8 March 2007

Dear Priests, Deacons and Pastoral Animators,

            As promised, I wish to share with you each month some of what occupies my time and energies.  Hence, this my second letter.

Meeting of Western Bishops.  I recently attended the meeting of the Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops (AWCB) from February 27th to March 2nd, 2007, held at Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton.  This was a very informative and inspiring gathering of Church leaders.  Our first day was spent with Dr. Hanna Kassis, a former professor at UBC in Vancouver.  Having grown up as a Palestinian Christian in Gaza, Dr. Kassis has a keen understanding and deep appreciation for Islam.  He spoke to us of Islamic beliefs and practices, highlighting the points of convergence between Christianity and Islam.  Other notable items on our agenda were:

Archbishop Arthé Guimond and Father Paul Hernou.  I took advantage of my being in Edmonton to visit Archbishop Guimond at Foyer Lacombe.  I am happy to report that he is in fine form and good spirits.  He is still working hard to restore the use of his legs, but his mind suffers no disability.  I also met for the first time some of the Oblates now resident at the Foyer, who used to minister in our archdiocese: Fathers Marsan, Plouffe, Collin, etc.  I also saw Father Paul Hernou on two occasions; he is presently in ICU at University Hospital.  His prognosis is as yet guarded.  Please remember him in your prayers.

Pastoral Visits to John D’Or Prairie and Manning.  In the past month I had the pleasure of visiting two communities: John D’Or Prairie and Manning.  In John D’Or Prairie, the Soeurs de Ste-Chrétienne celebrated their 50th anniversary of coming to this region.  We held a wonderful celebration of the Sunday Eucharist which gathered many people from the whole region, along with Sisters of Ste-Chrétienne from across the continent, along with Father Jean-Paul Vantroys (who wowed me with his ability to speak Cree) and our chauffer, Mr. Romeo Perra of McLennan.  Later in February I celebrated a Sunday Mass with the parish in Manning.  St. James Parish is engaged in a major renovation to their church.  One of their many fundraising activities is a draw for a cabin situated along a river.  Parishioners are donating their labour to build the cabin.  I bought two tickets for this myself – but don’t let that discourage any of you from buying tickets as well.  Any influence I have with higher powers does not reach into the realm of tickets of chance!

Cursillo.  I was one of the spiritual directors on the latest men’s Cursillo weekend.  It confirmed for me the great value of such weekends for the people of our archdiocese.  While the weekend is what it purports to be (a “little course” in Christianity), it touches the heart as much as the mind, calling us to follow Jesus Christ in our daily life.  Cursillo is not the only such movement; there are many such opportunities offered us to grow and expand our understanding of and commitment to the Christian and Catholic way of life.  They are gifts offered to us.

Maurice Marion.  We presently have one seminarian studying for the Archdiocese, at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton – Maurice Marion, originally of Winnipeg MB.  Before returning from the AWCB meeting, I presided at a solemn vespers service at which I accepted Maurice into the clerical state, and conferred on him the ministry of acolyte.  Maurice is now nearing the end of his theological studies, and will be assigned within our archdiocese for an internship year. 

Rite of Election.  At the Sunday Eucharist on March 4th, I presided over the Rite of Election here at the cathedral.  Catechumens and candidates from across the archdiocese marked their continuing journey toward the sacraments of initiation to be celebrated in their respective parishes at the Easter Vigil.  We welcome these men and women into our community of faith.

Confirmations.  Once again, the following are the parishes where I am slated to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation this year:

Sincerely in Christ the Redeemer,

Most Rev. Gerard Pettipas, C.Ss.R.
Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan

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