Photos of Diocesan parishes or missions

Any parishioners out there with an updated  photo of any parish or mission.  Please submit a digital copy  to mprimus@pgdiocese.bc.ca as soon as possible.

REGIONAL VOCATIONAL DISCERNMENT GATHERINGS

There will evenings of vocation discernment for high school students throughout the diocese in April: in Terrace, Burns Lake, Prince George and Dawson Creek. If you are in grade 8-12 you’re invited.

The evening will begin with a pizza dinner, followed by a program that will allow the participants to come to a better understanding of God’s call in their life.

To help us plan for the evening, please indicate your attendance by contacting one of the sites:

Friday, April 15:

Sacred Heart Parish, Terrace               250-635-2313
Immaculata Parish, Burns Lake          250-692-3568
Vianney House*, Prince George         250-964-4424 *adjacent to the Domano Renewal Centre

Friday, April 22:

Notre Dame Parish, Dawson Creek    250.782.3456

Pope Francis recently wished young people a “good journey of discernment.” “For each one of us,” he said, the Lord has his vocation, that place He wants us to live our lives.” But, the Pope continued, “we must seek it, find it; and then, continue in it, always going onward.”

The 4^th Sunday of Easter, April 17, 2016 is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Please pray for vocations.

Fr. Charles Donovan, OMI

We are sorry to report that Fr. Donovan has been recalled by his Oblate provincial to work in Ottawa as the superior of a community of retired priests. Fr. Donovan’s unexpected departure from Prince George was occasioned by the sudden death of the former superior of retirement house. We are grateful for his service to our diocese during his limited time here.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT

A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat will be held in Cache Creek from Wednesday, May 4 to Friday, May 6. The retreat is confidential and is designed to help those suffering from abortion, miscarriage or other unresolved pregnancy loss.  During the past year, Rachel’s Vineyard as an international organization has been doing a “Shockwaves” campaign.  Basically, they are reaching out to those affected by these losses and traumas beyond just the mothers and fathers directly involved.  Certainly grandparents, siblings, friends are also affected, and so too are health care workers, counsellors, pregnancy care workers and crisis phone line workers.  All who are experiencing grief, pain, even anger, around such a loss are most welcome and invited to attend the retreat.

It is not easy to come to a retreat.  It is also not easy to ask someone you know who needs healing to attend one. The healing that occurs each and every time is simply amazing.  If you are suffering a little or a lot, or someone you know is suffering, it doesn’t have to be that way.  Help is available.

More information is available at www.rachelsvineyardkamloops.org or on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/rvkamloops  or by phone or text at 250-267-5081.

OEC &
Youth and Young Adults

Come and Rest

Who:       Everyone is welcome and childcare programs will be provided for ages 2-18!

When:     Sunday, April 17, 3:00 -7:30 PM

Where:   Christ our Savior Parish, Prince George (4514 Austin Road West)

Event:     We will begin with a coffee and snack social in the parish hall, followed by John Connelly and Fr. Basil Burn’s presentation entitled, “What is The Secret of The New Evangelization?” After a question and answer period there will be a potluck supper. Please bring enough food for your family and there will be enough for everyone! Adoration will follow.

For more Information, please contact Angelo at (250) 613-3969 or asabbadin@pgdiocese.bc.ca

World Youth Day Fundraisers

Art Knapp’s Plantland, both Prince George locations, and Homesteader Meats are donating a portion of your purchases to World Youth Day 2016 Pilgrims.

 When:   Art Knapp’s from May 6 – June 5, 2016

Homesteader Meats from April 5, to May 5, 2016

What:    When you present them with the coupon found in World Youth Day 2016 web page at www.pgdiocese.bc.ca/our-ministries/youth/

• Art Knapp’s will donate 20% of your purchase of bedding and annual plants, annual hanging baskets, vegetables and herbs
• Homesteader Meats will donate 10% of $25.00 or more to the Diocese of Prince George World Youth Day 2016 Pilgrims.

For more Information, please contact Angelo at (250) 613-3969 or asabbadin@pgdiocese.bc.ca

DYC 2016:  

DYC is just 2 weeks away. Registration for the 2016 DYC: The Ascent is open for all those in Grades 7-12! You can register online at www.dycpgdiocese.eventbrite.ca. The fee is $60. Scholarships are available. The Diocesan Youth Conference is a packed weekend adventure filled with dynamic talks, workshops, games, adoration, praise and worship, 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 the Catholic Christian faith.

Seeking Volunteers for DYC16

If you have graduated from grade 12 and are passionate about seeing young people come to know Jesus, please sign up to volunteer at this year’s DYC. Email Eunice Hii, our youth coordinator at youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca for more information on how you can get involved!

Diocesan Annual Appeal Monthly update for March 2016

Doman Renewal Centre – First Nations Retreat Flyer

Mary’s Parish: Mass time changed April 9, 2016

The 7:00 PM Mass at St. Mary’s Parish in Prince George has been changed to 5:00 PM on Saturday, April 9, 2016. This change is to accommodate the Charter Night Mass for the Knights of Columbus.

Open House Farewell Tea

Please save this date of June 2, 2016. This will be an opportunity to say farewell and thank you to Sister Elizabeth Pollièvre. More details to follow.

Finance Department News

WCB 1st Quarter Report Deadline Wednesday April 13, 2016—Parishes and Schools are asked to report to Diocesan Payroll Services any WorkSafeBC (WCB) payments for the first quarter January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016. Payments include those made to individuals who are not on the diocesan payroll and to contractors who are not registered with WCB.  Thank you.

 Outage Notification:  April 7, 2016

Payworks will be performing scheduled maintenance on Thursday, April 7, 2016, beginning at 11:00 PM (Central).  The plan is to have system availability restored by 4:00 AM (Central) on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Please be advised that you will not be able to access the Payworks application during this time (including Payroll, Human Resources, Employee Time Management and any clock updates functionality). Users attempting to access the application during the planned outage will be redirected to a system outage notification page.

OEC, and Youth and Young Adults Events

 Come and Rest

Who:       Everyone is welcome and childcare programs will be provided for ages 2-18!

When:     Sunday, April 17, 3:00 -7:30 PM

Where:    Christ our Savior Parish, Prince George (4514 Austin Road West)

Event:     We will begin with a coffee and snack social in the parish hall, followed by John Connelly’s presentation entitled, “What is The Secret of The New Evangelization?” After a question and answer period there will be a pot luck supper. Please bring enough food for your family and there will be enough for everyone.

For more Information, please contact Angelo at (250) 613-3969 or asabbadin@pgdiocese.bc.ca

World Youth Day Fundraisers

Art Knapp’s Plantland, both Prince George locations, and Homesteader Meats are donating a portion of your purchases to World Youth Day 2016 Pilgrims.

When:         Art Knapp’s from May 6 – June 5, 2016
Homesteader Meats from April 5, to May 5, 2016

What:             When you present them with the coupon found  here WYD 2016 Art Knapp and Homesteaders coupon-letter or in World Youth Day 2016 web page at www.pgdiocese.bc.ca/our-ministries/youth/  

Art Knapp’s will donate 20% of your purchase of bedding and annual plants, annual hanging baskets, vegetables and herbs and

Homesteader Meats will donate 10% of $25.00 or more to the Diocese of Prince George World Youth Day 2016 Pilgrims.

 For more Information, please contact Angelo at (250) 613-3969 or asabbadin@pgdiocese.bc.ca

DYC 2016

DYC is just 3 weeks away. Registration for the 2016 DYC: The Ascent is open for all those in Grades 7-12! You can register online at www.dycpgdiocese.eventbrite.ca. The fee is now $60. The Diocesan Youth Conference is a packed weekend adventure filled with dynamic talks, workshops, games, adoration, praise and worship, 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 the Catholic Christian faith.

Domano Renewal Centre – Check these out!

Domano Renewal Centre April at a Glance

Bishop Gerald Wiesner’s Retreat Weekend

St. Mary’s Parish: Mass time changes for April 9, 2016 

The 7:00 PM Mass at St. Mary’s Parish in Prince George has been changed to 5:00 PM on Saturday, April 9, 2016. This change is to accommodate the Charter Night Mass for the Knights of Columbus.

Bishop Jensen’s Episcopal Anniversary

April 2 is the Episcopal Ordination Anniversary of our Bishop, Most Reverend Stephen Jensen. This is a diocesan celebration (please see ORDO Pastoral Note 25a). Because April 2, 2016 falls on the Octave of Easter, the Solemnity of that day will be celebrated. However, the Bishop’s Anniversary should be remembered in the Prayers of the Faithful on the actual day, and on Sunday, April 3, the Second Sunday of Easter. You may use the following prayer:

We celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the ordination and installation of our Bishop Stephen Jensen. May God send the Holy Spirit to guide him and all the people of our diocese in following the Lord. Let us pray to the Lord.

Divine Mercy Sunday Citywide Celebration

Bishop Jensen will celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of the Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Schedule

12:10 – 3:00 PM    Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

There will be a sign-up sheet provided for each of the city parishes for those who wish to come for adoration.

2:00 – 3:00 PM      Confession

3:00 PM                Chaplet of Divine Mercy preceded by a Solemn Mass

NOTE: The Divine Mercy Sunday Indulgence: On the June 29, 2002, the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See promulgated a decree creating new indulgences that may be gained by the faithful in connection with the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. This decree grants a plenary indulgence to those who comply with all the conditions established, and a partial indulgence to those who incompletely fulfill the conditions.

To receive the Jubilee Indulgence offered this year, Pope France invites you to take these steps:

• Make a brief pilgrimage and pass through a Door of Mercy as a sign of your deep desire for true conversion.
• Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (up to eight days before or after your pilgrimage).
• Participate in a celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
• Offer a prayer (such as an Our Father) for the Pope and his intentions.

Youth and Young Adults Events

DYC 2016

Registration for the 2016 DYC: The Ascent is now open for all those in Grades 7-12! You can register online at www.dycpgdiocese.eventbrite.ca. The fee is now $60. The Diocesan Youth Conference is a packed weekend adventure filled with dynamic talks, workshops, games, adoration, praise and worship, 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 the Catholic Christian faith.

World Youth Day Fundraiser

Where: Homesteader Meats (556 North Nechako Roadd, Prince George)

When: April 5 –May 5, 2016

What: When you  present the coupon found under World Youth Day 2016 at   www.pgdiocese.bc.ca/our-ministries/youth/, Homesteader Meats will donate 10% of your purchase to the Diocese of   Prince George World Youth Day 2016 Pilgrims.

Divine Mercy Sunday City-wide Celebration

Bishop  Jensen will celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of the Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Schedule

12:10 – 3:00 PM    Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
There will be a sign-up sheet provided for each of the city parishes for those who wish to come for adoration.

 2:00 – 3:00 PM   Confession

 3:00 PM                Chaplet of Divine Mercy preceded by a Solemn Mass
Most Rev. Jensen, Main Celebrant

NOTE: The Divine Mercy Sunday Indulgence.  On the 29^th of June 2002, the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See promulgated a decree creating new indulgences that may be gained by the faithful in connection with the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. This decree grants a plenary indulgence to those who comply with all the conditions established, and a partial indulgence to those who incompletely fulfill the conditions.

To receive the Jubilee Indulgence offered this year, Pope France invites you to take these steps:

• Make a brief pilgrimage and pass through a Door of Mercy as a sign of your deep desire for true conversion.
• Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (up to eight days before or after your pilgrimage).
• Participate in a celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
• Offer a prayer (such as an Our Father) for the Pope and his intentions.

Bishop Jensen’s Episcopal Anniversary

April 2 is Most Reverend Jensen’s 3rd Anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination.  This is a diocesan celebration.  Since April 2, 2016 falls on the Octave of Easter, the Solemnity of that day that will be celebrated.

Bishop Jensen will celebrate Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on that day at 9:00 AM.

Regional Vocational Discernment Gatherings

There will be evenings of vocation discernment for high school students throughout the diocese in April: in Terrace, Burns Lake, Prince George,  and Dawson Creek.

If you are in grade 8-12 you’re invited.

The evening will begin with a pizza dinner, followed by a program that will allow the participants to come to a better understanding of God’s call in their life.

To help us plan for the evenings, please indicate your attendance by contacting one of the sites:

Friday, April 15

Sacred Heart Parish, Terrace                              635.2313

Immaculata Parish, Burns Lake                         692.3568

Vianney House*, Prince George                         964.4424
*adjacent to the Domano Renewal Centre

Friday, April 22

 Notre Dame Parish, Dawson Creek                   782.3456

Pope Francis recently wished young people a “good journey of discernment.” “For each one of us,” he said, the Lord has his vocation, that place He wants us to live our lives.” But, the Pope continued, “we must seek it, find it; and then, continue in it, always going onward.”

Looking for DYNAMIC Catholic Teachers To Teach Passionately AND INSPIRE Others In Our FAITH!

Catholic Independent Schools,  Diocese of Prince George is accepting applications for Continuing and Limited Duration Teacher positions beginning September 2016 . For a complete listing of all teacher postings please go to  www.cispg.ca.  Please note that the CIS webpage is updated as positions are filled, and postings are available.

Returning To Spirit (RTS)

See the following website for upcoming RTS Workshops info@returningtospirit.org.

OEC NEWS & EVENTS

Holy Saturday: “Where did He Go?”

Who:       Everyone

When:     Saturday,  March  26, 9:00-10:30 AM

Where:    Christ our Savior Parish

Event:     Fr. Basil Burns will be explaining the meaning of Holy Saturday

For more Information, please contact Angelo at (250) 613-3969 or asabbadin@pgdiocese.bc.ca

Youth and Young Adults Events

DYC 2016: EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS APRIL 1!

Registration for the 2016 DYC: The Ascent is now open for all those in grades 7-12! You can register online at www.dycpgdiocese.eventbrite.ca. It is $40 before APRIL 1 and $60 after April 1. The Diocesan Youth Conference is a packed weekend adventure filled with dynamic talks, workshops, games, adoration, praise and worship, 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 the Catholic Christian faith.

Annual Diocesan Appeal Weekly Report for 2016-03-09

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 church hall before Mass. Thank you.

Holy Week Mass Times

We would like to publish the Mass times for ALL parishes in the Diocese for Holy Week on the Diocesan webpage.

Please email Teresa at reception@pgdiocese.bc.ca with your Mass times for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday by Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Thank you.

Please note:

The Easter Vigil Mass is not an ordinary Saturday evening Mass. It should begin after dark and be at a different time from the usual Saturday evening Mass hour to show its unique character as the greatest celebration in the Church year. (CDW: Easter, nos. 77-80 and 93)

The entire celebration takes place at night. It does not start before nightfall and must be over before daybreak on Sunday. The celebration of Mass alone without vigil service without the vigil service is forbidden. (Ordo pg. 186)

Divine Mercy Sunday Citywide Celebration

Bishop Stephen Jensen will celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of the Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed prior to Mass. According to the schedule of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy this day is dedicated to be Jubilee for those who are devoted to the spirituality of Divine Mercy.

For those who are dedicated to the spirituality of Divine Mercy a meeting will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral to plan this special celebration.

Looking for DYNAMIC Catholic Teachers To Teach Passionately AND INSPIRE Others In Our FAITH!

Catholic Independent Schools Diocese of Prince George is accepting applications for Continuing and Limited Duration Teacher positions beginning September 2016 . For a complete listing of all teacher postings please go to cispg.ca. Please note that the CIS webpage is updated as positions are filled, and postings are available.

OEC NEWS & EVENTS

 Come & Rest:

Who: Everyone

Where: Christ Our Saviour Parish Prince George. (4514 Austin Road West)

When: March 20, 3:00-7:30 pm

Event: These events encourage a renewed vision, celebrating our Sabbath Rest Day with talks, fellowship, and adoration. Open to all people in the Diocese with childcare available. We are currently exploring the connection between the Year of Mercy and the Heart of Jesus. 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)

Youth and Young Adults Events
DYC 2016: REGISTRATION now OPEN!

Registration for the 2016 DYC: The Ascent is now open for all those in grades 7-12! You can register online at www.dycpgdiocese.eventbrite.ca. It is $40 before APRIL 1 and $60 after April 1. The Diocesan Youth Conference  is a packed weekend adventure filled with dynamic talks, workshops, games, adoration, praise & worship, 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 the Catholic Christian faith.
Young Adult Ski Retreat: Register Online

Smithers. Skiing. Retreating. What more could you ask for? Come join us March 18-20 in the beautiful slopes of Smithers for a time away from the busyness of daily life. Ages 18-40. The theme this year is SKI MERCIFUL. We will be exploring themes of receiving and giving mercy. Guest speaker, Megan Turland from Catholic Christian Outreach, will be joining us all the way from Toronto along with our fav skiing priest, Fr. Jack Michalchuk. To keep cost minimal, we are joining the Hudson Bay Mountain PG Community weekend so lift tickets are only $25! This event will fill up quickly so please register online at: http://bit.ly/1nhuXyZ

UNBC CAMPUS MASS

We have a weekly mass offered to university students as well as faculty, staff and whomever else would like to join right on the UNBC Campus. Join us each Wednesday at 12:30 PM. Message Eunice at youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca if you would like to find out where the next one is!