Northern Catholic News – Spring 2014

19^TH ANNUAL DYC: CATCHING FIRE is happening April 25-27.
REGISTRATION is still open!

DYC is our annual Diocesan Youth Conference. It is a packed weekend of dynamic talks, workshops, games all culminating in a closing Mass together. There will also be adoration, amazing praise & worship, and a coffeehouse featuring artists from across our diocese as part of an evening celebration. This year, our theme is ʻCatching Fireʼ based on the the scripture passage of the Road to Emmaus. We hope young people will leave on fire for our Lord.

Keynote Speaker, Ken Yasinski: Ken is the founder of FacetoFace Ministries. Speaking since 1999, he has become one of Canadaʼs most sought after Catholic speakers giving over 150 presentations a year. Through his gift of communicating, his audience is captivated by the love of Christ and His Church. Ken has spoken for conferences, rallies, parish missions, schools, and retreats to youth and adults across Canada and internationally. At the core of every message Ken challenges people to realize their full potential in life: to become a saint. Ken also produces talks through Lighthouse Catholic Media.

Want more details? See the DYC 2014 Brochure:  DYC 2014 Catching Fire

Registration Info:

To register, please sign up at the DYC Registration Table at the Diocesan Centre at 6:00 pm tonight!

For travellers, participants will be offered accommodation with homestays. Secure your place at this dynamic conference by registering today!

Any Questions?  Contact Teresa Phillippe at (250) 964-4424 ext. 242 or at Teresa@pgdiocese.bc.ca or at youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca for more information.

Registration Form for DYC 2014 Travellers -Print Version

Registration Form for DYC 2014 Prince George Residents – Print Version

Schedule: (May be subject to change)

Friday April 25, 2014

6:00       Registration
7:00        Praise & Worship/Opening Skit
7:45        Opening Keynote
8:45        Facilitated discussion/closing
9:30        Host Family pick-up.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

9:00      Praise & Worship/Morning opening notes
9:30      Morning 20 minute keynote
10:00    Break
10:15     Presentation from Office of Evangelization & Catechetics
11:25     Workshops
12:15     Lunch
1:10       Keynote
2:00      Confession available/ activities outside
4:00      Break
4:15       Activities/games
5:00      Supper
6:30      Evening keynote followed by Adoration
8:30      Evening celebration
11:00     Host Family Pick-up

DIVINE MERCY Sunday, April 27, 2014

9:00      Praise & worship/ Celebration of Saints
9:30      Closing Keynote
10:15     Facilitated Group discussions
10:45    Break
11:45    Mass
1:00      END!

40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion.

Campaigns will be taking place in two communities in the Diocese from March 5 to April 13: Prince George and Terrace.
To view the vigil schedule, location and to get the latest updates, please contact the local organizer or visit their website for each community:

• PG: Tony Donovan, tdonovan@gmail.com;
  http://40daysforlife.com/princegeorge.html
• Terrace: Ryan Gillam; rdjgillam@gmail.com;
  http://40daysforlife.com/terrace.html

For more information about 40 Days for Life, please see their website at: http://www.40daysforlife.com/

Prince George Campaign Update:

Prince George’s first 40 Days for Life officially started March 5 at 12:00am!  There were 14 people in attendance to brave the -18 degree cold. We had a surprise visit from Bishop Jensen!  Father Pier and Bishop Jensen led us in prayer and gave us a great start to 40 Days for Life!  The campaign is from March 5 – April 13th.  We are holding the Vigil from 6am to 11pm each day.  We have many spaces filled but we could use a lot more participants!  It’s lonely out there at times! Let’s all show Prince George that we have respect for all life.

God bless you all and keep us in your prayers, Tony Donovan

Prayer Vigil:

Joe Haddock was our first volunteer for the Vigil.  He stood for 3 hours in -23 degree weather!  Very impressive Joe!

This year, St. Joseph’s Parish, Smithers is celebrating its 100 Years Jubilee with the theme:

St. Joseph’s Parish
Smithers, B.C.
100 Years Jubilee
(1914-2014)

Celebrating God’s Faithful Blessings
yesterday, today and forever

Fr. Rector and the Anniversary Committee invite all from our diocesan faith community to come and celebrate this special year. Please click on the Calendar of Events link below to view the activities scheduled. All are welcome to attend a jubilee event, to celebrate Mass or to visit at any time. St. Joseph’s is located at 4023 First Avenue, Smithers.  If possible, please contact the parish office in advance at (250) 847-2012 or at sjparish@telus.net to let them know you will be attending.

Calendar of Events 100 Years Jubilee

What is the meaning of the Mass in my daily life?

How does the Mass strengthen me to accept the challenges and give thanks for the gifts that God places in my life?

How do I transmit to others the joy of my personal encounter with Jesus Christ in the Mass?

“Remain with Us, Lord” is an inspirational collection of personal stories and theological reflections on the importance of the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass in our spiritual lives as Christians and the peace and happiness we draw from it to live our lives close to Jesus Christ and to bring him to others. Filmed in the United States and Ireland, the video was produced by Midwest Theological Forum and is available on DVD or digital download.

For more information visit www.remainwithuslord.org

Bishop Stephen Jensen is pleased to announce that Fr. Jack Michalchuk and Mr. John Connelly have been appointed Co-directors of the new diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. They begin their service in November.   John Connelly has been involved with full-time evangelization, communications and pastoral ministry since 1986. Fr. Michalchuk, ordained in 2001, has been involved in campus ministry and served as a pastor and member of a diocesan retreat team for several years.   The new directors are already both well-known for their work in giving parish missions locally. We look forward to their increased contribution to the mission of the Church in our diocese.

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

Most Reverend Stephen Jensen, Bishop of Prince George celebrated the Mass and Rite of Ordination on May 31, the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary,  at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince George.  Welcomed  to the priesthood are Rev. Alvin Matias and Rev. Rene Antonio.

Both men originate from the Philippines, and many family and friends from this country joined in the celebrations.  During his homily, the bishop acknowledged the distance the men had travelled to become priests stating  “These two men have come from far away to serve the Church here. I hope their generous example will lead young men to consider their own vocations.”

Effective August 1, 2013, Rev. Antontio will be the Administrator of St. Peter’s Parish, Mackenzie, with part-time ministry at Sacred Heart Cathedral and Rev. Matias will be the Administrator of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Chetwynd.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
DIOCESAN YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT
MINISTRY COORDINATOR

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George seeks a full-time Diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry Coordinator.

Major areas of responsibility:

• Promote and facilitate the development of a comprehensive model of youth/young adult ministry
• Coordinate events, communication and networking to promote effective youth and young adult ministry
• Formation of ministry volunteers at the parish level

The successful candidate will have:

• completed at least two years of theological studies, or be prepared to undertake these studies
• completed the Canadian Certificate in Youth Ministry or its equivalent
• experience in youth and/or young adult ministry
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently, as well as a member of a team
• excellent computer skills and experience with social media
• a letter of reference from his/her pastor

The Diocesan Youth Coordinator is required:

• to have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle for travel throughout the diocese
• to be available to work evenings and weekends
• to pass a criminal record check

Please submit a resume and covering letter to:

Susan M. Campbell, Director
Diocesan Pastoral Centre
Box 7000, Prince George, BC  V2N 3Z2

Inquiries may be sent to smcampbell@pgdiocese.bc.ca

The initial closing date for this position has passed. However, the posting will remain open until the successful candidate has been selected.

Anticipated Position Start Date:  August 19, 2013

Youth and Young Adult Coordinator Job Description

Youth and Young Adult Coordinator Ad

DYC 2013:  The 18^th Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC) was held April 12-14 in Prince George.  The theme was “The Real Deal” and the keynote speaker was Brad Henning of Life Resources.  This was Brad’s third keynote appearance at DYC.  Brad used stories and humour to help discuss the relationships in our lives.

To find out more about Brad, see: www.bradhenning.com.  “Don’t Take Love Lying Down” by Brad  is available for purchase from Ave Maria Specialties in Prince George (1638 – 20th Avenue, or for those outside Prince George, 1-800-704-7454) book ($19.95) and DVD ($34.99) or can be borrowed from the Diocesan Pastoral Centre Youth Ministry Library (250-964-4424 ext. 242 or teresa@pgdiocese.bc.ca). A Kindle Book version can be purchased via Amazon.com at $9.99. For other youth ministry resources, visit the Diocesan Library catalogue on-line at www.pgdiocese.bc.ca (click Our Ministries, Resource Catalogue, and follow prompts).

DYC Prince George Facebook Page: DYC has its own page on Facebook.  Check the latest DYC news and chat with other DYC participants at DYC Prince George.

Joe Glaab ofm
Youth Ministry, PG Diocese