There has never been a synod like the one that will begin October 17 in cathedrals across Canada. It’s not that lay people have never before been asked their opinion, but this Synod on Synodality begins with their opinions and from that moment on it will be about their hopes, dreams, disappointments and opinions — including the opinions of Catholics who have walked away from Church. The message across the country for parishioners, volunteers and staff at Catholic churches is clear: please get vaccinated. While COVID-19 vaccination policies being formulated in dioceses have so far stressed that parishioners will not require proof of vaccination, there is a strong signal that vaccines can put churches on the road to normal operations. Over the past year many within the Diocese of Saint John have come to know Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit through Alpha. Alpha helps to create a space where people can encounter Jesus through a culture of invitation and discipleship.

The Bishops of Canada, as a tangible expression of their commitment to walk with the Indigenous Peoples of this land along the pathway of hope, are making a nation-wide collective financial commitment to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families, and their communities. With a target of $30 million over up to five years, this will include initiatives in every region of the country. The commitment will be achieved at the local level, with parishes across Canada being encouraged to participate and amplify the effort.

Les évêques du Canada, avec espérance, comme un témoignage sensible de leur engagement avec les Peuples autochtones, prennent collectivement un engagement financier à l’échelle nationale pour soutenir les initiatives de guérison et de réconciliation pour les survivants et survivantes des pensionnats indiens, leurs familles et leurs communautés. Il s’agit d’initiatives dans toutes les régions du pays, avec un objectif de 30 millions de dollars sur une période pouvant aller jusqu’à cinq ans. L’effort fourni sera encore plus grand grâce à un encouragement soutenu au niveau local en vue de la participation des paroisses partout au Canada.

The Bishops of Canada unequivocally apologize to the Indigenous Peoples.

Les évêques du Canada offrent aux peuples autochtones des excuses sans équivoque.

The Diocese of Saint John has compiled frequently asked questions regarding faith gatherings in our parishes.

At this time the Diocese of Saint John is working closely with public health to implement policies at the parish level that will ensure that all faithful can continue to worship Jesus and receive the Sacraments in full safety and care for one another and the common good. À l’heure actuelle, le Diocèse de Saint John travaille en étroite collaboration avec les autorités de la santé publique, pour mettre en œuvre des politiques au niveau paroissial qui garantiront que tous les fidèles puissent continuer à adorer Jésus et à recevoir les Sacrements en toute sécurité, tout en veillant à la sécurité des autres et du bien commun.