From the Vineyard

Newsletter No. 38 - September 14, 2018

I enjoyed my Northern Exposure tour last weekend, with visits to HOLY FAMILY PARISH IN BRITT and ST. JOSEPH PARISH IN POWASSAN. It was the first time I celebrated Mass in Britt and was happy to be with Father Neil Campbell and parishioners for the Saturday Vigil Mass. At St. Joseph Parish the next morning, I joined with Father Tony Barol and members of the Catholic Women’s League, who were celebrating the 75^th Anniversary of their council. It was a great celebration with lots of local and parish history on display.

THE FOREST FIRES UP NORTH this summer really affected Holy Family Parish in Britt. Summer visitors stayed away in droves, which significantly reduced the income for this small parish which relies greatly on the tourist trade. We have put out an appeal to pastors across the Diocese to see what their parishes can do to help a sister parish in a time of need. I’m happy to see that there is already a response!

THE COUNCIL OF PRIESTS met for the first time “this season” in the past week. The Council consists of elected and appointed members who represent priests and the concerns of parishes in advising the Bishop. The agendas are always long but the meetings are, without fail, lively and fraternal. I genuinely rely on the advice and insight of this the Council of Priests, one of the most important groups of consultation in the Diocese.

THE CONGREGATION OF SISTERS OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST have served here in Peterborough for some forty years. They have been involved in the work of the Chancery Offices, and the Polish Catholic community, which currently meets at Immaculate Conception Parish. This year they are celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of their foundation. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated this Sunday at Immaculate Conception at 12:30 p.m. Sisters from Peterborough and Montreal will gather with priests, parishioners and yours truly to mark this milestone. Congratulations and many blessings, Sisters!

THERE HAS BEEN LOTS OF ACTIVITY WITH CAMPUS MINISTRY at Trent University and Fleming College. We are excited to have three lay missionaries from Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) who will be working with Father John Perdue at Trent in the coming year. CCO is a university student movement dedicated to evangelization. I was pleased to meet the three young missionaries a couple of weeks ago: their dedication and enthusiasm foretell great things for Catholic campus ministry at Trent.

WE HAVE COMMISSIONED AN ICON for the Diocese of Peterborough. The icon artist has created the image based on the words of Peter, which are part of our Diocesan Coat of Arms: “You have the words of eternal life.” The icon will hang in our Diocesan Pastoral Centre, and smaller versions of it will become our official “Diocesan gift.” The blessing of the icon will take place at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains, Sunday, September 30 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

Pax et Bonum, † Daniel

His Excellency Most Reverend Bishop Miehm