The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a global ecumenical observance, during which Christians of all denominations and ecclesial communities are invited to pray for the unity of all of the baptized; to meditate together on Sacred Scripture; to participate in jointly-organized worship services; and to undertake together acts of charity and fellowship. The…
Special Jubilee Year on this 8th centenary of Saint Francis of Assisi
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Year of Saint Francis to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. From the decree: “Whilst the fruits of grace of the Ordinary Jubilee of the year 2025 that has just ended, in which we have all been spurred to become pilgrims of this hope that does…
Steubenville Atlantic Youth Conference July 10-12 2026 – Register Now!
Calling all high schoolers! Jesus meets our deepest longing for meaning, joy, and love. Join hundreds of Catholic teens at Steubenville Atlantic in Halifax, July 10–12, 2026, and encounter the transforming love of Christ. Rising grade 9s through graduating grade 12s are welcome to attend with our group. Steubenville Atlantic is a high-energy youth conference…
High School Youth Retreat March 6-8 at the Villa Madonna
March Break High School Youth Retreat! From Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, youth are invited to spend two nights at the Villa Madonna, growing in faith, friendship, and community. See the posters in the Basilica and register with Patricia Lee at catechesis@dioceseofsaintjohn.org ($125/person).
Family Catechesis and Religious Education New Year schedule
Religious education resumes: 6:30pm Monday January 12 for Grade 2, 6:15pm Wednesday January 14 for Grade 9, 7:30pm Wednesday January 14 for Grade 8, and 6:30pm Sunday January 18 for Family Catechesis. Everyone is encouraged to join us in sharing our Faith as a community. Please pray for our parish families and youth journeying in…
Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the 2026 World Day of Peace
‘This ancient greeting, still in use today in many cultures, was infused with new life on the evening of Easter on the lips of the risen Jesus. “Peace be with you” (John 20:19, 21) is His Word that does not merely desire peace, but truly brings about a lasting transformation in those who receive it,…
Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC’s Christmas Message 2025
At this Jubilee Year’s end, contemplating our lived graces and renewed hopes, may we place ourselves in joy and wonder of that moment of encounter with the long-awaited Messiah, He whom we seek and for whom our hearts long. May we hear Him say to each one of us personally in the depth of our…
Christmas Solemnities Schedule
The Nativity of the Lord – Vigil Mass – Wednesday, December 24 4pm – Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica 4pm – Saint Michael’s by-the-Sea Church (Miramichi Bay) 4pm – Église de l’Ascension (Beaverbrook) (la Messe française) 6pm – Saint Margaret’s Church 7pm – Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica The Nativity of the Lord – Mass…
Canadian Bishops Address Proposed Restrictions on Religious Freedom – Bill C-9
The Canadian bishops have written an open letter to express deep concern regarding recent reports of government plans to remove the long-standing religious exemption in Section 319(3)(b) of the Criminal Code as part of Bill C-9 amendments. Our bishops are requesting charter rights and freedom of religion to be maintained, and to provide clear assurance…
Winter weather and Mass Attendance
With another winter upon us, we recall that daily Mass is salutary, but not obligatory, see our Catechism of the Catholic Church § 1389). Sundays and Solemnities are ordinarily obligatory, as stated in the same Catechism section and in CCC § 2185.However, some of our parish churches are on distant roads and highways, and if…