From the Vineyard

From the Vineyard

Newsletter No. 332 - June 12, 2026

I PUBLISHED A LETTER TO THE FAITHFUL OF THE DIOCESE last Sunday, on the feast of Corpus Christi.  It was written from the heart, as I prepare to conclude my service here in the Diocese of Peterborough and take up pastoral leadership in the Diocese of London. 

WHAT AN AMAZING CELEBRATION OF THE BICENTENNIAL MASS last Sunday at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains.   Marking the 200 years since the celebration of the first Mass in Peterborough, our mother church was filled to capacity!   We were honoured to welcome Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, Apostolic Nuncio (papal ambassador) to Canada and Archbishop Michael Mulhall of Kingston.  We were blessed with a glorious, sunny day which was perfect for the Corpus Christi procession after Mass and the re-dedication of the Christ the King statue on the Cathedral lawn.  Thanks to all who came out and to the many volunteers who helped to organize and staff the event.  Special thanks to Father Tom Lynch who conceived the event and spent months of effort to make sure it was celebrated beautifully! 

OUR ANNUAL COLLECTION FOR THE PRIESTS’ BENEFIT FUND takes place at Masses this coming weekend.  By contributing to this collection, you are helping to care for the needs of our retired priests to ensure they can live in security and dignity.  Thank you for your continued generosity in this annual appeal as we seek to care for the priests who cared for our parishes and parishioners over many years. 

WE WILL BE LAUNCHING OUR NEW DIOCESAN WEBSITE on Monday, June 22.  The current one has served us well but, after nine years, we were due for a refresh.  Its commencement will be a soft launch so expect us to add some content and refine links over the coming weeks.  But do drop by and check it out!

OUR PRIESTS’ RETREAT CONCLUDED LAST FRIDAY, and we were blessed with good weather, amiable fraternity and excellent spiritual presentations from Father Paul Pearson.  Sincere thanks to the Clergy Ongoing Formation Committee who organized such a successful retreat!

THE CANADIAN BISHOPS RELEASED A STATEMENT ON THE 10^TH ANNIVERSARY of the passing of Bill C-14, which legalized Euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada.  On this sobering anniversary, it is notable that Canada has the world’s largest and fastest growing euthanasia program, as safeguards continue to be stripped away.  You may read the statement here.  At the bottom of the text, there is a link to several diocesan resources including the one we published in Peterborough in 2018.  

JUNE IS THE MONTH OF THE SACRED HEART and today is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Drop by our website to see this excellent prayer resource put together by the Institute for Catholic Education.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Fraternally, 

                                                                                                                                                                                     + Daniel

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