9 November 2007
Dear Pastors, Lay Pastoral Animators and Parishioners,
We have entered into the “month of remembrance”. Between All Souls’ Day on the 2nd, and Remembrance Day on the 11th, we are called upon not to forget in our prayers and gratitude those who have died and gone before us. May they come to the eternal life of God’s reign.
CCCB Plenary; 350th Sulpician Anniversary. From October 15th to 19th, I attended the annual meeting of all the bishops of Canada – my first such gathering. It was encouraging to meet and share with others who join in leading the Church in Canada. The theme for this meeting was “new evangelization”. We are reminded that while previous generations in our country were Christian and Catholic, there is a need to re-evangelize and re-catechize those who may claim to share our faith. I am hoping that Mission 2010 will be an event that moves us in that direction in our archdiocese.
While in central Canada, I also took part in a media workshop for bishops, held in Toronto, and joined in the celebration of the 350th anniversary of the Sulpician priests’ presence and ministry in Montreal.
Archbishop’s Dinners. On the advice of the Archdiocesan Finance Committee, I am initiating a new fundraising venture for the archdiocese: an annual Archbishop’s Dinner. In order to make this accessible to much of our territory, this Dinner will be offered in three venues for at least this year: Grande Prairie, High Prairie and Peace River. I am grateful to the CWL, Knights of Columbus and parish communities in these places for their labour and cooperation.
Father Benjamin Nwaeje. Father Benjamin Nwaeje, recently arrived from Nigeria, has been placed in Fairview. There are still some details to be worked out with Immigration Canada for a work visa for him, but my hope is that he will be with us for a few years. Please join me in welcoming Father Benjamin to our archdiocese.
Convocation on November 17th. On Saturday, November 17th here in McLennan, we are hosting an archdiocesan convocation. It is my hope that each parish will be able to have a representative present, be that the pastor, lay pastoral animator or one or more parishioners engaged in the ministry of the parish. I look forward to this as a time to share a vision for the archdiocese, as well as examine some of our challenges more directly. As I announced in my September letter, the day will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. (so come anytime after 9:30 for coffee and socializing); we will have you out the door by 4:00 p.m.
Galilee Experience in Vocational Discernment. We are offering our second Galilee Weekend in Vocational Discernment here at the chancery in McLennan on the weekend of February 1-3, 2008. This retreat weekend is for young adults between 18 and 30, who wish to understand better the process of discerning God’s call in their life. Last year’s weekend was a great success; we look forward to the same this year. Copies of the flyer and registration form will soon be sent to all the parishes.
Diocesan Coat of Arms. Some have asked me what happened to our coat of arms for the archdiocese. After posting the first drawing, I received some thoughtful comments and reflections. Some concerns were allayed when I explained the symbols included; others raised more fundamental questions. As a result, I’ve asked my heraldic artist to return to the drawing board. I hope to have another drawing from him soon.
Catholic Conference 2008. I know it’s early, but I want to draw your attention to the Catholic Conference being held in early March 2008. I had the good fortune of attending one of these conferences a few years ago, and found the quality of speakers and events extraordinary. The conference, jointly sponsored by the Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association and the Alberta Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be held on March 7-8, 2008 at the Mayfield Inn & Trade Centre. For more information, check their website at www.catholicconference2008.ca.
Archdiocesan Liturgy Committee. I have established a liturgy committee for the archdiocese. This committee will oversee and present for my approval any changes to the sacred space in any of the churches in our archdiocese, as well as recommend any changes that they deem will enhance the sacred space and the celebration of the sacraments. Its members will keep abreast of current documentation and directives from the Holy See or other valid sources, and will organize any needed workshops to help our many parishes understand any proposed changes. I am grateful to Father Charles Lavoie, Deacon Reg Bouchard and Annette Dechant for agreeing to start up this committee.
Prayers for the Sick. I know that each person and every family bears a burden of care and concern for those they know and love who are ill. Keeping them all in our prayers, please remember prayerfully:
Archbishop Arthé Guimond, at Foyer Lacombe in St. Albert;
Father Paul Hernou, who has had to return to Foyer Lacombe, after a very brief stay in John D’Or Prairie;
Father Claude Lemieux C.Ss.R., who continues his valiant battle with multiple myeloma. |
