JANUARY 16, 2022
In my family and in my life, do I remember to turn to Jesus in moments of celebration?
We often turn to God when we are in trouble, in the form of a plea or a request. But how often do we turn to Jesus in moments of celebration?
In his first public miracle, Jesus chooses to manifest His glory by blessing a wedding and enriching a feast. The presence of Jesus in the wedding, along with his mother and disciples, is an indication of the value Jesus gave to marriage and family life.
Family life is sacred when the love of God is shared and experienced. Let us not forget that we were made for joy, that to enter our true Christian vocation is a celebration. St. John Chrysostom wrote, “Laughter has been implanted in our soul, that the soul may sometimes be refreshed”.
We all will certainly face hardship at some point in our lives and Christ’s presence will be a steady force for us. Although, let us also remember to celebrate the great joys of life with Christ, to find repose and remedy in laughter and friendship. “The Joy of the Lord is our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) – let our joy be founded on the hope that transcends all things, believe all things, and welcomes the ways in which Jesus wants to let the wine of gladness overflow in our lives.
Let us sit at the feet of Mary and learn to truly listen, and “do whatever He tells you”, that is always ordered to the good of the soul and fullness of life.
DECEMBER 7, 2021
Canadian Bishops, Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Provide an Update on Delegation to Rome
The After careful assessment of the uncertainty and potential health risks surrounding international travel amid the recent spread of the Omicron variant, the Canadian Bishops, Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami have jointly decided to reschedule a delegation to the Vatican in December 2021 to the earliest opportunity in 2022.
NOVEMBER 14, 2021
Canadian Bishops Invite Residential School Survivors, Indigenous Elders to meet the Pope
The Catholic Bishops of Canada are pleased to announce that 25-30 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican from December 17-20, 2021, accompanied by a small group of Canadian Bishops.
“The journey towards healing and reconciliation is a long one, but we believe this will be a significant milestone in the Catholic Church’s commitment to renewing, strengthening and reconciling relationships with Indigenous Peoples across the land,” said CCCB President, the Most Rev. Raymond Poisson. “With this delegation, we hope to walk together in a new way, to listen with humility, and to discern the next steps that the Church can take to support residential school survivors, their families, and their communities.”
The delegation has been planned through ongoing dialogue with the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and other Indigenous leaders. While specific travel plans and itineraries are being coordinated with the delegates directly, representatives from the Vatican have confirmed that the Holy Father will participate in private meetings with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis delegates respectively to hear their personal stories of the lasting legacy of residential schools. Delegates will also have the opportunity to speak with the Holy Father about their hopes and expectations for his eventual pilgrimage to Canada.
In addition to this group of delegates, additional Indigenous Peoples have been invited to participate in the journey, including for a final audience with the Holy Father. Centred around the principles of mutual trust, respect, and a shared desire to move forward for a more hopeful future, the Canadian Bishops and Indigenous Partners have agreed upon the theme, “Indigenous Peoples and the Church: Walking Together Toward Healing and Reconciliation”.
Collectively, the delegation includes participants from across the country, representing multiple faith and linguistic backgrounds. Every delegate brings their own perspective on the history of colonialism and residential schools.
Travel and hospitality costs for the delegation will be covered by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Mental health workers will travel with the group, in recognition of the painful sentiments that may be experienced by many delegates.
Additional information on media accreditation and availabilities will be communicated in short order. Information about the delegates themselves will also be shared in the coming weeks, subject to their consent.
october 17, 2021
Health Guidelines in Places of Worship – issued by the Assembly of Catholic Quebec Bishops
GUIDELINES TO BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES
Wash hands at the entrance, wear a mask and maintain a distance of two metres from others while moving about inside the church.
Once seated, maintain a distance of two (2) metres from persons residing at different addresses or, if not singing and only speaking quietly, a distance of one (1) metre.
Masks may be removed if those seated remain silent or speak only in a low voice.
It is recommended that participants avoid moving about during ceremonies.
All health guidelines to be followed can be found here
>> QUÉBEC HEALTH GUIDELINES
MAXIMUM CAPACITY FOR PLACES OF WORSHIP
Indoors – 250 persons
Outdoors – 500 persons
Vaccination passport NOT required
WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS
Indoors – 250 persons
Outdoors – 500 persons outdoors
Vaccination passport NOT required
Attendance log required
Receptions following religious ceremonies for weddings and funerals are restricted to
25 persons if held indoors, 50 persons if held outdoors.
CHOIRS
Choirs are permitted in places of worship. Choir members must respect a distance of two
(2) metres between one another. If singing in front of an audience, the distance must be greater
than two (2) metres.
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING
When singing or speaking loudly, a distance of TWO (2) metres must be maintained between
persons living in different households.
Masks must be worn.
The diocese has created a spiritual help‑line to offer support during the pandemic: 1‑888‑305‑0994.
Our Archdiocese has also set up a web page designed to provide ongoing relevant information amid current COVID‑19 concerns, including the latest guidelines, related articles and spiritual resources >>>