Diocesan News

February 16, 2007

Diocesan Feast - Celebration of Archbishop Gervais' Episcopal Ministry in Ottawa

Because of the upcoming retirement of Archbishop Gervais, the Episcopal Council has decided to change the date of this event. It will now be held on Thursday, May 31st at 7:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Cathedral. Consequently, the Pro-Life Celebration held annually on the Feast of the Visitation has been cancelled. Pastors and Administrators will be receiving a letter from Msgr. Patrick Powers, V.G., Chair of the Diocesan Celebrations Committee early in March. Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation.

VOCATION TALKS IN SCHOOLS: The week of April 23 27, 2007 has been allotted by the Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board so that Pastors may visit Grade 12 religion classes to speak on the topic of vocations. Info: Msgr. Len Lunney (738-5025).

FROM THE DIOCESAN CENTRE

Civil Divorce and Family Law: Come to a discussion on the family legal issues associated with separation and divorce. Deacon Des Adam is an experienced family lawyer who will share his expertise in a free evening session. Diocesan Centre 1247 Kilborn Pl., Feb. 21, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. All are welcome. Info: Deacon Paul Coderre, Coordinator Family Ministries, (613-738-5025 Ext 222); ([email protected]).

DISCERNMENT RETREAT FOR MEN, AGES 16-35: On the call to marriage or priesthood/religious life, organized by the Archdiocese, Sat., Feb. 24. Notre Dame de la Rouge Retreat Centre. Registration: Jonathan Blake (613-282-0755).

RITE OF ELECTION / RITE OF CALLING CANDIDATES TO LENTEN RENEWAL: Notre Dame Cathedral, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2:30 p.m. All are welcome!

ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT: Who are we in Relationship with the Other Great Religions of the World? Presenters: Prof Fabrice Blée, Saint Paul University.Sat., Mar. 3. Cost: $15. 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Diocesan Centre, 1247 Kilborn. Info: Carol (738-5025 X 251); ([email protected]). Registrations: ([email protected]); (738-5025 X 217).

MARRIAGE PREPARATION FACILITATORS WORKSHOP: Proposed jointly by Novalis and the Diocesan Family Ministry Office. Sat., March 24. Explore a new marriage preparation program Saying I Do published by Novalis. The programs author Mona-Lee Feehan will be the presenter and the intended audience includes pastors and marriage preparation facilitators. The workshops will be held as follows: One west at St. Isidores, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., and the second east at Divine Infant, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Cost: $20, payable with registration. Info: Deacon Paul Coderre, Coordinator, Family Ministries, (613-738-5025 Ext 222). E-mail: ([email protected]).

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESAN YOUTH OFFICE: Did you know that our Diocesan Youth Ministry has a website? It has information on parish youth ministries, diocesan events, training, youth movements, crazy captions and much more! Info: (www.ottawacatholicyouth.com).

VARIA

THEOLOGY ON TAP: "Intelligible Cosmology: The Creative Thoughts of God" by Dr. Gary Knight. Tuesday, February 20 at Malone's Pub, Dow's Lake Pavilion, 1001 Queen Elizabeth Dr. Info: (www. ottawa-theologyontap.com).

DEVELOPMENT & PEACE: Official launch of Share Lent will take place on Ash Wednesday (February 21) at Notre Dame Cathedral. All are welcome to attend the 12:15 p.m. Eucharistic celebration presided by Msgr. Powers.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Each Saturday during Lent from 4:15 - 4:45 p.m. at St. John the Apostle Parish in the Church. Participants from Parish Ministries lead each devotion with overall coordination provided by the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus have volunteered for the first Saturday of Lent, February 24.

EVENING PRAYER: At St. Basil's (Maitland & the Queensway). Presider and homilist Bill Burke S.J. Associate Director of the National Liturgy Office and editorial consultant for Celebrate. Sun., Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. All are most welcome!

OUR PARISH FAMILY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Designed and developed by Information Systems Services of the Roman Catholic Diocese of London, Ontario. It was designed to meet the growing demands for pastoral and financial information in parishes. As other parishes have indicted an interest in exploring this program, an introductory session will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 27 at Divine Infant Parish, Orleans. Info: Anne Seath or Carol Ewchuk (613-824-6822 x 221). Info on program: (www.ourparishfamily.net).

ST. PATRICKS IRISH CEILIGH: Come celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Our Lady of Fatima. Hosted by The Catholic Womens League of Canada and The Knights of Columbus. Sat., March 10, 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall, serving Irish Stew, Irish Soda Bread & dessert. Live music, song & dance. Tickets limited; pre-sold only. Terry Howard (613-820-5555) or Onagh Dooley (613-726-7583).

MASTER CLASS IN PSALM SINGING: The focus will be Holy Week and Easter Psalms from the CBW III. Cantor Master Class, Sat., March 24, 9:30a.m. 1:00 p.m., Divine Infant Church, Orleans. Cost: $15 for observers, $20 for participating cantors. Maximum of 10 participating cantors, so please register early to ensure your place. Taught by Lisa-Marie Massey, Divine Infant Choir Director. Info & registration: ([email protected]); (613-824-6822 x 221).

YOUTH DAY OF REFLECTION: The C.W.L. of St. Patricks Basilica is inviting all male and female youth in grades 6 - 8 to participate in a prayerful and fun filled day of reflection, Sat., March 31, 8:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. at the Basilica. Presentation of the Stations of the Cross, skits, crafts, and small group discussions. Lunch, dinner & refreshments. Registration fee: $5. Limited spots available. Info: Becky Hammond (613-232-4131). All are welcome.

CCCB PUBLICATION: The Sacrament of Reconciliation: A Theological and Pastoral Reflection for the Ministers of the Sacrament, now available. Although especially directed toward the ministers of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Permanent Council and the Commission for Theology recommended the text also be made available to the faithful in general as a timely catechesis. Good material for discussion. Available through the CCCB.

CANADIAN SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL NATIONAL COUNCIL: Seeking a part-time administrative assistant for its Ottawa office. Reporting to the Executive Director, the candidate has the following skills: Experience in general office and administrative duties; Practical knowledge of both official languages (reading, speaking, and writing); Ability for team work; Aptitude to communicate verbally and in writing; Capacity to work autonomously; Computer literacy and knowledge of standard office software. Available immediately. Info: (http://www.ssvp.ca). Résumé, before March 5, 2007, to: ([email protected]) or by fax at: (613-241-5712).

ATTACHMENT: COLF PRESS RELEASE