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SUMMER IS WINDING DOWN and thus ends the two-month hiatus for From the Vineyard. I pray that everyone was able to enjoy some rest and relaxation this past season.
SEVERAL PRIESTS HAVE ARRIVED over the summer to begin their pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Peterborough. Father Gaston Giacinti, IVE, is the new pastor of Sacred Heart and St. John the Baptist parishes in Peterborough. Father Felipe Preciado, IVE, just arrived last week to take up duties as associate pastor at St. Mary’s Parish in Lindsay. Brand new to the role of chaplain to Trent University and Fleming College is Father Chukwudi Jieme, SMMM, who began his assignment two weeks ago. Welcome, Fathers, and may God bless you in your ministry here!
WE WERE SADDENED BY THE DEATH OF TWO PRIESTS in the month of July. Father Bart Burke passed away in Winnipeg where he was living in retirement, having given more than 65 years of priestly service in this diocese as well as Labrador and Manitoba. Father Damian Smullen died while with family in Ireland and had served as a pastor in several parishes here and, more recently, as chaplain to Peterborough Regional Health Center and Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School. Let us keep both of these faithful priests in our prayers.
POPE FRANCIS CONTINUES HIS HISTORIC TOUR of Indonesia and Oceania this week, the longest such visit of his papacy. After spending time in Papua New Guinea today, he will move on to East Timor. This is a true missionary journey in every sense! Let us pray for the Holy Father’s wellbeing, and for the many people who will be spiritually encouraged by his visit.
ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH IN COBOURG will hold their annual Cemetery Mass tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. I look forward to being present as the main celebrant and am delighted to bless the new columbarium that has been erected on the grounds. It will provide a fitting and beautiful place for the committal of cremated remains, and will serve the Catholic community there very well for years to come.
IN JULY, THE CANADIAN BISHOPS PUBLISHED A “Letter to the People of God,” commemorating the second anniversary of Pope Francis’ penitential visit to Canada. In this letter, the bishops provide an update on the steps that the Church in Canada has taken to respond to the Holy Father’s call for a future of justice, healing and reconciliation with Indigenous people. You may access the letter here. You can also read about our local efforts with the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund in the Diocese of Peterborough on our website.
OUR PERMANENT DEACON FORMATION PROGRAM will be resuming this weekend, as the candidates and team return to regular meetings at St. Alphonsus Parish Hall. We pray for everyone involved, that God may bless them in their gathering, discerning and learning!
Fraternally, + Daniel
PAST ISSUES OF THE BISHOP'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER, From the Vineyard
