“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” Aurelius
STATEMENT REGARDING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of This Land
Friday, September 24 2021
We, the Catholic Bishops of Canada, gathered in Plenary this week, take this opportunity to affirm to you, the Indigenous Peoples of this land, that we acknowledge the suffering experienced in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools.
Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge the grave abuses that were committed by some members of our Catholic community; physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual.
We also sorrowfully acknowledge the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day. Along with those Catholic entities which were directly involved in the operation of the schools and which have already offered their own heartfelt apologies[1], we[2], the Catholic Bishops of Canada, express our profound remorse and apologize unequivocally.
We are fully committed to the process of healing and reconciliation. Together with the many pastoral initiatives already underway in dioceses across the country, and as a further tangible expression of this ongoing commitment, we are pledging to undertake fundraising in each region of the country to support initiatives discerned locally with Indigenous partners.
Furthermore, we invite the Indigenous Peoples to journey with us into a new era of reconciliation, helping us in each of our dioceses across the country to prioritize initiatives of healing, to listen to the experience of Indigenous Peoples, especially to the survivors of Indian Residential Schools, and to educate our clergy, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful, on Indigenous cultures and spirituality.
We commit ourselves to continue the work of providing documentation or records that will assist in the memorialization of those buried in unmarked graves.
Having heard the requests to engage Pope Francis in this reconciliation process, a delegation of Indigenous survivors, Elders/knowledge keepers, and youth will meet with the Holy Father in Rome in December 2021. Pope Francis will encounter and listen to the Indigenous participants, so as to discern how he can support our common desire to renew relationships and walk together along the path of hope in the coming years. We pledge to work with the Holy See and our Indigenous partners on the possibility of a pastoral visit by the Pope to Canada as part of this healing journey.
We commit ourselves to continue accompanying you, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples of this land. Standing in respect of your resiliency, strength and wisdom, we look forward to listening to and learning from you as we walk in solidarity.
[1] Indian Residential Schools and TRC – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (cccb.ca)
[2] The CCCB website has a link to several apologies previously offered by Catholic bishops, including those offered by bishops at national TRC events
Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of This Land
Greetings To You All
Pastoral News
Important Notice:
As of Friday July 16th, we moved into Step 3 of the Re-opening of the Province. This does not directly affect us, since we have been able to celebrate mass both during the weekday and weekend with 25% capacity.
There is one thing that has changed, we no longer have to use contact tracing, except for funerals. For this reason you do not have to register for a mass. You are asked to still self assess yourself before entering the church, sanitize your hands, and to wear a mask. Thank you.
The office will remain open, Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30AM - 2:30PM.
We thank you for your patience and continued support on so many levels.
About Us
We are Respectful of Others
We are Respectful of Others
We are Respectful of Others
As a faith community grounded in the teachings and example of Jesus, the Christ, he bids us to love the other from a place of mutual respect and humility. We welcome you as you are. Respect is a challenge to ignorance and a path to creating home. Let us be home.
We Honour Who You Are
We are Respectful of Others
We are Respectful of Others
Jesus taught us to love God and the other as we love our self. We truly love ourselves when we allow the other to be as God would have them be. We are to encourage and to be supportive of all as they share with us, their appreciation of who God is in their life.
We are of Service to Others
We are Respectful of Others
We are of Service to Others
Following the example of Jesus, we look beyond ourselves to help and serve others, locally and in the world. We invite you to join us by sharing your time, talents and treasure, as we together discern God's wisdom in our lives. Let us be home to one another, and may God live and reign in our hearts.
Diocese of Peterborough
