Catholic Missions in Canada www.cmic.info
fall 2015
A harvest of
vocations ISSN 1702-2894
Eight of our seminarians and future priests share their reflections on why they have chosen to follow Christ
PLUS: Easter in Déline • 2015 St. Joseph Award • Tastes of Heaven 2015
Editor’s Notes
A rich harvest
In
honour of the Year of Consecrated Life (November 30, 2014– February 2, 2016), we are featuring eight of the 58 seminarians generously supported by Catholic Missions In Canada donors. It is a rich harvest of vocations, a bountiful response to what Pope Francis said as “the need for prophets who witness how Jesus lived on this earth.” Already, we have seen how our missionaries in the field—priests and brothers, and religious sisters— are a visible presence of men and women who have unselfishly vowed to dedicate their lives wholly to God. Soon their ranks will be joined by these future priests, all prepared in their ministry to share the love of God through following Jesus’ example. This issue also focuses on the ministry of healing in our missions in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, as well as gives tribute to Sister Andrea Dumont, c.s.j., recipient of the 2015 St. Joseph Award for excellence in missionary work. A rich harvest, indeed!
Patria C. Rivera 2 Fall 2015
cont
Volume 34, Number 3
Features
8
A unique Easter in Déline Holy Week and Easter rites honour faith traditions, sacred spaces in Northern mission Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, o.m.i.
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Called to follow Christ In this special feature, eight of our seminarians and future priests share their reflections on why they have chosen to follow Christ
34
ents Fall 2015
Catholic Missions in Canada Catholic Missions In Canada® is the magazine of Catholic Missions In Canada, founded in 1908 under papal mandate as The Catholic Church Extension Society of Canada, to support Canada’s missions.
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President: Father Philip J. Kennedy National Director of Development: Kathleen Ancker, c.f.r.e. Director of Finance and Administration: Don Smith, c.a. Editor: Patria C. Rivera
34
Officers of Catholic Missions In Canada are: Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto, Apostolic Chancellor; Bishop David Motiuk, Ukrainian Eparch of Edmonton, Alberta, Vice-Chancellor; James Milway of Hamilton, Ontario, Secretary; and Terence Freitas of Unionville, Ontario, Treasurer.
Sharing the joys of the Gospels Amidst history of struggles, mission survives Father Robert Laroche, o.m.i. St. Joseph Award 2015 Sister Andrea Dumont, c.s.j. says she grew more spiritually as a missionary to the poor Evan Boudreau
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Tastes of Heaven 2015 Thank you to our supporters!
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3 missionaries lived in faith and service Northern communities will miss three remarkable missionaries
Departments
2 Editor’s Notes 4 From the President’s Desk 42 Gift Planning 46 Letters
Other members of the Board of Governors are: Bishop John Corriveau, o.f.m. cap., of Nelson, British Columbia; Archbishop Albert LeGatt of St. Boniface, Manitoba; Bishop Robert Anthony Daniels of Grand Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador; Bishop Stephen Jensen of Prince George, British Columbia; Sister Bernadette Feist, o.s.u., of Lebret, Saskatchewan; Sister Carmen Catellier, s.n.j.m., of Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan; Marie Di Poce of Kleinburg, Ontario; Leonard Racioppo of Toronto, Ontario; Carlo De Pellegrin, c.a., of Richmond Hill, Ontario, and John Gennaro, of Toronto, Ontario. Published quarterly by Catholic Missions In Canada 201-1155 Yonge Street. Toronto, Ontario M4T 1W2 Tel: (416) 934-3424 1 (866) YES-CMIC 1 (866) 937-2642 (toll-free) Fax: (416) 934-3425 E-mail: magazine@cmic.info Website: www.cmic.info ISSN Number: 1702-2894 Publications Mail Agreement 40044706 Member of the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada ©2015 Catholic Missions In Canada. All rights reserved. BN 11922 0531 RR0001 A yearly offering of $25 or more helps cover the costs of this magazine and our mission work.
Sister Andrea Dumont, c.s.j., missionary from Thompson, Manitoba, receives 2015 St. Joseph Award.
Background cover photo of Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, British Columbia, by Olivier Coutant
Catholic missions in canada 3
intensive study and practice
Formation of the priest-missionary
The heritage of St. Charles and other Church reformers was sustained in the methods of all seminaries of the Catholic world. By FATHER PHILIP J. KENNEDY, PRESIDENT
A
momentous occasion for the Church began in 1566. That was the year that the young priest, Charles Borromeo was consecrated archbishop of Milan and took over the management and spiritual direction
foundation in Sacred Scripture and theology and the history of the Church, and introductions to various aspects of ministry to God’s people. St. Charles’s type of seminary was imitated and improved on by many dioceses throughout Italy and later spread over Europe, for the uniformity of preparation of seminarians to serve the Church. The work of reform of the clergy was continued and bolstered at the time by the Jesuits (founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola) and the Barnabites (founded by St. Anthony Zaccharia), who were soon famous for their own seminaries. The heritage of St. Charles and other Church reformers was sustained in the methods
With every priest having the care of more than one church or mission, it is important to learn the value of economy of time. of the disorganized archdiocese. He began with the priests of his new diocese, who had had very little preparation and no institutional background to their ministry before being ordained. St. Charles, as he later became, established seminaries in his own diocese, giving clergy a 4 Fall 2015
Photos courtesy of St. Joseph Seminary
St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta.
of all seminaries of the Catholic world. In this 21st century, building on the schools of theology of the past, we are fortunate to have high-quality facilities for training in faith leadership on the part of our priests who will go out to work on the missions in this country. Unlike the past century, there are few seminaries dedicated solely to future mission priests. Instead, the seminaries have candidates doing intensive study of the Bible at all levels, and a systematic researching of the various theological teachings of
the Church, and pastoral preparatory work, and also the important service of the Lord in liturgy and in devotion of different kinds. In addition, some religious orders have houses of formation for their candidates, who study at a seminary institution, but return each day to their order’s house to live with their own community. It is still the responsibility of the bishop of a diocese to ensure that his priestly candidates are well formed, and all Canadian bishops send their candidates to the most appropriate school of Catholic missions in canada 5
theology for the person being formed, and most suitable to the needs of his own diocese. As well as the theological and pastoral preparation of a seminarian, there is usually further preparation the bishops of our mission dioceses encourage, such as pastoral experience with Aboriginal people, sometimes exposure to languages of the faithful, and even basic knowledge of heating and water and electrical facilities. Today’s missionaries have travel demands placed on them that were seldom known in times past, and familiarity with good and sturdy vehicles becomes a must 6 Fall 2015
for the future ministry of a mission priest. With every priest having the care of more than one church or mission, it is important to learn the value of economy of time. The formation of priests has developed over the years of the Christian era, and is now quite sophisticated in both its rigorous intellectual content, and in the pastoral needs of preparation. We can be content that most of the seminarians who study for the mission dioceses across the country have opportunity to grow in uniformity of faith and practice with the priests of the world.
I remember...
Remember your faithful departed with a gift in their memory. Your intentions will be remembered in the All Souls’ Day Mass offered by our President, Father Philip Kennedy.
Father Joseph Baril, o.m.i., 1921-2013
CMIC File Photo
Fr. Baril served as a Northern missionary for over 57 years, primarily among the Cree of James Bay and the Inuit of Northern Quebec. Honoured with our St. Joseph Award in 2011 for outstanding missionary service, Father Joseph was a true pilgrim of our Canadian North and continued to serve as an itinerant priest, travelling to isolated villages well after he “officially” retired in 2009.
c Please remember my faithful departed ________________________________________ (Name of deceased)
My gift of $______ is enclosed for our missionaries. Name_____________________________________________________________________ Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms. (Please circle)
Address___________________________________________________________________ City_________________ Province__________Postal Code____________ Phone_______________________ Email_________________________________________
MA2015-03-IM
Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada 201 – 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4T 1W2 Tel: 416-934-3424 Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642) Fax: 416-934-3425 Website: www.cmic.info BN 11922 0531 RR0001 A receipt will be issued for the full amount of your gift.
Healing ministry in Sahtu region
A UNIQUE
EASTER In Deliné, both a men’s and a women’s group have started as a follow-up; a bible study group may soon be organized. By ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS SYLVAIN LAVOIE, O.M.I.
E
arly in 2015, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Mackenzie-Fort Smith diocese, invited me to carry out healing ministry in the Sahtu region involving the communities of Fort Good Hope, Déline and Tulita in the Northwest Territories. I enjoyed the hospitality and was inspired by the commitment and example of Sisters Joan Liss and Pauline Girodat in Fort Good Hope and Sister Celeste Goulet in Tulita. A short visit with Father John Tritschler, who covers the whole 8 Fall 2015
area, left me amazed at his energy and dedication. However, what I want to share in this article is my stay in Deliné that coincided with Holy Week. My intention was to conduct a three-day Lenten/Easter mission in each community, plus a two-day addictions awareness workshop entitled “Living Life to the Full.” The mission, with its focus on the Great Triduum, fit right in with the Holy Week liturgies. As Chief Leonard Kenny was present for Holy Thursday, I invited him to join me in the
Photo courtesy of Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, o.m.i.
washing of feet and he started by washing mine. Others wanted to do likewise, and soon everyone was washing someone’s feet, so I sat down and watched it all unfold. What was very impressive was watching the elders washing the feet of youth, and vice-versa. Good Friday began with a Feeding-the-Fire Ceremony in the cemetery (a traditional drumming ritual thanking God for all God’s blessings and honouring the ancestors). Those carrying the big wooden cross in the procession to the church
stopped and knelt three times for a short prayer enroute. The community has a tradition of writing out pages of intentions that are read out during the Eucharist, often taking up to half an hour. The intentions for 2014 were saved in a decorative box that was brought out to the Easter fire and reverently burned. At a baptism on Easter Sunday, I invited people to come up to make the sign of the cross on the child to be baptized, expecting a few to respond. Instead, the Catholic missions in canada 9
whole community came forward. What was particularly touching was the elders also kissing and caressing the child. Easter Monday and Tuesday were taken up with the workshop in the old church built by former Oblate and renowned artist Bern Will Brown. The
We decided to have our closing sharing circle in the prophet’s house all together, which went on well past 11 p.m. Both a men’s and a women’s groups have started as a follow-up. Attempts are being made to start a bible study group as well. It struck me that there are three sacred places in the community—the cemetery and arbour at one end, the new and old churches in the middle, and the prophet’s house and arbour at the other end, and we made our way to them all as part of the whole Easter celebration and workshop. That seemed so appropriate, especially after someone mentioned that the comment about the sacred spaces had also come from one of the prophets. It seemed a fitting note on which to bring my rather unique Easter experience in Déline to a close. After paying $220 for overweight luggage, I left with gratitude to Bishop Mark for the invitation and to Catholic Missions In Canada for the generosity that makes this costly Northern ministry possible.
‘The community was poised for something like this to happen, just needing a nudge and a safe environment to break through’ sharing took place in men’s and women’s groups. It seemed that the community was poised for something like this to happen, just needing a nudge and a safe environment to break through to a deeper level of fellowship. The community of Déline is known for the presence of four deceased holy men they call prophets, whose wisdom and deep faith guided the people over the decades. The house of the first main one, “Grandfather” Joseph Ayha, was rebuilt at the far end of the community as a sacred place for pilgrimages. 10 Fall 2015
Oblate Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie is Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, Manitoba.
ANNUITIES: the only way to guarantee income for life Are you concerned about your income lasting to the end of your life? One way to guarantee that is to invest in annuities with Catholic Missions In Canada. With a gift annuity: • You will receive income that is guaranteed for your lifetime.
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MA-2015-03-CGA
Day / Month / Year
VOCATION STORIES
12 Fall 2015
This year, CMIC is providing financial assistance to 58 seminarians from 13 mission dioceses.Thanks to you, they— like the Apostle Peter—will be able to answer Christ’s call to ‘Feed my lambs.’ Photo by Olivier Coutant
(John 21: 15-17)
In this special feature, eight of our seminarians and future priests share their reflections on why they have chosen to follow Christ.
Seminary of Christ the King, Mission, British Columbia. Catholic missions in canada 13
FELT GOD’S GRACE ALL THE WAY Thoughts about vocation followed future priest like a shadow. By FATHER CHRISTOPHER DUBOIS
I
had been thinking about a vocation to the priesthood since I was just a little boy. It was a thought that has followed me like a shadow. It stuck with me even during those times I did not want to be a priest or did not think God could be calling a sinner like me. I grew up in a practising Catholic home. We went to Mass every Sunday and I learned about the faith from the witness of my parents and grandparents. Faith was an important part of our family life. We routinely
discussed matters of faith at the dinner table and had a close relationship with our priests, having them over for dinner or going golfing with them. One who had a big impact on my decision to enter seminary was my pastor during my university days, Father Dominic Yuen. He took a special interest in me and encouraged me to go frequently to Confession, to pray the rosary, and to attend Mass daily. As my spiritual director, Fr. Dominic helped me to appreciate that God calls
imperfect people and that a seminary is a place you go to as part of your discernment, and not only for those who are absolutely certain they are called. In short, a seminary is not just a building that pumps out priests. Although I certainly struggled with discerning God’s will for my life, there came a day when I heard God speaking to me asking me to give Him my whole life as a priest. By His grace, I was able to say yes to that call and my period of seminary formation has been a great blessing.
As I approach my ordination, I give thanks to God for His great love for me—for His writing straight all my crooked lines and for putting people in my life to help me draw closer to Him. I thank Him for my vocation to the priesthood. Christopher Dubois, from Brandon, Manitoba, studied for the priesthood at St. Joseph Seminary and was ordained a priest in July 2015. He served many First Nation communities during his pastoral internship. Catholic missions in canada 15
Discovering the joy of faith Active Catholic community at university supported future priest as he wrestled deeply with his faith. By DEACON JAMES JOSEPH FLEMING
I
grew up as the youngest of three children in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both of my parents practised the Catholic faith, and I received a particular love for the Eucharist and the rosary from my father. Throughout high school and university, I participated in our parish youth choir and attended Sunday Mass; however, my faith commitment and relationship with God were wanting. In university, I studied chemistry. The beauty of the natural world at the molecular level 16 Fall 2015
and the power of chemistry to advance medicine captivated me. I obtained a bachelors degree in 2000 and then departed from Newfoundland to pursue a doctorate at Stanford University. There I began to wrestle deeply with my faith. Thanks to an active Catholic community, especially the priests and sisters in campus ministry, I discovered the joy of living the Catholic faith and of integrating it with my scientific research. Daily Mass, Confession, and the Liturgy of the Hours became pillars of my
spiritual life. From this place of conversion I felt a call to the priesthood so that I might know Christ more deeply and assist others in encountering Him. In 2006 I completed my Ph.D. and began a time of discernment. After several years of prayer and spiritual direction, I felt God calling me to return to St. John’s as a diocesan priest. I entered St. Augustine’s Seminary in 2010, and I am now a deacon preparing for ordination to the priesthood in the spring of 2016.
I think we can foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life by enabling young men and women to ask questions about their faith and to discover the spiritual and intellectual riches of the Catholic faith. Supporting university campus ministry is one particular way we can meet many of these men and women where they are. Deacon James Joseph Fleming is preparing for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Catholic missions in canada 17
The reluctant seminarian
He had a nice condo and a good job, but as time went on, the thought of being a priest tugged at the corner of his conscience continually. By DEACON Andrew Henry White
Former high school teacher Andrew Henry White was born and raised in Humber Valley on Newfoundland’s West Coast. He is completing his fourth year of Theology at St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario.
I
had some inkling of a vocation in my teens, and my parish priest subtly encouraged me to consider it.Yet it wasn’t something I considered with any kind of seriousness until I was about twenty. In most respects, I led a very normal, modern life. I came from a fairly normal, modern family. Originally from the community of Pasadena, Newfoundland, in my adulthood I was working 18 Fall 2015
and driving a beautiful sports car just east of Toronto. I had a nice condo and a good job, but as time went on, the thought of being a priest tugged at the corner of my conscience continually. So I did what any normal person would do: I went on vacation. I spent my vacation back in Newfoundland, in St. John’s. When it was time for me to leave I had to drive an additional 550 miles to Port aux Basques because the Argentia ferry was full and wouldn’t be back for a few days. I stopped in my home community enroute, and somehow ran into the parish priest, who spoke to me of the priesthood. So many coincidences had occurred that
I could see God’s hand moving things to put me there. So I decided to “give it a year.” That was six years ago. By the time this is printed, I will have been ordained a deacon. Many things come to mind in how we can foster vocations. First, families must provide a spiritual life to their children as they promised them in Baptism. Prayer, Mass, and good Christian lives lived by the family are strong sources of a vocation. However, many families worry that their sons won’t be happy as priests. Trust me, priests are happy! If a man in your family is considering the priesthood, please consider his happiness!
Parishes must continually pray for vocations, and the parish priests must encourage men to discern a vocation. Almost every man I’ve met in the seminary said a priest encouraged him to go. Finally, prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is key. Whether it is for yourself or for vocations, or someone specific, our Blessed Lord will respond. Adoration is essential. Andrew Henry White, once the reluctant seminarian and recently ordained deacon in the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, will be ordained a priest in 2016. Catholic missions in canada 19
My Journey to the Priesthood Called to help share the Gospel of God’s salvation to the world. By Dominic Trinh Do
I
was born to a traditional Catholic family in Viet Nam. My parents have seven children and I am the youngest in the family. I am an ordinary man like many other Vietnamese, and I grew up working in the rice fields. However, God has called me to devote my whole life to serve Him and His holy people in Nelson diocese. I am now a seminarian at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton archdiocese hoping to continue the journey of my vocation to the priesthood. To recognize God’s call, my family, the community of faith at my home parish, my pastor, 20 Fall 2015
and my friends have had vital roles in my journey. They have supported, encouraged, guided, and helped me with my vocation goals. Their faith has been a great influence. My Dad and Mom are very kind and religious; they helped me develop my faith as well as given me support in my dream to become a priest. They attend daily Mass, receive the Sacraments, as well as volunteer in various parish activities. Furthermore, Father Dominique, my uncle on my Father’s side, has influenced my aspiration, too. My uncle served God and His Catholic Church in Viet Nam, and now he serves in Little
Rock diocese in the United States. His devoted life is a model of service for me. On April 24, 2016, Father Dominique will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. It is a great grace that God gives to Father Dominique. To respond to God’s call and to nourish my vocation, I go to church to live intimately with God by attending daily Mass, receiving the Sacraments, participating in other holy liturgical celebrations, and praying daily. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, step by step, I recognize God’s call to follow Him. The more I am
involved in parish activities, the more I recognize God’s call in my life. I have participated as an altar server, joined the parish choir and the music band, as well as coordinated the parish youth group and other activities. Like many priests, brothers, and sisters—those who are called by God to devote their lives to God to serve God and His people—I am also called to the same mission of spreading the Gospel of God’s salvation to the world. People are not only hungry for material food, they are also hungry for spiritual food, the Word of God, to live their faith. Through the experiences of Catholic missions in canada 21
my faith, I think that God also invites young people today to devote their lives to God to serve the plan of God’s salvation for human beings. Let us listen to and respond to God’s call as Jesus called the first disciples, saying, “Come and see.” Jesus’ disciples went and they saw the place
where Jesus was staying…and they stayed with Jesus the rest of the day,” (John 1.39) to live close to Jesus, and to serve God and His holy people. Dominic Trinh Do is in formation studies for the Diocese of Nelson, British Columbia.
To be Christ to others Grace present in ministry. By Travis Chabot
M
y parents have always been very supportive of my sister and me.We were involved in many activities ranging from football to choir, but faith was never a priority.We went to Mass on most Sundays but we never prayed together. I didn’t understand the Mass, or the purpose of attending, and it remained a burden 22 Fall 2015
for me until I was in high school. I attended a retreat where I first experienced Eucharistic Adoration. I came to know that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist, and that He loved me. I wanted to become well rooted, so I surrounded myself with good Catholics. I ended up under the wing of my religion teacher who
brothered me into his family. The question of the priesthood became real when I attended some ordinations in Vancouver; my girlfriend was not impressed and we were forced to end the relationship. Soon after, I started going to daily Mass, and in the fall of 2011, I entered St. Joseph Seminary under the patronage of the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan. I was attracted to the priesthood not only because I saw a great need in our diocese, but also primarily because I saw the grace present in the ministry of
the priesthood and how people need it. I want to bring Christ to others; what better way than in the real presence of the Blessed Sacrament? I think the best thing we could do to foster vocations would be to become saints, to be Christ to others, and to love as He does. Only once we are loved by Him, can we love others, can we answer His call. Seminarian Travis Chabot is in formation studies at St. Joseph Seminary for the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan, Alberta. Catholic missions in canada 23
Priests inspired, encouraged vocation Prayer and devotion key. By Christian I. Mutombo
I
was born in 1992 in Mbujimayi, Congo, Africa, the firstborn of a family of nine children: one girl and eight boys. After my First Communion, at the age of 10, I became conscious of my desire to become a Catholic priest. Since my early childhood, I was very fond of going to church. I noticed the ways of the priests in my area and I was so impressed with their way of celebrating the Eucharist. I would also attend devotional practices they organized at church such as Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Rosary. Eventually, I made up 24 Fall 2015
my mind with all my heart to resemble them. In fact, I let our parish priest, Father Kalenda ThĂŠodore, know about my keen desire to become a priest. He encouraged me to go to the minor seminary. However, because of lack of financial support, I attended another school to study literature. Our priest nevertheless recommended that I stay in touch with him, frequent the parish, and join a parish group of readers or serve as choirboy in the hope of discerning my vocation, which I certainly did. I became a choirboy in 2004 and a reader in 2005. I
enrolled at Institut Mulemba in Mbujimayi, where I graduated and received my diploma. When Fr. Kalenda left the parish and was replaced by a new priest, Father Citenga Matthieu, Fr. Citenga sent me to the Seminary-Propédeutique Abbé Pierre Mukendi. I completed my philosophy degree in Congo and am now studying for the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface. I have begun the CultureWorks Program at St. Peter’s Seminary learning to speak, read and write English.When, with the grace of God, I complete my studies in English, then I will begin the theology program.
To encourage vocations, each diocese could provide a program that would help promote the meaning of priestly life to young men. Engaging in prayer for vocations through praying the rosary, adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, and participating in pilgrimages are necessary; without God’s help and grace, our efforts remain fruitless. Christian I. Mutombo is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface, and hopes to begin his theology studies at St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario. Catholic missions in canada 25
Not your ‘vocation-story thriller’ Renewal in vocations begins with generous and faith-filled families. By KEN ANDERSON
M
y journey has not been a “vocationstory thriller”; there has been no Damascus experience nor blinding light or deafening voice from heaven to give me certain direction. Yet God has called me forward in ordinary ways, and I am certain that He has a direction for me. I am one of eight siblings, four brothers and four sisters, raised on a ranch in northcentral British Columbia. Two of my brothers passed away before birth; although we are physically separated, I benefit greatly from their intercession, and feel especially close to my deceased twin, Sean. Through the years, 26 Fall 2015
my parents have tried to put faith and family first in their lifestyle decisions. My Dad gave up his ranching dream, and has worked at a sawmill for nearly thirty years; my Mom set aside her career as a teacher to be a homeschooling wife and mother. As a young boy, I used to entertain myself during the family rosary by tangling and untangling my rosary; my relationship with Mary has matured, but that was a good start.We also used to have a daily “quiet time” for personal prayer; this began a habit which has been essential in my vocational journey. In 2002 we made a family pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Toronto.This
trip exposed us to the broader Catholic world (including many priests and religious) and gave me a close view of Pope John Paul II! Through the years, I remember my parents praying for the future spouses, orders, or dioceses of their children, and that each of us would follow God’s Will. Ever since childhood I have felt drawn to the priesthood, not because anyone told me I should become a priest—the idea just seemed natural. Given my upbringing, the priesthood has always been on my vocational “radar.” If many young people are not answering the call, it is partly because the idea has not been planted in a way that it
can take root. The “ordinary way” in which God has called me is perhaps so uncommon today that it could be called “extraordinary,” but it shouldn’t be. Renewal in vocations begins with generous and faith-filled families. We need parents who are open to the gift of life, teaching their children that it is a gift for others. Is it not a beautiful and natural response to give our life back to God by embracing the call to the priesthood or consecrated life? Ken Anderson, a seminarian for the Diocese of Prince George, British Columbia, is enrolled in theological studies at Christ the King Seminary. Catholic missions in canada 27
VOCATION STORY STARTED AT 12
Holy and faithful priests and families are the greatest inspiration for vocations. By Father PETER NEMCEK
I
was born and raised in Trnava, Slovakia, in a Catholic environment, and attended St. Angela Merici Catholic Elementary and High School in my hometown. I have a younger brother and sister. With my brother, I began serving at the altar when I was twelve, and through this ministry, I got to know many priests and seminarians. I would not describe our family as overly religious. My mother was baptized but she did not practise her faith. It was my father who went with us to church and prayed with 28 Fall 2015
us. Occasionally, we prayed the rosary and went for adoration. Besides a great contact with religious priests, brothers and sisters, I also went monthly for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Having been in contact with many priests, it was natural for me to start thinking about the priesthood. I felt unworthy, however, and thus dismissed the thought of becoming a priest. The question, however, would come back at significant transitions in my life such as when I graduated from high school and university.
I came to Winnipeg in September 2005 and finished Grade 12 at Kildonan East Collegiate. After finishing a science degree at the University of Manitoba in 2009, I worked for a year as research technician at the university. It was during that year that I began to seriously pray about going to the seminary. I overcame my obstacles of unworthiness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and talking with a priest. During my university years, many parishioners had also asked me whether I was considering becoming a priest.
Father John Kracher was the person who encouraged me the most, although he never told me that I should become a priest. His sacrificial, gentle, and prayerful example was a true witness of priestly life. Holy and faithful priests and families are the greatest source of encouragement in the promotion of vocations. Twenty-eight-year-old Father Peter Nemcek, who took his formation studies at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg on July 3, 2015. Catholic missions in canada 29
Brochet Mission
Sharing the joys of the
Gospels Mission community, with its history of triumphs and tragedies, remains vibrant. By Father Robert Laroche, O.M.I.
O
ver the years, Catholic Missions In Canada and its benefactors have been very generous towards our Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas and its many missions. Last year, CMIC played a key role in the renovation of the rectory in Brochet, Manitoba. The mission of Brochet, which was also known as Lac Caribou, was founded in the late nineteenth century and is situated about 500 km northwest of the city of Thompson, Manitoba.
30 Fall 2015
The Catholic community, whose patron saint is St. Peter, has had a long and fascinating history with its triumphs and tragedies which have formed the character of its people. The diocese is especially fortunate that the history of this mission has been preserved in photos from its foundation over 100 years ago. The present rectory which was built in 1952 replaced a log structure built by Brother Urbain Drouin, o.m.i. Brother Drouin arrived in Brochet as a 19-year-old teenager and as a
Photo by Father Robert Laroche, o.m.i.
At the Gathering of Easter Water celebration.
newly vowed Oblate in 1912, and remained there until his death in 1964. As the vicar general, I have had the privilege of serving the community during the high liturgical seasons of Easter and Christmas. Father Joji Chandamala, who is the present pastor, lives in Wollaston, Saskatchewan, and serves a number of fly-in communities which includes Brochet. He is always very grateful for all the help he can get as he serves the needs of the Catholic population of that area.
It is through the support of generous benefactors of Catholic Missions In Canada such as John and Marie Di Poce that the spiritual needs of this community will continue to flourish. As a permanent sign of their gift, a white stone plaque will be placed within the church reminding the local people that as a faith community we are not alone in our journey towards Christ. Oblate Father Robert Laroche is vicar general of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, Manitoba. Catholic missions in canada 31
A missionary’s prayer Ever get stuck in the mud? Presentation of Mary Sisters Diane Lajeunesse (front) and Anita Verley have—often! Bad weather combined with dirt roads are two of their travel concerns as they minister on Big River First Nation, a Cree community in Northern Saskatchewan. It’s home to 3,000 people where unemployment, poverty, poor housing and inadequate transportation are met by the pastoral presence and compassionate witness of the two missionaries. “They are always there to listen, to support us, to encourage and to teach us how to pray,” says one resident.Your gift will put food on the Sisters’ small kitchen table, and gas in their truck at Christmas and throughout the year.! Your donation will help fund their annual ministry cost of $12,400, and offer your friendship—especially welcome on rainy days! Returning to Happy Valley-Goose Bay from Black Tickle, Father Aidan Devine wrote, “Cold in Black Tickle reminded me of knives that cut through the skin!” Beset in winter by snow so deep it blocks doorways, blizzards lasting one day into the next, and wind-chills of -39°, Black Tickle is so isolated that there are no scheduled flights in and out of the area for its 200 residents. Father Aidan visits the Labrador village about four times annually at a yearly cost of $6,000. How essential are you to his ministry? “Without aid from Catholic Missions In Canada supporters, it would be impossible to do any type of ministry in Black Tickle,” he says. It’s that simple; your gift this Christmas will help fund Father Aidan’s travel costs of $6,000 to Black Tickle—and provide the most precious Light of all in winter storms! If and when a Christmas wish is answered, additional gifts will then be gratefully and with donor permission, directed to other Christmas petitions.
Three missionary priests—Fathers Wendelin Rolheiser, o.m.i., Eugene Whyte, o.m.i., and Gaspar Savarimuthu—minister in 15 missions of the western part of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. The area is home to mainly Métis, Dene and Cree people, and while livelihoods consist of fishing and mining, unemployment is high and it’s difficult to cover each mission’s costs. This summer, residents and missionaries in some of these areas suffered the additional ordeal of forest fires and evacuation; for example, Sister Norma Samar, o.l.m., and people of La Ronge were evacuated as were Sister Carmen Catellier, s.n.j.m. (right), and people of Pinehouse Lake.Your Christmas gift will help ensure churches in this area remain a sacred refuge—now and into the future. Your donation will help the priests and sisters cover the $13,400 cost to heat the prairie churches this winter, and provide yearlong training of lay leaders.
I want to help answer a missionary’s special prayer this Christmas. Please designate my Christmas gift to answering a missionary’s prayers this Christmas: Sister Diane and Sister Anita • Father Aidan • Sister Carmen and missionary team Name_______________________________________________________________ Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address____________________________________________________________ City_____________________ Province_____________Postal Code_____________ Phone____________________________ Birthdate (D/M/Y) ___________________
Tel: 416-934-3424
Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642)
Fax: 416-934-3425
Website: www.cmic.info
MA2015-03-CW
Email____________________________________________BN# 11922 0531 RR0001 Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada 201 – 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4T 1W2
2015 St. Joseph Award
missionary honoured Sr. Dumont accepts Catholic Missions award on behalf of all missionaries.
CMIC File Photo
By EVAN BOUDREAU, THE CATHOLIC REGISTER
VAUGHAN, ONTARIO—Sister Andrea Dumont, a missionary Sister of St. Joseph, was honoured this year with Catholic Missions In Canada’s St. Joseph Award. The award is presented annually at Catholic Missions’ Tastes of Heaven gala, held April 23, 2015, at the Bellvue Manor in Vaughan, Ontario. Sr. Dumont was feted for her missionary work that took her first to Guatemala and then back to Canada and the Far North where the soft-spoken sister has worked since 1981 in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. She is currently at Thompson and Nelson House, known by locals as the Hub of the North, where Sr. Dumont serves a community 34 Fall 2015
Sister Andrea Dumont, c.s.j., is this year’s St. Joseph Award recipient for missionary excellence.
Catholic missions in canada 35
of about 13,000 with adult education and spiritual support. “I wanted to be a missionary because I wanted to work with the poor. I wanted to give whatever I had to give to make their lives a little easier,” said Sr. Dumont, who spent 14 years in Guatemala before conditions became too dangerous.“I just felt that I was being called there. I grew more spiritually as a missionary than I had ever grown in my faith before.”
Following Vatican II, Sr. Dumont was one of four from her community, which at the time had more than 500 members, assigned to its new mission in an increasingly violent Guatemala. During that time the former Catholic school teacher from St. Catharines, Ontario, said she learned to lean on God for guidance when unsure how to help the local peasants as grenades from the Guatemalan army—who didn’t appreciate the
Sr. Dumont declined to accept the award in her name alone, requesting it be seen as recognition of all of those who have spent time serving in a mission. The original St. Joseph Award statue was carved in 1990 by David Ruben Piqtoukun, an Inuit artist from Paulatuk, Northwest Territories. 36 Fall 2015
sisters’ presence in the area—tore apart the home she shared with other missionaries. “I developed a greater dependence on God and a deeper relationship with Jesus in those years…(because) all you could do was say God help me do for these people what they need.” Although honoured, Sr. Dumont declined to accept the award in her name alone, requesting it be seen as recognition of all of those who have spent time serving in a mission. “In accepting the St. Joseph Award that is given by Catholic Missions In Canada I accept it in the name of all the missionaries who work in Canada,” she said. “It is in their name that I will accept it because there are a lot of unsung heroes there. I am grateful that they are being recognized.” Bishop Gary Gordon of Victoria, a fellow missionary whose annual west coast fishing trip helps raise funds during Taste of Heaven’s silent auction, said Sr. Dumont truly represents Canadian missionaries collectively. “Congratulations, and yes you do represent so many of our missionaries here in Canada,” said Bishop Gordon. “There is nothing greater than the vocation to missionary life.” Father Philip Kennedy, president of Catholic Missions In
Canada, also praised Sr. Dumont as someone to look up to. “Such a person serves as a role model for all people,” he said. “The St. Joseph Award is given to recognize and honour a missionary whose life has been dedicated to serving as a light for the world and salt of the earth.” This year’s Tastes of Heaven was the 14th edition. More than 500 guests shared a four-course meal, were entertained by a number of musical performances, and collectively raised more than $380,000* to support the work of Canadian missionaries. That money was raised through sponsorships, ticket sales and a live and silent auction. “(We hold this) not only to raise money to assist our financially challenged missions but also awareness that Canadians can help the people who are struggling,” said Fr. Kennedy, president of Catholic Missions In Canada, who shared his vocation story that night. Among the guests was Toronto’s Cardinal Thomas Collins, who also shared his vocation story. Reprinted from The Catholic Register, May 3, 2015 As of August 5, 2015, a total of $394,176 has been raised for the Missions through the 2015 Tastes of Heaven. Editor.
*
Catholic missions in canada 37
Tastes of
Heaven A P R I L
2 3 ,
2 0 1 5
St. Michael’s Choir School ensemble, led by music conductor Wanda Thorne, sings at Tastes of Heaven 2015 Gala.
John & Marie Di Poce and Family
Thank you
to our Sponsors & Patrons!
Alice & Grant Burton Bennett Jones LLP Castellarin Family Michael Chisholm, Wealth Advisor, ScotiaMcLeod Mattamy Homes PwC UniversalCare
CMIC File Photo
T h u r s d a y ,
S il v e r Buttcon Limited Carpenters and Allied Workers Local 27 Crupi Law Drywall Acoustic Lathing & Insulation Local Union 675 Ernst & Young John & Rose Gennaro Heathwood Homes Celeste & Mary Iacobelli
The Jackman Foundation courtesy of Fr. Edward Jackman Knights of Columbus Toronto Council 1388, Henry Miller, Grand Knight Leon’s John & Aileen McGrath Monarch Corporation Frank & Helen Morneau
The Rudolph P. Bratty Family Foundation Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation Simone International Insurance Services Inc. Stairfab and Railings Inc. Tamarack Lumber Inc. Terco Construction Ltd.
Nick & Rosanne Cortellucci Delgant Construction Ltd. Deloitte Dig-Con International Limited Gammond Investments Ltd. Halton Forming/Meadow Wynd Homes Pamela Huff & Kevin McElcheran Intercity Realty Inc., Brokerage john paul & co. The MacCarthy Family The Martellacci, Virgilio, & Di Mondo Families
McMillan LLP Miller, Egan, Molter & Nelson LLP Miller Thomson LLP North American Crating Inc. Fausto & Silvana Palombo Proskauer Rose LLP Royal Mechanical Inc. Stone Castle Realty Group Teldon Media Group Vedder Price PC Wyndale Paving Co. Ltd.
Bronze Alpa Stairs and Railings Inc. Alvarez & Marsal Battiston & Associates, Barristers & Solicitors The Buckley Family Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario Casa Bella Windows Inc. CCS CDC Contracting Coerente Capital Management Inc. Condor Properties Ltd. / Country Wide Homes Ltd.
P a t r o ns Automax Connection Rosemary Castellarin Cole Engineering Group Con-Drain Vilma Cortellucci-Fiuza Len Ferragine of Bradford Greenhouses Integro Insurance Brokers Frank & Yvonne Kennedy Kings Valley Paving Inc. KLM Planning Partners Inc. Archbishop Albert LeGatt, Diocese of Saint-Boniface LTR, Light Tower Rentals Masters Insurance Ltd. Metrie Canada Ltd.
Bishop Michael W. J. Mulhall, Diocese of Pembroke Northwest Lexus Outspan Concrete Structures Ltd. Ucal & Deslin Powell Primont Homes The Sam Sorbara Charitable Foundation Tesoro Windows & Doors Inc.
Printing Sponsor: St. Joseph Communications Media Sponsor: John Amendola snapd Newspapers Décor Sponsor: Anonymous Donor Entertainment Sponsor: Anonymous Donor Auction Sponsor: Brian Broughton, B. Broughton Company Ltd. Wine Sponsors: Biagio & Sheila Vinci
HOME WITH THE LORD
3 missionaries lived in faith and service
Three missionaries pass on, their lives marked with service for the Lord.
F
ather Martin Bradbury, 61, passed away in Hamilton, Ontario, on April 7, 2015. Fr. Bradbury was ordained in 1994 and, in 1996, after serving in Hamilton diocese, moved to the Archdiocese of KeewatinLe Pas in Manitoba and then to the Archdiocese of St. Boniface. He was quickly embraced by the Aboriginal community. In his new assignment at Holy Cross parish in Winnipeg in 2008, Fr. Bradbury oversaw the church’s renovations and touched the hearts of all he met. Later diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, he fought a courageous battle with the disease. – With files from the Bradbury Family
F
ather Donald Wilson, 80, who served for 55 years in the British Columbia interior, passed away in Kelowna April 15, 2015. 40 Fall 2015
After his ordination in 1960, Fr. Wilson moved to British Columbia, where he inspired Catholics to grow in their faith. He was closely linked with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of B.C. and served at St. Elizabeth Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna. – With files from The B.C. Catholic
A
missionary priest from the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, Father Bob Leblanc, passed away April 14, 2014. After successful careers in forestry and finance, Fr. Leblanc entered the ministry following the death of his wife, Frances. He had faithfully served the communities of Wollaston, Saskatchewan, and Brochet and Lac Brochet, Manitoba, from 2001 to 2013. He had also served briefly in La Ronge and Southend, Saskatchewan. – With files from the Leblanc Family
Will Planner A GUIDE TO MAKING A WILL
Your will is one more way that you can provide for the neediest missions in our country. Preparing your will is an expression of love for those you leave behind: your family, your friends, and the charities whose work you believe in and want to continue to support.
The gift of a bequest won’t add financial stress but it will give you the assurance that the work of our missions will continue into the future. A will planner—with key information about your assets and your wishes—will help you get started.
Transform your faith into your legacy.
Yes, I’m interested in supporting Catholic Missions In Canada! Please send me information on:
c A gift in my will
c Please send me a copy of your free Will Planner
Name_____________________________________________________________________ Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address___________________________________________________________________ Phone_______________________ Birthdate (D/M/Y) _____ /_____ /_____ Email_______________________________________________________ Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada, Gift Planning Office 201 – 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4T 1W2 Tel: 416-934-3424
Fax: 416-934-3425
Email request to: winnie@cmic.info
Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642)
Website: www.cmic.info
MA-2015-03-WILLPLANNER
City_______________________Province_________Postal Code_________
NOW IS THE TIME TO TALK
Seven benefits of a Gift Annuity
It’s a give-and-receive situation for those who want to share their faith with our poorest missions. BY WINNIE QUINN, CHARITABLE GIFTS MANAGER
G
iven the low interest rates and roller coaster markets causing people to think twice about their financial decisions, you may wish to consider the seven benefits of our charitable gift annuity program.
rates 1 Attractive
You may wish to consider the seven benefits of our program.
Compare our gift annuity rates with what you might receive from a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) or bank deposit. Our annuity rate for a 70-year-old male is 4.71 per cent; at age 80, 6.14 per cent, and for 90-yearold males, the rate is 8.69 per cent.* Or consider this: A $100,000 gift annuity provides Gerald, aged 80, with $6,140.00 income each year ($511.67 each month)—100 per cent tax-free—and a charitable receipt for over $37,000. Charles and Susan, ages 86 and 84, receive a joint rate of 5.83 per 42 Fall 2015
cent. A $30,000 annuity provides them with $1,749 tax-free each year and a charitable receipt for over $9,300. To put it in perspective—if Gerald or Charles and Susan invested in a GIC, their income would be fully taxable and there would be no charitable receipt.
from taxes 2 Relief
Since part of all contributions for a gift annuity is considered a charitable gift by Canada Revenue Agency, you will receive a charitable receipt for a portion of your investment to apply on your income tax return. Receipts can be used in the year issued and any unused portion can be carried forward for up to five consecutive years until your credit is fully used.This could provide tax-savings for several years. Also, in the illustrations above, their annuity income is 100 per cent tax-free.
*Note: Rates for females and joint annuitants are slightly lower.
Proceeds from your annuities can help sustain training of future lay leaders in our missions. In photo, Easter Monday workshop in DelinĂŠ, Northwest Territories.
payments 3 Regular
Photo by Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, o.m.i.
When you establish your gift annuity, you decide how often you want to receive your payments: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Whatever you choose, receiving your payments on a specific, predetermined date is comforting and helpful for planning.
4
Lifetime benefit
Gift annuities are for life, and no matter how long you live, your payments continue to the end of your life. If you have a joint gift annuity, when one person dies, the other will continue to receive the same amount for the rest of his or her life providing security for both of you.
5 Youdependcanon us
Catholic Missions In Canada has been issuing gift annuities since 1952.We are a leader in the gift annuity field in Canada.
of Canadian missions 6 Support
At the end of your life, any amount remaining of your annuity will be used to fund our missionaries—allowing them to continue sharing the Word of God in some of the poorest Catholic missions in Canada.
7
Simple process
Provide us with your date(s) of birth and the amount you wish to put in an annuity. We will Catholic missions in canada 43
give you a personalized noobligation illustration showing how it all works, information you can share with your family or advisers. To receive your annuity illustration, you may return the response form below or call me at
416-934-3424, or toll-free, at 1(866) 937-2642. When you are ready to begin your annuity, fill in your application form and mail to us with your cheque, and your payments will begin. Let the seven benefits speak for themselves.
c
Please send me information on Gift Annuities
c
I plan to leave a Gift in my Will to CMIC
Or you may prefer information on one of the following: c
Wills
c
Endowments
c
TFSAs
c
RRSP/RRIFs
c
For annuitants: Minimum Age: 70 Individual: c Male
c
Shares Minimum Amount: $10,000
Female Birthdate: ______ /______ /______ Day Month Year
Joint: c Male
c
Female Birthdate: ______ /______ /______
Day Month Year
Name ________________________________________________________ Fr./Br./Sr./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ City _________________________ Province _________________________
MA-2015-03-LEGACY_GIFTS
Postal Code_______________ Phone________________________________ Email _________________________________________________________
Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada 201 – 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4T 1W2 Tel: 416-934-3424 Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642) Email: winnie@cmic.info
NOTE TO DONOR: If, after some reflection, you would like more information or have questions, we want you to know that you are more than welcome to reach out to us. Winnie Quinn is our charitable gifts manager, and she is available to talk with you should you so desire. Winnie has the experience, expertise, and sensitivity to talk with donors about their estate planning. Please feel free to get in touch with her anytime you wish. She would love to hear from you. 44 Fall 2015
Catholic Missions In Canada 2016 Calendar
At the Table of the Lord Paintings by Canadian Artist and Author, Michael D. O’Brien
Available
$15
for
a copy
Our 2016 Catholic Missions In Canada calendar reflects the gentle, expressive artwork of Canadian artist and author, Michael D. O’Brien. A professional artist since 1970, Michael O’Brien has concentrated exclusively for the last 4 decades on religious painting. Michael says his art aims “to express the holiness of existence and the dignity of
the human person situated in an incarnational universe.” Michael is also a renowned author of many books, essays on faith and culture, and novels, notably the novel Father Elijah. Our calendar date pad is complete with saint days, liturgical feasts, and daily Gospel readings for use by both Roman and Ukrainian Catholics.
Free Calendars for Catholic Organizations Take part in our Free Calendar Program and receive up to 25 Calendars to sell as a fundraiser for your charitable works. Last year, many Catholic organizations including Parishes, the Catholic Women’s League and the
Knights of Columbus took advantage of the program, distributing 4,740 calendars across Canada with many donating back the raised funds to support the rapidly growing needs of our Canadian missionaries.
1 Email: calendar@cmic.info 2 Phone: 416-934-3424 or toll-free: 1-866-937-2642 • Free Calendar Program – Patricia Gyulay, at Ext. 227 • Calendar Purchase – Lillian Leung, at Ext. 230 3 Fax: 416-934-3425
MA-2015-03-CAL
Three easy ways to order
LETTERS: YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK
Support helps parishes
W
e as a parish would like to express our sincere gratitude to Catholic Missions In Canada for the grant of $10,000. This money goes to the operating costs in our parish and helps a lot with our declining population and low church attendance. Thank you very much for your continued support. Father Patrick Osuji St. Pius X Parish Baie Verte, Newfoundland Diocese of Grand Falls
I
am in receipt of your cheque in the amount of twelve thousand dollars to assist us in supporting a pastoral worker among our First Nations communities. Our pastoral worker is of vital importance as we attempt to re-establish the bonds of communion between the Church and our First Nations communities. Our deepest gratitude to the benefactors of Catholic Missions In Canada.
Bishop John Corriveau, o.f.m. Cap. Diocese of Nelson British Columbia 46 Fall 2015
O
n behalf of Our Lady of Fatima parish in Clarenville, Newfoundland, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the recent grant from Catholic Missions In Canada for the church roof re-shingling project. The Catholic population of Clarenville is relatively small, with a large number of our parishioners being transients working with the hospital or the schools, so the huge expense of the roof was a difficult burden for the relatively small congregation.Thank you so much for the grant which has lifted our financial burden. Father Brian Colbert Our Lady of Fatima Parish Clarenville, Newfoundland Diocese of Grand Falls UPDATING THE UPDATE: Spring 2015 Sister Carmen Catellier, s.n.j.m., of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, wrote a piece titled, “Life on edge of boreal forest.” Sister Carmen has since alerted us of a couple of omissions in that piece. She now serves in Pinehouse Lake, not Pine Lake. A lot of names are familiar, she adds, but “Lariviére” should have been spelled “Larivière,” and Redir should have been spelled “Rediron.” Our apologies. Ed.
Establish an Endowment t o c r e a te a l eg a c y o f f a i th f o r f utu r e ge n e r a t i o n s
It is wonderfully fulfilling to do something good that lasts—something that makes a difference. Our Endowment Fund is growing and we couldn’t be more pleased. It means we can continue to support these four mission needs: • The education and formation of seminarians and lay leaders • The religious education of children and youth • The building and repair of places of worship • The basic needs of our missionaries To establish an endowment, a minimum gift of $5,000 is required; this can be funded through smaller installments over a period of five years, as many of our donors have done. Your endowment gift will remain intact forever—the interest earned on your gift will provide a perpetual stream of financial support to our missions each and every year—a great way to keep giving, generation after generation. c Please send me information on establishing an endowment Name_____________________________________________________________________
Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address___________________________________________________________________ City_________________ Province__________Postal Code____________ Email_____________________________________________________ Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada, Gift Planning Office 201 – 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4T 1W2 Tel: 416-934-3424
Fax: 416-934-3425
Email request to: winnie@cmic.info
Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642)
Website: www.cmic.info
MA-2015-03-ENDOW
Phone_______________________ Birthdate (D/M/Y) ________________
Catholic Press Awards 2015
CMIC magazine wins awards Toronto – Catholic Missions In Canada magazine won third place for general excellence in the mission magazine (overseas and home) category at the Catholic Press Association 2015 Awards held in Buffalo, New York, June 24-26. The judges said: “Eyecatching design, with clear headlines. The brevity of the articles allows for many different articles in each issue, which is good.”
As well, Father Damian MacPherson, s.a., director of the Office of Ecumenical Affairs in the Archdiocese of Toronto, won third place for his essay, “On Becoming a Priest:Total Surrender,” which was originally published in the Fall 2014 issue of Catholic Missions In Canada magazine. The judges wrote: “This brief essay was a joy to read—easy to navigate, accessible ideas, a bit of personal revelation and all told with humility.”
P.S. This fall, please feel free to send our magazine to your friends and family. They will thank you for it — and so will we! To send a free one-year subscription to a friend or family member, e-mail us at information@cmic.info, or call 416-934-3424, or toll-free, at 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642), or fill in the coupon below. Your gift of $25 will help defray for the costs of this magazine and our mission work. From (Your Name): To (Name of person you want it sent to):
Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address: City:
Province:
Postal Code:
Mail to: CATHOLIC MISSIONS IN CANADA 201-1155 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4T 1W2 BN 11922 0531 RR0001
www.cmic.info
MA-2015-03-SUBS
Phone: Email: