Українська Католицька Едмонтонська Єпархія
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton

EPARCHIAL NEWSLETTER
February 2010

UPCOMING EVENTS

Pope John Paul II instituted World Day of the Sick in 1992, setting aside February 11 for its annual celebration. Attached is the text of Pope Benedict XVI Message for this year’s celebration of the World Day of the Sick, “The Church in the Service of Love for the Suffering”. Each year the Catholic Health Association of Canada produces a resource package to assist parishes in celebrating the World Day of the Sick, including: reflections for reproduction in a newsletter or bulletin, a prayer card, camera-ready artwork; a pamphlet providing a list of suggested activities; and a suggested format for a prayer service/liturgy. These and other World Day of the Sick resources can be downloaded from its website at: http://www.chac.ca/resources/worlddayofsick_e.php

Deacon Roman Planchak will be ordained to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood by Bishop David on May 1, 10:00 am at Saint Josaphat Cathedral.

2010 Clergy Study Days: June 14-18, Sanctum Conference and Retreat Centre, Caroline, Alberta.

2010 Annual Clergy Retreat: September 27 – October 1, Providence Centre, Edmonton (note change in dates and location).

2010 Presbyteral Council Meetings: 2:00 – 5:00 pm, Chancery Office: April 26, June 28, August 30, September 27, and November 1.

College of Consultors Meetings – in conjunction with Presbyeral Council meetings, or as otherwise convoked.

2010 Clergy Conferences: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, April 27 (Assumption Parish, Calgary), October 1 (Providence Centre), and November 2 (Saint Basil Parish, Edmonton).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A copy of the Decisions of the 2010 Synod of Bishops, in Ukrainian, are attached.

The Commission for Justice and Peace, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a Pastoral Letter on Human Trafficking (attached). As will be noted in the pastoral letter, it has been issued within the context of preparations for the 2010 Olympic Games to be held in Vancouver.

The Standing Committee on Communications, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, recommends the attached social media links in order to assist the growing numbers of Catholics who rely on websites and blogs for information about the Church.

Bishop David recently established an Eparchial Liturgical Commission to assist in liturgical celebration and formation within the Eparchy of Edmonton. A copy of the approved minutes of the Commission’s December 9, 2009 meeting is attached for your information.

In order to better serve the pastoral needs of the faithful throughout the Eparchy of Edmonton, Bishop David approved changes to Rural District Boundaries (see eparchial website for details).

Upon the recommendation of the Eparchial Presbyteral Council and the Eparchial Finance Council, Bishop David approved:

• Voluntary Offerings on the Occasion of Liturgical Celebrations.
• A Return to Christian Stewardship, a response to the issue of gambling revenues and parishes in the Eparchy of Edmonton.
• Stewardship – A Way of Christian Life, introducing the stewardship of time, talent and treasure into the Eparchy of Edmonton.

Upon the recommendation of Very Rev. Eugene Richlark, osbm, Provincial Superior, Bishop David appointed Rev. John Sembrat, osbm, Pastor of Calmar and District Parishes.

Each year during Great Lent, the Eparchy of Edmonton takes a collection for the Church in Ukraine. Christians are urged to share their goods with others, and thus express in a concrete way their desire to come closer to God and all his children as a result of their Great Lenten efforts. The offering should reflect the money saved through penitential fasting, and set aside for God’s people.

The Church in Ukraine continues to develop and grow, but it cannot do so without the generous support of our faithful in Canada. This year, rather than taking up several individual collections throughout the year, we will rely on the generosity of our parishioners, who may wish to make a general donation or specify their donation accordingly:

© 2008 Eparchy of Edmonton
9645 – 108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 1A3
Tel: 780-424-5496 Fax: 780-425-2330
www.edmontoneparchy.com