|
NEWS FROM THE DIOCESAN SERVICES - November 28, 2023
DIOCESAN YOUTH DAY
On Sunday 26 November 2023, the feast of Christ the King of the Universe, the young people of the Diocese of Gatineau responded to the invitation of Bishop Paul-André Durocher for Diocesan Youth Day on the theme "Rejoycing in Hope" (Romans 12:12). The event was held at Saint François-De-Sales parish and was attended by young people from several parishes in our diocese, including 7 committees of teenagers and young adults who make up the diocesan youth ministry table. They are: the Youth Group of the Jean XXIII parish, the Youth Committee of the St Joseph parish, the Ziléos club of the Notre-Dame-de-l'Eau-Vive parish, the Aqua vivae group of the Notre-Dame-de-l'Eau-Vive parish, the Ziléos Grande-Rivière club of the St Paul and St Médard parishes, the Jovenes de San Jose group of the St Joseph parish, and the St Mark's Youth Group of the St Mark parish. The mission entrusted to this diocesan table by our bishop during the Mass is to strengthen exchanges between the young people of our diocese as they live out their faith at the heart of our church and our times. The main actions will be to: highlight the experiences of youth groups in living out diocesan priorities, facilitate the mobilisation of young people for World Youth Day (diocesan and international).
BISHOPS RELEASE "TEMPLATE FOR PASTORS ON THE EVANGELIZATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN CANADA TODAY: PRAEDICA VERBUM"
This template, titled Praedica Verbum ("Preach the Word") and developed by the Episcopal Commission for Doctrine, is intended as a resource for pastors, officially mandated pastoral agents, and others in the Church who work with young people. Focusing on what the Church calls "the initial proclamation of the Gospel," it is intended to provide helpful information on the how and what of evangelization. The template was developed following consultations with numerous Catholic organizations in Canada engaged in the evangelization of young people.
WELCOME AND LISTENING AS TWO COMPASSES DURING ADVENT!
During the month of October, meetings were held to launch the diocesan pastoral year in the diocese's 5 pastoral zones: the Petite-Nation Zone, the North Zone (the parishes of Haute Gatineau), the Centre Zone (Gatineau, Buckingham and L'Ange-Gardien sectors), the West Zone (Hull and Aylmer sectors) and the English-speaking Zone. In all, nearly 220 diocesan men and women (lay people, deacons, and priests) took part. During these meetings, participants experienced spiritual conversation, an experience of sharing and listening to the Word of God.
The Archdiocese of Montreal has prepared a simple but meaningful Advent calendar for families. The calendar can be viewed here.
A LOOK BACK AT THE ARCHBISHOP'S BRUNCHES ON NOVEMBER 19
On November 19, the 4th and final Archbishop's Brunch for parishes in the Nord pastoral region was held at the Salle paroissiale Christ-Roi in Maniwaki's Assomption-de-Marie parish, to benefit community organizations in this sector of the diocese. Over 150 people accepted the invitation, and the brunch raised $6,400 for 4 community organizations. This final brunch was also an opportunity for fundraising partner Fondation Novatio to officially launch its first annual fundraising campaign, with a target of $50,000. In total, the Archbishop's brunch tour raised over $22,000 and supported 26 community organizations and projects. Thanks are due to all the host parishes, sponsors, including Jardins du Souvenir, and the local teams who took charge of food preparation and service.
We thank you all!
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD AROUND US AND SUPPORTING THOSE MOST IN NEED
During this holiday season, my thoughts are particularly with my family, my parents, and my grandparents. My hope is to share the love that they have so generously shared with me.
This Giving Tuesday, November 28, is a chance to support one of many initiatives, including those that grant seniors facing isolation access to essential care and resources, enabling them to feel connected, engaged, and lead more fulfilling lives.
Thanks to your support, the Novatio Foundation offers a concrete way to unite in solidarity with our Christian community, live our shared values, and assist those most in need.
Together, let's give so that every individual in our community can live a meaningful life with dignity and respect. Because no one should ever feel alone.
To become a monthly donor, click here.
NEWS FROM THE PARISHES AND MOVEMENTS
"LIGHT UP THE NIGHT"
A fund raising event for Saint Camillus Parish, Farrellton, will be held Friday December 1, 2023 at 7:00 PM/19h00 on the front steps of the church. Come see a lighted Christmas tree as the start of the Christmas season.
A reception and bake sale will be held in the parish hall following the event with a draw for a confectionery basket, a turkey and Christmas cake. Tickets are $5.00 each or 6 for $20.00. Donations will greatly appreciated.
SHARING THE LOAD: BACKPACKS FILLED WITH LOVE
St. Mark's Parish
Homelessness in Gatineau is at an all-time high. Outaouais area is the area in the province of Quebec where the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased the most in the last 4 years – 5 times more in 2022 in comparison to 2018. In Gatineau, 30% of them are female.
In light of this, our Christmas outreach program will transition from "Shoe Boxes" to "Backpacks for our Neighbours in Need". We wish to support them during the coming winter months and to show them that we care and we are thinking about them. "Sharing the Load: Backpacks Filled with Love" will let them know "They are Never Forgotten".
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, ext. 308
ADRESSE
180, boulevard du Mont-Bleu, Gatineau (Québec) J8Z 3J5
 |