Wednesday Weekly – 18Mar15
Wednesday Weekly March 18, 2105 Print Version
1. Chrism Mass Reminders
The Mass of Chrism will be celebrated at 7 pm on Monday, March 23rd at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Parishes have been invited to send two representatives to accompany their pastor to the Mass of Chrism and to a dinner beforehand at 5:00 pm in Sacred Heart Cathedral’s lower hall. Please contact Jennifer Foster, the Cathedral secretary by Friday, March 20th by telephone at (250)564-5225 or by email at shcath@shawcable.com to confirm your parish’s attendees, if you have not already done so. Thank you.
Those attending the reception following Mass are asked to bring a plate of snacks to share. Please bring to the lower hall before Mass. Thank you.
Mail for the parishes/schools in the outlying regions will be collected at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre and given to priests following their study day. Local parishes are asked forward any mail you may wish to have delivered. Thank you.
2. Depression Workshop
Parishes in the Central Region are asked to ensure that notices are placed in bulletins this weekend about the CHABC presentation being held at the Diocese:
It is estimated that 1 in 10 Canadians will experience an episode of clinical depression during their lifetime. Have you wondered if you or someone you love might have depression? The Diocese of Prince George is pleased to host a session on this topic. Please join Jo-Ann Tait, President of the Catholic Health Care Association of BC for an informative presentation on Tuesday, March 24th, 2015 at 7:00 pm in the Conference Room, Diocesan Pastoral Centre. All are welcome. Registration is not required.
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 April 7th, 2015. A copy of the Application Form is attached. Forms and brochures are also available on the Diocese website under Policies and Forms. 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.
4. Easter Schedules
Parish secretaries are asked to forward their parish Easter schedule to Lisa Weber at lisa@pgdiocese.bc.ca. This information will be placed on the Diocesan website.
5. Year of Mercy
On March 13, 2015 Pope Francis announced the celebration of an “extraordinary Holy Year”. This “Jubilee of Mercy” will commence with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s on December 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and will conclude on November 20, 2016 with the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The Holy Father stated: “This is the time of mercy. It is important that the lay faithful live it and bring it into different social environments. Go forth!”
The opening of this next Jubilee will take place on the fiftieth anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council in 1965. This is of great significance, for it impels the Church to continue the work begun at Vatican II.
During the Jubilee, the Sunday readings for Ordinary Time will be taken from the Gospel of Luke, the one referred to as “the evangelist of mercy”. Dante Alighieri describes him as “scriba mansuetudinis Christi”, “narrator of the meekness of Christ”. There are many well known parables of mercy presented in the Gospel of Luke: the lost sheep, the lost coin, the merciful father.
The official and solemn announcement of the Holy Year will take place with the public proclamation of the Bolla in front of the Holy Door on Divine Mercy Sunday, the Feast instituted by Saint John Paul II and celebrated on the Sunday after Easter.
In the ancient Hebrew tradition, the Jubilee Year, which was celebrated every 50 years, was meant to restore equality among all of the children of Israel, offering new possibilities to families which had lost their property and even their personal freedom. In addition, the Jubilee Year was a reminder to the rich that a time would come when their Israelite slaves would once again become their equals and would be able to reclaim their rights. “Justice, according to the Law of Israel, consisted above all in the protection of the weak” (St. John Paul II, Tertio millenio adveniente 13).
6. Life Giving Love Campaign
Last year, the campaign entitled Life‐Giving Love prepared by the Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) was created to help people understand the teaching of the Church pertaining to issues surrounding end‐of‐life care. The recent ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada that removed the legal prohibition against assisted suicide and euthanasia underscores the importance of this initiative. A special website containing useful educational resources was created for the campaign. It is found at www.lifegivinglove.ca. In addition, COLF’s own website (www.colf.ca) contains a wealth of information relating to euthanasia and assisted suicide, including that which could be used for homilies.
Wednesday Weekly – 11Mar15
Wednesday Weekly March 11, 2015 Print Version
1. Personnel Changes
Bishop Stephen Jensen announces the following priest moves:
Robert Smith, OMI is appointed Administrator of St. Mary’s Parish in Prince George, effective March 11, 2015.
Piotr Dudek, OMI, formerly Pastor of St. Mary’s will move to Ottawa this week.
On behalf of the Diocese, I offer many thanks to Fr. Dudek for his service in the parish and a warm welcome to Fr. Smith.
2. 40 Days for Life
Prince George parishes are requested to use the following updated announcement in bulletins the weekends of March 15th and 22nd:
The Prince George 40 Days for Life Campaign commenced on Ash Wednesday, February 18th and will conclude on Palm Sunday, March 29th. We are still in need of volunteers to join our focused pro-life effort consisting of prayer and fasting to end abortion with a peaceful vigil outside UHNBC. Please consider volunteering any day during the campaign from 7 am to 7 pm to pray and witness along 15th Avenue. To sign up for the vigil or for more information, please email 40dayspgbc@gmail.com or Tony Donovan at tdonovan@gmail.com or phone Lucy Quickfall at 250-962-7454 between 6:30 am and 10:00 pm.
3. Bursary
Please place the attached ad or the following notice in parish bulletins:
The Sisters of St. Ann are offering a Bursary named in honour of their foundress, Blessed Marie Anne Blondin. This bursary offers assistance to women seeking education in theological and ministry studies that promote justice, peace, integrity of creation, healing, holistic living and a healthy life style. Priority will be given to a candidate from BC, the Yukon or the Northwest Territories. Preference will be given to a candidate on limited income and who sees the educational opportunity as a means of employment training or personal growth. For an application form, please contact administration@ssabc.ca or 250-592-3133. Deadline: April 2015. Further information about the Sisters of St. Ann is available on their website at www.ssabc.ca.
4. Give Us Time
A new website, http://giveustime.ca/ has been created by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition of B.C. in response to the recent ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada on assisted suicide and euthanasia. When the Supreme Court struck down Canada’s assisted suicide law, it gave Parliament one year to replace it. One year is not enough time to draft effective legislation especially in an election year. The GIVE US TIME postcard campaign urges the Federal government to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause to give Parliament more than one year. Please refer to the website for further information and add your voice to this important cause.
5. National Mission – VisionTV
Please post the attached poster and place the following notice in parish bulletins until March 29th:
The National Catholic Mission 2015, “Beware the Holy Spirit!” will be broadcast on VISIONTV on Monday, March 30 (Pt. 1) and Tuesday, March 31 (Pt 2) at 3 pm and repeated at 7 pm. It will be hosted by Fr. Pat Fitzpatrick and feature Spiritan Fr. Anthony Gittins. This year’s Mission looks at when and where God speaks to us in our daily lives and how we, as an institution and as individuals, can ignore that voice at our peril. In Program Two, the afternoon of life is looked at and why it burdens some people and brings freedom and joy to others.
6. CNEWA – Syria
Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada is collecting funds to assist Assyrian Christian communities in Syria where there have been recent abductions and displacements. They are urging the general public to renew their aid to displaced persons and refugees, victims of the war raging in this country. The Christian community is increasingly threatened by extremist groups that have taken advantage of the current political instability to prey on the most vulnerable. Anyone wishing to support the Assyrian Christians can make a donation to CNEWA Canada by mailing a cheque (payable to “Emergency Syria”) to CNEWA Canada, 1247 Kilborn Place, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 6K9, visiting www.cnewa.ca or calling toll free 1-866 322-4441. Please see the attached press release for further details.
Wednesday Weekly – 4Mar15
Wednesday Weekly March 4, 2015 Print Version
1. CHABC Presentation – March 24, 2015
Please post the attached poster and place the following notice in parish bulletins in the Central Region:
It is estimated that 1 in 10 Canadians will experience an episode of clinical depression during their lifetime. Have you wondered if you or someone you love might have depression? The Diocese of Prince George is pleased to host a session on this topic. Please join Jo-Ann Tait, President of the Catholic Health Care Association of BC for an informative presentation on Tuesday, March 24th, 2015 at 7:00 pm in the Conference Room, Diocesan Pastoral Centre. All are welcome. Registration is not required.
Depression CHABC Workshop Mar 24
2. Chrism Mass
Please place the following notice in parish bulletins until March 22nd:
The Mass of Chrism will be celebrated at 7 pm on Monday, March 23rd at Sacred Heart Cathedral. In this diocesan celebration, the Holy Oils and Chrism used in the Sacraments are blessed and consecrated and the priests 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 hall before Mass). Thank you!
3. Chrism Mass Oils Set Confirmation
To help with planning for the Chrism Mass, all parishes and missions are asked to look over the attached list to confirm their sets of oils for this year. Please contact Jennifer at Sacred Heart Cathedral (shcath@shawcable.com or (250)564-5225) by Friday, March 20th, to confirm or indicate required changes. Thanks!
4. CIS Employment Opportunities
Please replace the CIS Employment Opportunities poster with the updated list of teacher postings. Further information can be found on the CISPG website at www.cispg.ca.
CISPG Teaching Jobs -2015-2016
5. Northern Catholic News
The Spring edition of the Northern Catholic News will be available for pick up by parishes at the Diocese Pastoral Centre on Friday, March 6th. Out of town parishes are requested to please contact Teresa in Reception if you can pick up your package in the next week. This will help reduce shipping costs. Thank you!
6. Youth and Young Adult Ministry Update
DYC 2015: Mark your calendars! The 20th annual DYC will be held May 1-3, 2015 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Prince George with and keynote speaker, Chris Padgett. DYC is open to all youth from Grades 7 to 12. Early registration is just $50 for the entire weekend until April 1. Head on over to our online registration page to secure your spot at http://dyc2015.eventzilla.net/
DYC Volunteers Needed: We are searching for small group leaders for DYC who are passionate about their faith and looking for a creative way to serve youth at the 20th annual DYC. If you are interested in being a small group leader or a general volunteer for the weekend, please fill out this brief form so we can get in touch: http://bit.ly/17Ej1zW
Campus Alpha: Campus Alpha resumes on Thursday, March 5th, 2015 for all young adults. Dinner is provided. Please bring $3 donation or a snack to share. Due to the UNBC strike, this week’s Alpha will be hosted in the Diocesan Pastoral Centre Boardroom located at 6500 Southridge Ave. If you’re coming from the university, you can take bus #16 to the Save on Foods and the Centre is just a 10 minute walk from the bus stop. Please check out the ‘Catholic Young Adults – Diocese of PG’ Facebook page for more details!
Seeking Chefs: We are still on the hunt for some volunteers to feed our Alpha group on Thursdays. We have just 3 more nights that need to be covered! Please email Eunice at ehii@pgdiocese.bc.ca if you can commit to making one meal or more!
Ski Smithers: All young adults ages 18-35 are invited to be a part of our ski retreat in Smithers from March 13-15, 2015. This will include 1-2 days of skiing as well as some much needed times of contemplation with Fr. Jack and Fr. Pier. You can find out more details and register for the retreat over at http://pg_youngadult_ski_retreat.eventzilla.net/
7. Archdiocese of Vancouver – Change in Address
Effective February 27, 2015, the Archdiocese of Vancouver offices and the BC Catholic moved to a new location. Please update their mailing address as follows:
4885 Saint John Paul II Way, Vancouver, BC V5Z 0G3
Lent 2015
Message from the Holy Father
“Make your hearts firm (cf. Jas 5:8)”.
The Message of Pope Francis for Lent 2015 is “Make your hearts firm (James 5:8)”. We need to renew our hearts individually to ensure “that all those places where the Church is present, especially our parishes and our communities, may become islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference!” Three biblical texts are provided for reflection and internal renewal so that the faithful “will receive a heart which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed, indifferent or prey to the globalization of indifference.” Click here to read the Holy Father’s message for Lent: “Make your hearts firm!”
Message from Bishop Jensen
Lenten Prayer and Penance for Life
The recent Supreme Court decision that struck down the law preventing doctors from helping their patients commit suicide is another dark chapter in the spread of the “culture of death”, to use St. John Paul’s vivid expression. The false argument claiming this as a compassionate way to treat the dying is the ultimate disrespect of people at the end of life. The dying need care, not killing.
We have an opportunity to build a culture of life by asking our political leaders to ensure appropriate palliative care for all who need it. To support this initiative, I invite everyone to use the coming season of Lent to implore God’s mercy on our nation and its civil leaders in this cause.
When the apostles felt powerless in the face of evil, Our Lord told them: “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting” (Mk. 9:29). Let us use the means of prayer and fasting (as we are capable) to ask the Lord to deliver us from the evils that threaten life at its most vulnerable stages.
Wednesday Weekly – 25Feb15
Wednesday Weekly February 25, 2015 Print Version
1. Staff Changes at the Pastoral Centre
After careful consideration of our staffing needs in the Pastoral Centre, the decision was made to eliminate one clerical position. It was determined that the Diocese could no longer justify two positions within the whole diocesan structure due to the overall reduction in clerical duties. Therefore, effective February 25th, 2015, Esperanza Vezina was laid off from her position and Teresa Phillippe was moved to Reception. The selection was made on the basis of years of service to Diocese.
We are saddened that we had to make this decision and thank Esperanza for her service to the Diocese as a whole during her time as the Pastoral Centre Receptionist.
2. Missionary Discipleship Parish Mission
Please place the attached notice regarding the Parish Mission at St. Joseph’s Parish on March 1st and 2nd in the Smithers’ and neighbouring communities’ bulletins. Thank you.
3. Choir Practices for the Chrism Mass
Please put the following notice in parish bulletins:
Choir practice for the Chrism Mass will take place on Monday, March 9th, and Monday, March 16th commencing at 7 pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
4. Patrick’s Day Mass
Please put the following notice in parish bulletins in the Central Region the weekends of March 7th and 14th:
The annual Mass to mark the feast of St. Patrick will take place at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Tuesday, MARCH 17th, beginning at 6:30 pm with celebrant Fr. Melvin Pinto OCD. All are welcome to this celebration with the Celtic community of Prince George. Don’t forget to wear your green!
5. CIS Employment Opportunities
Please replace the CIS Employment Opportunities poster sent with last week’s Wednesday Weekly with the updated list of teacher postings. Additional teaching jobs have been added.
CISPG Teaching Jobs -2015-2016
6. Domano Renewal Centre – March at a Glance
The March at a Glance newsletter for the Domano Renewal Centre is attached. The Centre has many opportunities for reflection and renewal during this season of Lent. The Canada Winter Games hosting will come to a close and programs will return to their regular venues. Check out the calendar for further details.
7. Monthly Day of Adoration
Please put the following message in parish bulletins in the Central Region:
Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on March 10th in the Domano Chapel. 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.
8. Appeal Update
Wednesday Weekly – 18Feb15
Wednesday Weekly – February 18, 2015 Print Version
1. 2014 T4 Slips
T4 Slips (Statements of Remuneration Paid) for earnings paid in 2014 have now been issued by the Finance Office. Current employees will receive their slips from their parish or school. Past employees will be mailed their statements. Please contact Lynn Monteith after March 2nd if you have any questions. (Note: she will be out of the office until this date).
2. Youth and Young Adult Ministry Update
Please place the following notices in parish bulletins:
DYC 2015: ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! All those in grades 7 – 12 are now welcome to register online for the 20th Annual DYC!! Head on over to http://dyc2015.eventzilla.net/ to get your tickets. The early bird fee is $50 until April 1, 2015 and $65 after this date. Check out our promo video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLgLlTNlbT8&feature=youtu.be. We are so excited to see you all in Prince George for this year’s DYC! It’s sure to be an amazing weekend.
3. Employment Opportunities – CISPG
Please post the attached employment opportunities with Catholic Independent Schools and place the following information in parish bulletins:
Catholic Independent Schools has current and future teaching positions available in several of our communities. Interested candidates are invited to visit our website for the job specific ads at: www.cispg.ca. Thank you!
CISPG Teaching Jobs -2015-2016
4. 40 Days for Life
Please place the following notices in parish bulletins in the Central Region:
Prince George is holding their 2nd annual 40 Days for Life Campaign. You are invited to join hundreds of thousands of people across the world taking part in the prayer campaign from February 18 to March 29, 2015. 40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life effort that consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, and peaceful vigil outside abortion facilities. With God’s help, we pray this effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Canada and throughout the world.
Please consider volunteering any day during the campaign from 7 am to 7 pm to pray and witness outside of University Hospital of Northern British Columbia, along 15th Avenue by Alward Street. To sign up for the vigil or to learn more about 40 Days for Life, please visit: https://40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/prince-george/. Email Tony Donovan at tdonovan@gmail.com or email 40dayspgbc@gmail.com for further information.
Wednesday Weekly – 11Feb15
Wednesday Weekly February 11, 2015 Print Version
1. Lenten Prayer and Penance for Life
Please share the following message from Bishop Jensen with parishioners:
The recent Supreme Court decision that struck down the law preventing doctors from helping their patients commit suicide is another dark chapter in the spread of the “culture of death”, to use St. John Paul’s vivid expression. The false argument claiming this as a compassionate way to treat the dying is the ultimate disrespect of people at the end of life. The dying need care, not killing.
We have an opportunity to build a culture of life by asking our political leaders to ensure appropriate palliative care for all who need it. To support this initiative, I invite everyone to use the coming season of Lent to implore God’s mercy on our nation and its civil leaders in this cause.
When the apostles felt powerless in the face of evil, Our Lord told them: “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting” (Mk. 9:29). Let us use the means of prayer and fasting (as we are capable) to ask the Lord to deliver us from the evils that threaten life at its most vulnerable stages.
Bishop Stephen Jensen
2. Rachel’s Vineyard
Please put the following notice in parish bulletins:
Rachel’s Vineyard is an international organization and retreat ministry offering healing for women and men who suffer as a result of involvement with abortion. Nancy, the site director for Rachel’s Vineyard of the Kamloops Diocese, will share her own story about abortion, the pain that followed and God’s healing in her life through the Church and Rachel’s Vineyard. She will share her fears and misconceptions about finding help in the Church. After years of shame and secrecy, Nancy shares this personal aspect of her life in order to help others who are suffering to find healing and peace. There are few people who are not touched, at least indirectly, by the scourge of abortion. Come and hear her presentation on Wednesday, March 4th, 2015, 7:00 pm at the Diocese of Prince George Pastoral Centre, 6500 Southridge Avenue, Prince George to learn how we might help those who suffer.
3. Statistical Report Reminder
Thank you to parishes who have already submitted their reports. This is a reminder to the remaining parishes that the deadline to submit the statistical information for the Annual Rome Report is February 13th. Please complete the statistical information requested on the attached form and return it to Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin. Contact Mary-Anne at (250)964-4424 ext 234 or majamin@pgdiocese.bc.ca if you have any questions. Thank you.
parish stats request Rome Report
4. Employment Opportunity: Archivist/Records Manager
Please post the attached job opportunity and put the following notices in parish bulletins:
The Diocese of Prince George seeks a part-time Archivist/Records Manager. Reporting to the Chancellor, the Archivist/Record Manager’s role is to manage the permanent records of the Diocese in compliance with legal requirements, historical use and standard professional practice by administering an integrated archives, records management and privacy program. Qualified applicants will possess a university degree in archival studies, history or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Interested candidates are asked to submit a résumé and a one-page cover letter to:
Chancery, Diocese of Prince George
6500 Southridge Avenue, Prince George, BC V2N 5P9
Fax: 250 964-2101
Email: chancery@pgdiocese.bc.ca
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; initial review of applications will commence on March 9th, 2015.
For further details, click here: Archivist/Records Manager
5. Youth and Young Adult Ministry Update
Please put the following notices in parish bulletins:
DYC 2015: Mark your calendars! The 20th annual DYC will be held May 1-3, 2015 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Prince George. DYC is open to all youth from Grades 7 to 12. This year’s DYC will feature a great worship band and keynote speaker, Chris Padgett. Online registration will be up shortly!
Campus Alpha: following the Canada Winters Games break, Campus Alpha resumes on Thursday, March 5th, 2015 @ 7pm at the UNBC Campus in room 5-172. Come on out for a dinner, great video, and discussion. All young adults ages 18-35 are welcome.
Seeking Chefs: People who are interested in cooking and serving our young adults are needed by the CAMPUS ALPHA group on Thursdays. Please email Eunice at ehii@pgdiocese.bc.ca if you can commit to making one meal or more!
Ski Smithers: All young adults ages 18-35 are invited to be a part of our ski retreat in Smithers from March 13-15, 2015. This will include 1-2 days of skiing as well as some much needed times of contemplation with Fr. Jack and Fr. Pier. More details will be out shortly, but email Eunice at ehii@pgdiocese.bc.ca if you are interested.
6. Rainbows for All Children
Please put the following notice in parish bulletins in the Central Region:
The next Rainbows series starts Thursday, March 5th at 6:30 pm at St. Mary’s School in Prince George. Rainbows is a peer support group for children, adolescents and adults who are grieving a death, divorce or any other painful transition in their family. Sessions run for 11 weeks each Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. There is no cost to participants. To register and for more information, call us at (250)562-3477, email rainbowspg@shawcable.com or see the website at: www.rainbowspg.com.
7. Message by Pope Francis for Lent 2015
Please find attached the Message by Pope Francis for Lent entitled “Make your hearts firm (cf. Jas 5:8)”. Based on the theme of the globalization of indifference, the Holy Father expresses his hope “that all those places where the Church is present, especially our parishes and our communities, may become islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference!” Three biblical texts are provided for reflection and internal renewal so that the faithful “will receive a heart which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed, indifferent or prey to the globalization of indifference.”
Message from Holy Father Lent 2015
8. COLF Seminar on Life and Family
The Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) will be hosting a Seminar from March 19-20, 2015, in Gatineau, Quebec. The theme of the conference is: “When Life Takes Us by Surprise…” An impressive roster of Canadian, American and European speakers will be addressing different facets of this issue. The inspiration for the theme came from Pope Francis’ words: “It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life. On the other hand, it is also true that we have done little to adequately accompany women in very difficult situations, where abortion appears as a quick solution to their profound anguish” (Evangelii gaudium, 214). For further information and to register, please see the COLF website at: http://colf.ca/index.php/en/events/item/219-2015-seminar-of-life-and-family
Wednesday Weekly – 4Feb15
Wednesday Weekly February 4, 2015 Print Version
1. Chrism Mass
Please post the attached poster in parishes.
The Mass of Chrism will be celebrated at 7 pm on Monday, March 23rd, 2015 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. In this diocesan celebration, the Holy Oils and Chrism used in the Sacraments are blessed and consecrated and the priests renew their commitment to serve the Church.
Parishes are invited to send two representatives to accompany their pastor to the Mass of Chrism and to a dinner beforehand at 5:00 pm in Sacred Heart cathedral’s lower hall. Please contact Jennifer Foster at Sacred Heart Cathedral before March 20th, 2015 by telephone at (250)564-5225 or by email at shcath@shawcable.com to confirm your parish attendees.
2. Policy for Mission Cooperation
Attached is a new Policy for Mission Cooperation approved by the Council of Priests effective January 21, 2015 to help support the religious communities that serve in our Diocese. An annual collection will be taken each February in parishes served by members of religious communities or priests from other dioceses. The funds raised by the parish will be matched by the Diocese of Prince George. Please refer to the policy for further details.
Policy for Mission Cooperation January 2015
3. 40 Days for Life Prince George
Please put the following notice in parish bulletins in the Central Region:
Efforts are being made to organize the Second Annual Prince George 40 Days for Life Campaign from February 18th to March 29th, 2014. This event last year had a great impact on the people of Prince George and directly saved at least two lives. The campaign is looking for assistance with the Vigil Coordinator duties during the last four weeks of the campaign. These duties include keeping a close eye on the vigil spreadsheet and organizing volunteer hours; making sure all the shifts are filled; sending out emails to volunteers; and occasionally filling in vigil hours. We are asking all who can commit some of their time to 40 Days for Life to come to a meeting on February 10th, 7 pm at UNBC, room 5-140D. This meeting will decide whether 40 Days will take place. February 18th and 40 Days For Life is fast approaching! Please contact Tracy Pfannmuller at vtpfamly@shaw.ca or Tony Donovan at tdonovan@gmail.com for further information and/or if you can help. Thank you!
4. Knights of Columbus 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 2015 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, 2015. 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, scroll down to Useful documents – Bursary 2015.
5. Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children
The book “Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children” is now being offered for purchase from CCCB Publications. It contains the revised translations approved for use in Canada by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. This hardcover book can be used on the altar with the Roman Missal and is ideal for Masses celebrated with schools or large groups of children. If parishes wish to order copies from the CCCB, please contact Teresa Phillippe, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis at (250)964-4424 extension 242 or teresa@pgdiocese.bc.ca.
Wednesday Weekly – 28Jan15
Wednesday Weekly January 28, 2015 Print Version
1. Statistical Report
Parishes are asked to please fill in the statistical information requested on the attached form and return it to Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin by February 13th, 2015. This information is needed for the Annual Rome Report. Contact Mary-Anne at (250)964-4424 ext 234 or majamin@pgdiocese.bc.ca if you have any questions. Thank you.
Parish stats request re Rome Report
2. World Day for Consecrated Life – February 2nd, 2015
Parishes are reminded to place the following notice in parish bulletins this weekend:
In light of the Year for Consecrated Life and in recognition of their dedicated ministry to our diocese, all parishioners are invited to a special celebration in honor of our religious women and men. A Mass will be held on Monday, February 2nd, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral followed by a reception in the lower church. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
3. Religious Education Trust
Parishes, missions, schools and diocesan agencies are reminded that funds are available through the Religious Education Trust Fund to “encourage and support initiatives for religious education/faith formation”. You are encouraged to take advantage of the funding that is available to assist individuals and groups to participate in religious education/faith formation opportunities. A poster, Terms of Reference, brochure and the application form is attached and also available online at www.pgdiocese.bc.ca. Please share this information with all who may be eligible to apply. The deadline for applications for spring disbursements is April 1, 2015.
RET – Terms of Reference Jan-15
4. 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 February 10th 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. February at a Glance
The February at a Glance newsletter for the Domano Renewal Centre is attached. The Domano Renewal Centre will be hosting visitors during the 2015 Canada Winter Games being held in Prince George from February 13 – March 1. Please note the change of venue to Bethany for programs being held during February.