Catholic Missions in Canada www.cmic.info Winter 2014
ISSN 1702-2894
AGAINST ALL ODDS Building God a house
PLUS: Faith in action • God of all Creation • Advent in Tulita • Joys of mission
Editor’s Notes
The light of faith In her story on page 12, lay leader Barbara Ann Charlie recounts how her parents always brought them to church each Sunday, and how her Popa, grandfather Anthony Throne, would welcome her and ask her to join the Throne family in the third pew. For Barbara, it has made all the difference. “By being involved in the church and welcoming us to Sunday Mass,” Barbara says,“Popa created for us a sense of belonging. With their presence, Mom and Popa ensured an air of familiarity, a connection.” Barbara Ann today continues that tradition. By actively engaging in church activities, she is making sure that her gift of faith is lovingly passed from generation to generation. In other stories in this issue, our missionaries share the beautiful mystery of God’s hidden presence in the bright hope and dark fears that accompany their daily struggles. As our missionaries navigate the snowbound and dark roads leading to their missions this Advent season, may you keep them in your prayers so they may continue to share the love and light of Christ.
Patria C. Rivera 2 winter 2014
cont
Volume 33, Number 4
Features
6
Building God’s House Voices said, “Tear it down. Build a new church.” Sister Fay Trombley, s.c.i.c.
12
Doing something about it! Being involved in church spurred by grandparents’ example Barbara Ann Charlie
18
God of all creation Jesus Christ can do far more than we can imagine or think of Sister Eucharia Mgbeadichie, h.h.c.j.
22
Christmas on the edge Dog’s rescue provides an example of God’s marvelous life rescues Bishop Gary Gordon
28
Advent in Tulita Holy Family would have been welcomed in Northern community Father Jon Hansen, c.ss.r.
ents Winter 2014
32
Joys of mission Being with the people, listening to their hopes and dreams Sister Norma E. Samar, o.l.m.
6
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. 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; and Carlo De Pellegrin, c.a., of Richmond Hill, Ontario.
Carmelle St. Vincent helped organize church reconstruction in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories
40
Thoughts about ordination CMIC president reflects on the meaning of the priest’s celebration for God’s people Father Philip J. Kennedy
Departments
2 Editor’s Notes 4 From the President’s Desk 42 Gift Planning 46 Letters
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 ©2014 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: Raising the cross of the newly-reconstructed church at Our Lady of Grace mission in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. Photo courtesy of Sister Fay Trombley, s.c.i.c.
Catholic missions in canada 3
ADVENT LESSON
CHARITY AT CHRISTMAS
There was no explanation given for charitable task, but children were given an example of how to live lives as true Christians By FATHER PHILIP J. KENNEDY, PRESIDENT
I
remember this scene from childhood. A couple of days before Christmas, I came back home from delivering papers, and was surprised to see my mother standing in the snow-packed driveway, bundled
lived at the time. The Sisters’ work involved taking care of young women, but they did many other charitable works. That’s why, so close to Christmas, these Sisters called on my mother to get someone (meaning, my father), to help transport produce and other things that they received from local merchants and grocers to needy families in the neighbourhood. They knew he had a nice handy and clean truck. But what caused my mother to fret while standing in the cold driveway was that father was late and soon it would be too late to stop at the convent. Then in little time, my father’s truck appeared past the snowbank and back to the house. My mother’s explanation
‘What caused my mother to fret...was that father was late and would be too late to stop at the convent’ up against nonstop snowflakes, and the December chill. Wondering what she was doing there, I didn’t have to wait long to find out: “Lordy,” she said, “Where is your dad? — the Sisters are waiting.” The “Sisters” were the Good Shepherd nuns whose convent was a little way up the street from where we 4 winter 2014
Photo courtesy of Father Philip J. Kennedy
The Kennedys in the summer time in front of their house in Sudbury, Ontario, ca. 1950s. From left: Anne, Kathleen (standing on chair), Neil, Andrew, Angus, Philip, and Michael.
for her presence out in the snow came soon enough. “The Sisters called, and they need our help before it gets too late.� That was all my father needed to hear, so he told about how he had been out delivering turkeys with the Knights of Columbus, then he looked around and recruited a couple of us boys to help, and was off to the convent. He did what had been the practice many times before, and picked up the food that was neatly boxed for the recipients, gave one of us the neatly printed list that was prepared by a Sister, and off we were on the improvised route.
Hardly a word came from either of our parents about the purpose of this charitable task, or the virtues that were being encouraged in performing assistance to the needy, or how helping the poor was our duty as Catholics. They just gave us this kind of Christmas example, and let us see how they lived their lives as true Christians. We would never forget my mother standing in the snowy evening, or my father making his truck available to help out the less fortunate. Christmas for us meant seeing a good example and reaching out to the poor. Catholic missions in canada 5
FROM HOUSE CHURCH TO CHURCH
6 winter 2014
WHAT DOES IT MEAN ‘TO BUILD GOD A HOUSE’? Missionary Sister arrived in Tuk in 2005 to find a rotting church
By SISTER FAY TROMBLEY, S.C.I.C.
Volunteer Jean-Marc Bélanger preparing to raise the bell and the cross of the newly-reconstructed church in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. Catholic missions in canada 7
A
house for God in the Arctic? It is the mid1930s. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate arrive in the central Arctic. God’s first tabernacle— an ammunition case! But there are not only priests, there are brothers. Thank God. They build! A simple functional architectural design is drawn up. Five mission houses are built in the Western Arctic. That was 75 years ago. I arrived in Tuktoyaktuk in 2005 and learned: “We can’t use the church; it’s rotting.” The roof leaks every time you put the furnace on. The heat melts the ice
it that way! It was called House Churches. Phoebe and Priscilla were House Church leaders in Corinth. Maybe that is my call, too. House Church only works for so long.What can be done? Time to talk.Time to really examine the situation.We discovered it was even worse than “roof and foundation.” The four pillars that held up the cupola were also rotting, and the west wall—you could put your fist through if you removed the siding! Voices said, “Tear it down. Build a new church.” Bishop said: “No new church. You could have a trailer.” People couldn’t brook the thought—the lifetime of a trailer in the Arctic is 20 years. Any chance the church could be repaired? A contractor crawled over every inch of the church. Nine hours later he had enough info to draw up a report. It could be done—for $300,000.00. Go away! We’ll do it for half. And we did! How did we build God a house? Our first meeting was 2009 and the last paintbrush stroke, bolt and screw were done in summer of 2014. Recipe? Two years of headaches! Do we need an engineer?
Workers found the four pillars that held up the cupola were also rotting, and the west wall— you could put your fist through! in the ceiling and the water drips down through the light fixtures. I was scared. Oh, and the great logs under the church resting on the permafrost are rotting, too. Too many years of neglect and all the Oblate brothers gone. Maybe we have to have “church” in my house. The early church did 8 winter 2014
Photos courtesy of Sister Fay Trombley, s.c.i.c.
They came, they saw, and they rebuilt: The workers from Whitehorse, Yukon from left: Jocelyn Bouchard, Jérôme Bélanger, John Wright and Jean-Marc Bélanger.
A site supervisor? A permit? How to raise money? Where is skilled labour? We tried locally. We tried in the next village. Finally, a contractor in Whitehorse who was foreman for Habitat for Humanity agreed to take on the project for semi-volunteer wages. Then three skilled workers, mostly from the French community in Whitehorse came forward, also for volunteer wages. The skilled workers under the eagle eye and brilliance of the foreman completed the task in four weeks of “foreman time” over three summers. Astounding! And the church is beautiful and
solid and “above code,” all electrical and insulation and heating renewed and upgraded! But behind all this was a gifted and generous woman with a steady mind for detail and organization. She searched for the skilled volunteers, the local labourers, the best travel rates, retailers who gave a 10-per cent discount on building materials, a barge company who expedited transportation, a local airline who gave reduced fares to workers on the church, an airline charter who would carry “dangerous goods” or emergency supplies. She phoned forever, all year long. She placed Catholic missions in canada 9
the orders. She organized schedules and book work and bill payments and even the three C-cans of materials. And all this was done with the greatest diplomacy! What a dedicated servant! All of this was us building a house for God. But we found there was another side to all of this. God began to build a house for us! Our local church family needed meetings together.We needed to listen to one another.We needed to plan and to change plans.We needed to be patient and believe it could be done. People in town started to drive slowly around the site to watch the progress. Anglicans, Bap-
around, and kids were all around like flies, offering to help pick up “gawbage” and all reporting home to their parents.Town spirit and pride was growing. A spirit of hope was growing. What was all of this that we were seeing? What was secretly happening? Something deeper was going on.Yes, that’s it. God was building us! POSTSCRIPT: On August 24, 2014, the church in Our Lady of Grace mission in Tuktoyaktuk, was finally reopened with a Mass celebration by Father Magnus Chilaka. Sister Fay phoned in after the event: “We had four baptisms—so we’re off to a good start! Thanks to you all!” The new church was rebuilt with help from volunteers and a generous Catholic Missions In Canada benefactor, Leonard Gillis, without whose support this would not have been possible.
‘We needed to listen to one another. We needed to plan and to change plans. We needed to be patient and believe it could be done.’ tists, Pentecostals, all took an interest. Local unskilled youth were hired, each of whom worked and learned alongside a professional. The major local transport company began to lend us safety equipment, a forklift, even a crane, and shared their expertise! The local tour guide brought visitors 10 winter 2014
Sister Fay Trombley, a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, is pastoral administrator of Our Lady of Grace parish in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith.
Great Need, Great Hope
Photo by Rob Waymen
B e i n s p i r e d : CMIC V i d e o n o w a v a i l a b l e !
Available for purchase at
$10.00 each! (includes shipping)
Catholic Missions In Canada’s video, Great Need, Great Hope, presents the breadth and depth of missionary work in Canada through stories and interviews of missionaries in the field and the people they serve.
Video 1: Short version: 4:55 min. Video 2: Extended version: 9:07 min. Produced by: Catholic Missions In Canada (2014) Filmed by: Rob Waymen and Zia Khalid
It provides a close look into some of the mission communities in the Canadian Prairies, and the people’s pains and struggles and joys as they try to live their faith in a fast transitioning world.
Please call 416-934-3424, Ext. 230, or toll-free 1-866-937-2642, or email info@cmic.info.
FAITH HANDED DOWN AND PRACTISED
DOING SOMETHING
ABOUT IT!
Remarks made by lay leader Barbara Ann Charlie of Duncan, British Columbia, at the Third Annual Diocesan Conference in Victoria, British Columbia, October 2013 By BARBARA ANN CHARLIE
Photos courtesy of Sister Vinda Ochoa, r.v.m.
I
am Barbara Ann Charlie. I am from Cowichan. I am wife to Tom Charlie and mother to Suzanne and David Charlie. I am proud to be grandma to five beautiful children. I am a parishioner at St. Ann’s church, a beautiful church situated at the base of Mt. Tzouhalem. St. Ann’s is where I was baptized and also where I was married. My children and my beautiful grandbaby Axis were also baptized at St. Ann’s. 12 winter 2014
When I was a child, my parents took me to Sunday Mass each week. I remember walking into the church and being welcomed and seated by my grandfather, William Throne, my Popa. While being escorted to the third pew on the left side I would see my grandmother, Mom, as we called her, kneeling at the last pew with her rosary beads draped over her hands, quietly reciting the rosary. I will always remember the sparkle of
Barbara Ann Charlie: Faith by praying and doing. Catholic missions in canada 13
her beads. As a family of eight, to my spirit, and they truly are. the Throne family took up the My Mom, Lovely Rita, as my whole third pew. Dad’s friends called her, taught As a teen and most of my me to pray the rosary: before I adult years, my attendance went to bed I would lie next to at Mass was sporadic.Yet my my Mom as she taught me. dad never wavered and always Today I sit on the parish encourcouncil and I aged me to am a member attend and be of the Legion involved in the of Mary and church. When I support the I did attend, I Child and always noted Youth Minmy dad’s smile istry. The and the glimmer in his eye as I Child and Youth Ministry began sat next to him—something I as outreach work. We set up will always remember. tents in a central area on one of My dad sang all the hymns the Cowichan Tribes’ reserves. beautifully; I especially loved We went to where the children when he sang the Hulqumi’num were. We begin the two-hour songs. Dad also read the readsession each Thursday by sharing ings perfectly. What an amazing a nutritious meal with the chilvoice. Dad would always dren. Once the children have encourage me to sing. Now I eaten, we begin teaching arts don’t have the and crafts or voice he had, but read with he always said, them. They “It doesn’t matter are then what you sound given time to like, just sing!” respond in the Looking back form of art now, I wonder therapy. The if Dad’s encourchildren, who agement was range in age because he knew from three to that singing songs ten, have made praising God beaded rosary Davina Violet Sillseemult would be healing bracelets,
‘My Mom, Lovely Rita, taught me to pray the rosary’
14 winter 2014
The Children and Youth Ministry team with some of the children. In back, from left: Sarah Modeste, Susan Manchester, Father Jose Prakash, Marion Underwood, Sister Maria Elisa Lavarias, r.v.m. Also in the team are Barbara Ann Charlie and Sister Vinda Ochoa, r.v.m.
bookmarks and framed pictures, and have completed numerous picture responses to various books. Through our outreach work many parents and grandparents have approached Sr. Elisa or Sr.Vinda or Sara (Modeste) to have their children baptized on site or at St. Ann’s. Both Fr. Joe and (former) Bishop Richard Gagnon have baptized children. Today one grandfather and/or grandmother attend Sunday Mass with several of their grandchildren. These children attend Catechism and one ten-year-old does a reading for our children-sponsored Mass that is held every third Sunday.
The children are bringing the adults back to church. Now that we are into cooler weather one mother has opened her home to our Thursday Child and Youth Ministry sessions. What are my hopes for the Child and Youth ministry? I hope that we will be able to continue to offer these sessions weekly. Second, I hope more parents and children will become involved so that one day we will be in a position to host youth conferences that will bring many Indigenous youth together. I believe as participants we are continuing with the work Catholic missions in canada 15
Storytelling time: from left, Barbara Ann Charlie, and Liana and Natalie Charlie-Johnny.
that our ancestors began. As Cowichan people, we have a responsibility to support the well-being of our people. My grandfather, my Popa, said, “Treat your children well and they will always remember how you made them feel. This is important to me.” I would like to share with you why I revealed some of my history to you. As a people it is important to make a connection. When I meet a fellow First Nations for the first time, I usually tell them my name and who my parents or grandparents are. This way we connect and they know where I belong. By being involved in the church and welcoming us to 16 winter 2014
Sunday Mass, Popa created for us a sense of belonging.With their presence, Mom and Popa ensured an air of familiarity, a connection. We need to ensure that all children have a sense of belonging. We need to provide opportunity to children so that they’ll experience mastery. We need to encourage independence. And finally, we need to encourage generosity. As a group we approach our work in true faith of God. As a group, we welcome, acknowledge and celebrate each child’s attendance at our group. We respect and honour each child. During Mass we continue to sing in Hulqumi’num. Children participate in the Offertory. The
children have experienced mastery in that they are proud to make the Sign of the Cross, Our Father and Hail Mary. By opening her door to our group the young mother has modelled generosity. Another mother has sent bottled juice to share with the group. The community safety department demonstrated generosity when they provided a barbecue dinner. There are many successes in our group that may seem so small but are actually lifechanging. One three-year-old attended our group with his sisters; the first few sessions he sat and sat and sat through the whole sessions. When we placed food in front of him, we literally had to feed him. During art work, we would guide his hands into strokes, we would sing to him, talk to him; usually, he would not respond. Today, he plays with Fr. Joe, he openly expresses himself, he smiles when we play with him, he has a hearty appetite and feeds himself. Sue, one of our members, says the change in the children is like night and day. This three-yearold now jumps up and greets Sue
with a hug. This beautiful little boy lost his father approximately two years ago. He, along with his sisters, looks forward to our Thursday sessions. Their grandmother says they count down the days each week. The children are modelling independence. One ten-yearold read the first reading on site at the Baptismal Mass. She did so well, she was asked to do a reading at Sunday Mass at St. Ann’s. She walked to the front and froze. Sister guided her back to her seat. Fr. Joe commended her on the courage it took to stand at the front and suggested that she perhaps try again. At the next children-sponsored Mass, she read beautifully. One of my aunts who passed away about two months ago used to say, “If you are not happy with how things are going—do something about it.” So that is what we are doing. We are doing something about it.”
‘One of our members says the change in the children is like night and day’
Reprinted with permission from the Diocesan Messenger of the Diocese of Victoria, British Columbia, December 2013. Catholic missions in canada 17
Ministry in Northern Manitoba
GOD OF ALL CREATION People are happy when they are listened to and prayed for. By Sister Eucharia Mgbeadichie, H.H.C.J.
M
other Mary Magdalene Walker, our foundress, said, “The work of God must be done at all costs, no matter the inconvenience.� Together with Sister Glory Umoh, h.h.c.j., I carry out pastoral ministry with the First Nations people in Northern Manitoba. Our ministry includes: catechesis, faith sharing and prayer meetings, radio outreach, counselling, and home-to-home visits. Interestingly, every parent wants to have his or her child baptized in the Catholic Church. The most challenging part of our ministry is the home visitation. I found out that witnessing by actual presence has an immense impact. People are happy when they are listened to and prayed for.They are able to air out their 18 winter 2014
feelings and experiences. It is really helpful not only to the people but also to us. It calls one for meditation and sober reflection on God and life generally. During the course of the visit, we meet with different people. I feel sad when we meet the ones who really need financial help and we are not able to help them, though we have never stopped praying for them. In as much as there are positive challenges, there are also some difficult ones on the reserves: from addictions to alcohol and
Photo courtesy of Sister Eucharia Mgbeadichie, h.h.c.j.
substance abuse, some affecting even young children and youth. These youths also experience bullying in schools and increased risks of suicide. All these contribute to children dropping out from school or hanging out with friends. In these challenges, God is still God. We continue to pray for good people—hoping and trusting God for a better tomorrow. God of all creation is so loving regardless of colour or race. Praise be Jesus Christ who can do far more than we can imagine or think of!
Sister Eucharia Mgbeadichie, h.h.c.j., with glasses, extreme left, and Sister Glory Umoh, h.h.c.j., extreme right, flank pastoral associate Father Arthur Nagraba (in back) and Archbishop Albert LeGatt of Saint Boniface as they pose with catechumens at Saint John Bosco mission in Poplar River First Nation, Northern Manitoba.
Sister Eucharia Mgbeadichie, h.h.c.j., and Sister Glory Umoh, h.h.c.j.., belong to the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus, founded by Mother Mary Magdalene Walker, a Religious Sister of Charity, in Nigeria.They serve in the First Nations ministry team in the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface in Northern Manitoba. Catholic missions in canada 19
A missionary’s prayer Before Sister Sheila Fortune, c.s.j., opened this letter (at right) and cheque from Catholic Missions In Canada, she had just $11.40 in her Natuashish account—and in a community accessible only by plane and boat, that wouldn’t go far! Groceries and gas are expensive—a half tank of gas costs $50— and groceries were needed for her simple meals, light lunches for children, parents and elders after Sunday Liturgy, and her baking for children visiting throughout the week. That gratitude on her face? It’s for Catholic Missions In Canada donors! While Sister Sheila bade farewell to Natuashish in June 2014, resident priest Father Anthony Anh faces the same financial challenges as he continues the mission in the Innu community. Will you welcome Father Anthony to Natuashish with a gift this Christmas? Your gift will help fund his annual expenses of $24,000
Since arriving in the Cowichan Valley of British Columbia in December 2011, Sisters Vinda Ochoa (left) and Elisa Lavarias— both Religious of the Virgin Mary Sisters—have begun a number of outreach initiatives and launched a First Nations Children and Youth program. Changes are amazing! One three-year-old boy whose father had passed away came to the program needing to be fed by volunteers who also guided his hands in art sessions. Now he counts the days ’til next session, happily greets visitors, feeds himself and even has a hearty appetite! You can bring such joy to children and their grateful families this Christmas! Your gift will help provide the $9,000 Sister Vinda and Sister Elisa need for the annual operation of these programs.
Guess who celebrated a milestone this year? Sister Margaret Sadler, s.e.j.! While continuing to serve in three Northern Manitoba missions, Sister Margaret celebrated the 50th anniversary of her religious profession this spring. Thompson is the nearest major centre to the missions, but it’s not near; the mission of Kinoosao is a six-hour drive from Thompson! While Catholic Missions In Canada supporters fund Sister Margaret’s travel and sustenance, her Lynn Lake residence needs repairs—as do both mission churches. You can honour Sister Margaret’s dedication with a special Christmas gift.Your donation will help cover the nearly $9,000 needed this year for heating and repair costs to her residence and the two churches. If and when a Christmas wish is answered, additional gifts will then be gratefully and with donor permission, directed to other Christmas petitions.
Make this a Christmas that shows our missionaries you remember them…and the people they serve! Please designate my Christmas gift to answering a missionary’s prayers this Christmas: Father Anthony • Sister Vinda • Sister Margaret Name_______________________________________________________________ Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address____________________________________________________________ City_____________________ Province_____________Postal Code_____________ Phone____________________________ Birthdate (D/M/Y) ___________________ BN# 11922 0531 RR0001
Tel: 416-934-3424
Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642)
Fax: 416-934-3425
Website: www.cmic.info
MA2014-04-CW
Subscribe to our email list at cmic.info/home/subscribe Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada 201 – 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4T 1W2
THE BISHOP AND A RESCUE
Christmas on
t h e
edge Following is one of our missionary bishops’ letters that we received in the mail last Christmas By BISHOP GARY GORDON
In photo with Bishop Gordon is Mykhailo Ozorovych, a seminarian studying for the priesthood from the Eparchy of New Westminster in British Columbia who assisted during last year’s Advent preparations in the Diocese of Whitehorse, Yukon and Northern British Columbia. 22 winter 2014
Catholic missions in canada 23
T
he great adventure continues with amazing sights under the Northern Lights in the Christmas season. My own adventures and travels are too many to put into one short Christmas letter. However, I will share a dogrescue story as the Christmas story has some four-legged creatures, too. There were cattle lowing, donkeys braying and probably a dog or two at the first Christmas in the manger of Bethlehem, where Jesus was born of Mary. Merlin, my Golden Retriever, has added another talent to his resume which is already filled with movie stardom, grizzly bear protection, and loving cats. His new talent surfaced in the summer when he alerted me and the Steiner family, from Fraser Lake British Columbia, that their Lab, pup Hatfield, was missing. Indeed Merlin was near-panic as he got our attention and moved us toward the edge of the clay cliff, overlooking the Takhini River. Where is Hatfield? The collective shouting for Hatfield echoed in the Takhini valley. While pausing for a few breaths, between the running and shouting for Hatfield, we 24 winter 2014
heard a lot of panicky whimper, somehow far off, but near. From the bottom of the clay cliff, I spotted the source of the whimper.Yahoo!, it was Hatfield 150 feet up the cliff and 15 feet below the top. Hatfield had gone over the edge and was trapped on a small ledge between the river below and the blue sky above. So cheered on by the barking of Merlin, Ray and I used our many years of B.C. back-country expertise to climb the clay cliff to reach Hatfield’s little perch.Then, without fanfare, we tied a rope, dropped from above by Ray’s wife Theresa, around Hatfield and he was hauled to safety.The cheers of the children could be heard all the way to Whitehorse. You may ask what does the rescue of a Labrador puppy have to do with a Christmas letter? Nothing really, but it does provide a marvelous little example of the rescue God gives me and you day in and day out by sending His Son to rescue us when we are stuck. Many friends and family have needed a lot of Divine rescue this past year when stuck on some of life’s little ledges of this precarious earthly existence.The Lord Jesus is truly Emmanuel: “God with us.” So humbly, I take the little example of Merlin and remain faithful in prayer and concern
Photos courtesy of Bishop Gary Gordon
After the rescue: Bishop Gary Gordon and Merlin, the Bishop’s rescue dog, with some of the children in Whitehorse.
for all of you. Indeed Christmas is such a great reminder of God’s precious gift to the world, His only Son Jesus. And so in little ways we imitate God’s attention and love for all the little and great ways that make us a family in God the Father. I pray that this Christmas season brings you much
peace and renewed joy, in carrying Jesus’ saving love to the little ledges where our brothers and sisters often find themselves hanging on, waiting for rescue. Merry Christmas! Bishop Gary* and Merlin * Former Bishop of Whitehorse now Bishop of Victoria Catholic missions in canada 25
Advent gift
My first Christmas in the North Communities in Duncan First Nation, Cadotte Lake, Little Buffalo and Peace River in Alberta share Native celebration of Jesus’ birth. By Sister Ruth Koprucha, S.S.N.D.
M
y first Christmas Eve in Canada was a unique gift, a present from God, even at 30 below zero! It was a special privilege to spend Christmas Eve with Aboriginal people. It was the first time in my life that I prayed with native children and their parents. On December 24th, at 9 a.m., Sister Mary Jeanne Davidson, s.s.n.d., parish animator, and I went to Duncan’s First Nation in the Archdiocese of GrouardMcLennan in Alberta. We went to the church and took an image of the Baby Jesus with us. Sister Mary Jeanne then prepared a Christmas prayer service. She burned sage and willow fungus and the people came around the table to smudge and light candles, to remember their loved ones who had died.We read the Scriptures about the 26 winter 2014
time when Jesus was born. Sister Mary Jeanne shared the story about the shepherds and told the children how Jesus loved the poor, and how He had olive skin and looked just like them when they were a little baby. I like this moment, because when Sister Mary Jeanne told the native children that they look like Jesus, one girl, surprised, amazed, and astonished, said: “Sister, thank you very much. Jesus looks like me!” She smiled and was very happy. We went to Cadotte Lake where the Christmas Mass had just started.The church was full. Father Mark Miller from Toronto, who came to help the missions over Christmas, gave a short, simple, and deep homily. Deacon Reginald Bouchard stayed behind to baptize five children after Mass.We took Father Mark with us to Little Buffalo. We came to the longhouse in
Photo by Anne Hanley
In CMIC file photo, Pearl Carifell Cardinal and her nephew Stanley Ominayak attend Mass at Sacred Heart mission in Cadotte Lake, Northern Alberta.
Little Buffalo and prepared for the Christmas Mass. Earlier, we had moved the chairs and altar table close to the stove to stay warm. It was just like that first Christmas night being with Jesus in the stable in Bethlehem. After the Gospel and a short homily, Father Mark baptized four children. Deacon Reg had boiled the water to keep it warm so that the children wouldn’t freeze. At Communion time, everybody came for a blessing and Communion. As the last family was leaving, the door opened and a mother and her family brought in her baby for baptism! This family had come a long way and Father Mark did not want to turn them
away and so we had a special baptism just for them. It was 8 o’clock when we started home. Sister Louise Vanderploeg, C.S.C., had prepared a hot dinner and was waiting for us. After dinner, we prayed special Christmas Vespers and then had some quiet time to get ready for Midnight Mass. That night, Jesus was truly born among us! Sister Ruth Koprucha, s.s.n.d., is part of the School Sisters of Notre Dame International Program mission work outreach. This article first appeared in Catholic Missions In Canada magazine’s Winter 2009 issue. Catholic missions in canada 27
Holy Family would have been welcomed here
Advent
in Tulita Best Christmas present By FATHER JON HANSEN, C.SS.R.
T
ulita, in the Northwest Territories, is a small village located 200 km south of the Arctic Circle where the Great Bear River intersects the Mackenzie on its course north to the Arctic Ocean. In North Slavey, the language of the Dené who live here,Tulita means, “Where the waters meet.” I arrived in Tulita, at the invitation of former Bishop Murray Chatlain, of Mackenzie-Fort Smith diocese, to be with the people for the Christmas Masses. Tulita has a history of Catholicism which goes back nearly 28 winter 2014
400 years and the people still have a very strong devotion to the Eucharist as was evident in the close to 200 people who filled the church for Christmas Eve midnight Mass. What is notable is that this faith is sustained in the virtual absence of clergy. One priest serves this vast “Sahtu” region west of Great Bear Lake. The territory consists of five communities separated by hundreds of kilometres of wilderness with no roads except in the depths of winter when the muskeg bogs get firm enough
Photo courtesy of Sister Celeste Goulet, c.s.s.f.
Saint Theresa of Avila mission: Redemptorist Father Jon Hansen hands out crosses and rosaries to children in Tulita, in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.
to support traffic and the Mackenzie River freezes over. In Tulita, the faith community is served by a Felician Sister Celeste Goulet, who has lived in the village for the past thirty years. Besides animating the parish community, Sr. Celeste also manages the preschool, a school which she began shortly after she arrived. It is here, through her work with the children, that she best finds a way to connect with the families. After so many years, she is like family to many of the community residents. But
not all the communities are so lucky to have such a faithful “Religious� presence. The land around Tulita is starkly beautiful with the distant peaks of the Mackenzie mountain range serving as a backdrop to the wide expanse of the frozen Mackenzie River. Towering above the Great Bear River standing as a sentinel over the village is Bear Rock, the mountain bluff which plays an important role in the creation myths of the local culture. The people here are closely tied to the land but at the same Catholic missions in canada 29
Besides animating the parish, Sr. Celeste also manages the preschool, a school which she began shortly after she arrived time fear that the youth are not picking up the traditions that have sustained this community for so many generations. It is a fear which is grounded in a harsh reality. Tulita, like many communities in the North, suffers from the great changes that have swept through the past couple of generations leaving many to wonder what, in the wake of the modern world, is the best direction for the community to follow. Too often in this struggle, it is the young people who suffer most as they find themselves caught between the expectations of their elders to follow traditional ways and the lure of greater opportunities in the larger centres to the South, opportunities for which 30 winter 2014
they are sometimes ill prepared. Despite these big questions the greatest impression left on me was that of a people who were warm and hospitable. They were people who loved to tell stories and to laugh. These were people who welcomed me and made me feel like I was an old friend who had returned from afar. These were a people who knew that God walked with them both in times of celebration and in times of difficulty and sorrow. On the last morning of my stay, I paused as I was loading my gear into the truck that was taking me to the airport. Looking up into the pitchblack Arctic morning sky filled with stars, I strained my eyes hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. There was none to be seen but I was not disappointed. I had come to Tulita to bring Christmas, to bring Christ in the Eucharist and the people had welcomed that gift in a way that the Holy Family had never experienced in their journey through Bethlehem on that first night so long ago. In doing so, they gave me the best Christmas present I could have hoped for. Reprinted from http://www.redemptorists.ca/ news/christmas-in-tulita
It is time to invest in a
Gift Annuity Calling all priests, bishops, and supporters!
Our gift annuity program offers: ✓ Secured monthly payments ✓ Freedom from investment stress ✓ Tax-free income guaranteed for life
Best of all, peace of mind and continued support to our Canadian missions—for generations to come! There’s no better way to feel more secure spiritually and financially than with a gift annuity with Catholic Missions In Canada.
Call or write today for your free annuity proposal!
Age
Male Rate
Female Rate
Joint Rate
65
4.64% 4.38% 3.84%
75
5.81% 5.37% 4.78%
85
8.07% 7.52% 6.25%
92+ 10.0% 10.0% 8.12% Rates as of September 26, 2014
c Please send me information on gift annuities Name_____________________________________________________________________ Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address___________________________________________________________________ City_________________ Province__________Postal Code____________ Phone_______________________ Subscribe to our email list at cmic.info/home/subscribe Minimum Age: 65 Minimum Amount: $10,000 Individual: Male/Female:
Birthdate: ______/______ /______
Joint: Male/Female:
Birthdate: ______/______ /______ Day / Month / Year
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
E-mail request to: giftplan@cmic.info
Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642)
Website: www.cmic.info
MA-2014-04-CGA
Day / Month / Year
‘LEARN TO TRUST AND BE ADVENTUROUS’
JOYS OF MISSION The goal was to be with the people—to visit and listen to them, and to hear their desires and their dreams. By SISTER NORMA E. SAMAR, O.L.M.
A
s a missionary religious coordinator of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas in Manitoba, I was so fortunate to have been invited, together with Oblate Father Robert Laroche, our vicar general, to visit the people of La Ronge and Southend, two towns in Northern Saskatchewan. As a new missionary to Manitoba, and being a Filipina and a member of Our Lady’s Missionaries, I was excited but at the same time apprehensive of this 32 winter 2014
chance to serve in the farflung and new communities of the archdiocese. After six months of working in the archdiocese, I, along with Fr. Robert, was invited to visit the missions in Northern Saskatchewan. It was time to discover other places, and indeed, I was excited to do so and eager to meet new people. Above all, when we set off, I had no idea what would happen or who I would meet.The invitation was for us to give workshops in marriage preparation and baptismal preparation to lay leaders
Photos courtesy of Sister Norma E. Samar, o.l.m.
Sister Norma Samar, o.l.m., wearing glasses and black tuque on right, with the mission community in Southend, Saskatchewan, in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas.
of the community who were new to these roles.The goal was to be with the people—to visit and listen to them, and to hear their desires and their dreams.We visited the sick, joined in celebrating the Mass with the people, and enjoyed their company. The road going to La Ronge stretched for miles and appeared endless. We left The Pas at around 10 a.m. and arrived at our destination at past 3 p.m. I doubted a bit whether the road we were on was the right one, and Fr. Robert teased, “Are you like a doubting Thomas?”
Thereafter, I kept my mouth shut, being reminded once again to learn to trust the driver and be adventurous—this, despite it being a long and icy road. We arrived at the rectory and found fruit, bottles of water, rice, and bread, and felt warmly welcomed even if we hadn’t seen any people yet. We stayed overnight, and in the early morning, we proceeded to Southend. It was a long gravel road, but it was such an adventure to see the people of Southend. It was a joy to see adorning a table a huge band of paper with the Catholic missions in canada 33
words, “Welcome, Fr. Robert and Sister.” This was a special welcome for a missionary who is new to the area. It was very uplifting. It was more so after meeting the people of Southend. The elders were happy to see us, as there were no priest or sisters assigned there at this time. We saw a bowl of fruit, bread, peanut butter, coffee and tea bags that the people had prepared for us. Missionaries’ needs are simple and we are happy with whatever is offered to us. Not long after our arrival, the phone rang and someone on the other end was asking if there was Mass and at what time. The caller said she would be coming from far away and that it would take her about 45 minutes to reach the church. At this point, Fr. Robert and I realized we needed to give a definite answer about scheduled activities at the parish. As missionaries, we were elated to meet the parishioners, especially the young people, the elderly men and women, and the children.
The little ones met me with big smiles. One person offered to let me ride on a snowmobile. I gratefully accepted, although I let it roar and run for only a few metres, just to get a feel of the machine. This experience reminded me of my time long ago in Brazil, when I would ride a motorcycle to work. Our Mass celebration was a joyous one, attended by people of every age—the young, the elderly, all eager to participate in the sacred mysteries. People were asking us, “Please come back again!” adding, “It is nice that you came here.” They also said, “If Father comes (next time), please come with him.” It was nice to hear that from the people. God has His own way of touching our lives, making us feel God’s presence with us, sharing the joys of the people.
As missionaries, we were elated to meet the young people, the elderly men and women, and the children.
34 winter 2014
Sister Norma E. Samar, o.l.m., is missionary religious coordinator in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas in Manitoba.
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.
Yes, I’m interested in supporting Catholic Missions In Canada! Please send me information on:
c A gift in my will
c Please send me a copy of your free Will Planner
Name_____________________________________________________________________ Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address___________________________________________________________________ Phone_______________________ Birthdate (D/M/Y) _____ /_____ /_____ Subscribe to our email list at cmic.info/home/subscribe 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: giftplan@cmic.info
Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642)
Website: www.cmic.info
MA-2014-04-WILLPLANNER
City_______________________Province_________Postal Code_________
Telegraph Creek mission
Four-year-old Olivia carrying the crown during the Christ the King Procession. 36 winter 2014
Tending to the
faithful Lay missionary Theresa Vogel recounts their celebration last year of the Feast of Christ the King at St. Theresa’s mission in Telegraph Creek, Northern British Columbia. By Theresa Vogel
Photos courtesy of Theresa Vogel
T
he proclamation “Christ is the King in this home!” rang out from many doorsteps in the Southern Hemisphere on the Feast of Christ the King, while the faithful in Telegraph Creek, British Columbia, in the Diocese of Whitehorse, braved the late November cold and snow to affirm the sovereignty of Christ in the community. The Feast of Christ the King was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925, and seeks to proclaim,
in a dramatic way, Christ’s royalty over households, families, society, elected leaders and the people they serve. Following the traditional formula for processions on the Sunday dedicated to Christ the King, the people of this Northern B.C.-community gathered for Eucharist in the church with visiting priest Father Terrence Brock, and then set out to visit households along the main road in the town, stopping at homes along the way to Catholic missions in canada 37
The community of faith in Telegraph Creek, British Columbia, Diocese of Whitehorse, brave late November cold to celebrate Feast of Christ the King.
publicly inquire if Christ is King in the household. After the brisk walk in the cold, of course, there was an assembly to enjoy innumerable cups of tea, coffee and hot chocolate, and a snack. Telegraph Creek is a community of about 350 people, most of whom are members of the Tahltan Nation. The Roman Catholic presence was established in 1926, and flourished under the guidance and perseverance of members of the Oblate Fathers, the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, and, latterly, a lay pastoral administrator. Theresa Vogel is former lay pastoral administrator at St.Theresa’s mission in Telegraph Creek, British Columbia, in the Diocese of Whitehorse. 38 winter 2014
Missionary travels and travails Theresa Vogel says the trip from Terrace, British Columbia, is about six hours of driving, and includes Saturday evening Mass in Iskut, and an overnight-stay in the wood-heated cabin at Iskut. Then, up at the crack of dawn for another hour’s drive to Dease Lake, and then two hours on Highway 51 over mud and gravel roads to Telegraph Creek, the most remote village in British Columbia accessible by road, for Mass at 11:30 a.m. “We usually have a community lunch in Telegraph Creek, and then it’s back on the road for the last Mass of the circuit back in Dease Lake at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.” This year, a priest comes out from Whitehorse, and that adds another two hours to the trip. As you can see, says Theresa, a walk down the road in Telegraph Creek is a walk in the park for the visiting priest!
Photo by Bishop Gary Gordon
Nativity Photo Contest
OPEN TO ALL PARISHES , SCHOOLS , FAMILIES Do you have interesting photos of nativity scenes from your parish or school? Or photos of family crèches? Join Catholic Missions In Canada’s first-ever Nativity Photo Contest! Simply send in your favourite Nativity Scene and identify whether you are sending it in the (1) parish, (2) school or ( 3) family crèche category. We prefer digital images of 500 kb to 1 megabyte. But if you have print photos, you may submit them by mail to Catholic Missions In Canada, 201-1155 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1W2. The deadline for submitting digital photos is December 12, 2014. Mailed entries must be postmarked December 12, 2014. Please include your
name, address and phone number. For inquiries, please email info@ cmic.info. Winning photos will be posted on our website at www.cmic.info on December 19, 2014. Winners will receive a free DVD, Great Need, Great Hope, Catholic Missions In Canada’s 2015 Catholic Calendar, and a signed copy of Singular Vision:The Founding of the Catholic Church Extension Society of Canada (1908-1913). Hurry! And submit your entries before our deadline!
FAITHFUL SERVICE
Thoughts about
Ordination By FATHER PHILIP J. KENNEDY, PRESIDENT
Photo courtesy of Father Philip J. Kennedy
A
beautiful Saturday, September 24, 1983, was a special day. That was the day I was ordained priest in Saint Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto. I was ordained by the Archbishop of Toronto, and intended to be one who serves in Toronto, but the Spirit somehow guided me away from time to time, so I served and assisted at different times in varied dioceses. This must be why I was considered to be at least part-missionary. But being a priest was the real call. In the weeks before my ordination, I meditated on the writings of priests. Of special meaning for me were the words of Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk, who reflected 40 winter 2014
on his own ordination: “It was a transfiguration of simple and usual things, an elevation of the plainest and most natural to the level of the sublime. It showed me that the charity of God was sufficient to transform earth into
heaven.” Here is how humility became a central impulse in my own way of acting. This is also what impressed me so positively about missionary priests I got to know and follow. I always remember the moments when Cardinal Carter lay hands on me and spoke words of gravity and vocation.
Photo by Father Pius Kim
Thirty-one years ago, young deacon Philip Kennedy was ordained priest by the late Cardinal G. Emmett Carter at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto. Today, Father Kennedy is president of Catholic Missions In Canada, and looks forward to stewarding CMIC to greater service for the missions.
The celebration of Holy Orders impressed me so profoundly, and the Cardinal’s stress on the meaning of a priest’s celebration for God’s people stayed with me. Later, I would connect those thoughts with words of Father Henri Nouwen: “If a man wants to truly celebrate with the people, he must be a special kind of man. He has to become an obedient man, that is, a man who
allows himself to be guided by the voices he hears. He has to be obedient to the voices of nature, to the voices of the people, and to the voice of God.” (Creative Ministry, 1971) It was good fortune for me to have these words in my mind over the years. They have marked the style of my service as a priest, and gave me a true appreciation of my ordination day, and the days that followed. Catholic missions in canada 41
GIFT PLANNING
HELP BUILD FAITH, HOPE FOR GENERATIONS Consider funding an endowment that will keep giving an income to the missions long into the future BY WINNIE QUINN, CHARITABLE GIFTS MANAGER
F
ather Pali Pitso of Holy Angels parish, Fort Albany, Northern Ontario, in the Diocese of Moosonee, wrote in our magazine sometime ago: “I invite all people to support us with prayers so that the mission of Jesus may not cease due to the high costs of keeping churches open and the lack of priests not only in our diocese but in other areas as well.” As you know, our missionaries work very hard, and they follow a meagre lifestyle, happy to live simply in service to Our Lord. Take a look at their photos in our magazine: they are smiling, always! And they are grateful for the funds they receive from Catholic Missions In Canada— support they receive because of your donations.
But they are in real need, and for the most basic supplies. We appeal on their behalf for real, tangible things like food for their tables, repairs to their churches and the most all-consuming expense—fuel for their vehicles and sometimes for air travel so that they can minister to the people living in farflung communities. And you give because you know their needs are real and, like them, you want to keep our Catholic faith alive and available to everyone. We give thanks for your many gifts through your donations: gifts of shares, bequests, endowments, and other ways you have found best suited to your needs. Some of your giving stops when you stop. But life in our mission communities goes on;
Some of your giving stops when you stop. But life in our mission communities goes on.
42 winter 2014
Photo by Rob Waymen
Your endowment will keep our faith alive in remote mission communities such as Pelican Narrows in Northern Saskatchewan. Above, lay ministers Elias and Suzette Sewap assist at Communion in St. Gertrude mission.
young lives mature and give birth to other lives. And so the needs of our missions go on. Work is not always available in those far-away areas, and so people are often unable to thrive and support their own church. They need your help. And your giving doesn’t have to stop when your life stops. Consider funding an endowment whereby your funds are invested and the interest earned will keep giving an income to the missions long into the
future, year after year after year. And if that is not possible for you now, a gift in your Will can be dedicated to establishing an endowment in your name. Can you think of any other investment that would keep your life working in the world for Our Lord—so long a time after you are gone? So this appeal is different from other appeals. It is an appeal to sustain your Catholic faith for the future so others can experience it as you do. It is an Catholic missions in canada 43
appeal that might hurt, giving more than you feel you can, but you know the reward is worthwhile because you are doing your part in something greater, something holy.You are sharing and connecting with others in the world God gave us. Father Pali and all of our missionaries give thanks for you in their daily prayers and Masses and you are remembered in thanksgiving by all
of us here when we gather for morning prayer. And when you go on to your eternal life, Catholic Missions In Canada assures you are remembered at a special Mass that is offered each November here at the Pastoral Centre in Toronto. May you be blessed with peace this Advent as you consider how you might best support our missions and missionaries.
c
Write to me for information on Endowments
c
I plan to set up an Endowment with Catholic Missions In Canada
Or you may prefer information on one of the following: c
Wills
Gift Loans
c
RRSP/RRIFs
c
c
c
Shares
Gift Annuities
For annuitants: Minimum Age: 65 Individual: c Male
c
c c
Other Gifts
Minimum Amount: $10,000
Female Birthdate: ______ /______ /______
Joint: c
TFSAs
Day Month Year
Male
c
Female Birthdate: ______/______ /______
Day Month Year
Name ________________________________________________________ Fr./Br./Sr./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ City _________________________ Province _________________________
MA-2014-04-LEGACY_GIFTS
Postal Code_______________ Phone________________________________ Subscribe to our email list at cmic.info/home/subscribe
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: giftplan@cmic.info
44 winter 2014
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_____________________________________________________________________
Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address___________________________________________________________________ City_________________ Province__________Postal Code____________ Subscribe to our email list at cmic.info/home/subscribe 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: giftplan@cmic.info
Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642)
Website: www.cmic.info
MA-2014-04-ENDOW
Phone_______________________ Birthdate (D/M/Y) ________________
LETTERS: YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK
ENHANCED YOUTH MINISTRY
T
hank you very much for your generous donation to our parish. It will go a long way in the operation of our parish. Over the next couple of weeks we are putting the final plans in place for our upcoming confirmation ceremony. We have eight young adults being confirmed this year. May the peace and joy of Christ be with you all and your families. The Congregation of St. John the Apostle Parish Brent’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Diocese of Grand Falls
repair will be cared for, people of outlying areas will be ministered to and our pastoral leadership will receive the formation necessary for meeting the challenges of today’s parish life. Please be assured of our prayers for God›s richest blessings upon your work. Most Rev. R. Anthony Daniels Bishop of Grand Falls Newfoundland and Labrador
The Nakusp community at Our Lady of Lourdes parish is one of the more isolated Church communities in our diocese. On behalf of the people and Although few in number, they leadership of the Diocese of do manage to assist in the mainGrand Falls, l would like to thank tenance of their pastor and the Catholic Missions In Canada for other normal expenses of their the grant that we received. parish. The assistance of CathI am truly grateful that olic Missions In Canada for the the Catholic community installation of a new heating throughout Canada has chosen system for the pastor’s residence to stand in solidarity with the is a wonderful act of Christian Catholic community of this dio- solidarity. cese. Without the generosity of In thanking you, I also express the benefactors of CMIC, the gratitude to your staff and the Diocese of Grand Falls would many benefactors of Catholic not be able to fulfill our mission. Mission In Canada. Thank you! Thanks to CMlC, our youth Most Rev. John Corriveau, OFM Cap. ministry and catechesis will be Bishop of Nelson enhanced, buildings in need of British Columbia 46 winter 2014
Catholic Missions In Canada 2015 Calendar
Art Reflects God’s Grandeur
Paintings by Canadian Artist Libby Dulac Our 2015 Catholic Missions In Canada calendar reflects the passion that Canadian artist Libby Dulac has for the awesome scenery she enjoys from her log home in the Yukon—from mountain and ice-field grandeur to lake, forest and wildflower splendour. Libby and her husband, Claude, are one of the lay missionary couples who keep the faith alive in the remote Catholic communities of Canada. Bishop Gary Gordon, recently of the Diocese of Whitehorse, says of them: “Whether it is Claude leading the Sunday liturgy of the Word or Libby cultivating the beautiful gardens around the church, they are both planting seeds of God’s Kingdom.”
Available for purch ase $12.95 for a copy
Fundraiser for Catholic Organizations
Take part in our Free Calendar Program and receive up to 25 Calendars to sell as a fundraiser for your charitable works. Last year, Catholic organizations including parishes, the Catholic Women’s League, and the Knights of Columbus distributed calendars across Canada, with many donating back the raised funds to support the needs of our Canadian missionaries.
1 Email: calendar@cmic.info 2 Phone: 416-934-3424 or toll-free at 1-866-937-2642 • Free Calendar Program – Patricia Gyulay, at Ext. 227 • Calendar Purchase – Christine Villamor, at Ext. 230 3 Fax: 416-934-3425
MA-2014-04-Cal
Three easy ways to order
PARISHIONERS’ CHRISTMAS WISH
Christmas Eve Mass in the gym
Photo courtesy of Sister Carmen Catellier, s.n.j.m.
Oblate Father Noël Boulanger celebrates Mass for the parish community of Cross Lake, Manitoba, in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. It is one of many missions supported by Catholic Missions In Canada.
P.S. This winter, please feel free to send our magazine to your friends and family. They will thank you for it — and so will we! To send a free one-year subscription to a friend or family member, e-mail us at information@cmic.info, or call 416-934-3424, or toll-free, at 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642), or fill in the coupon below. Your gift of $25 will help defray for the costs of this magazine and our mission work. From (Your Name): To (Name of person you want it sent to):
Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address: Province:
Postal Code:
Phone:
Subscribe to our email list at cmic.info/home/subscribe
Mail to: CATHOLIC MISSIONS IN CANADA 201-1155 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4T 1W2 BN 11922 0531 RR0001
www.cmic.info
MA-2014-04-SUBS
City: