News - February 2024 RSS Feed

In thanksgiving for a life well-lived, the Diocese of Saint John, and the family of the Reverend Maurice Rene Swift, retired priest, announce his peaceful death at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Born in Minto, N.B, on August 9, 1937, Father Swift was the son of the late Victor and Madeline (Cullen) Swift. He was raised in Minto, where he attended local schools. He attended St. Thomas University (BA) and St. Francis Xavier where he obtained his M.Ed. He spent many years teaching in local schools and on Fogo Island, Newfoundland.

February 24 marks the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. National representatives of Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant communities, in collaboration with the World Evangelical Alliance’s Peace and Reconciliation Network, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and the Canadian Council of Churches, have signed this Pastoral Letter on Ukraine, Canada, and the Church, inviting all to join in praying for peace.

Le 24 février marque le deuxième anniversaire de l’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie. Des représentants et représentantes nationaux des communautés orthodoxes, catholiques et protestantes, en collaboration avec le Réseau de paix et réconciliation de l’Alliance évangélique mondiale, l’Alliance évangélique du Canada et le Conseil canadien des Églises, ont signé cette Lettre pastorale sur l’Ukraine, le Canada et l’Église, invitant tout le monde à se joindre à la prière pour la paix.

The work of Synodality continues! Dioceses are being invited to reflect on the Synthesis Report published in October 2023, and to prepare contributions for the final Synod session in October 2024. The Holy See has requested that these reflection sessions involve a more focused number of participants to reflect on specific themes from the Synthesis Report that are of particular relevance to the local Church. These more focused discussions build upon the broad consultation of the earlier Synod on Synodality listening events held in 2022. Please see Bishop Riesbeck's letter to the faithful for more on our diocesan work towards Synodality and pray for all who will participate in the upcoming Synod Reflection Sessions.

From February 4 to February 10, 2024 we mark National Catholic Health Care Week across Canada, recognizing the important work of Catholic health care organizations in our province and across Canada. During National Catholic Health Care Week, we invite you to reflect on and share the story of the courageous gift of Catholic health care.