11 February 2008

Dear Pastors, Lay Pastoral Animators and Parishioners,

How quickly this year is passing!  Lent is early this year, and we are all trying to make up for the fact.  The liturgical rhythms are forcing all of us to be better planned than ever.  Let me share with you what is happening in this regard and in other matters around the archdiocese.

Ordination to the Diaconate
            Mr. Maurice Marion will be ordained to the Order of Deacon on Saturday 16 February at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church, Peace River.  Having completed theological studies at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton, as well as his internship under Father Joseph Thazhathemuriyil, Maurice has shown himself ready for this step in ordained ministry in the Church. 

Sacrament of Confirmation
            I believe that all the parishes requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation have contacted me by now.  This is the spring 2008 schedule as it now exists:

If I have forgotten anyone on this list, please call me quickly!

Misconduct Policy
            It is imperative for all dioceses and religious communities these days to have a policy for dealing with complaints of misconduct on the part of Church personnel.  Over the past several months, the College of Consultors and I have been writing such a policy.  On January 15th, we presented the details of the policy to clergy and lay pastoral animators from across the archdiocese.  Included with this policy are also policies that seek to prevent any abusive behavior in the Church environment.  The public is welcome to examine these policies on our web site (www.archgm.ca): Selection and Screening, Archdiocesan Misconduct Policy and Code of Conduct.

Planning Committee
            On January 26th, we held the first meeting of the Archdiocesan Planning Committee.  This committee will be working with Mr. Grant Mann over the next 18-24 months in examining the real situation of the Archdiocese, and will submit a report and recommendations that will assist us in pastoral planning.  They have only just begun their work, and I am sure that you will hear more of their progress in the months ahead.  The committee members are Larry Makisoc (Grande Prairie), Annette Bouchard (Donnelly), Ben Dart (Fairview), Wilfred Willier (Sucker Creek) and Ed Roski (Peace River).  I am grateful to this team for their willingness to tackle this project.

Northern Bishops
            The bishops and archbishops who serve the northern dioceses of our country met in Ottawa on January 28th and 29th.  It was encouraging for me to learn that we all face similar challenges in serving vast territories with meager personnel and financial resources.  While we were in Ottawa, we met with National Chief Phil Fontaine and his aide, Ken Young.  Our discussion focused on the upcoming activities of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the support of the Roman Catholic entities for this venture.  I call on all of you as well to keep the work of this Commission in your prayers – it has the possibility of forging greater understanding and a new relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and the mainstream Canadian society. 

Galilee Weekend
            We conducted another Galilee Weekend in Vocational Discernment here in McLennan on the weekend of February 1st to 3rd.  Three young men were joined by three religious Sisters and our team for a weekend of prayer and reflection on the call of the Lord in our life.  Please continue to promote the many Church vocations by your prayer and the encouragement of our young people!

Other Events
            Please be mindful of some of the other events happening across the region, and try to take part in whatever way possible:

                                                       
Sincerely in Christ the Redeemer,

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