*If you know of any upcoming events you'd like to see on our website, please contact Marc & Carmelle Robichaud via email at marccarm@nb.sympatico.ca.
Scroll down to see current events and community information:
Scroll down to see current events and community information:
APRIL 20/21, 2024 WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HELP GETTING TO SUNDAY MASS IN HAMPTON – One of our parishioners that lives in the 700 block of Main Street, Hampton, is in need of a ride to and from Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus. If you are able to help, please call the office (506) 832-3327.
KITCHEN STOVE UPDATE – Dee Dee has advised that a kind soul has donated a gently used stove for “Louise’s Kitchen”. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.
COOKIES FOR ROMERO HOUSE – Last Friday of this month is April 26th. Shelagh and Don. sincerely appreciate your help with their monthly “Cookies for Romero House” campaign. ALL donations gladly accepted. Contact Shelagh or Don. at (506) 943-3493.
AASEA RETREATS –Silent Directed Retreats are being offered with directors from the Saint John Local AASEA at the Villa Madonna Retreat House in June. A 5–Day Silent Directed Retreat takes place from Mon., June 10 to Fri., June 14, 2024, with a registration cost of $130.00 and $570.00 due upon arrival. A 4–Day option is also available from Tue., June 11 to Fri., June 14, 2024 with a registration cost of $130.00 and $400.00 due upon arrival. Pre-retreat instalment payment may be arranged. For registration and more information, please contact Bob McDermott at mcdermot@nbnet.nb.ca. These retreats are for those seeking an atmosphere of silence. They include daily meetings with a director and daily Eucharist.
EVENING PRAYER IN CARMEL CHAPEL (103 Burpee Avenue, Saint John) - Last Wednesday of each month, starting January 31st until June 26th, 2024. The evening starts at 6:00 p.m. with instrumental music by a local musician. Prayer ritual begins at 6:30 pm. PARKING: Both sides of Burpee Ave. and Rocmaura lot off Park Street. Weekday contact info: (506) 634-4970.
Apr 24 * May 29 * June 26
AUDITE SPRING RETREATS AT VILLA MADONNA: Each retreat begins with supper at 5:00 p.m. on May 27th and ends at 2:00 p.m. on the last day, either May 29th or 31st. Team of Audité and four invited Facilitators, in an atmosphere of welcoming Silence. Persons first time for this Audité retreat may request half-price registration.
4-day Retreat… Mon., May 27th to Fri., May 31st - COST: $479.00;
2-day Retreat…Mon., May 27th to Wed., May 29th - COST: $237.50.
Email: audite119@bellaliant.net
MISSION OF THE CATECHIST WORKSHOPS - The “Mission of the Catechist” workshop for catechists is being presented by Patricia Lee, Director of Catechesis & Jim Anderson, Director of Missionary Discipleship Formation on Sunday, April 21st, at two locations. You are welcome to attend at either location:
Villa Madonna Retreat House, 115 Villa Madonna Road, noon to 3:30 p.m.; and
St. Francis Church Parish Hall, 114 Church Ave, Sussex, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
For information, please contact Patricia Lee at (506) 627-6465 or email: catechesis@dioceseofsaintjohn.org. See poster on bulletin board.
Knights of Columbus Silver Rose Pilgrimage - Each year, from early March through mid-December, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life. This year the Silver Rose will be in the Diocese of Saint John on Sunday, May 5, 2024. All are invited to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 3:00 pm for a Silver Rose prayer service as we ask the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe in promoting a culture of life.
CAMP SHELDRAKE - To help send some kids to camp, they are holding a raffle to give away a playhouse and a 50-50 draw. The grand prize is a furnished, wired and heated 12 foot by 16 foot playhouse complete with set of bunk beds, PlayStation 5, chair and 65-inch TV. Prize is valued at $20,000. Second prize is a 50-50 draw. Tickets for both prizes are available on-line at rafflebox.ca/raffle/camp-sheldrake. Draw date: April 14, 2024.
Camp Sheldrake, located in Miramichi, NB, is a Catholic-based, not-for-profit organization that offers summer overnight and day camps to youth aged 6 to 17. Campers’ days are filled with canoeing, swimming, archery, rock-wall climbing, nature adventure, zip-lining, arts & crafts and of course campfires! Camp experiences are based on Christian values and promote volunteerism, community service and social justice initiatives. Through play and group activities, Camp Sheldrake provides an atmosphere to inspire youth to be leaders today and tomorrow. Each summer, campers attend from across the Maritimes and other parts of Canada and the USA; many returning year after year. Camp Sheldrake is for campers from all faiths and denominations. For more information, visit www.campsheldrake.ca .
STEUBENVILLE ATLANTIC 2024 YOUTH CONFERENCE - Youth aged 14-18 are invited to participate in this event held at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS from July 5-7. If you are between 18 and 21, you can attend as a Peer Leader. Before registering, please talk to your parish priest or RE coordinator about registration. Conference information can be found on the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth website under Steubenville Atlantic. Transportation to NS is included in the registration fee of $300.00. Pick up locations will be from Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton. For more information please contact Patricia Lee at: catechesis@dioceseofsaintjohn.org or 506-627-6465.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – Divine Mercy Catholic School seeks a Principal in Saint John, NB. If you're dedicated to nurturing students' academic and spiritual development through Catholic values and academic excellence, explore this opportunity at: https://www.divinemercycatholicschool.ca/principal-job-posting
CCCB WEBINARS FOR THE YEAR OF PRAYER – In this Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, the CCCB is offering a webinar series, “A Great Symphony of Prayer”. The webinars are based on the themes contained in the prayer booklets prepared by the Jubilee Office in Rome. Available in both official languages, each series of webinar on prayer will consist of four parts; one series will take place in the spring (already started) and the other in the fall (October 3 to 24th).
Dr. Josephine Lombardi (St. Augustine’s Seminary) will present the spring series titled “A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life.” The first and second webinars have already taken place. However, the third and fourth webinars in the series take place on Tuesday, April 23 (Daily Bread and the Gift of Forgiveness) and Tuesday, April 30 (Managing Trials and Resisting Evil Fall Series on Prayer). Visit https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/a-great-symphony-of-prayer-the-our-father-as-a-programme-of-life for more information and to register.
SONGS OF SANCTUARY – Saturday, April 27th, 7:00 p.m. at Stella Maris Church (201 Bayside Drive, Saint John), the Cantores Celestes Maritimes and the Saint John Men’s Chorus, directed by Kelly Galbraith, will be performing. Featuring Song of the Universal, Freedom Trilogy and works by Bruckner, Faure, Vaughan Williams plus beloved songs of friendship and support. General Admission: $25.00. For more information, see the poster on the bulletin board at St. Alphonsus.
TRINITY CHURCH’S CHIMING & TIMING CAMPAIGN - On Sunday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m., recitalist MICHAEL MOLLOY will perform a ROYAL CONCERT of ORGAN MUSIC. To celebrate the anniversary of King Charles’ coronation, this recital features regal music for kings and queens from coronations, jubilees, weddings and funerals, all performed on Trinity’s 280 voice organ.
This is a fund-raiser for Trinity Church (115 Charlotte Street, Saint John) to get the TOWER BELLS pealing, once again, over the city. For advance ticket sales call the Church Office (506) 693-8558. COST: $30.00, with a tax receipt of $10.00.
Thank you for considering supporting “Saint John's Church of the Loyalists”. See poster on bulletin board.
KNOWLEDGE CAFE – Hampton Resource Centre (Fridays at 11:00 a.m. - noon):
Everyone is welcome. Refreshments are provided. If schools are cancelled due to the weather, the Knowledge Café is also cancelled.
PRO-LIFE CRASH COURSE! In Canada, about 300 innocent children are aborted every single day. Do you want to learn how to defend pre-born children, and have fruitful conversations about abortion? Join for training and hands-on experience doing pro-life outreach in Saint John NB from May 3-4. You will learn pro-life strategy and apologetics that will equip you to reach our culture to change minds and save lives. Application deadline is April 24. For more information or to apply visit endthekilling.ca/nb.
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA) SAINT JOHN OFFICE – Message from Dawn O'Dell, Community Program Coordinator:
Happy New Year! Here is the current schedule regarding upcoming sessions along with the re-scheduled December session. The Making Wellness a Priority is a monthly series that addresses the 8-dimensions of wellness and helps individuals in achieving whole-person wellness.
Tuesday, May 7 @ 230 PM - Intellectual Wellness with Daniela Fernandez with 211 New Brunswick / 211 Nouveau-Brunswick
The Making Wellness a Priority sessions are held at the Kennebecasis Public Library. Invite a friend and to pre-register call (506) 652-1447. For more information: www.cmhanb.ca
WEE ONES BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN – Some of you might remember last year’s campaign. Between St. Anthony’s and St. Alphonsus, together, we raised $2,351.41. According to the Sussex Pregnancy Care Centre, we were the highest contributing church group in last year’s campaign. The “Wee Ones Campaign” will return, this year. Your simple act of generosity can make a lasting impact in the lives of young mothers, fathers and babies by giving them an opportunity to choose life, learn and grow. It may seem like a small contribution, to you, but the impact is HUGE!
This year, the campaign will run from May 12th (Mother’s Day) to June 16th (Father’s Day). I’ll remind you as Mother’s Day approaches. One parishioner has already made their donation! Now that’s enthusiasm. The Sussex Pregnancy Care Centre is a registered charity and can issue a receipt for income tax purposes.
INCOME TAX CLINIC – There are only two more Tuesday morning tax clinics - April 23rd and 30th. This clinic is held at the Hampton Resource Centre (31 Demille Court) from 9:00 a.m. until noon. No appointment necessary; first come, first served. This clinic is for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation. For more information, speak with Wendy in the parish office.
HAMPTON SENIORS RESOURCE CENTER – WELLNESS PROGRAMS: Something new this year. Indoor winter walking started Tuesday, Jan. 15th at noon. See poster on bulletin board for more information.
Information regarding a new initiative designed to help area seniors age well at home – “Nursing Home without Walls”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*DIAL-A-RIDE, FUNDY REGION - The purpose of this program is to help residents with barriers to transportation get to their needed services, such as medical appointments and food banks or grocery shopping. Since the program is volunteer-driven they rely on volunteers to make this possible. Currently, they have a number of clients who need help with affordable transportation in the KV - Hampton areas. This seems to be one of the hardest areas to find volunteers. COVID protocols (masks) are enforced for both the client and driver – no exceptions.
Clients that use this service pay a minimal fee ($0.41/km) and drivers are reimbursed for their km's at $0.45/km. For shorter distances, a flat fee of $5.00, one way or $10.00 round trip, may be charged. This is a relatively new service. They are finding it difficult to recruit suitable volunteers and are often not able to fulfill all of their ride requests. This past month alone, over 100 ride requests were denied due to no volunteer being available. If you can volunteer to be a driver, contact Annie Dunn, Regional Transportation Director, Fundy Region Community Network Inc. at (506) 609-7433. Additional information about this group can be found on their website: www.nbcommunitytransit.com. If you know of someone who may need to use this service, call Charlotte (dispatch) at (506) 349-8551 to book a ride.
HELP GETTING TO SUNDAY MASS IN HAMPTON – One of our parishioners that lives in the 700 block of Main Street, Hampton, is in need of a ride to and from Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus. If you are able to help, please call the office (506) 832-3327.
KITCHEN STOVE UPDATE – Dee Dee has advised that a kind soul has donated a gently used stove for “Louise’s Kitchen”. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.
COOKIES FOR ROMERO HOUSE – Last Friday of this month is April 26th. Shelagh and Don. sincerely appreciate your help with their monthly “Cookies for Romero House” campaign. ALL donations gladly accepted. Contact Shelagh or Don. at (506) 943-3493.
AASEA RETREATS –Silent Directed Retreats are being offered with directors from the Saint John Local AASEA at the Villa Madonna Retreat House in June. A 5–Day Silent Directed Retreat takes place from Mon., June 10 to Fri., June 14, 2024, with a registration cost of $130.00 and $570.00 due upon arrival. A 4–Day option is also available from Tue., June 11 to Fri., June 14, 2024 with a registration cost of $130.00 and $400.00 due upon arrival. Pre-retreat instalment payment may be arranged. For registration and more information, please contact Bob McDermott at mcdermot@nbnet.nb.ca. These retreats are for those seeking an atmosphere of silence. They include daily meetings with a director and daily Eucharist.
EVENING PRAYER IN CARMEL CHAPEL (103 Burpee Avenue, Saint John) - Last Wednesday of each month, starting January 31st until June 26th, 2024. The evening starts at 6:00 p.m. with instrumental music by a local musician. Prayer ritual begins at 6:30 pm. PARKING: Both sides of Burpee Ave. and Rocmaura lot off Park Street. Weekday contact info: (506) 634-4970.
Apr 24 * May 29 * June 26
AUDITE SPRING RETREATS AT VILLA MADONNA: Each retreat begins with supper at 5:00 p.m. on May 27th and ends at 2:00 p.m. on the last day, either May 29th or 31st. Team of Audité and four invited Facilitators, in an atmosphere of welcoming Silence. Persons first time for this Audité retreat may request half-price registration.
4-day Retreat… Mon., May 27th to Fri., May 31st - COST: $479.00;
2-day Retreat…Mon., May 27th to Wed., May 29th - COST: $237.50.
Email: audite119@bellaliant.net
MISSION OF THE CATECHIST WORKSHOPS - The “Mission of the Catechist” workshop for catechists is being presented by Patricia Lee, Director of Catechesis & Jim Anderson, Director of Missionary Discipleship Formation on Sunday, April 21st, at two locations. You are welcome to attend at either location:
Villa Madonna Retreat House, 115 Villa Madonna Road, noon to 3:30 p.m.; and
St. Francis Church Parish Hall, 114 Church Ave, Sussex, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
For information, please contact Patricia Lee at (506) 627-6465 or email: catechesis@dioceseofsaintjohn.org. See poster on bulletin board.
Knights of Columbus Silver Rose Pilgrimage - Each year, from early March through mid-December, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life. This year the Silver Rose will be in the Diocese of Saint John on Sunday, May 5, 2024. All are invited to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 3:00 pm for a Silver Rose prayer service as we ask the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe in promoting a culture of life.
CAMP SHELDRAKE - To help send some kids to camp, they are holding a raffle to give away a playhouse and a 50-50 draw. The grand prize is a furnished, wired and heated 12 foot by 16 foot playhouse complete with set of bunk beds, PlayStation 5, chair and 65-inch TV. Prize is valued at $20,000. Second prize is a 50-50 draw. Tickets for both prizes are available on-line at rafflebox.ca/raffle/camp-sheldrake. Draw date: April 14, 2024.
Camp Sheldrake, located in Miramichi, NB, is a Catholic-based, not-for-profit organization that offers summer overnight and day camps to youth aged 6 to 17. Campers’ days are filled with canoeing, swimming, archery, rock-wall climbing, nature adventure, zip-lining, arts & crafts and of course campfires! Camp experiences are based on Christian values and promote volunteerism, community service and social justice initiatives. Through play and group activities, Camp Sheldrake provides an atmosphere to inspire youth to be leaders today and tomorrow. Each summer, campers attend from across the Maritimes and other parts of Canada and the USA; many returning year after year. Camp Sheldrake is for campers from all faiths and denominations. For more information, visit www.campsheldrake.ca .
STEUBENVILLE ATLANTIC 2024 YOUTH CONFERENCE - Youth aged 14-18 are invited to participate in this event held at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS from July 5-7. If you are between 18 and 21, you can attend as a Peer Leader. Before registering, please talk to your parish priest or RE coordinator about registration. Conference information can be found on the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth website under Steubenville Atlantic. Transportation to NS is included in the registration fee of $300.00. Pick up locations will be from Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton. For more information please contact Patricia Lee at: catechesis@dioceseofsaintjohn.org or 506-627-6465.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – Divine Mercy Catholic School seeks a Principal in Saint John, NB. If you're dedicated to nurturing students' academic and spiritual development through Catholic values and academic excellence, explore this opportunity at: https://www.divinemercycatholicschool.ca/principal-job-posting
CCCB WEBINARS FOR THE YEAR OF PRAYER – In this Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, the CCCB is offering a webinar series, “A Great Symphony of Prayer”. The webinars are based on the themes contained in the prayer booklets prepared by the Jubilee Office in Rome. Available in both official languages, each series of webinar on prayer will consist of four parts; one series will take place in the spring (already started) and the other in the fall (October 3 to 24th).
Dr. Josephine Lombardi (St. Augustine’s Seminary) will present the spring series titled “A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life.” The first and second webinars have already taken place. However, the third and fourth webinars in the series take place on Tuesday, April 23 (Daily Bread and the Gift of Forgiveness) and Tuesday, April 30 (Managing Trials and Resisting Evil Fall Series on Prayer). Visit https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/a-great-symphony-of-prayer-the-our-father-as-a-programme-of-life for more information and to register.
SONGS OF SANCTUARY – Saturday, April 27th, 7:00 p.m. at Stella Maris Church (201 Bayside Drive, Saint John), the Cantores Celestes Maritimes and the Saint John Men’s Chorus, directed by Kelly Galbraith, will be performing. Featuring Song of the Universal, Freedom Trilogy and works by Bruckner, Faure, Vaughan Williams plus beloved songs of friendship and support. General Admission: $25.00. For more information, see the poster on the bulletin board at St. Alphonsus.
TRINITY CHURCH’S CHIMING & TIMING CAMPAIGN - On Sunday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m., recitalist MICHAEL MOLLOY will perform a ROYAL CONCERT of ORGAN MUSIC. To celebrate the anniversary of King Charles’ coronation, this recital features regal music for kings and queens from coronations, jubilees, weddings and funerals, all performed on Trinity’s 280 voice organ.
This is a fund-raiser for Trinity Church (115 Charlotte Street, Saint John) to get the TOWER BELLS pealing, once again, over the city. For advance ticket sales call the Church Office (506) 693-8558. COST: $30.00, with a tax receipt of $10.00.
Thank you for considering supporting “Saint John's Church of the Loyalists”. See poster on bulletin board.
KNOWLEDGE CAFE – Hampton Resource Centre (Fridays at 11:00 a.m. - noon):
Everyone is welcome. Refreshments are provided. If schools are cancelled due to the weather, the Knowledge Café is also cancelled.
- April 26th – Parkland is a trusted provider of senior accommodations, services and care in Atlantic Canada. Join Lifestyle Consultants from Parkland in the Valley and Saint John to learn about lifestyle options and how you can live your Best Life at Parkland. Guest speakers: Christine McGee and Sydney Peacock.
- May 3rd – Trauma Program provides resources on injury prevention and how to stay safe. Guest speaker: Dr. Richard Louis, MD, Injury prevention specialist.
PRO-LIFE CRASH COURSE! In Canada, about 300 innocent children are aborted every single day. Do you want to learn how to defend pre-born children, and have fruitful conversations about abortion? Join for training and hands-on experience doing pro-life outreach in Saint John NB from May 3-4. You will learn pro-life strategy and apologetics that will equip you to reach our culture to change minds and save lives. Application deadline is April 24. For more information or to apply visit endthekilling.ca/nb.
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA) SAINT JOHN OFFICE – Message from Dawn O'Dell, Community Program Coordinator:
Happy New Year! Here is the current schedule regarding upcoming sessions along with the re-scheduled December session. The Making Wellness a Priority is a monthly series that addresses the 8-dimensions of wellness and helps individuals in achieving whole-person wellness.
Tuesday, May 7 @ 230 PM - Intellectual Wellness with Daniela Fernandez with 211 New Brunswick / 211 Nouveau-Brunswick
The Making Wellness a Priority sessions are held at the Kennebecasis Public Library. Invite a friend and to pre-register call (506) 652-1447. For more information: www.cmhanb.ca
WEE ONES BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN – Some of you might remember last year’s campaign. Between St. Anthony’s and St. Alphonsus, together, we raised $2,351.41. According to the Sussex Pregnancy Care Centre, we were the highest contributing church group in last year’s campaign. The “Wee Ones Campaign” will return, this year. Your simple act of generosity can make a lasting impact in the lives of young mothers, fathers and babies by giving them an opportunity to choose life, learn and grow. It may seem like a small contribution, to you, but the impact is HUGE!
This year, the campaign will run from May 12th (Mother’s Day) to June 16th (Father’s Day). I’ll remind you as Mother’s Day approaches. One parishioner has already made their donation! Now that’s enthusiasm. The Sussex Pregnancy Care Centre is a registered charity and can issue a receipt for income tax purposes.
INCOME TAX CLINIC – There are only two more Tuesday morning tax clinics - April 23rd and 30th. This clinic is held at the Hampton Resource Centre (31 Demille Court) from 9:00 a.m. until noon. No appointment necessary; first come, first served. This clinic is for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation. For more information, speak with Wendy in the parish office.
HAMPTON SENIORS RESOURCE CENTER – WELLNESS PROGRAMS: Something new this year. Indoor winter walking started Tuesday, Jan. 15th at noon. See poster on bulletin board for more information.
Information regarding a new initiative designed to help area seniors age well at home – “Nursing Home without Walls”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*DIAL-A-RIDE, FUNDY REGION - The purpose of this program is to help residents with barriers to transportation get to their needed services, such as medical appointments and food banks or grocery shopping. Since the program is volunteer-driven they rely on volunteers to make this possible. Currently, they have a number of clients who need help with affordable transportation in the KV - Hampton areas. This seems to be one of the hardest areas to find volunteers. COVID protocols (masks) are enforced for both the client and driver – no exceptions.
Clients that use this service pay a minimal fee ($0.41/km) and drivers are reimbursed for their km's at $0.45/km. For shorter distances, a flat fee of $5.00, one way or $10.00 round trip, may be charged. This is a relatively new service. They are finding it difficult to recruit suitable volunteers and are often not able to fulfill all of their ride requests. This past month alone, over 100 ride requests were denied due to no volunteer being available. If you can volunteer to be a driver, contact Annie Dunn, Regional Transportation Director, Fundy Region Community Network Inc. at (506) 609-7433. Additional information about this group can be found on their website: www.nbcommunitytransit.com. If you know of someone who may need to use this service, call Charlotte (dispatch) at (506) 349-8551 to book a ride.