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Roman Catholic Diocese Events

May 25, 2016 | 7:51 AM

Year of Mercy – The Diocese has launched a webpage with ideas, resources and events for the Year of Mercy at http://padiocese.ca/our-diocese19/year-of-mercy.html or type out www.padiocese.ca/jubileeofmercy in your browser. 

June 3, Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Jubilee for Priests and Permanent Diaconate – On June 3 as a Diocese we will be celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Heart. This celebration will also celebrate the Jubilee of Priests and our Permanent Diaconate aspirants who will be instituted into the Ministry of Lector.  It will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral on June 3 at a Liturgy of the Eucharist at 7:00pm.  This is also a Diocesan Feast Day.
June 3, Choir Practice – We would like to have a Choir made up of people from our Diocesan family for this celebration!  There will be a choir practice on Friday June 3rd at 6:00pm just prior to the Celebration at Sacred Heart Cathedral.  All interested are invited to join the Diocesan Choir to help make this a great celebration!  The music required will be available on that day.  Please contact Heidi Epp in the Liturgy office if you are able to participate at liturgy@padiocese.ca.

Opening of Holy Doors of Mercy – In “Misericordiae Vultus”, the Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis made a special plea to each of us to consider making a pilgrimage as a sign of our openness to conversion, to receive the Father’s mercy and to becoming ambassadors of the Father’s mercy to others. He has also invited all of us to enter through a Holy Door of Mercy as a sign of openness to conversion, to God’s transforming love. Bishop Albert Thévenot, M. Afr. has dedicated and blessed the front doors at both Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince Albert and Notre Dame Parish in North Battleford. Two other doors will be blessed soon at our Diocesan shrines.  Journeying to one or all of these special places is one way of embarking on a pilgrimage.

June 12, Shrine of St. Theresa in Wakaw – The Jubilee for those who are ill and for persons with disabilities will be celebrated by Bishop Albert Thévenot, M. Afr. at St. Theresa Parish, Shrine of the Little Flower in Wakaw, SK.  At this event Bishop Thévenot will also bless and dedicate Holy Doors of Mercy at 1:45pm, followed by a Eucharistic celebration. Everyone is invited to this special celebration.  All other parishes in the Diocese on this day, there will also be a special blessing for people who are ill and for persons with disabilities.
July 15, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Laurent Shrine – As part of the special celebration date on July 15 at 6:00 pm, the gate on the Shrine will be blessed and dedicated by Bishop Albert Thévenot, M. Afr.  Everyone is invited to this special Jubilee of Mercy celebration.
Jubilee of Mercy Handouts – To learn more about pilgrimages and their connection to our faith journey checkout the last handout at http://padiocese.ca/documents/jubilee-of-mercy/1366-pilgrimages/file.html

 
Youth Ministry – As part of an initiative to help and support youth in our diocese grow and flourish, Brian Bauche and Dave McQuaid have been hired on a part-time basis.  Brian is responsible for Deaneries 2 and 3; Melfort and Wakaw and areas.  Dave is responsible for Deaneries 4, 5 and 6; Shellbrook, North Battleford and Meadow Lake and surrounding areas.  Contact Brian Bauche at 306-220-0025 or bbauche@shaw.ca and Dave McQuaid 306-441-5897 or dpmcqu@gmail.com.  Webpage: http://padiocese.ca/diocesan-programs19/youth-ministry.html or type in your browser: www.padiocese.ca/youth.

May 31, Battleford Grade 12 Retreat – The retreat for those graduating this year will take place at Oblate Hill in Battleford from 9:30am-3pm. 
June 5, Domremy Youth Retreat – There will be a youth retreat in Domremy on June 5.  More information to come. 

 
Vocations, Fr. Jim Kaptein

2016 Vocations Summer Newsletter – Available to read or download at http://padiocese.ca/news-and-events2/newsletters.html

 
Catechetics, Christine Taylor
June 3, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – A Novena Prayer to celebrate our Diocesan Feast Day on June 3, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  The Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena prayer has been distributed to parishes and can be found at http://www.padiocese.ca/diocesan-programs19/catechetics-family-youth-chi….  Please pray the Novena prayer daily from May 25-June 2 for the needs of our Diocese.  A Diocesan celebration is being held on June 3 for the Solemnity at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 7:00pm. 
 
Pilgrimages

June 12, St. Theresa Shrine, Wakaw – The 92nd annual pilgrimage at St. Theresa Parish in Wakaw will take place on June 12.  Registration at 8:30am, followed by the Way of the Cross. The first talk by Lisa Anderson is at 9:30am with Lisa Anderson, followed by a second presentation by Bishop Albert Thévenot, M. Afr. at 10:30am.  Lunch and Reconciliation begin at 11:30am.  Gathering at the outdoor altar at 1:00pm, followed by a Devotion, Divine Mercy and procession to the opening of the Holy Doors at 1:45pm.  Eucharistic celebration at 2:00pm, then a Healing service and blessing of religious articles.  At 3:00pm, Fr. Millan Sajonas will speak.  The day will end with a closing prayer and light meal for departing pilgrims.

July 6, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Laurent Shrine – The shrine grounds open on July 6 – July 14 for Mass and daily Novena prayers.  Masses on weekdays at 7:30pm, Sundays 4:00pm.  Sunday masses are held July 3-September 4 at 4:00pm.  Special celebration dates are July 15, 16, August 15, September 8.  For full mass and schedules, visit www.padiocese.ca/stlaurentshrine or www.stlaurentshrine.com.     

 Social Justice/Missions, Louis Hradecki

June 1, Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide by Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) – It’s Time to Talk… Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide.  The Scriptures teach that life is a precious God-given gift. Our society’s acceptance and potential normalizing of physician-assisted death and euthanasia are worthy of reflection. This presentation will explore the dangers these practices pose to all Canadians, providing participants with the necessary tools to engage in this discussion. Come deepen your understanding of the political situation in Canada, share your stories and questions, and learn more about how you can approach suffering with the compassion of Christ.  Presenter: Mary Deutscher, Ph.D.  The session will be held 7-9:00 pm on Wednesday, June 1 at Mont St. Joseph Home in Prince Albert.  This session is free of charge. Refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by, and for more info, contact the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan at 306-655-5330 or visit www.chassk.ca.

June 18, Development and Peace Annual Retreat ‘Laudato Si: Head Knowledge and Heart Response’ will be held at St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish in North Battleford from 10:00am-3:30pm.  Retreat leader is Sr. Judy Schachtel.  It will be an interactive retreat which will guide us through Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, please bring your copy if you have one.  Please bring lawn chairs.  Silver collection taken for lunch.  Development and Peace’s 50th anniversary celebrations begin with a solidarity quilt pilgrimage.  Each diocese is creating a square as it makes its way across Canada. St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish will have the quilt squares from Western Canada on display for the occasion of this retreat. RSVPs are appreciated, however, if you only know last minute, please join in.  Contact Armella Sonntag at asonntag@devp.org or 306-937-7675.  Please spread the word and invite others. 

Diocesan Refugee Fund – In his February 18, 2016 letter to all parishes, Bishop Albert Thévenot, M. Afr. announced the creation of a Diocesan Refugee Fund to assist parishes and groups who are unable to fully finance a refugee yet who are willing to be responsible for settlement obligations.  Donations can be sent and made payable to the Diocese of Prince Albert, Attention: Louis Hradecki, 1415-4 Ave. West, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5H1.  Please write “Refugee Fund” in the memo area. Donations are eligible for a tax receipt. For more information, please contact Louis Hradecki 306-922-4747 ext. 233 or socialjustice@padiocese.ca  Thank you for your generous support for the victims of terrible circumstances in other lands.

Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide in Canada – The Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) strongly encourages all those who recognize the inherent and inalienable dignity of the human person, and who refuse to sit idly by as civilization regresses, to express their views to the following.  Find out more at www.colf.ca.

Parish, School and Group Events

 
Parish Secretary Position in Melfort, SK. – The Our Lady of Consolation Parish invites applications for the position of Parish Secretary to commence in mid-June 2016.  Parish Secretary shall maintain the office and carry out parish duties as required by the Pastor and the Parish Council Chairperson.  For more information, contact Fr. Nick Ferreras at 306-752-5518.  The full description is available at www.padiocese.ca under Employment. 
 
Prince Albert Catholic Education Foundation Fundraiser “Chase the Ace” – Tickets are $2.00, which can be purchased weekly to have a chance to win 20% of that week’s sales.  Once the name is drawn, a deck of cards is cut and if the Ace of Spades is cut, that winner would take home the jackpot, which grows each week.  There were 100,000 tickets printed.  The draw is held every Monday night in the basement of St. Joseph Parish at 8:00pm. All are welcome to attend. The winner does not have to be in attendance to win. May 23, week 7 winner was Ronald Bird at $136.80.  The growing jackpot is at $1850.40.
 
June 15, PA Catholic Family Services AGM – You are invited to attend the annual general meeting of Catholic Family Services of Prince Albert Inc. It will be held on Wednesday, June 15 at Catholic Family Services office at #300 -1008 on 1st Avenue West at 12:00pm.  Lunch is provided so please RSVP at 922-3202 by June 10.  Agenda items will include reports from the Chairperson, Treasurer, Executive Director, and Nominating Committee. 
 
July 4-8, Prince Albert and area Cat.Chat Vacation Bible School – VBS is coming to Sacred Heart Cathedral from July 4-8. Each day we have fun doing games, crafts, snacks, faith and music from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Kids ages 4 to 12 are invited to join in! If there is an older sibling or friend who wants to join in, they are welcome too! Cost is $25, deadline June 30. Contact Jennifer Hettrick at j.hettrick@outlook.com or 306-941-9300, Braden Novak at bvaks11@gmail.com or 306-570-2470 or Paula Fournier at paulafournier@hotmail.com or 306-980-8849.
 
July 29-31, Marriage Enrichment/Encounter Weekend, St. Joseph Parish in Prince Albert – This special weekend is open to couples, an invaluable experience of renewing a marriage relationship and enriches the process of communication between husband and wife.  It is presented in a full weekend detached from the usual everyday distractions. The cost of the weekend is $100 per couple to cover materials and food. Contact the parish for application forms at 306-764-4942.
 
St. Mary’s Residence, Battleford, Fr. Douglas Jeffrey, OMI –
If you would like to have a day or more of rest and prayer call or email Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI at St. Mary’s Residence 306-480-2536 or 2014dougswork@gmail.com.  In addition to a comfortable room, beautiful views and good meals, the quiet invites a conversation with God.  Spiritual direction is available. If you would like to take part in a day or evening program, please contact us.
 
Diverse Events

 June 21-24, Ecumenical Studies and Formation, Saskatoon – The 2016 session will run from June 21-24 at Queen’s House or Retreats in Saskatoon.  It is an excellent learning opportunity for those in ecumenical ministries, those planning to work in ecumenical situations and for lay people and clergy who wish to learn more about ecumenical theology.  A brochure, letter of explanation and application on their website outlines the opportunity to attain a Certificate in Ecumenical Studies from St. Andrew’s College and the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism at www.pcecumenism.ca.  This summer, the first class in 2014 will convocate.  Please distribute this information freely and as a whole.  Contact the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism at info@pcecumenism.ca or 306-653-1633.
  
Retrouvaille helps hurting marriages – When couples experience difficulties in their marriage, they often feel alone; like there is no one who can help them.  Retrouvaille cares about your marriage.  Please consider registering for the Retrouvaille program before you consider divorce.  For confidential information about or to register for the September 16-18, 2016 weekend in Saskatoon, call (306) 652-7155 or email: retrouvaille@sasktel.net
 
Saskatoon Sisters of the Presentation of Mary Residence – Faith-based community experience for 19-35 year old single Catholic women.  If you are looking for affordable rent and more, the Discernment House may be the place for you. The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary offer you a home away from home.   As you work or study, this program offers you the opportunity to live a community experience and to grow in your personal faith through prayer, reflection, spiritual direction and service.  Located at 851 University Drive in Saskatoon, it is a 15 minute walk from the University and close to downtown. We are taking registrations for September 2016.  For more information contact us at 306-244-0726 or sk.dhouse@gmail.com.  Visit our website: www.presentationofmary.ca. 
 
Regina Sisters of the Presentation of Mary Residence – The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary have a house on Pells Drive, a fifteen or twenty minute walk away from the University of Regina.  We welcome young women who are looking for room and board.  Residents have enjoyed our meals, our company, our support and a place that responds to their need for quiet and study.  For more information please contact Sr. Emma Rousseau at 306-584-3652 or erousseau03@gmail.com.