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Set back among a row of buildings on Waterloo Street in the uptown Saint John, the St. Vincent de Paul society has been serving the needs of the poor in the city for more than a century. Dee Dee Daigle, coordinator of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, shared how the pandemic has affected their day-to-day operations, and their work to support the poor in Saint John. Christians are never alone in prayer but instead are accompanied by myriad saints who protect them and seek God's intercession, Pope Francis said. The Diocese of Saint John will be offering a special Alpha geared particularly towards catechists and lay-leaders beginning on April 20. The Great Adventure Bible timeline is reading and meditating upon 14 books. Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, Luke and Acts are among the featured books. The connective tissue that is scholarly forged between these 14 narratives spread over 12 time periods is illuminating God’s “family plan” going from Adam and Eve to King David up to Jesus and the Church.

Join the Conversation The Office of Youth Faith Development is seeking young people aged 12-24 to join a series of virtual conversations (via Zoom) originally initiated by the CCCB and the Canadian Catholic Youth Ministry Network. These sessions are scheduled to take place on an ongoing basis beginning in May and will be an opportunity for young people across Atlantic Canada to gather and talk about issues important to them in 2021 and how we as a faith community can respond to them. All young people in this age range are welcome to join the conversation. For more information contact Trevor at trevord.diocese@gmail.com or 857-4879.

Our advocacy must continue for rapid access to mental health care, social support for people withsuch illnesses, and suicide prevention programs. It must include the management and social support of individuals with chronic and/or degenerative diseases, and those living in isolation at our long-term care facilities.
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Nous devons maintenir notre plaidoyer afin d’avoir un accès rapide aux soins de santé mentale, au soutien social pour les personnes atteintes de telles maladies et aux programmes de prévention du suicide. Il doit inclure la prise en charge et le soutien social des personnes atteintes de maladies chroniques ou dégénératives, et de celles vivant en isolement dans nos établissements de soins de longue durée.

In his second year with the Diocese of Saint John, Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC, acknowledged the uniqueness of celebrating the Chrism Mass during a pandemic. This year’s Chrism Mass, held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John, was by invitation only and was livestreamed on the Diocese of Saint John Facebook page. On Good Friday, April 2nd at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John, reflecting on the passion of the Lord, Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC, of the Diocese of Saint John, spoke about the importance of the crucifix as a symbol of Christianity. His message of the importance of the cross echoed Pope Francis' that the hope brought by Christ's cross "is like a beacon that indicates the port to ships that are still afloat on stormy seas." The number of Catholics and permanent deacons in the world has shown steady growth, while the number of religious men and women continued to decrease, according to Vatican statistics. At the end of 2019, the worldwide Catholic population exceeded 1.34 billion, which continued to be about 17.7% of the world's population.

This year in honour of the 90th anniversary of the Divine Mercy apparitions to St. Faustina Kowalska in Poland, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Immaculate Conception Parish) in Saint John will host a Holy Hour of Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11, led by Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC of the Diocese of Saint John. Thinking about a horrible death doesn’t come naturally to 21st-century humans, even on Good Friday. King’s University College philosophy professor John Heng in London, ON has meditated on the seven last words of Christ — a Good Friday spiritual practice that stretches back centuries and has inspired string quartets by Joseph Hayden, a choral masterpiece by Cesar Franck, books by Fulton Sheen, Jesuit writer Father James Martin and Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner. A Christian life should be filled with amazement -- astonishment at the son of God suffering and dying for humanity and awe at realizing how precious and loved people are in his eyes, Pope Francis said. Jews and Christians can learn from each other's shared Scriptures, according to two renowned academics. Such dialogue, they said, can help to move a divisive society "from polemic to possibility."

This great proclamation of joy begins our Easter Vigil celebration - truly, an occasion to rejoice! Over the past year many have grown weary, but the joy of the resurrection reminds us that Jesus has won the victory. Truly, he is risen! This is indeed good news!
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C’est avec cette grande proclamation de joie que nous débutons notre célébration de la Vigile Pascale : il n’y a pas de meilleure occasion de se réjouir! Après l’année qui vient de s’écouler, beaucoup de gens se sentent épuisés, mais la joie de la résurrection nous rappelle que Jésus a remporté la victoire. Il est vraiment ressuscité! En effet, c’est une bonne nouvelle!

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia.”
Today, during this Easter season, we continue to struggle, but there is a new sense of hope with the vaccines now being distributed, an opening- up of the churches in many parts of the country and even the warmer weather after a long challenging winter.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, let us rise and be on our way!

« Ce jour que fit le Seigneur est un jour de joie, alléluia! »
Aujourd’hui, pendant ce temps pascal, nous continuons à éprouver des difficultés, mais on perçoit un regain d’espoir avec la campagne de vaccination en cours, la réouverture des églises dans plusieurs régions du pays et même le temps doux après la rigueur d’un long hiver.
Frères et sœurs dans le Christ, levons-nous et mettons-nous en route!

Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC consecrates the Diocese of Saint John to Saint Joseph, in this Year of Saint Joseph, and in this year dedicated to families. The revitalized Our Lady of Fatima parish serves many families as a spiritual sanctuary. Assisted suicide is expanded with the passing of Bill C-7. The Fredericton Chapter of New Brunswick Right to Life continues their pro-life outreach This year is also the 90th anniversary of the Divine Mercy apparition.

The Canadian Catholic Bishops are offering new resources to celebrate the Year of Saint Joseph. Visitors to the webpage will find several resources for use in parishes, religious communities, families and in schools, such as: Prayers, Litanies, and Devotions; Consecration to Saint Joseph; Church Documents; and Catechetical Resources for children, youth and adults. A series of seven short video reflections based the recent Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart) are offered in both English and French. This resource for adult faith formation highlights each of the seven attributes of St. Joseph.

La CECC ont collaboré pour créer ces ressources informatiques qui offrent plusieurs prières, dévotions et des ressources catéchétiques pour les adultes et les enfants, ainsi que des documents de l’Église tous dédiés à saint Joseph. Veuillez noter qu’une célébration de consécration à saint Joseph est disponible, pour usage dans les diocèses, les éparchies, les paroisses, les communautés religieuses, les familles (églises domestiques) et les écoles.

Please read Bishop Riesbeck's letter to the faithful on the Year Amoris Laetitia, which begins on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, March 19. Holy Family - pray for us!
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Veuillez lire la lettre de Mgr Riesbeck au sujet de l’Année de la famille Amoris laetitia qui sera inaugurée le 19 mars 2021, à l’occasion de la Solennité de saint Joseph. Sainte Famille – priez pour nous!

In this Year of St. Joseph proclaimed by Pope Francis, December 8, 2020 – December 8, 2021, many have found themselves drawn to this spiritual father. For Michael Dobbelsteyn of Saint John, it was novena and consecration to St. Joseph that helped him and his family grow closer to this saint. The uncertainty and death brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic can be an opportunity for humanity to reflect on how to build a better world, Pope Francis said in a new book. While homosexual men and women must be respected, any form of blessing a same-sex union is "illicit," said the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

For Graydon Nicholas, former lieutenant governor of the province, member of the Order of New Brunswick and current chancellor of St. Thomas University in Fredericton believes, the implications of Bill C-7 will have disastrous consequences not only for the Indigenous people he represents, but Canadians as a whole. The Act to amend the Criminal Code deals with medical assistance in dying [MAiD]. A more inclusive attitude and a cooperative approach that includes women are needed for the future of the church and society, said a number of Vatican officials. The approval of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for use in Canada has heightened the discussion over whether Catholics should receive the vaccine, though Church teaching remains clear that it is “morally acceptable.”

The decision to receive any COVID-19 vaccine is one of individual conscience in consultation with one’s physician or healthcare provider. Choosing to be vaccinated, particularly amid the current pandemic, can be an act of charity which recognizes the need to care for others.

La décision de recevoir un vaccin contre la COVID-19 relève de la conscience personnelle; elle se prend en consultation avec son médecin ou avec un professionnel de la santé. Décider de se faire vacciner, en particulier dans le contexte de la pandémie actuelle, peut être un acte de charité qui tient compte de la nécessité de se soucier des autres.

Beginning Sunday, April 18, 2021, Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be offered every Sunday at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Fredericton at 12:30 PM.

Following from the December 2020 Canadian Bishops' ethical considerations and the December 21, 2020 Note on the morality of using some anti-Covid-19 vaccines issued by the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, this news post provides a supplemental explanation and a table comparing the ethical profile of available COVID-19 vaccines.

Parishes in all regions of the Diocese of Saint John — Fredericton, Miramichi and Saint John — have responded to Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC’s request to offer at least one hour of adoration each week.
Canadian Catholic Bishops are preparing an encouraging response to Bill C-15, to incorporate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into Canadian law, and to provide a framework for reconciliation.

The Steepleview Apartment Complex is planned for the site of the former St. Vincent’s Convent and CYO on the Cathedral Block. Steepleview will consist of approximately forty apartments with a mix of subsidized units and market rent units for seniors, non-elderly singles, or families, depending on the demand. There would also be community rooms for social gatherings and meetings, and an early education centre.
If you are interested in affordable apartments for uptown Saint John, please complete this survey.

Like many parishes throughout the Diocese of Saint John, the people of St. Croix Parish (St. Andrews-by-the-Sea and St. Stephen churches) have taken seriously Bishop Christian Riesbeck’s call to promote one tool of evangelization, offering a second Alpha in the parish this winter. - Across Canada and throughout the world, diocese are reorganizing and amalgamating parishes. As the impossible math of too many parishes, not enough priests and not enough parishioners strikes home, many are asking the question, what’s a parish for? - As Perseverance, the latest probe on Mars, gears up to send to Earth high-definition images, video and audio of its surroundings, one papal astronomer said he hoped the fresh new discoveries will inspire future explorers.