OCTOBER 9, 2022
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On Tuesday, October 18, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is inviting families, as well as pastoral and children’s catechetical groups to pray the Rosary as part of the international event One Million Children Praying the Rosary. In Canada, whether it be by registering for the online event taking place at 7:00 p.m. or by organizing a prayer group in your community, take the time to stop and pray for peace in the world.
“Children around the world will be praying for peace,” says Marie-Claude Lalonde, national director of ACN Canada. “This year’s theme focuses on the love that God the Father desires for the world—a theme reflected on the poster which this year, features the addition of two hands upholding the globe.”
An international initiative encouraged by Pope Francis
“Some of the most positive reactions we’ve had have come precisely from the regions where peace is most needed,” says the ecclesiastical assistant of ACN International, Father Martin Barta. “It is particularly moving to know that there are children in Iraq, Syria, Belarus, or Myanmar who are praying with those who have come together in Fatima, Portugal, Canada, or the United States. This gives us hope that the love that comes from faith can triumph over violence,” he adds. In 2020, during the Angelus, Pope Francis encouraged all the faithful around the world to pray the Rosary as part of the One Million Children Praying the Rosary event.
In Canada, you can download relevant campaign material for free at One Million Children. These documents contain instructions on how to pray the Rosary, short meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary, and an Act of Consecration to Our Lady specifically designed for children.
For more information:
Valérie Vulcain at vv@acn-canada.org
or
514-932-0552 (toll free: 1-800-595-6333), ext. 227.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2022
Bishops gather for in-person meetings
Over the course of four days, Bishops will have an opportunity to discuss a number of important topics, including:
1) Indigenous Healing & Reconciliation – reflecting on the events of the past year, including the Indigenous Delegation to the Vatican (March 2022) and the Papal Visit to Canada (July 2022). Bishops will discuss next steps on an action plan moving forward on the journey of healing, reconciliation and hope.
2) The “Synod on Synodality” – a global church initiative, drawing input from Catholics around the world. Earlier this month, the CCCB released a national synthesis summarizing key themes brought forward by Catholics in Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic regions. This work will help inform a continental report and subsequent discussions at the Vatican in 2023.
3) Fostering a Safe Environment – an update regarding the 2021 launch of the Canadian Reporting System for Sexual Abuse or Cover-up by a Catholic Bishop. The initiative demonstrated a commitment by the bishops to responsibility, accountability and transparency in matters of clergy sexual abuse.
4) Reports from numerous sub-committees engaged in areas of pastoral care and responsibility including liturgy, catechesis and evangelization.
In addition, Bishops will hear directly from the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, the Most Reverend Ivan Jurkovič, the Pope’s representative in Canada.
A press conference will be held at the conclusion of the meeting on Thursday, 29 September 2022, at 12:30 p.m. The press conference will be live streamed for the benefit of any media that wish to attend virtually.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2022
Register for a one-hour tour on
September 17, 2022
Loyola High School has a faith-based educational program rooted in the Jesuit Catholic tradition.
They are inviting all interested families with Grade 5 and 6 students to register for a one-hour tour of Loyola High School to see the facilities and meet with faculty and Staff on September 17, 2022.
This is a great opportunity to see and hear about their co-educational programming starting up for 2023-24 school year and other exciting changes ahead.
An English Eligibility certificate is required to attend Loyola High School.
For more information visit their website.
or REGISTER NOW
JuLY 30, 2022
A letter from Archbishop Christian Lepine
« I am about to embark on a penitential pilgrimage, which I hope, with God’s grace, will contribute to the journey of healing and reconciliation already undertaken. »
(Pope Francis: Angelus, July 17, 2022)
Pope Francis calls his apostolic journey to Canada a penitential pilgrimage, embarking on a pathway marked by penance for the abuses and wrongdoings that Indigenous youth suffered under Catholic organizations who ran residential schools for them, their families and their communities. It is a pathway proposing a meaningful encounter in order to convey sincere apologies. It is also inspired by a vision of hope that this pathway to truth also becomes a pathway to reconciliation.
READ … the full text of Archbishop Lepine’s letter
JuLY 23, 2022
Pope Francis in Canada from July 24 to 29
Pope Francis makes a pastoral visit to Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022. The Pope’s visit provides an opportunity for him to listen and dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, to express his heartfelt closeness and to address the impact of residential schools in Canada. The papal visit also provides an opportunity for the shepherd of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics to connect with the Catholic community in Canada.
Given the vast landscape of our country, the limited time period for the visit and considering the health of the 85 year-old Pontiff, the Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will adopt three communities as a base for his Canadian visit: Edmonton, Quebec City, and Iqaluit. The locations will limit travel for the Holy Father while still allowing an opportunity for both intimate and public encounters, drawing on participation from all regions of the country.
Visit www.papalvisit.ca or www.visitepapale.ca for more information and to stay updated on Pope Francis’ visit to Canada.