REBUILD MY CHURCH Stewardship Report 2025
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Rebuild my Church- 2025 Stewardship Report
Table of Contents 4 6 7 8
Message From Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC Rebuild my Church Annual Report Diocesan Mission and Vision Worship and Sacraments From Maintenance to Mission: Divine Renovation’s Impact in the Diocese
10 Diocesan Archives – a Historical Treasure 13 Youth Ministry Grows Through Challenges 14 Faith High School Youth Faith Testimony Heart Transformed at a Time 17 One Steubenville Atlantic Encounter Jesus - New family 18 Families catechesis program in the Diocese of Saint John
25 Parish Support De Paul Outreach 27 Saint Vincent DIOCESE OF SAINT JOHN 29 Passing on the Joy of Service
and Hope 30 Unity Fredericton Regional Confirmations
32 The Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception: Cathedral Restoration Gains Momentum
36 Diocesan Revenue 37 Diocesan Expenses 38 Diocesan Act of Entrustment
in Action 20 Catechesis St. Dunstan’s Church (St. Mary Magdalene Parish)
Apostles Through Cursillo 22 Forming Saint Michael The Archangel Parish
23 Vocations Update Page 02
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Message From Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC
Through prayer, evangelization, stewardship and service, each of us has a role to play in the Lord's work of rebuilding his Church in our time. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am pleased to present our 2025 Stewardship Report, Rebuild my Church.
✠ CHRISTIAN RIESBECK,CC BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF SAINT JOHN
This year’s theme is inspired by words spoken by Jesus to St. Francis of Assisi in this Jubilee Year of the 800th anniversary of his death. While St. Francis first understood this as a call to restore a small church, he soon discovered that Jesus was inviting him to help renew hearts and revitalize the life of the Church. Page 04
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Message From Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC The same Jesus who spoke to St. Francis centuries ago continues to speak to us today, calling us to be missionary disciples following in the steps of the holy saint of Assisi, whose life inspires us to missionary service. Led by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel and the Eucharist, we are called to raise up disciples who are joyfully living out the mission, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and making disciples of others. Through prayer, evangelization, stewardship and service, each of us has a role to play in the Lord's work of rebuilding his Church in our time. The pages that follow highlight many signs of hope and renewal: the graces of the 2025 Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope, during which over a thousand pilgrims participated in First Saturday pilgrimages to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and encountered Jesus through prayer, adoration, the veneration of relics, and Mass; significant progress in our new family catechesis initiative, Families Encounter Jesus; continued investment in youth and young adult ministry, vocations, parish support, diocesan archives, a new Cathedral Heritage Foundation (CHF) Board of Directors, and outreach across our diocesan family. These are just some of the many ways God continues to renew and rebuild his Church among us. I am grateful to our clergy, diocesan and parish staff and volunteers, who offer their time, talent, and treasure so generously in support of our mission. From the bottom of my heart, I also want to thank all of you, the lay faithful, who as co-labourers in the vineyard support this work through prayer, presence, participation, and sacrifice. Stewardship is what we do after we say, "I believe." Through responsible stewardship and joyful witness, may our efforts continue to help others encounter Jesus and experience the hope that only he can give. "Do not be afraid, then, to show that you are Christians, to live the Gospel with enthusiasm, and to share the joy that springs from encountering the Lord" (Pope Leo XIV). ✠ Christian Riesbeck, CC
Bishop of Saint John
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Diocesan Mission and Vision OUR MISSION Led by the Holy Spirit through the
Gospel and the Eucharist, we are called to raise up disciples who are joyfully
living out the mission, proclaiming the
Good News of Jesus Christ, and making disciples of others.
OUR VISION Led by the Holy Spirit, all the faithful (clergy, consecrated and lay) have a
deep and personal relationship with
Jesus and his Church; all parishes are welcoming, invitational and vibrant communities where people are
evangelized, discipled, and missioned to go and make disciples of others (Matthew 28:19-20).
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Worship and Sacraments
CELEBRATION OF SACRAMENTS
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BAPTISMS 2025 2024 316 348
PROFESSIONS OF FAITH 2025 2024 29 17
FIRST COMMUNIONS 2025 2024 240 267
MARRIAGES 2025 2024 55 64
CONFIRMATIONS 2025 2024 212 131
FUNERALS 2025 2024 638 667 www.dioceseofsaintjohn.org
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From Maintenance to Mission: Divine Renovation’s Impact in the Diocese
PATRICK GIGUERE CATHEDRAL VISIONING TEAM
For the past three years, Divine Renovation has been a significant source of encouragement, clarity, and practical support for renewal at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. We realized their mission aligned with the direction discerned by the Cathedral Visioning Team and quickly came to appreciate their gospel-rootedness, practical wisdom and enthusiastic accompaniment which helped us move much more quickly and surely from a ‘maintenance mode’ of leading the church to a ‘missionary mode.’ We are moving from simply asking, “How do we keep things going?” to a deeper and more evangelical question: “How is the Lord calling us to make disciples?” And that has already made a huge difference . The Genesis Compass, the more recent parish renewal curriculum produced by Divine Renovation Ministry, has guided us through 4 modules of reflection and implementation so far. We started with missional prayer as the foundation of renewal. Then we launched Alpha in the context of reflecting on the importance of including an evangelization initiative in our programming. We have since run 3 more Alpha programs averaging about 60 participants each session plus a dedicated volunteer team of about 25 people excited to serve the greater community this way. We then got to work on developing a vision for the community guided by the diocesan mission and vision and the principles of Divine Renovation. Now our most recent accomplishment has been the formation of a Senior Leadership Team which has for a purpose the support of the pastoral team, helping to discern direction and implement the vision previously discerned. Personally, as parish renewal guide, I have been very grateful for the accompaniment Divine Renovation has provided. Eric and the DR team have helped me, and our priests, name both the challenges and the opportunities before us with greater confidence. Their support has not simply been theoretical. It has included regular conversation, encouragement, practical resources, and just good vulnerable friendship which is often difficult for leaders to find. Page 08
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From Maintenance to Mission: Divine Renovation’s Impact in the Diocese
One of the real gifts of Divine Renovation is that they provide a framework that parish leaders can actually work through together that includes great formation, dedicated times of prayer and retreat, and practical ways to implement what is learned in each module. The training materials and resources have helped our team grow in a shared language and vision for renewal. Divine Renovation has reminded us again and again that renewal is not primarily about programs, but about culture: a culture of evangelization, leadership, and openness to the power of the Holy Spirit. Another important moment for us was the visit our leadership team made last year to St. Benedict Parish, where Divine Renovation began. That weekend gave us the chance to have real conversations with parish leaders who are farther down the road of renewal than we are. It was encouraging to see that the renewal we are praying for is possible, and that it grows through patient leadership, clear vision, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. This year, the impact of Divine Renovation has also begun to spread more broadly through the diocese. DR has provided accompaniment and support to priests, begun working with other parishes such as St. Michael the Archangel, and helped spark important conversations with priests and parish leaders. The presentation at Villa Madonna in December was an important moment of shared vision, helping many of us recognize that the call to move from maintenance to mission is not just a Cathedral concern, but a diocesan one. In that sense, donor support for this work is already bearing fruit on the ground. It is helping parish leaders become more intentional, more hopeful, and more equipped to lead communities that are welcoming, invitational, and missionary. The seeds being planted now at the Cathedral and beyond have the potential to bless the entire diocese for years to come.
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Diocesan Archives – a Historical Treasure
MARY MCDEVITT DIOCESAN ARCHIVIST
The mandate of the Archives of the Diocese of Saint John is to house, preserve, and catalogue data, documents, and artifacts of ecclesiastical and historical relevance to the diocese, and to facilitate access to those materials when required. New materials are being added to our collections and our files regularly. The Archives houses a large and valuable collection of the libraries of the early bishops, many of the books dating back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. There are, as well, several volumes that predate 1700. The bulk of the books are from Bishop John Sweeney’s library, due to his forty-year tenure as bishop. Clearly, he was a voracious reader. The library section also includes many of the original church registers, dating back to 1820. There are also original minute books and other records of various diocesan organizations and societies, priests’ journals, old financial records, and documents. Since old church registers are used most frequently, photocopies of the original books have been made, over the years, to eliminate the need to consult the originals, which are often frail. We also have collections of cemetery and interment records, census records, church and family history books, maps, and various other aids to genealogical searches. In fact, the bulk of inquiries we receive deal with genealogy. Lately, there has been a deluge of requests for original documents for purposes of applying for Canadian citizenship. We also deal with inquiries about the histories of the various churches, and occasionally, help students with research projects. Some inquiries are made by phone, or in person, the overwhelmingly, they are by email.
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Diocesan Archives – a Historical Treasure Over the years we have compiled historical files on the history and evolution of the diocese itself, as well as the churches of the diocese, past and present. There are biographical files on the bishops and priests that have served over the years. These files, particularly those of the bishops, are quite extensive and include photos, documents, newspaper clippings, various liturgical events, sermons etc. In addition, we have compiled historical files on Catholic organizations, societies, schools, and universities, as well as some brief biographies. The archives house a large collection of photographs – bishops and priests, churches, Catholic schools and universities, sports teams, graduation pictures, first communion and confirmation pictures, and various events of interest relating to the church and the Catholic community. These are welcomed by in-office researchers. A major project that I, along with the help of various summer student researchers, have been working on for thirty-odd years, is something we’ve titled “The Family Reconstruction Project”. Since our most complete set of records are those of the Saint John region, we began there. Starting with the first church register, St Malachy’s, we began a ‘family group sheet’ for the first entry. We went chronologically through the years, either adding to existing sheets or beginning new ones. As we finished one year, we moved on to the next. The Saint John area records included Charlotte County, St. Martin’s, Musquash, and the King’s County missions (centered in Sussex). We have the whole Saint John area families completed up to 1900, and in some cases, a few years beyond. We then began the Fredericton area records, and the Miramichi area records, using the same methodology. Since our set of records for these latter two regions is not as complete as those of the Saint John region ones, we have, in some cases, not yet reached 1900. We’ve gone from one binder of sheets to about 140 binders. In the process, photocopies were made of the records for which we had the originals, thus eliminating the need to consult the original fragile record books. Some parishes had made their own photocopies and kindly gave us a set. All the family sheets were cross-referenced with census records, interment records, tombstone inscriptions, and various other genealogical sources. All the books have been cross-referenced by the name of the wife in each case. Several duplicates were found while doing this. Every effort was made to copy the records exactly. We then cross-referenced the regions with one another. As you can imagine, over the years many researchers have added information for our sheets, and they are continually being updated as new sources become available.
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Diocesan Archives – a Historical Treasure In fact, all this cataloguing, filing, and re-organizing etc. is an ongoing process. New additions are incorporated regularly. We receive hundreds of emails and other inquiries yearly. Overwhelmingly, people are delighted with the information we are able to provide, surprised by the quantity and quality of our resources. Many are referred to us by diocesan website, the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, the Saint John Public Library, and various genealogical societies and former researchers. I am sometimes called on to speak to organizations and groups about various aspects of our diocesan history. I have found the Archives to be a very positive link, not only to our own community, but to the larger Catholic community that extends beyond our boundaries. It is clear from their reaction that sense of community is heightened by increased knowledge of family history, and of the historical context in which that history is set. Many a hopeful inquiry has led to the revelation of long-lost ancestors, and with it, a desire to know more about the diocese, and to come visit the churches and graveyards and other significant landmarks of the Catholic Church in New Brunswick. I have derived tremendous enjoyment and satisfaction from my nearly forty years working in this position – both from the interpersonal and the purely academic aspects of the job. The positive feedback is very fulfilling. The place is a treasure.
A very special thank you to Mary McDevitt who retired as Diocesan Archivist in June 2026 after 40 years of dedicated service. We welcome Marijke Blok, who succeeded her in this important role on June 16, 2026.
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Youth Ministry Our youth are helping to rebuild the Church today and leading it into tomorrow. Supporting them in faith formation, leadership, and service empowers them to carry forward the mission of the Diocese of Saint John, shining Christ’s light in every corner of our community.
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." — Hebrews 13:7
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Faith Grows Through Challenges
CHRISTINA BELL
TESTIMONY FROM DOSJ HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH RETREAT
Hey everybody, my name is Christina, and this is my testimony. I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase of “I didn’t meet God in a church.” And some people may not fully understand that concept so, let me tell you about a story of mine. Growing up, my family and I always went to Mass as it was a non-negotiable rule. I always followed along because well, I didn’t have a choice. And to me, for many years, church was just seen as a boring service I had to attend every Sunday at 11:00 am. As a former student of Divine Mercy Catholic School, I will come to say that the school has helped shaped a part of me I am proud to own which is a relationship with God. For the 8 years I was there, I attended chapel every morning, sang to worship music, and as I approached grade 5, I realized, that this combination of worship felt like my true comfort. Of course, by me being so young, I didn’t have a full grasp on what was going on, but I look back now and realize that was the Holy Spirit touching an innocent child’s soul. Came my first year of high school. Many aspects of my life shifted when I transitioned from Divine Mercy into the environment of a public high school. As people got to know me there, I was usually referred to as “the Christian girl” and while that may trigger a nerve in some, I personally was never ashamed of it. I don’t know why. I just never was. I was always open about my beliefs and never thought bad about doing so. Peers from my middle school that I have reconnected with in high school have spoken to me within the past year and have said how they’ve come to admire that I was always so open about my faith. These thoughts shared by my friends, taught me the lasting impact of living and preaching my love for Christ. Page 14
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Faith Grows Through Challenges God had spoken to me in some way. I may not have Through preparation for the newcomers’ arrival, we came together as a parish and formed understood completely but I knew that I was heard by Him relationships with many parishioners we only knew by name.e Sponsor Group With that said, many of those people don’t know that my faith was not only shown to me by church, but by God subtly showing that He was there walking with me. For example, about three years ago now, my grandfather was very ill. Now, he had suffered and battled with a countless amount of health issues including cancer, multiple times. At this time, he had been healthy for a while, but something had popped up the doctors came to notice. One night, my family got the news from my dad that the doctors had started a blood testing process that would take approximately two days for us to know for sure if cancer was back in his body. And though the doctors were certain the results would come back positive for cancer, they wanted to double check anyways before starting any treatment. I deeply remember how distorted I felt in my bedroom that night. I sat on my bed with my back leaning against the wall around 11 o’clock at night only bearing to stare at my ceiling. I had my lamp on, and my window open blowing the cool summer air into my room hoping for some comfort. I knew that I was yearning for something, anything. I looked around my room and just then my eyes fell upon my bible on my dresser. I picked it up. Holding it in my hands I asked God this one question. “Lord, please, help me in this moment, and let me flip to a page I need right now.” As I flipped open my bible, I was interrupted by a sudden joyful scream in the street outside of my house. I then turned quickly to look out my window, yet I saw nothing. Even though I could’ve sworn the scream was right outside, all I saw was a bare road, lit by streetlights, with no one around. It was so random to me that I decided to pay no more attention to it. I then picked my bible back up and seen that I had flipped to a page in the book of Proverbs. I looked to the top lefthand corner of the first page, and I’ll never forget what it read. “Wisdom cries out in the streets; in the squares she raises her voice.” I then placed my bible on my lap and sat there, jaw dropped. That night I didn’t understand the full relationship between the actual scream in the street and the verse, but I knew one thing. God had spoken to me in some way. I may not have understood completely but I knew that I was heard by Him.
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Faith Grows Through Challenges The next day, once I had some time to reflect, I went to my mom, and I told her what had happened. Then I asked her “do you think God was trying to tell me I was being wise. You know from praying for grampie?” she said, “I don’t know hun, could’ve been.” Of course, I didn’t expect her to really know the “hidden meaning” behind what had happened but, I thought it was Through preparation for the newcomers’ arrival, we came together as a parish and formed something to share. relationships with many parishioners we only knew by name.e Sponsor Group On the same day my house received a call from my grandmother. She told us that the test results came back a day early and it turned out that he did not have cancer. Just then did I feel a shiver down my spine. I, of course went to tell my dad. This was HIS father after all. After I told him my story with the bible verse, he smiled at me and nodded his head. I didn’t know if he appreciated it or believed me, but I understand now that there must’ve been so much going through his head that he was panicked but relieved. Appreciating the prayer offered up from his 12-year-old daughter. And while my grandfather is in his eternal rest now, I will always be beyond thankful that he stayed for a little while longer. I’m proud to say that story was one of my stabilizers for my Catholic faith. And while it may not be a showstopper for some, it matters deeply to me as it revealed God’s grace to me at a very young age. As I grew up, met more people, and found who I was, I knew that God had to be the centre of my life. And if you know anything about me, you will know I’m not convinced easily and while that can have some downsides, it’s been more of a blessing. I’ve had others question my faith strongly and even make fun of me for it, but it honestly never affected me in any way because I know that those people have yet to open their eyes to God’s love. God can be unexpected but that’s only a sliver of what makes His work so beautiful. When I was little, I never would’ve imagined how central I have made God in my life now. I never wanted to attend Mass more than I had to or go to adoration with my dad every week when he offered. Only a few months ago have a genuinely wanted to attend weekly Mass and adoration. With that, I rarely take time to look back on it but as I’m speaking about it now and reviewing it all over again, it is truly incredible how God can change a person so fast. He can change you through testimonies of others, or just by who you’re surrounded with. The time that I got an anchor on loving, Catholic friends that would pray for me, have deep conversations with me about Catholicism and show me true care I immediately noticed a switch that flipped in my soul. The key takeaway from this testimony is that faith grows through challenges. My whole life, I’ve learned that when problems arise, my faith has a chance to grow deeper and stronger. I also want all of you to know that your love for God is something to own, so please, do not let anything of this world persuade you otherwise.
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One Heart Transformed at a Time
YANA ERECILLA STEUBENVILLE ATLANTIC
I joined Steubenville for the first time this year and my experience is definitely something I cherish. I joined Steubenville not knowing what to expect and I went home with a stronger faith in my walk with Christ. The highlight of my weekend was definitely adoration, it was the time when I felt closest to God. During adoration I felt an overwhelming amount of peace in my heart and it felt like all the unwanted baggage I have been carrying with me was lifted. It was a lot of mixed emotions all at once and in a good way too, I felt relief because I just surrendered everything to God and I feel healed and worthy. I was crying during adoration too, it was genuinely just so peaceful and I would love to do it all over again. If you get the chance to come, grab it. Because Steubenville was genuinely life changing experience. All glory to God!”
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Families Encounter Jesus New family catechesis program in the Diocese of Saint John After more than thirty years as a catechist, I’ve had the joy of engaging with so many wonderful young people. Their enthusiasm, questions, and growing love for Jesus have been a constant blessing. Yet over time, I’ve noticed that I haven’t often had the chance to journey closely with their families. For many years, parents were encouraged to simply drop off their children for faith formation, trusting that the parish would “take care of it.” As we now know, this model doesn’t help parents gain the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to be the primary providers of faith for their children. Some youth have quietly shared that their parents struggle to attend Mass regularly with life’s demands, and that faith at home often becomes most visible only during the sacrament years. Too many children still see Confirmation as “graduation” from church—clear signs that something deeper is missing. Families are loving and well intentioned, but many have never been given the tools to build the domestic church in everyday life. With busy schedules, competing activities, and the pressures of modern culture, it’s easy for families to choose what feels convenient. Today, faith is often misunderstood as boring, rule‑focused, or disconnected from real life, leaving families unsure of how to begin. This is why our new family‑centered faith formation is so exciting. Families today are longing for meaning, connection, and hope. They want their children to know Jesus, but they need encouragement, support, and simple ways to weave faith naturally into daily routines. Our new approach equips parents with practical tools while surrounding them with accompaniment from catechists and parish priests. Together, we can help families rediscover that faith is not one more thing to add to the schedule—it’s a joyful way of living.
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth." — 3 John 1:4
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Families Encounter Jesus New family catechesis program in the Diocese of Saint John In collaboration with the Diocese of Charlottetown, we have developed Families Encounter Jesus, a family catechesis initiative already drawing interest from other dioceses across Atlantic Canada. Catechists from several dioceses have participated in online and in‑person formation focused on teaching from one’s personal encounter with Christ. Using Dr. James Pauley’s An Evangelizing Catechesis: Teaching from Your Encounter with Christ, catechists learned a renewed philosophy and practical steps to help reshape how the Catholic faith is shared with families. We were deeply encouraged to have Dr. Pauley, a Professor of Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, review this program, provide feedback and give his support to the initiative, even meeting with our catechists to affirm and encourage them in their work. Families Encounter Jesus places parents at the center as the primary educators of the Catholic faith. Catechists and parish priests walk alongside them, offering support, witness, and practical guidance so faith can be lived joyfully at home. This approach strengthens the domestic church, helping families rediscover that the home is the first and most important place where faith is learned, practiced, and shared. Catechists will teach with hearts prepared, sharing their own encounters with Jesus and modeling a relational, joy‑filled proclamation of the Kerygma—Jesus’ saving love. Beginning in September, pilot parishes will launch Families Encounter Jesus, equipping catechetical teams to accompany families as they grow in faith. Using the YOUCAT for Kids, YOUCAT for Youth, and a simple five‑step process, families will learn, pray, and grow together—encountering Jesus not only in the parish, but in the heart of their homes.
PATRICIA LEE DIRECTOR OF CATECHESIS
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Catechesis in Action St. Dunstan’s Church (St. Mary Magdalene Parish) At St. Dunstan’s Church (St. Mary Magdalene Parish), faith formation is coming alive through meaningful encounters, shared leadership, and the witness of kindness across generations. From the youngest students to teen leaders stepping into responsibility, the parish continues to nurture a living faith rooted in gratitude, service, and community. The young catechism students at St. Dunstan’s have learned many important lessons throughout the year, with gratitude and kindness standing at the heart of their formation. Around Easter, the children visited the Stations of the Cross at the church, where they learned about figures such as Veronica and Simon of Cyrene—ordinary people who chose compassion and courage by helping Jesus during His suffering rather than standing among the mocking crowds. Through this experience, the children discovered that recognizing goodness and giving back is central to what it means to be a Christian. True kindness is not only something to notice in others, but something we are called to become for the joy and consolation of those around us. Inspired by this lesson, the children wanted to put their faith into action within their own parish family by expressing appreciation for Fr. Suresh and all that he does. They eagerly planned and worked together, choosing colours, creating designs, and writing heartfelt messages. Through this collaborative effort, they learned to recognize and celebrate the small, often unnoticed acts of service that quietly sustain the life of the parish.
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Catechesis in Action St. Dunstan’s Church (St. Mary Magdalene Parish) This same spirit of shared responsibility and encouragement is echoed in another area of parish life through youth leadership in catechesis. This year, a group of three Grade 9 students stepped forward together to lead a Kindergarten and Grade 1 catechism class. Supported by a seasoned catechist behind the scenes, they planned and taught collaboratively, with two adults present in the classroom for support when needed. This shared approach eased the pressure of weekly commitment, allowing each teen to take responsibility every three weeks while avoiding the isolation that can come with teaching alone. The model also proved effective for classroom management and engagement. With a strong adult presence and a favourable child-to-teacher ratio, the young students received personal attention while benefiting from the energy and enjoyment of combined group activities. This experience highlights the value of encouraging small groups of friends to take on leadership roles together, supported by experienced mentors. Together, these examples illustrate how faith is formed and passed on at St. Dunstan’s, not only through lessons, but through lived experience, collaboration, and mutual encouragement. Whether through the joyful creativity of young children or the generous leadership of teens, the parish continues to grow as a community where kindness is practiced, responsibility is shared, and the Gospel is lived across generations.
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Forming Apostles Through Cursillo
SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH MIRAMICHI
The Cursillo Movement is a short course in Christianity which begins with a weekend retreat. The goal is to create apostolic Christians by providing an understanding and conviction of what it means to be a Christian. It also provides a supportive Christian community intended to help transform our environments into more Christian ones. The Cursillo movement is part of the Church that originated in Spain in the 1940s with a goal for participants to know Christ better. It gradually spread worldwide and came to the Saint John Diocese in the 1980s. Currently there is a yearly Cursillo retreat at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Miramichi. As part of Cursillo, there are also monthly Ultreyas (gatherings of participants/guests) every 3rd Wednesday of each month. Everyone is welcome to attend to learn more about the movement. For more information, please contact Chris and Darlene Ross via St. Michael the Archangel Parish (office@stmichaels.ca)
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Vocations Update
FR. AARON KNOX VOCATIONS DIRECTOR
The Latin motto of Saint Malachy’s High School, Esse Quam Videri - “To be rather than to seem” – invites its hearer to place a premium on authenticity. In a way that is pronounced today, young men discerning the priesthood are seeking to bring their authentic selves to God, they long to discover whether He is calling them to serve the Church. They discern rightly that this countercultural call, while being joyful, is a heavy one. I see among them a serious effort to listen to this call, to wrestle with it, even to obey it when the path is not easy. It can be hard to be truly honest with oneself, one’s spiritual director, formators, vocation director, the bishop. This authenticity requires real trust and growing maturity. But the call to authenticity…beckons. The most recent ordinations in the Diocese of Saint John took place just over three years ago on May 12, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Fathers David Rioux and Stephen Mawhinney, both later vocations, were admitted to holy orders. The most recent man to be ordained after coming directly out of university and into seminary formation (the most common path to priesthood), is Fr. Peter Melanson. He was ordained in 2014, more than a decade ago. I impress upon the reader the great need to pray for an abundance of vocations and heroic generosity on the part of our young men. Lord, help us learn how best to foster those who come to us willing to take on the demands of vocational discernment! Since taking on the role of vocations director in late September 2025, I have been in touch with a number of potential applicants, and the journey of discernment continues.
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Vocations Update Mr. Joseph Desmond and Mr. Ryan Tapley, however, continue in their studies for the priesthood, having completed their second year of formation. When asked to reflect on his year, Ryan says, “I’m continually amazed at the Good Lord’s generosity. So often, even right in the heart of the busiest parts of this past year, He’d send reminders of why I entered formation in the first place: to be close to Him, to be with His people, and to be, with His grace, a little icon of His love in the world.” Joseph added, “During my 2nd year of formation, I was stretched in many dimensions by different challenges: balancing life with heavier academics, for example.Seminary also provided numerous positives, including all the opportunities to learn, to grow, to pray, for fraternity, for taking initiative. Formation always aims for deeper knowledge of God and self, so I hope my outlook can always be rooted and strengthened in my identity as a son of God.” These are two devoted men, strong candidates for the priesthood. We are blessed to have them. There are other projects in the vocations portfolio - but they are under construction.
Prayer for Vocations O Divine Master, Cast Your net wide upon the hearts of your faithful in the Diocese of Saint John and speak to us Your words of fire. Call those You have chosen to serve You as ordained priests and make them strong yet humble men with shepherd's hearts. Bless our seminarians, give them perseverance. Bless our permanent deacons and diaconate candidates with gifts of service. Call women to follow You as religious sisters full of charity for the poor and downtrodden. Call men and women to seek you in silence and adoration. Adorn those called to marriage with patience and courage. Show consecrated virgins the way to follow You unreservedly. Give those in the single life a deep thirst for prayer, abiding joy and timely encouragement. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us! Saint Patrick, pray for us! Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us! - Pax Vobis Page 17
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“I have called you by name, you are mine." — Isaiah 43:1
Rebuild my Church- 2025 Stewardship Report
Parish Support
ROBYN HAYWARD ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA PARISH
The Diocese of Saint John Chancery Office supports our parishes in many ways, including providing practical assistance, resources, and guidance to parish administrative staff. One initiative that has been particularly helpful at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish has been the monthly administrative Zoom meetings. Initiated by Chizoma Chima-Okere, Director of Finance & Administration for the Diocese, these meetings have provided a welcome opportunity for parish administrative staff to connect with one another and with members of the Chancery Office. They have been well attended and have become a valuable space for asking questions, sharing experiences, and learning from one another. Parish staff often have similar questions and challenges when it comes to parish management software, tax preparation, policies and procedures, human resources, and the use of diocesan documents and forms. These meetings provide a helpful place to get clear answers when possible, while also allowing for discussion and brainstorming when a situation requires a little more thought. A special presentation on diocesan insurance was another particularly helpful initiative. It gave those who attended a better understanding of the Diocese's insurance coverage, how each parish is insured, and the responsibilities parishes have in maintaining compliance with diocesan requirements.
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Rebuild my Church- 2025 Stewardship Report
Parish Support the Chancery Office helps strengthen the people who serve our parishes and, in turn, helps our parishes better serve their communities. Beyond these meetings, I have found the Chancery Office to be very welcoming and responsive whenever questions arise. There is a genuine willingness to share knowledge and help parish staff navigate the many practical aspects of parish administration. Whether the need involves communications, finances, human resources, or something else entirely, it is reassuring to know that there are people at the Diocese who are ready to help. This ongoing support is a real gift to our parishes. Knowing that parish staff do not have to navigate every question or challenge on their own, and that there is a diocesan team willing to listen, offer guidance, and share their experience, provides a wonderful sense of support and connection. Through this collaboration, the Chancery Office helps strengthen the people who serve our parishes and, in turn, helps our parishes better serve their communities.
“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” — Corinthians 15:58
Rebuild my Church- 2025 Stewardship Report
Saint Vincent De Paul Outreach Our mission calls us to serve others with open hearts. By engaging in outreach—through acts of charity, support, and evangelization—we make Christ’s love visible in our neighborhoods and communities.
This November will mark my second year as a volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Outreach Center on Waterloo Street and I can’t express enough how great a need, in our city, this Center helps to fulfill. The worry that is eased on the faces of a family of humble means who are able to receive a bag of groceries every thirty days through the Center; the relief experienced by an unhoused person when given a warm coat, gloves or hat on a cold day; and the gratitude and kind words expressed by even the roughest of visitors to the Center when able to receive the simplest of items: a belt for their pants, a pair of socks, a blanket, towel, or basic toiletries.
"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." — Matthew 25:40
Rebuild my Church- 2025 Stewardship Report
Saint Vincent De Paul Outreach We (the volunteers) are always so relieved and thankful when food, clothing and household items are donated because the Center’s resources are quickly depleted and many times, in the past, we had not been able to provide one or more of these basic necessities. The absence of supports like our Center would most certainly result in even greater suffering among people who, on many levels, already suffer greatly. For further confirmation about the importance of supports like the St Vincent de Paul Outreach Center, I greatly recommend reading our Holy Father’s, Pope Leo XIV, encyclical “to all Christians” titled “Dilexi Te” and I’ll end with line 119 from that same inspirational Exhortation: “... we Christians must not abandon almsgiving. It can be done in different ways, and surely more effectively, but it must continue to be done. It is always better at least to do something rather than nothing. Whatever form it may take, almsgiving will touch and soften our hardened hearts. It will not solve the problem of world poverty, yet it must still be carried out, with intelligence, diligence and social responsibility. For our part, we need to give alms as a way of reaching out and touching the suffering flesh of the poor.” Please consider volunteering two hours a week at the Center; to register for volunteering contact the Cathedral office at: cathedral@dioceseofsaintjohn.org or call (506) 653-6820 during regular office hours.
MARLENE BELL
SVDP - CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
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Passing on the Joy of Service
KAREN DALEY MIRAMICHI
I have been volunteering at the annual Saint Michael's Basilica's Turkey Supper since my son was young. He would come along with me and we would make a day of it. The Church ladies loved to see him escorting the participants to their tables. As he got older he was trusted with pouring hot tea or coffee at the tables. A feat that I wouldn't trust myself doing, but he never spilled a drop. It was a great way for him to learn volunteering and that when we are a part of a Church family, you have to help wherever and whenever you can. It's a great way to transition from summer to fall, as we slow down from all the summer activities. Our fall supper starts four days before we welcome the public in for a feed. I noticed this year, that everyone knew what they were responsible for. The kitchen and dining area worked like a finetuned machine. The extra special part of the day is having members of our youth serving tables, helping to transport freshly cooked portions of food to different areas of the buffet style service line. Some even stay afterwards to tear down tables and pack away special dishes and decorations until next year. The fellowship is wonderful, but being a foodie like I am, the delicious free meal makes me want to keep volunteering year after year.
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Rebuild my Church- 2025 Stewardship Report
Unity and Hope Fredericton Regional Confirmations
NADINE LEBLANC ST. MARY MAGDALENE PARISH
The Fredericton Regional Confirmation was a communion of parishes from the Fredericton region who came together to prepare Year 1 and Year 2 candidates together for the Sacrament of Confirmation. From the very beginning, this collaborative effort created a strong sense of unity and belonging among both the youth and the catechists. Through the Alpha sessions, the candidates gathered as one group, creating a welcoming environment where they could share their thoughts, questions, and experiences of faith. These moments of sharing were especially meaningful, as they allowed the young people to get to know one another beyond their own parish communities. As friendships began to form, the youth recognized that they were part of something larger—a vibrant and supportive regional Church family. The Alpha journey concluded with a retreat that brought everyone together in a deeper way. This retreat was a powerful moment of encounter, filled with opportunities for prayer, reflection, and community-building. It laid a strong foundation for the second year of preparation. In Year 2, the spirit of collaboration continued with another regional retreat. Once again, catechists worked side by side, generously offering their time, gifts, and faith to accompany the youth. It was a beautiful and fulfilling experience, marked by joy, openness, and a deep sense of shared mission. The relationships that had begun continued to grow, strengthening the bond among the candidates and their leaders.
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Unity and Hope Fredericton Regional Confirmations This unity was further evident during the Confirmation rehearsal held on the Sunday before the celebration. Gathering again as one group, the youth were able to practice together simultaneously, gaining confidence as they prepared for the sacrament. Having already met during the retreats, the rehearsal felt like a joyful reunion, reinforcing their sense of belonging. The same spirit of teamwork extended to the preparation for the Confirmation celebration on May 3rd. Catechists and volunteers from across the region came together to decorate the gym and the church, working in harmony to create a welcoming and prayerful environment. On the day of Confirmation, the candidates gathered as one community before Mass. Because they had already shared meaningful experiences during the retreats, this gathering felt likeRYAN a reunion once again. TAPLEY The celebration itself was truly beautiful—marked by unity, reverence, and joy. It was the fruit of a SEMINARIAN year of collaboration, faith, and shared commitment. The Fredericton Regional Confirmation experience stands as a powerful reminder that when parishes come together as one, the Church becomes more alive, and the journey of faith becomes all the more enriching for our young people.
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The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: Cathedral Restoration Gains Momentum
NATASHA MAZEROLLE CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
The restoration of the Cathedral continues to move forward with encouraging progress. While significant work is taking place on the building itself, an equally important milestone has been the re-constitution of the Cathedral Heritage Foundation (CHF) Board of Directors. Composed of experienced business leaders and community stakeholders who care deeply about the Cathedral and its future, the Board has begun strategic planning and is developing a vision for a fundraising campaign focused on inspiring hope and preserving a lasting legacy by restoring the Cathedral as a vibrant, faith-centred place of worship that strengthens our community for generations to come. Pat Desmond serves on the CHF Board of Directors as well as the Construction Committee. He shares that with important repair work completed in 2025, the focus has now turned towards masonry. "This is the first year of completing thorough masonry work on a specific portion of the Cathedral,” he said. “Next year the thorough work will move to the front door area and the rose window. The hope is that this work will sustain the building for at least 75 years." Desmond notes that the success of the project is due in large part to a highly skilled construction team. "The Cathedral has managed to assemble a very strong construction team with Heritage Standing Inc (HSI) as architect and Legacy Masonry as masonry contractor. HSI recently received a Canadian Architecture Award for their work on the Cathedral." Page 32
Rebuild my Church- 2025 Stewardship Report
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: Cathedral Restoration Gains Momentum Legacy Masonry's team includes experienced Red Seal masons and apprentices receiving specialized stone-repair training."With many unknowns on a 175-year-old building, it is very encouraging that the masons have been able to meet or exceed time and budget schedules,” he said. Innovation has also played an important role. “Legacy Masonry has developed an innovative mortar drying approach which is critical to long term grouting success,” Desmond said. “The standard approach is to use a silver tape that prevents the mortar from drying too quickly, especially on hot summer days. Legacy has developed an approach that uses large blankets and a timer-controlled water misting system that controls the moisture level in the mortar allowing for a controlled, slow drying process which is critical to the success of the masonry work.” Equally important is sourcing replacement stone that matches the original limestone. "Previous stone repairs have not done this which has led to more damage done to surrounding stones,” he noted. The team has now secured matching stone and will complete stone cutting on site, reducing costs while providing additional training opportunities for masons. For Desmond, the project is also a tribute to the Cathedral's history and the sacrifices of those who built it, "the poor immigrants donated labor and what little money they had to help build the Cathedral," he said. Reflecting on his Irish heritage and the thousands of Irish immigrants who helped establish the Cathedral in the 1850s, he adds: "I often wonder if my great great grandparents were in attendance at the first Midnight Mass held on a dirt floor in the Cathedral. I hope I find out when or if I make it to Heaven!" As restoration work advances and the Board of Directors develops plans for the future, there is a growing sense of optimism and excitement. Strong leadership is in place, meaningful progress is visible, and momentum continues to build. The work of rebuilding the Church is well underway, and there is much more to come. Stay tuned! To read more about the history of the Cathedral, visit https://www.immaculateconception.ca/history. To read more about the Cathedral Restoration work, visit https://www.immaculateconception.ca/cathedral-restoration. -------------Page 33
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The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: Cathedral Restoration Gains Momentum You are invited to prayerfully discern a generous personal, tax-deductible donation towards the Cathedral restoration. Gifts of either a one-time or monthly donation (payable either by cheque, credit card, email money transfer or automatic withdrawal), multi-year pledge, securities, bequests, or life insurance, which are a tremendous blessing and will aid significantly in the success of these restoration efforts. If you have any questions, or if you know of any people or organizations/businesses that could potentially make a significant gift to the Cathedral restoration, please email: reception@dioceseofsaintjohn.org or call 506-653-6800. "I am counting on your fervent prayer for this work of restoration through the intercession of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, as we give God permission to move powerfully in our diocese." (Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC) To help support this work with a financial contribution, use the QR code below or visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/support-the-cathedral-restoration
Rebuild my Church- 2025 Stewardship Report
Diocesan Revenue 2025 DIOCESE OF SAINT JOHN REVENUE SOURCES Bequests, Donations & Other $509,064 19% Assessments $902,725. 33% Investment Income $628,974 23%
Property Rental $699,027 26%
Thank you for your support! It is our faith that gives us strength. It is our faith that enables us to see the light of Jesus Christ in
our lives and to understand how important it is to
live our faith. Not only on Sundays, not only during a pilgrimage, but each and every day so that we
will be filled with the hope that only Jesus Christ
can give us and that all of us together will continue to walk united as brothers and sisters to praise
our God; to recognize that everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God, and to place those gifts at the service of others.”
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(Pope Leo XIV)
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Rebuild my Church- 2025 Stewardship Report
Diocesan Expenses INFIRM AND RETIRED CLERGY Through your generous support, the Diocese of Saint John provides assistance to our infirm and retired clergy, who have faithfully served the Church throughout their lives. This support ensures that those who dedicated themselves to the mission of Christ are cared for with dignity, compassion, and gratitude, reflecting our commitment as a diocesan family to honor and sustain those who have shepherded God’s people. BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES Your contributions help the Diocese of Saint John preserve and sustain the buildings that serve as the heart of our mission. Well maintained churches and diocesan properties allow us to continue proclaiming the Gospel, forming disciples, and serving our communities with excellence and love.
A DIOCESE ON MISSION
DIOCESE OF SAINT JOHN CLERGY
Diocesan clergy at the annual priest’s retreat. A time of renewal and fraternity.
2025 DIOCESE OF SAINT JOHN EXPENSES Buildings and Properties $335,426 18%
Diocesan The Diocese of Saint John is alive with the Administration Spirit, sustained by committed clergy, $390,086 dedicated staff and volunteers, and the 21% faithful who generously give of their time, talent, and treasure. Through lay-led apostolates, vibrant youth and young adult ministries, and countless acts of service, our Church continues to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed. As faithful Christian Diocesan Pastoral stewards, we embrace the responsibility of Ministries caring for these gifts, ensuring they are used $324,964 wisely to nurture faith, serve our 18% communities, and bear fruit for generations to come. Page 37
Chancery Office $181,824 10%
Support for Parishes and Priests $582,975 32%
CLICK HERE for detailed financial information for 2025
Diocesan Act of Entrustment We come before you Mary, Mother of the Church and our mother, Asking you to place under your protective mantle This local church of the Diocese of Saint John. Like you, the Church's first and most perfect member We, too, stand at the foot of the cross As witnesses to what human sinfulness Is capable of inflicting on the body of Christ. With you, we also know the joy of the Resurrection.
Obtain for us new ardor and courage In bearing witness to Christ And to his victory over sin and death. Watch over us all, Clergy, consecrated and laity With maternal care, So that as members of one family of faith Our bonds of
communion may grow stronger, Our love for one another grow deeper, The practice of our faith more devout, And our witness to Christ more heroic For the sake of our mission To be salt and light for the world. We entrust ourselves to you, Mary, Mother of God And Star of the New Evangelization. Amen.
PHONE :
ADDRESS :
WEBSITE :
EMAIL :
(506) 653-6800
www.dioceseofsaintjohn.org
115 Villa Madonna Road Rothesay NB, New Brunswick, Canada E2H 2X4
reception@dioceseofsaintjohn.org
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