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NEWS AND UPDATES:
Update on government restrictions for Masses
NORTHERN BC CHURCHES: The BC Northern Regional Health Authority released a new order on December 24th, 2021 stating the following rules: proof of covid vaccination is required for indoor worship services for everyone over 11 years of age; gathering limits are 50% venue capacity; and no gathering after a service. Note that in our case in Northern BC, a wedding, baptism or funeral would fall under ‘Inside Events’ (December 24, 2021 Order – Section D. p. 17-18) YUKON CHURCHES: The Yukon government issued a new ministerial order 2022/02 on January 8, 2022 which includes new measures for faith-based gatherings. These measures are: Masses and services limited to 25 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is less; and proof of vaccination. In our churches, weddings fall under ‘Indoor organized events’ (https://yukon.ca/en/designated-settings). Both governments continue to recommend physical distancing, good hand hygiene, and self-isolation if you experience symptoms, and require the wearing of masks in indoor public settings. - - - - - - - - In light of the new government restrictions, Bishop Vila has asked his priests to adjust Mass schedules if necessary so that all faithful who can attend Mass in-person can do so within the capacity limits. Please contact your parish directly for more details. For those parishioners who cannot physically attend Mass under the current government restrictions, or because you are elderly or have health concerns, he is temporarily lifting the Sunday Obligation requirement. You are encouraged to watch an online Mass from home. This could be a recorded Mass from your parish or through the recorded Mass from Sacred Heart Cathedral on the diocesan youtube channel. Although this does not meet the Sunday holyday of Obligation (Canon 1246.1), it will help sustain you spiritually given the current conditions. This dispensation is in effect for all churches in the Diocese as of January 7th, 2022 until further notice. Please contact your local pastor or lay pastoral associate directly for any updates on Mass and Lay Liturgical & Communion services, and locally-recorded Masses. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and for your prayers . 
A Christmas Message from Bishop Vila
The Virgin Mary exclaimed,“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord” (Luke 1:46) As we celebrate with joy the arrival of Our Lord in the form of a little baby, this Christmas we are reminded of the ultimate gift we have received from God, which is His only begotten Son. God has shown His greatness to us by becoming little. By doing so he has entered into the “smallness” and challenges of our lives! Like Mary, all of us who listen to God’s Word can carry the greetings of joy and happiness into our everyday lives (From a commentary on Luke from St. Ambrose, bishop). With these thoughts, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. May God guide and protect you in this new year, and fill your hearts with hope and love. Many blessings to all of you and your families. 
Update on the Indigenous Peoples delegation to Rome
The Indigenous Peoples delegation to Rome to meet Pope Francis, originally schedule for December 17 - 20, 2021, has been postponed by a joint decision of all parties involved. For more information, please read the CCCB media release. To keep up to date on this initiative, you can visit the CCCB Indigenous Delegation webpage. 
Indigenous Healing and Reconciliation Initiatives
Bishop Vila would like to announce the beginning of our diocese’s commitment to the five-year fundraising campaign for indigenous initiatives beginning November 28, 2021. This follows the Canadian Bishop’s commitment towards a $30M nationwide collection in support of residential school survivors, their families, and their committees. Donations can be made through the Chancery or through the Canada Helps donation button on the Diocesan website. For more information, please refer to Bishop Vila's letter and the other supporting documents below. Bishop Vila's letter to the Faithful re. fundraising for indigenous initiatives (Nov 14, 2021) Canadian Bishops Announce $30M National Financial Pledge to Support Healing and Reconciliation Initiatives (Sep 27, 2021) Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of this Land (Sep 24, 2021) 
New Synod 2021 2023 diocesan webpage
Our webpage for the Diocesan phase of the Synod on synodality has been launched. All materials for leading or participating in group discussions are available here, as well as information for individuals who want to submit a personal reflection. The deadline for submissions is the end of day on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Please contact your local parish or mission, or the diocesan office for more information. Click here to read Bishop Hector Vila's letter to parishioners of the Diocese of Whitehorse. “Synodality is the way of being the Church today according to the will of God, in a dynamic of discerning and listening together to the voice of the Holy Spirit.” - Pope Francis
CDF Funds received for St. Mary's Parish
The Diocese of Whitehorse would like to thank the Government of Yukon for its financial assistance through the Community Development Fund (CDF). These funds were approved for the recently completed Energy Audit project at Saint Mary’s Church in Dawson City. This audit will help the parish to plan and prioritize which recommended Energy Conservation Measures to implement for a retrofit of the church building. Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care The launch of this new CCCB resource on palliative care will take place with a webinar on November 15, 2021 in English and on November 16, 2021 in French.
Walk Together as a Church in the Holy Spirit
“Synodality is the way of being the Church today according to the will of God, in a dynamic of discerning and listening together to the voice of the Holy Spirit.” - Pope Francis The Holy Father invites the Church to participate in the 2023 Synod of Bishops in Rome by asking people in every Diocese in the world to pray, reflect and share what the Holy Spirit is telling us today. The purpose of the Synod is “to plant dreams”, to “journey together” following the course of the Church in the third millennium with a truly synodal mentality. In our Diocese, we will be sharing resources and organizing meetings through individual churches beginning this Fall 2021. Join us! You can pick up your cards at your local church for the Prayer for the Synod: Adsumus Sancte Spiritus to use during this Diocesan synodal phase. It is a simplified version of the prayer which has been historically used at Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years. Our Diocese is also developing specific materials based on the Synod Preparatory document and Vademecum to assist with group discussions and individual submissions. This material will soon be available through your local churches and on the Diocese of Whitehorse website. For more information, please contact your local parish or visit the Synod website at synod.va. Click here to read Bishop Hector Vila's letter to parishioners of the Diocese of Whitehorse. 
Prayers for National Catholic Health Care Week
The third annual National Catholic Health Care Week will be held Sunday, October 3 to Saturday, October 9, 2021. The Week recognizes the mission of Catholic health care organizations across Canada. This year, we focus on the theme of “Together in Care". Please join Catholic Health Alliance of Canada in these daily reflections and prayers.
Bishops of Canada announce Nation-wide Fundraiser
As a tangible expression of their commitment to walk with the Indigenous Peoples of this land along the pathway of hope, the Bishops of Canada are making a nation-wide collective financial commitment to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families, and their communities. With a target of $30 million over up to five years, this will include initiatives in every region of the country to support initiatives discerned locally with Indigenous partners. Fundraising will be through a grassroots effort in each individual diocese including the Diocese of Whitehorse. Further details about a national fundraising plan will be announced in November. Read the CCCB news release here: Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of this Land
The Catholic Bishops of Canada, gathered in Plenary this week from September 20th to 24th, took the opportunity to affirm and acknowledge to the Indigenous Peoples the suffering experienced in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools.
They have released this Statement of Apology to the Indigenous Peoples of this Land (September 24, 2021). We invite you to take the time to read and reflect upon it. We also ask that you keep our Indigenous brothers and sisters, and our Bishops, in your prayers as the process of reconciliation and healing continues. First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The CCCB Standing Committee for Family and Life has produced a short video message for the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will take place on Sunday, 25 July 2021. The video message brings to life the theme chosen for this day, “I am with you always” (cf. Mt 28:20). It seeks to encourage young people, families, and communities to draw near and to spend time with grandparents and the elderly, cherishing their essential role for the Church and society.
CCCB Statement on Acts of Violence in Canada
The members of the CCCB Executive Committee have issued this statement calling for an end to religious violence in Canada. 
Response to Discovery of Children's Graves
In response to the sorrowful and shocking news of the discovery of children's graves at the former site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, Bishop Hector Vila has released a public statement, as well as a Letter to the Faithful. Statement from Bishop Hector Vila Letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Whitehorse Link to Bishop Vila's interview with CBC - June 2nd, 2021 Link to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action webpage 
Diocesan Safe Environment Policy
The Diocese of Whitehorse Safe Environment Policy has been updated and is now posted on its own webpage. The purpose of the policy is to keep minors and vulnerable adults safe from harm while in the care of the Diocese of Whitehorse. It includes standards and safeguards to ensure that everyone who participates in ministry activities feel s safe and protected. The Safe Environment webpage also has information on the procedure for reporting incidents of abuse by individuals in ministry positions, including clergy (Priests, Deacons and the Bishop), lay staff, and volunteers. 
Feast of St. Joseph the Worker
The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker is celebrated every year on May 1st. Please click here for messages from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in both English and French. 
Thank you to the Ex Corde Foundation
The Diocese of Whitehorse gratefully acknowledges and gives thanks to God for a generous grant received from the Ex Corde Foundation of the Diocese of Hamilton. The Foundation was established by Bishop Douglas Crosby, O.M.I. in 2012. It focuses on finding ways to help parishes, organizations and communities prosper through financial support of a range of initiatives. The Diocese has been awarded a grant of $20,000 to upgrade the church windows and exterior doors at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Porter Creek. Being an old structure, the church is poorly insulated and has seen minimal renovations over the years. New triple-pane, high R-value rated windows will make the church more energy-efficient and will help in significantly reducing heating costs. We extend our gratitude to the Board members of the Ex Corde Foundation who are helping us bring this project to fruition. Let us keep them in our prayers as they continue their work. You can read more about the foundation on their website at www.excordefoundation.com. 
Celebrating the Year of St. Joseph
We invite you to visit the CCCB webpage for various resources in Celebration of the Year of St. Joseph. You will find Prayers, Litanies, and Devotions, Consecration to Saint Joseph, and Church documents in both French and English. There are also seven short video presentations guided by the Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (With a Father's Heart). As St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of the Family, we also recommend taking the time to read again Pope Francis' Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love). Special indulgences are being granted by the Holy See for the Year of St. Joseph. Click here for more information. CMIC Tastes of Heaven Annual Fundraiser
Catholic Missions in Canada (CMIC) is a major supporter of our missions in the Diocese of Whitehorse. We are grateful to God for their financial contributions. If you would like to help CMIC in their work, we invite you to participate in their annual gala on April 29, 2021. To register, please visit: https://cmic.info/tastes-of-heaven/ 
Renovations to Sacred Heart Cathedral continue
Fundraising and renovations of Sacred Heart Cathedral are on-going.
To view photos, click here. Welcome NET Team!
The NET Team arrived safely in Whitehorse on January 7th and will be out of self-isolation on January 22nd, 2021. We look forward to them sharing the message of the love of God with our children and teens. Thank you to all who have been contributing food to the Team since they arrived. Check back for more details about their ministry. 
Update on Bill C-7 Expansion of MAiD
The Senate voted to add two disturbing amendments that the House will vote to approve this week! Please contact your Member of Parliament, even if you don't believe that the Bill can be stopped. Our voices need to be heard. Here is an outline of what the Bill includes: • Bill C-7 removes the requirement that death must be 'reasonably foreseeable' even for the disabled. • Bill C-7 permits a doctor or nurse practitioner to lethally inject a person who cannot consent, if that person was previously approved for MAiD." • Bill C-7 waives the ten-day waiting period when a person is deemed to be “terminally ill.” • Bill C-7 reduces the number of witnesses from two to one, and one witness could be connected to the care of the person. The Senate added two amendments: 1. To allow MDs and nurse practitioners to euthanize anyone who has made an advanced directive (pre-authorized consent) even if they do not request it presently or no longer consent. This includes those with degenerative neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s. 2. They introduced an 18 month ‘sunset clause’ amendment allowing for euthanasia of the mentally ill as the sole criteria. Note: No amendments were made to protect conscience rights for physicians. The outcry against this terrible legislation is loud. Add your voice! Here's how:
Update on Bill C-7 (Expansion of MAiD)
On 17 December 2020 the Quebec Superior Court confirmed that an additional extension had been granted to the Truchon ruling until 26 February 2021. This marks the third extension which has been granted at the request of the Government. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is continuing its advocacy work together with the groups of disability advocates, physicians, legal professionals, and religious on Bill C-7. The legislation has passed Third Reading and is currently being debated in the Senate where the efforts of the above-noted groups lay. The House of Commons is scheduled to re-convene on 25 January 2021. The Senate of Canada is scheduled to reconvene 2 February 2021. Please watch Bishop William McGrattan's testimony to the Senate at the pre-study (25 November 2020)
We also invite you look at these links to familiarize yourself with the issue or visit our webpage for more resources.
Shalom World TV & Prayer Channels
The Diocese of Whitehorse is pleased to endorse Shalom World, a 24/7, family-friendly, commercial-free, high-definition Catholic network which appeals to young, as well as young-at-heart viewers. What is Shalom World Media all about? Watch this short video. 
You can access the Shalom World TV and Prayer Channels simply by pressing on the floating yellow Media Gallery icon on the bottom right of any page.
Pope Francis proclaims “Year of St Joseph”
With the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021. The Apostolic Penitentiary also issued a decree granting special indulgences for the duration of the special year to celebrate the anniversary and “to perpetuate the entrustment of the whole Church to the powerful patronage of the Custodian of Jesus.” Click here for an article with guidance on these special indulgences. |
ONLINE DONATIONS NOW AVAILABLE The Diocese of Whitehorse is now accepting online donations via our partner Canada Helps, which is equipped to issue instantaneous tax receipts. Your generosity enables us to serve our communities, care for those in need and accomplish the mission entrusted to us by the Lord. Click on the button above to donate online. |
