Parish Briefings Archive

Parish Briefings for THURSDAY January 9, 2025

FOR YOUR INFORMATION & BULLETINS

REMINDER: This issue and the three previous issues of Parish Briefings can be found at this link.

The Pope Francis Fund – Application Process is Open

For your bulletins: The Diocese of London’s Pope Francis Fund has opened the application process for grants that will be distributed in 2025. Last year, nine organizations received a total of $48,000 in funding. The process, criteria and past recipients are at www.dol.ca/pff. Parishioners are asked share this with any groups who could benefit from this funding and use it to help the poor in our communities. The application process closes on February 28. 

Priests are encouraged to announce the following at Mass over the coming weeks: “Organizations that help the poor are encouraged to apply to the Pope Francis Fund for grants to support their charitable works. Details and criteria are available at www.dol.ca.”

Cursillo! Are You Interested?

Cursillo is a Spanish word meaning ‘a little course’. Cursillo, which begins on a Thursday night through to Sunday afternoon, helps us to look at ourselves and our relationships with others and God, through a series of talks by others who have made a previous weekend. Day one: we look at ourselves, Day two: we consider God’s love for us. Day three: we consider the world around us and how we can be a Godly influence to those around us. All who make the weekend find a deeper joy in their faith, their Church, and their community around them. Need something to boost your faith and spirit? From the Windsor Essex Cursillo movement: FINAL CALL FOR REGISTRATIONS JANUARY 15TH!  Consider joining us on January 23-26, 2025 for the men's weekend, or February 6-9, 2025 for the women's weekend. Call Lay Leader Mike Scott at 519-734-7327 or visit our website to register or for more information at this link. 

Upcoming Vocations Events to be Promoted in Your Bulletins

Jeremiah Day

Saturday, February 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The story of the prophet Jeremiah tells us that it is never too early to think about God’s plan for us. This is a day for young men (grades 8 to 12) to grow closer to God and to visit our seminary. The activities include a tour of St. Peter’s Seminary, Mass, lunch, time for prayer and an indoor sports activity in the afternoon. See the poster at this link for more details. To register visit www.dolpriest.ca/discernwithothers.  

Come and See Weekend

Friday, March 7 to Sunday March 9. St. Peter's Seminary invites you to a discernment retreat for men 17 years old and older that are considering a call to the priesthood. This weekend offers a firsthand experience of the life of a seminarian, provides spiritual help for discernment and offers the opportunity to meet current seminarians and faculty of St. Peter's Seminary. To register visit dolpriest.ca/registration. A poster has been included to advertise the event at this link. Please get in touch with Fr. Rob Renaud at vocations@dol.ca for more information about either event. To register, visit our website at www.dolpriest.ca/discernwithothers. 

Veritas Lecture with Linda Staudt

The final Veritas lecture for this academic year: A Conversation in the Spirit: Reflecting on the Synod and the Experience of Synodality with Linda Staudt. King’s University College, Kenny Theatre Thursday January 30 at 7:00 p.m. Please click here for more information (a downloadable/printable poster is also available at that link).

Art Exhibit at Western University

Christopher Wallis: In the Balance of Light is an exhibition showcasing a remarkable collection of drawings, designs and windows by the late stained glass artist Christopher Wallis (1931 – 2021). In the Balance of Light celebrates Wallis’ creative process and the development of his distinctive aesthetic, combining traditional figures with mid-century abstract designs. The objects in the exhibition highlight Wallis’ projects across Canada, including heraldic windows at Rideau Hall and Western University, and installations at Osgoode Hall. Wallis’ stained glass windows can be found in many churches in London and southwestern Ontario, including St. Peter’s Basilica (London), St. Paul’s Cathedral (London), St. John the Evangelist (London), St. John the Divine (Arva), Christ Church (Petrolia), New Baptist Church (St. Thomas), and many more. The artLAB Gallery is in John Labatt Visual Arts Centre at Western University and the exhibit runs from January 9-30. More information is at this link.

Truth and Reconciliation 

Technology is January's Step on A Path to Solidarity and it aligns with National Technology Day on January 6. Using digital technology is a feature of everyday life in today’s society. Digital literacy is important for living, learning, working, participating and thriving in today’s interconnected and technology-driven society. Unfortunately for many First Nations a digital divide exists compared to most of Canada. Learn more at this link and find out how you can help in this month's step.

Laudato Si’ Action Plan for January 2025

On 24 December Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica ushing in the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. The theme of this Jubilee Year is "Pilgrams of Hope"; we are pilgrims and are called to be signs of hope for others. As pilgrims, especially as we cross borders, there are a few questions that we must answer. To learn more, read the January Laudato Si' Action Plan at this link.

Pastoral Study Days Registration Open

You can now register for "Cultivate", our 2025 Pastoral Study Days.  This event will take place on June 2 & 3 at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford.   Details can be found at this link.

Diocese of London Bi-Annual Professional Development Day June 19, 2025

If you have not done so already, please complete our short survey at this link so that we can prepare a day that is tailored to what you want to know more about.  We are ramping up our planning so it would be greatly appreciated if surveys can be completed by January 31, 2025.  Thank you.

REMINDERS

Marriage Preparation - Please Keep This Information Handy for Engaged Couples 
 Dr. Bruce Tallman’s Marriage Preparation Course is approved by Fr. Paul Baillargeon (Marriage Tribunal Vicar) and is available to any couple in the diocese, conveniently delivered in three 75-minute sessions via Zoom and it includes a 40-page workbook on every aspect of marriage that couples complete in 10 hours at home. Since Dr. Tallman works with one couple at a time, the course is personal and can accommodate any couple’s schedule. The three sessions include practicing communication skills, how Myers-Briggs personalities affect marriage, and church teachings about sexual ethics and the sacrament of marriage. 

Website: www.brucetallman.com Email: btallman@rogers.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruceTallmanSpiritualDirector/ 

Assumption Ecumenical Prayer Service

Assumption University’s Christian Culture Series is hosting an Ecumenical Prayer Service in honour of Christian Unity Week, 2025. With nearly 10 Christian branches taking part in the service, we will pray for unity in the Church. The service will take place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.  Reception to follow and all are welcome. More information is on a printable poster at this link.

Retreat Day – The Vocation of the Wisdom Years

The South London Catholic Family of Parishes is hosting a Vocation of the Wisdom Years retreat titled “Living the Mystery of the Mass as Pilgrims of Hope” presented by Fr. John Comiskey, Vicar General of the Diocese of London. The retreat is on Saturday, February 8 at St. Justin’s Parish in London. For more information about tickets and registration go to www.londonsouthcatholic.ca. A promotional poster is at this link (PDF).

Sacramental Preparation Updates 

The Mission-Oriented Sacramental Preparation document has been updated to include some French preparation programs.  This document can be found on SharePoint > Diocesan Intranet > Sacraments.  Additionally, there are some notes from the presentation given by Bill Huebsch to the priests at their Study Days in October regarding Family Focused Sacramental Preparation.  You can access the Family Catechesis resources from Bill at this link.  If you have any questions, please contact Claire Bondy at cbondy@dol.ca.

Parish Briefings for THURSDAY December 19, 2024

FOR YOUR INFORMATION & BULLETINS

NOTE: This will be the final Parish Briefings until Thursday, January 9, except for Jubilee Resources and time-sensitive announcements.

Family of Parishes Websites – AODA Compliance

All Family of Parishes websites now have AODA required accessibility software installed on them. The last step is to add a link on your websites with the following text: “The Diocese of London’s Access for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Policy and the AODA Policy with Integrated Accessibility Standards and Multi-Year Plan can be found on the diocesan website at this link: https://dol.ca/accessibility-aoda”. Please add this text and link as soon as possible. 

Retreat Day – The Vocation of the Wisdom Years

The South London Catholic Family of Parishes is hosting a Vocation of the Wisdom Years retreat titled “Living the Mystery of the Mass as Pilgrims of Hope” presented by Fr. John Comiskey, Vicar General of the Diocese of London. The retreat is on Saturday, February 8 at St. Justin’s Parish in London. For more information about tickets and registration go to www.londonsouthcatholic.ca. A promotional poster is at this link (PDF).

Sacramental Preparation Updates 

The Mission-Oriented Sacramental Preparation document has been updated to include some French preparation programs.  This document can be found on SharePoint > Diocesan Intranet > Sacraments.  Additionally, there are some notes from the presentation given by Bill Huebsch to the priests at their Study Days in October regarding Family Focused Sacramental Preparation.  You can access the Family Catechesis resources from Bill at this link.  If you have any questions, please contact Claire Bondy at cbondy@dol.ca.

A Path to Solidarity

A Time to Pause - Let us take a pause on our journey on “A Path to Solidarity”. A time to pause and to pray; a time to see and discern, and then to act. On 12 December, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Church in Canada marked the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. This initiative of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has been coordinated since 2002 by the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council (formerly the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council). All are invited to read the reflection and prayer inspired by Pope Francis’s words of healing and reconciliation spoken during his “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada at this link (PDF). Previous Steps on the Path are at this link.

Employment Opportunity 

The East Windsor Catholic Family of Parishes is seeking a Bookkeeper. Details are at this link.

Assumption University Announcement

Assumption University Windsor and the University of St. Thomas in Houston have reached a new collaborative agreement. Both universities are Basilian institutes of higher learning and are now working together to provide their students with additional learning opportunities. Assumption University and the University of St. Thomas will continue our exemplifying our Basilian motto of teaching goodness, discipline and knowledge. Both Assumption University and the University of St. Thomas offer courses that are online and synchronous. For more information visit https://assumptionu.ca.

Retirement Announcement

From the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes: Congratulations to Lynda Cadotte. After just over 52 years of dedicated service to the faithful of Chatham and the Diocese of London, Lynda Cadotte, Financial Secretary for the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes is retiring this Christmas.  She started working for Blessed Sacrament Parish, then the cluster of Blessed Sacrament and St. Agnes, and finally, as part of the pioneer Family of Parishes in Chatham.  Lynda has been an amazing staff member serving with great care, professionalism and faith.  We will all miss her!  May she enjoy her retirement with peace, friends and good health! Thank you Lynda!

CCCB’s “Journey Through Advent”/ “Cheminer ensemble durant l’Avent” Video Series

The videos for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, as part of their annual Journey through Advent video series, are available. Presented in English by His Eminence Cardinal Frank Leo, Archbishop of Toronto and in French by Most Rev. René Guay, Bishop of Chicoutimi. You are encouraged to share the videos. They are also posted on the Diocese of London homepage and the CCCB’s YouTube channel.

REMINDERS

Reminder to Parishes – Christmas Mass Times

Please make sure Mass times for the Christmas season are easy to find on your Family of Parishes website. They should be on your homepage or no more than one click away, ideally on a prominently linked Mass times page for your whole Family. Having to find and open the last bulletin to search for them is not convenient, especially for families who have been away and want to easily find the information they need to return for the joyful celebrations of the Christmas season. 

Marriage Preparation - Please Keep This Information Handy for Engaged Couples 
 Dr. Bruce Tallman’s Marriage Preparation Course is approved by Fr. Paul Baillargeon (Marriage Tribunal Vicar) and is available to any couple in the diocese, conveniently delivered in three 75-minute sessions via Zoom and it includes a 40-page workbook on every aspect of marriage that couples complete in 10 hours at home. Since Dr. Tallman works with one couple at a time, the course is personal and can accommodate any couple’s schedule. The three sessions include practicing communication skills, how Myers-Briggs personalities affect marriage, and church teachings about sexual ethics and the sacrament of marriage. 

Website: www.brucetallman.com Email: btallman@rogers.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruceTallmanSpiritualDirector/ 

Laudato Si’: Hospitality 

Responding to the cry of the poor starts with showing hospitality. St. Paul reminds us that marks of true Christianity include hospitality: "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers  (Romans 9:9-13).To learn more, read the December Laudato Si' action plan (part ten) at this link.

Courses at St. Peter’s Seminary 

Did you know that you could take courses at St. Peter’s Seminary? Courses are offered at St. Peter’s Seminary for anyone interested in growing in knowledge of the Catholic faith. These can be audited or taken for credit. Unless otherwise indicated, all courses are taught in person. A few of the courses being offered during the Winter Semester are:

Johannine Literature (5202B) with Dr. Nick Meyer (Tuesdays, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.)

Mission and Ministry (5571B) with Dr. Heejung Cho (Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)

Theology of Suffering (5219B) with Dr. John Dool, Prof. Angela Townend, and Prof. Andrea Di Giovanni (Thursdays, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.). ‘An interdisciplinary exploration of the phenomenon of human suffering and theological responses to it. Themes include biblical approaches to suffering, God’s relationship and response to suffering, and the call to encounter and engage with suffering in Christian life and ministry.’  

Of particular interest to those working in parish ministry, Canon Law II (5551B) with Father  Paul Baillargeon, will be offered on Thursdays (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.) Please note that Canon Law I is not a pre-requisite to this course. Offered Online is Introduction to Catholic Liturgy (5141B) with Father Pierre Robitaille; synchronously each Tuesday, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., via Zoom. Particulars related to these and other courses which may be of interest, class times, and instructors are available at this link. Further information and registration details can also be obtained by contacting Dr. Bernardine Ketelaars by email at bgketela@uwo.ca or by calling 519.646.7152.

Save the Date - Assumption Ecumenical Prayer Service

Assumption University’s Christian Culture Series is hosting an Ecumenical Prayer Service in honour of Christian Unity Week, 2025. With nearly 10 Christian branches taking part in the service, we will pray for unity in the Church. The service will take place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.  Reception to follow and all are welcome. More information is on a printable poster at this link.

Wedding Anniversary Mass – Save The Date

Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB, Bishop of London, invites all married couples to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage at the Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Visitation Parish in Comber. More details to follow at a later date.

 Parish Briefings for THURSDAY December 12, 2024

FOR YOUR INFORMATION & BULLETINS

Reminder to Parishes – Christmas Mass Times

Please make sure Mass times for the Christmas season are easy to find on your Family of Parishes website. They should be on your homepage or no more than one click away, ideally on a prominently linked Mass times page for your whole Family. Having to find and open the last bulletin to search for them is not convenient, especially for families who have been away and want to easily find the information they need to return for the joyful celebrations of the Christmas season. 

Retirement Announcements

From the East Windsor Catholic Family of Parishes: After many years of service to the Diocese, two long-time employees are retiring at year end.

Rachelle Leslie has served as Pastoral Minister for 32 years in Windsor in a number of parishes, 21 of those years serving St. John Vianney Parish and the last five and half years within our Family of Parishes. Mary Mullins is retiring after 24 years as the Financial Secretary, first with Our Lady of the Atonement and then these last five and half years within our Family of Parishes. We thank them for their dedicated service to the people of East Windsor and pray that God will bless them with peace and joy in their retirement.

Save A Family Plan Year-End Appeal

Due to the ongoing postal strike, Save A Family Plan is asking donors, parishes, CWLs, and Knights’ Councils who normally make a donation to consider alternate ways of giving. Although cheques will eventually get through, donations can also be made online at www.safp.org/donate, by etransfer to etransfer@safp.org or by phoning 1-855-333-1115.  During this strike, SAFP is asking parishes to share this link in their bulletins and social media: https://safp.org/appeal-2024-2025/.

CCCB’s “Journey Through Advent”/ “Cheminer ensemble durant l’Avent” Video Series

The videos for the Third Sunday of Advent, as part of their annual Journey through Advent video series, are available. Presented in English by His Eminence Cardinal Frank Leo, Archbishop of Toronto and in French by Most Rev. René Guay, Bishop of Chicoutimi. You are encouraged to share the videos. They are also posted on the Diocese of London homepage and the CCCB’s YouTube channel.

REMINDERS

Panel Discussion – The Synod and Parish Life – This weekend

The Windsor Heritage Catholic Family of Parishes is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a panel discussion with Fr. Raymond Lafontaine and Linda Staudt at St. Alphonsus. Fr. Raymond is the Episcopal Vicar for English-language parishes in the Archdiocese of Montreal, and a facilitator at the Synod of Bishops. Linda Staudt is a Windsor-based Catholic educator and a member of the Canadian delegation at the Synod of Bishops. Please join us to hear of their experience at the Synod and what it means for parish life. The event will conclude with lunch. The cost to attend the event is $20 and you may register here. Date: Saturday, December 14 from 9am-12pm at St. Alphonsus Parish, 85 Park St. E., Windsor. For questions, please contact Jacob at (519) 253-2493 ext. 220 or jallin@dol.ca. 

Christmas Movie in Windsor/Essex – This weekend

The South Windsor Catholic Family of Parishes is hosting a screening of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (directed by Dallas Jenkins, the same director as The Chosen). The screening is on Saturday, December 14 at the Devonshire Mall Cineplex. The movie starts at 10:00 a.m., but please arrive a bit earlier to sign in. Tickets are $13 each, with snacks available at a reduced rate. Order tickets at this link. An graphic with QR Code is available at this link. Please reach out to Katie Jacobs if you have any questions at kjacobs@dol.ca or 519-969-5292 x 229. The movie trailer is at this link.

Marriage Preparation - Please Keep This Information Handy for Engaged Couples 
 Dr. Bruce Tallman’s Marriage Preparation Course is approved by Fr. Paul Baillargeon (Marriage Tribunal Vicar) and is available to any couple in the diocese, conveniently delivered in three 75-minute sessions via Zoom and it includes a 40-page workbook on every aspect of marriage that couples complete in 10 hours at home. Since Dr. Tallman works with one couple at a time, the course is personal and can accommodate any couple’s schedule. The three sessions include practicing communication skills, how Myers-Briggs personalities affect marriage, and church teachings about sexual ethics and the sacrament of marriage. 

Website: www.brucetallman.com Email: btallman@rogers.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruceTallmanSpiritualDirector/ 

Laudato Si’: Hospitality 

Responding to the cry of the poor starts with showing hospitality. St. Paul reminds us that marks of true Christianity include hospitality: "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers  (Romans 9:9-13).To learn more, read the December Laudato Si' action plan (part ten) at this link.

Simple Solutions Webinars - Parish Vitality Series

This series is designed to empower parish leaders with the tools and strategies needed to foster a thriving parish community. From identifying the unique gifts and charisms of parishioners to cultivating a culture of stewardship and volunteer engagement, each session offers practical insights to help leaders inspire active participation and deepen parish vitality. Join us to discover effective approaches for building a welcoming, mission-driven parish where everyone’s contributions make a difference. Webinars begin in January.  Click here for details and registration.

Courses at St. Peter’s Seminary 

Did you know that you could take courses at St. Peter’s Seminary? Courses are offered at St. Peter’s Seminary for anyone interested in growing in knowledge of the Catholic faith. These can be audited or taken for credit. Unless otherwise indicated, all courses are taught in person. A few of the courses being offered during the Winter Semester are:

Johannine Literature (5202B) with Dr. Nick Meyer (Tuesdays, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.)

Mission and Ministry (5571B) with Dr. Heejung Cho (Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)

Theology of Suffering (5219B) with Dr. John Dool, Prof. Angela Townend, and Prof. Andrea Di Giovanni (Thursdays, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.). ‘An interdisciplinary exploration of the phenomenon of human suffering and theological responses to it. Themes include biblical approaches to suffering, God’s relationship and response to suffering, and the call to encounter and engage with suffering in Christian life and ministry.’  

Of particular interest to those working in parish ministry, Canon Law II (5551B) with Father  Paul Baillargeon, will be offered on Thursdays (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.) Please note that Canon Law I is not a pre-requisite to this course. Offered Online is Introduction to Catholic Liturgy (5141B) with Father Pierre Robitaille; synchronously each Tuesday, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., via Zoom. Particulars related to these and other courses which may be of interest, class times, and instructors are available at this link. Further information and registration details can also be obtained by contacting Dr. Bernardine Ketelaars by email at bgketela@uwo.ca or by calling 519.646.7152.

Save the Date - Assumption Ecumenical Prayer Service

Assumption University’s Christian Culture Series is hosting an Ecumenical Prayer Service in honour of Christian Unity Week, 2025. With nearly 10 Christian branches taking part in the service, we will pray for unity in the Church. The service will take place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.  Reception to follow and all are welcome. More information is on a printable poster at this link.

Wedding Anniversary Mass – Save The Date

Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB, Bishop of London, invites all married couples to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage at the Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Visitation Parish in Comber. More details to follow at a later date.

Save the Date:  Diocese of London Bi-Annual Professional Development Day 

Please put June 19, 2025 in your calendar. We will be hosting our bi-annual PD day for Secretaries, Bookkeepers, Administrative Assistants, etc. at St. Peter's Seminary in London. Overnight accommodations (night before) will be available at the Seminary. The number of rooms and cost are TBD. We want to hear from you: what do you want to know more about? Do you need a refresher on something? What new skills do you want to learn? Please let us know at this link. Contact Heidi Monteith (hmonteith@dol.ca) if you have any questions.

Parish Briefings for THURSDAY December 5, 2024

FOR YOUR INFORMATION & BULLETINS

Advent Mission: December 8,9, and 10

The South Windsor Catholic Family of Parishes invites everyone to their Advent Mission: "The Lord is Returning." It begins on Sunday December 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church, with a communal penance celebration and the opportunity for Confession. On Monday, December 8, there will be a special Mass at 6:00 p.m. to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Mass will be followed by a presentation at 7:00 p.m. by special guest speaker Dr. Ralph Martin. Dr. Martin is the president of Renewal Ministries, professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, host of the television show The Choices We Face, and prolific writer. On Tuesday, December 10 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church there will be a 7:00 p.m. Mass, followed by a talk on 'Living Discipleship", by the Family of Parishes team. This event is open to everyone. Please invite others. Registration is not required. More information can be found on the website: www.sw.dol.ca. and a printable poster at this link.

Wedding Anniversary Mass – Save The Date

Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB, Bishop of London, invites all married couples to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage at the Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Visitation Parish in Comber. More details to follow at a later date.

Employment Opportunities

Sarnia Bluewater Roman Catholic Family of Parishes, is seeking a Social Media Assistant and the South Windsor Catholic Family of Parishes is seeking a Custodian. Details for both are posted here.

Save A Family Plan Year-End Appeal

Due to the current postal strike, Save A Family Plan is asking donors, parishes, CWLs, and Knights’ Councils who normally make a donation to consider alternate ways of giving. Although cheques will eventually get through, donations can also be made online at www.safp.org/donate, by etransfer to etransfer@safp.org or by phoning 1-855-333-1115.  During this strike, SAFP is asking parishes to share this link in their bulletins and social media: https://safp.org/appeal-2024-2025/.

Marriage Preparation - Please Heep Handy for Engaged Couples 
 Dr. Bruce Tallman’s Marriage Preparation Course is approved by Fr. Paul Baillargeon (Marriage Tribunal Vicar) and is available to any couple in the diocese, conveniently delivered in three 75-minute sessions via Zoom and it includes a 40-page workbook on every aspect of marriage that couples complete in 10 hours at home. Since Dr. Tallman works with one couple at a time, the course is personal and can accommodate any couple’s schedule. The three sessions include practicing communication skills, how Myers-Briggs personalities affect marriage, and church teachings about sexual ethics and the sacrament of marriage. 

Website: www.brucetallman.com Email: btallman@rogers.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruceTallmanSpiritualDirector/ 

Laudato Si’: Hospitality 

Responding to the cry of the poor starts with showing hospitality. St. Paul reminds us that marks of true Christianity include hospitality: "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers  (Romans 9:9-13).To learn more, read the December Laudato Si' action plan (part ten) at this link.

CCCB’s “Journey Through Advent”/”Cheminer ensemble durant l’Avent” Video Series

After a technical issue earlier this week, the CCCB has reposted the videos for the First and Second Sundays of Advent as part of their annual Journey through Advent video series. Presented in English by Cardinal-elect Most Rev. Frank Leo, Archbishop of Toronto and in French by Most Rev. René Guay, Bishop of Chicoutimi. You are encouraged to share the videos. They are also posted on the Diocese of London homepage and the CCCB’s YouTube channel.

REMINDERS

Panel Discussion – The Synod and Parish Life

The Windsor Heritage Catholic Family of Parishes is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a panel discussion with Fr. Raymond Lafontaine and Linda Staudt at St. Alphonsus. Fr. Raymond is the Episcopal Vicar for English-language parishes in the Archdiocese of Montreal, and a facilitator at the Synod of Bishops. Linda Staudt is a Windsor-based Catholic educator and a member of the Canadian delegation at the Synod of Bishops. Please join us to hear of their experience at the Synod and what it means for parish life. The event will conclude with lunch. The cost to attend the event is $20 and you may register here. Date: Saturday, December 14 from 9am-12pm at St. Alphonsus Parish, 85 Park St. E., Windsor. For questions, please contact Jacob at (519) 253-2493 ext. 220 or jallin@dol.ca. 

Christmas Movie in Windsor/Essex 

The South Windsor Catholic Family of Parishes is hosting a screening of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (directed by Dallas Jenkins, the same director as The Chosen). The screening is on Saturday, December 14 at the Devonshire Mall Cineplex. The movie starts at 10:00 a.m., but please arrive a bit earlier to sign in. Tickets are $13 each, with snacks available at a reduced rate. Order tickets at this link. An graphic with QR Code is available at this link. Please reach out to Katie Jacobs if you have any questions at kjacobs@dol.ca or 519-969-5292 x 229. The movie trailer is at this link.

Simple Solutions Webinars - Parish Vitality Series

This series is designed to empower parish leaders with the tools and strategies needed to foster a thriving parish community. From identifying the unique gifts and charisms of parishioners to cultivating a culture of stewardship and volunteer engagement, each session offers practical insights to help leaders inspire active participation and deepen parish vitality. Join us to discover effective approaches for building a welcoming, mission-driven parish where everyone’s contributions make a difference. Webinars begin in January.  Click here for details and registration.

Courses at St. Peter’s Seminary 

Did you know that you could take courses at St. Peter’s Seminary? Courses are offered at St. Peter’s Seminary for anyone interested in growing in knowledge of the Catholic faith. These can be audited or taken for credit. Unless otherwise indicated, all courses are taught in person. A few of the courses being offered during the Winter Semester are:

Johannine Literature (5202B) with Dr. Nick Meyer (Tuesdays, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.)

Mission and Ministry (5571B) with Dr. Heejung Cho (Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)

Theology of Suffering (5219B) with Dr. John Dool, Prof. Angela Townend, and Prof. Andrea Di Giovanni (Thursdays, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.). ‘An interdisciplinary exploration of the phenomenon of human suffering and theological responses to it. Themes include biblical approaches to suffering, God’s relationship and response to suffering, and the call to encounter and engage with suffering in Christian life and ministry.’  

Of particular interest to those working in parish ministry, Canon Law II (5551B) with Father  Paul Baillargeon, will be offered on Thursdays (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.) Please note that Canon Law I is not a pre-requisite to this course. Offered Online is Introduction to Catholic Liturgy (5141B) with Father Pierre Robitaille; synchronously each Tuesday, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., via Zoom. Particulars related to these and other courses which may be of interest, class times, and instructors are available at this link. Further information and registration details can also be obtained by contacting Dr. Bernardine Ketelaars by email at bgketela@uwo.ca or by calling 519.646.7152.

Save the Date - Assumption Ecumenical Prayer Service

Assumption University’s Christian Culture Series is hosting an Ecumenical Prayer Service in honour of Christian Unity Week, 2025. With nearly 10 Christian branches taking part in the service, we will pray for unity in the Church. The service will take place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.  Reception to follow and all are welcome. More information is on a printable poster at this link.

Save the Date:  Diocese of London Bi-Annual Professional Development Day 

Please put June 19, 2025 in your calendar. We will be hosting our bi-annual PD day for Secretaries, Bookkeepers, Administrative Assistants, etc. at St. Peter's Seminary in London. Overnight accommodations (night before) will be available at the Seminary. The number of rooms and cost are TBD. We want to hear from you: what do you want to know more about? Do you need a refresher on something? What new skills do you want to learn? Please let us know at this link. Contact Heidi Monteith (hmonteith@dol.ca) if you have any questions.

 

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