Saint Joseph is needed now more than ever to intercede powerfully for our Church, country, and families. On December 8, 2020, Pope Francis decreed a “Year of Saint Joseph”, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as patron of the universal Church.
As your Bishop I invite you to enter this Year of Saint Joseph with fervency, participating in any number of the special prayers and practices available to us. An Addendum with ideas for the parishes and faithful on how to participate more fully in this Year of Saint Joseph is attached to this letter for your consideration.

The Sunday readings speak of the call of the prophets, the call of the first disciples, and the call to physical integrity. Those called together in the grace of marriage offer a much needed witness to each of today’s readings as we face the challenges of our modern world and its current circumstances. In today’s world, married couples witness to God’s forgiveness through their willingness to forgive and sacrifice for each other. They call each other to holiness in a way that is prophetic for the world. They do so in a world that does not often respect their heroic commitment and humility before God.

The Season of Christmas concludes with the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on this Sunday January 10. “Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased’” (Mark 1:9-11). “Looking at the events in the light of the Cross and Resurrection, Christian people realized what happened: Jesus loaded the burden of all humankind’s guilt upon his shoulders; he bore it down into the depths of the Jordan” (Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth, p.18).

We have just been advised by the Province of New Brunswick that the entire province is moving to the orange level. In this level, a maximum of 50 persons can gather at Mass, and 25 persons for other physically distanced gatherings. Please note that masks/face coverings are mandatory for all activities. Be assured that the dispensation from the Holy Obligation to attend Mass on Sunday is still in effect.
This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord. Just as the God the Father confirms Jesus in His identity as the beloved Son of God, He affirms us in our identity and dignity as His own sons and daughters called to holiness and mission. As faithful, you continue to demonstrate great understanding and charity in this time of disruption. Your ability to maintain and foster the faith is a true testimony and witness to Christ’s presence among us. As always, we entrust to Him all those who are ill and those on the front lines caring for them.

“We have seen his star in the East, and have come to adore the Lord” (Matthew 2:2)
In the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Emmanuel’s light radiates beyond the Holy Family and the shepherds, that ‘tiny remnant of Israel,’ to illumine all the peoples of all the nations. As in Isaiah’s prophecy, “nations shall come to Your light, and kings to the brightness of Your dawn…They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord ” (Isaiah 60:3,6).

This Solemnity is a day to be amazed by the Mother of God. At the beginning of the year, let us implore from Mary the grace to be amazed at the God of surprises. Mary is the Queen of peace, who triumphs over evil and leads us along paths of goodness, who restores unity to her children, who teaches us compassion. Let us together pray these words to Our Lady: “We fly to thy protection, O Holy Mother of God”. Read the Holy Father’s Message for this 54th World Day of Peace.

These words were first spoken to shepherds by angels. They have been sung throughout the centuries to announce news of great joy to people of every age. Christ is born!

'The Christmas season always draws to our churches people who have been absent for a while. As people approach Mass for the first time in weeks, months, maybe even years, uncertainty may accompany them. Returning to Mass, after being away, may be both physically and spiritually challenging. People are longing for a sense of community and stability, and for the opportunity to encounter or re-encounter the God who cares deeply for us, speaks to us out of love, and reveals His “face” in Jesus – true God and true man. Let us remember that hospitality is not a measure of what we do but a condition of the heart, as we seek to evangelize and provide consolation during a difficult time.'

Bishop Christian’s Advent letter is a welcome respite and recapturing of the joyful hope and joyful expectation of the message of the gospel and the thrust of all our salvation history.

We are offering guided Advent retreats both in the church and online throughout the four weeks of Advent, along with weekly Holy Hours of Eucharistic Adoration for prayer and reflection.

The Church concludes the liturgical year with the glorious feast of Christ the King. The Parable of the Last Judgment (Matthew 25.31-46) is both profoundly beautiful and deeply disturbing. While it speaks to the end time, it is addressed to us in our time, the present moments in which we are living.

In this month of Remembrance following from Thanksgiving and the Solemnities of All the Saints and All Souls, we are thankful for the faithful dedication of our parish volunteers. Despite ongoing restrictions from free gatherings, Saint Williams' Church is more accessible, Saint Joseph's Church and HOPE Centre services continue, and improvements to Stella Maris Church continue. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus Father Henry G. Ramage Council 8364 for the improved signage and planned work in the Star of the Sea Hall at Stella Maris Church, for when we are able to welcome more of our faithful back into gatherings. From Isaiah (57:14): "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way."

This weekend marks the Solemnities of All Saints (Sunday November 1) and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (Monday November 2). That the Lord came to save all of us common labourers is what the feast of All Saints is about. The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed helps us to remember those souls who have left us, on their journey to the fullness of life.

Please review this supplemental guidance for the current level of government health and safety measures, including physical distancing, contact tracing, face coverings, receiving Holy Communion, altar serving, and singing.

We are obliged to express our strong concern and opposition to Bill C-7 (Medical Assistance in Dying) which, among other things, expands access to euthanasia and assisted suicide to those who are not dying. Please prayerfully contact your local MP. "It perplexes our collective minds that we have come so far as a society yet, at the same time, have so seriously regressed in the manner that we treat the weak, the ill, and the marginalized."

A flu shot clinic will be held at the H.O.P.E. Centre on Thursday, October 29th. Please call 653-6875 to book an appointment. If we miss your call, please leave a message with your name and phone number and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

This Sunday's Word speaks of rejoicing in a place prepared for us with rich food and drink (Isaiah 25:6-10 ; Matthew 22), coinciding with the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday. Our Sunday celebration is called the Eucharist, meaning the act of thanksgiving for God's work in creation (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1328). On this thanksgiving, may we harvest the goodness God has sown in our human families, and appreciate the fraternity which overcomes distressing isolation with dignifying charity and compassion (see Pope Francis' letter to all people of good will, Fratelli Tutti # 54).

Pray for Bishop Christian and our diocesan priests, as they gather in retreat at the Villa Madonna for the week of October 5 - 9 to pray for the people and needs of the diocese.

Bishop Christian Riesbeck’s call toward a renewed personal encounter with Jesus urges us toward Eucharistic devotion, evangelization, and community outreach. Please read the 2020-2021 Pastoral Year Letter here.

Parishes throughout the Diocese of Saint John are hosting Alpha sessions, exploring life's big questions in the light of the Christian faith. Each session is a time of fellowship with others who are seeking to allow God, through the Church, to enliven their lives. Invite anyone to 'come and see,' through this link.