. Richard Beaudette, O.M.I., Vicar General, email: rabomi@pgdiocese.bc.ca with the Subject line: Application-Director

Application Deadline: September 30, 2013

Anticipated Start Date: December

Wednesday Weekly – 4Sep13

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Wednesday Weekly September 4, 2013 Print Version

1.     New Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

The following is an update from Bishop Stephen for Diocesan personnel. (Please note a message for parishioners regarding Susan’s departure will be sent out at a later date):

 The last issue of the “Wednesday Weekly” contained an advertisement inviting applications for the position of Director of a new diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. This new office is designed to provide support to parishes in their mission to bring the Good News of Faith to those within and beyond the parish community and help them mature in understanding and living that gift.

 Pope Paul VI said: “Evangelizing is … the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize.” Blessed John Paul II called for a “new evangelization” to share the Gospel with those who are already members of the Church and those who have not yet heard the message, an evangelization “new in its ardor, in its methods, in its expression.”

 Three years ago, Pope Benedict established a Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, reinforcing the urgency of this task for all of us. A diocesan office will help us focus our resources and energies on this mission.  Evangelization and Catechesis represent the journey of a believer from initial conversion to a mature, well-formed faith.

 The Director of this new office will assume some of the responsibilities until now held by Sr. Mary-Ann Bates and Susan Campbell. As was previously announced, after many years of service, both of them will be leaving their positions with the diocese. As we thank them for their contributions, we want to continue to support parishes through a new structure responding to the challenge of bringing the message and life of Faith to people everywhere.

 

2.     Domano Renewal Centre contact information

The email address at the Domano Renewal Centre has changed to drc@pgdiocese.bc.ca.  Sr. Irene Baker CSJ recently joined the Domano Renewal Centre team and can be reached at ibaker@pgdiocese.bc.ca.  Please update your records with these changes.  Thank you!

 

3.     Sacred Heart Cathedral Community of Care – October Workshop

 

Parishes in the Central Region are asked to put the following notice in bulletins:

 Fr. Mark Miller will present a two-part workshop on Palliative Care on Saturday, October 26 at Sacred Heart Cathedral.  At the morning session, Father Mark will discuss Ethics of Palliative Care and in the afternoon will be a presentation on the Spirituality of Palliative Care.  More details to follow but please reserve the date!


 4.     Diocesan days of prayer and fasting for peace in Syria, the Middle East and throughout the world

Parishes are asked to put the following notice in bulletins:

Pope Francis has asked the whole Church to join in prayer and fasting on Saturday, September 7th for peace in Syria and the other troubled areas of the Middle East and the world. Because this news was received too late to publicize in last Sunday’s parish bulletins, the Bishops of Canada invite parishioners to make the following Saturday, September 14th an additional day for this special time of prayer and fasting.  Pastors and parishioners should try to gather on these days to “in order to ask the Lord for the great gift of peace.” This second date also coincides with the culmination of the CCCB and Development and Peace joint campaign to raise emergency aid for Syrian refugees.  All donations to this special campaign should be sent by September 14th to Development and Peace, 1425 Rene-Levesque Blvd West, 3rd Floor, Montreal, QC H3G 1T7.

 

 5.     Appeal News

The 2013 Diocesan Annual Appeal begins the weekend of September 14/15.  The Diocesan Annual Appeal dates for 2013 and 2014 are provided in the attached document. Appeal materials are starting to be distributed to parishes. If you will be at the Diocese office this week, please contact Esperanza Vezina, Receptionist in advance to coordinate pick up.  Any material for parishes outside of Prince George that haven’t been picked up by Friday, September 6 will be sent out by Greyhound.

Wednesday Weekly – 28Aug13

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Wednesday Weekly August 28, 2013 Print Version

1.     Director, Diocesan Pastoral Centre Update

The following is a note from Susan Campbell for Diocesan personnel.  A message for parishioners will be sent out at a later date:

Warm summer greetings to you:

 Many of you may know this already, but I would like to say to all that I have resigned from my position as Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre effective December 31, 2013. This is something that I have been discerning and planning for over two years, but wanted to give the new Bishop time to transition with a new pastoral team before finishing here. I will be moving to Quebec City in January and am enrolled in a French immersion program there. Don’t ask me what possessed me to learn French at my age (someone recently told me I was very courageous to learn a new language after the age of 30!), but it has been an interest of mine for a long time.

 I have enjoyed the 18 years of ministry in the diocese. It has been extremely challenging and rewarding. Thank you to all who have journeyed with me, and to all who I have been most blessed to serve. I offer Bishop Jensen and the pastoral team a heartfelt prayer for every grace and blessing in the coming years ahead.  The ad for the new Director’s position is being posted on the website and will be published in various Catholic papers. If you know of any suitable candidates, please invite them to apply!

 Peace,

Susan

 2.     Diocese of Prince George Employment Opportunity

The Diocese of Prince George is seeking a full time Director, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis effective December 1, 2013. Please post the attached employment opportunity on parish bulletin boards and put an announcement in parish bulletins.  Thank you.

Director, Office of Evangelization & Catechesis Ad

 

3.     Lay Formation Program 2013-2015

Parishes are asked to put the following notice in bulletins with the attached Lay Formation ad for the next two weeks:

The next Lay Formation program will begin September 27-29 in Prince George. Applications forms are available through the parishes and on the Diocesan website. Contact Susan Campbell for more information at 250-964-4424, ext 239 or email: smcampbell@pgdiocese.bc.ca

Lay Formation Ad

 

 

 4.     Monthly Day of Adoration – September

 

Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on September 10 in the Domano Chapel (at the Domano Renewal Centre, 6500 Southridge Ave.). Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m. and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a day of silent prayer and adoration. We will pray especially for the people and needs of our Diocese, the universal Church, and the world. In particular we will pray for vocations and for the intentions of those participating in the day. Please mark your calendar on the second Tuesday of each month for Personal Dates with Jesus days.

 

5.     Diocesan Calendar

 

The Diocese of Prince George website at www.pgdiocese.bc.ca now has an online calendar (see the drop down menu under News & Events or click Diocesan Calendar in the Information Box on the Home Page). The calendar will be used to communicate events taking place throughout the Diocese.  If you would like to have your school or parish event listed on the calendar, please contact the Lisa Weber at lisa@pgdiocese.bc.ca.

Wednesday Weekly – 21Aug13

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Wednesday Weekly August 21, 2013 Print Version

 1.     School Employment Opportunity

Notre Dame School in Dawson Creek is seeking a full time teacher for September 1st. The posting will remain open until the position has been filled. Please see the attached ad for further information.

Full-Time ESL-Fine Arts-Music Teacher 2013

 

 2.     Farewell

Sr. Divinia Pedro, CSJ will be leaving the Diocese of Prince George and the community of Fort St. James on September 1, 2013. We are very grateful to Sr. Divinia and the Sisters of St. Joseph (Toronto) for their ministry in this region. We pray God will continue to bless her both personally and in her future ministry.

 

 3.     Private Sponsorship of  Refugees

 Parishes are asked to put the following notice in bulletins:

 The Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program is a Canadian refugee resettlement program that allows a group of five Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents to sponsor refugee families or persons. An online-based introductory training course will start September 16th and end on November 22nd, 2013.  The e-training is designed for people who are interested in getting involved in refugee sponsorship. The deadline for applying for this course is September 9th.  The cost is free. To obtain a registration form and/or get more information, view the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program website at:

http://www.rstp.ca/index.php/en/refugee-sponsorship/private-refugee-sponsorship-program

Wednesday Weekly – 14Aug13

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Wednesday Weekly August 14, 2013 Print Version

1.     Please pray for …

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins:

We have received notice from the Oblates that Father Thomas Magusin, OMI, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Father Tom originally entered the Oblates from this diocese and served here for many years, even after retirement when he came back to the diocese to provide replacement ministry. Please keep him in your prayers.

 

2.     Northern Catholic News

The Northern Catholic News is looking for articles from our parishes and schools to publish in its Fall edition. Did your parish celebrate a special occasion or give an award over the summer? Please let us know about it! Did you have a guest speaker or presentation that would be of interest to other parishioners? Please let us hear about it! Contact Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin at majamin@pgdiocese.bc.ca  or 250-964-4424 extension 234 with your stories and pictures. The deadline for this edition is August 23, 2013.

 

3.     Farewell

After six years of ministry to the people of Fort St. James and area, Sr. Patricia Macaulay left the Diocese of Prince George on July 31, 2013. We are very grateful for her years of dedicated service and wish her well on her sabbatical year and as she continues to respond to God’s call to love and serve.

 

4.     Youth and Young Adult Ministry Coordinator

Parishes are asked to put the following notice in bulletins:

We welcome Eunice Hii as the new Diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry Coordinator, effective September 3rd. Eunice is from Vancouver and was involved in parish youth ministry, Catholic Christian Outreach (www.cco.ca) and various campus initiatives.  She is the co-founder of “The Passion Project,” a non-profit organization that inspires students to pursue their passions by linking them with community needs (http://thepassionproj.org ). She served most recently as the Administrative Assistant to the Permanent Diaconate Program in Vancouver.  Eunice will bring to the diocese a strong faith, tremendous enthusiasm and a willingness to serve. Welcome, Eunice!

 

5.     40 Days for Life – September 25 – November 3

 Central Region Parishes are asked to put the following notice in bulletins:

 Did you want to participate in a powerful campaign that makes a difference in the lives of others? 40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful – and proven effective – pro-life campaign that has already been embraced by more than half a million people worldwide, saved 7,536 lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 83 abortion workers, and seen 39 abortion facilities close (http://40daysforlife.com ). Recognizing that “with God, all things are possible,” from September 25th to November 3rd, the Prince George community is joining with hundreds of other cities for this fall’s global 40 Days for Life – the largest internationally coordinated pro-life mobilization in history.  We are currently looking for people to comprise a local campaign team.  If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Tony Donovan at tdonovan@gmail.com or leave a message at 250-612-0397.

 

6.     The Okanagan Fall Live-In – “Getting to Know Jesus”

 Parishes are asked to put the following notice in bulletins:

 The Okanagan Fall Live-In weekend will be held at Immaculata Regional High School in Kelowna B.C. the weekend of October 25-27, 2013. The Live-In is an experience of God’s love through Jesus and the Live-In faith community.  If you would like more information or would like to register please contact Darlene Heaney at 250-542-8690 or darleneheaney@gmail.com.

 

 7.     First Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis

The first encyclical letter of Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith), is addressed to bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons and the lay faithful. In the introduction, the Holy Father explains: “In God’s gift of faith, a supernatural infused virtue, we realize that a great love has been offered us, a good word has been spoken to us, and that when we welcome that word, Jesus Christ the Word made flesh, the Holy Spirit transforms us, lights up our way to the future and enables us joyfully to advance along that way on wings of hope.” The preliminary draft of this encyclical had almost been completed by Benedict XVI when he was still pope, but Pope Francis has added his own “further contributions” to the initial draft. Printed copies of the Encyclical Letter will be available from CCCB Publications in early September and can be pre-ordered by mail (2500 Don Reid Drive, Ottawa, ON NK1H 2J2), electronically at https://esubmitit.sjpg.com/cccb/index.aspx?component=ProductDetails&id=184-855 or by telephone (613-241-9461 ext. 225). This encyclical can also be found on the Vatican website, www.vatican.va; click on “Pope Francis” and then “Encyclicals”.