From the Vineyard

Newsletter No. 69 - May 17, 2019

THE CLERGY APPRECIATION DINNER sponsored by the Knights of Columbus District 48 (our Lake Ontario councils) was a grand success last Saturday night. There was a good turnout of Knights and family members, clergy and our seminarians, all of whom were well fed with a delicious meal. And we were entertained by a beautiful choral presentation from the award-winning choir of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Cobourg. Sincere thanks to the Knights of Columbus of the Port Hope council for hosting this year’s soiree. Next year, in Bowmanville!

AN INFORMATION SESSION ON RESPONDING TO SEXUAL ABUSE BY CLERGY will be held at St. Anne Parish Hall in Peterborough on Wednesday, May 29, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Our Diocesan Pastoral Centre staff gave a similar presentation a few weeks ago at St. Joseph Parish in Bowmanville, where there was both good information shared and some helpful discussion by participants. We are looking forward to another fruitful session on this challenging issue in these anxious times.

TRIBUTES POURED IN FROM AROUND THE WORLD UPON THE DEATH OF JEAN VANIER LAST WEEK. Founder of L’Arche, Jean Vanier was a man of deep faith and compassion with a heart for the poor and those with intellectual disabilities. This tribute and expression of sympathy from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a retrospective on his life, work and legacy.

THE SECOND EVER MEETING OF OUR DIOCESAN YOUTH COMMISSION took place this week, with representatives from parishes, schools and campus ministry. Our agenda included everything from our Good Friday Way of the Cross in Peterborough to the Holy Father’s recent Apostolic letter on youth, Christus Vivit. The Youth Commission will help us coordinate and collaborate on the various youth ministry ventures taking place across our diocese.

OUR BIANNUAL PRIEST-DEACONS-PRINCIPALS-CHAPLAINS meeting took place on Wednesday, and we were kindly hosted by the PVNC Catholic District School Board at St. Stephen Catholic Secondary School in Bowmanville. These meetings provide a great forum for discussion on matters of mutual concern regarding our schools and parishes. I was glad to see the good turnout as well as the robust conversation on future agenda items.

I AM ENJOYING BEING BACK OUT ON THE CONFIRMATION CIRCUIT! Recent excursions to Courtice, Douro, and Cobourg have gone very well, and I am looking forward to upcoming visits in Campbellford, Norwood, and Ennismore – to name but a few! My sincere thanks to the pastors, teachers and many volunteers who have helped to prepare the students for this Sacrament and a renewed outpouring of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND means that many of our cottage country parishes are coming to their busy season. Blessings and safe travels to everyone who will be on the road this holiday.

Pax et Bonum, † Daniel

His Excellency Most Reverend Bishop Miehm