From the Vineyard

Newsletter No. 45 - November 16, 2018

MY RECENT TEN-DAY PILGIRMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND was a real blessing. It was my second tour there after a previous junket back in 1994. We had a congenial group of pilgrims mainly from Mary, Mother of God Parish in Oakville, and it was uplifting to be with them in the various holy sites in Galilee and Jerusalem. It was also crowded! Record numbers of pilgrims have gone to the Holy Land this fall and one group from Peterborough is there right now: Father Bill Moloney of Immaculate Conception Parish departed with a cohort of pilgrims this week.

THE PRIESTS OF OUR DIOCESE HAVE THEIR STUDY DAYS next week. We will gather in Alliston for two days of presentations on Tools for Pastoral Ministry. I was excited to learn that one of the presenters will be a friend of mine from Hamilton Diocese, Father Frank Freitas: he pastors a busy and vibrant parish in Cambridge, St. Mary of the Visitation. No doubt, he will have valuable reflections and experience to share with our priests. Please pray for us that these days of study may be informative and helpful in our ministry.

ST. MARY PARISH IN LINDSAY IS ALWAYS FIRST ON THE CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE, as they seem to like a fall timing. I am looking forward to celebrating Confirmation with the young people there on Sunday: I know that they benefitted from a good retreat this week, and I expect they will be very well prepared and ready for the graces of the Sacrament.

I AM ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING WITH WORLD YOUTH DAY PILGRIMS this weekend. St. Therese Parish in Courtice, administered by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, has a group of young people headed to Panama for the next World Youth Day, which is being held, atypically, in January. Their youth are part of a larger cohort drawn from several other Oblate Parishes around the GTA. I will have the privilege to celebrate Mass with them and speak afterwards on the concept of “Pilgrimage.”

MEMBERS OF THE PVNC CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD community gathered last night for the annual Memorial Mass, celebrated at our Cathedral. This yearly Mass in the month of November is held to pray for members of the Catholic school community who have died in the previous year. It was moving to hear the names of the deceased read out and flowers placed at the altar for them, as we prayed for the repose of their souls. Sincere thanks to Fr. Paul Massel and all who helped to organize this fitting and prayerful Mass.

I WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT THE ANNUAL JAMOT LECTURE at Sacred Heart College was successful last week. Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennet was well-received and there was a good turnout to hear him speak, including a good representation of young people.

I AM HAPPY TO WELCOME BISHOP DOUGLAS CROSBY OF HAMILTON to Peterborough today, along with two of his priests. It was my privilege to serve him both as a priest and his Auxiliary Bishop. And the Diocese of Hamilton has been very generous to the Diocese of Peterborough over the course of many years – not just since my arrival!

Pax et Bonum, † Daniel

His Excellency Most Reverend Bishop Miehm