Wednesday Weekly December 3, 2014 Print Version

1.     Northern Catholic News

The winter edition of the Northern Catholic News will be ready for distribution by the afternoon of Friday, December 5^th. Out of town parishes are asked to please contact Esperanza Vezina, Receptionist at 250-964-4424 in advance if they are able to pick up on their materials on or after this date. Any material for parishes outside of Prince George that cannot be picked up will be sent out by Greyhound.

2.     Confirmation 2015

It is anticipated the Confirmation schedule will be lighter this year due to the change in Confirmation age. Pastors are reminded that they are to contact the Bishop directly to organize a date if their parishes have candidates eligible for Confirmation. Thank you.

3.     The Year for Consecrated Life

The Year of Consecrated Life began on November 29, 2014 with a Prayer Vigil in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Rome, and will end on February 2, 2016, with the celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life. The opening of the Year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Perfectae Caritatis, the Second Vatican Council Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life, promulgated on October 28, 1965. The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life has released a logo and theme for the Year, together with a letter to consecrated men and women, entitled “Rejoice”.

The logo, theme and explanation of the logo are available on the Congregation’s website at:

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccscrlife/anno-vita-consacrata/logo_anno-vita-consacrata_en.html

The message from the Congregation is available on its website at http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccscrlife/documents/rc_con_ccscrlife_doc_20140202_rallegratevi-lettera-consacrati_en.html

4.     Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly November 26, 2014 Print Version

1.     Young Adult Ministry Update

November SUMMIT – To celebrate the end of young adult faith studies, a November Summit night of adoration, praise & worship and testimony will be held on Sunday, November 30th at 7:30 PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral. The evening begins with a potluck dinner at 6:00 PM in the basement of the Sacred Heart Cathedral. All are welcome!

Christmas Coffeehouse Fundraiser – The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry and the John Paul II Club at UNBC are jointly hosting a coffeehouse fundraiser to help support the 25 young adults travelling to the RISE UP Conference. Book your calendars for Sunday, December 7th at 7:00 PM at Art Space, 1685 3rd Avenue, Prince George. Rise Up is an annual joy-filled and dynamic young adult conference sponsored by Catholic Christian Outreach. This year RISE UP will be held from December 28-January 1 in Calgary, Alberta. Spaces are still available on the Diocesan bus to the conference. Don’t miss out! Contact Eunice Hii at ehii@pgdiocese.bc.ca for details.

2.     Domano Renewal Centre

The December At a Glance newsletter for the Domano Renewal Centre is attached. Events can also be viewed on the Diocesan Calendar found on the Diocese website at:

https://www.pgdiocese.bc.ca/news-events/diocesan-calendar/

Advent is a time when we recall the Son of God becoming man for us, and we prepare ourselves for his second coming in glory. The Domano Renewal Centre has several offerings to help let go of the fast-paced world we live in and to reflect and recharge. Pick one that fits your schedule. Of course, all are invited to come by on December 10 to the annual open house: stop in for a visit and enjoy a hot beverage, treats and great company!

 December 2014 at a Glance

3.     Giving Tuesday – December 2, 2014

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins:

In response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping in the United States and now in Canada, Giving Tuesday was launched three years ago as a global day of giving to encourage the support of non-profits and charities. Whether through monetary donations, volunteering, helping someone in need or initiating a random act of kindness, Giving Tuesday is a concrete way to respond to the Gospel: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).

4.     Monthly Day of Adoration – December 9^th, 2014

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins in the Central Region:

Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on December 9th 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. Please mark your calendar on the second Tuesday of each month for Personal Dates with Jesus days.

5.     Human Rights Day Pro-Life Vigil – December 10^th, 2014

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins in the Central Region:

The United Nations General Assembly declared December 10th as International Human Rights Day to help promote and protect Human Rights for all peoples and all nations. In recognition of the most basic human right, the right to life, the Pro Life Society of Prince George will be holding a vigil for all unborn people at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia on December 10th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. The Pro Life Society invites everyone to come and stand for two hours of prayer and witness as we fight for the humanity of everyone’s right to life. Contact Tony Donovan at 778-349-4412 for further information.

6.     Foundations Of Faith Community Nursing

Please share the attached poster with those who may be interested:

The Health Ministries Network in Bellingham, Washington is offering a Foundations in Faith Community Nursing/Health Ministry course in Spring 2015. The course is open to both registered nurses and lay people. Those who are not Registered Nurses but have an interest in caring for the mind, body and spirit, can attend this training to become a Health Minister. RNs that do not have a faith or spiritual community will learn how to develop their nursing practice to include care of a client’s spiritual needs in any setting. The course involves two classroom sessions combined with a 6-week course including online classes, self-study, discussions, readings and projects. Further information can be found on the attached Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Program.

 Foundations in Faith Health Ministry Course

7.     Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly – November 19th, 2014 Print Version

1.     2015 World Meeting of Families

The first World Meeting of Families was initiated by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1994 to help strengthen the sacred bonds of the family unit across the globe. Every three years since then, families from all over the world are invited by the Holy Father to attend this global gathering. Families share thoughts, dialogue and prayers, working together to grow as individuals and family units. This week Pope Francis formally announced his intention to attend the World Meeting of Families scheduled to be held September 22-27, 2015 in Philadelphia, USA (see attached press release). Further details about the conference and registration information can be found on the 2015 World Meeting of Families website at www.worldmeeting2015.org.

WMOF Press release November 2014

2.    Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly – November 12, 2014 Print Version

1.     Official Receipts For Income Tax Purposes

It will soon be time to send out official donation receipts to donors and parents. For information on what details must appear on a charitable donation receipt please see the CRA website at:  http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/chrts/prtng/rcpts/whtnf-eng.html.

Please note the CRA website address that must appear on the receipt has changed. The correct address is: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charitiesandgiving. If parishes have any questions about updating this information in Parish Friendly, please contact Jennifer Foster at (250)564-5225. Any other questions about receipts can be directed to Lynn Monteith.

2.     Parish Friendly Version 7

All Parishes should have received the attached brochure from Sitescapers regarding the Parish Friendly Version 7 upgrade. Parishes are requested to order the upgrade prior December 31^st, 2014 at a cost of $349.00 plus GST. Any parishes still using Versions 3, 4 or 5, are also requested to order Version 7 prior to December 31^st. For these parishes, the Diocese will refund to the parish the difference between the new license and upgrade cost ($899.00 less $349.00) if it is ordered prior to December 31st. To receive the refund, a copy of the receipt is to be forwarded to Lynn Monteith. Any questions regarding installing Version 7 are to be directed to Jennifer Foster at Sacred Heart Cathedral (250)564-5225 or shcath@shawcable.com. Thank you.

 Parish Friendly Brochure

3.     Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples

Please find attached the 2014 Message for the Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. This day of prayer is celebrated on December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. This year and next, in the context of the pastoral challenges for the family and its needs and role in evangelization, the members of the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council wish to honour elders who helped them develop their own faith. Parishes are asked to share this message with parishioners.

 2014 National Day of Prayer message

4.     Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Parishes are kindly reminded to ensure all Appeal pledge cards are submitted to the Diocesan Accounting Office so they have the most up to date information before the second mailing. Thank you!

Wednesday Weekly November 5, 2014 Print Version

1.    Norms for Parish Finance and Pastoral Councils

On October 28th, 2014 Bishop Jensen issued two decrees that define the scope and responsibilities of the Parish Finance and Parish Pastoral Councils. Each parish is to have a Parish Finance Council and a Parish Pastoral Council in place within six months of this decree. The Norms are attached and are also available on the diocese website at: https://www.pgdiocese.bc.ca/our-policies/

Norms for Parish Pastoral Councils October 2014

Norms for Parish Finance Councils October 2014

2.     Northern Catholic News

The Northern Catholic News is looking for articles from our parishes and schools to publish in its upcoming Winter edition. Did your parish or school celebrate a special occasion or event? 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 Monday, November 17, 2014.

3.    A Night with Therese

Parishes are asked to post the following notice in parish bulletins:

A visiting priest from Louisiana, Fr. Basil Burns PhD, will present an evening of lessons from the spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux. It will take place at Christ Our Savior Parish, Prince George on Tuesday, November18^th from 7:00-8:30 pm. Co-sponsored by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, this event is open to all ages. Please take advantage of this gifted speaker from the land of crawfish and jambalaya who will also be teaching at the November Lay Formation Program. Mark your calendars and help spread the word!

4.    Men’s Retreat – Negotiating the Male Journey, November 21-23

Please continue to place the notice for the Men’s Retreat in parish bulletins for the next two weeks:

Men, mark your calendars for the upcoming retreat with Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, OMI to be held November 21-23rd at the Domano Renewal Centre. Topics covered include Men at Prayer, Men Fully Alive, Living a Holistic Spirituality, Doing Soul Work, and Reconciliation & Moving Forward.   The retreat will offer quiet time for prayer and reflection as well as one-on-one sharing, fellowship and relaxation. Participants can expect to come away renewed, with the greater ability to be fully alive in our society and Church today. For further information and to register, contact the Domano Renewal Centre at 250-964-4475 or at drc@pgdiocese.bc.ca

5.    Employment Opportunity – Domano Renewal Centre

Please place the following job opportunity in parish bulletins (deadline date for applications added):

The Domano Renewal Centre is seeking a part-time Secretary/Receptionist. This role requires a person comfortable with change, the ability to multi-task and interact well with clients and guests. Proficient computer skills are required in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word & Publisher). Areas of responsibility include receptionist/secretary, bookkeeping, scheduling and group bookings. The position is for 4 hours per day, 5 days a week with some flexibility for evenings and weekends. Expected start date is November 24th. Deadline for applications is November 15^th, 2014. For more information and to apply, contact Sr. Irene Baker, 250-964-4475 or email: ibaker@pgdiocese.bc.ca

6.     RETURNING TO SPIRIT – Aboriginal Workshop November 17-21, 2014

Parishes are asked to post the following notice in parish bulletins:

An Aboriginal Returning to Spirit (RTS) workshop is being held November 17- 21 at the Domano Renewal Centre, Prince George. Each workshop is unique and cutting edge in its approach to healing and reconciliation. The workshop is designed for Aboriginal people who continue to experience the legacy of residential schools. The workshop benefits survivors, families of survivors, and anyone who wants to move beyond healing to reconciliation and discover the spirit of who they are. Please call the Domano Renewal Centre at 250-964-4475 to register. More information on RTS can be found at http://www.returningtospirit.org/.

7.     CIS Employment Opportunities

Parishes are asked to place the following notice in parish bulletins:

Three teaching positions are currently available with CISPG: a 1.0 FTE Grade 3 maternity leave at Sacred Heart School, Prince George; a 1.0 FTE Grade 2 limited duration at Notre Dame School, Dawson Creek; and a 1.0 FTE Grade 4 limited duration also at Notre Dame School. Please advise any qualified teachers that may be interested in these opportunities. To view the postings and to submit an application, candidates should visit the CISPG website at: http://cispg.ca/employment-opportunities/. We look forward to hearing from you!

8.    Camp Morice Annual General Meeting

Please post the attached notice in parish bulletins:

Everyone is welcome to attend the Camp Morice Society Annual General Meeting being held Friday, November 14^th at 7 pm in the Sacred Heart Cathedral basement. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to be involved with the Society, please contact Fr. Pier Pandolfo at president@campmorice.com or Nadine Encinas, Office Manager at info@campmorice.com.

9.     Restorative Justice

The Week of Restorative Justice takes place Sunday, November 16 through Sunday, November 23, 2014. Restorative Justice proposes non-violence, making amends for harm done, and restoring harmony and peace by facing squarely the effects of crime for the victims, communities and offenders. It seeks a way forward to a restored peace for all. Bishop Gary Gordon writes “Restorative Justice is multifaceted in its application and dynamism but fundamentally has its origins in a principal that unity is greater than conflict.” “This principal, drawn from the Gospel, reminds us that Christ has made all things one in Himself: heaven and earth, God and man, time and eternity, flesh and spirit, person and society. Christ is our peace (Eph 2:14).” (Evangelii Gaudium 229). Attached are Homiletic Notes for Sundays November 16^th and 23^rd, 2014 provided as a resource from The Church Council on Justice and Corrections. Further information can be obtained from their website at: www.ccjc.ca.

 Homiletic Resource

10.     A Church in Dialogue: Towards the Restoration of Unity Among Christians

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio in November 2014, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has published, “A Church in Dialogue: Towards the Restoration of Unity Among Christians”. This publication provides an in-depth presentation of the Church’s commitment to ecumenical dialogue and complements the August 2014 publication, “A Church in Dialogue: Catholic Ecumenical Commitment”. The most recent document can be found as a downloadable PDF on the CCCB website at www.cccb.ca. Both documents also can be ordered by telephone (1-800-769-1147) or online at www.cccbpublications.ca.

The document will be officially launched Sunday, November 9, at St. James Anglican Cathedral, Toronto. The celebration, involving a prayer service and lectures, will start at 7:00 pm (Eastern Time) and is being coordinated by the Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue (ARC) and the Anglican – Roman Catholic Bishops’ dialogue (ARC-B). Salt + Light will cover the event with live streaming and rebroadcasting on its television network.

11.     Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly, October 29th, 2014 Print Version

1.     Norms for Extraordinary Ministers

On September 30, 2014 Bishop Jensen issued a decree which defined the functions of the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion within Mass and for Communion to the Sick. The Norms are to become effective November 30, 2014. A copy of the Decree and the Norms are attached. Parishes are asked to provide a copy of the Norms to their ministers of Communion. The information is also available on the diocese website.

 Norms for Extraordinary Ministers Decree

Norms for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion  September 2014

2.     Employment Opportunity – Domano Renewal Centre

Please place the following job opportunity in parish bulletins:

The Domano Renewal Centre is seeking a part-time Secretary/Receptionist. This role requires a person comfortable with change, the ability to multi-task and interact well with clients and guests. Proficient computer skills are required in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word & Publisher). Areas of responsibility include receptionist/secretary, bookkeeping, scheduling and group bookings. The position is for 4 hours per day, 5 days a week with some flexibility for evenings and weekends. Expected start date is November 24th. For more information and to apply, contact Sr. Irene Baker, 250-964-4475 or email: ibaker@pgdiocese.bc.ca

3.     November At A Glance

The Domano Renewal Centre has some exciting new sessions/workshops this month!

• 3 part DVD series of Fr. Ron Rolheiser: The Many Faces of Fear: Exploring the Roots of Religious Fear

• Constructing Skill and Strategies to Create Hopeful Changes: Supporting Children and Youth Who Live with Anxiety facilitated by Rev. John Garden, MEd (Counselling) and Ms. Annie Kearns, MEd (Counselling)

• Living as Missionary Disciples – How can we live more fully the call of Pope Francis to live as Missionary Disciples of Jesus today? With Fr. Jack Michalchuk and John Connelly

• Men’s Retreat – Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, OMI will lead a weekend retreat on Negotiating the Male Journey.

More information on these and other programs being offered this month can be found in the attached November at a Glance!

November at a Glance

4.     Sacramental Online Prep Training

Please post the attached poster and place the following information in parish bulletins. Parish offices will be sent the webinar registration links by email so that it can be forwarded to interested participants.

Two ONLINE TRAINING opportunities for our new Diocesan Sacramental Preparation program GOD’S GIFT for First Reconciliation and First Communion will be offered on Thursday, November 6th @ 6:30 pm and Saturday, November 8th at 10:00 am. Kathleen Suzuki from Loyola Press will guide leaders through an hour and a half session via the internet. The webinar can be viewed as a group, or in the privacy of your own home. Priests, catechists and helpers, please mark your calendars for one of these workshops, and grow in your ability to facilitate this program. Contact your parish office to receive the webinar link by email.

Online Sacramental Preparation program poster

5.     Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly October 22, 2014 Print Version

1.     New Deans Appointed

The Church’s Code of Canon law states that each diocese is to be divided into distinct parts to foster pastoral care by means of common action. Several parishes joined together constitute a vicariate forane, commonly known as a Deanery (canon 374).

On September 30, 2014 Bishop Jensen established the four regions of the diocese as Deaneries and appointed the following priests as Deans:

Western Deanery:   Rev. Terence Brock

Midwestern Deanery:   Rev. Pier Pandolfo

Central Deanery:   Rev. Christopher Lynch

Northern Deanery:   Rev. Venerando Sabacan

         A copy of the decree is can be found by clicking: Deanery Decree

2.    Men’s Retreat – Negotiating the Male Journey, Nov 21-23

Please place the following notice in parish bulletins:

Men, mark your calendars for the upcoming retreat with Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, OMI to be held November 21-23rd at the Domano Renewal Centre. Topics covered include Men at Prayer, Men Fully Alive, Living a Holistic Spirituality, Doing Soul Work, and Reconciliation & Moving Forward.   The retreat will offer quiet time for prayer and reflection as well as one-on-one sharing, fellowship and relaxation. Participants can expect to come away renewed, with the greater ability to be fully alive in our society and Church today. For further information and to register, contact the Domano Renewal Centre at 250-964-4475 or at drc@pgdiocese.bc.ca

3.     Retirement – Jo-Anne Allison

After over nine years of dedicated service, Jo-Anne Allison has resigned her position as archivist of the diocese, effective Friday, October 24. We thank Jo-Anne for her presence and service in the curia and wish her well in her retirement.

4.     CIS Employment Opportunities – Notre Dame School

Notre Dame School in Dawson Creek has two Limited Duration Full-time teaching positions (Grade 2 & Grade 4) available. The positions are available immediately and will remain open until filled. Please see the attached ads for further information.

LD 1 0 FTE Grade 2 Teacher Oct-14

LD 1 0 FTE Grade 4 Teacher Oct-14

5.     Employment Opportunity – Music Director, St. Mary’s Parish, Prince George

Please post the attached job opportunity in parish bulletins. The deadline for applying is November 12, 2014. See the ad for further information.

 Music Director St Marys Parish

6.     Life Giving Love

The Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF), with the support of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, has launched a National Campaign in Favour of Palliative and Home Care, and Against Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide. This campaign of education and action, which is structured around the theme “Life-Giving Love”, is also a response to Pope Francis’ urgent call: “In imitation of our Master, we Christians are called to confront the poverty of our brothers and sisters, to touch it, to make it our own and to take practical steps to alleviate it”. Please read the attached pamphlet for further information or view the campaign website at: www.lifegivinglove.com.

 Life Giving Love

7.     Assisted Suicide and the Supreme Court of Canada

The appeal of the Carter Case decision commenced in Ottawa at the Supreme Court of Canada this past week. The Catholic Health Alliance of Canada and the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition have intervenor status in the appeal and will be presenting intelligent and persuasive arguments for leaving our laws as they are on this issue. Attached is flyer created by CHABC giving a timeline of events in Canada over the past two decades and asking the faithful to pray that the Supreme Court judges make a just decision for all Canadians on this issue. In addition, a copy of an open letter to all Canadians from a group of physicians who oppose any change to our existing laws is attached. Parishes are asked to share this information with parishioners. The information is also available on the diocese website by clicking here.

 CHABC flyer on assisted suicide

An Open Letter to Canadians on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

8.     Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

9.  Sacramental Online Prep Training

Please post the following information in parish bulletins:

Two ONLINE TRAINING opportunities for our new Diocesan Sacramental Preparation program GOD’S GIFT for First Reconciliation and First Communion will be offered on  Thursday Nov 6^th @ 6:30 pm and Saturday Nov 8^th at 10 am.  Kathleen Suzuki from Loyola Press will guide leaders through an hour and a half session via the internet.  The webinar can be viewed as a group in your local parish, or in the privacy of your own home.  Priests, catechists and helpers, please mark your calendars for one of these workshops, and grow in your ability to facilitate this program. Registration details will be provided next week.

Wednesday Weekly October 15, 2014 Print Version

1.     Vocation Live-In for Men

Please place the following notice in parish bulletins:

The next Vocation “Live-in” for Men at the Seminary of Christ the King, Mission, BC will take place November 14-16, 2014. A Vocation Live-In is an opportunity for young men ages Grade 10 and up to meet other young men interested in the priesthood or consecrated life. During the weekend there are times for community prayer, daily Mass and rosary, sports, discussion groups, and a tour of the seminary. For more information, call Fr. Terry Brock, Vocations Director at 250-635-2313.

2.     Vocation 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 7, 2014 to 3:30 pm Sunday, November 9, 2014. 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).

3.     Monthly Day of Adoration – November

Please place the following information in parish bulletins in the Central Region:

Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on Tuesday, November 11 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. Please mark your calendar on the second Tuesday of the month for Personal Date with Jesus days.

4.     Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly October 10, 2014 Print Version

1.      Diocesan Assembly

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 attached. Please submit all receipts to Teresa by Friday, October 17th.

Assembly travel expense claim form

2. Our Lady of the Snows – Sr. Divinia Pedro, CSJ

Bishop Jensen is pleased to announce Sr. Divinia Pedro, CSJ has returned to the Fort St. James area. She joins Fr. Frank Salmon, OMI, Sr. Maurine Barzantni, OP and Sr. Renee Richie, OP in providing local ministry. Sr. Divinia can be reached through Our Lady of the Snows Parish office or by email at divinia_amor@hotmail.com.  Welcome back, Sr. Divinia!

3. Office of Evangelization & Catechesis – Norman Hebert

We would like to introduce Norman Hebert as Project Manager for the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. His role will be to support the Office in their continued growth and expansion of ministries, conferences, and outreaches being planned in the Diocese.  Norman has previous managerial experience in the corporate world as well as being the director of a large Catholic boys camp in Alberta. Many have seen him at work during the Diocesan Assembly. Welcome to the Diocesan team, Norman!

4. Development & Peace – Humanitarian Aid, Reconstruction and Development Program in Haiti

On January 12, 2010, Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake causing over 200,000 deaths and leaving 2.3 million displaced and homeless. In response, Development and Peace, with the full support of the Canadian bishops, launched an appeal for donations for relief efforts amongst its members, the faithful and the general public. Through this appeal, $21.5 million was donated and an additional $7.5 million was received in funding from the Canadian International Development Agency.  A written report on Development & Peace’s work in Haiti since the earthquake is now available on its website: http://www.devp.org/sites/www.devp.org/files/IMCE/files/urgences/devpeace_haiti_4years_report.pdf   In addition, a video on its activities in the country can be viewed at:  http://www.devp.org/en/emergencies/haiti  

5. Symposium: The Global Cry of the People: Mining Extraction and Justice

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins:
OMI Lacombe Canada’s Office of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation in partnership with Saint Paul University is pleased to invite parishioners to a Symposium on “The Global Cry of the People: Mining Extraction and Justice” being held November 7-8, 2014 at Saint Paul University, Ottawa, ON.  The Symposium will try to create a space for Church, civil society and politicians to share information and learn first-hand about mining justice issues. It has no registration fee.  For further information and register, please see the following link: http://www.omilacombe.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1414&Itemid=189&lang= en  

6. Annual Diocesan Appeal Update