You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.
(Luke 2. 22-40)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Chronicle from Bishop Guy Desrochers
Click here to read Bishop Guy’s chronicles. His latest chronicle: Pope Francis creates a new ecclesial entity called CHARIS.
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
XXIX World Day of the Sick 2021 and Formation of a Diocesan D&P Council
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This coming Thursday, February 11th, let’s remember to offer our day in a special way for all those who are afflicted by all kinds of physical, psychological or mental illnesses. In last Sunday’s Gospel, we saw how the Lord was always concerned about the physical and spiritual health of the sick and the possessed. He not only taught and invited His disciples to convert to God to inherit eternal life, but He also reached out to the most vulnerable and offered them healing and liberation according to their faith. And we who are inhabited by his Holy Spirit, would we not be called or eager to do the same? Do we include the sick in our daily prayers and dare to visit and comfort them with our charitable presence whenever possible? Let us not say: “I do not have the gift of healing like the Lord!”, for we are all inhabited by His divine Spirit. Through our prayerful intercession, through a simple visit, each one of us can become, with God’s grace, a channel of physical or spiritual healing that brings comfort to these poor people who often feel marginalized by the so-called healthy community.
As we approach the 29th World Day of the Sick 2021, I yield the podium to the Holy Father Francis to conclude my first message of this diocesan bulletin:
The celebration of the 29th World Day of the Sick on 11 February 2021, the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes, is an opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care both in healthcare institutions and within families and communities. We think in particular of those who have suffered, and continue to suffer, the effects of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. To all, and especially to the poor and the marginalized, I express my spiritual closeness and assure them of the Church’s loving concern.
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Formation of a D&P Diocesan Council
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Secondly, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that a major restructuring of Development and Peace began on August 1, 2020. At the request of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), which has asked D&P to rethink its governance structure in order to make the organization more effective and transparent in its relations and communications with the CCCB, the firm Deloitte has been mandated to prepare and oversee this major restructuring project until its completion.
The restructuring project also aimed to redefine the criteria for accepting new partners, in order to avoid finding ourselves in problematic situations where they do not respect the moral values advocated by the Catholic Church by promoting, for example, the use of abortion or euthanasia.
Last summer, I was asked to be involved in one of the four new committees proposed by Deloitte. And as a result of their recommendations, since last December, the number of members on the National D&P Council has decreased from 21 to 16 members (and we will decrease from 16 to 15 after this transition year). Four bishops now sit on the National D&P Council, whereas there have been none for many years. This situation made communication and interaction between the CCCB and D&P very difficult and sometimes resulted in inconsistent and contradictory press releases. The CCCB then asked me if I would agree to become a member of the new National Council with the other three bishops. I accepted this task in faith, not without hesitation, since I had just been appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Pembroke.
Considering these circumstances, you now understand why our diocese has decided to once again support Development and Peace in the great Lenten collection this year. This support had been interrupted because some partners did not endorse the values advocated by the Catholic Church, even though they were receiving grants and services from D&P. The situation has since been rectified with the creation of a special commission that has been looking into all the files that raised concerns. To date, all contracts with suspect partners have been either cancelled or renewed because of the results of this investigation. As of two weeks ago, only one case remained unresolved because it involved a contract with a partner who was also receiving a grant from a Canadian provincial government. We were assured that the case would be resolved very soon.
In light of this presentation, I thank you and would be grateful if you would embark once again on this adventure whose objective is to help the most needy, and to once again show your generosity towards D&P during the next diocesan collection that will be offered to you this Lent 2021. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to participate in the formation of the next Diocesan D&P Council, which will take place on Saturday, February 27th, in a virtual Zoom meeting. This meeting will give you a better understanding of what’s new in the restructuring. If you wish, you can take the opportunity to become a member of this new diocesan team. Welcome to all of you! In the next diocesan bulletin (Tuesday, February 16), we will provide you with the link to this upcoming virtual meeting.
Sincerely yours in Christ our Redeemer,
+ Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R.
Bishop of Pembroke
FROM THE CCCB
Nurturing Friendship – The Directory for Catechesis in Dialogue with the Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti
The CCCB Office for Evangelization and Catechesis will offer a four-part webinar series, “Nurturing Friendship, the Directory for Catechesis in Dialogue with the Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti.” Beginning 2 March 2021, the series will explore how the themes of these two documents call catechists to be people of hope who promote human dignity and communion with God by building bridges and asking ‘Who is my neighbour?’
The series is designed for those who have responsibility for evangelization and catechesis including, clergy, consecrated persons, laity involved in ministry, directors and coordinators of evangelization and catechesis, and Catholic educators.
The webinar series is offered at no cost to participants. Please click here to access the online registration form. The deadline to register is Monday, 22 February 2021. Please note that the webinar recordings will be available on the CCCB website and YouTube channel following the last session on 23 March 2021. For more information, contact Mrs. Marg Shea-Lawrence at m.shea-lawrence@cccb.ca.
Pope Francis Participates in the First International Day of Human Fraternity – Thursday, February 4, 2021
Pope Francis participated in the first International Day of Human Fraternity, a date set by the United Nations General Assembly for the new annual day. This date is likewise significant for two years ago, on 4 February 2019, the Holy Father together with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.
For more information, visit the website of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue dedicated to this special day: www.HumanFraternityDay.org. Furthermore, a special video produced on the occasion of the virtual meeting for the International Day of Human Fraternity and featuring Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is available from Vatican News at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxbYeaG2rV4.
Life and Family Suggestions for Homilies and Prayers of the Faithful During February 2021
Even during a time of social isolation because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Sunday liturgy continues to offer nourishment for prayer and reflection during the whole week – whether we are meditating on the readings, or participating in a television broadcast of the Mass and making a spiritual Communion.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) continues to post possible homily ideas and prayers of the faithful to help link the Sunday liturgy with the national pastoral initiative for life and family. The proposed texts for the month of February 2021 include suggestions from the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 7 February, to the 2nd Sunday of Lent, 28 February 2021. As usual, the suggestions for homilies and prayers can be easily adapted for family prayer, as well as for personal prayer or for use with other groups or organizations. The texts for the month of February are available on the special Life and Family webpage, under the section “Suggestions for Homilies & Prayers of the Faithful”.
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 February 2021
The Pope’s Prayer Intention for February 2021: We pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded. Also available online at https://www.popesprayer.va/.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
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.
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.
NET CANADA
Catholic young adults Grade 12 and up to age 30 are invited to one of the upcoming “Do Something Amazing” Retreats! These are virtual retreats where you will learn what it means to become a NET missionary! Saturday, February 27th 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, and Saturday, March 20th 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
To attend, simply fill out a NET Application! netcanada.ca/apply. Once you send it in, you will be registered and receive further details! Share this link with Catholic young adults in Grade 12 up to age 30 who you think would benefit from discerning if God is calling them to serve with NET next year! For more information call or text: 613 292-9991.
By my Side Ottawa – A Program of Spiritual Friendship and Healing for Separated and Divorced Catholics
This 6 week online women-only and 6 week online men’s-only program starts on March 27, 2021. By My Side is a non-profit structured support group for separated and divorced Catholics. All classes are hosted virtually. Christ holds those who suffer close to his heart and desires to bring about healing. This program helps participants find their way to reconciliation, peace and hope through Christ and the Church. We ask participants for a $40 payment to help cover resources and promotion. Any leftover funds are donated directly to charity. Our program (previously known has Journey of Hope Ottawa) began 6 years ago and has had over 100 class participants. Included are resources, 2 follow-up classes, and monthly Facebook posts offering Spiritual Food for Thought. To find out more and to register go to www.bymyside.ca.
PARISH EVENTS
Alpha Course Online from St. Isidore, Kanata
Experience Alpha online for men, women and youth on weekday’s & weekends starting February 19th. To join us please register online at www.StIsidoreKanata.com.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre presents BrightCourse
BrightCourse – free livestream video lessons and support! Practical, real, and applicable topics and lessons you can use today. Supporting both men and women from pregnancy to parenting and beyond! For more information call 613 635-7440 or email bevwfso@gmail.com.
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 1 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. Webinar3 Early Christianity at Caesarea Maritima hosted by Dr. Iosi Bordovich on February 9th. Click on the “Webinar” links to register!
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
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.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria – Executive Assistant
The job posting is available on the Diocesan website at https://www.rcdvictoria.org/employment.
Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall – Human Resources Manager
The Human Resources Manager, under the supervision of the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, is primarily responsible for planning, developing, implementing and evaluating human resources and labour relations strategies, including policies, programs and procedures to meet the organization’s human resource needs. The full description can be found on the diocesan website at https://en.archoc.ca/employment-opportunities.
Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall – Diocesan Finance
Please see the following link for details on the two available positions (Accountant – Internal Auditor & Payroll Clerk) in diocesan finance: https://en.archoc.ca/employment-opportunities.
OTHER
Coldest Night of the Year
Coldest Night of the Year is a virtual walk raising money to help The Grind Pembroke Community Kitchen. Your help is needed to reach out to help others. You can help by fundraising and walking on Saturday, February 20th. Click here for details and to register! Coldest Night of the Year – join others in sharing the warmth, because . . . it’s cold out there!
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.