Catholic Missions in Canada www.cmic.info
Knocking on doors
ISSN 1702-2894
Sisters’ ministry opens hearts
PLUS: Lay formation in Arviat • Road to healing • Ministry of love
summer 2015
Editor’s Notes
A call to love
S
omeone knocks, and instinctively, we open the door. But not if we live in the big city where a knock could mean an intrusion; a stranger is at the door. Situate the knock in a more rural setting, in a small community where a knock is considered a welcome break, a happy surprise. Someone out there is a friend, not a stranger. For our missionaries in the field, such as Adrian Dominican Sisters Maurine Barzantni and RenĂŠe Richie (pages 12-17), serving the First Nations communities in Fort St. James, British Columbia, knocking on doors and saying hello is the best part of their ministry. A knock opens doors to hearts. You will read in this issue how a knock or a call can begin the conversation, heal long-held pain, and uplift the spirit. And for laity in Arviat, Nunavut (pages 6-10), learning and discerning to know more about Jesus and how we can transform our lives in His likeness, a knock is an invitation to love, to walk with Jesus, to live life more fully in service of God and neighbour.
Patria C. Rivera 2 Summer 2015
cont
Volume 34, Number 2
Features
6
Deepening faith in Arviat Lay formation offers opportunity for knowing Jesus more fully Bonita Power
12
Meet Sister RenĂŠe and Sister Maurine Sisters knock on doors and say hello to start the conversation Sister Barbara Kelley, o.p.
18
Proclaiming the Good News What matters is how we live our lives serving God and neighbour Sister Divinia Pedro, c.s.j.
22
Road to healing Turning pain from past into strength through prayers Myra Charlie
28
Dare to dance the tides of love Missionary finds a home among brothers and sisters in Christ Sister Reine Driscoll, r.s.r.
ents Summer 2015
32
Catechism around the kitchen table Every place is taken in busy ministry in Northern Manitoba Sister Bonnie Bryson, c.s.j.
6
Roof and steeple of St. Theresa’s mission church in Arviat, Nunavut, in the Diocese of Churchill-Hudson Bay.
34
Ministry of love A call from God is not explainable with words but actions James Wood
Departments
2 Editor’s Notes 4 From the President’s Desk 42 Gift Planning 46 Letters
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: 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. 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. Cover Photo: Adrian Dominican Sisters Maurine Barzantni, left, and Renée Richie, at the door of the church of Our Lady of the Snows in Fort St. James, British Columbia, in the Diocese of Prince George. Photo courtesy of Sister Maurine Barzantni, o.p.
Catholic missions in canada 3
ROLES IN WORSHIP AND PRAYER
THE LAY PERSON IN THE CHURCH
Today lay persons are expected to be immersed in the Catholic faith and religious practice By FATHER PHILIP J. KENNEDY, PRESIDENT
M
any people will have memories of lay persons in the parishes “helping Father” to get the little kids ready for First Communion or Confirmation, lining up the children, and tending to details that the priest
‘The valuable work depends on lay men and women in a parish community’ didn’t perform. Sometimes lay people would help the parish by teaching children about the necessary answers to questions about the faith, especially if there was no Catholic school for the pupils to attend. Parents have always been the first teachers of their children in the faith, but that was not a principle that was put into practice at all times, and even 4 Summer 2015
now is a particular challenge for parishes and missions. Some families used to be lucky enough to have their children taught by religious sisters or brothers in schools or in the parish, but they are now few in number. The valuable work depends on lay men and women in a parish community, to instill the essentials of the faith in young people, and to do other vital tasks of the religion, such as marriage preparation, Bible study for adults, leading prayer sessions and devotions, and in places, even celebrating certain liturgies in the absence of a priest. By the time our most recent Catechism of the Catholic Church was published all over the world (1992), the thinking about the roles of women and men in forming the Church and her children and adults was firmly developed. Lay involvement in the Church and
Photo by Rob Waymen
Altar server Mervin Lachance-Bear at Sacred Heart mission in Big River First Nation reserve in Northern Saskatchewan, in the Diocese of Prince Albert.
in spreading the faith was fairly well understood. The Catechism states,“Lay people who are capable and trained may also collaborate in catechetical formation, in teaching the sacred sciences, and in use of the communications media.” §906 Even more than that, lay persons are expected to be so immersed in the Catholic faith and religious practice that they collaborate in a truly cooperative and personal manner. “Lay people have the right and even at times a duty to manifest to the pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church.” §907 It is a wonderful thing, then, to see the lay people in our mission churches performing roles in worship and prayer, and also gathering to decide matters of importance concerning the building of their worship space and structures of the mission community. Proper preparation for these tasks, then, requires courses and
sessions for the participants. Summer courses, winter weekend sessions, and diocesan seminars happen all over the country. Some special sessions are held for First Nations communities to get the people ready for leadership positions in the Church. Ukrainian Catholics have specialized year-long courses for lay leadership. Pilgrimages may also include times of sharing in faith and Christian leadership. The involvement of lay people is now so much a part of our Church life, and we can only keep trying to employ our resources at CMIC to sustain this part of the living Body of Christ. Catholic missions in canada 5
Lay MINISTRY Formation in Arviat, Nunavut
Deepening
Faith God desires to deepen His relationship with all people and wants us to come to know Him more deeply and love Him more fully. By Bonita Power
Photos courtesy of Sister Dorica Sever, f.m.m.
D
uring November 2014, I had the privilege to join a group of a dozen dedicated men and women of St. Theresa’s parish in Arviat, Nunavut, as well as their leaders, Sister Dorica Sever, f.m.m., and Sister Fernande Rivard, s.s.a.v., and Oblate Bishop Emeritus Reynald Rouleau, as they completed Year 3 of their Lay Ministry Formation program. Using Ray Vander Laan’s DVD resource, “Faith Lessons,” for the first three weeks of the month-long training, participants were able to experience Jesus’ life in a very intimate and 6 Summer 2015
personal way. Filmed on location in Israel,Vander Laan’s series helped viewers experience the historical, cultural, religious and geographical contexts prevalent during Jesus’ public ministry in the first century. Participants shared honestly and courageously on how their course was helping them to grow not only in knowledge of the Jesus of history but more importantly, how the sessions were helping them to deepen their faith in Jesus as their friend and guide. In the nightly sessions, participants shared how they were journeying in their relationship with Jesus, enriching
Oblate Bishop Anthony Krotki, left, of Churchill-Hudson Bay, with Jesuit Father Pat McCorkell. Catholic missions in canada 7
Diocesan Formation team: Sister Dorica Sever, f.m.m., Raymonde Pelletier, associate f.m.m., Father Pat McCorkell, s.j., Sister Fernande Rivard, s.s.a.v., and Sister Simone Bastien, f.m.m.
their prayer life, growing in their use of Scripture and coming to a deeper sense of the Catholic faith and their call to ministry among their brothers and sisters in Arviat. During their month-long journey into discovering more about their faith, I had the privilege to facilitate sessions with this tremendous group of individuals on several topics: Prayer and Meditation, St. Theresa of Lisieux, their patron saint, the Rosary, as well as Eucharistic devotion. St. Theresa’s parish has Rosary nightly from Monday—Friday as well as Eucharistic devotion on Thursday evenings. Prayer, meditation, saying the Rosary 8 Summer 2015
and spending time in Eucharistic devotion helps us grow in our knowledge of Jesus as well as to foster an intimate relationship with Him. We know that the more we know of Jesus, the more of Him we will witness to others. Throughout the course of the month-long formation training, I was struck by the huge commitment, dedication and faith of this amazing group of individuals. Four attributes in particular about this group stood out for me:
Deep commitment to Sacred Scripture: This group of participants showed time and again their knowledge of the fact that one of the most important ways
God reveals Himself to us is through Sacred Scripture which is the primary reason they read nightly from their Bibles. This group is acutely aware of the fact that Scripture reveals to us who God is so that we can have a relationship with God and live our lives in the way that God created us to live.
Thirst for prayer: All participants spent a part of each evening in private and communal prayer. The individuals wanted quiet time with the Lord each evening and stated that this sacred time was an important part of their nightly session. Many shared how they prayed throughout their busy days and
how it was most important that they take time daily to converse and listen to God.
Commitment to St. Theresa’s parish and their community of Arviat: The lay ministers-in-training all take an active role in their parish in the various ministries—music ministry, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, sacramental preparation, leading Liturgy of the Word, presiding over baptisms, weddings and funerals, visiting the sick and the like. These individuals care about their parishioners and want St. Theresa’s to be an active and vibrant mission parish. They are also dedicated to outreach services to the general population of Arviat
Simona Baker, Annie Amauyak, Pat Smith in working group Catholic missions in canada 9
and work hard to assist them through Christmas Hampers, offering food and clothing to those in need, visiting families upon the death of a loved one, and other acts of charity.
Insights gained from the Enneagram: Sister Simone Bastien, of the Franciscan Missionary of Mary, presented the Enneagram to the
They will continue to demonstrate the fundamental truth that God loves all people group over seven sessions. The Enneagram is a tool for understanding human personality and is comprised of nine interconnected personality types. All participants thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Enneagram and reported that it was a great model for helping them to understand more fully themselves and others. They stated that knowing about the Enneagram and how we all have different personality types will help them be more sensitive and understanding of individuals and families to whom they minister. For the last week of the 10 Summer 2015
program we were very fortuSt. Mary’s nate to have our bishop, Oblate Church in Dawson City, Bishop Anthony Krotki, as well Yukon. as Jesuit Father Pat McCorkell, cowriter of Builders of the New Earth, join us. Fr. Pat led us into a study of the Sacraments of Holy Orders and Marriage. At the conclusion of the training at our Sunday evening Mass, Bishop Krotki presented “Certificates of Pastoral Ministry” to students completing three years of formation. As this new group of lay ministers continues their ministry to the parishioners of St. Theresa’s and the people of Arviat, they will do well as they continue to show to others by their words and actions, that God desires to deepen His relationship with all people and wants us to come to know Him more deeply and love Him more fully. By their outreach to others, they will continue to demonstrate the fundamental truth that God loves all people unconditionally and that we are called to connect with our brothers and sisters who suffer, are broken, and in need of healing and to minister to them. Bonita Power is an elementary school teacher in Arviat, Nunavut.
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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presence to First Nations People
Meet Sister Renee and Sister Maurine When they go to the reserves, they’re still at the point of just visiting people—knocking on doors and saying hello By Sister Barbara Kelley, O.P.
12 Summer 2015
Adrian Dominican Sisters RenĂŠe Richie, left, and Maurine Barzantni, in their backyard, overlooking Stuart Lake in Fort St. James, B.C. Catholic missions in canada 13
R
ecently ministering as “grandmothers” to girls at St. Clare Girls’ Centre in Meru, Kenya, Adrian Dominican Sisters Maurine Barzantni and Renée Richie now play a similar role, offering the ministry of presence to First Nations people on four reserves in British Columbia. They began their ministry on May 1, 2014. “We’re very happy and we love what we’re doing,” Sister Renée said. “And what we’re doing primarily is not so much the action mode as just being— our presence with the people.” Sisters Maurine and Renée are based in Fort St. James, about a two-hour drive north of
‘ What really attracts me and makes me feel at home is their sense of ritual’ Prince George, in the Diocese of Prince George. They serve as pastoral assistants to Father Frank Salmon, o.m.i., pastor of Our Lady of the Snows parish in Fort St. James. They live on the Nak’azdli reserve, in community with Sister Divinia 14 Summer 2015
Pedro, a Sister of St. Joseph of Toronto, in a house established by Sister Divinia’s community. Their ministry also takes them to the Binchy, Tache, and Yekoochie reserves of the Carrier Nation. Travelling to Yekoochie, the farthest of the reserve communities, entails a two-hour drive on a logging road, which at times drops to one lane. “When we go to the reserves, we’re still at the point of just visiting people—knocking on doors and saying hello and trying to engage in conversation to let the people know of the Church’s concern,” Sister Maurine explained. ”They receive us with warm hospitality.” Sisters Renée and Maurine have taken the opportunity to listen to the stories of the people they visit and to learn about their lives and culture. Although the people they meet are joyful, they also experience deep grief over the loss of their culture and language to the dominant culture. In this region of about 4,400 residents—about twothirds comprising First Nations people—the residents have little opportunity for employment. Sister Maurine noted
Photos courtesy of Sister Maurine Barzantni, o.p.
Salmon run in Fort St. James.
that some of the people—especially the women—engage in home industry, such as beading and making moccasins. Others go through a long and difficult process to prepare hides—which can bring in $1,000—for use in making articles such as moccasins. Many of the local First Nations residents also rely on the Earth for their sustenance, living from what they can obtain through hunting, fishing, and trapping. Many of the people “jar,” smoke, dry, or freeze their moose, salmon, and fruits and vegetables for the
winter, Sister Renée said. Some of the women in their parish also know how to use local herbs as traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. The Sisters had the opportunity to observe the people passing on this aspect of their culture to their children. Sister Maurine recalled the local school taking the children— from the age of four years through sixth grade—on a salmon run. The school “took them out to the nets in order to catch the salmon and learn how to clean the salmon, and then they took them to the smoke Catholic missions in canada 15
house to learn how to prepare the salmon for smoking.” Sisters Maurine and Renée are also learning about other aspects of the people’s culture. “What really attracts me and makes me feel at home is their sense of ritual,” Sister Maurine said. She gave the example of the community recently gathering to “sing the canoes home” when a set of canoeists were returning after a fourday journey. “As the canoeists rounded the corner, people on the shore played drums and sang the songs” to welcome the canoeists home, she recalled.
Sister Renée explained another ritual, the sweat lodge, a ritual in which a designated leader and participants sit together for several rounds, with each round dedicated to prayer for a particular intention. “It’s just a very beautiful, healing ritual that means a great deal in the culture,” Sister Renée said. The hospitality and gratitude of the people are also evident in another tradition: the potlatch. “When somebody dies, the whole community helps the family out, either loaning them money or doing whatever needs to be done,” Sister Maurine
Our Lady of the Snows parish and missions team: from left, Sister Renée Richie, o.p., Sister Divinia Pedro, c.s.j., pastor Father Frank Salmon, o.m.i., and Sister Maurine Barzantni, o.p. 16 Summer 2015
explained. After the family has had time to recoup their money, they hold a potlatch, a gift-giving feast during which they repay the money that was loaned to them and thank the community for their help and support. “’That’s all part of the grieving process, and it gives them a chance also to reminisce over the life of the person,” Sister Maurine explained. Sisters Maurine and Renée said they have felt accepted and welcomed by the people of the four First Nations communities where they serve—and even had the opportunity to learn how much the people have come to appreciate them. Sister Renée recalled that both of them had left on Labour Day for a twoday trip with Sisters Kathy Nolan, o.p., and Jude Van Baalen, who are ministering in Prince George, British Columbia. When they returned, they received hugs from the people of the reserves, who had been afraid that the Sisters had left them. “They have accepted us totally,” Sister Renée said. For their part, Sisters Renée and Maurine love the people they serve and their time in Northern British Columbia. “For us, it’s a very down-to-Earth
time,” Sister Renée said. “We have our feet on the Earth— and that’s important.” Sister Barbara Kelley, o.p., is communication specialist with the Adrian Dominican Sisters.
CMIC is supporting the Diocese of Prince George with a grant of $61,900 in 2015 Reprinted from: http://www.adriandominicans.org/ WhatsHappening/AdrianDominicanNews/AdrianDominicanNewsView/tabid/816/ArticleId/1612/ Sisters-Renee-and-Maurine-OfferPresence-to-First-Nations-Peopleof-British-Columbia.aspx Dominican Sisters Maurine Barzantni and Renée Richie serve as pastoral assistants to Father Frank Salmon, o.m.i., pastor of Our Lady of the Snows parish in Fort St. James, British Columbia, in the Diocese of Prince George. Catholic Missions In Canada is supporting the Diocese of Prince George with a grant of $61,900 in 2015. Catholic missions in canada 17
REFLECTION ON THE 21st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Proclaiming the Good News When we die and it comes time for God to judge us, He will NOT ask, ‘How many good things have you done in your life?’ Rather, He will ask: ‘How much LOVE did you put into what you did?’ By Sister Divinia Pedro, C.S.J.
Photos courtesy of Sister Divinia Pedro, c.s.j.
“Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News.” (Mark 16:15) In responsorial psalm above, taken from Mark 16:15, we are invited to go into the world and proclaim the Good News—to proclaim the Gospel. How can we make this possible? I believe that we do not have to travel to a Third World country to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. We can do these acts of kindness where we are—where we live. When I first visited Fort St. James, British Columbia, 18 Summer 2015
in September 2009, Sister Pat Macaulay, c.s.j., invited me to give Holy Communion on Fridays. I was surprised that when we came to the house of one of our elders—Evalie Murdock— her door was not locked, and she said to us, “Come in, Sisters.” At the same time, I was also delighted because this is how we grew up in the Philippines—our doors were always open, even to strangers. Evalie welcomed me and she made me feel at home. It is just like Jesus speaking to her: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Sister Divinia Pedro, c.s.j., seated with Corina Bjork, left, and Carmen Bird, who participated in her sessions on ‘Journeying Through Grief and Loss Together.’
In almost all the houses I entered, I was offered something to eat or drink. In these encounters, I hear Jesus’ words: “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was hungry and you gave me to eat.” Serving at our local soup kitchen is one of God’s ways of inviting us to be with our less fortunate sisters and brothers. Our street people taught me how to love, to accept and to see the face of God in everyone I meet. And I thank our pastor, Oblate Father Frank Salmon, for inviting us to this ministry over two years ago.
The Bereavement Team which Sister Pat started gave me the blessing and the opportunity to console and to support our people who are grieving, as I shared the gift of myself—my presence—to those to whom God asks me to serve and to love. The Tuesday Night Reflection Group which was begun by Sister Pat Boucher, c.s.j., has also been a tremendous gift in my life here at Fort St. James. There are many other ways with which you and I have proclaimed the Good News to one Catholic missions in canada 19
Sister Divinia Pedro, C.S.J., singing with parishioner Bev Playfair.
another.You have shown me the love of God by the way you live and love and by making me feel that I really belong here.You did, as St. Francis said, “Preach the Gospel: Use words when necessary.” As Mother Teresa said: I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I do know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, He will NOT ask, “How many good things have you done in your life? Rather, He will ask: “How much LOVE did you put into 20 Summer 2015
what you did?” And you are all capable of giving love. God is always with us on our journey. This is an abridged version of the reflection given by Sister Divinia Pedro, c.s.j., to the people of Fort St. James, British Columbia. She is a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto and her community ministered to the area for six years, from 2007 to 2013. She continues to serve in the area, together with Adrian Dominican Sisters Maurine Barzantni and Renée Richie.
MISSION AT FORT ST. JAMES
Glimpses of joy, peace and healing By Anne Hanley
F
ounded by Simon Fraser in 1806, Fort St. James is located about a two-hour drive north of Prince George in the Diocese of Prince George, and is one of British Columbia’s oldest communities. From their base on the Nak’azdli reserve, Adrian Dominican Sisters Maurine Barzantni and Renée Richie, along with Sister Divinia Pedro, c.s.j., serve as pastoral assistants to Father Frank Salmon, o.m.i., pastor of Our Lady of the Snows parish in Fort St. James, and together, they minister in the aboriginal reserves of the Carrier Nation in Tache, Binche, and Yekoochie. “Our ministry to these areas requires a great deal of driving on logging roads,” says Sister Maurine, “but we love what we’re doing!” The missionaries minister among about 110 families of the T’latzen Band in Tache, 40 families in Binche, 40 families of the Yekooche Band in Portage and the Nak’azdlie Band of about 300 families in Fort St.
James—as well as non-aboriginal families in Fort St. James. Fort St. James itself has a population of about 2,000 people, which increases to 5,000 when it includes the surrounding area. “Our ministry comes out of our understanding of the Gospel as being about the Kingdom of God,” says Sister Maurine. “Everything we do promotes the peace and justice necessary to bringing about this Kingdom.” Some of the ways in which they serve to offer this are through liturgical celebrations, Bible studies and sacramental preparation, bereavement ministries, hospital and prison visits, and outreach efforts at an area soup kitchen. “We hope our presence might bring glimpses of joy, peace and healing to people here,” says Sister Renée. “And we see these glimpses in the trust that people give to persons working in the Church.” Anne Hanley is publications and communications officer with Catholic Missions In Canada. Catholic missions in canada 21
Dialogue, hope and blessing
Road to healing Lesson learned: ‘We could wash our pain spiritually in the water that we are travelling on and turn those pains into strength through prayers’ By Myra Charlie
Photo by Sister Rosviminda Ochoa, r.v.m.
I
had resigned myself to believing that the Fairmont Empress Hotel is a place that I would never have a cup of tea! Then lo and behold there was a meeting of the Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops–Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs (AWCBSCAA) Dialogue with Aboriginal Peoples of the Diocese of Victoria at the Empress Hotel last February (a blessing)! My thoughts regarding the gathering are that it was a time of listening, talking, reflecting our faith with people from all walks of life and is ongoing like the cup of tea that heals many illnesses. 22 Summer 2015
In attendance to the meeting was Sister Eva Solomon, c.s.j., facilitator, an Ojibway from Northern Ontario; Cynthia Bouchard-Watkins, on behalf of the Diocese of Victoria; representatives from the Church—archbishop, bishops, priests and religious sisters. At the start of the session, we sat in a circle. It was specified that everyone was to be seated in a circle: no one was to sit behind another person. I really felt that was an excellent arrangement for the dialogue because we are all children of our Creator. We are all equally loved even though each individual’s journey may
Lay leader Myra Charlie at St. Ann’s parish in Duncan, British Columbia, in the Diocese of Victoria. Catholic missions in canada 23
be in a different river, stream, or creek on pilgrimage with Jesus to our Creator. I will mention only five of the comments that were shared during the session. First, ceremonies must not be more important than the purpose of the gathering. Second, pain is a gift—make it work. Third, mistakes were made. Fourth,
They will continue to demonstrate the fundamental truth that God loves all people witnessing the “smudging.” Fifth, I am a First Nations Catholic Person! The first comment, to me, is an area where we as First Nations people need to continue to be cautious as we practise our faith with our customs and traditions. The second comment, yes we have suffered pain; however, we could wash our pain spiritually in the water that we are travelling on and turn those pains into strength through prayers. Third, yes, mistakes were made and the fact that we gather as 24 Summer 2015
children of our Creator is a step forward! Witnessing differences in traditions is recognizing the gifts Aboriginals have to offer as we walk with our Lord to our Heavenly Father. Fifth: I am a First Nations Catholic person! I can be both: First Nations and Catholic! The main ingredient in tea is water. I feel if I listened to others more attentively; vocalized to brothers and sisters where I would like my cup of tea; shared some reflections, my wish would have materialized much sooner—my fervent hope. I have compared our journey to our Heavenly Father to the life-giving water that we are blessed with, and I feel that dialogue is the ingredient that helps us as brothers and sisters of Jesus as we paddle, swim or sail upriver. Not to forget to listen, to talk, to reflect with Jesus as our guide, is a blessing! Myra Charlie is a lay leader at St. Ann’s parish in Duncan, British Columbia, in the Diocese of Victoria. Reprinted from The Diocesan Messenger, April 2014. http://www.rcdvictoria.org/files/ newsletters/2014-04-07.pdf
Will Planner A GUIDE TO MAKING A WILL
Photto by Terry Quinn
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.
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Faith moves handrails
Handrail
Miracle John Putska, of Waterloo, Ontario, was inspired to offer to build handrails for the chapel entrance. The problem was—how to transport the 250-lb load on a distance of 1800 km. By richard guerts
L
ife is full of surprises. The article I submitted to CMIC, “Chapel roof repair, work of many hands,” appeared in the 2012 Winter edition. Shortly after, I received a phone call from a Mr. John Putska of Waterloo, Ontario. John, who owns Custom Welding, had read the article and was inspired to offer to build handrails for the chapel entrance. However, things didn’t get worked out till the springtime. 26 Summer 2015
In April came another surprise, the handrails were complete…how were we to transport the 250-lb load on a distance of 1800 km? The courier quoted $424— our parish couldn’t afford that. Was there a parishioner travelling in that direction? Mark, the son of a fellow Knight of Columbus Dan Desgroseilleurs, would be visiting in July. Several days later, however, while Mark was still measuring his car for the load, I received another telephone call from John. Was there a Home
Photo by Richard Geurts
Hardware store in Atikokan? The warehouse is just down the road from Custom Welding. Why not give them a call? John furnished the contact info, and I called that very hour. Long story short, the handrails arrived two days later in Atikokan, free of charge, or at least the shipping invoice could not be found. Tammy Stinson, the Atikokan proprietor, assured me, she would pay the bill if an invoice ever appeared. After two months, I finally mailed a “thank you” card to the warehouse.
Erecting the chapel handrails took place in two stages: June 6, with brother Knight Dan, and June 12, with pastor Father Elvis Odoegbulem, s.m.m.m. Everyone attending the July 14th first Mass of summer in the chapel remarked at how great the handrails looked. The miracle handrails are installed; all we needed was faith. Richard Geurts is a lay missionary at St. Patrick parish’s mission in Atitokan, Northern Ontario, in the Diocese of Thunder Bay. Catholic missions in canada 27
Ministry on the lower north shore, Québec
Dare to dance the Missionary considers herself blessed to be called to serve her brothers and sisters in Christ, yet, she says, ‘without support from benefactors, I cannot sail the heavy seas alone.’ By Sister Reine Driscoll, R.S.R.
28 Summer 2015
he tides of love
A view of the community of St. Augustine parish, QuĂŠbec, on the Lower North Shore. Catholic missions in canada 29
E
ven if nine years have gone by, like a fishing boat sailing the calm and stormy waters in a little village on the Lower North Shore, I greatly enjoy working with the parishioners of Saint Augustine parish in Québec. I still have a very vivid memory of the day Oblate Bishop Douglas Crosby had asked me to “pilot the parish ship” of Saint Augustine, which was once a fishing village. What he was really asking me was to
take on the responsibilities as a pastoral animator for the parish where I spent my childhood and a part of my teenage days. I consider myself blessed to be called to serve my brothers and sisters in Christ, yet, without support from our benefactors, I cannot sail the heavy seas alone. 30 Summer 2015
I am pleased to share some of the highlights of my work as a pastoral animator. My first priority is the spiritual life of the parishioners such as: • Preparing parishioners for the visit of priest or bishop, for celebration of Eucharist and for other sacraments. • Presiding at the Sunday celebrations, with the exception of Christmas season and Holy Week. During our Sunday Services, I have a great opportunity to break open the Word of the Lord, in a way to meet the needs of the congregation. Family involvement sheds light to our celebrations. Families appreciate the number of special celebrations we organize for the Christian community, and they are well attended. • Preparing the children with the help of their parents for sacraments of initiation. When necessary and in the extended absence of a priest, I am given permission by the bishop of the diocese, to baptize according to the rites approved by Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. A number of these children, with the help of their parents are being prepared for their First Eucharist and First Reconciliation. Three years ago, I had
Photos courtesy of Sister Reine Driscoll, r.s.r.
Sister Reine Driscoll, r.s.r., pastoral animator at Saint Augustine parish in the Lower North Shore, Québec, in the Diocese of Baie-Comeau, with carollers.
the joy of baptizing one of my nieces of the fifth generation. My brother-in-law was proud to hold little Emersyn in his arms. I celebrated the funeral service of his wife, my dear sister, in 2008. • Preparing couples for the sacrament of marriage according to canonical and diocesan norms. With permission in each case, I do witness marriages. • I t is with joy that I carry out the duties related to pastoral care, visitation of the sick, and preparation of ministers to preside at liturgies, youth ministry, and burial of the dead, among others.
• I am asked to develop a pastoral plan and a financial plan for the parish. I encourage and try to guide the parishioners step by step to take ownership of their parish. For me, as a pastoral animator, this is the most demanding responsibility. It will not happen overnight, yet, I must set sail over the stormy waves as well as the calm waves. I must “dare to dance the tides of love” at all times. Sister Reine Driscoll, a Sister of the Holy Rosary, is pastoral animator at Saint Augustine parish in the Lower North Shore, Québec, in the Diocese of Baie-Comeau. Catholic missions in canada 31
A busy ministry in Northern Manitoba
Catechism around the kitchen table Learning Catholic faith
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By Sister Bonnie Bryson, C.S.J.
elcome to Lynn Lake, Manitoba. Our town is at the end of the road, a four-hour drive northwest of Thompson. We also minister to three missions— Kinoosao, 100 km northwest of us; Leaf Rapids, 105 km southeast, and South Indian Lake, an additional 100 km north of Leaf Rapids and a ferry-ride across to the reserve. As you can imagine, winter travel is sometimes very challenging. Lynn Lake is a former mining town. I, Sister Bonnie Bryson, a Sister of St. Joseph in Canada, joined Sister Margaret Sadler, a Sister of the Child Jesus, here at Saint Maria Goretti parish in October 2013. My areas of ministry include visiting the sick at home and in hospital and taking Communion to them, sacramental preparation, participating 32 Summer 2015
in lay-led Sunday services and training presiders. I also spend time with some of the senior ladies in town, being a member of the parish Catholic Women’s League and the parish council, as well as looking after music for our services. I also bake, make crafts, and help out at various fundraisers for our own parish and for town needs such as the library and children’s camp in the summer. The basement of our church is being refinished, and so each weekday, I have catechism around our kitchen table at noon for the youngsters bused in from the reserve, and after school, for the youngsters from town. We provide lunch for the reserve children and a snack for the after-school groups. This past December, twenty-two children received First Eucharist. We are fortunate to have one gentleman who leads us in a Cree hymn
Photo courtesy of Sister Bonnie Bryson, c.s.j.
Mission at the end of the road: Sister of St. Joseph Bonnie Bryson, preparing the Sunday reading at Saint Maria Goretti parish in Lynn Lake, Manitoba.
during our service each week. There are always willing hands to help with other needs. We have a good relationship with the folks at the other church in town. We work together for various services throughout the year such as the World Day of Prayer. For the past two years, I have been asked to lead the opening prayer for the Remembrance Day Service at the Legion. When possible, we travel to Leaf Rapids and South Indian Lake to support the parish leaders as much as we can, and to prepare catechists. I hope
to be able to go to these areas more frequently in the near future. We make sure that there are materials for the various seasons in the Church year to help the people enrich their faith life. We have been very blessed by Catholic Missions grants for improving our church buildings, and in providing funds for travel and lay formation. Sister of St. Joseph Bonnie Bryson is pastoral administrator, along with Sister Margaret Sadler, s.e.j., at Saint Maria Goretti parish in Lynn Lake, Manitoba, in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. Catholic missions in canada 33
Rebuilding church from ashes
Ministry of love A calling from God is not explainable with words, but it’s very much explained with actions STORY AND PHOTOS BY JAMES WOOD
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ver the past 17 years, a missionary in Sask atchewan has been rebuilding the church from ashes to acceptance. Mother Cynthia Dudfield, of the St. Joseph Missionaries of Sacrifice, has been doing ministry work at Holy Rosary mission in Onion Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan since first visiting the reserve back in 1997. Though the initiative for travelling was to see a priest who had been transferred
34 Summer 2015
to Onion Lake from his parish in British Columbia, Mother Cynthia said that as soon as she arrived at the community, she felt that she had arrived where God had meant to send her. “I think a calling from God is not explainable with words, but it’s very much explained with actions, and that’s what I think has happened over the years,” said Mother Cynthia. According to Mother Cynthia, the reception of the community to her ministry has
Missionary Cynthia Dudfield prays with volunteers and supporters at St. Anne’s Cree-ations thrift shop at Holy Rosary mission in Onion Lake, Saskatchewan.
gradually gotten more positive over the years, and the difference between her arrival and her current presence could not be more stark. “Change isn’t really the word I would use, as much as we’ve gotten to know one another more,” said Mother Cynthia. “The people of Onion Lake have gotten to know me as an outsider who has come to their community. No one has sent me, I’m not here as a paid position. I come strictly because I
want to, and I love to be a missionary for them.” Mother Cynthia believes that the positive reception is due in part to her different approach to ministry work, as she has taken an active role in planning activities and outreach projects from the church aimed at the residents of Onion Lake, as well as doing her share to be a visible presence of a loving church. A food bank, thrift shop, and youth outreach programs are a few of the projects she has initiated. Catholic missions in canada 35
What I’ve tried to do, through loving and exposure, is to say the Catholic Church is universal “As I have been told by the Cree people themselves, this is very different from anything they’ve ever known before,” said Mother Cynthia. “Over the years I’ve learned that many people only understood the church as a school church, not so much a parish, part of a community, more that it was the church 36 Summer 2015
inside the school. What I’ve tried to do, through loving and exposure, is to say the Catholic Church is universal. The Church is here to love as Christ loves, and that is totally unconditional. That’s what I am, just loving unconditionally.” Onion Lake Cree Nation once had a residential school of its own, and according to Mother Cynthia, the scars of the era are still present in the community. However, she believes that her work aids in the healing process. “Maybe that’s why God placed me here,” said Mother Cynthia. “I kept hearing over and over about what went on for those years, and I have no remedy for the past. I’m here now, I can’t make anything better that has already come and gone, but I can carry the pain alongside them.” “She’s been welcomed by many people,” said Wallace Fox, Chief of Onion Lake Cree Nation.“She does provide an excellent service in terms of providing counselling, and managing the food bank, and providing support, when somebody needs to talk to somebody.” James Wood writes from Lloydminster, Alberta.
Share the Good News of our Lord! Catholic Missions In Canada supports missionary bishops, priests, brothers, sisters and lay leaders and missions in 26 Canadian mission dioceses.This year, Catholic Missions In Canada is providing more than $3.4 million in grants to support mission communities across our country. Our missionaries proclaim God’s Word and provide a Christian presence in our nation’s remote communities. We fund missionaries’ urgent needs, building and repair of churches, ministry to First Nations communities, seminarian and lay formation, and religious education programs. Your gift will support: Support of Missionaries Building, repair and maintenance of mission churches and church buildings Religious education programs for: Children Youth Adults Lay pastoral leadership programs for: Youth Adults Seminarian Burses (58 seminarians) TOTAL 2015 GRANTS AND BURSES
AMOUNT
PERCENTAGE
$1,710,426 $661,536
49% 19%
$123,120 $84,396 $115,249
4% 2% 3%
$71,645 $233,403 $476,500 $3,476,275
2% 7% 14% 100%
Help our Catholic mission communities across Canada experience God’s love.Your support will help keep our missionaries serving in the mission fields of our Lord.
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* More than 60 per cent of our annual funding supports ministry in First Nations communities across Canada. Our mission communities are home to over 600,000 Canadian Catholics living in 26 mission dioceses. Fifty-eight seminarians also receive support through study grants.
Deacon Conrad Plante, right, with Chief Murray Clearsky at the powwow in Waywayseecappo First Nations reserve in Manitoba. 38 Summer 2015
Westman First Nations Ministry, St. Lazare, Manitoba
What a journey! Walking in faith together, with our beliefs, traditions, cultures, and our love of God our Creator By Deacon Conrad Plante
Photos courtesy of Deacon Conrad Plante
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fter six years of building up a relationship of trust and respect to serve in First Nations communities in the Westman region in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg in Manitoba, our mission has turned into a very busy and fruitful ministry. A ministry of collaboration between the Catholic Church along with the traditions and culture of the First Nations people, it has opened doors in bringing healing to some of the residential school survivors because the people now realize that we want to help them. I am now working under the leadership and strong encouraging support from our new shepherd, Archbishop Richard Gagnon. I’m certainly even busier now than the previous years, having more baptisms, funerals, blessings
of homes, visiting of the sick, ministry at Christmas and Easter celebrations, preparation for the sacraments, and weddings. As well, I am also always invited to attend the yearly Powwows, health days, Christmas parties and other social activities. Letters from each community to our new Archbishop asking my continued service to their communities have not only been encouraging for me but also for those who support this worthy cause. To every event or feast that I attend, I am always welcomed and asked to be a part of their activities whether it is to be asked to bless the food along with one of their elders who also does a blessing of the food in their language. I have also been asked to sit and communicate with the Chief Catholic missions in canada 39
and Council of the different communities, along with sharing a meal with them. We had our first gathering of our clergy committee who serves First Nations communities within their parish at the Rolling River Reserve on April 21, 2015, which is probably the first in the history of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. The Rolling River community hosted and served lunch for everyone who was present for this gathering of fellowship, socializing, followed by our meeting with our committee in the board room of their health office. At our Centennial celebration at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg on May 3, 2015, the First Nations from different reserves have been asked to smudge and do a drum song prior to our celebration of one hundred years of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. Now under the leadership of Archbishop Gagnon, the Archdiocese of Winnipeg is currently serving approximately 4,500 members in the five reserves, namely Gambler, WayWayseecappo, KeeseeKoowenin, Rolling River and Birdtail Sioux Nations. The distance travelled to visit each reserve once a month is about 2,500 km, and this fluctuates depending on the number of 40 Summer 2015
Deacon Conrad Plante after baptism of children from WayWayseecappo First Nations reserve, at Sacred Heart church in Rossburn, Manitoba.
baptisms, funerals, house blessings, visitations of the sick, and other services, and even more so now that we are preparing children and adults for the sacraments. I look forward to continuing this wonderful ministry of serving and working with the First Nations people in the Westman region, thanks to the support of Catholic Missions In Canada and the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. What a journey, as we continue to walk together with our beliefs, our cultures, and our love of God our Creator. Deacon Conrad Plante serves five First Nations Reserves within the Westman region in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Children learn about Jesus
Bible Camp in Tulita Mission life is being present to the people who feel isolated in many ways By SISTER CELESTE GOULET, C.S.S.F.
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t. Therese of Avila mission in Tulita organized a Bible School last summer. Children were introduced to the stories from the Bible, among them “The Good Shepherd,” “Jesus loves the little children,” “Lord teach us to pray (Our Father),” “Jesus heals the blind man,” “The cured leper says ‘Thank you,’” and “Zacchaeus and Jesus become friends.” Children from Tulita— from preschoolers to Grade 12—attend Bible School each summer for one to two weeks of getting to know Jesus, while having fun with songs, skits, and games and crafts to reinforce the Bible story. Children drew pictures on one-square pieces of material. Each of the 50 children was given a coloured square of felt. The older children drew their favourite Bible story. For some who don’t like drawing, I drew a picture for them to colour. On top of the mosaic, a picture was drawn by Shannon
Macpherson, the middle one, by Emma Tamoro, among others. The squares were connected by ribbons. The completed banner of pictures is now on display at the Sunday School room. Mission life is being present to the people who feel isolated in many ways. No roads into their community, darkness throughout the day, and night for many months.Yes, there are many other reasons for feeling left out. My presence here for 35 years has helped people in Tulita to know that I care and love them, and even more, that God loves them. When old and young come and I listen to their story and feelings, I know it’s not me but God who has given me the words, the care, and the love to build His people in Tulita. Felician Sister Celeste Goulet is pastoral administrator at St.Therese of Avila mission in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. Catholic missions in canada 41
NOW IS THE TIME TO TALK
THE PROBLEM WITH WILLS
Surprises aren’t always a good thing when it comes to estate planning BY WINNIE QUINN, CHARITABLE GIFTS MANAGER
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he problem with wills…. There can be many, but this doesn’t have to be the case. With a little planning and good legal advice, you can rest assured your wishes will be carried out. It is natural to feel that our wills are our private business. They are our last words, and they will speak for us when we are gone. However, sometimes it is best to have a discussion with your children, relatives, charities, or others who will receive gifts from your estate. Surprises aren’t always a good thing when it comes to estate planning. I recently read an article entitled, “Will my children be talking after I die?” It speaks about family tensions that can be ignited or fuelled by wills: tensions around matters such as sibling rivalry, second marriages,
and grandchildren. Beyond that, simple glitches in the will, poorly worded phrases, and assumptions can all add up, and the result can be that the impact of your will differs greatly from your intent. Equality versus fairness— often parents think that giving an equal amount to each of their children is the fair thing to do. But the children may feel differently if you have helped one or more with expenses. Meanwhile, children may not appreciate or understand your desire to support causes you have cared about and supported during your lifetime. Now is the time to talk. Conversations ahead of time can resolve these differences, especially if you can clarify your intentions and your rationale. At the very least, much is
It is natural to feel that our wills are our private business.
42 Summer 2015
Charitable gifts manager Winnie Quinn, left, explains the importance of preparing a will to Catholic Missions In Canada donor Terry Halata.
accomplished by at least airing differences ahead of time. Court battles are costly, and for your children to be angry with each other after your death because of surprises in your will is surely not the legacy you wish to leave. Speaking about your plans ahead of time not only allows your children to know your wishes and appreciate what is important to you—you might also influence their own actions. Give them something to ponder in their own lives. If you want to help grandchildren with their education, it may be wise to consider setting up a trust for them. If you want to provide for an adult
child, you might consider a trust or annuity that pays an income to them throughout their life, rather than one lump sum. If Catholic Missions In Canada is important to you, you may consider leaving a charitable bequest in your estate plans.Your gift would humble us with your trust and inspire us with your faith. Also, if you have special wishes for your funeral arrangements, it is best to let your relatives or executor know ahead of time. If these wishes are written in your will but not spoken about before your death, they may not come to light until after your funeral. Catholic missions in canada 43
Here is a sample clause for a funeral It is my expressed wish that any and all funeral arrangements pertaining to my burial shall be made as simply and with the least possible expense associated therewith and unless I express a contrary desire prior to my demise, it is my wish to be buried in the cemetery at…, provided that if my Trustee/Executor shall determine in his or her sole discretion that a traditional burial at …is not practical, then I direct my Trustee to arrange cremation of my body and burial of my ashes at…. I prefer that my funeral Mass and service be held at…Church. To update or revise your will, or to get started on writing a will, call or write for your free will planner today.
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NOTE TO DONOR: If, after some reflection and prayer, 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 Winnie anytime you wish. She would love to hear from you. 44 Summer 2015
Great Need, Great Hope What do the angels of children tell God about us?
In his Easter homily this year, Pope Francis recalled how Jesus urged the apostles to let the children come to Him. The Holy Father emphasized that the well-being of children must always be taken seriously. “May the Lord judge our life by listening to what the angels of children bring to Him, those angels that always see the face of the Father in heaven. Let us always ask ourselves, what do they tell God about us, these children’s angels?”
View Catholic Missions In Canada’s video, ‘Great Need, Great Hope,’ in its expanded 16-minute version! Call Patricia Gyulay at 416-934-3424, Ext. 227, or toll-free at 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642) or email her at patricia@cmic.info, to get a copy for your parish, school, CWL, KofC, or organization.
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LETTERS: YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK
becoming self-sustaining
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atholic Missions In Canada helps the Diocese of BaieComeau and its parishes in the North. We need this help because the cost of living is very expensive. I am very happy for your grant for the replacement of the old aluminum windows of the diocesan office. I ask Jesus and Mary to be with us in our mission of faith. Bishop Jean-Pierre Blais Diocese of Baie-Comeau QuĂŠbec
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any of my smaller parishes ln the outer areas of my diocese are struggling financially with smaller populations and a lack of economic growth due to the lack of employment. The church is a stable entity in these little communities, and the presence of a priest living among them indicates the church’s concern for their spiritual welfare. Due to long distances, the presence of a priest living among his people is necessary in my diocese, yet the communities are rather small in size. Financial 46 Summer 2015
upkeep of the parish and the needs for the resident priest create a struggle for survival. Catholic Missions gives these communities a boost each year with your financial assistance and assures them of this survival. I thank you very much for this kind and generous assistance and I ask God to continue to bless Catholic Missions In Canada with many more generous donors to assist the Catholic church in the missionary areas of our land. Bishop Fred J. Colli Diocese of Thunder Bay Northern Ontario
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n behalf of Whitehorse diocese, I would like to extend a thank you to all the staff at Catholic Missions In Canada for the great work that you do. Your financial support is crucial for us. Father Kieran Kilcommons Apostolic Administrator Diocese of Whitehorse Yukon
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 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_____________________________________________________________________
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OFF THE PRESS
NEW TESTAMENT IN FIRST NATIONS LANGUAGES
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new translation of the New Testament in the Aboriginal languages, Manawan and Wemotaci, has been published by the Canadian Bible Society recently. The New Testament was first translated by a group of First Nations native speakers spearheaded by Oblate Father Denis Grenier with some funding by Catholic Missions In
Canada. The draft translation was finalized by the Summer Institute of Linguistics and printed through the sponsorship of the Canadian Bible Society. The new translation was completed through the efforts of Fr. Grenier’s group, Missionaries Spreading the Gospel, to translate the Scriptures into Aboriginal languages.
P.S. This summer, 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):
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