Wednesday Weekly October 16, 2013 Print Version

1.    REACH Retreats for Youth

Previously, information about the REACH Retreat at Christ Our Saviour in Prince George from October 25 – 27 had been distributed. We are now pleased to announce an additional retreat has been scheduled for Sacred Heart Parish, Terrace from November 8 – 10.  Please post the attached poster and registration forms at your parish. An updated notice for parish bulletins is provided below:

REACH Retreats

Two retreats are scheduled in our Diocese: Oct. 25-27 at Christ Our Saviour Parish, Prince George for Youth Grades 6-12 and Nov. 8-10 at Sacred Heart Parish, Terrace for Youth Grades 8-12. Hosted by the REACH Catholic Youth Ministry Team from Helena, Montana, the retreat will be a great opportunity to come journey and challenge yourself further in your faith while building fellowship within your greater Catholic community. For more information check out their website http://reachym.org/about-us/

Terrace REACH Retreat Poster

Terrace REACH Retreat reg form

Prince George parishes are also asked to place the following request in bulletins:

Host Families Needed:

The REACH Youth Ministry team will be holding retreats in Prince George and Terrace in both parishes and schools. We are seeking host families in Prince George who can accommodate up to 6 team members from October 29 – November 4 before they head out to Terrace. If you are interested in hosting a group of stellar young people for any or all of these dates, please contact Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator, Eunice Hii at ehii@pgdiocese.bc.ca or at 250-964-4424 extension 240. Thank you!

2.     Young Adult Events

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

Calling all young adults

Join us for not one, but TWO upcoming events:

• Theology on Tap: Visiting priest, Fr. Mark Miller, will lead a discussion about ethics. Grab a bite, a pint and join us for some great discussion Friday, October 25 at 7pm at the College Heights Pub.
• Summit is a monthly evening of Eucharistic adoration, fellowship followed by snacks. This month’s Summit will be hosted at Immaculate Conception Saturday, November 2 at 7pm. There will a testimony from one of UNBC’s own, reflection from Fr. Chris Lynch, and food to follow.

3.     Development & Peace

 Parishes are asked to place the following notice in their bulletins, if they have not already done so.

During the Annual General Meeting of Development and Peace for the Diocese in September, the members elected a new Diocesan 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.

4.     Anointing of the Sick

Prince George parishes please note that the Mass and Anointing of the Sick scheduled for Wednesday, November 6^th at St. Mary’s Parish has been cancelled due to a conflict with a large local senior citizens event. It will be rescheduled for the new year.

5.     Couples for Christ, Gift of Life Conference with Christopher West

Couples for Christ and the Archdiocese of Vancouver invites parishioners to join the “Let Me Love You” Conference to be held Saturday, November 9, 2013 from 8 am to 4 pm at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Surrey.  The conference commences with Holy Mass celebrated by Most Rev. J. Michael Miller, CSB followed with a presentation by Christopher West, author, speaker and teacher of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Tickets are $30 each plus $12 for Workbook (can be shared). For more information or for registration forms, please contact the CFC Office at (604)270-9463 or www.couplesforchristvancouver.ca/giftoflife.

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

 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,  26^th) and (October 31^st, November 1^st and 2^nd).  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.  50^th Anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

CCCB Publications has released several new resources in light of the 50^th 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 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 6^th 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 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 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 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 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