Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.
(Mark 3. 31.35)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Diocesan Offices Closed
In keeping with the stay-at-home order issued by Premier Doug Ford, the chancery offices have been officially closed since Thursday, January 14th. The chancery staff will work from home, and can generally be reached by email.
NEW! Chronicle from Bishop Guy Desrochers
Click here to read Bishop Guy’s chronicles. This week’s chronicle: Pope Francis creates a new ecclesial entity called CHARIS.
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Reading or viewing internet articles with discernment
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In recent years, and especially during the pandemic, many of us have become more aware of the wide range of views about the Church that are presented in both mainstream and alternative media. There is also, unfortunately, quite a bit of misinformation, especially in internet videos.
How are we to interpret what we read and hear? Among other things, it is necessary to have a discerning mind. Here are some criteria of discernment:
- After reading religious articles, whether they be very liberal or very conservative, if you believe that the article does not follow the Church’s teachings as expressed in Scripture and Tradition, or if you are not sure whether the content is solid, try googling other articles on the same subject, and choose the authors who are known for their wisdom and faithfulness to the Church’s teachings. A Google search leading to the official explanation and position of the Catholic Church could also ease some of your questions or doubts. This step will help you discern whether the content or parts of the content are false or half-truths. Much internet news contains falsehoods or half-truths. The authors do not necessarily do this with bad intent; the problem, rather, is a lack of rigour in their quest for truth. Some authors do seek to be sensationalistic in order to increase sales and build their base of followers.
- If the above criterion did not bring more clarity, the next step would be to speak to your parish priest or to a trusted and balanced Catholic friend or expert who has the necessary knowledge and faithfulness to the Catholic Church’s teachings. Ask him or her to help you discern about the content of the article you read or viewed on the internet.
- A third criterion: Always remain cautious and suspicious of authors or journalists who constantly attack the legitimacy or wisdom of our Pope or religious leaders. Some media news outlets lose the professional objectivity they are supposed to profess before they publish news, including faith-related news. They become very subjective and want to reach only a specific type of people or followers, to the detriment of the objective truth. This type of subjective reporting leads to a lack of professional rigour, and ends up confusing the reader or the viewer. It is one thing to question an “opinion” or a personal reflection of the Pope or of religious leaders, and another categorically to rebel against official teachings or documents of the Magisterium.
- A fourth criterion is the virtue of obedience to our superiors, except if they are asking us to sin. One has the duty to reject sin, and even disobey if it is promoted by the superior. But if the superior is not enticing us to sin, here is a famous quote from the great St. Alphonsus Liguori that we should seriously meditate upon: “If the superior makes a mistake when giving an order to the subject, the subject does not commit a mistake in obeying the superior.” This criterion can automatically erase many doubts that arise in our hearts when we read suspicious religious articles.
- A fifth and last criterion: Charity above all! Ask yourself, “How would Jesus react if he were in my shoes?” Would he lose patience? Would he become aggressive and hateful towards someone who does not agree with him? Would he decide to attack relentlessly and with spite those who do not share his vision or path? Some media focus only on the faults of the one they attack, and they lead people to believe that everything is black or white. No grey zone possible! How would they react if one of their children did something wrong or was being misled by others? If the parents love their child, although they will try patiently to bring him or her back on the right path, they will always remain charitable and keep praying for the one they love dearly. Do the reporters and media outlets who constantly criticize the Pope or religious leaders do it really out of love and with divine patience? Do they pray for them in spite of what they think or believe?
I hope that these reflections are of service to you as you try to navigate the choppy waters of online commentary.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R.
Bishop of Pembroke
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Ordination of the Most Reverend Ivan Camilleri as Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto – Thursday, January 21, 2021
The episcopal ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, the Most Reverend Ivan Camilleri, took place at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, Toronto on Monday 25 January 2021 at 2:00 p.m. with His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto presiding, assisted by the Most Reverend John Boissonneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, as well as the Most Reverend Vincent Nguyen, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto. In consideration of COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, attendance at the ceremony was limited; however, the celebration was livestreamed at www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live.
2021 World Day of the Sick
The 29th World Day of the Sick will be celebrated, as it is every year, on 11 February, the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Holy See has released the Holy Father’s Message which is entitled “You have but one teacher and you are all brothers” (Mt 23:8), which encourages a trust-based relationship with the sick and the nurturing of integral human healing. In his Message, Pope Francis writes: “…the commandment of love that Jesus left to his disciples is also kept in our relationship with the sick. A society is all the more human to the degree that it cares effectively for its most frail and suffering members, in a spirit of fraternal love. Let us strive to achieve this goal, so that no one will feel alone, excluded or abandoned.”
VATICAN NEWS
Pope’s Prayer Intention for January 2021: Intention for evangelization – Human fraternity
May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Diocesan Young Adult Ministry (18-35 yrs.)
This gathering is postponed until further notice due to the Ontario government restrictions.
Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program (Feb. 27th and March 6th)
This course will be online only. New deadline date to register is Feb. 15th as materials need to be mailed out to participants.
Teens– be prepared for Lent
Order the Teen Lent Companion by LIFETEEN and use it to develop a daily prayer life that will last you a lifetime. See other great resources for teens at www.lifeteen.com.
Calling All Moms
Check out the options for Moms to stay connected at www.CatholicMomsgroup.com and sign up to Midday Moms, a regular virtual Mother’s group meet up with host Mary Wagner and her MOM Jane Wagner on Zoom.
Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO)
Are you in University and interested in learning about the Catholic faith and meeting others like you? CCO (Catholic Christian Outreach) is a University Campus ministry that does just that AND is now online! Contact a CCO representative at your University by clicking here: https://cco.ca/get-connected.
PARISH EVENTS
Rosary
Father Réal Ouellette is planning the recording/editing of the Rosary to be broadcast on various social media. To participate and contribute, please see details here.
PRO-LIFE
Campaign Life Coalition – Documentary “Obsessed: Canada’s Coercive Diplomacy”
David Mulroney, former Canadian Ambassador to China and one of Canada’s leading experts on Foreign affairs, and Obianuju Ekeocha, author, filmmaker and pro-life activist, who has been monitoring the global abortion agenda in Africa for almost a decade, have put together a documentary called “Obsessed: Canada’s Coercive Diplomacy.“ This is an eye-opening dialogue on Canada’s ideologically driven foreign affairs, its effects on the developing world, why Canadians should be upset and what this has to do with the Chinese Communist Party. Here what they have to say about Canada’s current foreign aid program, which commits almost $700 million annually towards expanding abortion overseas with your tax dollars. Watch the video here.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Biblical Archaeology Lecture Series ISRAEL LAND OF EVERLASTING PROMISE
International Heritage Tours is delighted to extend this invitation to you from The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT). IMOT is hosting 2 more lectures on biblical archaeology, in cooperation with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. IMOT will welcome us all, a Nature and Parks Authority representative will say a few words, followed by each inspiring lecture and at the end Q&A. Webinar2 The Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven hosted by Prof. Adi Erlich on January 26th, and Webinar3 Early Christianity at Caesarea Maritima hosted by Dr. Iosi Bordovich on February 9th. Click on the “Webinar” links to register!
Virtual Heart of Worship at Holy Redeemer Parish, Kanata
Everyone is invited to adore Jesus virtually though praise and worship music and silent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Guest speaker, Chris Zettel, will be presenting 7 Hebrew Words of Praise on Tuesday, January 26th from 7-8:30 p.m. Join the Facebook page! For more information contact reception@holyredeemer.ca.
eAlpha on Wednesdays via Zoom
The Alpha Experience helps prepare us for Eternal Life by using dynamic films and interactive discussions which explore the basics, and help deepen the Christian Faith. Simple guidance to use Zoom is provided. Visit www.stmarysottawa.ca/alpha. Easy access from your own home starts on January 27th from 7-9 p.m. No cost. Hosted by St. Mary’s Parish, Ottawa. Go to https://tinyrul.com/StMarysAlpha or call 613 728-9811 ext. 701.
Glengarry Alpha at St. Finnan’s
Try Alpha on-line. Explore the basics of Christian faith in a relaxed, friendly, and non-judgmental way. Alpha is open for everyone and anyone from all walks of life! Meet and greet on-line, enjoy a short video, then participate in small group discussions. Starting Thursday, January 28th from 6:30-8 p.m. No cost. Register at www.stfinnan.ca. For more information please contact Elizabeth at 613 527-3209 or mcdonellbe@gmail.com.
2021 Diocese of St. Augustine Virtual Catholic Holy Spirit Healing Conference “Who Do You Say I Am?” (Matthew 16:15)
On January 30th. Key note speaker: Dr. Ralph Martin, President Renewal Ministries. No Cost, however donations are greatly appreciated. Click here to register or for more information.
St. John the Apostle Catholicism Video Series
Join Father Lindsay Harrison from St. John the Apostle Parish, Nepean via “Zoom” each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. starting on Thursday, February 4th for “CATHOLICISM”, a video series hosted by Bishop Robert Barron. This acclaimed series explores the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Catholic faith and the importance of sharing it with others. To register for these free online sessions, click here. Info: https://sites.google.com/view/sjavirtualchurch/news-upcoming-events.
The Word 2021 – The International Catholic Bible Summit
From February 11th-13th, 70 of the most trusted and inspirational Catholic Bible experts in the Church today will be showing you how to confidently and quickly approach the Bible for answers, hope, and peace in your day-to-day challenges and struggles. For more information and to register at no cost, visit https://www.cardinalstudios.org/catholic-bible-summit-home.
2021 National Theology on Tap
Intentional Disciples presents “Virtual National Theology on Tap” on Friday, February 12th at 9 p.m. E.T. with guest speakers Ralph Martin and Archbishop Chaput. Visit the Intentional Disciples website for more information.
Lift Jesus Higher Rally
Livestream on February 27th. Lift Jesus Higher Rally (LJHR) is an annual event for Youth and Adults that focuses on evangelizing through uplifting music, testimonials, confessions, reflections, Divine Mercy celebration and Eucharistic Adoration. For information, updates, and registration, please visit the LJHR website.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall – Diocesan Finance
Please see the following link for details on the two available positions in diocesan finance department for the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall: https://en.archoc.ca/employment-opportunities. Application deadline: January 31, 2021.
Diocese of Whitehorse – Positions for Catholic School Principals
Jobs to be posted in mid-February on: https://network.applytoeducation.com/Applicant/AttSearchex.aspx?DirectLink=1 (use Yukon filter). Info on how to apply: https://yukon.ca/en/employment/jobs-schools/apply-teaching-or-school-administrator-job#apply-for-a-job. For general info: whitehorsediocese.ca.
OTHER
Marianhill Lottery 2021 supports the “Building Care” Redevelopment Project
Marianhill 2021 Lottery tickets are now available through to January 31, 2021. Lottery funds go towards the purchase of furniture and equipment for the new building. Each $25 ticket provides you with 69 chances to win. Call Marianhill to order 613 735-6838 ext. 4306 OR download ticket order form at https://marianhill.ca/news/. Tickets will be mailed via Canada Post. Thank you for supporting the Marianhill Foundation!
Galilee Centre Presents – Ron Rolheiser Retreat
Featuring Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, April 16-18, 2021. For details, please follow this link: Ron Rolheiser Retreat – Galilee Centre.