Province of Ontario – Third Update
July 20, 2021
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APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
January
19
2022
Sunday of the Word of God
The Book of Nehemiah describes the circumstances of God’s people during the Persian Empire’s annexation of Israel. The Temple had not yet been rebuilt, the office of king had disappeared and the land stood occupied by a foreign power. In such dire straits God’s Spirit moved the people to institute a new form of worship, what we might describe as the first “Liturgy of the Word” on record!
Henceforth, reading and clinging to God’s Torah handed down by Moses would shape God’s people. Not just the men of Israel, but women and children too, placed themselves before God’s revelation as it was read out in Hebrew and interpreted for them in the language they spoke, Aramaic.
Standing and attentively listening to the reading and its meaning, the faith community allowed God’s Word to move them to bless God and agree to live by God’s truth (saying “Amen, Amen” with upraised hands), bowing their heads and worshipping God prostrate on the ground.
The reading of God’s law led the people to weep, probably from guilt for failing to live it perfectly. The priests and Levites consoled the people, urging them to rejoice and to share with those who had not prepared for the feast. The fruit of liturgy is joy among God’s people (“the joy of the Lord is your strength”). Let us ask Our Blessed Mother Mary to obtain for us a deeper love of God’s Holy Word.
Though I had booked flights to preside at Father Jean-Marc Pelletier’s funeral, Air Canada informed me at the last minute that my original flights had been cancelled and my flights had to be rescheduled due to changed circumstances brought on by Covid-19. The new options made it very unlikely for me to arrive in circumstances to celebrate appropriately, so I cancelled the new reservations. I was pleased to be able to view the Mass through the Facebook connection of Immaculate Conception Parish in Kapuskasing.
With the extensive spreading of the omicron variant, I believe it is more prudent for me to carry on my ministry for the Diocese from Ottawa and adhere to my original arrangement to arrive in mid-February. Thank you for your understanding.
Last Sunday’s InterPAR was devoted to Father Pelletier’s life and ministry, displacing a presentation on this week of prayer for the restoration of unity among Christians. A brief attachment gives the background to this year’s celebration and the bilingual logo for 2022 is attached for your use.
A suggestion: If you already enjoy a good relationship with non-Catholic ministers in your area, call them and mention that you and your parishioners are praying for them this week; if you don’t know them yet, call and introduce yourself in the context of this week and mention your parish’s prayer “that all may be one” (John 17.3).
In answer to an inquiry regarding the meaning of “ à l’abri de toute épreuve” in the embolism following the Lord’s Prayer, Bishop Poitras has prepared a commentary which is attached for your reading (in French only).
The Month of January 2022: Absence from the Diocese, working at a distance from the Archevêché of Ottawa-Cornwall.
Let us renew our commitment at the beginning of this New Year to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in Northeastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
January
6
2022
Baptism of the Lord
Jesus underwent John’s water baptism which imaged and pointed toward that greater baptism in the Holy Spirit, which he would confer after his death and resurrection. Only the evangelist Luke notes that Jesus was at prayer at the time of his baptism.
This observation is part a Lukan pattern, which depicts Jesus praying on numerous occasions: such as on the night before he chose his twelve apostles and delivered the great inaugural sermon (6.12); prior to eliciting Peter’s confession that he was the “Messiah of God” (9.18); at the Transfiguration (9.29); and as a prelude to instructing his disciples to pray the “Lord’s Prayer” and to trust in God’s eagerness to give them the Holy Spirit (11.1-13).
Luke’s description of Jesus’ baptism showed his devotion and nearness to God—that he looked to God the Father at every stage of his mission. This impression is heightened by two elements: the physical sign of the Spirit descending upon Jesus and the endorsement of Jesus through God’s voice from heaven, “You are my Son, the beloved; with you I am well pleased”.
The experience of Jesus’ baptism was not only his own. For with the opening of the heavens came the Spirit’s descent. The visible nature of this occurrence is manifest in the description of the Spirit’s coming on Jesus “in bodily form like a dove”. Two passages from Genesis (God’s brooding over the waters at creation [1.2] and Noah’s dove [8.8-12] symbolizing the end of judgment and the beginning of grace) suggest that what happened in Jesus’ baptism inaugurated a new era in divine-human relations.
The epistle to Titus comments on the new beginning for humanity which started in Jesus’ baptism and extends to more and more people through Christian baptism: “When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water or rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit”.
Personal Chronicle
On Christmas Day, I had dinner with seven family members in Ottawa. All took rapid tests for Covid beforehand and no one tested positive. The next day we started experiencing flu-like symptoms. I took a Rapid Test which showed Covid in my body. So, I entered a period of isolation at the Archevêché, which lasted until today.
I am grateful to the Lord for this minor trial and to the medical and public health personnel who gave me the vaccinations to protect me from more serious issues.
If I may, I would advise you: Be very careful in following the advice of health authorities and, if you have not yet done so, receive the Covid vaccine, including the booster.
My agenda
The Month of January 2022: Absence from the Diocese, working at a distance from the Archevêché of Ottawa-Cornwall.
Let us renew our commitment at the beginning of this New Year to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
…….
Christmas 2021
“The entire body of the faithful being born in the font of Baptism is crucified with Christ in his Passion raised again in his Resurrection, and placed at the Father’s right hand in his Ascension, so with him are they born in this Nativity.” — Pope St. Leo, Sermon 6.2
Change in Plans
As a result of the federal government’s advisory against international travel, I will not be directing the Bishop’s Retreat in Arizona, nor visiting with family in the USA or attending the Bishops’ Symposium in Dallas. Once I have clarity about changes in my schedule, I will make them known. Thank you for your understanding.
Christmas Wishes
I thank all who have sent notes, cards and gifts on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year that will soon be upon us. I promise to remember all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Please pray for me.
“Te Deum” at Year’s End
A common church practice on New Year’s Eve is to recite the “Miserere” (Psalm 51 [50]), asking for pardon for our sins and infidelities followed by the “Te Deum” in gratitude for all God’s blessings. In coming back from northwestern Quebec last week, the temperature kept changing such that, near Strickland, Highway 11 became a skating rink and I found it impossible to control the car’s steering, so my companion and I ended up in the ditch. Without a scratch on us or the car, though we were shaken up. A nearby family came to our rescue, shovelling us out of the snow, bringing us into their home to dry out our boots and drink hot chocolate. A tow truck came and pulled the car out of the ditch. So, please join with me in giving thanks for God’s providence and, by all means, renew our resolve to drive carefully according to winter road conditions.
Postponement of Indigenous Meeting with Pope Francis
As you may have heard from other sources, the arrival of the Omicron Variant led the Indigenous delegation to Rome and the Bishops accompanying them to an encounter with the Holy Father to be postponed to a more propitious occasion in Spring 2022. Let us continue to pray for the process of healing and reconciliation.
Nomination
Following dialogue with him, I am naming Father Remi Lessard as a parochial vicar for the francophone parishes of Kapuskasing and Opasatika in collaboration with Father Sebastien Groleau, effective December 22.
My agenda
Friday, December 24: Christmas Eve Masses in the Cathedral of Hearst at 5 PM (Family Mass) and 7 PM (Mass in English).
December 26: Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ottawa, 12 noon.
January 2022: Absence from the Diocese.
Let us renew our commitment to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
To priests and parish leaders.
On December 17, 2021, the Province of Ontario announced new restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 that will come into effect on December 19, 2021, at 12:01 a.m., that is, Saturday night over to Sunday. Among the changes made, here are those that concern our parish halls and our churches.
For funeral and wedding receptions which are a continuation of the event as such and which take place in the church hall adjacent to the church, proof of vaccination is not required. Physical distancing is required as well as the wearing of face coverings. If you do a a quick calculation, keeping the distance of 2 meters, it is not possible to accommodate 50% of the capacity of the hall, it is more like 33%, which we have maintained since the beginning.
For funeral receptions held in an indoor meeting and event space (i.e. a church hall or other room not attached to the church) that is not in a place of worship — proof of vaccination is required. Again, physical distancing is required as well as the wearing of face coverings.
In either case, the space should be arranged so that parishioners sitting at different tables are separated either by a physical distance of at least two metres or by an impermeable barrier.
We must continue to record the name and contact details of each member of the public attending a meeting or event and must actively screen individuals when required. A COVID-19 screening app for clients can be used to meet this requirement.
A sign indicating the capacity limits must be placed in a place clearly visible to the public.
Informal gatherings are limited to 10 people inside and 25 outside.
All protocols against COVID-19 must be respected, including physical distancing and respect for the rules on wearing face coverings.
We must continue to maintain the physical distance of 2 metres, which is a limit of 33% of the capacity of our churches. A sign indicating the capacity limits should be placed in a place clearly visible to the public.
We must continue to record the name and contact details of each member of the public attending a service, whether it is a mass, funeral, wedding, baptism, or other.
A sign indicating the capacity limits should be placed in a place clearly visible to the public.
Note: No congregational singing will be permitted from 18 December 2021, in accordance with the WorshipSafe guidelines (6 August 2021).
Parishes are strongly encouraged to continue broadcasting Masses during the provincial emergency.
At all times, we must comply with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including their advice, recommendations or instructions regarding physical distancing, cleaning or disinfection.
The establishment must have a safety plan that describes how it will comply with public health and occupational safety measures.
Requirement for individuals to wear face coverings in indoor public places, with a limited number of exemptions.
The legal requirements for meeting and event spaces can be found in sections 2-4 of Annex 1 of this document: https://www.ontario.ca/en/laws/regulation/200364.
Sébastien Groleau
Chancellor
Note : This document is based on the one from the Archidiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall.
A series of 5 videos prepared by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for the season of Advent.
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Focus on Mary
This Sunday’s gospel depicts the joyful mystery known as `the Visitation’. Elizabeth and Mary’s meeting anticipated the future encounters between their sons, John the Baptist and Jesus. While yet in the womb of his mother, the Baptizer leapt for joy at the presence of Jesus in the womb of Mary, a joy we pray will be ours as we renew our personal encounter with Christ in the mysteries of Christmas.
December 15, 2021
Dear Brother Priests and Deacons:
Just a year ago this week, I arrived in Hearst for a Mass to mark the inauguration of my ministry as Apostolic Administrator. I said then that my hope was to get to know you and your concerns and to do all I could to facilitate the reaching of conditions such that a new Bishop could be named.
The absence of an Apostolic Nuncio to Canada for eight months delayed any consideration of a nomination of a priest or bishop to serve our diocese, a jewel here in Northeastern Ontario. The consultation process has begun but it is not clear how long it will take, though my hope is that the Second Bishop of Hearst-Moosonee will be named by Pentecost or the end of the summer.
All of this should be seen under the aspect of eternity and amid the circumstances of a world-wide pandemic. For almost a year and a half we have been living in emergency mode. The urgent need for vaccinations on a massive scale, the urgent and serious need to care for the health of the planet, the urgent need to reopen businesses and various sectors of activity for the economic well-being of communities…
The mystery of Christmas reminds us that context of the coming of Jesus was likewise affected by emergencies, the urgent need for freedom from the violent Roman invaders, the need for the Holy Family to flee from the massacre of the innocents. Heeding the Lord’s angelic messengers, Mary and Joseph accepted to go into exile to protect the Son of God, himself the only Saviour entrusted to our human paths.
In these years 2021-2023, the Church has entered into the early stages of a synodal process to discern the ways, attitudes and choices that will help us “walk together”, with the Spirit of Jesus guiding us and with the commitment of all in service of the human project.
So, we call on the Lord to renew our sharing in his mission for the salvation of the whole world. The synodal path or our “walking together” takes place against the background of Covid-19, which serves to inspire common projects and initiatives full of brotherly care and closeness to others—especially our indigenous brothers and sisters –and all of this not only to fight against a virus, but for the cause of life.
In closing, I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a richly rewarding Year of Grace 2022. May our daily journey together stir up the noblest motivations of our human hearts, which are raised up even to the sentiments of the very heart of God. He has taken on flesh so that his presence may bring forth so much fruitfulness and love.
With my best wishes and a blessing,
✠Terrence Prendergast, S.J.
Apostolic Administrator
A Palliative Care Kit for Parishes
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care, which will be housed on the CCCB website and which I commend to your attention, reading and reflection.
You are invited to explore the link below with your parish volunteers, particularly with those engaged in pastoral care of the sick and dying.
These links give everyone full access to the entire toolkit containing all of the high-quality and easy-to-use instructional materials in English or French. All of the content, including video files, social media images, and promotional posters, can be downloaded and used freely at no cost.
What does the new translation of the French Roman Missal change?
On the occasion of the publication of the new translation of the Roman Missal in Advent 2021, all the baptized are invited to rediscover the richness of this singular liturgical book. Often seen as a book reserved for the minister who presides at the Eucharist, it nevertheless offers theological and pastoral riches to all the faithful, in order to serve the prayer and celebration of the whole Christian assembly.
You may read more about this (only in French) on the website of the Catholic Church in France: https://eglise.catholique.fr/approfondir-sa-foi/la-celebration-de-la-foi/nouvelle-traduction-du-missel-romain-quest-ce-que-cela-change/
UNESCO celebrates Thérèse of Lisieux
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is included in the list of anniversaries with which UNESCO will focus on during the two-year period 2022-2023.
Every two years, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) selects personalities to honour the memory of individuals involved in the fields of Peace, Education, Science, Social Sciences and Communication.
In November 2020, her Shrine at Lisieux proposed the name of Saint Therese of Lisieux in November 2020 in view of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Therese Martin (January 2, 1873 – September 30, 1897).
“To love is to give everything and to give oneself” – Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
My agenda (subject to adjustments)
Sunday, December 19: Mass at the Cathedral, 11:30 AM.
Friday, December 24: Christmas Eve Masses in the Cathedral at 5 PM (Family Mass) and 7 PM (Mass in English).
January 2-7: Retreat for Bishops of USCCB Region XIII at Redemptorist Retreat Center in Tucson, Arizona.
February 7-9: Symposium on Moral Issues for Bishops, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Dallas, Texas.
Let us renew our commitment to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
A series of 5 videos prepared by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for the season of Advent.
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
As you can read in the InterPAR, I recently completed a visit to the four parish centres up the James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts (Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Moosonee & Moose Factory and Peawanuck. Please continue to pray for the efforts of reconciliation, which have been delayed by the postponment of the visit with the Holy Father. It will be rescheduled for early 2022.
A Message from Bishop Poitras
Bishop Serge Poitras has sent a memo explaining how to coordinate the new Roman Missal in French within the contexts of funeral services and marriage celebrations (cf. attachment [in French only]).
My agenda (subject to adjustments)
Wednesday, December 8: Mass on the Patronal Feast of Immaculée-Conception Parish in Kapuskasing, 9:30 AM.
Wednesday, December 8: Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the Closing of the Year of St. Joseph, at the Cathedral in Hearst, 7:00 PM.
Thursday, 9 December: Meal in anticipation of the Christmas festivities at the Bishop’s Residence, Hearst at 11:30 for 12:15.
Sunday, December 12: Mass at the Cathedral, 10:00 AM.
Sunday, December 19: Mass at the Cathedral, 11:30 AM.
Friday, December 24: Christmas Eve Masses in the Cathedral at 5 PM (Family Mass) and 7 PM (Mass in English).
January 2-7: Retreat for Bishops of USCCB Region XIII at Redemptorist Retreat Center in Tucson, Arizona.
February 7-9: Symposium on Moral Issues for Bishops, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Dallas, Texas.
Let us renew our commitment to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
A series of 5 videos prepared by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for the season of Advent.
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
“Year of Saint Joseph 2020-2021”
On the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of his spouse the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Church draws the Year of St. Joseph to a close. We give thanks for the blessings that have come to the Church Universal, our country Canada and the Diocese of Hearst-Moosonee. I invite priests to distribute any remaining prayer cards to the children in our schools or to parishioners at Mass this Sunday, December 5 or on Wednesday at the feast day liturgy.
Christmas Letter 2021
During my time away, I was able to prepare my Christmas message to the clergy and faithful of Hearst-Moosonee. It will be available to you as a Special Edition of InterPAR next week for distribution at Christmas. Reference is made in it to the Diocesan Year of the Eucharist to help our faithful to grasp more profoundly the gift of God for the life of the world, the presence of Christ Jesus in Holy Communion and to draw them back to regular participation in Sunday Mass.
Special Anniversaries of Bishop Cadieux
Sincere congratulations to our Emeritus Bishop Vincent Cadieux, omi on his 30th anniversary of episcopal ordination (December 5, 1991) and his 55th of priestly ordination (December 17, 1966).
We retain many fond memories of your presence in the North. May the Lord grant you, Your Excellency, health, joy and peace in your retirement years; and may Our Blessed Mother Mary hold you close to her Son in her maternal embrace.
My programme (subject to adjustments)
December 1-2: Days at the Bishop’s Residence in Moosonee; train to Cochrane.
Friday, December 3: Return to the Bishop’s Office in Hearst.
Saturday, December 4: Mass with Confirmations for candidates who are students at the French Public School in Hearst, at the Cathedral at 11:00 AM.
Sunday, December 5: Mass at the Cathedral, 11:30 AM.
Wednesday, December 8: Mass on the Patronal Feast of Immaculee-Conception Parish in Kapuskasing, 9:30 AM.
Wednesday, December 8: Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the Closing of the Year of St. Joseph, at the Cathedral in Hearst, 7:00 PM.
Thursday, 9 December: Meal in anticipation of the Christmas festivities at the Bishop’s Residence, Hearst at 11:30 for 12:15 (details to come).
Sunday, December 12: Mass at the Cathedral, 10:00 AM.
Monday, December 13: Absence from the Diocese.
Sunday, December 19: Mass at the Cathedral, 11:30 AM.
Friday, December 24: Christmas Eve Masses in the Cathedral at 5 PM (Family Mass) and 7 PM (Mass in English).
January 2-7: Retreat for Bishops of USCCB Region XIII at Redemptorist Retreat Center in Tucson, Arizona.
February 7-9: Symposium on Moral Issues for Bishops, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Dallas, Texas.
Let us renew our commitment to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
A series of 5 videos prepared by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for the season of Advent.
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
“Year of Saint Joseph 2020-2021”
The Four Weeks of Advent Begin Sunday, November 28
The New Roman Missal in French
Bishop Serge Poitras of Timmins, a member of the International French Language Roman Missal Translation Committee has prepared some remarks to assist us in finding our way around the new Missal. I encourage all clergy to become familiar with it (cf. the attachment). It is still possible to order additional copies of the Missal; please contact Sylvie at the Bishop’s Office.
Maison Paul Letendre
In 1990-1991, Bishop Roger Despatie entered into an arrangement with a group that
was fostering youth ministry (particularly with the Scouts) for a nominal sum. Since that time a number of youth-centered entities and others has benefitted from the building located on 8th Street in Hearst (next to the public elementary school and overlooking the River). Since the Covid-19 pandemic began it has been impossible to hold youth events and the scouting movement has greatly diminished. Costs of running the “Maison” were recovered by occasional rentals and fund-raising events, none of which has been possible lately. The funds to manage the building’s heating, electrical and insurance costs have been depleted. A recent meeting proposed that the Diocese reacquire the building (according to a clause in the original transfer), have an evaluator determine its market value and put it up for sale, which the Diocesan Finance Council accepted at a recent telephone consultation. The Diocese will arrange to reacquire the property and proceed with the sale as proposed, while in the meantime assuming the costs associated with the property.
My programme (subject to adjustments)
November 23-28: Travel with Catholic Missions in Canada President, Father David Reilander, President of Catholic Missions n Canada to the Catholic Communities of Fort Albany, Attawapiskat, Moosonee and Moose Factory.
November 29-30: Travel to Peawanuck Catholic Community.
December 1-2: Additional Days in Moosonee; train to Cochrane.
Friday, December 3: Return to the Bishop’s Office in Hearst.
Saturday, December 4: Mass with Confirmations for candidates who are students at the French Public School in Hearst, at the Cathedral at 2:00 PM.
Wednesday, December 8: Mass on the Patronal Feast of Immaculee-Conception Parish in Kapuskasing, 9:30 AM.
Wednesday, December 8: Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the Closing of the Year of St. Joseph, at the Cathedral in Hearst, 7:00 PM.
Thursday, 9 December: Meal in anticipation of the Christmas festivities at the Bishop’s Residence, Hearst at 11:30 for 12:15 (details to come).
Friday, December 24: Christmas Eve Masses in the Cathedral at 5 PM (Family Mass) and 7 PM (English Mass).
January 2-7: Retreat for Bishops of USCCB Region XIII at Redemptorist Retreat Center in Tucson, Arizona.
February 7-9: Symposium on Moral Issues for Bishops, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Dallas, Texas.
Let us renew our commitment to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
A series of 5 videos prepared by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for the season of Advent.
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
“Year of Saint Joseph 2020-2021”
Jesus Christ — “The Living One” — Our King
This Sunday brings the current liturgical year to an end. Today’s solemnity focuses on Christ the King and, particularly, on his coming in glory at the end of time, the Parousia.
When all seemed hopeless to the People of God, the Book of Daniel spoke of a mysterious figure—“one like a son of man”—seen “coming with the clouds of heaven”. After this figure had approached “the Ancient One” (that is, God), dominion, glory and kingship were given to him so that “all peoples, nations and languages should serve him”.
In the gospels, Jesus regularly referred to Himself as “the Son of Man”, which points both to his humanity and his exalted status within God’s Kingdom. The Church believes that as the Son of Man, Jesus Christ completely defeated the power of sin and death, whose reign have, in principle, been toppled through His paschal mystery.
This is also the point being made by John, the Seer of Patmos, in the reading from Revelation: the One who is to come “with the clouds”— a sign of divine power—is the same Jesus Christ who had been “pierced” on the Cross, that moment when he “freed us from our sins by his blood”.
In the scene before Pontius Pilate, Jesus seemed anything but regal. But as the encounter between Jesus and Pilate came to its conclusion, Pilate the judge was undergoing judgment by the accused who stood in his presence, Jesus of Nazareth (cf. John 18.28-19.16). By answering Pilate’s question (“Are you the King of the Jews?”) with another question (“Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”), Jesus turned the tables on Pilate and positioned himself as interrogator.
Unlike the realm of Rome that Pilate served, Jesus’ kingship was not secured by force. Without directly affirming or denying Pilate’s question whether he was a king (“You say that I am a king… for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth”), Jesus went on to describe those who have pledged him allegiance: “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice”. Our acceptance of this truth means that Christ rules not just the universe but in every disciple’s heart.
The good news this week was the arrival in the CCCB’s Ottawa warehouse of the new Missals. We are expecting they will be available to us for use on November 28 or shortly thereafter. The Bishop’s Office will try to coordinate delivery of the books, as making use of Canada Post would be expensive and there may be hold-ups due to the volume of Christmas mail.
With this Message you will find attached two documents for our French and bilingual parishes: 1) a leaflet that could be used in the month of December with the prayers that the faithful will need and Eucharistic Prayer III (which we have seen already) and 2) a version of the Ordo which indicates the pagination of the New Missal for each day’s Masses. Because of copyright issues, we are asked to NOT post these on diocesan or parish websites or other social media.
In January, the Prions en Eglise will have all the appropriate new prayres and formulas.
Our Chancellor Fr. Sebastien Groleau has overseen the production of the new Directory and you will receive your copy shortly. I hope you will agree with me when you receive it that it is very attactive. However, errors can inadvertently creep into such publications, so please inform him or Sylvie if corrections are needed.
Now that I have completed Confirmations in several parishes, I want to thank the pastors, pastoral associates and parish staffs for their cooperation in arranging beautiful celebrations. Pastors who wish to arrange for celebrations of Confirmation in the New Year may send a request to Sylvie, who will pass them on to me. In order to avoid misunderstandings or disappointment, please verify my availability before establishing dates with a school or parishioners.
Thursday, November 18, Mass with Confirmations for a group of candidates—students from the Ecole secondaire catholique de Hearst, St. Francis Xavier Church, Mattice, 6:30 p.m.
November 19-22: Travel to Moosonee for Patronal Feast of the Church of Christ the King.
November 23-28: Travel with Catholic Missions in Canada President, Father David Reilander to the Catholic Communities of Fort Albany, Attawapiskat, Moosonee and Moose Factory.
November 29-30: Travel to Peawanuck Catholic Community.
December 1-2: Additional Days in Moosonee; train to Cochrane.
Friday, December 3: Return to the Bishop’s Office in Hearst.
Saturday, December 4: Mass with Confirmations for candidates who are students at the French Public School of Hearst, in the Cathedral at 2:00 PM.
Wednesday, December 8: Mass on the Patronal Feast of the Immaculee-Conception Parish in Kapuskasing, 9:30 AM.
Wednesday, December 8: Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the Closing of the Year of St. Joseph, at the Cathedral in Hearst, 7:00 PM.
Thursday, 9 December: Meal in anticipation of the Christmas festivities at the Bishop’s Residence, Hearst at 11:30 for 12:15 (details to come).
Friday, December 24: Christmas Eve Masses in the Cathedral at 5 PM (Family Mass) and 7 PM (English Mass).
January 2-7: Retreat for Bishops of Region XIII at Redemptorist Retreat Center in Tucson, Arizona.
February 7-9: Symposium on Moral Issues for Bishops, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Dallas, Texas.
Let us renew our commitment to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
“Year of Saint Joseph 2020-2021”
Remembrance Day—“Lest We Forget”–War Memorials in Hearst, Hornepayne
Remembrance Day 2021
On this day, we recall all those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom, not only in the Great War, World War II and the Korean Conflict but in peacekeeping and other efforts to effect reconciliation and peace. R.I.P.
The New Roman Missal in French
With gratitude to Bishop Serge Poitras who served as our guide, I feel I am beginnig to be ready for the new Roman Missal in French. I find the booklet we received, Decouvrir la nouvelle traduction du Missel romain, very helpful as daily reading to prepare for this significant development.
CCCB President Raymond Poisson has decreed that the new liturgical texts come into effect on the First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021 (see the attachment).
We hope that the Missal books will arrive by the end of this month. Though the Magnificat missalettes will have the new texts beginning that day, Canada’s Prions en eglise will only begin to publish the new texts beginning in January 2022.
The use of the new missal and its texts becomes mandatory on the First Sunday of Lent, March 5, 2022.
Diocesan Phase of the Synod on Synodality
The Synod Secretariat in Rome has heard feedback that the proposed consultation process was too tight. So officials have extended the deadlines for diocesan, regional (in our case Ontario) and national summaries of reflection on the challenges facing the church. The new timeline is attached for your information.
Our diocesan consultation may continue until May 31, 2022. If your parish has not yet chosen a committee to plan consultations, please do so as soon as possible and before November 30.
Absence after Christmas
Several years ago, I accepted to give a retreat for the Bishops of the United States in Tucson, Arizona at the beginning of January. It had been delayed for several reasons including by Covid-19 last year. When I accepted this commitment, I fully expected to be retired and so able to visit relatives in California and Florida, a program that I had planned and will now fulfil. Thus, I will be absent from Hearst-Moosonee from early January to mid-February. I will be regularly in touch with the Bishop’s Office and can be in touch with you individually via email and, if necessary, by telephone. If you wish to speak with me in person before I leave at Christmas time, please let ken know so arrangements to do so can be made between November 15 and 18 or from December 3 to 22.
My programme (subject to adjustments)
Thursday 11 November, Mass with Confirmations for candidates—students of St. Louis School, in the Cathedral, at 6.30 pm.
Sunday, November 14, LORD’S DAY Mass at the Cathedral, 10 AM.
Tuesday and Wednesday, November 16-17, Masses with Confirmations for two groups of candidates–students from the Ecole secondaire catholique de Hearst, in the Cathedral, at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 18, Mass with Confirmations for a third group of candidates—students from the Ecole secondaire catholique de Hearst, St. Francis Xavier Church, Mattice, 6:30 p.m.
November 19-22: Travel to Moosonee for Patronal Feast of the Church of Christ the King.
November 23-28: Travel with Catholic Missions in Canada President, Father David Reilander to the Catholic Communities of Fort Albany, Attawapiskat, Moosonee and Moose Factory.
November 29-30: Travel to Peawanuck Catholic Community.
December 1-2: Additional Days in Moosonee; train to Cochrane.
Wednesday, December 3: Return to the Bishop’s Office in Hearst.
Friday, December 24: Christmas Eve Masses in the Cathedral at 5 PM (Family Mass) and 7 PM (English Mass).
January 2-7: Retreat for Bishops of Region XIII at Redemptorist Retreat Center in Tucson, Arizona.
Let us renew our commitment to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
“Year of Saint Joseph 2020-2021”
The Cathedra—Tha Chair & Symbol of the Pope’s Teaching Office—St. John Lateran, Rome
The Cathedral Basilica of the Pope
Although Pope Francis often presides at St. Peter’s Vatican Basilica, his cathedral is elsewhere. The Cathedral of the Most Holy Saviour and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran, is known as the Papal Archbasilica of Saint John [in] Lateran, Saint John Lateran, or the Lateran Basilica, and is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome, serving as the seat of the bishop of Rome.
Originally founded in 324, the church is the oldest and highest ranking of the four papal major basilicas, holding the unique title of “archbasilica”. It is the oldest public church in the city of Rome, and the oldest basilica of the Western world. It houses the cathedra of the Roman bishop, and has the title of ecumenical mother church of the Roman Catholic faithful.
As we celebrate the anniversary of this church’s dedication on November 9, we recall our unity with the Holy Father symbolized by this beautiful cathedral.
Prayers for the Dead in November
The Apostolic Penitentiary has enlarged the opportunities to obtain a Plenary Indulgence for one’s self or any of the deceased to every day this month. An attachment gives the details.
Liturgical Renewal through a New Missal
The introduction of the new French Missal, forthcoming on the first Sunday of Advent, offers an opportunity to renew our habits of presiding at the Sacred Liturgy. The English sector experienced this ten years ago in 2011. It meant a great deal of preparation by reading the Mass texts ahead of time. Some will be tempted to simply repeat the formulas we have become used to. I encourage all to choose the newer versions of prayers so that the faithful will be able to adapt the new formulas. I encourage all to read the General Instuction of the Roman Missal, 3rd typical edition to know and accept the slight modifications here and there that will permit a consistency in our liturgical life. I am grateful to Bishop Poitras for guiding us into a renewed liturgical enthusiasm for the sacred mysteries we are privileged to minister.
Diocesan Phase of the Synod on Synodality
The Official Launch of the Diocesan Phase of the Synod 2021-2023 took place last Sunday at the Cathedral. There were numerous representatives from parishes (especially those close to Hearst). I hope that each parish can have some listening sessions and I invite pastors to share the questions with groups in your parishes: Knights of Columbus, CWL, Filles d’Isabelle, etc., and with teachers in the schools, senior homes, etc. Please be creative in getting feedback on how the Church can meet the needs of Catholics—both practicing and disaffiliated—other Christians and the broader society.
Some of the replies to the questions mentioned on Sunday were: we need to see the Bishop more often and hear him teaching the faith; we need to face the financial difficulties of our small parishes; we should have better and more effective catechesis.
Each priest is also invited to give his own input in replying to the questions (see the attached). Replies can be sent in confidence to Father Aimee Minkala at the cathedral parish, to Father Paul Awowole at Christ the King in Moosonee or to the Chancery or to me at the Bishop’s Office.
The Synod Secretariat has extended the first phase of the consultation process, so we have until the middle of April for the formulation of our diocesan response.
My programme (subject to adjustments)
Wednesday, November 3: Session with Bishop Serge Poitras on the context and implementation of the new Roman Missal in French; Our Lady of Victories Parish, Kapuskasing, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, November 4: Masses with Confirmation for candidates of the “Cite des Jeunes” at Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, Kapuskasing, at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Friday, November 5: Masses with Confirmations for candidates—students of “Cite des Jeunes” at Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, Kapuskasing, at 9:30 a.m. and at Nativite de Marie, Moonbeam, at 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 7: Bilingual Mass for the Faithful Departed, Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, 10 a.m.
Monday, 8 November: Mass with Confirmations for the candidates—students of St. Louis School, in the cathedral, at 6.30 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 and 10 November: Mass with Confirmations for the candidates—young people of Transfiguration Parish, Cochrane, at 6pm.
Thursday 11 November, Mass with Confirmations for candidates—students of St. Louis School, in the Cathedral, at 6.30 pm.
Tuesday and Wednesday, November 16-17, Masses with Confirmaitons for two groups of candidates–students from Hearst Catholic High School, in the Cathedral, at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 18, Mass with Confirmations for a third group of candidates—students from Hearst Catholic High School, St. Francis Xavier Church, Mattice, 6:30 p.m.
November 19-22: Travel to Moosonee for Patronal Feast of the Church of Christ the King.
November 23-28: Travel with Catholic Missions in Canada President, Father David Reilander to the Catholic Communities of Fort Albany, Attawapiskat, Moosonee and Moose Factory.
November 29-30: Travel to Peawanuck Catholic Community.
December 1-2: Additional Days in Moosonee; train to Cochrane.
Wednesday, December 3: Return to the Bishop’s Office in Hearst.
Let us renew our commitment to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
“Year of Saint Joseph 2020-2021”
Solemnity of All Saints Toussaint, November 1st
These two great celebrations begin the month of November. Although many priests take Monday off, I encourage you to invite the faithful to participate by adding a Mass to mark All Saints even if it means adjusting your day of rest.
This week we received the wonderful news that the Holy Father has accepted the invitation of the Bishops of Canada to make a pastoral visit to our country. This visit is part of the ongoing process of healing and reconciliation in our Church’s relationship with First Nations.
A good number of representatives from these Aboriginal communities were present at the blessing of the newly relocated grave of Father Joseph-Marie Couture, S.J. on Saturday and at the blessing of the new Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Aroland on Sunday afternoon.
The Aroland First Nation community is grateful for all the appurtenances and church vestments donated by various parishes in the Hearst and Moosonee areas. Many thanks!
Pope Francis has invited all Catholics around the world to join in a process of “walking together” – the meaning of the word “synod” – to explore this way of being Church until October 2023. This will involve meetings at parish, diocesan, national and international levels.
I hope to see a good number of representatives from our parishes at the launch of the synodal process in our diocese at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Hearst this Sunday, October 31 at 9:30 am. A first session, dealing with the three questions which you have already received, will conclude with a bilingual Mass which I will preside at 11:00 am.
As you may have noted from my Agenda, the celebration of Confirmations in our Hearst Region of the Diocese is in full swing. Attached (in French only) is a set of guidelines for this Pastoral Year’s ceremonies; English guidelines will be sent prior to celebrations in the English Sector..
Sunday 31 October: Gathering to launch the diocesan implementation of the Year of Preparation for the Synod on Synodality, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, 9.30am, followed by bilingual Mass at 11am.
Sunday 31 October: Mass with Confirmations at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Hornepayne, 2.30pm.
Monday, November 1: Solemnity of All Saints, Mass at Hearst Cathedral, 9.30am.
Tuesday, November 2: Dinner and talk with Knights of Columbus, Kolb Street, Kapuskasing, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 3: Session with Bishop Serge Poitras on the context and implementation of the new Roman Missal in French; Our Lady of Victories Parish, Kapuskasing, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, November 4: Masses with Confirmation for candidates of the “Cite des Jeunes” at Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, Kapuskasing, at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Friday, November 5: Masses with Confirmations for candidates—students of “Cite des Jeunes” at Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, Kapuskasing, at 9:30 a.m. and at Nativite de Marie, Moonbeam, at 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 7: Bilingual Mass for the Faithful Departed, Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, 10 a.m.
Monday, 8 November: Mass with Confirmations for the candidate—students of St. Louis School, in the cathedral, at 6.30 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 and 10 November: Mass with Confirmations for the candidates—young people of Transfiguration Parish, Cochrane, at 6pm.
Thursday 11 November, Mass with Confirmations for candidates—students of St. Louis School, in the Cathedral, at 6.30 pm.
Tuesday and Wednesday, November 16-17, Masses with Confirmaitons for two groups of candidates–students from Hearst Catholic High School, in the Cathedral, at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 18, Mass with Confirmations for a third group of candidates—students from Hearst Catholic High School, St. Francis Xavier Church, Mattice, 6:30 p.m.
Let us renew our commitment to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
Belated prayerful good wishes to the following who celebrated their birthday in October:
Robert Tremblay on the 12th
Roger Pronovost on the 16th
…and those who celebrated their anniversary of Ordination:
Paul Awowole 5th (his 30th)
Hugo Tremblay 6th
Deacon Theodore Castilloux 9th
Jacques Fortin 23rd
In November the following will mark their Birthday:
Michael Nwadinobi, SMMM 15th
John Okoh on the 29th
Many happy returns of the day!
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
“Year of Saint Joseph 2020-2021”
Sunday, October 24 is World Mission Sunday.
There is a Special Collection for the Missions This Weekend
This Sunday, October 24 is World Mission Sunday; please encourage the faithful to give as generously as they can to support international missions beyond our borders.
Pope Francis has invited all the Catholics of the world to join a process of “walking together”—the meaning of “synod” so as to explore this way of being for the Church in October 2023. So this involves meetings at the parish, diocesan, national and international levels.
I invite each parish to send, if possible, two representatives to the launch of the Synod Process in our Diocese at Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral in Hearst on Sunday, October 31 at 9:30AM. An initial session, looking at the three questions already sent you will conclude with a bilingual Mass that I will preside at 11:00 AM.
We have linked the synodal process to our own local concerns of Hearst-Moosonee as we prepare to receive a new Bishop in the near future. In the meantime, I encourage all in the Diocese to reflect on the followiing questions:
A-What do you expect from the diocesan Church, from your priests and from your future Bishop?
B-What is the pastoral impact of the new Bishop in the life of each Christian, each parish and in our diocese?
C-What can we do together in our parishes and in our diocese so that we are not only in communion with our Bishop and the Holy Father, but are also doing what we can to advance the reign of God and to touch others by the witness of our faith life, especially those who have drifted away from the Church and those who do not yet know Christ?
Wednesday, October 20, Mass with the Parish of the Transfiguration, Cochrane, 7:00 PM.
Thursday, October 21: Meeting of the Diocesan Economic Affairs Committee at the Bishop’s Office, Hearst, 1:30 PM.
Friday, October 22: Masses with Confirmations of youth from Our Lady of Fatima School (4:30 PM) and Ecole Notre-Dame-de-Fatima (6:30 PM), St. John the Baptist Parish, Longlac.
Saturday, October 23: Blessing of the relocated tomb of famed missionary Father Joseph-Marie Couture, S.J., Longlac #58 First Nation, 10 AM.
Saturday, October 23: Masses with Confirmations for youth from St. Joseph School (2:30PM) and Ecole St-Joseph (7:00 PM), Sainte Therese Parish, Geraldton.
Sunday, October 24: Blessing of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Aroland First Nation Reserve, Mass with the celebration of Confirmations, 1:00PM.
Sunday, October 31: Gathering to Launch Diocesan Observance of the Year of Preparation of the Synod on Synodality, Cathedral of Notre Dame de l’Assomption, 9:30 AM, followed by bilingual Mass at 11:00 AM.
Sunday, October 31: Mass with Confirmations at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Hornepayne, 2:30 P.M.
Wednesday, November 3: Session with Bishop Serge Poitras on background to and the implementation of the new Roman Missal in French; Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Parish, Kapuskasing, 10AM to 4:00 PM.
Thursday, November 4: Masses with Confirmations for students from Cite des Jeunes school, at Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Kapuskasing, 10AM and 1:30 PM.
Friday, November 5: Masses with Confirmations for students from Cite des Jeunes school, at Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, Kapuskasing, 10AM and at Nativite de Marie, Moonbeam at 2:00 PM.
Sunday, November 7: Bilingual Mass for the Faithful Departed, Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral, 10:00 AM.
Let us continue to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in North-eastern Ontario!
✠Terrence
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
“Year of Saint Joseph 2020-2021”
Pastoral Theme: Christ Is Everything for Us
Logo for Synod 2021-2023: Communion, Participation, Mission
After Pope Francis last Sunday put into motion the 2-year consultation process leading to a Synod on Synodality (in October 2023), there will be in coming weeks official celebrations in each of the world’s dioceses and in many parishes. Our official launch will take place on the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 30-31, 2021).
On Sunday, October 31, Father Aime Minkala, whom I asked to coordinate our participation in this process invites, if possible, two delegates from each parish to come to the Cathedral in Hearst that day 9:30AM.
An initial session responding to the three questions sent to you last week and which may be discussed in your communities before and after October 31 will be followed by Mass at 11:00 AM.
We have linked the synodal process to our own local concerns of Hearst-Moosonee as we prepare to receive a new Bishop in the near future. In the meantime, I encourage all in the Diocese to reflect on the followiing questions:
A-What do you expect from the diocesan Church, from your priests and from your future Bishop?
B-What is the pastoral impact of the new Bishop in the life of each Christian, each parish and in our diocese?
C-What can we do together in our parishes and in our diocese so that we are not only in communion with our Bishop and the Holy Father, but are also doing what we can to advance the reign of God and to touch others by the witness of our faith life, especially those who have drifted away from the Church and those who do not yet know Christ?
Aroland First Nation has built a church in the past year and a half and after several delays, I will formally dedicate it on Sunday, October 24. It is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I wish to thank the many parishes in both the Hearst and Moosonee regions, who contributed sacred vessels, vestments and other appurtenances for your generosity to this indigenous community. Archbishop Marcel Damphousse of Ottawa-Cornwall archdiocese contributed the pews from a recently-closed church in Ottawa and paid the considerable shipping costs.
Sunday, October 24 is World Mission Sunday and I ask you to encourage the faithful to give as they can to the international missions beyond our borders.
October 15, Funeral Mass of Father Yvon Soucy (priest of Ottawa-Cornwall) at Eglise St-Joseph, Orleans, 10 AM.
October 16, Memorial Mass for Reverend Francis Morrisey, OMI, world-renowned canonist who died May 2020 during the pandemic, Eglise Sacre-Coeur, Ottawa, 10 AM.
October 17, Mass with the Parish of Eglise Saint-Hughes, Sarsfield, 10:30 AM.
October 20-21: Travel to Hearst (via Cochrane)
Thursday, October 21: Meeting of the Diocesan Economic Affairs Committee at the Bishop’s Residence, Hearst, 1:30 PM.
Friday, October 22: Masses with Confirmations of youth from Our Lady of Fatima School (4:30 PM) and Ecole Notre-Dame-de-Fatima (6:30 PM), St. John the Baptist Parish, Longlac.
Saturday, October 23: Blessing of the relocated tomb of famed missionary Father Joseph-Marie Couture, S.J., Longlac #58 First Nation, 10 AM.
Saturday, October 23: Masses with Confirmations for youth from St. Joseph School (2:30PM) and Ecole St-Joseph (4:30 PM), Sainte Therese Parish, Geraldton.
Sunday, October 24: Blessing of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Aroland First Nation Reserve, Mass with the celebration of Confirmations, 1:00PM.
Sunday, October 31: Gathering to Launch Diocesan Observance of the Year of Preparation of the Synod on Synodality, Cathedral of Notre Dame de l’Assomption, 9:30 AM, followed by bilingual Mass at 11:00 AM.
Sunday, October 31: Mass with Confirmations at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Hornepayne, 2:30 P.M.
Let us continue to pray for one another as we continue to serve God’s people here in the North!
✠Terrence
Apostolic Administrator - Diocese of Hearst-Moosonee
Following the resignation of Bishop Bourgon, Pope Francis entrusted Bishop Terrence Prendergast with the pastoral care of our diocese.
As the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic evolves, please visit our dedicated section for updates.
With the COVID pandemic forcing many of us to stay at home, you can now watch a local mass from our website.
Here is a message from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops with links to the Vatican.
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The former Diocese of Hearst previously had 18 parishes and missions, with a Catholic population of approximately 20,045 which at the time was served by 21 diocesan priests, two permanent deacons and three religious Sisters.
The former Diocese of Moosonee had 14 parishes and missions, with a Catholic population of approximately 3,830 and this was served by five priests who were members of institutes of consecrated life.
The new Diocese of Hearst-Moosonee currently has 25 parishes, 13 missions and approximately 27,080 Catholics. The seat of the ecclesiastical district will be located in Hearst.