Wednesday Weekly April 16, 2014 Print Version 

1.      DYC 2014 – Catching Fire

Please update your bulletin and announcement for DYC with the following text for this Sunday as they’ll reach many more over the Easter Masses. Thank you!

Bulletin announcement:

19^TH ANNUAL DIOCESAN YOUTH CONFERENCE: CATCHING FIRE

The 19th annual Diocesan Youth Conference is less than 1 week away!! This is your LAST chance to register for this weekend conference happening April 25-27. DYC is open to all youth gr.7-12. Registration is $50 for a 3-day packed weekend of fun, inspiring talks, awesome praise & worship, and time with new friends. Don’t miss out! Register today. You can register online by checking out our diocesan website.

 Announcement at all Masses:

The 19th annual Diocesan Youth Conference is less than 1 week away!! This is your LAST chance to register for this weekend conference happening April 25-27. DYC is open to all youth grades7-12. Registration is $50 for a 3-day packed weekend of fun, inspiring talks, awesome praise & worship, and time with new friends. Don’t miss out – Register today! You can register online by checking out our diocesan website.

2.      Good Friday – Young Adult Event

Please place the following notice in bulletins in the Central Region:

Young Adults are invited to watch the Passion of Christ following Good Friday services, Friday April 18th at 6pm in the Diocesan Centre youth office.

3.      Payroll Services

Please try to submit your timesheets to Payroll by Thursday this week.  Thanks!

4.      Attention Pastors: Marriage Forms & Priest Login Portal

The revised Marriage Forms are now on the Diocesan website, www.pgdiocese.bc.ca: go to “Our Diocese” and click on “Priest Login Portal”. To login you will need the password given to you at the Council of Priests meeting (contact Lisa Weber or Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin if necessary). Please print off new forms each time they are required in order to ensure the most up to date form is used. Once completed, do not email forms to the Diocese but continue to send them via mail. If you have begun interviews with a couple using the old forms, these will be processed, but effective June 2014 the old forms will no longer be in use. With the exception of Form 1, the numbering of the forms has been changed; refer to the files labeled “Instructions” or “Check List” for the correct form number. If you have any comments or concerns regarding the revised forms, please contact Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin (250-964-4424 ext. 234 or majamin@pgdiocese.bc.ca).  Thank you.

5.      St. Mary’s School Employment Opportunity

St. Mary’s School in Prince George is seeking a Temporary Full-Time Grade 5 Teacher commencing May 2014 and a Temporary Full-Time Grade Three Teacher commencing April 28, 2014. Please see the attached ads for further information.

Temporary Full-Time Grade Five Teacher April 2014

Temporary Full-Time Grade Three Teacher April 2014

6.      Canonization of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII

Tracy Connelly from Immaculata Parish in Burns Lake would like to share the artwork they developed to help celebrate the upcoming canonizations of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII on April 27^th.  The posters can be ordered at Staples in Prince George. The posters are 2 feet x 3 feet, but can be requested in other sizes; a copy of the posters are attached. The large posters are $20 each and delivery is free throughout the diocese. Delivery takes 2-4 days depending on your location. To order, call 250-614-4270, choose the print shop, and reference the “2 popes posters”. In Burns Lake, the posters are being used to make a bulletin board display mingled with children’s drawings of these two great Saints. Thank you Immaculata!

2 Popes posters

7.      Philippines Joint CCCB-CCODP campaign

The joint appeal by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines has now raised $11,991, 932 as of March 31, 2014. The joint appeal was launched November 12, 2013. In addition to the contributions by dioceses, the Government of Canada announced April 3 it will provide CCODP with $2 million in matching contributions to help up to 6,840 people in the Samar province of the Philippines. In a second news release the same day, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that individual Canadians contributed over $85 million in eligible donations which the Government of Canada will match through its Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund.  Thanks to all who supported this campaign.

Wednesday Weekly April 9th, 2014 Print Version

1.      DYC 2014 – Catching Fire

Please place the following notice in bulletins AND make the following announcement after Masses this Sunday:

Bulletin announcement:

HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR THE 19^TH ANNUAL DIOCESAN YOUTH CONFERENCE: CATCHING FIRE?

This 3-day youth conference is open to all youth grades 7-12 and is happening April 25-27 in Prince George. Join us for a packed weekend of dynamic talks, workshops, games all culminating in a closing Mass together. There will also be adoration, amazing praise & worship, and a coffeehouse featuring artists from across our diocese as part of an evening celebration. This year, our theme is ʻCatching Fireʼ based on the scripture passage of the Road to Emmaus. We hope young people will leave on fire for our Lord. Be sure to register today either online or by mailing in a registration form. Further information and a copy of the registration form can be found online at https://www.pgdiocese.bc.ca/dyc-2014/

 Announcement at all Masses:

 It’s not too late to register for our 19th annual Diocesan Youth Conference. Come for a packed weekend of dynamic talks, inspiring praise, and activities. Registration is $50 and includes all meals, a fancy t-shirt, and a priceless weekend of great fun. This 3 day conference is open to all young people from grades 7-12 and is happening April 25-27. You can register online at our diocesan website (or by picking up forms from your local youth minister)*.

 *(if applicable)

 2.      St. Vincent de Paul National Convention

Please place the following announcement in bulletins (may follow Easter Season as your space allows):

You are invited to the 43rd National Society of St. Vincent de Paul Annual General Assembly June 11th – 15^th.  Come join us for an opportunity to learn and grow with other Vincentians across Canada. Workshops, tours and so much more. For more information & registration please go to http://www.ssvpedmonton.ca/AGA2014. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday Weekly April 2, 2014 Print Version

1.      DYC 2014 – Catching Fire

Please place the following notice in bulletins AND make the following announcement after Masses this Sunday:

Bulletin announcement:

HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR THE 19TH ANNUAL DIOCESAN YOUTH CONFERENCE: CATCHING FIRE?  EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ($35) ENDS THIS TUESDAY, APRIL 8.

 This 3-day youth conference is open to all youth grades7-12 and is happening April 25-27. Join us for a packed weekend of dynamic talks, workshops, games all culminating in a closing Mass together. There will also be adoration, amazing praise & worship, and a coffeehouse featuring artists from across our diocese as part of an evening celebration. This year, our theme is ʻCatching Fireʼ based on the scripture passage of the Road to Emmaus. We hope young people will leave on fire for our Lord. Early-bird registration has been extended until April 8. Be sure to register today either online or by mailing in a registration form. Further information and a copy of the registration form can be found online at https://www.pgdiocese.bc.ca/dyc-2014/

Announcement at all Masses:

Have you registered for our 19th Annual Diocesan Youth Conference, Catching Fire??

Early-bird registration is only $35 and ends this Tuesday, April 8 so be sure to sign up fast. After April 8, registration fees go up to the regular conference price of $50. This 3 day conference is open to all young people grades 7-12. You can register online at our diocesan website (or by picking up forms from your local youth minister)*.   *(if applicable)

2.      April Summit & Last Summit of the School Year!

Parishes in the Central region are asked to place the following notice in Parish bulletins:

Young Adults: Join us for our last Summit, evening of adoration, of the school year on Friday, April 11^th, 7:30 pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral following the regular Stations of the Cross. All are welcome. We will have a testimony, praise & worship, time of adoration, and snacks to follow.

3.      Confirmation/First Holy Communion Schedule

Please find attached the 2014 Confirmation/First Holy Communion Schedule. Please contact Lisa Weber at (250-964-5644 extension 235 or lisa@pgdiocese.bc.ca if there are any concerns.

 CONFIRMATION 2014

4.      Northern Catholic News

The Spring edition of the Northern Catholic News is available now for pick up by parishes at the Diocesan Centre.  It will also be made available at Sacred Heart Cathedral in the lower church following the Chrism Mass/priest meetings next week for out of town parishes to pick up.  This will greatly reduce our shipping costs.

5.      2014 Vocations Contest

Please see the attached poster and information sheet on the 2014 Vocations Contest. Last year’s winning poster created by Eden Viveiros can be found on the diocesan website.

 Vocations Contest 2014

6.      Whatsoever You Do

Please place the following reminder in bulletins:

A Diocesan Summit is being held on April 26, 2014 at 9 am in conjunction with the Diocesan Youth Conference. The title of the half-day event is “Whatsoever you do…” – a reference to Our Lord’s parable in Matthew 25 about the need to see each person as His brother or sister. There will be an interactive presentation; and organizations and individuals involved with Pro-Life, Social Justice, International Development and Natural Family Planning will be setting up information tables so that we can be inspired, network, and grow together as a Diocesan family of faith. There is no cost. All are welcome.  If your group would like share what you are doing with others, please contact Teresa Phillippe in the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis at 250-964-4424 or teresa@pgdiocese.bc.ca to book a table.

7.      Accounting Employment Opportunity – Diocesan Centre

Please put the following job posting in the parish bulletins for the next two weeks:

The Diocesan Centre has a part time (20 hours per week) Accounting position available.

The applicant must have:

•     strong bookkeeping skills and experience

•     experience with Sage AccPac or other accounting programs

•     working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Salary will be based on qualifications and experience. Benefit package included. Please submit your resume by April 23, 2014 by e-mail to lynn-monteith@pgdiocese.bc.ca or by fax to (250)964-2101.  We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

8.     Share Lent Collection

Attached is a message from Most Rev. Paul-André Durocher, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, regarding the Share Lent collection. If possible, please insert this message in parish bulletins this weekend.

Share Lent Message

Wednesday Weekly March 26, 2014 Print Version

1.      DYC 2014 – Catching Fire

Please place the following notice in bulletins AND make the following announcement after Masses this Sunday:

Bulletin announcement:

The 19th Annual Diocesan Youth Conference or DYC is coming up fast! This 3-day youth conference is happening April 25-27 this year and is open for the first time to all youth in grades7-12. Join us for a packed weekend of dynamic talks, workshops, games all culminating in a closing Mass together. There will also be adoration, amazing praise & worship, and a coffeehouse featuring artists from across our diocese as part of an evening celebration. This year, our theme is ʻCatching Fireʼ based on the scripture passage of the Road to Emmaus. We hope young people will leave on fire for our Lord. Early-bird registration has been extended until April 8. Be sure to register today either online or by mailing in a registration form. Further information and a copy of the registration form can be found online at https://www.pgdiocese.bc.ca/dyc-2014/

Announcement at all Masses:

The 19th Annual Diocesan Youth Conference or DYC is coming up fast. This 3-day youth conference is happening April 25-27 this year and is open for the first time to all youth from grades7-12. Join us for a packed weekend of dynamic talks, workshops, games all culminating in a closing Mass together. There will also be adoration, amazing praise & worship, and a coffeehouse featuring artists from across our diocese as part of an evening celebration. This year, our theme is ʻCatching Fireʼ based on the scripture passage of the Road to Emmaus. We hope young people will leave on fire for our Lord. Early-bird registration has been extended until April 8. Be sure to register today. All information can be found in your bulletins or on the diocesan website.

2.      Chrism Mass

Please place the attached notice in parish bulletins in Prince George.

The Mass of Chrism will be celebrated at 7 pm on Monday, April 7th 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 and you are invited to bring a plate of snacks to share (please put on the table in the lower hall before Mass).

3.      Domano Renewal Centre – April at a Glance

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

 April at a Glance

4.      National Catholic Mission 2014 -The Gift of Forgiveness

Parishes are asked to post the attached poster and place the following notice in bulletins:

The National Catholic Mission 2014, “The Gift of Forgiveness,” will be broadcast on VISIONTV on Monday, April 14 (Part 1) and Tuesday, April 15 (Part 2) at 3 pm and repeated at 7 pm. This year’s Mission looks at how the hurts and cruelties we inevitably experience during the first half of our lives may be a source of the anger and resentment we feel in our later years. It will offer a pathway to help us rediscover a compassionate heart. It will feature Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI, Sr. Melannie Svoboda SND, Paula D’Arcy, Tom and Barb Zanzig each of whom have faced personal challenges that could have left them embittered. Please join in to hear how they overcame these trials.

Mission 2014 Gift of Forgiveness

5.      National Week for Life and the Family

For parish information:

The 2014 National Week for Life and the Family will be May 12-18, 2014. The theme is “Families united in the joy of the Lord”.  A limited number of prayers cards will be distributed to priests following the Chrism Mass. Both the poster and prayer card use the same artwork as last year. Parishes are welcome to print any additional copies they may need by freely downloading the artwork which is available on the CCCB website. The English language materials were prepared by the Diocese of Hamilton and include possible events and activities as well as prayers of the faithful. They are also obtained from the CCCB website at: http://www.cccb.ca/site/eng/church-in-canada-and-world/catholic-church-in-canada/life-and-family/3835-2014-national-week-for-life-and-the-family

Wednesday Weekly March 19, 2014 Print Version

1.      DYC 2014, Catching Fire

Schools and Parishes are asked to place the following information in parish bulletins:

The 19TH ANNUAL DYC: CATCHING FIRE is happening April 25-27 and REGISTRATION is now open! DYC is a weekend diocesan youth conference for Grades 7-12 held at the Diocesan Center in Prince George. For travellers, participants will be offered accommodation with homestays. Secure your place at this dynamic conference by registering today. EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ends April 1, 2014 and costs $35/participant. After April 1, registration costs $50.

2.      Billets needed for DYC

Please repeat the following notice in parish bulletins in the city of Prince George each weekend up to and including April 20th:

Billets are needed for youth participating in the Annual Diocesan Youth Conference, April 25-27. If you are able to welcome two or more young people into your home for that weekend, please contact Teresa Phillippe at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre (250-964-4424 ext. 242 or teresa@pgdiocese.bc.ca).

3.      Easter Schedules

Parish secretaries are asked to forward their parish Easter (Triduum) schedule to Lisa Weber at lisa@pgdiocese.bc.ca. This information will be placed on the Diocesan website.

4.      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 April 8 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.      Chrism Mass

Please post the attached poster in parishes.

The Mass of Chrism will be celebrated at 7 pm on Monday, April 7th 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, the Cathedral secretary, before April 4th by telephone at (250)564-5225 or by email at shcath@shawcable.com to confirm your parish’s attendees.

6.      Library Resources at the Diocesan Centre

Please place the following information in parish bulletins:

Parishioners are welcome to stop by the Diocesan Resource Centre to check out the audio tapes, books, and DVDs that are available for loan or as reference.  One example is the Catholicism series by Fr. Robert Barron – parishioners can access the DVD series, Faith Clips, Book, prayer card and Study Guide to enhance their knowledge of our great faith.  Out of town parishioners can see what’s available on the diocesan website under the “Resource Catalog” link and the resource can be sent to your parish. For further information on our resources, please contact Teresa Philippe at (250)964-4424 extension 242 or at teresa@pgdiocese.bc.ca.

7.      Annual Diocesan Appeal Update

Parishes are invited to place the following update from Fr. Richard in bulletins as space allows:

We have just passed the halfway mark in our Appeal year, and there is good news and not so great news.  To date the statistics are:

Pledges:                                    $405,414
Less Rebates:                            $  16,283
Diocesan Goal to Date:            $389,131
Goal Shortage:                            $10,869

The good news is that 8 parishes out of 20 have surpassed their goals and will receive rebates of $16,283. Congratulations to the members of those parishes and thank you for your quick and generous response to the invitation to participate in the mission of the Diocese through the Appeal. Five out of the eight parishes who have surpassed their goals are among the smallest parishes in the Diocese, some of which also receive assistance from the Appeal and Catholic Missions in Canada.

Of the 12 remaining parishes who have not yet met their goals, the total percentage pledged ranges from 36.4% to 96.9%.  A sincere thank you to all who have contributed so generously so far. Your support of the Appeal is vital in your parish. The challenge now is for others in these parishes to respond as well. Those parishes that do not reach their goal are relying on the smaller parishes to subsidize them as the contingency amount in the goals is used to make up the shortfall.

All parishioners are urged to participate in the Annual Diocesan Appeal. If you have not yet responded, please take the time now to prayerfully consider your response to the invitation to share some of your blessings with your sisters and brothers throughout the Diocese.  Thank you!