PHOTO COURTESY OF SÉBASTIEN CORMIER
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS 2025
FROM OUR BISHOP
2025 CHRISTMAS LETTER Office of the Bishop
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we approach the great Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord or Christmas as pilgrims of hope, we are invited to journey towards the light and prepare our hearts to receive. As Isaiah foretells:
BISHOP CHRISTIAN RIESBECK, CC
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2). This light is the Incarnation, the Word become flesh, the Son of God embracing the poverty of our humanity for our salvation. In the intimacy of Mary’s womb, Jesus grows in hiddenness and silence, dependent on her for everything— nourishment, protection, warmth, love. The eternal Son humbles himself, taking on our humanity through her fiat.
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Bishop of the Diocese of Saint John
Pope Leo XIV reminds us, “the mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word is the revelation of the love that God the Father has for each one of us…God who makes himself a child, who entrusts himself to the care of human parents, who offers himself for each one of us, is the Icon of the divine love that comes to save us” (Address of Pope Leo XIV to organizers and artists of the concert with the poor, December 2025.) Jesus is not a figure from the distant past, but a present friend interested and involved in each of our lives today. He comes to us in the Eucharist at every Mass, inviting us into intimate union with him and pouring his Spirit into our hearts, if we are open to receive.
God has “saved us... according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that...we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7). Like Mary, we too must cultivate his presence within us. This Christmas, I encourage you to respond to Jesus with renewed openness to all that he offers. Let us ask for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to renew our faith, our hope, and our love for God and neighbour! As we contemplate the journey to Bethlehem, we are reminded that Jesus also seeks each one of us. We are not forsaken, we are not alone, for he is Emmanuel, God with us! He sees our joys and sorrows, calls us by name, invites us to follow him, and gives us the strength to do so.
At Jubilee’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 being: To YOU is born this day in the city of David a savior, the Messiah, who is the Lord (Luke 2:11). May the Incarnate Word, our Light and Life, fill you with his peace. In the joy of the Nativity,
✠ Christian Riesbeck, CC Bishop of Saint John
FREDERICTON REGIONAL JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
FROM THE HOLY FATHER
DECEMBER PRAYER INTENTION FOR CHRISTIANS IN AREAS OF CONFLICT In the last prayer intention for 2025, the Pope asks us to pray “that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.” On the eve of his first apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, the Holy Father invites us to not “fall into indifference,” and to be “builders of unity,” praying together with him to the “God of peace” for those communities who must not feel abandoned. The images accompanying this video produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network show examples of unshakeable faith even in the midst of rubble. We see celebrations in Iraqi villages come back to life after the war, the strength of the parish community of Gaza, and the indispensable work of Caritas in Lebanon among the poor and refugees.
LET US PRAY THAT CHRISTIANS LIVING IN AREAS OF WAR OR CONFLICT, ESPECIALLY IN THE MIDDLE EAST, MIGHT BE SEEDS OF PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND HOPE.”
Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope. God of peace, who through the blood of Your Son has reconciled the world to Yourself, today we pray for Christians living amidst wars and violence. Even surrounded by pain, may they never cease to feel the gentle kindness of your presence and the prayers of their brothers and sisters in faith. For only through You, and strengthened by fraternal bonds, can they become the seeds of reconciliation, builders of hope in ways both small and great, capable of forgiving and moving forward, of bridging divides, and of seeking justice with mercy. Lord Jesus, who called blessed those who work for peace, make us Your instruments of peace even where harmony seems impossible. Holy Spirit, source of hope in the darkest times, sustain the faith of those who suffer and strengthen their hope. Do not let us fall into indifference, and make us builders of unity, like Jesus. Amen.
LITURGICAL SEASON
PREPARE THE WAY EMBRACING THE WAITING OF ADVENT November 30th marked the beginning of the Advent season that will end on Christmas Day, December 25th. Within this season, we gather on four Sundays to worship our Heavenly Father and prepare ourselves for the remembrance of the coming of his Son 2025 years past. The Christmas season then begins a time of great celebration and feasting that contains many traditions that the Church has practiced and experienced in different ways depending on the culture backgrounds of the faithful. Generally, in Canada, it is seen as a time of solemn preparation of one's heart and soul so that Christmas may be the beginning of another year where we may deepen our relationship with this child born unto us. Each week has a different theme to focus on. Beginning with Hope, then Faith, Joy and Peace. It is a time to focus on trying to discover how we are living them in our lives. Advent is not Lent, but it does call us to temper our desires and to practice the virtues of charity and forgiveness in a similar way. Reconciliation is also a means of preparing a place for the child - so meek and mild - to rest in our hearts.
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ADVENT WREATH Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Photo by: Faye Hanley We pray that this season of Advent and Christmas will enrich your spiritual life, and despite the distractions of the secular world, let us make it a time to welcome Christ, thus providing hearts where Christ can reside on this Christmas day. PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD. As we look upon the creche we see it is full and ready to feed all that come to it. Truly this is an excellent symbol of our Catholic faith. The call to the Eucharist is one that remains constant in our faith, as Christ left us this gift to feed us until he comes again. The contradiction of waiting for Christ to come when he is with us daily can best be understood in this image. The question for us is left with the message of John the Baptist, am I prepared to receive this gift?
In the time of Christ, the people would go to the temple to seek reconciliation with God and forgiveness of their sins by a ritual bath and a sacrificial offering. Due to the corruption of the temple by Roman influence and greed of those who ruled the faith of the Jewish people, they sought to be purified by a true prophet who was washing people of their sins in the waters of the Jordan river, in the wilderness. There all were equal and Christ himself allows John to baptize him with the waters of repentance, not out of need but as a sign of what he would become when he became the true sacrifice necessary for the forgiveness of sins that is made present to us in our baptism with the waters of the resurrection.
SPIRITUAL FRUITS OF CONFESSION IN THIS SEASON
We also experience this freedom from the bonds of sin when we surrender all our weakness and failings to Jesus in the sacrament of reconciliation. Before you come to be fed by the fruit of this creche on the great feast of the birth of Christ, listen to the call of the Baptist, make straight your path, level the hills that impede you and lower yourself to receive the true gift of mercy in this Holy Sacrament this Advent season; prepare the way of the Lord.
Strength for Vigilance: Just as the Gospel warns against spiritual slumber (e.g., Matthew 24:37-44), confession fortifies us against complacency, helping us stay awake in prayer and good works as we await Christ's coming—not only at Christmas but in our daily lives and at the end of time.
Participating in the sacrament during Advent yields specific graces that enhance the season's purpose: Renewed Hope and Joy: Advent counters the darkness of winter with the light of Christ, but unconfessed sin can dim that light. Confession lifts the burden of guilt, fostering the "rejoice" of Gaudete Sunday (the Third Sunday of Advent), where we celebrate God's nearness.
Communal Preparation: Advent is ecclesial, drawing the whole Church into readiness. Many parishes offer communal penance services during this time, emphasizing that reconciliation isn't solitary but unites us as a forgiven people, ready to celebrate the Eucharist at Christmas.
THE WAITING CRECHE
Saint Francis Xavier Church, Sussex
PRACTICAL ENCOURAGEMENT If it's been a while since your last confession, Advent provides an ideal opportunity—perhaps tying it to lighting the Advent wreath or reflecting on the O Antiphons later in the season. Approach it with trust in God's infinite mercy, knowing that the Church teaches the sacrament is available to all who seek it sincerely. This act of humility can transform your Advent from routine observance to a deeply personal encounter with divine forgiveness.
Confession in Advent isn't an extra obligation but a pathway to the heart of the season: repentance that paves the way for Christ's light to enter our lives, bringing true peace and readiness for His birth. Consider scheduling it soon to fully embrace this time of grace.
YOU ARE INVITED
SILENCE - WHERE GRACE UNFOLDS
SILENT NIGHT… HOLY NIGHT by Jimy Beltran Catholic Young Adults of Fredericton In one of my catechism classes, I invited the students to do something very simple, and, as it turned out, very difficult. After reading a passage of Scripture, I asked them to sit in silence for a few minutes, to pray quietly, and to notice what spoke to their hearts. Afterwards, I invited anyone who felt comfortable to share what stood out either from the reading itself or from what others had shared.
At the end of the session, I asked for feedback. “Did you like this approach?” Most of them said “no.” So I asked why. None of them responded… except for one student, who answered with striking honesty: “Because I didn’t like what I was thinking.” That answer has stayed with me. Silence has a way of holding up a mirror to the soul. When the noise fades, the conversations, the notifications, the constant movement, we are left alone with our thoughts, our fears, our desires, our questions, and the parts of ourselves we often avoid.
Most of us instinctively fill every quiet moment with something: music, podcasts, texts, scrolling. Not because these things are bad, but because silence is uncomfortable. Silence reveals. But God speaks in silence. And healing begins in silence. And conversion real, deep conversion requires the courage to face whatever rises to the surface when everything else stops. So let me ask you the same question I asked my students: When was the last time you sat down in prayer, in complete stillness, for ten uninterrupted minutes? Not multitasking. Not praying while driving or cooking. Not listening to a podcast or a worship song. Just you. God. And silence. If the idea makes you uncomfortable, you are not alone. But discomfort is often the first sign that God is inviting us into something deeper, an interior space where He can speak truth, bring clarity, and offer peace.
Ten minutes can feel like an eternity. But those ten minutes might be the very place where grace begins to unfold.
INCARNATION
We rage! fallen, we rave… struggle, strain against bonds, shackles that bind, and binding chafe wrist, ankle, neck raw, and chafing cut—we bleed, whimper, voices worn hoarse, voices silenced from screaming, silenced in the numbing bleakness of our cold self-inflicted midnight. But…
How is this possible? how can this be— oh, that my deliverer would come born into this indifferent coldness born of a woman, a chosen mother, rejected, and a just man, displaced— that to this injury he would come, swaddled, speechless, and poor… so very, very poor? James G. Anderson
SACRED TRADITIONS
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
Rorate Caeli Masses bring awakened appreciation for reverence and tradition this Advent. Photos: Sébastien Cormier “Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant justum, aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem.”
RORATE CAELI MASS
“Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior.” – Isaiah 45:8
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Typically offered in the early hours of the morning, the Rorate Caeli Mass honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and takes its name from the opening words of its Introit in Latin, “Rorate caeli desuper”—“Drop down dew, O heavens.” Celebrated by candlelight, this Mass expresses the longing for Christ’s coming, with the gentle glow of candles representing Christ as the Light who enters the world’s darkness. Its prayers and readings highlight themes of hope, preparation, and the joyful anticipation of the birth of the Savior.
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Although rooted in centuries‑old tradition, the Rorate Caeli Mass continues to hold a meaningful place in contemporary worship. It invites believers to deepen their Advent reflection, honour Mary’s unique role in the story of salvation, and meditate on the profound mystery of the Incarnation. This Advent, Rorate Masses were observed at St. Pius X (Holy Redeemer) Church on Saturday, December 6, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, December 13, and at St. Mark’s Church, Quispamsis on Saturday, December 20. Participants have been truly moved by this reverent and inspiring tradition, embracing its sacred atmosphere and the profound joy it brings to our Advent devotion.
I was left in awe after my first Rorate Caeli mass this past Saturday (at St. Pius X). At first I wasn’t so keen on waking up to attend mass before dawn, but I reminded myself to joyously accept this opportunity to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in honor of Our Blessed Mother. Everything, from the candle lit sanctuary to the gradual lighting of the church as the sun rose, left me without the words to describe this experience…If anyone is looking to prepare their hearts this advent season, I would really recommend waking up for this beautiful Mass.
I was first surprised by how many people were gathered in the entryway when I arrived at 6:55 a.m. In the dimly lit Cathedral, it truly felt that we were waiting together, with expectant hope for something big to happen. The beautiful Gregorian chant echoing through the Cathedral added a layer of Beauty and veiled mystery. Then dawn came just as the Mass completed. The course of the Rorate Mass felt like a mini Advent; we, the people in darkness were waiting together for the Light to come
It was a beautiful way to honor our Holy Mother and her essential role in the Advent season, helping us spiritually prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth in the coming weeks.
THE MAN BEHIND THE AWARD
BISHOP WILLIAM DOLLARD (1842-1851) By Rev. Dr. Michael McGowan Chancellor Diocese of Saint John Originally part of the Diocese of Charlottetown, PEI, New Brunswick became the 7th Roman Catholic Diocese in Canada on September 30, 1842. The first bishop of the new See was Rt. Rev. William Dollard, who was born in Ballytarina, County Kilkenny, Ireland, on November 29, 1789. He received the greater part of his education in his native land and had come to Quebec in the summer of 1816 in response to an appeal by Bishop Plessis for ecclesiastical students.
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Having begun his theological studies in Ireland, he entered the Grand Seminary, Quebec City, in September 1816 to complete his course. He was ordained to the priesthood on October 12, 1781. At the time of Father Dollard’s ordination, Bishop Plessis was bishop of the only diocese in British North America.
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BISHOP DOLLARD
A holy priest, a valiant missionary, and a pioneer of the Catholic faith in the missions of Cape Breton and New Brunswick
Father Dollard began his missionary activities in 1817 at Arichat, Cape Breton, NS, as assistant priest to L’Abbee Lejamatel, who had under his care many French Acadians. In 1818 he was sent to the east coast of Cape Breton, that he might work with better effect among the Scots. He mastered the Gaelic language perfectly.
His work was difficult. Long journeys were fraught with hardships through his extensive territory and his untiring zeal in his arduous labours for the spiritual welfare of 2,500 souls committed to his care so undermined his health that he was compelled to resign the mission and return to Quebec for medical care. All these trials, however, acquainted the young missionary with the conditions of the Catholic people and enabled his quick administrative mind to grasp the possibility of improved organization to meet the spiritual needs. His experience proved to him that a generation stalwart in faith could prosper, even amidst circumstances that were outwardly demoralizing. During the ten years he laboured on the Miramichi, he did not seem to have any settled place of abode. He constantly travelled as duty called him — a few days here, a few days there — accepting the hospitality of the people under his pastoral charge, ever cheerful and happy in his surroundings. His first undertaking at the scene of his future labours was to erect a church to replace the “John Malcolm” chapel built in 1769, and too small for the congregation in and around what is now St. Patrick’s Parish in Miramichi. The corner stone was laid in 1825 and the church was opened in 1826.
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Father Dollard made a visit to Saint John in 1825, as representative of Archbishop Plessis, and a second visit a few months later. He was offered higher duties but he did not wish to leave his people on the Miramichi, at the time so stricken by the great fire of 1825 in which 200 lost their lives. The years that followed were the most trying in his ministry; his people were homeless and destitute and suffering from fever and smallpox. A good Samaritan, he tended them, comforted and healed them. In 1833 he was obliged to leave the Miramichi where his name has been held in great respect even to this day. The zealous priest was appointed to Fredericton in 1836 as successor to Rev. Michael McSweeney, the first missionary priest of that city, who had died that year. The territory of which the city of Fredericton was the centre was even more extensive than that of the Miramichi but while his labours were demanding, at least he had the comforts of a home of his own in the capital city. Father Dollard began his labours by constructing a little church, St. Malachy’s, in Woodstock. The second Bishop of Charlottetown, Bishop Donald McDonald named Father Dollard his vicar-general on December 7, 1837. In 1840 Father Dollard constructed St. Anne’s Church, on the Maliseet Reserve at Kingsclear, twelve miles above Fredericton.
On September 30, 1842, New Brunswick was erected into a diocese and Rt. Rev. William Dollard, V.G. was named bishop by Pope Gregory XVI. The apostolic bulls named Rt. Rev. Bernard McDonald, then Bishop of Charlottetown, as Bishop of New Brunswick and Rt. Rev. William Dollard, Bishop of Charlottetown, and went on to state that if Bishop McDonald preferred to remain at Charlottetown, Rt. Rev. William Dollard would become Bishop of the new episcopal See. Bishop McDonald remained at Charlottetown, and leaving Fredericton in May, 1843, Bishop-elect Dollard travelled to Quebec where he was consecrated at the Cathedral on June 11, 1843. The official statement in the register identified him as Bishop of Fredericton. Bishop Dollard returned to Fredericton in June of that same year. Now a bishop, he continued the work of a missionary. While his curate was engaged in the outlying districts, the bishop, in his episcopal city, discharged all the work of a parish priest. In 1845 Bishop Dollard began the construction of St. Dunstan’s Church at Fredericton which was not fully completed until some years later. About the end of the year 1848 or early in 1849 Bishop Dollard moved to Saint John. While on a visit to Fredericton, he died on August 29, 1851, in the sixtysecond year of his age.
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His body was interred under the sanctuary of St. Dunstan’s Church. The remains of Bishop Dollard were solemnly transferred to the parish cemetery in 1965. His episcopal chair is yet at St. Dunstans and the beautiful painting of “The Crucifixion,” a gift from his friends in Quebec on the occasion of his episcopal consecration, hangs beside the Chapel of the Sacred Heart in the new St. Dunstan’s Church (constructed in 1966). A marble tablet to his memory was erected by his successor, Bishop T.L. Connolly, on March 15, 1853. Today this can be seen in the baptistry under the bell-tower at St. Dunstan’s. Bishop Dollard was a holy priest, a valiant missionary, a pioneer of the Catholic faith in the missions of Cape Breton and New Brunswick, a saintly bishop and a towering figure in the religious history of New Brunswick. During the famine years in Ireland, especially in 1847, thousands of people afflicted with fever, landed in Saint John where hundreds died. Bishop Dollard was indefatigable in helping them in every possible way.
HONOURING SERVICE
MEET THE 2025 DOLLARD AWARD MEDAL OF MERIT RECIPIENTS The Bishop Dollard Medal of Merit is the highest honor bestowed by the Diocese of Saint John upon members of the lay faithful. Named for Bishop William Dollard, the first bishop of the diocese, this award recognizes individuals whose lives exemplify the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love. This year, in honor of the Jubilee Year and the 170th anniversary of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the mother church of the Diocese of Saint John, eight recipients have been chosen for their exceptional contributions to the mission of the Church through evangelization, catechesis, charity, and service to parish and diocesan life. These men and women have demonstrated sustained commitment, joyful witness, and a missionary spirit that reaches beyond parish boundaries to those on the margins.
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DOLLARD MEDAL IS PRESENTED BY BISHOP CHRISTIAN RIESBECK, CC Their dedication strengthens vibrant, welcoming communities and reflects the heart of the Gospel. The outstanding individuals were honoured for their faithful service and leadership in building up the Church in the Diocese of Saint John at the Cathedral on our Diocesan Feast Day, December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
GUY AND JOCELINE LEGER PAROISSE SAINT FRANÇOIS DE SALES
JEANNINE MORRIS – COMMUNAUTÉ NOTRE DAME-DE-L’ESPÉRANCE
Guy and Joceline Leger have been devoted servants of the Church since arriving in the Diocese of Saint John in 1996. Their commitment to faith and community is evident in every aspect of parish life. Joceline attends daily Mass and plays a vital role in sacramental preparation, overseeing catechism and assisting with confirmation classes. As parish secretary, she is the welcoming presence for newcomers, offering not only administrative support but genuine care and hospitality.
Jeannine Morris has served the francophone Catholic community for more than two decades with unwavering dedication. Her deep prayer life and devotion to the Eucharist guide her service and inspire those around her. Since 2005, Jeannine has been parish secretary and catechist for the French sector, ensuring vibrant faith formation and sacramental preparation rooted in Catholic teaching. Her joyful witness shines through her readiness to help anyone in need, whether assisting priests or supporting parishioners. Jeannine’s humility and simplicity reflect authentic Gospel values. She serves without seeking recognition, motivated solely by love for God and the Church.
Guy serves as a lector, prays before proclaiming the Word, and contributes his expertise on the parish finance committee and diocesan committees. Together, they embody the missionary spirit, assisting immigrants and newcomers with housing, furniture, transportation, and even driving lessons. Their outreach transforms lives and reflects Christ’s love in practical ways. For decades, this couple has supported parish events, hosted clergy gatherings, and provided meals for community occasions. Their humility, compassion, and joyful witness have strengthened parish life and inspired others to live their faith more fully. Guy and Joceline’s sustained commitment and tireless service make them exemplary recipients of the Bishop Dollard Medal of Merit.
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Beyond administrative duties, Jeannine fosters community life and strengthens parish vitality. Her outreach extends to those on the margins, offering practical help and spiritual encouragement. For over 20 years, she has been a steady presence, guiding others in faith and building bridges of trust and compassion. Jeannine’s fidelity, integrity, and missionary spirit exemplify the mission of the Diocese of Saint John. Her longstanding service and commitment to evangelization make her a worthy recipient of the Bishop Dollard Medal of Merit.
GUY AND JOCELINE LEGER PAROISSE SAINT FRANÇOIS DE SALES
JEANNINE MORRIS COMMUNAUTÉ NOTRE DAME-DE-L’ESPÉRANCE
ANTHONY (TONY) MILLER ST. CROIX PARISH
ANTHONY (TONY) MILLER ST. CROIX PARISH
TRUDY WALSH ST. MARGUERITE BOURGEOYS PARISH
Anthony “Tony” Miller’s life reflects a lifetime of faith and service. From his early years as an altar server to decades of ministry across the Diocese of Saint John, Tony has consistently answered the call to discipleship. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University with a diploma in ministry, he has served as a lay pastoral associate, catechist, music minister, and member of diocesan pastoral councils.
For nearly three decades, Trudy Walsh has been a devoted servant of the Church and a model of faith in action. Since 1997, she has contributed tirelessly to the life of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish in Miramichi. Her commitment to prayer and sacramental life is evident in her active participation and leadership in parish ministries. Trudy serves as a sacristan and lector, ensuring that liturgical celebrations are reverent and meaningful. She is also a key presence in parish events and ministry fairs, offering her time and talents generously.
Tony’s contributions include RCIA leadership, sacramental preparation, and vibrant liturgical celebrations that have revitalized parish life. His outreach extends beyond church walls —offering shelter to the homeless for over 20 years and visiting nursing homes to pray and sing with residents. Known for his joyful spirit and ability to inspire, Tony has touched countless lives, mentoring youth and fostering a sense of belonging. Letters from parishioners attest to his profound impact: bringing new life to communities, guiding adults into the faith, and encouraging children in their sacramental journey. His humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment embody the mission of the Diocese. For his extraordinary witness and decades of service, Tony Miller is truly deserving of the Bishop Dollard Medal of Merit.
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Trudy’s humility and compassion shine through her outreach to those in need. She brings creative ideas and spiritual energy to the parish, fostering a welcoming environment for all. Her dedication is not limited to tasks; it is rooted in a deep love for Christ and His Church. Parishioners consistently witness her joyful spirit and unwavering integrity, qualities that inspire others to grow in faith. Her sustained commitment over decades reflects a life centered on service and discipleship. Through her example, Trudy has strengthened parish life and encouraged others to embrace active participation. For her exceptional witness and devotion, she is truly deserving of the Bishop Dollard Medal of Merit.
TRUDY WALSH
ST. MARGUERITE BOURGEOYS PARISH
NELSON AND LIZ SOLOMON ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA PARISH
MARY HANSON
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH
NELSON AND LIZ SOLOMON ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA PARISH
MARY HANSON ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH
Nelson and Liz Solomon have lived a lifelong commitment to faith and service within the Bilijk First Nation community and St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish. Their presence at weekly Mass, healing services, and community funerals reflects a deep devotion to prayer and sacramental life. Nelson, a respected Elder, leads the Rosary at wakes and shares prayers in both Wolastoqey and English, passing on the faith to younger generations. His leadership in Divine Mercy devotion has nurtured spiritual growth among adults and youth.
Mary Hanson’s life reflects a profound commitment to faith, liturgy, and social justice. A retired teacher, Mary brings her gifts of leadership and education to numerous parish and diocesan ministries. She attends daily Mass, provides music for liturgies, and leads prayer at meetings. Her involvement spans RCIA, Confirmation preparation, and children’s liturgy, helping others grow in their relationship with Christ. Mary completed the Lay Ministry Formation Program through St. Francis Xavier University and actively participates in CND Associate gatherings, prayer groups, and Indigenous education initiatives.
Liz complements this service through her long-standing role in music and liturgy. She organizes Sunday worship and special services, serving as a lector and enriching the congregation’s prayer experience. Together, they embody the missionary spirit by supporting grieving families, providing food and clothing to those in need, and offering a listening ear and encouragement during times of hardship. Despite personal challenges, Nelson and Liz have remained steadfast in their faith, modeling humility, compassion, and resilience. Their lifelong dedication to fostering vibrant parish life and outreach to the marginalized exemplifies the Gospel in action. For their joyful witness and unwavering service, Nelson and Liz Solomon are richly deserving of the Bishop Dollard Medal of Merit.
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Her service extends beyond the parish. Mary chairs liturgy committees, coordinates music ministry, and contributes to diocesan Development and Peace efforts, including serving on the national council. She volunteers with bereavement ministry, offers music at nursing homes, and supports mental health recovery through her role on the Hayward Recovery Centre board. Her outreach includes solidarity visits abroad and advocacy for justice and right relationships. Mary’s humility, compassion, and tireless energy inspire confidence and engagement among parishioners. She leads by example, welcoming newcomers and encouraging active participation in parish life. For her decades of service and unwavering dedication to the mission of the Church, Mary Hanson is a worthy recipient of the Bishop Dollard Medal of Merit.
JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE
ENCOUNTERING HOPE INCARNATE AT THE JUBILEE'S CLOSE As the Jubilee Year of Hope draws to its end with Epiphany 2026, Christmas invites us to encounter Jesus anew— the Light for all nations (Isa 60:1-61; Mt 2:1-122). Pope Leo XIV urges us to carry forward its graces: prayer, conversion, and witness, especially to the poor as "creative subjects" challenging us to justice. In Bethlehem's poverty, God draws near, calling us from self-sufficiency to humble adoration.
JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE TO THE CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Photos by: Robyn Hayward
Amid new impoverishments, let Christmas and Epiphany transform us, sharing creation's goods—labor, home, education, health—as dignity's foundation. The Season's liturgy reveals Christ: Word made flesh (Jn 1:145), revealed to Gentiles, mystery unveiled (Eph 3:3-66). Popes Benedict XVI and Francis echo: pause at the crib, let the Child challenge illusions; be surprised by Heaven's newness.
“There were many blessings personally and from feedback from others,” shared Jubilee Coordinator Caroline Doubt. “It was meeting brothers and sisters in Christ from all around the Diocese. Smiling and engaging in little conversations with all ages. The knowing that there are many of us that love the Lord and love our faith. We are not remnants. The generosity of the pilgrims that attended the Pilgrim Lunches. All of the proceeds were contributed to the Cathedral Restoration Campaign. $1600 was raised - very generous pilgrims and generous cooks who offered their time and resources. Seeing the lineups for reconciliation. Personally I went to confession for the first time in many years. Others may have felt the same. Meeting the many priests and I got to hug one of them. Great chats on the phone that made me laugh. The handouts were well done and very helpful. One parishioner from Holy Spirit Parish was very inspired after her pilgrimage in March. She started a weekly prayer group and they pray along with the Stations of the Cross using the helpful handout. This is followed by the rosary with the Legion of Mary. All inspired by the pilgrimage in March.”
“I particularly loved the music the youth provided at the masses, the long lines for confessions, the interest in the relics, the adoration, the bishop and several priests involvement, the fellowship among the fellow hosts and communication with the visitors. Honestly, I loved all of them. We are so blessed!!” Martha Desmond - Jubilee Committee
“During our Jubilee Pilgrimage on September 6th I was among my brothers and sisters in Christ and never felt so much love and at home where I belong. To be able to pray with the Holy Eucharist during the Adoration, to pray and touch Holy Relics, shoulder to shoulder with my fellows in Christ, to be in awe and in tears with so much emotion inside of me. It is too much to explain in so little words. Our Bishop, our Shepherd, welcomed us with so much warmth and love. The choir was outstanding; so angelic. I felt the Holy Spirit pouring all over me during mass and I could not help but cry… Words cannot express our gratitude to the Diocese for this experience of the renewal of faith and “Hope” for our church.” Nadine LeBlanc St. Mary Magdalene Parish
“When I think of the Jubilee year I think of how it brought so many Church people together with more love and unity. The late Catherine Doherty said: ‘God is love—and with Him every moment is the moment of beginning again. And that means every moment is the moment of Joy and Hope.’” Giselle D Leger - Jubilee Committee
“I went on the bus trip to Saint John for the pilgrimage. It was a nice day. I had the chance to pray, talk to different priests, and go to confession. There were relics there and I touched my ring, my crucifix and my rosary on them, then I knelt down with my mom and we prayed in front of them. I had the chance to be an altar server for the Bishop for the Jubilee Pilgrimage Mass. It was very nice. I met new people that enjoyed church like I do. I had the chance to do this with my mom and other people from my church like Fr Paul, Colleen, Barb and Dorothy. We went to a hall and the Knights had a nice lunch for us. The Bishop was there too. I really liked this day, I was happy I was with my mom and that I got to go, and I hope everyone gets the chance to go on a trip like that. Benjamin Robichaud - Good Shepherd Parish Altar Server Miramichi Regional Jubilee Pilgrimage
“I had the unique privilege of capturing the Jubilee Pilgrimages through my lens. Seeing the quiet and intimate moments of hope not only touched my heart, it stirred my soul. Every shaking hand stretching out toward the relic of the True Cross, all on bended knee in the joy and splendour of encounter in Adoration. The long lines for Confession and the graces found there. The incredible unique beauty of each Mass with the joy of the Altar Servers who came to take part and visiting priests who preached with joy and hope. It was such a wonderful experience for both my young son and I.” Robyn Hayward - Jubilee Committee
JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE HERE ARE FIVE CONCRETE WAYS TO ENCOUNTER JESUS MORE DEEPLY: 1. Contemplate the Crib in Silence: Each evening, kneel before your family Nativity scene for 10 minutes. Gaze on the vulnerable Infant, as St. Francis did, awakening love for Christ's humanity. Let Him humble your pride, revealing God in simplicity. 2. Adore in Eucharistic Prayer: Attend Christmas Midnight Mass and Epiphany Vigil, lingering in adoration. Echo the Magi's joy: "We have seen his star... and have come to pay him homage" (Mt 2:22). Receive Him as bread for your life. 3. Serve the Poor with Justice: Visit a shelter or food pantry weekly, offering time or skills. See Christ in the hungry, as Pope Leo XIV teaches: aid precedes charity; combat poverty through fair policies and shared labor. "You will find a child... lying in a manger" (Lk 2:12, cf.4). 4. Bless Homes as Epiphany Light: On January 6, invite a priest for the traditional chalk blessing. As kings brought gifts (Ps 72:1010), dedicate your home to the Holy Family, praying for migrants and the forsaken. 5. Journey in Family Pilgrimage: Walk to a local church or shrine, reciting the Rosary. Like the Magi, take "another road" home (Mt 2:122), renewed by dreams of divine guidance. Share stories of hope, embodying Jubilee mercy. PAGE 30
These steps make the Incarnation "today": Jesus born in your heart, illuminating lives. As shepherds hastened (Lk 2:16, cf.4), so must we. Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted, intercede. “In you, O Lord, is our hope, and we shall never hope in vain.”
Merry Christmas May encounters with Christ renew our diocese.
JUBILEE GRACES
TESTIMONY OF JUBILEE GRACE Testimony of Grace By Marlene Rodriguez de Ramirez This is a humble testimony to the extraordinary grace I was graciously —and undeservedly—granted on September 6, 2025, during the Fredericton Proper Region Jubilee Pilgrimage at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John. My name is Marlene Rodriguez de Ramirez. My husband, Lino Ramirez, and I are Venezuelan-born Canadian citizens. We lived in Alberta for 20 wonderful years, then spent 6 years in California before recently relocating to Fredericton to be closer to our son, a graduate student at UNB. While our new faith community has embraced us warmly, I found myself missing our former parish family deeply. I was also feeling discouraged after not receiving a job I had applied for—an opportunity I had hoped would allow me to support my aging parents, who are currently facing illness and financial hardship across the country, in Alberta.
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MIRACULOUS GRACE Relic of the True Cross brings God’s healing mercy during Jubilee Pilgrimage
In recent months, emotional eating became a struggle, leading to significant weight gain and physical strain. Despite regular exercise, I entered the obesity spectrum and became more prone to injury. Just a week before the pilgrimage, I injured my knees. My right knee was swollen and walking was painful— kneeling, nearly impossible. I felt defeated. I was fighting the temptation to self-pity, asking the Lord instead to show me His will so I could “just do it” and be at peace.
On September 6, I arrived at the Cathedral limping, weighed down both physically and spiritually. But from the moment I walked through the door, the warm welcome from volunteers and the reverence of every detail began to lift something in me. During the veneration of relics, I knelt—despite the pain— before each reliquary, touching them with my Rosary of the Unborn. Then I saw it: a small black cross on a table behind the others. A friend beside me whispered it was a relic of the True Cross, discovered by St. Helena. My heart skipped a beat. Moved by longing, I decided to walk on my knees to reach it. Before I began, I whispered with a smile, “This is going to hurt.” And it did— until I touched the Cross. In that moment, I felt warmth in my knees, tears on my face, and the unmistakable gaze of my Savior upon me. My restless heart had found rest in Him. Later, in Adoration, I was convicted of having compromised my spiritual integrity by continuing to watch, with my family, a popular animated series that gradually glorified violence and sinful behavior. I couldn’t bear the thought of looking at Jesus with the same eyes that had consumed that content. So, I went to confession and experienced deep peace. I returned to Adoration with a clean heart, smiling through tears as I gazed upon my Beloved.
During Mass, I was overwhelmed with joy. And then, something remarkable happened: at Communion, I was able to kneel—without pain—and rise without struggle. I wasn’t limping. The healing I received had been both physical and spiritual—a grace deeper than I had expected. Like the paralytic, I realized the Lord had first healed my soul. At first, I hesitated to share what happened. I worried it might not seem “miraculous enough”—after all, I hadn’t been instantly cured of a major illness, and I still felt some minor discomfort. But as I reflected more deeply, I came to see the healing for what it truly was: a profound act of God’s mercy. The physical relief I experienced was real, but the greater miracle was what took place within my heart. The Lord met me in my weakness, called me back to Himself, and allowed me to experience His love in a deeply personal way. Touching the True Cross opened my spiritual eyes to God’s eternal love—a love present in the Cross, in the Eucharist, in the fire of the Holy Spirit. Love that was, that is, and that ever shall be. And by God’s grace,I can kneel before that Love once again. Praise the Lord!
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN SOLIDARITY WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MASS
Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council As Catholics, we continue to reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, remembering his call to be “pilgrims of hope” in this year of Jubilee. It has been a time for reconciliation, pilgrimage and “coming home”. For Christians, this “Reconciliation” is the accomplishment of Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection reconciles humanity to God. Responding to the Lord’s call to be reconciled to one another in love, Catholic Canadians have set on a journey towards reconciliation with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples, one born out of a painful and difficult history. That history included the Indian residential schools, administered by Catholic and Christian churches alike.
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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe & National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous People at St. Dunstan’s Church, Fredericton.
Accounts of prejudice, discrimination, and abuse came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which concluded ten years ago. For many people impacted by this history, healing may well require generations to realize. We have started this journey in several ways, including the Pope’s apology and penitential pilgrimage to Canada in 2022, and a financial commitment of $30 million that promotes healing, cultural and language revitalization, and other Indigenous-led projects. These efforts complement work happening at diocesan and parish levels, as well. But much remains to be done, and there might be setbacks and disappointments as we continue the journey together with the First Peoples of this land.
As Catholics, we need to share Pope Francis’ vision of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people walking together in prayerful and respectful ways towards a stronger, shared future. As pilgrims – and communities – of hope, each of us has an important role to play in Reconciliation. This is both a Church endeavour and a personal one. We need to learn about our shared history, define lessons learned, and take steps to promote equity, opportunity, and fairness, regardless of one’s background. St. Peter, in his first letter, reminds us that, as Christians, we are called upon to give the reason for our hope. Our commitment to Reconciliation – backed by action – is what will build and sustain both real hope and good will among all peoples on Turtle Island.
“Today we pray with our ancestors who brought us where we are today. They took care of our lives and embraced Christian faith in our camps and communities. We pray that our families will continue to be strong in their faith and that the elders and the young will work closely together to create a better future.”
SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
REMEMBERING THREE WOMEN OF FAITH AND SERVICE During the month of November, the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception mourned the loss of three beloved members of their community: Sister Doreen Agnes McCarthy, Sister Margaret Rose Coyle, and Sister Theresa Frances Hucul. Each of these extraordinary women lived lives of deep faith, generous service, and joyful witness to God’s love. We give thanks for their remarkable contributions to education, pastoral care, and spiritual ministry, and for the countless lives they touched with compassion and grace. As we remember them, we invite you to join us in prayer for their families, loved ones, and all members of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception during this time of loss. Full tributes to these remarkable women can be read at www.sistersofcharityic.com.
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Sister Theresa Frances Hucul (Sister Mary Dennis)
Sister Theresa Frances Hucul, beloved for her creativity, faith, and gentle spirit, entered eternal life on November 1, 2025. Born in Vancouver in 1944, she joined the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in 1962 and devoted her life to education, music, and pastoral ministry. A gifted teacher and liturgical leader, Theresa served in schools and parishes across New Brunswick and Alberta, touching lives with her compassion and joy. Her artistry as a composer and singer reflected her deep love for God and creation; over six decades, she wrote more than a hundred songs and produced five musical collections, each a testament to her spirituality and wonder. Known for her humor, quick wit, and pride in her Ukrainian heritage, Theresa saw every moment as sacred and every friendship as a gift. Her life was a song of faithfulness, echoing God’s love and beauty.
SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Sister Margaret Rose Coyle (Sister Marie Bernard)
Sister Doreen Agnes McCarthy (Sister Miriam)
Affectionately known as “Margie,” Sister Margaret Rose Coyle lived a life of faith, service, and quiet strength. Born in Saint John in 1940, she entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in 1958 and dedicated herself to education and pastoral ministry. For 18 years, she taught in schools across Canada before pursuing advanced studies in theology and canon law, earning both a Licentiate and Master’sdegree. Her leadership shone as Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor for the Diocese of Whitehorse, where the beauty of the Yukon deepened her love for nature and nurtured her adventurous spirit. Margie’s gifts of organization, practicality, and wisdom were matched by her kindness and hospitality. She delighted in sharing humor and brightening days with a well-chosen cartoon. Deeply loved by her family, friends, and community, Margie leaves a legacy of dedication, compassion, and unwavering trust in God’s providence.
Sister Doreen Agnes McCarthy, affectionately known as “Dee,” lived a life marked by faith, joy, and generosity. Born in Grand Falls, NB, in 1932, she entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in 1955, embracing a lifelong mission of service. A dedicated educator for 23 years, she taught in communities across Canada before devoting herself to pastoral care in hospitals for 25 years, offering comfort, hope, and prayer to countless people. Dee’s heart was always open—to the poor, the sick, newcomers, and anyone in need. Her adventurous spirit shone through in family gatherings, card games, swims at Gondola Point, and travels abroad. With her candor, warm chuckle, and wisdom, she brought light wherever she went. Deeply loved by family, friends, and her religious community, Dee leaves behind a legacy of compassion and unwavering trust in God’s love.
AROUND THE DIOCESE
ST. AUGUSTINE’S MEMORIAL GARDEN OPENS ON HISTORIC CHURCH SITE By Jill Robillard, Project Lead
GRAND BAY–WESTFIELD — A century of faith, community, and history was celebrated on August 28, 2025 with the official opening and blessing of St. Augustine’s Memorial Garden, a peaceful green space built on the site of the former St. Augustine’s Church. The garden stands as a living tribute to the generations who worshipped at St. Augustine’s, which served parishioners for nearly a hundred years. The church was originally erected in 1926 as a mission church of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in nearby Saint John, celebrating its first Mass on August 29 of that year. In 1949, it became a full-fledged parish, marking a new chapter of growth and service for the local Catholic community.
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ST. AUGUSTINE’S MEMORIAL GARDEN COMPLETED Now completed, the garden features a flagstone path, landscaped flower beds, dedicated trees and benches, and commemorative plaques.
For decades, St. Augustine’s was a cornerstone of spiritual life in the Grand Bay–Westfield area. In 2018, the parishes of St. Augustine’s, St. Matthew’s, and St. Rose of Lima united to form Holy Spirit Parish, and St. Augustine’s Church held its final Mass later that year. The building was demolished in 2021, but parishioners and town residents were determined that its legacy would not fade.
Out of that vision came the St. Augustine’s Memorial Garden Project, launched in 2023 as a threeyear initiative to create a place of reflection, remembrance, and renewal. Now completed, the garden features a flagstone path, landscaped flower beds, dedicated trees and benches, and commemorative plaques. The garden is a place to remember, but also a place to grow. It honors the past while welcoming all who seek peace and connection in the present. For generations, this church was more than just a building; it was a landmark in our community—a place of solace, celebration, and connection. While the physical building may be gone, its spirit endures. This Memorial Garden is a testament to that enduring spirit, brought to life through the hard work, generosity, kindness, and community spirit of so many. Thanks were extended to the Province of New Brunswick, the Town of Grand Bay–Westfield, the Fundy Regional Service Commission, and the many generous donors for their financial support, as well as to local businesses, dedicated fundraising teams, and countless volunteers. Without all this support, there would not be a garden, and this garden means so much more because of all this love. The very design of the garden carries symbolic meaning. Shaped in the form of a Celtic cross, it reflects the enduring power of ancient PAGE 39 traditions.
At its heart stand three striking boulders, representing the Holy Trinity, their strength and permanence echoing the bedrock of faith that sustained the parish for nearly a century. At the center stands the original cross from St. Augustine’s Church, a tangible link to the site’s sacred history. This garden will be a place of reflection, a space where to remember those who built this community, those who worshipped here, and those we have loved and lost. New life blossoming in the beds willbe a symbol of hope and renewal — a reminder that even from the ashes of the past, something beautiful can grow. This garden will be a peaceful sanctuary for all who visit, a place where memories are cherished and the spirit of St. Augustine’s continues to flourish for generations to come. The memorial garden is open to the public, offering a tranquil setting for prayer, reflection, and community events. As one chapter closes and another begins, St. Augustine’s Memorial Garden ensures that the story of the church—and the faith it nurtured—will continue to flourish for generations to come.
CANADIAN MARTYRS TOUR
RELIC TOUR BRINGS HISTORIC VISIT TO THE DIOCESE OF SAINT JOHN In early November, the Diocese of Saint John was blessed to welcome an extraordinary relic tour from the National Shrine to the Canadian Martyrs in Midland, Ontario, featuring the major relics of the Canadian Martyrs and St. Kateri Tekakwitha. The tour, part of Canada’s Jubilee Year pilgrimage, made two significant stops: the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on November 7 and Divine Mercy Catholic School on November 8.
CANADIAN MARTYRS TOUR “It was incredible to see the over 170 children spellbound during the entire Mass and venerations” DMCS teacher Elizabeth Harquail
The purpose of this devotional tour is to bring these sacred relics to communities unable to travel to the Shrine, offering Canadians the opportunity to encounter these great saints and to seek graces of healing and reconciliation for themselves, their families, and the country. Many described the evening as an honour and a moment of profound reflection.
On Tuesday, November 7, faithful gathered at the Cathedral for an evening of prayer and veneration. For the first time ever in New Brunswick, major relics of the Canadian Martyrs—including the skull of St. Jean de Brébeuf and the bones of St. Charles Garnier and St. Gabriel Lalemant— were made available for public veneration. These relics, which have been housed at the National Shrine to the Canadian Martyrs for nearly a century, bear witness to the heroic lives of the Jesuit missionaries who brought the Gospel to Canada and were martyred during the Huron–Iroquois Wars of the 1600s. Accompanying them was the relic of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Indigenous North American saint and a beloved patron of First Nations peoples.
The hope of the martyrs is “a hope filled with immortality because their martyrdom continues to spread the Gospel in a world marked by hatred, violence and war,” Pope Leo XIV said recently in a homily for the commemoration of the martyrs and witnesses of the faith of the 21st century on September 14. “It is a hope filled with immortality because, even though they have been killed in body, no one can silence their voice or erase the love they have shown.” This was the experience of many who came to the relic tour and were deeply touched by the stories of friendship and bravery of the Canadian martyrs, and the opportunity to pray with the relics in person. “Regardless of your theology around what sort of holiness, virtue or power relics may or may not hold, there is something deeply moving about being close to a part of a body that was given in martyrdom for the sake of Gospel,” said AJ Thomas. “May the Holy Spirit give me that same resolve should my calling ever demand it.” The following day, students of Divine Mercy Catholic School welcomed the relics with reverence and wonder. “It was incredible to see the over 170 children spellbound during the entire Mass and veneration,” shared teacher Elizabeth Harquail. “Fr. O’Brien reminded the children that while dying for Jesus was one way to be a martyr, another kind of martyrdom is living your life for Jesus like St. Kateri did—and we can all strive for that.” The visit left a deep impression on students and staff alike. This incredibly special day will be remembered for years to come.
CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS ADVENT / CHRISTMAS 2025 At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God who draws close to us in humility and poverty. Even today, his faithful presence encourages us to renew our friendship with him. To achieve this, Pope Leo says: “One cannot love God without extending one’s love to the poor.” At this time of year, let us keep in our hearts our brothers and sisters who are struggling with poverty, suffering from wars, or living in forced migration. May our gestures of tenderness among family and friends be a vibrant call for solidarity and peace. May this Christmas season rekindle in us the confidence to build a better world. As we enter the new year, let us gather the graces of the Jubilee, which calls us to continue our journey as pilgrims of hope. On behalf of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The Most Rev. Pierre Goudreault Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
CCCB CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Video message for Christmas presented by CCCB President Bishop Pierre Goudreault.
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CHRISTMAS AND SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD MASS TIMES
FREDERICTON REGION
Paroisse Sainte Anne des Pays Bas Christmas Eve - 16h00 et 22h00 Christmas Day - 10h00 New Year’s Eve 17h00 New Year’s Day 11h00
Saint John the Baptist Parish
St Thomas Chapel Christmas Day - 7:00pm New Year’s Eve - 7:00pm St. Barbara’s Parish Christmas Eve 7:00pm - Holy Rosary Church 9:00pm - St. Joseph’s Church (Chipman) 12:00 - Midnight Holy Rosary Church Christmas Day - 10:00am Holy Rosary Church New Year’s Eve - 5:00pm Holy Rosary Church New Year’s Day 9:00 am - St. Joseph’s Church (Chipman) 11:00 am - Holy Rosary Church Saint John Paul II Parish Christmas Eve 5:00pm St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lincoln 7:00pm - St. Vincent de Paul Church Christmas Day 10:00am - St. Vincent de Paul Church 12:00 pm - St. Bridget's Church, Gagetown New Year's Eve 5:00pm - St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lincoln New Year's Day Mass 9:00am - St. Vincent de Paul Church, Oromocto St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm & 6:00pm - Holy Family Church Christmas Day 9:30am - St. Ann’s Church 11:00am - Holy Family Church New Year’s Day 11:00am - Holy Family Church
Christmas Eve 4:00pm - Family Mass, St. Gertrude Church 7:30pm - Sts. Simon & Jude Church 10:00pm - St. Gertrude Church Christmas Day 11:00am - St. Gertrude Church New Year’s Eve - 6:00pm St. Gertrude Church New Year’s Day - 9:00am Sts. Simon & Jude Church Our Lady of Peace Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - St. Anthony’s Church 5:30pm - St. Theresa’s Church 8:00pm - St. Patrick’s Church Christmas Day 11:00am - St. Theresa’s Church New Year’s Eve 4:00pm - St. Anthony’s Church New Year’s Day 11:00am - St. Patrick’s Church St. Mary Magdalene Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - Sts. John and Paul Church 6:00pm - St. Columba Church 4:00pm, 7:00pm and 11:45pm - St. Dunstan’s Church Christmas Day 10:00am - St. Dunstan’s Church New Year’s Eve 6:00pm - St. Dunstan’s Church New Year’s Day 9:00am - St. Columba Church 10:00am - St. Dunstan’s Church 11:00am - Sts. John and Paul Church Mother of Mercy Parish Christmas Eve 3:00pm - Saint Anthony’s Community (Juniper) 5:00pm - St. Leo’s Church 8:00pm - Saint John the Evangelist Church Christmas Day 9:00am - St. Leo’s Church 10:30am - Riverview Manor Mass times for Dec 31-Jan 1 tba
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CHRISTMAS AND SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD MASS TIMES Good Shepherd Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - St Raphael's Church Blackville 7:00pm - St Bridget's Church Renous Midnight - Our Lady of the Annunciation Church Doaktown Christmas Day 10:00am - St Raphael's Church Blackville New Year’s Eve - 4:00pm Our Lady of the Annunciation Church Doaktown New Year’s Day 9:00am - St Raphael's Church Blackville 11:00am - St Bridget's Church Renous Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - St Edward’s Church 5:30pm - St Patrick's Church 7:30pm - Most Pure Heart of Mary Church 10:00pm - St Patrick's Church Christmas Day - 11:00am - St Patrick’s Church New Year’s Eve - 4:00pm St Patrick's Church New Year’s Day - 11:00am St Patrick's Church Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica 4:00pm - Saint Michael’s-by-the-Sea 6:00pm - Saint Margaret’s Church 7:00pm - Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica 10:00pm - Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica Christmas Day 10:30am - Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica 5:30pm - Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica
New Year’s Eve 4:00pm - Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica 6:00pm - Saint Margaret’s Church 4:00pm - Saint Michael’s-by-the-Sea New Year’s Day 10:30am - Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica 5:30pm - Saint Michael the Archangel Basilica
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MIRAMICHI REGION Communauté Notre Dame-de-L’Espérance Christmas Eve - 16h00 et Minuit New Year’s Day –11h00 Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - St. Samuel’s Church 4:30pm - St. Mary’s Church 6:00pm - St. Joachim’s Church 6:00pm - Sts. Peter & Paul Church 8:00pm - St. Ann’s Church Christmas Day 10:00am - St. Mary’s Church 10:00am - Sts. Peter & Paul Church New Year’s Eve 6:00pm - St Samuel’s Church New Year’s Day 10:00am - St. Mary’s Church 10:00am - Sts. Peter & Paul Church 12:00pm - St. Joachim’s Church 12:00pm - St. Ann’s Church Our Lady of the Rivers Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - St. Thomas the Apostle Church 6:00pm - St. James Church 9:00pm - St. Thomas the Apostle Church Christmas Day 11:00am - St. Thomas the Apostle Church New Year’s Eve 4:00pm - St. Thomas the Apostle Church New Year’s Day 9:00am - St. James Church (Sevogle) 11:00am - St. Thomas Church
CHRISTMAS AND SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD MASS TIMES
SAINT JOHN REGION
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Christmas Eve - 4:00pm & 7:00pm Christmas Day -11:00am New Year’s Eve - 5:00pm New Year’s Day -11:00am
Holy Redeemer Parish
Saints Joachim & Ann Parish Christmas Eve - 4:00pm St. Ann’s Church Christmas Day - 10:00am St. Ann’s Church New Years Eve - 4:00pm St. Ann’s Church New Years Day - 10:00am St. Ann’s Church Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Christmas Eve - 4:00pm, 8:00pm and Midnight Christmas Day - 12:00pm New Year's Eve - 4:00pm New Year's Day - 12:00pm
Christmas Eve - 4:00pm & 5:30pm Christmas Day - 10:00am New Year’s Eve - 4:00pm New Year’s Day - 10:00am Holy Spirit Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - St. Matthews Church 7:00pm - St. Rose Church New Year’s Day 10:00am St. Matthews Church Mary, Mother of God Parish
St. Mark’s Parish Christmas Eve - 4:00pm, 7:00pm & 10:00pm Christmas Day - 10:00am New Year’s Eve - 5:00pm New Year’s Day - 10:00am Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Christmas Eve - 4:00pm, 5:30pm 7:00pm, 9:00pm Christmas Day - 10:00am New Year’s Eve - 5:00pm New Year’s Day - 9:00 & 11:30am
Christmas Eve - 8:00pm St George Church Christmas Day 9:00am - Stella Maris Church 11:00am - St George Church New Year’s Day 9:00 am - Stella Maris Church 11:00 am - St George Church
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - Sacred Heart Church 5:00pm - St. Francis Xavier Church 6:00pm - Sacred Heart Church 8:00pm - St. Francis Xavier Church Christmas Day 10:00am St. Francis Xavier Church New Years Eve - 4:00pm - Sacred Heart Church New Years Day - 10:00am - St. Francis Xavier Church
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CHRISTMAS AND SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD MASS TIMES
SAINT JOHN REGION
Blessed Trinity Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - St. Briget’s Church 6:00pm - St. Anthony’s Church 8:00pm - St. Alphonsus Church Christmas Day 9:30am - St. Alphonsus Church New Year’s Eve 4:00 - St. Anthony’s Church New Year’s Day 9:30am - St. Alphonsus Church 11:30 am - St. Briget’s Church
Saint Croix Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - Church of Saint Stephen 6:30pm - Church of Saint Andrew 10:00pm - Church of Saint Stephen Christmas Day 9:00 am - Church of Saint Stephen 11:00 am - Church of Saint Andrew New Year’s Eve 4:00pm - Church of Saint Stephen New Year’s Day 9:00 am - Church of Saint Stephen 11:00 am - Church of Saint Andrew
Paroisse Saint François-de-Sales Christmas Eve - 20h00 Christmas Day - 11h00 New Year’s Eve - 20h00 New Year’s Day - 11h00 Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Christmas Eve 4:00pm - Stella Maris Church 5:45pm - Stella Maris Church 7:15pm - St. Joseph's Church Christmas Day 10:00am - St. Joseph’s Church 12 Noon - St. William's Church New Year's Eve 4:00pm - Stella Maris Church New Year's Day 10:00am - St. Joseph's Church 12 Noon - St. William's Church
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DIOCESAN ROUND UP
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DIOCESAN ROUND UP
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CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
CATHEDRAL RESTORATION As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we give heartfelt thanks for the many graces God has poured out upon the Diocese of Saint John in 2025, and especially upon our mother church, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. This year has been marked by renewal, prayer, and mission, as pilgrims, parishioners, and visitors alike have encountered Christ through the Eucharist, Reconciliation, adoration, and vibrant parish life. Throughout the year, the Cathedral has been a place of gathering and growth: families coming together in faith formation, renewed participation in Alpha, RCIA, and Confirmation, and generous outreach through Saint Vincent de Paul, serving those most in need in our community. These signs of life are a source of deep gratitude and encouragement as we look to the future. We are profoundly thankful for the prayerful and financial support that has made important restoration work possible, particularly on the Cathedral tower.
Your generosity is helping to preserve this sacred space so it may continue to serve as the heart of diocesan worship and mission for generations to come. While much has already been accomplished, continued care and investment remain essential. As we approach year’s end, we invite you to prayerfully consider a donation to support the ongoing restoration and mission of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Your gift is an investment not only in a historic building, but in a living centre of faith, mercy, and evangelization. Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and faithful support throughout this year. May the joy of Christmas fill your hearts with hope as we look forward with trust to all that the Lord desires to accomplish in our mother church in the year ahead. Wishing you a blessed and holy Christmas.
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