NEWS FROM THE DIOCESAN SERVICES - November 2, 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.

SYNOD - HOW TO GET STARTED

The preparatory phase for the Synod of Bishops in Rome in 2023 has already begun. Here is a little reminder of the process. The first thing is to gather 5 to 6 people to open up to a dialogue to listen to each other and discern together. (See the dialogue meetings in PDF under the heading Synod on the diocesan website). Pope Francis invites us to give ourselves a time of dialogue to listen to each other and discern together what is happening in the world and in the Church, on what we call "The signs of the times". In fact, it is to humbly seek together to recognize the signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our communities so that we may fully exercise our vocation as baptized and confirmed missionary disciples. In order to be heard, it is very important to make a written synthesis at the end of your meetings of dialogue. You will find on the last page of your sheets a grid to help you write your reports. And of course, send them to the diocese at the email address at the bottom of your animation sheets.

Here are two videos in English that should help you better understand what the Church is getting into by calling the celebration of this synod on synodality. Video 1. Video 2.

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 November 15, 2021, to novatio@diocesegatineau.org or to 180 boul. Gatineau, J8Z 3J5.

Link to the job description (in French)

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!

NEWS FROM THE PARISHES AND MOVEMENTS

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

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