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NEWS FROM THE DIOCESAN SERVICES - October 19, 2021 

AND WE THOUGHT WE WERE DONE WITH OUR SYNOD!?

Indeed, we recently brought to a close a synodal process in our diocese. Now it is the universal Church, which is walking together in a time of synodality. Do you have to choose between the two? NO! A synod is a time to walk together, to discern together with the Lord who always walks with us. Our synodal process, lived in part during the pandemic, allowed us to identify priorities for living the mission here: the need to support isolated elders and to help families share their faith (particularly families who have recently immigrated here). We must continue to learn to use modern technology for hybrid ministry. Communities, movements, and all Christians are called to respond to these needs - according to their diverse missions and abilities.

During our synodal process, we have experienced a Church where we listen to each other, which made us realize the importance of putting in place structures to continue listening and discerning together. And now Rome is inviting us to reflect on this question. So, it is not two synods, but the continuation of our journey and an invitation to begin to respond to the needs that are before us.

ABOUT THE DIOCESAN PROTOCOL REGARDING COVID-19

This note is addressed in a particular way to parish priests, to fabrique chairs and those charged with the implementation of this protocol in their parishes.

There appears to be some confusion in our parishes over the COVID-19 protocol.  Some parishes, believing that the health crisis has passed, have relaxed the rules issued by the diocese. Others, fearing the worst, have decided to impose new rules requiring the presentation of the vaccination passport.

Dear collaborators, we are invited to show a spirit of unity in respect of our diocesan protocol.  The latest version, released last July, is still valid.  It meets all the criteria established by the government for places of worship in Quebec.  I invite you to reread it and to make sure that all the directions it contains are followed.

On the other hand, I ask that no further demands be imposed than those that have been issued by the government.  This means that we do not ask for proof of double vaccination neither from the faithful who come to our celebrations, nor from the volunteers or the employees of our parishes.  The government does not consider our places of worship or our workplaces as probable sources of contagion.  Let us therefore follow the government's advice on this matter.

Our diocesan synodal process named partnership as one of the values to be prioritized in our parishes. This partnership implies a fraternal communion respecting diocesan policies, so that their implementation does not vary from one parish to another according to personal opinions.

If anyone is aware of government directives that do not correspond to this note, I invite you to contact our bursar, Mr. René Laprise, as soon as possible so that we adjust the diocesan policy accordingly.

I sincerely thank you for your collaboration in the face of the challenge that confronts us all.  Together, let us move forward with serenity and safety.

 + Paul-André Durocher

SYNOD ON SYNODALITY: CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE FOR WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE 

The  Church throughout the world is participating in discussions in preparation for  the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which will take place during the month of October 2023 on the theme "For a Synodal Church: Communication, Participation and Mission".  Here are two ways you can get involved: 

1) Check out our Web site for resources, talks, videos about the preparatory process.  

2) Bring together a group of people to participate in a time of spiritual dialogue, guided by the Holy Spirit.  You will find five proposals for these get-togethers on our Web site. 

HELPING PARENTS PREPARE THEIR CHILDREN FOR THEIR FIRST COMMUNION 


A team at the Archdiocese of Montreal has prepared resources for parents to use to help prepare their children for the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist.  Parish teams might want to review these materials to see whether they might be of interest in this coming year.  Please note that it would still be important to identify leaders of sacramental preparation to guide parents in this preparation.  

WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT ABOUT RETREATS, ACTIVITIES IN FRENCH?

In this English version of the diocesan bulletin, we share information relevant to our English-speaking parishioners.  If you want to find out about retreats and resources available in French only, you might want to also subscribe to the French Infolettre.  You can sign up here.

CONSTRUCTION AT THE DIOCESAN CENTRE

Starting October 18, there will be major construction that will affect access to the Diocesan Center. The construction will take place over a period of 3 months. During the work, the old main entrance will no longer be accessible (in fact it will be demolished). Visitors will now have to enter through the new main door, which has been joined to that of the convent of the Servants of Jesus and Mary since the construction of the new wing of the Diocesan Centre where the nuns live. Thank you for your collaboration!

JOB OFFER: PHILANTHROPIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR THE NOVATIO FOUNDATION

The Novatio Foundation of the Archdiocese of Gatineau announces an opening for the Philanthropic Development Director. Founded in 2018, the Novatio Foundation is thus starting its operations and the development of its planned giving program. Those interested in applying should send their resume with a cover letter, before October 22, 2021, to novatio@diocesegatineau.org or to 180 boul. Gatineau, J8Z 3J5.

Link to the job description (in French)

2021 GOLF OPEN - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS OPEN

In order to support the actions of the community, Archbishop Paul-André Durocher and the Committee of Selection of the 9th edition of the Archbishop's Golf Open of Gatineau officially announce the opening of the period of reception of the applications. The deadline to submit a request is October 31, 2021. Community organizations that have not received the form can receive it by writing to omniumgolf@diocesegatineau.org. The form must be returned to the same address with a letter of introduction from the organization. The awards will be presented to the selected organizations in November.

2022 PARISH BUDGET


The presidents of the parish councils will receive, by the beginning of October, the documents related to the preparation of the parish budget for the year 2022. As announced in the spring of 2020 with the decision to exempt the diocesan contribution during the church closures of the first wave of the pandemic, the calculation of the diocesan contribution for 2022 will be based on the taxable income of 2019. The deadline for submitting your budget will be October 31 as required by the Fabrique Act. Thank you for your cooperation!

 

TO GIVE TO PARISHES 

The diocese is offering parishes an acetate projector and a cart for a television or other electronic device for free. Interested parishes simply need to contact the diocesan bursar or the janitor of the Diocesan Center, Mr. Antonio Teixeira, and they will need to pick up the equipment at the Diocesan Center.

NEWS FROM THE PARISHES AND MOVEMENTS

Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide association of men and women who help each other stay sober by sharing their recovery experiences with others. The movement has been in existence since 1935.

The pandemic has had an impact on the lives of many people. We wish to inform you that the support groups are still active. Some are in person and others are virtual. The association presents the new AA application, Meeting Guide. It is possible to download it from a smart phone on Play Store or Apple Store. You will find the list of all the meetings and the information to join them. More information here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/INVITATIONS TO SHARE

This section is for the sharing of announcements/invitations from parishes and movements in the diocese.  If you have an activity to share or advertise, please send a note to  Bozica Domitrovic on Friday before the newsletter release.

CONTACT

BOZICA DOMITROVIC, Communication technician
domitrovicb@diocesegatineau.org / Telephone: 819 771-8391, post 308

ADRESSE

180, boulevard du Mont-Bleu, Gatineau (Québec) J8Z 3J5
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