Miramichi regional youth seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to a gathering in fellowship, a light meal, discussion, and a time of Eucharistic Adoration at Camp Sheldrake, on Friday September 20 from 5:30pm to 8pm. Bring the whole family, and learn, and pray, with all of us journeying toward the Sacrament of Confirmation! Contact…
Author: Father David Rioux
Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC’s Pastoral Letter on the Last Supper
In my prayer the last few days, I have been convicted to write this short letter to you. Our hearts are grieved whenever and wherever the Eucharist is blasphemed, whether that is on the world stage, in the media, by the actions of others, or even by our own actions that deny the Real Presence…
Maronite Rite Mass 6:30pm Sunday July 28 at St. Michael’s Basilica
Lebanese, Syrian, Eastern Rite, and all Catholics are invited to this special Eucharistic Celebration at Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica 6:30pm Sunday July 28. A gathering with food and fraternity will follow, in the parish centre. Historically, Lebanese and Syrian Catholic families from around the Miramichi gathered for Masses at the basilica. This special Mass…
The U.S. National Eucharistic Congress
After the 6,000 mile National Eucharistic Pilgrimage across the United States, the National Eucharistic Congress hosted 60,000 Catholics in Indianapolis. This great gathering in faith, with moving witness from hundreds of speakers, and overnight Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, brought faithful to their knees in prayer and thanksgiving. Relive this great event that took place…
Papal Prayer Intention for the month of July: For the pastoral care of the sick
We pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick confer to those who receive it and their loved ones the power of the Lord and become ever more a visible sign of compassion and hope for all.
The July dedication to the Most Precious Blood of Christ
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins Matthew 26:28 Read the history of this dedication of the month of July to the Most Precious Blood of Christ here, and offer the merits of Christ’s Sacrifice for graces to be poured out upon your family…
Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC’s Pastoral Letter on the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – “Make my heart like unto Thine”
Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC offers a reflection on the rich symbolism of the image of the Sacred Heart, which serves as a road map guiding us deeper into the Love to which we are called. Jesus loves us, with His human heart. His heart, wounded with the crown of thorns, for the sake of love….
Prayerful Preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025
A Jubilee Year is a joyful time of grace, conversion, and pardon (see Leviticus 25). The Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee Year every 25 years. The theme of 2025’s Jubilee is Pilgrims of Hope, for ‘Hope does not disappoint’ (Romans 5:5). A pilgrimage to Rome may not be possible for everyone, but for the faithful…
Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation
Saint Michael the Archangel Parish celebrated with fifteen of our youth receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at the 5:30PM Mass April 28, 2024, the fifth Sunday of Easter, presided by Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC.
Closure of Our Lady of Calvary Trappist Monastery in Rogersville
The following message is being shared with the faithful at the request of Our Lady of Calvary Monastery: “This monastery, Our Lady of Calvary Abbey has officially closed, and we will gradually close this year. We want you, our friends, and faithful Christians to know this. We ask you to please respect our privacy, and…
Easter is the privileged time to realize that Jesus Christ is truly alive and present in our lives – Bishop Christian’s Easter Message
Easter is a privileged time in which we are invited to discover the risen Jesus truly alive and present in our lives! In his 2023 Easter Vigil homily, Pope Francis exhorted us to ‘revive the beauty of that moment when we realized that He is alive, and we made Him the Lord of our lives.’…
Continuing the work on synodality – Bishop Christian’s Letter to the Faithful
The work of Synodality continues! The Diocese of Saint John has submitted a summary report to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, to contribute to the final Synod session in October 2024. Many thanks to all who have participated in our Synodal reflection sessions. You can see Bishop Riesbeck’s letter to the faithful for more…
‘Let your speech always be gracious’ (Col 4:6) – a pastoral letter on social media from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
‘Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone’ (Colossians 4:6; Pastoral Letter on social media, from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops). Social media, like any mode of communication, is to serve a human good: building bridges among people by sharing information. “When…
Thank you for participating in the Disciple Maker Survey
Parishes across the Diocese of Saint John particiapted in a survey about our discipleship, offered by the Catholic Leadership Institute. The survey asked us to reflect on our spiritual growth, and on our parish efforts to help. Over all, we received 79 responses to our survey, representing 18% of our Sunday Mass parishioners. We will…
Bishop Christian’s Message for Christmas 2023
‘Jesus longs to be born in our lives, to be cradled, embraced and welcomed. When we say yes to all He has to offer, our lives will never be the same. This Christmas, take a step toward Jesus. Open your heart to the hope He promises.’ Read Bishop Christian Riesbeck’s message for Christmas 2023 here.
Bishop Christian’s update to the faithful on Cathedral Restoration
“I am counting on your fervent prayer for this work of restoration and ask you to pray through the intercession of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, as we give God permission to move powerfully in our diocese. Please be assured of my prayers for your families.” Read Bishop Christian’s letter here.
Bishop Christian’s Pastoral Letter for 2023-24: “Know! Grow! Go! Towards a Renewed and Revitalized Diocesan Church”
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth.” Isaiah 12: 4-5 “As we embark on this new pastoral year, I encourage each one…