Synod 2012 on New Evangelization - Pastoral Visit to Annunciation of Our Lord Parish



Pope Benedict announced on Sunday that he’s chosen “new evangelization” as the theme for the next world Synod of Bishops in 2012.

The pope said the topic reflects a need to re-evangelize in countries where Christian faith and practice have declined, and where people “have even moved away from the church.”

The pope made the announcement at the end of his homily at the closing Mass for the special Synod of Bishops for the Middle East, which focused on the pastoral challenges of the region. He said that in this synod, too, bishops spoke of the “need to offer the Gospel anew to people who do not know it very well.”

“What was often evoked was the need for a new evangelization for the Middle East as well. This was quite a widespread theme, especially in the countries where Christianity has ancient roots,” he said.

The pope said he chose the next synod topic, “The new evangelization for the transmission of the Christian faith,” after consulting with the world’s episcopate. He recently created the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, and has made re-evangelizing a main theme of his pontificate.
 

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PARISH VISITATIONS RESUME



Friday until Sunday, October 22-24, I carried out the Pastoral Visitation of the Parish of the Annunciation of Our Lord, Beacon Hill (Gloucester).  Father Joseph Muldoon, my Episcopal Vicar and I were joined by Msgr. Robert Latour, the Pastor, and by Father Jonathan Blake, his associate, for all the weekend activities, which included the dedication of the church on Saturday evening.

On Friday, we visited Thomas Darcy McGee and Brother Andre Elementary Schools and visited seniors resident at Laurier Manor and Elmsmere Residence.


Thomas Darcy McGee School:

Brother Andre School:

Elmsmere Residence:

There will be more reporting on the Visitation during this week in which I am taking part in the national bishops' meeting.

   

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Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Meets in Assembly

 

Each fall the Canadian Bishops meet in plenary session for a week, generally at the NAV Canada Training and Convention Centre in Cornwall, ON.

It is a wonderful occasion to reconnect with brother bishops, discuss challenging issues and plan for the future in hope.  The Eucharist and prayer in common unites us with the Lord and helps us to seek his will for the Church in Canada.

As we gather, we have in our thoughts and prayers Bishop David Monroe (above), who is recovering in hospital in Kamloops from a savage beating on Friday night.  Please pray for this gentle pastor's full recovery and for the healing of the person who attacked him.