NEWS FROM THE DIOCESAN SERVICES - January 18, 2022

A WORD FROM ARCHBISHOP PAUL-ANDRÉ DUROCHER

Two weeks ago, I gathered with some of our priests via internet to talk about our experiences during the Christmas season. For a second year in a row, this high point of the liturgical year was disrupted by an outbreak of the pandemic in our region.
The priests spoke about the generous commitment of their team members as they tried to meet government demands while managing the diverse emotions of parishioners. Read more...

THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

From Tuesday, January 18 to Monday, January 25, Christians are invited to pray for their unity. This year's theme for the week was established by the Middle East Council of Churches, based in Beirut, Lebanon. The theme is: "We have seen his star in the east and have come to pay him homage" (Mt 2:2). Aware that humanity shares much of the suffering of the Christians of the East and their difficulties, the organizers want to highlight the urgent need for solidarity and transformation of our world in the face of political, economic and social unrest, including the difficulties and injustices highlighted by the pandemic of the COVID-19. We are called to join with Christians in the Middle East, like the Magi on their way to the manager of Christ. Let us become a sign of the unity that God so desires for all humanity, for all creation. 
In our parishes, we can initiate gestures, words and prayers that join the impulse of unity of the Christians of the world.

INFO SYNOD - Site Web

The work of this synodal process launched last October 16 is beginning to bear fruit. For all questions you can reach André by email inkela@diocesegatineau.org or by phone at 819.771.8391, ext. 300.

Preparations for the 2023 Synod are also taking place elsewhere in the Church. Here is a link to what is being done in the Catholic Church in Ireland. 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT ABOUT RETREATS AND 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.

CHURCH CLOSURE DUE TO THE PANDEMIC  

As with the complete church closure in spring 2020 and winter 2021, the diocese will explore with the Diocesan Economic Affairs Council (DEC) the possibility of again offering a waiver of 1/50 of the diocesan contribution for each Sunday that the churches are closed. This matter will be discussed at the next meeting of the EADC. When the decision has been made, the parish councils will be informed of the decision and the modalities. During the church closure, parishes are also asked to promote alternatives for parishioners to support their parish. There are several options, including online giving via the giving platform on the diocesan website. Simply select the name of the parish and make your donation. Each month the funds are transferred to the parishes. Thank you.

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

Link to the job description (in French)

OFFICE FOR RENT

The Archdiocese of Gatineau currently has space available for rent to community organizations in the Outaouais region that have a mission and values compatible with those of the Catholic Church.
The rent, at a very competitive price, includes a telephone line, Internet access, a post office box, access to a small kitchen, access to meeting rooms, parking spaces and janitor of the common areas. For all information, contact Mr. René Laprise at 819 771-8391 ext. 312, econome@diocesegatineau.org

METAL MAGAZINE RACK TO DONATE TO PARISHES

The diocese is offering a free metal magazine rack to parishes. The interested parish simply needs to contact the diocesan bursar (econome@diocesegatineau.org) or the janitor of the Diocesan Center, Mr. Antonio Teixeira, ext. 317. The rack needs to be picked up at the Diocesan Center.

NEWS FROM THE PARISHES AND MOVEMENTS

ST. ALOYSIUS PARISH IS LOOKING FOR A NEW CUSTODIAN

The Wardens Board of St. Aloysius Parish, 300 rue Abbe-Murray, in Gatineau is looking for interested candidates to fill our vacant Custodian position.  This is a part-time paid contractual position.  The Custodian is responsible for a number of maintenance and janitorial duties for the church, rectory and hall on a weekly basis.  If you are or know a reliable and hard-working individual who may be interested in this position, please contact the Maintenance Warden, Mike McCann for further details.  He can be reached via the church office at 819-663-5244.

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.

FACEBOOK PAGE AND BLOG ADDRESSED TO OUR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PARISHIONERS

The archdiocese has launched a new Facebook page specifically addressed to our English-language parishioners. You can find it here.
Please visit the page often for news and articles of interest. 
We invite you to like our page and follow us. 

The archdiocese has also launched a new English-language blog entitled "Together on the Way". We'll be posting longer articles here, reflections and testimonies. If you want to share a story about something going on in your parish, please feel free to contact our communications team at the diocese. Here is the link to our blog.
Link to it, and you'll be able to read our first offering: an introduction to Pope Francis's encyclical on fraternity and social friendship.

CONTACT

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

ADRESSE

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