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NEWS FROM THE DIOCESAN SERVICES - September 17, 2024

CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF CANADA GATHER FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PLENARY ASSEMBLY
Next week (23-27 September 2024), the Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will gather in Beaupré, Quebec, for its annual meeting, bringing together 79 Bishops to deliberate, discern, and discuss the life of the Church in Canada. Find out more...
PILGRIMAGE TO QUEBEC CITY
Mgr Paul-André Durocher, Archbishop of Gatineau, would like to thank the diocesan faithful for their very representative participation in the jubilee of the 350th anniversary of the Diocese of Quebec on 14 and 15 September 2024.
The pilgrims had the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Sr Marie-Catherine de Saint-Augustin, who worked with the Augustinian Sisters in the care of the sick. Participants also walked in the footsteps of St Mary of the Incarnation, who served in the field of education with the Ursuline congregation.
They also had the opportunity to pass through the Holy Door at the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral Basilica, and to visit the Jubilee Gardens and the Centre François de Laval.
The pilgrimage concluded with a beautiful Mass presided over by Mgr Paul-André Durocher.
The Diocese of Gatineau would particularly like to thank the guide from the Diocese of Quebec, Claude Couillard, a permanent deacon, for his enlightening comments and dedication.
Diocesans are invited to stay tuned for other Jubilee activities.
APPLICATION POUR LES PROFITS DES BRUNCHS DE L'ARCHEVÊQUE 2024-2025
Entre les mois d'octobre 2024 et janvier 2025, il y aura une deuxième tournée des brunchs de l'archevêque dans les zones pastorales du diocèse. Les paroisses et organismes communautaires qui souhaiteraient appliquer pour recevoir des fonds grâce aux profits des brunchs doivent remplir le formulaire intitulé micro-subvention. Comme l'an dernier, les fonds seront redistribués lors de chacun des quatre brunchs. La date limite pour soumettre le formulaire d'application est le 30 septembre 2024. Pour obtenir le formulaire, il suffit de contacter la Fondation Novatio au 819-771-8391, poste 310, ou à novatio@diocesegatineau.org.

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES 2024
"God walks with His people", is the title chosen by Pope Francis for his Message for the upcoming World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), which will be celebrated on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
In this message, the Holy Father reminds us that all of us, God's people, are migrants on this earth, on our way to the "true homeland", the Kingdom of Heaven. Migrants are a contemporary icon of this people on a journey, of the Church on a journey, and at the same time, it is in them and in all our vulnerable brothers and sisters that we can encounter the Lord who walks with us.
Here you'll find Pope Francis' video message and resources for the day.
In preparation for the special day, the Dicastery has launched a communication campaign and the first video of a series is available on the media channel, YouTube.
REVITALIZING VOCATIONAL PASTORAL CARE
Addressing the Vocational Crisis in Our Diocese of Gatineau
The drastic decrease in the number of servants of God in our Church, particularly in Gatineau, underscores the urgency of developing effective vocational pastoral care. This pastoral care aims to help young Christians discern their divine calling and the mission assigned to them by God. The situation is critical, as presbyteral ordinations are now very rare and religious are becoming increasingly scarce. Today's youth, faced with a multitude of career choices and societal challenges, need support to align their life project with their faith.
Vocational pastoral care must achieve several objectives: helping young people understand their personal vocation, fostering a personal encounter with God, and encouraging engagement in the Christian community. To do this, it can employ various methods, such as individual guidance, spiritual retreats, workshops, and living testimonies.
Challenges include increasing secularization, diverse aspirations, and a lack of resources. To implement this pastoral care, it is crucial to pray for vocations, raise awareness in parishes, involve young people, use modern media, and train facilitators. Such efforts are essential to guide young people in their quest for vocation and strengthen the life of the Church.
For questions or more information,
Abbe Henri Abena
819 771 8391 ext. 307.
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Find out more here...
"MARY, THE SAINTS AND SCRIPTURE" WEBINAR SERIES
The CCCB Ad hoc Committee for the Preparation for the Jubilee 2025 is hosting a two-part series titled, "A Great Symphony of Prayer" which will enable the faithful one meaningful way to participate in the Year of Prayer which was announced by Pope Francis on 21 January 2024.

NOVATIO FOUNDATION ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
Solicitation for the Foundation's second annual campaign is about to begin, with the publication of the campaign brochure.
If you would like to receive the annual campaign material, simply write to us at novatio@diocesegatineau.org. You can also donate to Novatio at any time. The Foundation's web page provides information on how to make a one-time donation, a monthly donation or a planned gift. By donating today, you are giving a breath of fresh air to parish and community initiatives. Thank you!
On the other hand, your welcome and commitment are essential to breaking isolation and offering a valuable presence in the lives of others and revitalizing our communities. Learning more about what motivates you to get involved will be an inspiration for us. We'd love to hear from you about your experiences and your reasons for getting involved. To do so, simply write to us at philanthropie@diocesegatineau.org.
NEWS FROM THE PARISHES AND MOVEMENTS
ORGAN TO DONATE
A Hammond double pedal organ (dimensions 40H x 25D x 47W) is to be donated for a parish or someone who could benefit from it.
The lady who is offering it is about to move and the organ has to leave before 29 September. It is quite possible that you will have to pick it up yourself.
For more information, please contact Josée at 613-791-2021.
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.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT ABOUT ACTIVITIES IN FRENCH?
In this English version of the diocesan bulletin, we are sharing information which is relevant to our English-speaking parishioners. If you want to find out about retreats and resources, which are available in French only, we invite you to look here.
CONTACT
BOZICA DOMITROVIC, Communication technician
domitrovicb@diocesegatineau.org / Telephone: 819 771-8391, ext. 308
ADRESSE
180, boulevard du Mont-Bleu, Gatineau (Québec) J8Z 3J5
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