Diocese of Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Calendar of Upcoming Events
and
Notices Of Programs, etc.

To Be Updated in a regular basis. If you have any notices of a Diocesan or Regional Nature, please e-mail them to Diocesan Web-server. 

Please enter your e-mail address in the box below to be automatically notified of updates to this page!
To Be Notified Of Changes to this Page:
    
Updated or Revised:
Diocesan Coat of Arms

Year - Cycle C
Weekday - Cycle I
The Year of Faith

Parishes with On-line Bulletins:


MASS FOR SHUT-INS
    Mass for Shut Ins Schedule 11:30 on CTV
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  • Listing of the various 

    PRE-MARRIAGE PROGRAMS: click here


  • +2012-2013 Liturgical Calendar
    - Year C

    + Daily Readings



    USED Postage Stamps

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    "Evening Prayer of the Church" (Liturgy of the Hours) will be celebrated each Sunday of Lent @ 7:00 pm at St. Joseph Church, 40 Cabot Street, Sydney. Everyone welcome!

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    The Faithful Revolution
    A 5-Part DVD & Discussion Series
    St. Joseph Church
    40 Cabot Street, Sydney
    Wednesdays 7:00pm
    February 20 - March 20

    Hosted by the Office of Worship
    Topics Include:
    Change & Tradition,
    Goals of Vatican II
    Human Dignity
    Identification with the Poor
    Solidarity Movement
    Making the Liturgy Come Alive
    Humanae Vitae,
    Laity & Lay Leadership,
    Vocations,
    Ecumenism,
    Social Justice,
    Collegiality & Dialogue
    Click here to see the Poster

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    A workshop entitled The Tree of Catholic Social Teaching will be offered at St. Joseph's Renewal Centre, Mabou, on Feb. 23rd. The workshop will explore the principles of the church's social teachings so as to strengthen our response to the demands of the Gospel.
    The workshop is from 1:30 until 3:45 pm and is being facilitated by Danny Gillis, staff person with the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.
    To contact him, he can be reached at:
    Development and Peace
    Room 374, Coady International Institute
    PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS, B2G 2W5
    Phone 902-867-4951
    degillis@stfx.ca

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    Mass for Shut Ins Anniversary Open House
    Sunday, March 3, 2013, 1 pm to 4 pm,
    St. Theresa Hall, St. Peter’s Road, Sydney, NS
    Lunch and Entertainment provided
    All parishioners in the Diocese Invited

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    L’ARCHE CAPE BRETON INTERNATIONAL BANQUET
    Sunday, March 10th 5:30pm Whycocomagh Lions Hall
    Donations between $10 and $20 gratefully accepted for admission.
    Advance tickets at The Ark Store, Iron Mines; The Hope Chest, Mabou; or by calling 756-3162, ext. 221
    THEME: The Cultures of Cape Breton featuring Cape Breton entertainment and World Market Craft Sale
    All donations support L’Arche communities in India and the Dominican Republic.

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    DIRECTED RETREAT March 15 - 17 2013
    Please see the attached brochure with information for a Directed Retreat in Mabou in March which you can place in your Church entrance and/or advertise in your bulletin.
    Brochure in Word Doc format
    Brochure in .pdf format

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    "Life in the Spirit Weekend" held the weekend of March 15-17 at Villa Madonna, Bras D'Or. For more information contact Florence MacNeil at 562-4681 or Pat Parago at 539-8865.

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    Steubenville Atlantic
    awesome music, speakers, workshops, prayer, friendship, fun and faith

    Youth Grades 8 to 12
    Register by March 31st to ensure your spot and discount
    Canada's only Steubenville Youth Conference
    St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
    August 2-4, 2013
    sponsored by the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
    www.steubenville.ca
    For more information on groups going in our Diocese contact:
    Lorianne MacDonnell: tel. 863-3873 (lorianne@eastlink.ca) (Antigonish Area)
    Fr. Doug MacDonald: tel. 235-2435 (pastor@mfocc.ca) (Inverness Area)
    Fr. Andrew Gillies: tel. 902-226-2109( stellamaris5@ns.sympatico.ca) (Richmond County)

    "Chosen" 2013 Promo - Steubenville Conferences

    The Steubenville Youth Conferences, an outreach of Franciscan University of Steubenville, are a series of 18 conferences across North America that bring 40,000 teens and their leaders closer to Christ ever summer. Our mission is to build the Church by evangelizing youth and their leaders and invite them to embrace the heart and mission of the Catholic Church.

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    NEW BEGINNINGS WEEKEND – April 26-27-28 for persons that are divorced, separated, or have lost a spouse through bereavement. For further information contact Ron Curry 564-0788

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    A Unit in Clinical Pastoral Education is being offered at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in conjunction with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care.
    CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION DATES:
    Summer Course: May 20th, 2013 – July 26, 2013
    (Intensive Unit, 5 days / week, 7.5hrs/day)

    Fall Course: September 16th, 2013 – April 25th, 2014
    (Extended Unit, 2 days / week)

    Students may take this course for academic credit through Atlantic School of Theology or Acadia Divinity College. It is a Masters level course. It can also be transferred as a Bachelor’s Credit from Acadia Divinity College
    Deadline for application for the Summer Course: March 1st, 2013 (or as soon as possible)
    Deadline for application for the Fall Course: July 19th, 2013 (or as soon as possible)
    To obtain an application form or if you have any questions please contact:
    Rev. Sandra Morrison
    Director, Pastoral/Spiritual Care
    Cape Breton District Health Authority
    567-7743
    morrisons@cbdha.nshealth.ca

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    Weekend of Grace for Women
    The Weekend of Grace for Women is pleased to announce the return of Patti Gallagher Mansfield as keynote speaker April 19, 20 and 21, 2012 at the Lord Nelson Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Weekend of Grace is an annual, regional conference for Catholic women. Call (902) 435-1568 or visit www.weekendofgrace.com for more information. Attendance through pre-registration only and registration is now open.

    Early Bird deadline Dec 31, 2012($155.00); $175.00 after Dec 31, 2012
    . Registration deadline is April 8, 2013. Please register today to avoid disappointment!

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    ATLANTIC MARIAN GATHERING: May 4 & 5, 2013. ALL ARE INVITED to Murphy Centre, Charlottetown, PEI. Theme - Mary, Help of Christians! Guest speakers: Marion Carroll from Dublin, Ireland who had a modern day miracle, completely healed of multiple sclerosis - an extraordinary story of an extraordinary woman. Fr. Tom Sullivan, Fathers of Mercy from Auburn, Kentucky - an international retreat and mission speaker. Music by David Rashed & Group of St. Dunstan's Basilica. Early registration is recommended. On-site registration Saturday 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Sessions begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. Discounts on registration before April 4!   Concluding Mass to be held at St. Dunstan's Basilica, Sunday at 12:30 p.m. For more information & registration form visit our website: www.amg2013.com or call Linda Campbell at (902) 566-5904.

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    Marian Conference Bus Trip to Prince Edward Island May 3-5, 2013
    Cost includes Bus, Room, Registration, Ferry and one meal - $300
    For more info, call Yvonne at 862-6781
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    Monastery Bus Trip May 18
    Feast of Our Lady of Grace
    Bishop Brian Dunn with preside
    2 pm procession, Mass at 3:30 followed by lunch
    For more info, call Yvonne at 862-6781

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    Medjugorje Pilgrimage May 27- June 7, 2013
    For more info contact Tom @ melmerby@hotmail.com
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    Bus trip May 4th around Marion Convention
    Bus trips to Monastery in May and July
    For more info contact 862-6781 Bus trip May 4th around Marion Convention
    Bus trips to Monastery in May and July
    For more info contact 862-6781

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    Pilgrimage to St. Anne de Beaupre, Cap de Madelaine, and St. Joseph Oratory, Jun 9th to 15, leaving from Inverness. Phone Sadie Burton at 902-461-9051 for additional information.

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    FREE Blood Pressure Education Programs are starting later this month in Glace Bay, New Waterford, North Sydney and Sydney. If you or someone you know is interested in more information or in taking part in one of these programs please contact Tierney McIsaac: Telephone 862-6411 ext. 1180 or Email mcisaactierney@cbdha.nshealth.ca

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    St. John Ambulance Volunteer Medical Responders
    are in need of additional volunteers to help provide First Aid coverage for a variety of events around Cape Breton. Volunteer Medical Responder candidates must be 18 years of age; should be physically and mentally capable of performing the activities that are reasonable for the type of service they are to provide; and, must complete a criminal record check. Candidates will undergo a period of probation and the training necessary to achieve Medical First Responder qualifications. To volunteer visit:
    How to Join.


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    INTERNATIONAL PILGRIMAGES
    April 8–18 ($2755): Pilgrimage to POLAND & PORTUGAL. INFO: Marie Desjardins (207) 868-5027 or bubblepink49@hotmail.com
    Apr 26-May 4 ($2155): Pilgrimage to MEDJUGORJE. INFO: Hector & Cécile Caissie (506) 857-2295 or hectorcaissie@hotmail.ca
    Cost of both pilgrimages includes return airfare from Moncton/Fredericton/Halifax, accommodations, two meals/day, accompanying priest, professional guide, visits per itinerary.

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    PÈLERINAGES INTERNATIONAUX
    8-18 avril (2755$): Pèlerinage en POLOGNE et au PORTUGAL. INFO: Marie Desjardins au (207) 868-5027 ou bubblepink49@hotmail.com
    26 avr-4 mai (2155$): Pèlerinage à MEDJUGORJE. INFO: Hector & Cécile Caissie (506) 857-2295 or hectorcaissie@hotmail.ca

    Le coût des 2 pèlerinages comprend les billets aller-retour à partir de Moncton/Frederiction/Halifax, hébergement, deux repas/jour, prêtre accompagnateur, guide professionnel, visites selon l'itinéraire.

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    Witnessing the Canonization of Saint Kateri by Erica Stevens, a 19 year old St. Mary University Student from Eskasoni, NS.

    Also from Salt and Light:

    8pm & 12am ET / 5pm & 9pm PT
     
     

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    RESURRECTION CEMETERY, in Sydney Forks, installed a new landscaped pond and a second COLUMBARIUM unit in the center of the cemetery. A columbarium is an above ground storage area for cremated remains. It contains private niches for an individual or for a couple such as a husband and wife. Many people like the idea of being buried above ground and the columbarium fills this need. Also, if someone moves to a new region and wishes to take the urn of a departed love one with them, the columbarium niches are accessible. See more at Resurrect.ca

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    The Community Homeless Shelter at 32 Margaret St. Sydney, provides safe emergency shelter for men experiencing homelessness. A referral service for females requiring emergency shelter is also provided. We Offer Emergency shelter, light meals, shower and laundry facilities, in-house support services, addictions counseling and referral services. There is also an outreach department for those who need help with community integration.
    Hours of Operation: Winter Months (Oct.-Apr.) 6:00 pm to 10:00 am Summer Months (May to Sept) 8:00 pm to 8:00 am Phone: (902)- 564-9487 or (902) 565-9187 Other: (902) 539-0025 Cape Breton Community Housing Association Outreach Worker, Curtis Sampson 564-9487

    Community Homeless Shelter
    32 Margaret Street
    Sydney, NS
    B1P 2W8
    Phone: (902) 564-9487
    Other: (902) 539-0025
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    The Community Homeless Shelter provides safe emergency shelter for men experiencing homelessness. A referral service for females requiring emergency shelter is also provided.

    Services Offered:
    • Emergency shelter
    • Light meals
    • Shower and laundry facilities
    • In-house support services
    • Addictions counseling
    • Referral services

     

    Hours of Operation:

    Winter Months (October-April)
    6:00 pm to 10:00 am

    Summer Months (May-September)
    8:00 pm to 8:00 am

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    Canadian Blood Services - Did you know that it can take Up to 5 donors to help someone undergoing Cancer treatment?The need for blood is constant and the fact remains that hospital patients everywhere need blood in all seasons. We are open Tuesdays from 9 am to 1 pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 7 pm. Think about booking an appointment to donate blood with your family! Canadian Blood Services is located at 850 Grand Lake Road, Sydney. Visit us in clinic or book your appointment online at www.blood.ca

    Pastoral Appointments:

    From the Office of the Bishop:
    Pastoral Appointments/Changes for 2012
    Posted June 10th, 2012
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    Spring/Summer CPE Program Information:

    A Unit in Clinical Pastoral Education is being offered at the

    Cape Breton Regional Hospital in conjunction with the Canadian

    Association for Spiritual Care.

    CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION DATES:

    Summer Course:             May 20th, 2013 – July 26, 2013

    (Intensive Unit, 5 days / week, 7.5hrs/day)

    Fall Course:                    September 16th, 2013 – April 25th, 2014

                                           (Extended Unit, 2 days / week)

    Students may take this course for academic credit through Atlantic School of Theology or Acadia Divinity College.  It is a Masters level course.  It can also be transferred as a Bachelor’s Credit from Acadia Divinity College

    Deadline for application for the Summer Course:

    March 1st, 2013 (or as soon as possible)

    Deadline for application for the Fall Course:

    July 19th, 2013 (or as soon as possible)

    To obtain an application form or if you have any questions please contact:

    Rev. Sandra Morrison
    Director, Pastoral/Spiritual Care
    Cape Breton District Health Authority
    567-7743

    morrisons@cbdha.nshealth.ca

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    Newman Theological College is a Roman Catholic school of theology accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.  We offer masters programs in theology, divinity and religious education as well as a Bachelor of Theology and an Online Certificate in Catholic Studies (see attachments). Our students come from across Canada and from the United States. We would be very grateful if you could advertise our college and its programs in your bulletin.  Attached are two posters.  

    For more information about who we are please take a few minutes and visit our NEW website at www.newman.edu. Thank you

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    AL-ANON. If your life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking, AL-ANON may be able to help. Contact phone number is 564-5188 or contact freewebs.com/alanonmaritimes.

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    SUPPORT & SHARE GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP — for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
    Everyone is welcome and no registration is required. When school is canceled because of storms Grief & Support will be canceled also.

     
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    YEAR OF FAITH
    The year of Faith, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council coincides with the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II introduced the Catechism in 1992 and noted that “the principal task entrusted to the Council was to guard and present better the precious deposit of Christian doctrine.” When Pope Benedict called the Year of Faith, he wrote, “All can find in the Catechism of the Catholic Church a precious and indispensable tool. It is one of the most important fruits of Vatican Council II….. it is in this sense that the Year of Faith will have to see a concerted effort to rediscover and study the fundamental content of the faith that receives its systematic and organic synthesis in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.” To view a webinar on “Teaching in the Year of Faith” go to www.catechistjourney.com. Joe Paprocki speaks of the 4 pillars of the CCC – the Creed, Prayer, Sacraments and Morality.
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    The ministry of laity and the related support for lay education and formation are major signs of change in our Church. In response, a small group of Catholics came together to form the St. Thomas More Society to assist in funding lay Catholics in the diocese with formation and education programs, events and projects. We now welcome applications from lay Catholics of the diocese who wish to pursue pastoral, theological and ministerial formation and education programs or events. Application forms or any further information can be obtained by emailing Sheila McInnis at esmcinnis@ns.sympatico.ca


    We also appeal to interested Catholics for donations to help us achieve our goal. We are an independent and free standing Society incorporated by the Province of Nova Scotia and approved with charitable status by Revenue Canada. We issue tax receipts for donations which can be sent to Leonarda MacNeil, 36 MacIsaac Road, Antigonish, NS B2G 2J9

     
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    Bereaved Families of Cape Breton
    Support and Share Grief Support Group Schedule — 2012

    Monthly Support & Share groups are offered each month
    - Sydney: at 188 George Street, on the second Tuesday of each month, All sessions are held from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
    - New Waterford at St. Leonard's Pastoral Centre in River Ryan on the third Wednesday of each month. All sessions are held from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
    - Glace Bay at Town House on the fourth Wednesday of each month. All sessions are held from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
    - Sydney Mines on the first Thursday of every month from 7:00- - 9:00 p.m. at Miners Memorial Manor, 16 Lorne Street, Sydney Mines
    In addition to the Grief Support & Share sessions, Bereaved Families of Cape Breton also offers 6-8 week programs, which require registration, for people who have lost:
    • a spouse or partner
    • a child
    • a parent as an adult
    • a loved one to suicide
    • a brother, sister or friend
    • a pet or companion animal
    For more information or to register, contact: 564-6795, infobfseaside.ns.ca or www.cbhelp.ca
    Bereaved Families of Cape Breton

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    From the Office of the Bishop
     

  • Most Rev. Brian Dunn, Bishop of Antigonish, has issued a series of measures to insure responsible ministry procedures are followed throughout our Diocese:
  • Protocol for Responsible Ministry
  • Un protocole pour un Ministère responsable


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    Notices:

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    Web Site For The Sale of Diocesan Properties:
    The Diocese of Antigonish is in the process of selling properties throughout the Diocese.
    This process is being undertaken as part of the Diocese commitment under the Class Action Legal Settlement Agreement.
    The properties that have been approved for sale, to date, are diverse in both location and property type. In some instances the properties include buildings and in other situations it is land only.
    The properties are being listed with local realtors in different areas and a web site has been developed which will direct you to a realtor who has listed the property/properties in which you may be interested:
    Church Property Sales


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    Our Lady of Fatima Parish has an ongoing project in Tegucigalpa, Honduras to provide an education for girls who are at a disadvantage . The school welcomes young girls and provides for them a safe environment and an ongoing education to provide an opportunity for employment and protect them from exploitation. The project has now entered a new phase building houses for homeless families in Tegucigalpa allowing them to raise their children in a home and making it possible for them to find employment and educate the children. Anyone wishing to contribute to this project can contact the committee through the Office at Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

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    The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – the EOHSJ is a relatively small group in this area, belonging to an international group of over 27,000 Knight and Ladies, committed to assisting Christians to remain in the Holy Land. Day after day, we hear of the ongoing hostilities between the Israli and Arab peoples. This ongoing war has resulted in Christians sometimes being caught in the middle, being cut off from family, school, church, and so on.
    Many Christians have decided to leave in order to provide peace and security for their families and the result is that Christians now make up only about 2% of the population. The danger currently being faced is that the birth and burial place of Jesus will no longer have a Christian presence. As members of the Order, we are committed to providing funds to maintain schools and provide assistance as required to those brave Christians who remain in the Holy Land. We are also committed to pray for peace and an end to the conflict, and as individuals to do whatever we can to urge our political leaders to work toward a just and fair settlement. In doing this we attempt to keep our members as informed as possible of the situation in the Middle East.
    If you would like further information about the Order, please contact Secretary/President Tom Gaskell at 736-1267. We are open to Catholics who are in union with the Holy See and who agree with the primary purpose of the order. The Order of Chivalry has a website on-line:
    Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

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    St. Francis Xavier University offers programs and courses by distance education for adults seeking faith formation for personal and professional development. 

    Diploma in Ministry Certificate in Lay Ministry
    Come Let Us Worship: A course in liturgical foundations
    Certificate in Spirituality
    Diploma in Assisted Living: Human Care & Community

    For an information package please contact MINISTRY PROGRAMS OFFICE, Continuing & Distance Education, St. Francis Xavier University, toll free 1-877-867-5562, diplomainministry@stfx.ca. Or check the website:   www.mystfx.ca/academic/continuinged/Ministry.html   Back to Top


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    Community Notices
    BEREAVED FAMILIES OF CAPE BRETON SUPPORT GROUP OF CAPE BRETON SUPPORT GROUP
    : Provide an open support group for individuals who have suffered the loss of a loved one. For more information contact see: BEREAVED FAMILIES OF CAPE BRETON SUPPORT GROUP. Back to Top


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    LIVING WITH CANCER SUPPORT GROUP : for those who have had a diagnosis of cancer, their families and caregivers meets at the Canadian Cancer society Office at 329 George St. For more information call the office at 562-8463.
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    PALLIATIVE CARE VOLUNTEERS
    : are needed in the Sydney, Glace Bay, North Sydney and New Waterford areas. If you are kind, compassionate, empathetic and have some extra time on your hands please phone Lisa Hynes, Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator for the Cape Breton Healthcare Complex at 567-8160 for more information. Back to Top

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    HAVE A FEW HOURS TO SPARE? Volunteers are needed for the Meal Assistance/Feeder Programs at the CB Regional Hospital & Northside General Hospital. Volunteers will assist with or feed meals to patients daily. For more info on this program, contact Volunteer Services at the hospital. Back to Top


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    ARE YOU A SENIOR LIVING ALONE ? Would you enjoy a regular telephone chat from a friendly, safe VON Volunteer? Do you know a senior who lives alone and would benefit from a regular call? If you said yes to either of these questions, VON Cape Breton has the answer, our new telephone-visiting program. Our volunteers are compassionate, well trained and police record screened. Signing up is easy, just phone Cheryl MacQuarrie at 564-0736. Back to Top

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    CAPE BRETON FARMERS' MARKET Saturdays Year Round. 340 Keltic Drive (diagonally opposite Coxheath Arena). 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM. Locally Grown Springtime Plants & Flowers, Greens, Assorted Vegetables. Government inspected CB Meats, Chicken, Homebaking, Condiments, etc. Breakfast/Brunch: Delicious Ethnic Choices & Fair Trade Beverages. Enjoy on-site or take-home. Quality Handcrafts. Socialize with Friends & Family Members. Support Local Sustainability. Childrens' Playroom. Buskers Welcome. Check us weekly on Facebook. Back to Top
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    PRE-MARRIAGE COURSE CALENDAR :



    UPCOMING PRE-MARRIAGE PROGRAMS. MARRIAGE PREPARATION FOR ENGAGED COUPLES

    Industrial Cape Breton Area"Pre-Marriage Programs" PRE-MARRIAGE PROGRAM DATES:

    - CCCB Statement on Raymond Lahey
    - Déclaration de la CECC à propos de Raymond Lahey



    Press Release from Bishop Brian Dunn, Bishop of Antigonish

    Communiqué de Presse - Raymond Lahey
     
  •  

    Media Statements concerning the court case of Raymond J Lahey:

    • Archived Legal Documents - posted Dec. 07, 2009
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      Diocesan Web Coordinator - Stewart LeForte


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