Catholic Missions In Canada: Spring 2016 by Catholic Missions In Canada

Catholic Missions in Canada www.cmic.info

Spring 2016

ISSN 1702-2894

Journey to Inuvik

PLUS: Shortest day of the year • Christ at the centre • Lenten reflection

Editor’s Notes

Journeys

here is a beautiful line in Psalm 121 which reads: “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in.” There is a freshness in the early months of the year which fills us with hope: the last sheets of snow thawing on the ground, the rains of spring beckoning new growth and life. Our stories in this Easter issue bring us to the many journeys made by our missionaries as they give attentive presence to the people in their communities. With their gift of listening, they keep the doors open, ready, and waiting for that moment when hearts and minds are graced, eager and yearning, for God’s loving presence in their daily lives. Let edemptoist Father Jon Hansen’s journey to Inuvik, the Land of the Midnight Sun, or lay couple Therese and ay Steiner’s survival story on the shortest day of the year, or Bishop Mark Hagemoen’s travels on winter and spring roads guide you to places as far as the eye can see, and take you into a journey of listening, being with, and sharing the Lord’s abiding love and care with the people they serve.

Patria C. Rivera 2 Spring 2016

cont

Volume 35, Number 1

Features

Journey to Inuvik Missionary overwhelmed by the people’s warm welcome Father Jon Hansen, C.Ss.R

Our Lady of Victory Church in Inuvik, Northwest Territories

Made it to the shortest day of the year The Steiners survive the darkness, and get ready for the wolverine tails Therese Steiner

Lent: Journey to baptismal commitment Initiation of new members at Easter is developed through study, prayer Sister Nancy Hurren, C.N.D.

ents Spring 2016

On winter and spring roads Bishop visits snow-bound mission communities in the North Bishop Mark Hagemoen

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.

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 Officers of Catholic Missions In Canada are: Thomas Cardinal 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.

Among Dene, ‘life is seasonal’

The passing of the seasons Living in the North helps missionary to watch and wait Father Joe Daley

Christ at the centre Artwork depicts Aboriginal Creation story Sister Eva Solomon, C.S.J.

Departments

2 Editor’s Notes 4 From the President’s Desk 42 Gift Planning

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; John Gennaro of Toronto, Ontario, and Carlo De Pellegrin, c.a., of Richmond Hill, 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 ©2016 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. Cover: Redemptorist Father Jon Hansen presides at Mass in Our Lady of Victory parish in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. Photo courtesy of Father Jon Hansen.

Catholic missions in canada 3

Year of Mercy

WHAT GOD IS LIKE

When we ponder on the nature of God in His generous love and eternal care for the human race, we are filled with joy at the gestures of mercy he will have ready for us. By FATHER PHILIP J. KENNEDY, PRESIDENT

the Old Testament, in the time of Moses, GOD’s own Word is spoken to the people. They are told that now the name of GOD is “The Lord,” and that is how they should refer to GOD, but also they hear that

‘ God has always been merciful and gracious’ the Lord is a God “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love.” In all the many dealings 4 Spring 2016

that God has had with his people, in spite of their idolatry and indifference and indolence, God has always been merciful and gracious to his people. (See Exodus 34:6-7) This is the comfort that blesses us all as we reflect on, and live through, this Year of Mercy. This is a Jubilee, a rare time that is marked out for us to remember what God is like. When we ponder on the nature of God in His generous love and eternal care for the human race, we are filled with joy at the gestures of mercy He will have ready for us, in this life and in the world to come. Saint Paul

Photo by Father Philip Kennedy

Cross at the back of Our Lady of the Snows church at Berens River, Manitoba, in the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface.

said to the omans that all people are loved by God, and “since you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy… so [others] who are being disobedient, by the mercy shown to you, they may now receive mercy.” (om 11:30-31) Mercy is therefore ours to share with others, especially during the Jubilee period, because God’s mercy adheres to us and will be seen by our brothers and sisters of our communities and parishes. There are many people waiting to receive mercy through the gifts, large or small, material or spiritual that we have to extend to them.

ecently, I was at the Manitoba mission of Berens iver in the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface. An obvious symbol of God’s mercy for everyone to see and be moved by, is the great cross standing triumphantly between the waters of Lake Winnipeg and the mission’s land on the Berens iver eserve territory. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, allowed Himself to be sacrificed for our sake, in a humiliating act of suffering. The steel cross of Berens iver will be, like other such signs, a lesson in the mercy of God, and the love we must show to others, especially those less fortunate. Catholic missions in canada 5

JUBILEE DOOR OF MERCY

SHOUT ALOUD AND SING FOR JOY!

Photo courtesy Paul J.S. Beaubien

‘Let your gentleness be known to everyone’ —Phil. 4:4

6 Spring 2016

his letter announcing the Holy Year of Mercy in 2016, Pope Francis said the opening of the Holy Door of Mercy is “a new step on the Church’s journey in Her mission to bring the Gospel of mercy to each person.” In the Diocese of Victoria, British Columbia, the opening of the Jubilee Door of Mercy took place at the 11 a.m. Mass on the Third Sunday of Advent. Bishop Gary Gordon of Victoria explains the occasion is “to indicate the joy that fills the hearts of the People of God as they are invited to share with everyone the great gift of God’s mercy and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ, the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.”

From: http://www.rcdvictoria. org/ blog/post/en/shout-aloud-and-singfor-joy

The Doors of Mercy at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Diocese of Victoria, British Columbia. Catholic missions in canada 7

INUVIK AND MISSIONS, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

GREETINGS FROM THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN one flies into the community, your senses are ‘As overwhelmed as the sun sparkles off the thousands of tiny lakes glistening like diamonds, highlighting a mossy green-and-crimson canvas.’ BY FATHER JON HANSEN, C.SS.R.

reetings to you from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, home of the newest mission of the edemptorists in Canada and the most northerly mission of the edemptorists in the world. The Land of the Midnight Sun, gateway to the Beaufort Delta and western Canadian Arctic, this mission territory was pioneered and nurtured by the priests and brothers of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the Sisters of Charity of Montreal (Grey Nuns), and most recently tended by missionary priests, brothers and sisters from across Canada and around the world. We have stepped into

8 Spring 2016

big shoes, but it is good that we are here. I arrived here on August 7, 2015, after a two-day diocesan orientation in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and a three-day marathon journey from Yellowknife to Inuvik. Though long, the drive through the Yukon Territory and the 700-km final leg up the Dempster highway is one of the most beautiful trips you could imagine. The view of majestic mountain ranges and pristine rivers coursing along the side of the road for miles on end made the miles go by quickly. Inuvik is the commercial and government centre of the

Photo by Father Jon Hansen, C.SS.R

The parish in Inuvik is called Our Lady of Victory, but the church is most often referred to as the ‘Igloo Church.’

communities in the Beaufort Delta. It is a town of about 3,500 people and is a mixed community of Inuvialuit, Gwitch’in and people from the south of Canada and around the world. The parish in Inuvik is called Our Lady of Victory, but the church is most often referred to as the “Igloo Church,” because of its architectural similarity with the traditional winter shelter of the Northern nomadic peoples. From the parish in Inuvik, the edemptorists serve three other missions:Tsiigehtchic,Tuktoyaktuk and Paulatuk. Tsiigehtchic sits high on a prominent bluff overlooking the

confluence of the Arctic ed iver with the mighty Mackenzie. It is a Gwitch’in community, the home of fishermen and fur trappers as well as teachers and government workers. There are very few services here; the nearest police detachment is an hour away and the nurse only comes in once a week. Connection to the highway relies on a short ferry ride or the use of the ice road across the river once winter arrives, which is usually in early October. The church here—the Mission of Holy Name of Mary—is served by Grace and Olive Blake. Grace presides at Sunday service when the priest is not around while Olive Catholic missions in canada 9

loves to clean and prepare the church. They steadfastly maintain a presence in the community offering their prayers. In Grace’s words, “Not too many attend Church anymore but it is important that we pray and lift up the community.” They are excited that in October a missionary family from Northern British Columbia (see the Steiners’ story on pages 12-16) will be coming to stay in the rectory for

‘ A local geological curiosity is the pingos’ a year. “Hopefully,” says Grace, “it will bring some of the young people back to the Church.” Tuktoyaktuk is an Inuvialuit community located on a peninsula jutting into the Beaufort Sea. A local geological curiosity is the pingos, which are visible on the horizon jutting up from the otherwise flat barren lands. Pingos are formed when liquid water is trapped in permafrost and, over the course of many freeze and thaw cycles, begins to push the land up into an enormous mound of ice and soil towering in some cases more than 70 meters above its surroundings. Barren describes the land’s lack of trees but it does not do justice 10 Spring 2016

to the beauty that is present here. As one flies into the community, your senses are overwhelmed as the sun sparkles off the thousands of tiny lakes glistening like diamonds, highlighting a mossy green-and-crimson canvas. Sister Fay Trombley, S.C.I.C., has been serving the church in Tuk for the past 10 years along with local elders Jean Gruben and Dorothy Loreen. Together they foster the faith of the small Catholic community as well as serve the needs of the larger community through the St. Vincent de Paul outreach. Sister Fay has been recognized and honoured in the North as a “Wise Woman,” an award she received in Yellowknife in 2010. She is a wonderful mentor, willing to share her wisdom generously with a novice missionary. Paulatuk, also an Inuvialuit community, lies at the head of Darnley Bay on the Arctic coast 300 km to the east of Inuvik. Marlene Wolki is the chaplain of the parish community of Our Lady of Lourdes, while Sadie Lester is president of the local conference of St. Vincent de Paul serving this primarily Catholic community of 1,000 people. Services take place in a little Quonset Hut that was built next to the old Oblate mission house which still stands strong, even if

Photo by Father Jon Hansen, C.SS.R.

Sister Fay Trombley, S.C.I.C.

a little weather-beaten after many Arctic winters. While you can drive to Tsiigehtchic all year round, and Tuktoyaktuk in the winter on the ice road, Paulatuk is accessible only by air or sea. The sense of isolation is palpable. To imagine the conditions the early missionaries must have endured, not to mention the people who have thrived on this land for 5,000 years, is both daunting and inspiring. What all of these communities share in common is the friendliness and welcoming attitude of the people. While there is a real sense of independence and self-reliance, it does not hinder the desire for relationship- and community-building. Perhaps it even serves as a catalyst because even the most self-reliant person understands that they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do everything on

their own. Some things take the work of a community. There is also pain here. Social issues and substance abuse are evident. The legacy of the residential school system is a memory that is not very distant and although there is a deep spirituality among the people, resistance and a cautious attitude toward the Church is sometimes apparent. So I try to work slowly and patiently with care and compassion, taking the time to listen, learn and discern what the Spirit is asking me to do while I am in this magnificent land among these wonderful people. If you would like to stay abreast of the exploits of the î&#x20AC;Łedemptorists in Northern Canada you can come to our new parish website at www. olvinuvik.com, or see us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/olvinuvik. I do have a guest room in the rectory so, if the North is calling you, do drop me a line and arrange a visit, I can promise it will be an adventure to remember. Redemptorist Father Jon Hansen is pastor of Our Lady of Victory parish in Inuvik, as well as three other missions in Tsiigehtchic, Tuktoyaktuk and Paulatuk, in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. Catholic missions in canada 11

THE STEINERS IN TSIIGEHTCHIC, INUVIK

MADE IT TO THE SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR Missionary family discovers that the darkness in the Arctic has a ‘quieting peacefulness’ By THERESE STEINER

ell, we have made it to the shortest day of the year: December 22. The shortest day of the year came and went the day before yesterday, so we have been living in many hours of darkness. Prior to leaving home, I was really dreading the darkness, a time when the sun wouldn’t even rise. I shopped for a “happy lamp” and brought a lot of Vitamin D. But it really hasn’t been a struggle with the darkness. The darkness is mostly in the mornings. Until lunchtime it’s fairly dark, then there’s a sunrise (or is it a sunset?) glow in the sky for a few hours, then it is dark again after four. A few times my 12 Spring 2016

husband ay went out for firewood in the hills above the village and came back with reports of seeing the sun just peeking out up there, while the sun didn’t rise in Tsiigehtchic. The mornings are so busy you don’t tend to notice the darkness. My “happy lamp” sits on the desk unused. A local lady saw it and said, “You brought that? How funny!” The darkness also has a quieting peacefulness as we wait for Christmas. As Christmas is only a couple of days away, and the days are officially getting longer, we know the light is coming. Even though we can survive the darkness, I know it will be thrilling when the sun/Son

Photo by Therese Steiner

In early January, there is a sunrise party in Inuvik when the sun rises again.

comes again. Makes for a wondrous Advent. In early January, there is a sunrise party in Inuvik when the sun rises again. Our eldest son, Matthias, has been working on “Here comes the sun” by the Beatles for the sun’s return! Another benefit of living in many hours of darkness in the North is the gift of the Northern Lights. We have seen the Northern Lights many times, and have not yet tired of them. The second night after arriving in Tsiigehtchic, there were beautiful Northern Lights, unlike any we’ve ever seen at home. They stretched across the whole sky with swirls and twists. We’ve tried our luck with

“Northern Lights photography” but we still have a ways to go. The local people told the girls that if they whistle at the Northern Lights, they will dance for them. The children love to get out of bed, when a neighbour calls with the message “there’s Northern Lights.” When I was complaining how hard it was to get the kids to sleep after they watched the Northern Lights, one of the locals said they are maybe getting energy from the Northern Lights! One day when the children came home for lunch, Mae told us that they had been watching the Northern Lights on their walk to school in the morning. December seemed to be a Catholic missions in canada 13

month of feasts around the village. The feasts are great meals in the community hall (the school gym), with many traditional foods (caribou ribs, dry fish, moose head soup, bannock). Many of the people from the village come together and enjoy a big meal together. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never a shortage of food. One of the feasts this month was to celebrate the election of a man from Tsiigehtchic as an MLA in the Territorial election. This feast was also to celebrate the achievement of two young people who hunted their first kill this fall. There was another feast the evening of the school Christmas concert. It was part of the school program to host a feast during the year. This was a great evening with the concert, the feast, and a visit from Santa who brought gifts, each one specially chosen for every child and elder in the 14 Spring 2016

Photo by Therese Steiner

Nativity in snow cave.

village. I was really looking forward to this evening too, to see the moccasins and mukluks. The evening of the Christmas concert is known as the evening when the children wear their new mukluks and moccasins. The mothers and grandmothers have been sewing for their families. The children looked beautiful in their new Christmas dresses and dress shirts and intricately beaded and embroidered footwear. There was a feast last weekend following the funeral for one of the elders of the community who died recently. He was the last fiddler in the community. At his feast they played recordings of his great fiddling. He played even after his hand was injured and he lost a finger. Matthias was able to play a tribute to him at his funeral, a couple of favorites on the fiddle. It was great to witness the community working together to celebrate his life and death. There are two remaining big community gatherings this year. The first is Midnight Mass and then a New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gathering. People are really happy to have life in the church with Christmas coming. As we decorated the outside of the church, people came by and thanked us for decorating the church, some even brought gifts of food in

thanks. Some people said they couldn’t remember the church being decorated in the past and that they want to make sure it happens every year. We’ve heard stories of the old days of people coming to Midnight Mass by dogsled from their camps on the land, before the days when they lived in a community. They would have their new parkas and mukluks and would have marten and wolverine tails hanging from their hats signifying successful trapping seasons. Their dog teams would be decorated and some would wear beaded blankets. There is a real gratefulness to be having Midnight Mass. A priest is coming from Toronto to say Mass. It is his first trip to the Arctic. At New Year’s we hear there will be fireworks, rifles firing, a feast, and a dance with four fiddlers from the neighbouring community—and a jigging contest at the dance. We recently keep hearing more and more how well loved fiddling and jig dancing are in this area. The local people have jigging competitions. They wear their moccasins or mukluks and they are nice and slippery to really cruise around the dance floor when they are jigging.

The children are doing well. They are very excited about Christmas. They had a lot of fun preparing for their Christmas concert, particularly the music, singing in English and Gwich’in. Lately, the girls were busy building gingerbread houses for a Christmas competition in the village. They won a couple of prizes and were really thrilled. They headed to the store with their prize money to buy some

‘ At New Year’s, fireworks, a feast, and a dance’ little gifts for some of the elders. As for the boys, Matthias had a chance to compete in snowshoe biathlon and earned a spot on the Northwest Territories team to compete in the Arctic winter games in Greenland in March. Little Daniel has started to giggle and now can sit up. Lots of big smiles from both of them! Here’s wishing you a beautiful Christmas with your loved ones. Thank you for all your prayers and support through these months as we prepare for Christmas in the Arctic. We will spend Christmas Day at our home with some of the people in the village who would also be on their own for Christmas. Catholic missions in canada 15

The Steiners: mom Therese, dad Ray, and children: Matthias, Kathleen, Mae, Theresa Rose and little Daniel Steiner, and, of course, Hatfield, their dog.

16 Spring 2016

the confluence of the Mackenzie and Artic ed ivers. (We are all in the photo including Daniel. He’s spent the last couples of months snuggled away in my big warm coat. I took it from ay to have a jacket big enough to fit both of us.) Therese and Ray Steiner are a lay couple ministering at Holy Name of Mary mission in Tsiigehtchic, Inuvik, in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. First published in http://www. rcdvictoria.org/blog/post/en/guestblog-dispatches-from-the-dark.

Photo courtesy by Therese Steiner

People around here really embrace the Christmas season; however, it is a very hard time for many. There are so many families that have had such trauma and loss in their lives. While it is a beautiful and joyful time of year, it is also such an emotional time when many difficult memories surface and there are many challenges to face, so it is a time of very mixed feelings. This annual photo of our family is taken from just behind the old church here in Tsiigehtchic. In the background is

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A NEW VIEW OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE CHURCH

LENT: JOURNEY TO BAPTISMAL COMMITMENT The initiation of new members at Easter is developed through study, prayer, and through appropriate moral living. By Sister Nancy Hurren, C.N.D.

ent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation for the celebration of Easter. In the desire to renew the liturgical practices of the Church, The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of Vatican Council II stated, “The two elements which are especially characteristic of Lent — the recalling of Baptism or the preparation for it, and penance—should be given greater emphasis in the liturgy and in liturgical catechesis.” (No. 109) What is this connection between Baptism, Lent and Easter? Many Catholics of our day have been startled by a new focus on Baptism in the Church of Vatican II. Baptisteries have been moved from the hidden corners of the Church to prominent positions near the sanctuary or entrance. Baptisms, formerly experienced as private affairs, are being celebrated during the Sunday assembly and in groups. Church bulletins

18 Spring 2016

announce CIA sessions and refer to the foreign sounding terms of catechumen and neophyte. The entire community is encouraged to join in the rites that precede adult baptisms and to pray for them as they move towards full initiation on the night of nights, the Easter Vigil. For many of our laity the new form for Baptism is puzzling. They were raised in a Church that popularly viewed Baptism as infant-centred, a duty to be performed on the new-born to assure them of freedom from original sin. Many parents, non-practising themselves, still consider it their right to have their children “done” and are upset and confused when the clergy first challenge them to renew their own faith. Their cry is, “How can you refuse my innocent child?,” rather than to reflect on the quality of the faith which they will share with their children. Why did the Document on

the Sacred Liturgy call for revision of the rites of Baptism and Confirmation, both for children and for adults? While in a previous era one could become Christian by the absorption of society’s values, the Fathers of Vatican II saw that today’s reality demanded new approaches to formation. The Church sought more effective ways to nurture the faith of those seeking Baptism by examining the ancient traditions of Christian Initiation. The present ite of Christian Initiation for Adults (CIA) calls for a radical revision of the process of becoming a Christian. It reinstates the Catechumenate, a period of formation and apprenticeship in the Universal Church, and refocused the liturgy of Lent and Pascaltide on “rebirth to Christ in Baptism.” Further, it emphasized that the task of initiation is not to be left to the priests and catechists alone. The full rite integrates the sacraments received into one process, reflecting a united sacramental theology to express the faith life of the community. The new rite reintroduces a ritualized catechesis restoring two thresholds, that of becoming a catechumen where the individual formally asks for the privilege of Baptism, and that of election for the sacraments, the

formal acceptance of the catechumen for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. In recent years, this second step takes place in our Deanery gatherings which our bishop presides as their names are formally registered in the Book of the Elect. Thus, preparation for the sacraments is not a purely intellectual exercise—but is a process of

‘ The full rite integrates the sacraments’ “conversion therapy” with a focus on conversion, personal choice, and commitment in the community, supported in community prayer, touched by witness to Christian living by the sponsors and other members of the parish, and nourished in the Word proclaimed in the catechesis. Thus, the initiation of new members at Easter is developed through study, prayer, and through appropriate moral living, all within the context of the Christian community. This “conversion therapy” includes the entire parish community in several ways. The Lenten period is a time for the entire community to renew itself as the newly elect enter a final period of intensive, prayerful retreat before the Easter mysteries. The liturgy of these Catholic missions in canada 19

weeks makes frequent reference to the coming events in water. The Scripture readings are filled with images of healing, enlightening from darkness and

Christ-likeness, the neophytes are to be immediately confirmed with the seal of the Spirit and welcomed into the Eucharistic assembly. The new rite shifts initiation from a formalistic, private affair for infants, back to a living, vibrant kaleidoscope of events— scents, touches, anointing, bathing, and welcoming embraces. It can only be fully implemented in the experience of a vital community of faith, willing to open its arms, to proclaim, to celebrate, and to live out its commitment to the Lord Jesus in the Spirit and in the fellowship of the Breaking of the Bread. Hopefully, in rising to the challenge and the experience of this “conversion therapy,” we will find the courage to become what we are, and as Church, be born again in the Water and the Spirit.

‘ Candidates step forward to profess their faith’ blindness, gifting with living water and new life. On the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays, the Scrutinies ask for prayerful support for those who will approach the Water of Baptism at Easter, a request that enables the catechumens to publicly witness their desire and enthusiasm to the community and call the assembly to a renewal of its ancient faith. The entire community is called forward to enter into the Paschal Mystery, and celebrate its own death-resurrection in the persons of its new members. The whole process comes to a climax in the Easter Vigil, the great high feast of the Church. Out of the darkness into the light, attentive to the Word of salvation, caught up in the symbols of fire and water, the candidates step forward to profess their faith, and to be reborn in the name of the Father, the Son and the Spirit. Gifted with white garments and candles, symbolism of their newness and 20 Spring 2016

Abridged and reprinted with permission from Catholic Mountain Star, Diocese of Nelson, British Columbia, March 2014. Published online at http://www.nelsondiocese. org/web-files/pdf/catholic-mountainstar/CMS_Mar14_VolXII_No1.pdf Sister Nancy Hurren is a member of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame and serves in the Diocese of Nelson, British Columbia.

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A BISHOP’S JOURNEY ON WINTER TO SPRING ROADS The shepherd of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith shares his past year’s journey visiting snow-bound mission communities By Bishop Mark Hagemoen

he adventure continues in the winter and spring seasons in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. The early New Year’s season began with the annual Western Canadian Bishop’s etreat at Westminster Abbey in British Columbia. This year’s retreat leader was Emeritus Bishop James Weisgerber. The retreat was an opportunity to be renewed with the assistance of helpful reflections by Bishop Weisgerber, and to reconnect with the bishops at the 22 Spring 2016

Mission Benedictine monastery. Later, I had the opportunity to reconnect with the Bishops at the annual Western Bishops Plenary, held in the Diocese of Victoria, in late February. Before the plenary, the January and early February period featured an 18-day road trip with the NET Canada Ministry Team and one of our diocesan youth ministry coordinators, Adele Costanza. The trip took us along the winter road system through the Decho and Sahtu regions, and featured providing youth events

Photo courtesy of Bishop Mark Hagemoen

Bishop Mark Hagemoen blesses statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at renovated Our Lady of Grace church in Tuktoyaktuk.

and retreats at several faith communities, including Fort Providence, Fort Simpson, Nahanni Butte, Norman Wells, Tulita, Deline, and Fort Good Hope. The journey was not only a great opportunity to reconnect with people from the communities, but to also experience the deep faith, joy, and enthusiasm of members of the NET Team. They were truly inspiring, not only in terms of their youth ministry work, but also the witness of their own lives of seeking and living for the Lord.

The road trip included several celebrations of the Sacraments, including the wedding of Bernard Tutcho and Estelle Kochon in Colville Lake, and several Baptisms in Norman Wells. Following the Winter road trip, I had a great three-day visit to Saint Peter’s Seminary and King’s University College, London, Ontario to facilitate a Lenten weekend retreat. The sessions also provided an opportunity to promote King’s service learning summer project in Pine Channel, in the Athabasca region of Catholic missions in canada 23

Northern Saskatchewan. Early March began with our annual Pastoral Leaders etreat at Trapper’s Lake. This year’s retreat was facilitated by Mary Lynn Murray of Madonna House (Combermere, Ontario), and Melody McLeod of our own diocese, and former Chair of the Canadian Conference of

where we are called to deepening intimacy and conversion, and reflecting on Aboriginal features of Catholic spiritual and ritual practice. The retreat was also a time to honour two long-time pastoral leaders of our diocese, Sisters Joan Liss and Pauline Girodat, S.S.N.D. Both were recalled by their order, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, to return to their mother house this summer of 2015. Their ministerial service in our diocese included placements in St. Joseph’s in Fort esolution, and in Our Lady of Good Hope, Fort Good Hope. I presently write this posting while visiting the Western

‘ Retreat a time for deeper reflection, conversion’ Catholic Bishops Aboriginal Committee. The retreat provided us a time for reflection, of seeing ourselves in the quiet, peaceful heart of Our Lord, 24 Spring 2016

Photos courtesy of Bishop Mark Hagemoen

Bishop Hagemoen shares faith stories with students at Weledeh Catholic School in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

Arctic communities of the Inuvialuit region of the diocese. The visit included an ice-road trip from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk to join the community for the blessing of the newly-renovated Our Lady of Grace Church. The weekend blessing Mass featured the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. It was a proud day for Sister Fay Trombley, S.C.I.C., pastoral leaders Jean Gruben and Dorothy Loreen, and the entire community. Their church renovation project was with support from Catholic Missions In Canada donor Leonard Gillis, and included volunteers most notably from the French community in Whitehorse, Yukon. I am presently in the

community of Paulatuk, staying at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Marlene Wolki, local pastoral leader, and the community are extending their warm welcome, and are preparing to receive a guest priest, Father Michael osinski, S.J., who will be coming from Ottawa to celebrate the Holy Week and Easter Triduum. The blustery, windswept Arctic coast community is joyfully receiving the lengthening sunny days, as they prepare to celebrate what they describe as their most important season— the Passion and esurrection of Our Lord at Easter. Mahsi-cho. In Our Lord. Bishop Mark Hagemoen is Bishop of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.

Bishop Hagemoen with two guest youth ministers and Father Mark Pisarek, at Spirit Alive youth conference in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Catholic missions in canada 25

EPARCHY OF SASKATOON

13 COMPLETE FORMATION By Sister Bonnie Komarnicki, S.S.M.I.

At Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Graduates of the Joint Eparchial (Ukrainian) and Diocesan (Roman Catholic) lay formation program at Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House in Saskatoon. In photo with gradu26 Spring 2016

Photo by Kiply Yaworski

EPARCHIAL LAY ON PROGRAM

ates are Bishop Bryan Bayda, C.Ss.R, fourth from left, Eparch of Saskatoon, and Bishop Don Bolen, Bishop of Saskatoon, fourth from right.

Catholic missions in canada 27

hirteen participants of the Saskatoon Eparchial Lay Formation program completed their twoyear journey last June. Participants came from various parts of the Eparchy: Geraldine Koban (St. Mary’s, Yorkton); ose Mydynski (Sts. Peter and Paul, Vesna); Barb Bodnarchuk (Dormition of the Mother of God, Saskatoon); Amy ybinski (Dormition of the Mother of God, Saskatoon); David ybinski (Dormition of the Mother of God, Saskatoon); Mitchell Smith (Dormition of

Cathedral, Saskatoon); and Shelley Sadoway (Sts. Peter and Paul, Saskatoon). The Missioning Divine Liturgy was celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul in Saskatoon by Bishop Bryan Bayda, C.Ss.. Bishop Donald Bolen of Saskatoon diocese concelebrated the Mass along with priests from the Eparchy including: Father Dmytro Dnistrian, C.Ss., Father Janko Kolosnjaji, Father Andre Lalach, and Father Peter Pidskalny, C.Ss.. During the Divine Liturgy, the 13 graduates renewed their baptismal vows. Bishop Bryan anointed each one with oil and missioned them to spread the Good News wherever they go. As a sign of the joint East and West celebration, Bishop Bryan and Bishop Bolen blessed both graduating classes. Participants said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each one experienced personal and spiritual growth on their journey. The shared program of East and West was especially life giving and precious. While the East had some classes separate, other classes like Scripture were shared with both East and West. It was a bonding experience. The East

‘ Participants said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each one experienced personal and spiritual growth on their journey.’ the Mother of God, Saskatoon); Kalyn Smith (Dormition of the Mother of God, Saskatoon)l; Shelley Kuzyk (St. Athanasius, egina); Tyler Woloshyn(St. Athanasius, egina); Eugene Stychyshyn (St. Basil’s, egina); Lubomyra Zorniak (St. Basil’s, egina); Iris Owchar (St. George’s 28 Spring 2016

had classes on Divine Liturgy, the Great Lent, Christology and Liturgy of the Hours, separately. The other highlight for the East was writing an Icon of St. Michael the Archangel. Under the watchful eye of artist Brian Thomson, the Icon became a reality over the two years. When the icons were blessed at graduation, they were beautiful reminders of the journey. An event like this does not happen without many volunteers. The Eparchial Lay Formation Alumni helped with the choir and the social after the Divine Liturgy. A big thank you to Bob Friesen who helped coordinate the graduation liturgy, and Chris Pidwerbeski, who coordinated the social after the Liturgy. The Eparchial Lay Formation Team of Sisters Marijka Konderewicz and Bonnie Komarnicki, of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, and Henry Spilchuk rejoiced in seeing this group graduate after their journey of two years. It was a blessing and a joy to be with this group. For more information for the Lay Formation Program, see the website for Ukrainian Catholic Religious Education Centre, or e-mail Sister Bonnie and Sister Marijka at rel.ed@sasktel.net.

SISTER ANGELA SHEA, CND: 1925-2015

MISSIONARY KEPT AN OPEN LINE

Sister Angela Shea of the Congregation of Notre Dame, 90, died September 22, 2015, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. After teaching for 43 years, Sister Angela served for two decades as pastoral administrator for Christ the King mission in Mayo, Yukon, in the Diocese of Whitehorse. When asked by her provincial leader, Sister Marie Hagan, if she was ready to take on the parish, Sister Angela replied: “You know, Marie, I would do anything for Christ the King. Will He be there?” Of her ministry, she once wrote: “I worked from early morning until late at night and kept an open line to the Master Himself, Christ the King…When the priest was unable to be there, I would lead the congregation in prayers and Scripture readings, followed by a homily which explained the readings. Holy Communion would be distributed and all received God’s blessing, after which they gathered in the kitchen to share another hour of socializing. Then all went on their journey with grateful hearts that they had the opportunity to worship the Lord as family.” Catholic missions in canada 29

TECHNOLOGY AND OUR FAST-PACED MODE

The passing of the seasons:

Watching and waiting

‘In spring, I wait for the ice to break up, an awesome display of might and power’ By FATHER JOE DALEY

“ Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” (Mark 13:33 NRSV) “Life is seasonal for us. In the fall, we watch for geese flying south, and hunters go into the bush for moose and caribou. During winter, we wait for the coming of spring when the ice breaks up; then people travel by boat to gather with family and friends during the long days of summer.” These comments were offered by a longtime Dene couple whom I asked for help in preparing this article. As I reflect on their comments, I 30 Spring 2016

ponder about how I wait. When the Liard iver begins to freeze which causes the ferry to be taken out of service, I wait for the ice crossing to open. In spring, I wait for the ice to break up, an awesome display of might and power; as I wait, I wonder, “Will there be an ice jam and flood this year?” Technology and our fastpaced mode of living make waiting increasingly difficult. Early Christians expected the return of Jesus right away, and in fact some of them stopped working which prompted Paul

Photo by Father Joe Daley

Native children learn to watch the changing seasons by being with their grandparents.

to write, “Admonish the idlers” and “ejoice always...”(1 Thessalonians 5.14,16). In his recently published book, You Will Wear a White Shirt, Senator Nick Sibbeston writes, “I loved going with Ehmbee (grandmother) on the snare line. In winter, it was easy for me to see the trails where the rabbits ran back and forth, but in summer, only Ehmbee could spot them. We would be walking along and she would suddenly stop and say, ‘See this trail?’ I could see nothing until I got down on my knees and saw jellybean-sized

droppings and an indentation among the leaves and twigs.” Nick learned to watch by being with his grandmother. Living in the North helps me to watch and wait—when I gaze into the face of a newborn child, or when I observe the setting sun slip below the horizon. May you experience the wonder of watching and waiting in your life! Father Joe Daley is regional pastor of the Dehcho egion Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. Catholic missions in canada 31

TO SHEPHERD 23 PARISHES AND MISSIONS IN YUKON

new BISHOP

HÉCTOR Felipe VILA of Whitehorse looks forward to his new see From seminary rector to bishop in the North

(CCCB – Ottawa)—His Holiness Pope Francis named Father Héctor Felipe Vila, rector of Toronto’s edemptoris Mater Seminary, as Bishop of the Diocese of Whitehorse November 27. Bishop-elect Vila succeeds Bishop Gary Gordon who was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Victoria in 2014. Bishop-elect Vila, 53, was born in Lima, Peru, and came to Canada in 1979. After completing his mechanical engineering degree in 1986, he joined the 32 Spring 2016

Neo-Catechumenal Way in 1987. He began his studies in philosophy and theology at the University of Toronto, and in 1989 continued his studies at the edemptoris Mater Seminary in ome and at the Gregorian University. Subsequently, he obtained a licentiate in patristic studies from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in ome. Bishop-elect Vila was ordained to the priesthood by Saint John Paul II on May 14, 1995, for the Diocese of ome where he ministered until 1998.

‘ I look forward to this new mission and to meeting wonderful people, learning about their traditions, discovering the beauty of this region of our country and growing in faith together.’

Photo: CMIC

Bishop Héctor Felipe Vila of Whitehorse diocese was ordained to the priesthood by Saint John Paul II on May 14, 1995.

In 1998, upon his return to Canada, he was appointed administrator of St. Norbert’s Parish in Toronto, and in 2000 was appointed rector of edemptoris Mater Seminary in Toronto. In an interview with The Catholic Register, Bishop-elect Vila said: “I look forward to this new mission and to meeting wonderful people, learning about their traditions, discovering the beauty of this region of our country and growing in

faith together.” Straddling 725,000 sq km, the Diocese of Whitehorse is among the largest dioceses in the world geographically. It serves 23 parishes and missions, with a Catholic population of 7,500. Currently, it has seven diocesan priests, three religious priests, two religious Sisters, and seven lay pastoral assistants. —With files from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and The Catholic egister Catholic missions in canada 33

MINISTRY IN PUKATAWAGAN, MANITOBA

ADAPTABILITY IS KEY TO PARISH MINISTRY Planes come to the community two times a day and the ‘slow-boat-to-China train’ comes in twice a week, filled with passengers and freight. By SISTER CARMEN CATELLIER, S.N.J.M.

hile Canada Post is trying to keep itself afloat, I will be using this technology available to send you greetings at this time of the year. So this year I write from Pukatawagan, Manitoba (also 34 Spring 2016

known as Matthias Colomb Cree Nation). It is north of Flin Flon, halfway up to Lynn Lake on the west side of the province. I call it a “fly-in, train-in” community! Planes come two times a day and the “slow-boat-to-China train” comes in twice a week,

Photos courtesy of Sister Carmen Catellier, S.N.J.M.

Sister Carmen Catellier of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary visits parishioner and band council member Juliette Caribou in Pukatawagan, Manitoba.

filled with passengers and freight which is free to Pukatawagan residents. It is their train so the company supports the community as best they can. The place is hilly and contours the Missinippi iver (meaning big river in Cree)—a branch off the

mighty Churchill iver—apparently reaching Pinehouse and Patuanak in Saskatchewan, for you map lovers to trace. The earth is clay-based, and I think worse than the Manitoba gumbo of the ed iver valley. Hence, the love of all for winter and snow. Catholic missions in canada 35

The church at Sacred Heart Parish in Pukatawagan, Manitoba, in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas.

Close to 3,200 people here spread out in zones with unique names such as Chinatown, Capone, LA, Niya, Bronx, Ayami, to name a few. The one official Northern Store jacks up its prices. A dozen eggs costs $4.20! Thus, all the shopping happens in The Pas and is sent by freight train. The school named Sakastew is K-12, a newer facility that was built recently due to the fuel clean-up that happened in its former location. 36 Spring 2016

The present church was built in 1993 and is almost exactly the same as the one in Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan, although a bit smaller from my measurements. The people are proud of it and are very diligent in keeping it clean. So shoes and boots are taken off at the entrance to prevent the mud-tracking of wet boots. A few music instruments and books are available to the choirs or groups that sing at the Sunday service, which include many hymns and

songs at the Sunday celebration of the Word. However, I have yet to see someone actually playing the keyboard! They just put in the chords to accompany the songs. I am learning some new Cree songs and local variations of the others I already know. Adaptability is a key word! With this El Nino and climate change, it has not been cold yet, and so the ice road cannot be used for pre-Christmas shopping. We got piles of snow this week and I have seen the sun shining in the living room only a few times since I’ve come. Although I have use of an old ’93 Chevy pick-up with bald tires that slip and slide all over the road, I find my sturdy four-wheel drive really handy as I manoeuvre the washboard, the icy-snow, the dogs, and the pedestrians. One such adventure takes me to the train called Mile 99 to pick up freight that is sent to me from The Pas. A few times I have been there along with trucks, passengers, and local people collecting precious cargo for family and neighbours. All of us are vying for the best position to retrieve our “stuff” which includes boxes and ubbermaid tubs and furniture and packages filled with groceries and whatever else is being sent. WIFI is not available at the rectory, so I go to the school or the

Sister Carmen Catellier, S.N.J.M.

band office to check email. Just today, I was talking to Xplornet to set up the satellite and modem. They are changing their equipment so now it is costing a whole lot of money to set up and they have to send up a technician to do it. What to do? They can only set it till after Easter for me! As some of you have suggested, I could write a book, but this is not going to be the case today. End of chapter. May 2016 be filled with health, fun, achievements, and memorable events. Sister Carmen Catellier, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, is pastoral administrator at Sacred Heart Parish in Pukatawagan, Manitoba, in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. Catholic missions in canada 37

ARTWORK BY MEGIZIQUE AND SAAGIMASDAK

CHRIST AT THE CENTRE

OF TURTLE ISLAND By SISTER EVA SOLOMON, C.S.J.

“ Christ, the centre of Turtle Island,” is the title of the art work which Sister Dorothy Grills, C.S.J., and I gave recently to Catholic Missions In Canada. For Aboriginal peoples, the continent of North America was traditionally known as Turtle Island because of one of our Creation stories. In our Creation story, when water still covered the land, there were already water creatures in the water. Sky Woman in the heavens had been impregnated by a consort given to her by the Creator, Gitchi Manitou. After her consort left her, Sky Woman became very lonely and decided to leave the heavens. As she was coming down to earth with nowhere to land, the water creatures saw her plight. The Turtle offered her back on which Sky Woman could land. After landing, Sky Woman asked if there was any creature who could dive down to the 38 Spring 2016

bottom of the water to get her some earth. The Loon said he could but he soon failed: “The water is too deep.” Then the Helldiver said he was a great diver and he would go, but he, too, failed. Even Original Man tried and failed. Other creatures—like the mink, the beaver and otter—tried, but all came up empty-handed. Finally, the humble Little Muskrat said, “I’ll try.” Many of those who had tried laughed at Little Muskrat, but Original Man said, “We should at least let him try since he offered.” So Little Muskrat went down to the bottom of the water and got a handful of mud, but it took him so long to return that he lost his breath and died trying. When they found Little Muskrat, there was a little bit of earth in his paw. The creature who found his body took the little bit of earth to Sky Woman and said, “Little Muskrat has

Banner art painted by Sisters of St. Joseph Dorothy Grills and Eva Solomon, also known as Saagimasdak and Megizique. Catholic missions in canada 39

gotten some earth, but he died trying.” Sky Woman accepted the little clump of earth and sprinkled it around the Turtle’s back. With the help of the four winds, the earth spread and grew so Sky Woman had a place to bear her young. Some of the water creatures gave their fur to keep the children warm. The Eagle feather is there to remind us of our Elder brother, the Eagle. When the Creator decided to stop the sun, because Original People had begun to use their gifts and powers for selfish reasons, the Eagle flew to the Creator and requested, on our behalf, to allow the sun to continue on its journey. And the one who flew the highest and shrieked the loudest promised the Creator that it would fly around and see to it that we would continue to follow the Creator’s original instructions. After accepting our Christian faith, we saw that the humble Little Muskrat was an image of Christ who was willing to give his life to save us from our sins and the Eagle as the image of Jesus Christ the mediator who brings our concerns to the Father and the Father’s Word back to us. Thus in the image, we have Christ as the centre of Turtle Island. The head of the turtle is Ellesmere Island in the Arctic 40 Spring 2016

Ocean; the left forward leg, the Alaskan peninsula, and the right forward leg, the Maritime peninsula; the left back leg is the Baja California peninsula, and the back right leg, the Florida panhandle; and the tail at the bottom is Mexico. The image is called “Christ, the centre of Turtle Island.” “Christ, the centre of Turtle Island” depicts how we accepted Christianity. It is Christ who died to save us, by giving His body and blood that we might live. The Eagle feather represents the Eagle who saw our plight when we began to use our gifts and powers for selfish reasons rather than for the good of the people, and it flew to the Creator to request the Creator to allow the sun to continue on its journey. And it promised that it would fly around to see that we would go back to following the original instructions given by the Creator. That is why we often see the Eagle as a blessing when it circles us in a powwow or other gatherings of the people. Sister Eva Solomon, an Anishinaabe religious of the Congregation of Saint Joseph, is executive director of Building Bridges Project, an initiative of the Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops.

Establish an Endowment to create a legacy of faith for future generations

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 religious education of children and youth • The building and repair of places of worship • The basic needs of our missionaries

Oblate missionary Father Susai Jesu, left, comforts grieving man in St. Gertrude mission in Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan, in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. Your endowment will keep our missionaries’ presence in poor and isolated communities.

Photo by Rob Waymen

• The education and formation of seminarians and lay leaders

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____________ Phone_______________________ Birthdate (D/M/Y) ________________ 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-2016-01-ENDOW

Email_____________________________________________________

GIFT PLANNING

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END. BEST JOB. EVER. ‘Change brings with it new energy, and fresh ideas which we all need’ BY WINNIE QUINN, CHARITABLE GIFTS MANAGER

ineteen years later, I want to share with you I have had the best job ever—getting to know you and helping you with your decisions about supporting Catholic Missions In Canada in the best way possible for you. It is a bittersweet time for me because I still love what I do but, as the saying goes: all good things must come to an end and it is now time for me to retire. It has been an amazing journey—one I didn’t anticipate. I have loved the friendships I’ve made, the many telephone chats, the visits—it has been immensely rewarding. It is not easy to go and those of you who know me will understand that. But change brings with it new energy, and fresh ideas which we all need. I know you will be well served and this is good for Catholic Missions. I thank you for your trust and

42 Spring 2016

the kindness you have shown me and the incredible support you have shown our missionaries. It has been an honour for me to be the link between you and them. It has meant that most days, I work with a big smile on my face. The hardest part of leaving for me is losing touch with so many of you that I’ve gotten to know over these past years. You are like dear friends to me, so saying goodbye is not easy. The memories we have made will last a lifetime, and will never know a goodbye. Just know you are being replaced by my grandchildren and they are also a delight to spend time with. I look forward with some anticipation to the next phase of my life and I ask you to keep me in your prayers as I will you and all our missionaries and my friends here at the office. When I started here, I thought it would be just another job but

Winnie Quinn, Catholic Missions In Canada charitable gifts manager, with granddaughters, from left, Tessa Quinn-Crook, Miriam Favro, and Fiona QuinnCrook. Inset, grandson Jeremy Favro.

it became the career of a lifetime and for that I feel blessed. My final seven nuggets/tips to you (unless you call me before the end of June at which time I will complete my work at Catholic Missions In Canada):

Photos by Terry Quinn

• Currently, the best tax-free, stress-free income guaranteed for your lifetime is through a gift annuity with Catholic Missions In Canada. • The easiest and most stress-free gift to make is to name Catholic Missions In Canada as the beneficiary of your SP/IF or TFSA.

• The best tax-saving method of giving for you is a gift of publicly listed securities (shares) • Choose your Power of Attorney (POA) and Executor with care. This is one of the most important decisions you will make. • Don’t leave this earth without a Will. The stress and upheaval you will leave behind is not a legacy you want for yourself. And by the way, the best gift to CMIC is a gift in your Will. • Continue your support of Catholic Missions—to allow every person living in every Catholic missions in canada 43

mission community to hear God’s Word and live their Catholic faith. • Welcome the person who comes after me. They will appreciate your support and in time will become a trusted friend.

Most important, we learn from Jesus to become gentle and humble in spirit and to share our generosity with those in need. That’s what you have taught me. May God bless each and every one of you for your trust, your generosity, and your prayers.

Please send me information on Gift Annuities

I plan to leave a Gift in my Will to CMIC

Or you may prefer information on one of the following: c

Will Planner

Endowments

TFSAs

RRSP/RRIFs

Gift Loans

For annuitants: Minimum Age: 70 Minimum Amount: $10,000 Individual: c Male c Female Birthdate: ______ /______ /______

Day

Joint: c Male

Month

Year

Female Birthdate: ______ /______ /______

Day

Month

Year

Name ________________________________________________________ Fr./Br./Sr./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.

Address ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ City _________________________ Province _________________________ Postal Code_______________ Phone________________________________

MA-2016-01-LEGACY_GIFTS

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

44 Spring 2016

Archbishop Daniel Bohan of Regina: 1941-2016

MISSIONARY BISHOP LEAVES SOCIAL LEGACY Archbishop of Regina Daniel Bohan passed away at Regina’s Pasqua Hospital January 15. The following is excerpted with permission from reporter Will Chabun of The Regina Leader-Post: BY WILL CHABUN

Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Regina

amed as the archbishop in late March 2005 and formally installed three month later, Archbishop Daniel Bohan replaced Archbishop Peter Mallon, who had headed the archdiocese for almost 10 years. Archbishop Bohan was born in 1941 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. He studied theology at Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax, and was ordained to the priesthood in May 1967 for the Archdiocese of Moncton. In 1972, he received a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He served several parishes in New Brunswick, and taught theology at Holy Heart Seminary

and at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax. From 2003, he was the auxiliary bishop in Toronto, and sat on committees that liaised with the United Church of Canada and with evangelical Christians. Within the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Bohan served as a member of its Episcopal Commission for Social Affairs, and was the conference’s representative in a Canadian ecumenical delegation that examined the impact of free trade in Mexico from a human rights perspective. The Archdiocese of egina has 124,000 parishioners in 150 parishes and missions, scattered over more than 155,000 sq km in the southern part of the province. Catholic missions in canada 45

LETTERS: YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK

RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS

behalf of Father Jeffery Stephaniuk, our parish administrator at the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Wynyard, Saskatchewan, we send our acknowledgement that we have received the supplementary grant in the amount of $31,000 to assist our parish from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, with the cost of renovations and repairs to the exterior walls of our church. Through Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teachings in our church and our most meaningful thanksgiving prayers, we express our deep gratitude to you and your benefactors at the Catholic Missions In Canada for your substantial generosity with the supplementary grant. Our parishionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; faith, their prayers,

hard work through many volunteer hours and their donations, the professional contractors, the professional advice of our Bishop and Eparchy of Saskatoon, plus your most generous supplemental grant from across Canada, have all contributed to the completion of our renovation project to the exterior walls of our beautiful church. May the Good Lord continue to bless everyone, especially you and your benefactors at Catholic Missions In Canada, for its support of our project as well as others in need. William Lalach Parish Council President Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church Wynyard, Saskatchewan Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon

FATHER AIDAN DEVINE: 1943-2016

is with sadness that we announce the sudden death of Father Aidan Devine on January 23, 2016, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador. At the time of his death, Father Devine was Chancellor of the Diocese of Corner 46 Spring 2016

Brook and Labrador, as well as Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Happy ValleyGoose Bay. An article on Father Devine and his ministry will be published in our Summer 2016 issue.

Cath o l ic M iss io n s I n C a na da’ s

Our gift to you Prayers and Masses offered for our donors living and deceased

As our staff gathers for Morning Prayer from Monday to Friday each week, our living and deceased donors are remembered. St. Philip Neri Mass on or near May 26th each year, our living and deceased Legacy Circle members are remembered. November 1st – All Souls Day – all our deceased donors are remembered at Mass at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, Toronto. Each November (3rd week), our deceased Legacy Circle donors who have died during the past year are remembered in a special Mass offered by the President of Catholic Missions In Canada, at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, Toronto. Missionary Bishops, priests, sisters, and lay leaders remember all our donors living and deceased in their daily prayers and Masses.

LAST CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM KAPUSKASING

HAPPY TO RETIRE AT 92 Excerpted below are notes from our faithful missionary in Kapuskasing, Northern Ontario, Sister of Saint Joseph Enid Selke. BY SISTER ENID SELKE, C.S.J.

want you to know that this will be my last Christmas letter from Kapuskasing. I have decided after years of ministry in the Diocese of Hearst and at the age of 92, to return in June to Toronto to live among my dear religious Sisters in community. I am peaceful with my decision and happy to retire home to Toronto. I will truly miss the friends I

have made and worked with at St. Patrick’s parish, the Selke Centre, and the Diocese of Hearst these many years. I’ve been spoiled by God who loves me very much and by the people who have shared life and their friendship with me. Treasured memories will accompany me as I walk toward Eternity and you will be in my prayers.

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