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 4^th, 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 20^th 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 5^th 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 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 23^rd, 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 20^th, 2015 by telephone at (250)564-5225 or by email at shcath@shawcable.com to confirm your parish attendees.

 Chrism Mass Poster 2015

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 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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 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 – Poster 2015

RET – Terms of Reference Jan-15

RET- Brochure Jan-15

RET Application – 2015

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.

February 2015 at a Glance

Wednesday Weekly January 21, 2015 print version

1.     Youth and Young Adult Ministry Update

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

Campus Alpha: This semester, the JP2 Club will depart from offering CCO faith studies and instead will host a weekly night called ‘CAMPUS ALPHA’. Young adults of all faiths are welcome! You do not need to be Catholic to join us. Each Thursday, beginning January 29^th, 2015 from 6-8PM (location to be determined), we will gather for a casual evening to discuss life, faith and God and all your big questions. Each night will kick off with a hearty dinner, followed by a video and a time to chat. To learn more about Alpha, please visit: http://www.alphacanada.org/

DYC 2015: Mark your calendars! The 20^th 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. Chris Padgett is our keynote speaker.

 2.     Building a Joy-filled Marriage – Marriage Preparation Weekend

Please replace the Marriage Preparation Weekend poster sent with last week’s Wednesday Weekly with the attached revised version and continue to advertise the weekend in bulletins. Thank you.

 Joy-filled Marriage poster 2015

3.     Northern Catholic News Submission Deadline

The Northern Catholic News is looking for articles from our Diocese to publish in its next edition. Did your parish or school celebrate a special occasion? Did someone in your organization receive special recognition or make a donation? We would love to hear about it! Contact Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin at majamin@pgdiocese.bc.ca or 250-964-4424 extension 234 with your stories and pictures. The deadline for the spring edition is Monday, February 16^th, 2015.

4.     Silent Live-In Retreat for Women

Please place the following notice in parish bulletins:

The Sisters of the Child Jesus, North Vancouver, are holding a silent Live-In Retreat for women interested in discerning a call to Religious Life from 7:00 pm Friday, February 13, 2015 to 3:00 pm Sunday, February 15, 2015. 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). Spaces are limited so register early!

5.     Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly January 14, 2015 Print Version

1.      Building a Joy-filled Marriage

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

Engaged couples are invited to participate in a marriage preparation weekend to be held Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 2015, 9:00 am to 5 pm daily at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Prince George. The weekend will be an interactive experience which explores the role of faith, communication, and intimacy, equipping couples with the tools needed to build a joy-filled marriage. The program will meet the requirements of marriage preparation in our diocese. Cost is $135 per couple which includes the seminar workbook and materials, two lunches, and refreshments. To register and for further information: email Norman Hebert at nhebert@pgdiocese.bc.ca or phone Norman Hebert or Teresa Phillippe at 250-964-4424 in the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis. A program information package will be sent to couples following registration.

Joy-filled Marriage poster

2.     CCCB Ritual Lectionary

Please find attached a brochure which the English Sector Commission for Liturgy and the Sacraments has asked to be shared with parishes. It provides information on the content and necessity of the Lectionary: Ritual Masses, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, Votive Masses, Masses for the Dead, as well as on its importance for every church and chapel. Specifically, parishes are reminded of the following canonical, liturgical and copyright norms:

• As indicated in the Decree published in the Lectionary: Ritual Masses, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, Votive Masses, Masses for the Dead, this is the only Lectionary now authorized for use in Canada for these celebrations.
• Readings at Mass are not to be from photocopies or missalettes, but from the Book of Gospels and the Lectionary, “which are intended for the proclamation of the Word of God and hence receive special veneration, are to be in a liturgical action truly signs and symbols of higher realities and hence should be truly worthy, dignified, and beautiful” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 349).
• It is a breach of copyright law and of the CCCB copyright agreement to make unauthorized copies of any part of the Lectionary or the booklet Sacred Scripture Readings for a Funeral Liturgy, unless the necessary permissions have been arranged with CCCB Publications. Requests for such permissions are to be emailed to the Copyright Office at permissions@cccb.ca.

If parishes wish to order additional copies of the ritual Lectionary or the Sacred Scripture Readings, please contact the Teresa Phillippe, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis at (250)964-4424 extension 242 or teresa@pgdiocese.bc.ca.

CCCB Lectionary Brochure

3.     Developing a Safe Parish & Community Policy Deadline

This is a reminder to all parishes that the deadline to submit the annual Screening Requirements Report (Form 5) to the Chancery is January 15, 2015. All current employees and volunteers of the parish must be listed on this report; a signed Pledge or a Criminal Record Check and a signed Pledge must be either on file in the Chancery for each person listed or attached to the form. Form 5 is found on the Developing a Safe Parish & Community Policy. Please refer to pages 6, 7 and 8 of the Policy to determine the level of risk for each ministry. If you have any questions please contact Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin at 250-964-4424 ext. 234. Thank you to those who have already submitted their reports.

4.     WCCRE Conference 2015 – Save the Date!

Schools and parishes are asked to post the attached poster and share the information with catechists and religious educators. The Western Conference of Catholic Religious Educators seeks to ensure the opportunity of ongoing catechesis for all. This forum is designed to facilitate personal growth in faith and knowledge through the exchange of ideas and resources. The Conference will be held November 5-7, 2015 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. For further information and to register, visit the WCCRE website at: http://www.wccre.org.

Save the Date 2015 WCCRE

5.     Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly January 7, 2015 Print Version

1.     The Year for Consecrated Life

Please place the following information in parish bulletins:

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 2^nd, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral followed by a reception in the lower church. All are welcome to attend.

2.     Schedule of Collections 2015-2016

For those parishes who are ordering Collection envelope packages, the schedule for 2016 collections is attached. The 2015 schedule is also included for reference.

Collections 2015 2016

3.     Domano Renewal Centre

Parishes are asked to please post the attached Domano Renewal Centre’s January to June Calendar. The program brochure is being printed and will be distributed to parishes next week.

DRC Jan to June 2015 Calendar

4.     Returning to Spirit

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

The Aboriginal Returning to Spirit Workshop is scheduled for January 26-30th, 2015. This workshop is designed for Aboriginal people who continue to experience the legacy of residential schools. The workshop benefits survivors, families of survivors, and anyone who wants to move beyond healing to reconciliation and discover the spirit of who they are. This five-day session will be held at the Domano Renewal Centre in Prince George. Please call 250-964-4475 for registration. Please note the date for the Non-Aboriginal Returning to Spirit Workshop has been changed. It will now be held from March 16-20, 2015.

 RTS Save the Date 2015

5.     Okanagan Live – In, February 20-22, 2015

 Parishes are asked to put the following notice in bulletins during January and February:

The Okanagan Winter Live-In weekend will be held at Immaculata Regional High School in Kelowna B.C. the weekend of February 20-22, 2015. The Live-In is an experience of God’s love through Jesus and the Live-In faith community. Past participants are asked to consider deepening your faith by being part of the back-up community: in serving others, we serve Jesus. If you would like more information or would like to register please contact Darlene Heaney at 250-542-8690 or darleneheaney@gmail.com.

6.     Message for the 2015 World Day of Migrants and Refugees

The 2015 World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated on Sunday, January 18. The 2015 message from Pope Francis with the theme “Church without frontiers, Mother to all” is attached.

7.     Week of Christian Unity – January 18-25, 2015

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be celebrated around the world, January 18-25, 2015. Drafted by a writing team in Brazil, and using the theme “Give me a drink” (John 4.7), the materials for the 2015 Week of Prayer invite a prayerful reflection on the meaning of water and sharing with “the other”. In a letter last month to the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Pope Francis wrote:

Spiritual ecumenism, which reaches a high point in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, lives and develops through countless channels, which truly only the Lord sees, but which we, too, often have the joy of knowing: it is a worldwide network of prayerful moments which, at parish and international levels, spread the oxygen of the authentic ecumenical spirit through the body of the Church; a network of acts, which see us united and working together in so many works of charity; and it is also a sharing of prayer, of meditation and other texts which circulate on the web and can contribute to raising awareness, respect and mutual esteem.

For further information and online Canadian resources, please refer to the Canadian Council of Churches website at: http://www.councilofchurches.ca/our-faith/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity/

8.     Payroll Reminders

• WCB Reminder – the 4th quarter report of payments the parish or school has made to individuals and to contractors who are not registered with WCB are due. This includes replacement ministry personnel. Please send to Payroll Services by January 15^th if you have not already done so.
• T4-A’s – We must issue T4-A’s to an individual if the total of all payments to the individual in the 2014 calendar year was more than $500. This includes anyone who considers themselves self-employed, has the payment made in their personal name and is not registered with WorkSafeBC. Payments include but are not limited to lump-sum payments, retiring allowances, fees or other amounts for services. The most common type of payment would be honorariums for presenters and payments for services such as cleaning, snow removal, gardening, organist and other miscellaneous activities. Please provide Payroll Services with the name, address, social insurance number and total amount paid in 2014 so that a T4-A slip can be produced. This information must be provided to Payroll Services by February 5th as T4-A slips must be sent out by February 28th.

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

9.     Appeal Update

To be eligible for a 2014 donation receipt, donations must have been received by the parish on or before December 31, 2014 but did not have to be deposited in the bank in December. Any cheques must be dated for 2014. Please separate any Appeal donations that were received in 2014 and send them immediately to the Finance office labelled “2014 Donations”.  Thank you!

Income tax receipts for donations made in the 2014 calendar year will be issued in February 2015 except for those donations made by using CanadaHelps. They issue receipts for all donations made through their website.

Wednesday Weekly – December 23, 2014 Print Version

1.     Christmas Message from Bishop Jensen

Please share the attached Christmas message from Bishop Jensen with parishioners. Merry Christmas everyone!

Bishop Jensen Christmas Message

2.     January Month at a Glance

The January At a Glance newsletter for the Domano Renewal Centre is attached. Events can also be viewed on the Diocesan Calendar found on the Diocese website at:  https://www.pgdiocese.bc.ca/news-events/diocesan-calendar/

The Domano Renewal Centre staff have been busy preparing the 2015 brochure and it will be available in all parishes in early January. Make spiritual growth one of your new year’s resolutions. The Domano Renewal Centre has many opportunities for reflection and instruction in 2015. Pick one that fits your schedule. If you have any questions or would like to register for a program, please contact them at drc@pgdiocese.bc.ca or by calling 250-964-4475 when they re-open January 5^th, 2015.

January 2015 At a Glance 

3.     Safe Parish & Community Policy Deadline

This is a reminder to all parishes that the deadline to submit the annual Screening Requirements Report (Form 5) to the Chancery is January 15, 2015. All current employees and volunteers of the parish must be listed on this report; a signed Pledge or a Criminal Record Check and a signed Pledge must be either on file in the Chancery for each person listed or attached to the form. Form 5 is found on the Developing a Safe Parish & Community Policy page of the Diocesan Website www.pgdiocese.bc.ca. Please refer to Form 4 to determine the level of risk for each ministry. If you have any questions please contact Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin at 250-964-4424 ext. 234. Thank you to those who have already submitted their reports.

4.     2014 Tax Receiptable Donations – Reminders

To be eligible for a 2014 donation receipt, donations must be received by the parish on or before December 31, 2014 but do not have to be deposited in the bank in December. Any cheques must be dated for 2014. Please separate any Appeal donations that were received in 2014 and send them as soon as possible to the Finance office labelled “2014 Donations”. Thank you!

5.     Monthly Day of Adoration – January 13th, 2015

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

Emmanuel Hermitage invites you to a Personal Date with Jesus on January 13th in the Domano Chapel (at the Domano Renewal Centre, 6500 Southridge Ave). Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m. and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a day of silent prayer and adoration. We will pray especially for the people and needs of our Diocese, the universal Church, and the world. In particular we will pray for the protection of all human life, for vocations, and for the intentions of those participating in the day. Please mark your calendar on the second Tuesday of each month for Personal Dates with Jesus days.

6.     National Dementia Strategy (C-356)

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins commencing in January:

Archbishop Paul-André Durocher, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, is urging support for a national dementia strategy. Parliament will debate a private member’s bill, C-356, An Act for a National Dementia Strategy early in 2015. This is timely given January is Alzheimer’s Month in Canada. Alzheimer’s and related dementia diseases already afflict 750,000 Canadians, with each patient often having three or four active caregivers; in another generation it is estimated 1.4 million Canadians will suffer from dementia, at a cost of $293 billion for our healthcare system. C-356 calls for increasing funding for research, promoting earlier diagnosis and intervention, strengthening the integration of primary, home and community care, enhancing skills and training of the dementia workforce, and improving support for caregivers. Please contact your local Member of Parliament in the next few months to show your support. You can also contact the prime minister, writing Office of the Prime Minister, 80 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A2 or email, at pm@pm.gc.ca , and the Health Minister at Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON, K1a 0A6, or by email at Rona.Ambrose@parl.gc.ca. Letters are postage free. The online petition can be found at: ndp.ca/dementia

7.     Pope John Paul II Day – April 2nd

Bill C-266, recognizing Saint John Paul II as a champion of human dignity and freedom, has now become Canadian law. The new Act designates April 2 annually as “Pope John Paul II Day”. The bill was introduced by Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon. Lizon spoke of how John Paul II stood for religious tolerance, freedom and encouraged interreligious dialogue. “Pope John Paul II proved that nothing is impossible and stood up for populations who were oppressed by totalitarian regimes,” Lizon said. The day will allow “all Canadians the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the man who took a strong stand on human rights and opened the dialogue between other faiths to promote freedom of religion and speech across the globe. These are values that we as Canadians share.” The complete English and French texts of the Act are provided at http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=6836563&File=244

8.     Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly December 17, 2014 Print Version

1.     Vocations Weekend – February 20-22, 2015

Please put the following notice in parish bulletins until February:

Christ the King Seminary Live-In February 20-22, 2015: A Vocation Live-In is an opportunity for young men to spend a weekend at the seminary. It provides a chance to meet other young men searching for God’s will. During the weekend there are times for community prayer, daily Mass and rosary, sports, discussion groups, a tour of the seminary and monastery property and a talent show. Participants also learn the way the monks pray and work. The next Vocation Live-in for the Seminary is February 20-22, 2015. Please contact Fr. Terry Brock, our Diocesan Vocation’s Director, at 250-635-2313 if you are interested in attending the live-in.

2.    Pastoral Centre Christmas Schedule

The Pastoral Centre will be closed for the holidays from noon on December 24th to January 2nd. We will reopen at 8:30 am on Monday, January 5th, 2015. Merry Christmas!

3.     Christmas Message from CCCB

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

CCCB Message – Christmas 2014

4.     World Day of Peace – Message from Pope Francis

Please find attached a message from the Holy Father, Pope Francis for the World Day of Peace, January 1, 2015, entitled “No Longer Slaves, But Brothers And Sisters”.

A note from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace provides details about why the theme is relevant today:  Many people think that slavery is a thing of the past. In fact, this social plague remains all too real in today’s world. Last year’s Message for January 1^st was dedicated to brotherhood – being children of God gives all human beings equal dignity as brothers and sisters. Slavery deals a murderous blow to this fundamental fraternity, and so to peace as well. Peace can only exist when each human being recognizes every other person as a brother or sister with the same dignity.

World Day of Peace Message

5.     Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Wednesday Weekly December 10th, 2014 Print Version

1.   Prince George Pro Life Society- Empty Manger

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

On Sunday, December 14^th and December 21^st from 4:00-5:00 pm, the Prince George Pro Life Society will be hosting an “Empty Manger” caroling event. As we begin the third Sunday of Advent awaiting the coming of our Lord’s birth, it is a good time to reflect on the connection between our Blessed Mother and her perfect love for her Son and our own imperfections as mothers and fathers. We can easily show people the beauty of life and hope through song. Singing Christmas carols outside the hospital with an “empty manger” to represent the coming of our Lord and all those babies yet to be born is a beautiful connection to choosing life. For further information about this event, contact Tony Donovan at 778-349-4412 or tdonovan@gmail.com or see the website:

http://prolifeaction.org/hotline/2014/caroling2014/comment-page-1/#comment-1315116

2.     New CCCB publication, The Missionary Dynamic of the Parish Today

There is a new resource by the CCCB Episcopal Commission for Doctrine, titled The Missionary Dynamic of the Parish Today. While intended primarily for pastors and all those who work in parishes, the Commission also hopes it may serve as an additional resource in the ongoing renewal of parishes across the country. The text notes our current Canadian context, including the various challenges faced by parishes across the country, and proposes that the response to which all our parishes are called is a new effort in evangelization, characterized by renewed missionary, catechetical, and pastoral activity. Please note the PDF format is to be used for consultation only. Any additional printed copies are to be ordered from CCCB Publications. Parishes can contact Teresa Phillippe at the Diocese of Prince George Pastoral Centre 250-964-4424 or teresa@pgdiocese.bc.ca to order.

 http://www.cccb.ca/site/eng/media-room/4057-the-missionary-dynamic-of-the-parish-today

3.     The Vocation And Mission Of The Family In The Church And Contemporary World

In preparation for the General Synod of Bishops on the Family, scheduled for October 4th to 25^th, 2015, the General Secretariat of the Office for the Synod released the publication of its preparatory document, known by its Latin name, the ‘Lineamenta’. It is available on the Vatican website at:

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_synod_doc_20141209_lineamenta-xiv-assembly_en.html#.

4.     Annual Diocesan Appeal Update