News - September 2020 RSS Feed

Faced with government restrictions and pandemic protocols, two parishes in the Saint John region have come up with innovative ways to minister to families this fall. Saying "thank you" to God is a beautiful prayer, Pope Francis told a group of children and teenagers with autism. An MP who wants Canada to adopt a law that would make it illegal to abort babies based solely on a baby’s sex thinks her biggest challenge is not to convince Canadians of the need for such a law, but instead is to convince her fellow members of parliament.

Students at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Fredericton will have a strong Catholic presence on their campus this fall. Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) has sent Mary-Anne Ruggles, CCO Connect Leader, to establish a ministry at the university. David Rioux is serving on a pastoral internship year with Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Saint John. Church services and mass online cannot compare to or replace the in-person participation of the faithful, the head of the Vatican's office for divine worship told the world's bishops. As soon as circumstances permit, however, it is necessary and urgent to return to the normality of Christian life.

The Fredericton Catholic Young Adults are a group of friends in the Fredericton area who have a thriving Catholic social life. During his summer travels, Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC, of the Diocese of Saint John, has not only shared wisdom with the faithful — he has also given some homework. A plea by Pope Francis to better protect the environment, respect indigenous communities around the globe and listen to the concerns of young people is resonating with Catholics and non-Catholics alike in Canada, where religious and social justice groups are promising to make environmental justice initiatives the focus of a month-long celebration of creation.

Bishop Riesbeck shepherding among the parishes throughout the diocese, installing pastors, and calling on the faithful to live out their missionary call. The Atlantic Service Committee annual summer conference went online to host their Atlantic Charismatic Renewal. Knights of Columbus founder Father McGivney to be beatified October 31.