A Call to Act in Defense of Life
After a relentless campaign from pressure groups and a ruling by the Supreme Court, the parliament of Canada is months away from passing a law that would legalize assisted suicide. We need to do what we can to influence politicians to protect life, not legitimize its destruction in the name of a false compassion. There are two initiatives parishioners can take to stand up for life:
The first is sign the petition asking for a meaningful national strategy to provide palliative care for those who are dying. Appropriate and available care at the end of life means people can receive the support they need to die with dignity rather than be driven to destroy themselves.
The second item is a postcard that asks that the conscience rights of health care professionals be protected, so that no one is compelled to participate in an act of suicide.
Both the petition and postcard are attached. Please print and copy to have them available for parishioners. If you are not able to copy the postcards please email mprimus@pgdiocese.bc.ca with the number required
Condolences and Prayer Request
Sandra Olaksew, secretary in Prince Rupert, is in New Brunswick to attend her brother’s funeral. While there, and as a result of her brother’s death, her father had a heart attack. Please pray for the soul of Sandra’s brother and for recovery for her father. Pray also for peace and healing for Sandra, and her family during this time of struggle and loss. Thank you.
Chrism Mass 2016
The Mass of Chrism will be celebrated at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 14, 2016 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. In this diocesan celebration the Holy Oils and Chrism used in the Sacraments are blessed and consecrated. The priests will renew their commitment to serve the Church.
A reception will follow. Those attending are asked to bring a plate of snacks to share. Please put on the table in the lower hall before Mass. Thank you.
Choir Practices for the Chrism Mass
Choir practice for the Chrism Mass will take place on Thursday, March 3 and Monday, March 7 at 7:00 PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
St. Mary’s Parish Lenten Mission
A Time of Mercy presented by Very Reverend Rectorino M. Tolentino, Jr. Fr. Rector will share what our Holy Father Pope Francis asks of us during this Holy Year. The meaning of the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be explored and the participants will be led to a greater understanding, appreciation and celebration of the Sacrament. They will be reminded of their call, that as a Church, we are commissioned to live and announce God’s mercy to all.
Please come and join Fr. Rector at St. Mary’s Parish, 1088 Gillett Street, Prince George, on February 29, March 1 & 2, @ 7:00 PM. You are invited to bring family members, relatives, and friends to this spiritual renewal during this Lenten Mission. For more information, contact: Rev. Gilbert Bertrand OMI, pastor, St. Mary’s Parish (250) 564 -4097.
The Camp Morice Society Fundraiser
Camp Morice Society invites you to a Lasagna Dinner
When: Sunday, February 28, 2016
Doors open at 5:00 PM
Dinner at 6:00 PM
Where: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1088 Gillett Street, Prince George
Cost: By donation
All donations will go towards training our volunteer staff at Leadership Week and to help those who need assistance to go to camp. Come support our Catholic Camp. This year’s theme is “The Faith Awakens”, come and see what is in store for a great summer.
Contact Maria Barnes president of Camp Morice Society at 250-961-3225 or president@campmorice.com for more information.
Attention Former Frontier Apostles
The Frontier Apostolate, established by Bishop O’Grady in 1956, will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of its founding with a reunion of former Frontier Apostles on August 19-21, 2016 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre. For more information contact PGFAreunion@gmail.com.
OEC NEWS & EVENTS
See Flyer for OEC
Marriage Preparation Weekend
Living a Joy-Filled Marriage – Please see attached poster for more information.
When: March 12-13, 2016.
Cost: $200/couple Includes (Workbooks Lunches and Snacks)
Contact Angelo at the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for registration and information. Phone (250) 964-4424 (ext. 230) or email asabbadin@pgdiocese.bc.ca
“Growing in Catholic Leadership”
Presented by The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, & Christ the King Parish, Kitmat
Saturday, 27th of February, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Presenter: Fr. Jack Michalchuk
Come & Rest
Who: Everyone
When: Sundays: Feb 21, Mar 20, Apr 17, May 15, @ 3:00-7:30 PM
Where: Christ Our Saviour Parish Prince George. (4514 Austin Road West)
We are currently exploring the connection between the Year of Mercy and the Heart of Jesus. These events encourage a renewed vision, celebrating our Sabbath Rest Day with talks, fellowship, and adoration. Open to all people in the Diocese. Childcare is available. Please bring enough food for your family and everyone will have plenty.
For more information please contact Angelo at asabbadin@pgdiocese.bc.ca or (250) 964-4424 (ext. 230)
Parish Missions
Mercy and the Healing of the Broken Hearted, presented by Fr. Basil Burns
Who is invited: Everyone
When and Where: Kitimat Feb 28-29
Terrace March 1-2
Burns Lake March 6-7
For more information please contact Angelo at asabbadin@pgdiocese.bc.ca or (250) 964-4424 (ext. 230)
Youth and Young Adults Events
The Diocesan Youth Conference
DYC is a packed weekend adventure filled with dynamic talks, workshops, games, adoration, praise andworship, and a coffeehouse featuring artists from across our diocese as part of an evening celebration.
This year, our theme is‘The Ascent’. The Christian journey often feels like a tough climb, but we hope young people will leave ready to take on every mountain. With the help of Face2Face Ministries, we will unpack that which is most central and basic to our Catholic Christian faith. “Verso l’alto!” – Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati
When: Friday, 29 April at 6:00 PM – Sunday, 1 May, 2016 @ 1:00 PM
Where: 6500 Southridge Ave – Prince George, BC V2N 5P9
“Ski Merciful” Young Adult Ski Retreat
Who: Young Adults ages 19-40
When: Friday & Saturday March 18-19, 2016
Where: Hudson Bay Mountain Resort, Smithers
For more information please contact Angelo at asabbadin@pgdiocese.bc.ca or (250) 964-4424 (ext. 230)