Although it has been three years since the project was first introduced, several challenges have been encountered and have resulted in delays along our path to provide affordable seniors housing for our parishioners and those living within the city.

Over the past several months, we have received positive support from the Diocese to move forward; most recently, approval was granted by the City of Fredericton with regard to property variance adjustments and an independent land value appraisal of the required property was completed.

Currently, we are awaiting word from the provincial government on the funding status for the project. In this regard, committee representatives met recently with the Hon. Kelly Lamrock Minister of Social Development to provide him with a more in depth and personal update on the project’s present state of development. Our goal was to ensure that he recognize the project as a high priority; not only for the Devon/ Fort Nashwak area, but the city at-large.

Hon. Lamrock expressed his personal support and would be requesting a briefing from his staff. We are encouraged, but have yet to hear from the Department’s affordable housing program representative regarding funding approval for the fiscal year 2010 – 2011.

Regretfully, a number of you are disappointed at the pace of progress to-date; however, given the magnitude of the project and investment that will result, please remain positive and patient.

Remember, our forefathers and pioneers took many years to develop our community and with your support, over time, we will build for the future.  

Our resolve remains strong!

Greg Feener, Director

St. Anthony’s Court Inc.

Annual Walking Pilgrimage - The 87th Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, Skiff Lake, will be August 8th, 2010. An outdoor Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am; Sacrament of the Sick at 2:00 pm. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic lunch and enjoy this faith tradition. Canteen on site.

Directions to the Shrine are as follows: take Exit 212 from the TransCanada highway at Meductic. Turn south on 122 and drive into the Village of Canterbury. Continue to follow the road signs from the Village to the Upper Skiff Lake site. For more information and to register, please contact Tera Vellenoweth at 472-0694 or email at teravel@gmail.com.

Responsible Ministry Protocol Workshop - Thanks to everyone who attended the workshop on Tuesday. Our parish was strongly represented. Gary Arbour is the parish co-ordinator for this new protocol. 

Our Lady of Grace School  - This is a small, independent Catholic school located in New Maryland with students from grades 1 - 8. The school is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 school year. Please contact Carolyn Barry at 476-4695 or tebarry@nbnet.nb.ca.

 Yoga classes - Our Parish Nursing Ministry will be offering a second round of yoga classes at no cost beginning in September for 7 weeks. The instructor will be Irene Brennan. This is open to all parishioners. More information regarding the exact time and registration details will be forthcoming. 

Quilt-making sessions & courses - Our parish is thinking of offering quilt-making sessions beginning in September. If anyone is interested in having quilt-making courses, please leave a message at the Parish Nursing Office (444-6398)

Basement Use on hot summer days -a survey was conducted to see if there was a desire on the part of parishioners to make use of our church basement on hot, summer days. If you  have not replied to the survey, you may still do so by calling Irene at 444-6010. Thank you. 

Summer music at St. Dunstan's - Each Wednesday evening in August, Diane Brown will be giving a  concert with various musical friends. The concerts begin at 7:00 pm and last for about an hour.  A free-will offering will be accepted. Here's the line-up....

August 4th    Derrick Paul Miller, tenor, performs sacred and popular songs from his soon-to-be released CD "It is well"

August 11th   Violinist Marc Szammer returns to New Brunswick from New York City to perform once again. 

August 18th   The ever-popular music for one piano, four hands featuring Krystyna Higgins.

August 25th   "Our Fathers" return with more of your favourite songs and some fiddle tunes as well.