1) Atlantic Association of the Spiritual Exercises Apostolate (AASEA): If interested in a personal spiritual director, the contact person is Roseanne Macdonald. You can email Roseanne at philrose1987@gmail.com.
2) Indigenous Teachings Book Study: October 7 at 3-4:30 PM. Facilitated by Donna McGreal. October’s book is “Split Tooth” by Tanya Tagaq. For more information contact Sister Joan at drjoancsm@gmail.com.
3) The Saint Dunstan’s University (SDU) Board of Governors is pleased to offer financial assistance toward the development and implementation of parish and unit pastoral programs and ministries. All parishes and units within the Diocese of Charlottetown are invited to submit proposals. This funding is not for capital projects but is targeted at resources for programs. Five applications have been approved to date: John Paul II Unit Alpha program, Holy Trinity Unit Good Shepherd program, Good Shepherd Unit youth initiatives, Our Lady of the Assumption drive-by Christmas pageant, Saint Dunstan’s cross-cultural family ministry programs. For application guidelines and/or for more information, please contact George Morrison, Executive Director at sdu@eastlink.ca.
4) A message from Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA– “Truth and Reconciliation Fund Campaign Annual Collection: On the weekend of October 5-6th, following the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, each parish in our Diocese will take up a special Indigenous Reconciliation Fund collection. This will contribute to the nation-wide collective financial pledge of $30 Million over five years by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.Each Diocese across Canada has made a commitment to support the Canadian Bishops with the Church’s sincere dedication toward genuine reconciliation. I am deeply grateful for your financial support and ask you to pray that we may continue to foster healing, trust, truth, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.” To read Bishop Joseph’s letter to the Catholic faithful in relation to the Truth and Reconciliation Fund Annual Collection: https://dioceseofcharlottetown.com/bishop-josephs-message-in-support-of-the-truth-and-reconciliation-fund-annual-collection/.
5) Have you been experiencing problems dealing with anxiety, loss, depression, separation, parenting or relationship issues? Counselling services are available through a project sponsored by The Living Well. If you would like to speak to a qualified social worker about these issues you can contact us through e-mail 20tlwp23@gmail.com or call 902 330-2028. All inquiries will be confidential.
6) Reminder that the Development and Peace/Caritas Canada Fall Action Workshop takes place this weekend, Sunday, September 29, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the MacKenzie Room, St. Pius X Church, Parkdale. The theme, Create Hope, Recognizing: Protecting the World’s Small Farmers. Speakers, Danny Gillis and Adah Ogbe, Sharing table and discussion. All welcome.
7) Looking for more information on Natural Family Planning? “Totally Yours: The Catholic Natural Family Planning Handbook” is a down-to-earth and practical book that uses real-life stories and experiences of over twenty couples to demystify natural family planning (NFP). With a healthy dose of humor, a firm grounding in Catholic moral teaching and evidence from scientific literature, this book focuses on twelve things everyone should know about NFP. From the reluctant reader to the seasoned NFP user, this book is a worthwhile read for engaged couples, married couples, clergy and anyone looking for easy-to-understand information on NFP. The book has been granted a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. It can be found on www.amazon.ca.
Repeated from Last Communiqué:
1) UPDATED WEB PAGE* The St. John Henry Newman Dinner returns on Oct 4th at UPEI! The Newman Dinner is honoured to have Bishop Joseph Dabrowski as its dinner speaker, with proceeds from the event supporting travel and enrichment opportunities for Catholic Studies students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.newmandinner.eventbrite.ca or by emailing rdennis@upei.ca .
2) Book Study with Nancy Murphy and Sister Gemma Dunn. Topic: “Come, Have Breakfast: Meditations on God and the Earth” by Elizabeth A. Johnson. These sessions will be held at the Spirituality Centre on every second Wednesday beginning on Sept 25, then Oct 9, Oct 23, Nov 6, and Nov 20 at 7:00 pm. These sessions will continue in 2025. “The Bookmark” on Queen Street has texts available for purchase. There is no additional fee. To register email: drjoancsm@gmail.com.
3) The 36th annual Upper Room Angels Campaign has begun! A suggested donation of $52 ($1 for each week of the year) contributes to the weekly purchases of food and supplies needed to assist our clients. If you or your group would like to “Become an Angel” please send a cheque or money order to Upper Room Angels, c/o URHM Food Bank, 15 Plywood Place, Charlottetown, PE C1A 5H2 (we are moving from 34 Belmont Street). For information about the Upper Room Hospitality Ministry, visit www.urhm.org. To make an online donation and become an Upper Room Angel, go to www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/7254. Charitable receipts will be issued.
4) Diocesan Pilgrimage with Bishop Joseph for the Jubilee Year: Pope Francis has announced a Jubilee Year for the Universal Church for 2025. The theme is “Pilgrims of Hope”. To celebrate the graces of this year, Bishop Joseph will lead a pilgrimage to Austria, Poland, and Italy from June 11 – 23, 2025. Highlights include an audience with Pope Francis, visiting major basilicas in Rome, and the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki Poland. Visit this link for registration details and questions: https://www.qstours.com/pilgrimage-tours/rooms/pilgrimage-to-austria-poland-and-italy/. Early Bird discount of 50$ if you register before October 18th, 2024.
5) Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada: Supporting Bishops in Their Pastoral Mission Across the Country: The Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada will take place on 28-29 September 2024. This annual initiative is an important opportunity for the faithful to actively support and assist the Bishops in their ministry of accompanying, teaching, guiding, sanctifying, and caring for the Church in Canada. Please support the Collection. We thank you in advance for your generosity and continued commitment.