From the Vineyard

From the Vineyard

Newsletter No. 128 - January 15, 2021

THE PROVINCIAL STATE OF EMERGENCY AND STAY AT HOME ORDER has moved the coronavirus lockdown to another level, though it did not change things for our churches which still may be open with a maximum of ten people including the celebrant.  We have decided to continue to allow the celebration of weekday Mass where the pastor deems it feasible.  I ask that people be understanding of the constraints that are in place and patient when capacity limits are reached.  While there is no celebration of Sunday Mass, churches are open for private prayer and devotion.  Of course, we are mindful of the provincial directive that people should stay at home as much as possible and avoid non-essential trips.  It is important that we care for one another at this time which includes limiting our excursions and adhering closely to face mask and social distancing rules when out. 

THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTAN UNITY is traditionally celebrated January 18 to 25 and falls this year in the middle of a lockdown.  Ecumenical gatherings won’t be taking place as in previous years under these circumstances.  Good material for the week is available on the Vatican website, prepared by the monastic community of sisters at Grandchamp, Switzerland. The Biblical text for 2021 is John 15:1-17.  The theme, taken from that passage is “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit.” Each day of the week focuses on a theme taken from that biblical text, helping us to reflect on the call to unity within the Body of Christ. 

WITH THE WORK AT HOME REQUIREMENT of the lockdown, our Diocesan Pastoral Center and parish offices are effectively closed.  A few staff make the occasional trip to the DPC for essential reasons.  We are discouraging people from leaving phone messages and advising that the best way to reach our Diocesan staff is via e-mail.   Thanks to all our staff who are doing their best to serve the Diocese in a safe and helpful way.  Meetings are taking place virtually and will continue in that manner until we can be open again in a safe manner.

COVID-19 CAN’T DEFEAT THE ST. JOSEPH’S DINNER!  This annual dinner in support of Peterborough Campus Ministry will go online this year. “But how?” you ask.  By partnering with six local restaurants/caterers to enable parishioners to have an in-home event, support local businesses and donate to campus ministry at Trent and Fleming.  Tickets are $100 which provides you with a $50 tax receipt.   This year’s guest speaker is Dan Burke, EWTN radio contributor and founder of the Avila Institute.  Be part of this great annual event taking place on Saturday evening February 6.  For more information and to purchase tickets, go to the Peterborough Vocations website. 

THE PERSONNEL BOARD OF THE DIOCESE HAS MET ONCE ALREADY to plan for clergy transfers in 2021.   Priests and deacons have been sent the questionnaire and asked to reply in timely fashion.  Pray for us as we study possible assignments, a task that is never easy and which is further complicated by the ongoing pandemic.                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                Fraternally,   + Daniel

PAST ISSUES OF THE BISHOP'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER, From the Vineyard