From the Vineyard

From the Vineyard

Newsletter No. 148 - June 18, 2021

CHURCHES IN OUR DIOCESE OPENED FOR SUNDAY MASS last weekend after our province entered Step 1 of Reopening.  With the gradual easing of pandemic restrictions, it was a blessing to gather with people once again for the Eucharist, even with the current limit of 15% of occupancy.  My sincere thanks to the priests and parishioners who worked hard to get the churches ready with attention to all the safety protocols.   Let us continue to pray for an end to the pandemic and for all those affected by Covid-19. 

MONDAY, JUNE 21 IS NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY.  It is an occasion to celebrate the heritage, culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people.  The day takes on special poignancy this year with the discovery of the remains of so many children in unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, and other places.  Last Friday, a ceremony of remembrance organized by Indigenous and Community leaders was held on the steps of our Cathedral and concluded a week-long memorial.  I was pleased to be there with several priests, sisters, and many lay people and to join in a moving and dignified ceremony.  It was a reminder of ongoing steps and tangible acts that the Church must take to promote reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

IN THIS YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH, Dioceses across the country are celebrating an “Act of Entrustment,” asking the intercession and protection of St. Joseph on our nation.  He is the principal patron saint of Canada, and so this is often being done in conjunction with Canada Day.  We have taped a Mass from our Cathedral which concludes with the Act of Entrustment and will be broadcast on July 1.  Additionally, the faithful are being urged to make the Novena leading up to Canada Day and the prayers for that may be found here. 

THIS SUNDAY IS FATHERS’ DAY which Catholics can celebrate this year with attention to St. Joseph in his role as earthly father of Jesus.  In his Apostolic Letter, “With a Father’s Heart,” Pope Francis reflects on seven qualities of St. Joseph – beloved, tender and loving, obedient, accepting, creatively courageous, a working father, and a father in the shadows.  These traits in Joseph mirror for us the love of God the Father and help us to reflect on the love of our own fathers.  I wish all the “dads” out there a very blessed Fathers’ Day!

CANADIAN CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY (for whom I am the Bishop Liaison) will hold their annual conference online this week – the second year that Covid is forcing us to meet virtually rather than in person.  Still, the program looks very rich with talks on Evangelization, Catechesis and Justice and Service.  This annual conference is always a beneficial time of spiritual and professional development for the many people in our country who serve our Catholic students as University Chaplains and Campus Ministers.  Please pray that it goes well and that all the technology works.                     

                                                                                                                                                Fraternally,   + Daniel

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