From the Vineyard

From the Vineyard

Newsletter No. 26 - April 20, 2018

CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN OUTREACH (CCO) IS COMING TO TRENT UNIVERSITY. CCO is a Canadian-based university missionary organization with a presence on fifteen campuses in our country.  Our chaplain to Trent, Father John Perdue, has been in talks with CCO for some time.  We were happy to “seal the deal” last week and look forward to the arrival of three missionaries this fall.  We are excited to be a part of this university movement of the New Evangelization, which should enhance the good campus ministry already taking place at Trent.

THIS SUNDAY IS THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS.  Held annually on the 4^th Sunday of Easter, it is a day when Catholics are invited to reflect on the meaning of God’s call to pray for Vocations to the priesthood and religious life.   This would be a good weekend to click on our Peterborough Vocations website, which has a variety of resources; for those considering a vocation, and for those praying for them.

THAT YEAR FLEW BY!  I celebrated the one-year anniversary of my Installation as Bishop of Peterborough on Thursday.  And by “celebrate,” I mean that I spent most of the time working, just like any other day.  But the staff of the Chancery and Cathedral were kind enough to gather with me for cake yesterday afternoon, so there was some marking of the occasion.  I am amazed at how quickly the time has gone, and yet marvel at all that has happened in this past year.

IT HAS BEEN A WEEK OF DEANERY MEETINGS.  On Wednesday, I joined the priests of the Southern Deanery at Our Lady of Mercy in Port Hope. Thursday brought me to the gathering of the priests of our Central Deanery, which was held at St. Mary in Lindsay.  The Central Deanery remains the most geographically perplexing to me, somehow including Lindsay, Hastings and Cardiff! Nonetheless, these are valuable meetings where the priests of a region can get together to discuss matters of common interest and do some collaborative planning.  Sincere thanks to our two Deans, Father Gerry McMahon (south) and Father Eric Mason (central). 

OUR BIANNUAL PRIESTS & PRINCIPALS MEETING was held at the PVNC Catholic District School Board this week.  It’s a good opportunity to be together to discuss various matters pertaining to Catholic education and parish-school relationship.  And we are always grateful that the school board generously provides lunch.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK takes place this year from May 6 to 11, focusing on the theme “Renewing the Promise.” This morning I taped a brief message for Catholic Education Week, which the PVNC School Board will be posting in due course – after they fix it in editing!

I WAS SORRY THAT THE WEATHER caused me to back out of the Confirmation at St. Therese in Courtice on Saturday; although I braved the elements and made it to St. Paul in Lakefield the next day.  This weekend, I am confirming at opposite ends of the Diocese, St. Peter in Parry Sound and St. Michael in Cobourg.   And thanks be to God, the weather is looking up. 

                                                                                                              Pax et Bonum,   † Daniel

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