For the fifth Sunday of Easter, Father Daren Bryk, CC, our diocesan Revitalization Coordinator, brings the message of our Cathedral parish’s Divine Renovation experience over the past year. They are seeking to realize our Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC’s vision for all our parishes to move from maintenance to mission, and to be inviting, welcoming, and…
Author: Father David Rioux
Clergy Appointments
Diocese of Saint John – April 21, 2026 The Most Reverend Christian Riesbeck, CC, Bishop of Saint John, announces the following clergy assignments, effective July 1, 2026, unless otherwise noted. Rev. Daren Bryk, CC, currently Revitalization Coordinator, is appointed Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Rev. David Fulton, currently Pastor of St….
Canadian Catholic Bishops Prayer with the Pope for Peace, Human Dignity, and Moral Responsibility in Public Life
The Canadian Catholic Bishops encourage us Christians to pray for our Holy Father’s moral and pastoral witness, for peace among nations, and for all who suffer because of war and conflict. Our witness should be informed by our Catholic moral principles – truthfulness, humility, reverence, and concern for the innocent. Read the full statement from…
CWL High School Bursary
Saint Michael’s Parish Catholic Women’s League is offering a $300 bursary to any Roman Catholic youth active in the parish. Application forms are available through local high schools or through this link: stmichaelsbasilica.ca/CWL-Bursary-2026 . Completed applications must be submitted to the Saint Michael’s Parish Office by May 15.
National Family and Life Week May 10-17
Canadian Catholic Bishops’ Resources for Family and Life Week May 10-17, 2026 are available. This year’s theme is from Christ’s words at the time of His Ascension, “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20). Activities and prayers for the whole family area are available via stmichaelsbasilica.ca/NFLW26 .
Divine Mercy Sunday
Pope Saint John Paul II dedicated the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday in the year 2000, upon the canonization of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. The Divine Mercy Sunday Gospel reading narrates Jesus’ Resurrection appearance to the fearful disciples locked in the upper room (John 20:19), and then again eight days later (John…
Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC’s Easter Message
“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesuswho was crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised, as He said’.” (Matthew 28:5-6). Today, the Church joyfully proclaims the truth announced at the empty tomb: “He is not here, forhe has been…
The Sacred Easter Triduum
Prepare for our 2026 parish Easter Triduum schedule with Father Owen Burns’ poignant reflection on the Solemn Celebration, below. Chrism Mass – 6:30pm Tuesday March 31 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John, reception to follow. Come and celebrate with our priests as the oils are blessed and distributed throughout the diocese…
Special Jubilee Year in this 8th centenary of Saint Francis of Assisi
Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC has offered a pastoral letter to our diocesan faithful for this special Year of Saint Francis of Assisi. In our diocese, pilgrimage sites include: From Bishop Christian’s letter: As we enter the holy season of Lent, Pope Leo XIV invites us to place the mystery of God back at the center…
Pope Leo XIV’s Message for this Season of Lent
Pope Leo XIV’s message for this Lenten Season is Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion. “Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our…
Entering into Lent
Leading the Church into Lent for the first time as Pope, Leo XIV has Trappist Bishop Erik Varden offering Spiritual Exercises on the theme Illuminated by a Hidden Glory. These will offer Christian contemplation on truth, freedom, and communicating hope. Our Lenten Season of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting begins with Ash Wednesday February 18. Ash…
Catholic Health Care Week and February 11 World Day of the Sick
This 34th World Day of the Sick on February 11, 2026 is on the theme of, the compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain. Pope Leo XIV’s prayer for this day is: “Sweet Mother, do not part from me. Turn not your eyes away from me. Walk with me at every moment and…
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity January 18-25
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…
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…
Family Catechesis and Religious Education Schedule
Family Catechesis Gatherings in the Parish Centre Everyone is encouraged to join us in sharing our Faith as a community. Please pray for our parish families and youth journeying in their preparation for Christ’s Sacraments. 6:30pm Sunday January 186:15pm Sunday February 46:15pm Sunday February 116:15pm Sunday February 256:30pm Sunday March 156:30pm Sunday March 226:30pm Sunday…
Canadian Bishops support Bill 218 : No MAiD for mental illness
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops strongly opposes euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (MAiD). Access to treatment and palliative care must be improved. Private Members Bill C-218 seeks to prevent persons whose sole medical condition is mental illness from accessing MAiD. The Canadian Bishops support this: “To enable or assist in the suicide for these patients…
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…



