Wednesday Weekly  January 22, 2014 Print Version

1.      Marriage Papers

Parishes are asked to send copies of their 2012 and 2013 marriage papers and license registrations that have not already been submitted to the Chancery. Please mail these before the end of January to Box 7000 Prince George, BC V2N 3Z2; mark “Marriage Papers” on the envelope. Thank you.

2.      Property Assessments

The 2014 Property Assessments have been emailed to all parishes.  The deadline for appeals is January 31, 2014.  Please contact John Phillips at the Diocesan Centre if you have any questions or concerns regarding your assessment.

3.      Employment Opportunity

Veritas School in Terrace is seeking a Temporary Full-Time Primary Teacher for March 31st, 2014. The deadline for applications is February 7, 2014. Please see the attached ad for further information.

Temporary Full-Time Primary Teacher January 2014

4.      Day of Adoration – February

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

Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on February 11th 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.      Lay Formation Alumni Reunion

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins and include in announcements on the weekend of January 25-26, 2014:

Attention all Lay Formation Alumni!  It’s 20 years since Lay Formation started in the Prince George Diocese.  All Alumni are invited to the Lay Formation Alumni weekend on June 13-15, 2014 with Bishop Emeritus Gerald Wiesner, OMI.  Details can be found in the Domano Renewal Centre brochure and online at www.domanorenewalcentre.org

6.      Domano Renewal Centre Calendar – February

The February At a Glance newsletter for the Domano Renewal Centre is attached.  Check out the new and returning programs being offered.  All Domano Renewal Centre events can also be viewed on the Diocesan Calendar found on the Diocese website at:  https://www.pgdiocese.bc.ca/news-events/diocesan-calendar/

February at a Glance

7.      Knights of Columbus BC/Yukon Bishop Lobsinger Memorial Bursary

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins:

The Knights of Columbus of BC/Yukon State Council is once again offering 30 bursaries in the amount of $500 each through its Bishop Thomas J. Lobsinger Memorial Bursary Program.  Applications are now being accepted for the 2014 fiscal year.  This program is available to all Catholic students who are enrolled or entering into their second or higher year of post secondary education in the Province of British Columbia.  Applications must be received on or before the deadline of June 30, 2014.  Interested and qualified students should request a bursary application, in writing to the State Bursary Chairman at the following address:

          Michael Gernat, State Bursary Chairman
4311 – 31 Street
Vernon, British Columbia  V1T 5J8

For general information and the Terms of Reference, please visit the website www.kofcbc.org, choose Documents & forms, and scroll down to Useful documents – Bursary 2014.

1.      Save the Dates!

Please note the following upcoming Diocesan events in your calendars:

•  April 25-27, 2014 – DYC 2014 – Catching Fire! with Keynote Speaker Ken Yasinski    Students from Grade 7 to 12 are invited!

• October 1-3, 2014 – Diocesan Assembly

2.      St. Joseph’s Parish, Smithers 100 Years Jubilee Celebrations

St. Joseph’s Parish, Smithers is celebrating the jubilee anniversary of their 100^th year.  Please distribute the attached letter of invitation and calendar of events.  All are welcome to come and join in as they celebrate this special year!

100 Years Jubilee

3.      New Websites

Please note the following new websites and update any links/records:

• St. Mary’s Parish, Prince George                      www.stmaryspg.ca
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Prince George www.ssvdppg.com

4.      Live-In Retreat for Men

On the weekend of February 14-16, 2014, there will be a Vocation Live-In for young men Grades 10 and up at the Seminary of Christ the King, Mission, BC. For more information call Fr. Terry Brock at 250-635-2313.  A notice for parish bulletins and registration forms for the Live-In Retreat for Men are attached.

Vocation Mens Live In Bulletin Announcement

Vocations registration form Feb 2014

5.      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, February 14, 2014 to 3:00 pm Sunday, February 16, 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).

6.      Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly January 8, 2014 Print Version

 1.      Payroll Reminders

• WCB Reminder – Your 4th quarter report of payments the parish or school has made to individuals and to contractors who are not registered with WCB are due.  This includes replacement ministry personnel.  Please send to Payroll Services as soon as possible if you have not already done so.
• T4-A’s – We must issues T4-A’s to an individual if the total of all payments to the individual in the calendar year was more than $500.  This includes anyone who considers themselves self-employed, has the payment made in their personal name and is not registered with WorkSafeBC.  Payments include but are not limited to lump-sum payments, retiring allowances, fees or other amounts for services.  For the diocese, the most common payments would be honorariums for presenters and payments for services such as cleaning, snow removal, gardening, organist and other miscellaneous activities.  Please provide Payroll Services with the name, address, social insurance number and amount so that a T4-A slip can be produced.  This information must be provided by January 2th5 as T4-A slips must be sent out by February 28th.

If you have any questions, please call Lynn Monteith at 250 964-5646 or e-mail at: lynn-monteith@pgdiocese.bc.ca.

2.      Prince George Crisis Pregnancy Centre

Parishes in the Central region as asked to post the attached invitation from the Prince George Crisis Pregnancy Centre and place the information in parish bulletins for the next two weekends (January 12/19).

PGCPC Open House

3.      Schedule of Collections 2014-2015

For those parishes who are ordering Collection envelope packages, the schedule for 2015 collections is attached. The 2014 schedule is also included for those who need this information.

Collections 2014 2015

4.       Confirmation/First Eucharist Schedule 2014

The second draft of the 2014 Confirmation/First Eucharist Schedule is attached.  Please contact Lisa Weber at lisa@pgdiocese.bc.ca by Tuesday, January 14^th if any date changes are required so that the schedule can be finalized. Times may be adjusted closer to the actual dates, if needed. Thank you.

CONFIRMATION 2014

5.      January Day of Adoration

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

Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on January 14 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.

6.      Catholic Connections: A Restorative Justice Network in Canada

Most Rev. Gary M. Gordon in his role as Bishop Ponens to Correctional Ministry in Canada for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops requests that the attached information be circulated in parish bulletins. For further information regarding Catholic Connections, please visit their website at www.ccinrj.ca.

 20140108 Attach Catholic Connections – Bulletin Announcements

7.      Week of Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be celebrated around the world, January 18-25, 2014. The theme for this year is “Has Christ been Divided?” This worldwide week of prayer encourages all Christians to meet, to participate in common prayer and other community activities and especially to pray that all be one as Christ desires. For further information and online resources, please refer to: http://www.councilofchurches.ca/en/Our_Faith/week-of-prayer.cfm

8.      Appeal Update

Income tax receipts for donations will be issued in February 2014 for the 2013 calendar year except for those donations made using CanadaHelps.  They issue receipts for all donations made through their website.

Wednesday Weekly December 24, 2013 Print version

December 31, 2013 Addition:  January 1, 2014 Message from CCCB President, Archbishop Paul- André Durocher

CCCB Message for January 1 2014

 1.      2013 Tax Receiptable Donations – Reminders

To be eligible for a 2013 donation receipt, donations must be received by the parish on or before December 31, 2013 but do not have to be deposited in the bank in December.  Any cheques must be dated 2013.  Please separate any Appeal donations that were received in 2013 and send them as soon as possible to the Finance office labelled “2013 Donations”.  Thank you!

2.      Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly December 18, 2013 Print Version

 1.      Diocesan Centre Christmas Schedule

The Diocesan Centre will be closed for the holidays from noon on December 24th to January 1st.  We will reopen at 8:30 am on January 2nd, 2014.  Merry Christmas!

2.      Domano Renewal Centre – January Calendar

The January At a Glance newsletter for the Domano Renewal Centre is attached. If you have any questions regarding our programs or to register for a program, please contact us by email at drc@pgdiocese.bc.ca or by calling 250-964-4475. Events can also be viewed on the Diocesan Calendar found on the Diocese website.

 January at a Glance

3.      Christmas Message from CCCB

 Please find attached the Christmas Message from Most Rev. Paul-André Durocher, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

CCCB Christmas Message

4.      World Day of Peace – Message from Pope Francis

Please find attached a message from the Holy Father, Pope Francis for the World Day of Peace, January 1, 2014, entitled “Fraternity, The Foundation and Pathway to Peace”.

World Day of Peace 2014

The message is best printed as a booklet on 8 ½ x 11 paper. Instructions for printing are as follows:

 Booklet printing with a duplex printer

• File > Print > Page Sizing & Handling: Booklet
• File > Print > Booklet subset: Both sides
• File > Print > Orientation: Portrait
• File > Print > Printer Properties: Print on Both Sides, Preserve Layout, Flip Pages Up, Booklet Layout: Off, Pages per sheet: 1

 Booklet printing with a one-side-of-paper printer

• File > Print > Page Sizing & Handling: Booklet
• File > Print > Booklet subset: Front side only
• See Orientation and Printer Properties above
• Load printed front-side pages into printer input tray (maybe face down, reverse order)
• File > Print > Booklet subset: Back side only

5.     24 Hours for World Peace Online Vigil

The CCCB forwarded the attached poster from Sister Turcot, Coordinator of Pax Christi Montreal. A 24-hour on-line international vigil for world peace is to be held this coming January 1, 2014, the World Day of Peace. Its goal is to show the hope we hold and share for all of humanity on the first day of the new year. This initiative “was motivated by appeals made by Pope Francis and the CCCB to pray and fast for peace in Syria last September.”  To participate in the vigil and to follow along with preparations, subscribe at: http://24hoursforworldpeace.org

24HoursforWorldPeace

6.      Monthly Day of Adoration

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

Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on January 14 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.

7.      Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly December 11, 2013 Print Version

1.    Mass in the Fillipino Language

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

Mass in the Filipino language will be held in Prince George on December 18 at Immaculate Conception, December 19 at St. Mary’s, and December 20 at Sacred Heart Cathedral following the tradition of Misa de Gallo in the Philippines. Caroling begins at 7:00 pm with Mass at 7:30 pm with Rev. Rene Antonio presiding. Refreshments follow after first two Masses and a potluck dinner follows after December 20th Mass. For further information, please contact Lorenzo Sia at 250-640-0884 or lorenzo.sia@gmail.com

2.   Confirmation/First Eucharist Draft Schedule

A copy of the draft confirmation/First Eucharist 2014 schedule is attached. Most parishes have been contacted in advance by the Bishop’s office to assist with development of the schedule – thank you to all for your cooperation. Christ The King, Kitimat will be added to the schedule once they have had an opportunity to discuss dates locally.   If you wish to discuss the dates or time assigned to your parish further, please contact Lisa Weber at 250-964-5644 or lisa@pgdiocese.bc.ca as soon as possible. Thank you.

 DRAFT CONFIRMATION 2014

3.   Synod Reminder

The preparatory document for next year’s Synod of Bishops on the Family was sent to parishes in November. Pastors and Pastoral Life Directors are reminded that responses gathered from their local community are to be returned to Fr. Richard Beaudette by email to rabomi@pgdiocese.bc.ca; by fax to 250-964-2101 or by mail to the Diocesan Centre by the deadline date of December 13, 2013.  Thank you.

4.   CCCB Publications

CCCB Publications will be closed during the Christmas season from December 23, 2013 to January 2, 2014. The last day for ordering in 2013 will be December 13, 2013.  Any orders placed online during this period will be promptly processed following the closure.

5.   Development and Peace – Wave of Prayer

Development and Peace announced it will join Caritas Internationalis in a special focus to end world hunger. This campaign began with a “wave of prayer” on December 10 which was International Human Rights Day. The campaign theme “One human family, food for all”, will also be used by Development and Peace as its theme for the 2014 Share Lent Campaign.  Further information is available on the following links:

Development & Peace:  http://www.devp.org/en/pressroom/2013/comm2013-12-05

Caritas: http://www.caritas.org/2013/11/caritas-launch-global-wave-prayer-end-hunger

Wednesday Weekly December 4, 2013 Print Version

1.    Development & Peace Typhoon Haiyan Campaign – Canada extends donation period

The Government of Canada has extended the date for matching donations in support of Typhoon Haiyan to December 23, 2013.  Parishes are encouraged to submit donations collected directly to Development and Peace so they are received prior to the new deadline.  If parishes would like to send donations through the diocese please contact Catherine Cosh by email at catherine@pgdiocese.bc.ca by noon on Monday, December 16th.

2.   Monthly Day of Adoration

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

Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on December 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 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.

3.  Rise Up! National Conference

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins:

Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) is a growing national, university movement. Each year, they host a national conference called Rise Up! that attracts hundreds of university students from across Canada. This year CCO will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Two UNBC students from our diocese, Melodie Van der Meer and Alyssa Dugdale, will be attending. They are responsible for raising their entire travel & registration costs. We have raised almost $1000, but still need to raise an additional $1600. If you can help support in any way, or if you are interested in attending yourself, please contact our diocesan youth coordinator, Eunice, at youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca. Donations should be made to Catholic Christian Outreach in order to receive a tax receipt for your support.

4.    School Employment Opportunity

Notre Dame School in Dawson Creek is seeking a Temporary Part-time ESL Teacher for January 1st, 2014. The deadline for applications is December 14, 2013. Please see the attached ad for further information.

Notre Dame School Temporary ESL Teacher January 2014

5.    Domano Renewal Centre – December Calendar

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/

 December at a Glance

6.    Northern Catholic News

The winter edition of the Northern Catholic News has been sent to all parishes.  Please contact Esperanza Vezina, Receptionist at the Diocesan Centre if your parcel has not arrived by the end of the week.  Thank you!

Northern Catholic News – Winter 2014

7.   Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly November 27, 2013 Print Version

1.      Volunteers Needed

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins in Prince George:

Call for volunteers! Immaculate Conception parishioners are organizing a Seniors’ Christmas luncheon December 1st at noon at the parish.  Anyone interested in volunteering their time to bake goodies or make sandwiches before this date, should email Bev Bagnall at bagnall.bev@gmail.com.

2.       Rise Up! National Conference in Ottawa

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins and forward it to parish youth ministry coordinators and contact persons:

Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) is a growing national university movement. Each year hundreds of university students from across Canada attend their national conference called Rise Up!. Two UNBC students from our diocese, Melodie Van der Meer and Alyssa Dugdale, plan to attend this year. They will need our support to raise their entire travel and registration costs. If you can help support these two wonderful young women in any way, or if you are interested in attending yourself, please contact Eunice, Diocesan Youth Coordinator, at youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca.

3.  COLF

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins:

The Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) has updated its website:  (www.colf.ca). Get into the habit of visiting regularly – you will find a variety of great resources:

• Publications on life and family
• Workshop guides
• Reflections on hot topics
• Testimonies
• Gift ideas
• Hyperlinks to other useful sites

Register to receive regular Email updates!

4.      Farewell Celebration for Susan Campbell

 A farewell celebration in honor of Susan Campbell will take place at St. Mary’s Parish in Prince George on Monday, December 2, 2013, beginning with Mass at 7 p.m. and followed by a reception. Please join us in thanking Susan for her ministry among us over these past 18 years.

5.      Appeal News

Wednesday Weekly November 20, 2013 Print Version

1.      Synod on the Family

The attached preparatory document for next year’s Synod of Bishops on the Family was sent to Pastors and Pastoral Life Directors last week. The synod’s theme is “The pastoral challenges to the Family in the context of Evangelization” and it will run from October 5-19, 2014. The document gives an overview of Church teaching on the family and spells out the many challenges facing the family in today’s society.  The document also includes a questionnaire with questions on family issues which is to be shared as widely as possible so that input from local sources can be received. Pastors and Pastoral Life Directors are reminded that responses gathered from their local community are to be returned to Fr. Richard Beaudette by email: rabomi@pgdiocese.bc.ca or by mail to the Diocesan Centre by the deadline date of December 13, 2013.  Thank you.

Preparatory Document

For more information about the preparatory document see the link:

http://www.news.va/en/news/preparing-for-the-synod

2.      Rainbows for all Children – change in contact information

The email address for Rainbows has changed. It is now ursulam1941@gmail.com.  Please update your Diocesan Directory and other records.

3.      School Employment Opportunity

Immaculate Conception School in Prince George is seeking a Temporary Part-Time Music Teacher for January 20^th, 2014. The deadline for applications is December 6, 2013. Please see the attached ad for further information.

 Music Teacher November 2013

4.     The Bible in French

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins:

 The Canadian edition of La Bible, Traduction officielle liturgique, will be available by the end of this November. The new translation was published in France with a special soft cover version for Canada issued by CCCB Publications. Translation work involved 70 exegetes, biblical scholars and linguists, working in collaboration with the world’s French-language Episcopal Conferences, including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Bible liturgique has been approved by the Bishops of all French-speaking countries, including Canada, and received the recognition of the Holy See. Follow the links at www.cccb.ca for more information or to purchase a copy.

5.      Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly November 13, 2013 Print Version

1.      Special Collection for the Phillippines:

Attached is a letter from Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, regarding the recent tragedy in the Phillippines. Parishes are encouraged to submit any donations collected directly to Development and Peace so they are received prior to the deadline.  If you wish to send your donation through the diocese please contact Catherine Cosh by email at catherine@pgdiocese.bc.ca by noon on Monday, December 2^nd.

Please insert the attached letter and/or print the following notice in parish bulletins:

Pope Francis invites all to pray publicly and privately for the many who have lost their lives or have been affected by this tragedy and to come to their assistance. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has joined with the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace to prepare a first response and a plan of continuing aid for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.  Parishioners are encouraged to donate prior to December 9, 2013 in support of this campaign.  The Government of Canada has pledged a matching contribution of all funds raised by this date.  Mailed donations to the campaign should be sent to Development and Peace, 1425 Rene-Levesque Blvd West, 3^rd Floor, Montreal, QC H3G 1T7. Additionally, donations can be made by phone to 1-888-664-3387 or online at www.devp.org.

CCCB Letter – Philippines

2.      Music Ministers – Message from Susan Campbell

Parishes are asked to please forward the following message from Susan Campbell to your music ministers:

Some parishes are planning to use new eucharistic acclamations in the new year and have asked me if other parishes are doing the same. If you plan on learning a new setting, please contact me before December 6^th by phone:(250)964-4424 ext 239 or email: smcampbell @pgdiocese.bc.ca. I will compile the results and let the other parishes know what is happening in the diocese. Thank you.

3.     Natural Family Planning

The diocese is pleased to announce a new natural family planning contact in Prince George. Asia Wilson is a licensed Fertility Care Practitioner who uses the Creighton Model System. She joins Cathy and Bill Vandenberg who teach the Billings Ovulation Method in Terrace.  Contact information for both methods is available on the Diocesan website under “Links”.

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

Creighton Model Fertility Care System Introductory Session

Would you like to learn how to monitor your fertility in a natural way in order to achieve or postpone pregnancy? Are you struggling with infertility?  Are you looking for concrete solutions to health problems such as endometriosis, PCOS, miscarriage, hormonal imbalances, PMS, abnormal bleeding, irregular cycles, post partum depression/blues and more? This (FREE!) session is for you!

In full accord with the Church’s teaching on marriage and sexuality, the Creighton Model Fertility Care System allows couples to gain knowledge about their fertility and find solutions to potential health problems.  There will be an Introductory Session held on Nov 29th at 7:00pm in the basement of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Prince George.  The session will be led by Asia Wilson, a licensed Fertility Care Practitioner and Ryan Wilson, a third year medical student.  For more information about Creighton, please go to www.creightonmodel.com or contact Asia at asia.crms@hotmail.com or by phone at 250-596-5270. Please RSVP directly to Asia.

4.      Knights of Columbus – Culture of Life Contest

Please post the attached poster from the Knights of Columbus on parish and school bulletin boards and put the attached announcement in parish bulletins.

Culture of Life Contest Bulletin Announcement

Culture of Life Contest Poster

5.      Co-Directors, Evangelization and Catechesis

 The following email addresses have been created for our new Co-Directors.  Please update your records:

John Connelly                             jconnelly@pgdiocese.bc.ca

Fr. Jack Michalchuk                 frjackm@pgdiocese.bc.ca

6.      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!