Wednesday Weekly June 24, 2015 Print Version

Fr Venerado Sabacan

We received word that Fr. Venerando Sabacan’s father suffered a stroke last week in the Philippines. Vener is visiting his family this month and asks for our prayers for his father and his family.

 Fr. Richard Farewell

 A reminder that the RSVP deadline for Father Richard Beaudette, OMI’s farewell is Friday, June 26, 2015.  Phone: (250)964-4424 or email: lisa@pgdiocese.bc.ca if you plan on attending.  Thank you.

 Pastoral Centre

 Please note the following changes to office hours at the Diocese of Prince George Pastoral Centre:

Canada Day: The Pastoral Centre will be closed on Wednesday, July 1st for the Canada Day Holiday.

Summer closure:  Access to the Pastoral Centre will be limited during their summer closure. Friday, July 10th is the last working day before the closure; the office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 10th. The Finance Office will remain open with adjusted hours during this time.

 Wednesday Weekly 

 Due to the Canada Day Statutory Holiday, the Wednesday Weekly will be sent on Tuesday, June 30^th next week.  Please ensure any submissions for this week are submitted to the Diocese by the end of the day, Monday, June 29^th.  Thank you.

 Development and Peace

 Please post the attached Development and Peace “At A Glance” and place the following information in parish bulletins (now and again in the fall):

Pope Francis’ new environmental encyclical “Laudato Si” was released on June 18^th.  Celebrating the beauty of the natural world, it calls to all who inhabit the world to preserve its beauty and gifts so that it will live on for all peoples for generations to come.  In response to this call, Development and Peace will launch a “Create a Climate of Change” campaign this fall.  With guidance from the Papal letter, they will be asking Canadians to make lifestyle changes that are environmentally responsible and calling for greater political action.  The Prince George Diocesan Development and Peace will hold fall meetings from Friday October 2^nd to Saturday, October 3^rd to start building a local campaign.  Please mark this date on your calendars and watch for further details – it is hoped that all parishes in the Diocese will be represented.

Youth News

 IGNITE 2015 information packages have been distributed to parishes. Parishes are encouraged to share this information with parents, families and youth and to consider sponsoring youth to attend. Please place the following notices in bulletins until August:

Youth

IGNITE 2015 BC is happening! This year, IGNITE is being offered in BC for the first time at Camp Morice. IGNITE is a week-long camp geared towards inspiring high school youth to become saints. Come for an amazing week filled with new friends, the sacraments, dynamic talks, music, fun, and more! To register, sign up at www.f2f.ca or email youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca for more info.

Young Adults

• IGNITE BC is searching for young adult leaders. To apply head on over to www.f2f.ca.
• WORLD YOUTH DAY 2016 is taking place in Krakow, Poland in July 2016. The Diocese of Prince George will be taking a diocesan-wide group and joining with the Archdiocese of Vancouver to attend this amazing event. Information sessions will take place in September, but if you are interested in learning more or in registering, email youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca today!

Monthly Day of Adoration – July

 Please put the following notice in Central Region parish bulletins:

 Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on July 14th in the Domano Chapel, 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 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.

Wednesday Weekly June 17, 2015 Print Version

World Meeting of Families Bursary

Please place the following information in parish bulletins:

The 8th Annual World Meeting of Families will take place in Philadelphia, USA from September 22-27, 2015. Pope Francis will be present for the concluding days. Details about the conference and registration can be found at www.worldmeeting2015.org.  Bursaries are available from the Diocese of Prince George to assist families who want to attend. The deadline for bursary applications is August 14, 2015. For more information, contact the Office of the Bishop at bishop@pgdiocese.bc.ca.

Vehicle Update

 The Finance office received a plate decal and insurance papers for a 2000 Chrysler Vehicle, Plate #291GBF.  Parishes are asked to contact Lynn Monteith immediately at 250-964-4424 if they own this vehicle. Thank you.

Youth News

IGNITE 2015 information packages have been distributed to parishes. Parishes are encouraged to share this information with parents, families and youth and to consider sponsoring youth to attend. Please place the following notices in bulletins until August:

Youth

IGNITE 2015 BC is happening! This year, IGNITE is being offered in BC for the first time at Camp Morice. IGNITE is a week-long camp geared towards inspiring high school youth to become saints. Come for an amazing week filled with new friends, the sacraments, dynamic talks, music, fun, and more! To register, sign up at www.f2f.ca or email youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca for more info.

Young Adults

• IGNITE BC is searching for young adult leaders. To apply head on over to www.f2f.ca.
• WORLD YOUTH DAY 2016 is taking place in Krakow, Poland in July 2016. The Diocese of Prince George will be taking a diocesan-wide group and joining with the Archdiocese of Vancouver to attend this amazing event. Information sessions will take place in September, but if you are interested in learning more or in registering, email youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca today!

Appeal 2015-2016

To assist with preparations for the 2015-2016 Annual Diocesan Appeal, parishes are asked to read the attached Appeal Update from the Appeal Office. The 2015-17 Annual Diocesan Appeal Schedule is also attached.  Appeal information and photographs can be returned to the Appeal Office at appealoffice@pgdiocese.bc.ca or to any member of the Appeal Team: Fr. Richard Beaudette, Lynn Monteith or Martha Primus.  Thank you!

Annual Diocesan Appeal Schedule

Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Please make available to parishioners the attached Statement by the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB).

Following its meeting of June 10-11, 2015, the Permanent Council of the CCCB issued an initial response to the summary report and Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its summary report and Calls to Action this past June 2.

The Permanent Council calls the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission “another important step in providing further opportunity for deeper encounter, greater understanding and renewed hope” for the First Nations, Inuit and Metis, as well as for all Canadians. The CCCB Council confirms that the Calls to Action recommended to Churches by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are on the agenda of the next Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops of Canada. “We are committed to ensuring that the Calls to Action will be given careful hearing and full discussion,” the statement says. “We are confident they will be carefully considered, and in this process we know we can count on the collaboration of the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council.” The next meeting of the Plenary Assembly will be September 14 to 18, 2015.

Statement by the Permanent Council on the TRC

CNEWA

Please place the following information in parish bulletins:

CNEWA Canada has launched a campaign to assist the more than 1.5 million Ukrainians who have been displaced by war and violence over the past two years. Despite a ceasefire, daily violence remains a constant, with the death toll increasing and more families fleeing to save their lives. Dramatic calls for help from the Catholic churches of Ukraine have been received by CNEWA, the papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support .  Canadians interested in making donations to help CNEWA and its partners in Ukraine are invited to do so by visiting www.cnewa.ca or to write a cheque to CNEWA Canada (Marked Emergency Ukraine) at 1247 Kilborn Place, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 6K9 or by phone at 1-866-322-4441. As a registered charity, CNEWA will issue a tax receipt.  Further information is available on their website at: http://www.cnewa.ca/home.aspx?ID=26&pagetypeID=12&sitecode=CA

Wednesday Weekly June 10, 2015 Print Version

1.   Farewell Rev. Richard Beaudette, OMI

Please post the attached poster and share the following information in parish bulletins:

A farewell celebration will take place for Fr. Richard Beaudette, OMI who has faithfully served in the diocese for many years and will be leaving in August for Oblate ministry in Ottawa. The farewell will take place at the Domano Renewal Centre in Prince George on Monday, June 29, 2015, beginning with Mass at 7:00 p.m. in the Domano Chapel followed by a reception in Bethany House Dining Room. All are welcome! Please confirm your attendance by June 26, 2015 to Lisa Weber, Office of the Bishop at (250)964-5644 or lisa@pgdiocese.bc.ca.

 Beaudette Farewell

2.   Northern Catholic News

The Summer edition of the Northern Catholic News will be available for pick up by parishes at the Diocese Pastoral Centre the afternoon of Friday, June 12. Out of town parishes are requested to please contact Teresa in Reception if you can pick up your package. This will help reduce shipping costs. Thank you!

3.   Youth News

IGNITE 2015 posters and information cards will be distributed to parishes with the Northern Catholic News.

Please share the Ignite FAQ handout with youth. Ignite 2015 FAQ

Parishes are also invited to offer sponsorship to youth interested in attending.
Ignite 2015 Parish Sponsorship Letter

Parishes and schools are requested to place the following notices in bulletins until August:

Youth

IGNITE 2015 BC is happening! This year, IGNITE is being offered in BC for the first time at Camp Morice. IGNITE is a week-long camp geared towards inspiring high school youth to become saints. Come for an amazing week filled with new friends, the sacraments, dynamic talks, music, fun, and more! To register, sign up at www.f2f.ca or email youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca for more info.

Young Adults

IGNITE BC is searching for young adult leaders. To apply head on over to www.f2f.ca.

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2016 is taking place in Krakow, Poland in July 2016. The Diocese of Prince George will be taking a diocesan-wide group and joining with the Archdiocese of Vancouver to attend this amazing event. Information sessions will take place in September, but if you are interested in learning more or in registering, email youth@pgdiocese.bc.ca today!

4.     Employment Opportunity – Office of the Bishop

Lisa Weber will be leaving her position as Secretary, Office of the Bishop to return to the field of human resources at a local sawmill company. We thank Lisa for her service and wish her God’s blessings in her new job. Parishes are asked to post the attached employment opportunity and place the information in bulletins.

 Ad for Ex. Assistant Bishop

5.     Employment Opportunity – CISPG

Please circulate the following employment opportunity and place the following notice in bulletins:

Immaculate Conception School, Prince George has an opening for a full time EDUCATION ASSISTANT (EA) for the 2015-2016 school year. Preferred qualifications include relevant certification for working in an elementary school setting, and strong experience working with children with special needs. Apply in writing to the Principal, Immaculate Conception School, 3285 Cathedral Avenue, Prince George V2N 5R2 or email to icsprincipal@cispg.ca.

6.     Immaculata School, Fort St. John Reunion

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins:

Did you attend Immaculata Catholic School in Fort St. John? Meet up with your former teachers and classmates at The Reunion, Saturday, September 5, 2015, Immaculata Centre, Fort St. John, BC. The hall is reserved, the caterer booked…all we need is YOU (and your parents, siblings, friends)! Sisters St. Blais and Helen Marie, CSJ’s and other teachers including Mr. Hardwick, Miss Kavanagh and Miss Miller have confirmed their attendance. We will need 100 people to attend to help cover overhead costs. Cost is $50 per person and registration is required by June 30, 2015. To forward any pictures from school and RSVP contact Sally Richards Emory at emory59@shaw.ca or 250-785-8406. Hope to see you there!

7.     GSTV Videos in Preparation for Environment Encyclical

“Cultivating and Caring for Creation,” is a new on-line series of twelve videos and study guides created in anticipation of Pope Francis’ coming encyclical, “Praised Be,” on the environment. Produced by greenspirittv.com (GSTV), a participant in romancatholictv.com (RCTV), the series is narrated by Bishop Donald Bolen, chair of Justice and Peace, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) and includes content from several Canadian Catholic eco justice leaders.

“One simple thing that we can do is attend to the prophetic voices in our communities who are looking to the environment and its needs, who have engaged in rigorous study, who have, over the long haul, expressed deep concerns about environmental changes, and who show us some of the small steps which can be taken in our area, in our parishes, which help us to live in a new way in relation to the environment,” says Bolen. “I believe these programs are helpful in many ways, providing a context where it is clear that Pope Francis is teaching in continuity with his predecessors. The series is also an excellent expression of our various church communities working together to present a pastoral message to students and parishioners.”

GSTV Poster 2015

Wednesday Weekly June 3, 2015 Print Version

1.     Welcome new archivist

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our new Diocesan Archivist, Richard Sinclair who began work at the Pastoral Centre on June 1, 2015. He comes to us from Sydney, BC but is not new to our part of the world, having lived in Prince George for 10 years previously. Richard’s work schedule is Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. His email is archives@pgdiocese.bc.ca and phone is (250)964-4424 extension 243. Welcome Richard! It is good to have you here as part of our diocesan team.

2.     Condolences

It is with sorrow we advise that Terry Beaudette, brother of Rev. Richard Beaudette, OMI, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the age of 62. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, June 4, 2015 in Vegreville, Alberta. As we pray for the repose of his soul, we also offer our condolences and prayers to Fr. Richard and his family as they mourn the loss of Terry and their father Lawrence who passed away in March of this year.

3.     Save the date!

A farewell celebration will take place for Fr. Richard Beaudette, OMI who has faithfully served in this diocese for many years and will be leaving us in August for Oblate ministry in Ottawa. The farewell will take place at the Domano Renewal Centre in Prince George on Monday, June 29, 2015, beginning with Mass at 7:00 p.m. in the Domano Chapel followed by a reception in Bethany House Dining Room. All are welcome. Further details and a poster will be forwarded in next week’s Wednesday Weekly.

4.     Rose Prince Pilgrimage

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins each weekend in June:

The Annual Rose Prince Pilgrimage will be held July 3-5, 2015 at Lejac. Please join us in 2015 as we celebrate the 100th anniversary, or first Centenary, of Rose’s birth. Father Jack Michalchuk and John Connelly, Office of Catechesis and Evangelization will be the guest speakers. The weekend begins with opening prayer at 7 p.m. Friday and concludes with lunch at 1 p.m. Sunday. Along with presentations by Fr. Jack and John, there will be prayer services, a Healing Mass, the Living Rosary and a Candlelight Procession. Bishop Stephen Jensen will celebrate Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. For more information contact Father Vincent James, OMI at St. Andrew’s Parish, Fraser Lake (250)699-6593 or see the schedule on the diocesan website.

5.     Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Please find attached a statement from Archbishop Gerard Pettipas, C.Ss.R., President of the corporation of Catholic Entities party to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement (CEPIRSS), which represents 17 dioceses and 37 religious institutes involved in managing and helping to operate the former Indian Residential Schools which were under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada. We welcome the renewed efforts to heal and reconcile and on constructing a better future for Aboriginal People and better relations among all Canadians, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.

Entities’ Response to TRC Findings

6.     Cat Chat Vacation Bible School

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins until August:

The Cat Chat Vacation Bible School is an exciting Catholic summer program for children to explore and grow in their faith while building new friendships through games, music, crafts, snacks, and faith teaching. It is open to all children ages 4-11 (preschool to grade 6). This year the program will be offered at the end of the summer holidays at the Diocese of Prince George Pastoral Centre, 6500 Southridge Avenue, Prince George from August 31-September 4 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. each day! Our theme is Wilderness Adventure through the Sacraments!!! Registration forms are available on your church bulletin board; online registration will be available soon on the Sacred Heart Cathedral website. The cost is $50/first child, and $35/each additional child. Please drop off your registration and payment at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Office. We are also looking for youth and young adult volunteers. For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Sacred Heart Cathedral Office at 250-564-5225.

7.     Pure Witness Team!

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins periodically until August:

Have you ever thought of giving a year of your life in missionary service? Pure Witness Ministries engages teams of Catholic men and women, eighteen years of age and older and trains them as missionaries to proclaim the freedom, hope and joy that come from living pure lives for Christ, and to present the teachings of our Catholic faith to youth and families across Western Canada in dynamic ways that speak to this generation. Pure Witness missionaries experience a transformational year in their lives as they live out the three-fold mission of: Community Life, Faith Formation and Outreach. Discover all that you were created to be and be a part of the renewal of faith in our Church as we work together to love a generation back to Christ. For more information check out www.join.purewitness.com or email carmen.marcoux@purewitness.com.

Wednesday Weekly May 27, 2015 Print Edition

1.     Bioethics Presentation

Please post the attached updated poster and put the following notice in parish bulletins:

Do you have questions regarding End of Life Issues? Withdrawal of treatment, prolonging life, pain and suffering and terminal sedation are just a few of the topics that will be addressed on Saturday, June 13th with Dr. Moira McQueen, LLB, MDiv, Phd. She will break open these issues as well as the controversial topics of Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide. Please join us for a Roman Catholic perspective from 8:30 am – 1:45 pm (break for lunch at 12:00 pm) at the Coast Inn of the North, Prince George.

Dr. McQueen is the keynote speaker of the 68th Annual Provincial Convention of the Catholic Women’s League and because of the importance of these topics in today’s society this talk has been opened up to the public. Advance payment and registration is required and the deadline is Friday June 5th. Don’t miss out on this once in a life time event!

Fee: $10.00 for presentation and $20.00 for the optional lunch. See poster for further details. Register at Sacred Heart Cathedral in person at 887 Patricia Boulevard, by phone (250)564-5225 or by email shcath@shawcable.com.

 Dr Mcqueen Presentation Poster

2.     Northern Uganda Development Foundation

Please share the following information with all who may be interested; the dinner is this Saturday:

The 6th Annual Dinner and Auction for the Northern Uganda Development Foundation will be held at St. Mary’s Gym 1088 Gillett Street, Prince George on Saturday May 30th. Cocktails: 5:30 pm; Dinner 6:00 pm. Tickets are $40.00 each and include an authentic African Dinner. Tickets are available for purchase at Books and Company or Ave Maria.

3.     Monthly Day of Adoration

Please put the following notice in Central Region parish bulletins:

Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on June 9th in the Domano Chapel, 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 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.

4.     Domano Renewal Centre

The June At a Glance for the Domano Renewal Centre is attached. Please put the following notice in Central Region parish bulletins:

June at a Glance

“Anger Affects Everyone“ Workshop, Saturday, May 30^th, 9:30 am—3:30 pm

Do you or someone you love have difficulty controlling his/her temper? Does this anger come out in unhealthy ways that could hurt others as well as yourself?   Anger is a powerful emotion that can lead to serious problems in relationships, home and work life if left unbridled. This workshop will begin with an overview of the topic including triggers, anger styles and anger management, more specifically for children and youth. The afternoon session will address more directly adult anger issues including common myths, assessment protocols, personality issues as well as evidence-based approaches to adult anger management. Come join us for an interesting and informative sharing.

Registration accepted until Friday May 29^th:

On-line: www.domanorenewalcentre.org
By email: drc@pgdiocese.bc.ca
By phone: (250) 964-4475
Location: Emmaus    Fee: $35.00 (Light lunch included)
Facilitators: Fr. John Garden (MEd Counselling); Dorothy Ryan CSJ (PhD Clinical Psychologist)

5.     CNEWA Middle East Campaign

Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) has launched an emergency Middle East campaign to aid Christians and refugees in the region. The campaign was issued at the end of April, but CNEWA Canada chose to focus at this time on the emergency fundraising campaign for the earthquake victims in Nepal which struck a few days after the CNEWA campaign was launched.

The appeal asks for support for families fleeing the barbaric violence perpetrated by ISIS and the unresolved Syrian civil war. Among the millions affected are the once vibrant Christian communities of Syria and Iraq, which may, for the first time in 2000 years, be forced from their homeland. CNEWA’s Middle East aid program includes emergency relief for refugees and displaced Syrian and Iraqi Christian families; support of youth initiatives, schools, health clinics and hospitals; helping people with special needs, elderly and vulnerable children; and the support of pastoral work of the church, such as the formation of seminarians and lay leaders in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel, Palestine and Gaza. Canadians interested in making donations to help CNEWA and its partners in the Middle East are invited to do so by visiting www.cnewa.ca or to write a cheque to CNEWA Canada at 1247 Kilborn Place, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 6K9 or by phone at 1-866-322-4441.

6.     World Meeting of Families 2015

In preparation for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, September 22 to 27, 2015, Salt + Light TV has produced a series of videos on how family life and the lives of the Saints and Blesseds are inter-related and have special importance for the Church as well as for today’s families. Each presentation is approximately five minutes long, and provides a short biography on the life of each Saint or Blessed as well as a testimony to their journey of faith. To date, Salt + Light has completed 12 videos, some of which are available in four languages — English, French, Chinese and Spanish. The goal for these resources is to spread the word about the World Meeting of Families to a wide audience. Links to the videos can be found on the Diocese of Prince George website at: World Meeting of Families or on the CCCB website at: http://www.cccb.ca/site/eng/church-in-canada-and-world/catholic-church-in-canada/life-and-family/4135-2015-world-meeting-of-families.