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.
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.