CMIC Winter 2015 by Catholic Missions In Canada

Catholic Missions in Canada www.cmic.info

winter 2015

Being

Missionary

ISSN 1702-2894

In our present time

PLUS: Innu of the Barrens • Christmas in Penelakut • Advent hopes

Editor’s Notes

Being a light for others

a fall mission awareness talk given by one of our missionary bishops in Toronto, a high school chaplain expressed hope that he and his group of students could one day take up the call issued by the bishop to serve or help in our missions. Already the students’ eyes reflected faith and hope as they asked what they needed to do to become a religious sister or a priest. The bishop suggested that they could start by becoming more aware of the needs and challenges faced by missionaries and the communities they serve, and by finding out how, in their small way, they could be a light for others. Out of awareness comes the gift of understanding, the bishop said, and practising it every day could open possibilities. We hope this winter issue will offer some insight into how our missionaries and lay leaders have found epiphanies in the ordinary: how the hand of God has moved them to hear the Spirit in a new way.

Patria C. Rivera

2 winter 2015

cont

Volume 34, Number 4

Features

Being missionary in our present time To be a sign of the Kingdom requires key qualities Archbishop Murray Chatlain

‘We will always lead with love’ It’s been years since a priest celebrated Mass Rella Sylvester

Natuashish: Innu of the Barrens Children full of energy, but long for a peaceful place Father Anthony Anh

What will it take to lead us to the wilderness? At Advent, cultivate an attitude of watchfulness Sister Shelley Grant, C.N.D.

A typical day? It doesn’t happen Ministry among First Nations a great ‘teaching’ time Sister Bernadette Feist, 0.S.U.

ents Winter 2015

Catholic Missions in Canada Catholic Missions In Canada® is the magazine of Catholic Missions In Canada, founded in 1908 under papal mandate as The Catholic Church Extension Society of Canada, to support Canada’s missions.

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.

New First Nation church in Kingsclear blessed Native mission keeps 400-year-old church tradition Kimberly Lyons ‘We’ll keep on working’ Knights boost efforts to fundraise for poor missions CMIC Staff

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate Oblates’ contribution to archdiocese worthy of recognition Archbishop Gerard Pettipas, C.Ss.R

‘ Increase and multiply!’ Catholic Women’s League council puts talents to task Dr. Kathleen Kufeldt

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. 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

Departments

2 Editor’s Notes 4 From the President’s Desk 44 Gift Planning

A yearly offering of $25 or more helps cover the costs of this magazine and our mission work. Cover Photo: Children waiting for Confirmation at Our Lady of the Visitation mission in La Loche, Saskatchewan, Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. Photo courtesy of Archbishop Murray Chatlain.

Catholic missions in canada 3

STORIES OF FAITH

GETTING THE CHRISTMAS TREE

A modern parable of how things become traditions, and an expectation in family life, and in a community. By FATHER PHILIP J. KENNEDY, PRESIDENT

hristmas practices are developed and celebrated in different ways in families, and certain tasks and jobs become traditions. So how did it happen that growing up in my large family I became the one to

I went out to the nearby bush where we children used to explore and play in the summers, just a street away, and, carrying a little hatchet and a saw, headed out to get a tree from the nearby public forest. I would bring it home to let it be our Christmas tree. I didn’t realize that more than one mother of the neighbourhood called my mother to ask whether that was her boy going into the bush with an axe and a saw. For my mother it remained a mystery for a while. It was not long before I found myself in the deep woods in the heavy snow. But there I found the perfect tree. I had to clear the snow and hack and saw at the tree until I got it out. Then I dragged it home. When the others at home saw the tree,

‘Whether it is spreading God’s Word or getting a tree for the family, it is our personal task to undertake.’ go out into the forest and get the annual Christmas tree? It started when my father came home from work one day in December and grumbled about how much money was being asked for Christmas trees that year. He just left the topic hang bleakly in the conversational air. Then I got an idea. The very next day, a Saturday, 4 winter 2015

Illustration by Freepik.com

they were amazed that it was bigger and fuller that any they remembered. It certainly saved the cost of the trees being sold at the gas station lot in town. In a few days it would be brought into the house and festooned with ornaments. That first year that I fetched a tree, when I was eleven years old, I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thought that everyone at home would be expecting me to do the same thing the next year. I had done such a good job, and saved money, that no one else thought of getting the tree. So I headed out again and found another Christmas tree. And so it happened, for several years after. It had become my job to get the tree, year after year, even though it became harder each year to find a good one. This account of the little adventure of the annual search for the tree becomes a parable of how things become traditions, and an expectation in family life, and in a community. The first Christians, the men and women who heard Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; message, and had been struck by the importance of the story of faith and the reward of the life to come, recognized the immense need to share that message with people who came after them. Each person of faith,

then, saw the personal need to tell others of the Way of salvation. Seeing the need that was not yet being fulfilled gave the first Christians the impetus to become true missionaries. Thus, continued recognition of a need to be fulfilled became a tradition, part of the Sacred Tradition of the Church. Whether it is spreading Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word or getting a tree for the family, it is our personal task to undertake.

Catholic missions in canada 5

KEY QUALITIES

BEING MISSIONARY

IN OUR PRESENT TIME ‘ We are not always sure why we are in these isolated communities, but that God has called us to be there is enough for us.’ BY ARCHBISHOP MURRAY CHATLAIN

6 winter 2015

cautious. So what does it mean to be a missionary today? In this reflection I am using an address given by Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe to representatives of all missionary groups of the Catholic Church in 2000. What are the key qualities of a missionary today? Presence: When we are called to be in a new area it is first to be there, not to do there. Fr. Timothy states: “This is not easy, and, above all, it requires fidelity.

Photos courtesy of Archbishop Murray Chatlain

our present day, the term missionary has a negative connotation. Daily, we are faced with the hurts and resentments that have surfaced from some of our previous efforts at missionary activity. Perhaps we will get to a point when people can be balanced in looking at the positives and negatives of past relationships. What I do know is that our morale is pretty low today. Having been shown where our good intentions have caused hurt, we are appropriately more

Archbishop Murray Chatlain blesses confirmand at St. Theresa Point mission in Manitoba.

The missionary is not a tourist. The tourist can go to exotic places, take the photographs, enjoy the food and the views, and go back home proudly bearing T-shirts. The missionary is only a sign of the Kingdom in staying there. As one of my brethren said, ‘You do not only unpack your bags, you throw your bags away.’” We know that the question we are asked most often is: “How long are you going to be with us?” Father Jean Pochat, an Oblate priest who spent forty years in Behchoko, Northwest

are called to “bury our bones” there, but it does remind us that one of the most important gifts we can offer is a consistent presence. When we come to another community do we really commit to being present there? Do we “throw our bags away”? How might we be holding back? Fr. Timothy goes on to say, “To be present for, and with, the other is a sort of dying, so as to be a sign of the Kingdom in which we will be one.” When an American missionary living in China was diagnosed with cancer, his community asked him to return to the United States. He responded, “Now I am mostly Chinese, I will not feel at home in the United States.” One of my moments of satisfaction as a missionary was on a canoeing trip with some teenagers from Black Lake, Saskatchewan. They were telling me about an RCMP officer who used to be in the community that they missed. The young man said, “He was like you; he was part Dene.” Part of this ministry of presence is not to just talk to the people about Jesus, but to help them recognize Jesus’ presence

“ Those who believe in the Gospel and follow Christ need not abandon anything that is noble, good and true in their traditions.” Territories, often talked about his response: “They will bury my bones here.” Now his bones are buried there. People are watching to see if we are running from something or if we are choosing to encounter something. Of course, not all of us 8 winter 2015

Sister Norma Samar, a member of Our Lady of Missionaries congregation, attends to a baby at a community gathering in her mission in La Ronge, Saskatchewan.

with their ancestors and how He is present with them today. As Rod Lorenz, a Catholic writer, states, “Those who believe in the Gospel and follow Christ need not abandon anything that is noble, good and true in their traditions. The good things in the old ways already reflect Him.” Mystery: The missionary is meant to be a mystery to the people. Cardinal Suhard wrote that to be a missionary “does not consist in engaging in propaganda nor even in stirring people up, but in being a

living mystery. It means to live in such a way that one’s life would make no sense if God did not exist.” Celibacy, well lived, continues to be an important part of that mystery. I remember when the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal went to Deliné, Northwest Territories, for Ehtse Ayah’s pilgrimage days. The people said in Dene, “See how much they have given up to work for God.” They had travelled from New York; they wore simple robes and sandals; and they relied on the generosity of others to feed them and the poor that they work with. Not all of us are Catholic missions in canada 9

called to that kind of ministry, but people should wonder why we try to live a life that is not based on money or power or prestige. We, like the people, are not always sure why we are in these isolated communities, but that God has called us to be there is enough for us. Transformation: As missionaries we do not offer escapism but transformation. We do not provide prayer or healing services that seek to numb pain with religious fervour. We must first be present to the Good Fridays of our people. Our holy role is then to help them recognize the presence of the Resurrection in these sufferings. There is Resurrection. There are transformations. In little ways, sometimes in big, we see that the Spirit is active and working. Often it takes the objectivity of an outsider to see that positive things are happening. These movements are not cheaply earned. It is when we are immersed in the pain that we also see the grace. Just the other night, I was at a meeting and a young fellow shared some of his frustration. He is trying to walk a sober walk in his own life, and he sees so many of his family and community struggling with 10 winter 2015

addictions. He complained, “Don’t they realize people are seeing them; they are giving a reputation to our community and to all our people. When I say where I am from this is what people think of me, too.” I think God uses frustration and even anger. These can be holy momentum producers to work at transformation with our Creator. We are called to promote transformation in the leadership roles that the local people are taking on. We need to help people recognize and use the spiritual strength that is in our communities. There are some tremendous spiritual battles being waged and we try to help the people come together and trust the power of their prayer. So as missionaries we are in a different time. We do not have the rousing speeches and the romance of a hundred years ago but that is okay. We are still important; we are still called. In presence, mystery, and transformation may we share in Jesus’ mission in His Northern land. Archbishop Murray Chatlain is shepherd of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, which encompasses Northern communities in three provinces: Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

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CHRISTMAS EVE ON PENELAKUT ISLAND

‘ We will always lead with love’ In this Advent story, Rella Sylvester shares her thoughts on having Christmas Eve Mass back on Penelakut Island, a community that has a population of 300 members of the Penelakut Band, in the Diocese of Victoria, British Columbia. By Rella Sylvester

t’s been years since we had Mass here—over twenty years. When Father Jose Prakash said, “We will celebrate Mass with Bishop Gary Gordon, the new bishop. We’ll welcome him that day and have Baptisms and Confirmations,” I felt so happy and blessed. It took me a long time to convince people to get their children baptized. I spoke for hours about the Spirit. I felt so happy and proud of my daughter, Geneva. She received her First Communion 12 winter 2015

a year ago, on my birthday. This past Christmas she had her Confirmation. How elated I felt. My brother, Steve Sylvester, and I were the last ones who were confirmed here in Penelakut. That was 30 years ago. So to have my daughter go through with this on Christmas Eve was a gift from God. The night was a true celebration with my family. It was also my grandfather Francis James’s birthday. What a night! Having most of my family present was a true blessing;

Photo by Sister Ma. Rosviminda R. Ochoa, R.V.M.

Lay leader Rella Sylvester chats with Bishop Gary Gordon of Victoria after Christmas Eve Mass at Penelakut Island, British Columbia.

they all got to watch and all took part. The drum group was one of the most beautiful. My brother, August Sylvester, sat down and sang family prayer songs, bringing tears to my eyes. He is more than 70 years old and a Council Chief. He is our family leader. He gave everyone a present that day. I would like to thank all who took part, including Sisters Vinda Ochoa and Elisa Lavarias, R.V.M., and Fr. Jose for arranging this celebration, and most of all, thanks to

Bishop Gary for blessing all the beautiful souls of these children. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thank everyone enoughâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we are making new paths here with people who were harmed. We will always lead with love. Let us all learn to love God and learn to love each other more. Blessings from Penelakut Island! Rella Sylvester writes from Penelakut Island, one of the missions of St. Ann parish in Duncan, British Columbia, in the Diocese of Victoria. Catholic missions in canada 13

COLD AND ISOLATED

NATUASHISH:

INNU OF THE BARRENS Children are full of energy, but there is not much for them to do on this isolated island By Father Anthony Anh

Catholic missions in canada 15

Photos courtesy of Father Anthony Anh

Photos courtesy of ??

early fall last year, we requested Father Anthony Anh, pastor of Tshukuminu St. Anne parish (or Grandma St. Anne parish) in Natuashish, Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, to write his reflections on ministering in an isolated community in the North. Born in Viet Nam and ordained a priest in North America, Father Anthony Anh ministered to the Innu community in Sheshatshiu for nine months before coming to Natuashish in August 2014.

NATUASHISH Natuashish (pronounced NatWa-Shish) is part of the Innu First Nation. Tshukuminu St. Anne Parish (or Grandma St. Anne Parish) in Natuashish is part of the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador. The Innu population in Canada numbers about 30,000 and live in eleven communi-

there to trade at the post and to see the priest, and then went back to the barrens. There were only two houses ever built there. On February 14, 1992 (St. Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day), six children died in a house fire in Davis Inlet. This tragedy brought to life the miserable living conditions of the Innu. In 2000, they agreed to move from Davis Inlet to Natuashish, and the relocation was completed in 2002. Natuashish now has the population of over 900. It has a clinic, a school (from kindergarten to Grade 12), a grocery store, a post office, a traditional healing lodge, an RCMP building, a Catholic church, and a Pentecostal house of worship.

Tragedy brought to life the miserable living conditions of the Innu ties in Quebec Province and two communities in Labrador (Natuashish and Sheshatshiu). Natuashish is an island on the north coast of Labrador, accessible by plane and by boat (in summertime). The Natuashish Innu are called the Mushuau Innu or Innu of the Barrens. The Innu of the Barrens were nomadic until 1967 when they were settled in a place called Davis Inlet. There was also Old Davis Inlet about five miles southwest of Davis Inlet, but the people did not really live there. They went 16 winter 2015

CHALLENGES FACED BY THE NATUASHISH INNU I started my ministry in Natuashish on August 15, 2014, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On September 2, a phone call woke me up in the middle of the night. The caller told me that a 23-year-old man had just committed suicide by hanging. Our people here are trying to overcome their addictions to

Father Anthony Anh, pastor, with elders at Christmas 2014 gathering.

alcohol, drug, and gas-sniffing. From these come broken families and other issues. The suicide rate has declined significantly since we moved to Natuashish, and the people are becoming happier. CHILDREN OF THE BARRENS Natuashish is a young community (about 600 youngsters under age 18 in a population of more than 900). After a house fire in 1992 that killed six children, parents started to see the serious challenges their children were

facing. They voiced their concerns in a book called Gathering Voices窶認inding Strength to Help Our Children. Children are full of energy, but there is not much for them to do on this isolated island, and there is nowhere for them to go to release their energy. So they spill out their energy into activities that are not always good for them. The school can play a positive role in helping them. Students find at the school what they may not have at home. They Catholic missions in canada 17

Faรงade of church: Tshukuminu (Grandma) St. Anne parish in Natuashish, Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador.

easily become attached to good teachers. But unfortunately, on this challenging reserve, nonInnu teachers and workers come and go, and when a beloved teacher or worker is gone, that has a negative impact on children. I have seen talent and potential in many children. If they grow up in a healthy environment, I have no doubt they will become happy and successful people. Children hunger for attention 18 winter 2015

and affection. They long for a peaceful place they can call home, where they are loved, cared for and protected. But unfortunately, for many of them, this dream has never come true. Father Anthony Anh is pastor of Tshukuminu St. Anne parish (or Grandma St. Anne parish) in Natuashish, Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Monsignor Roger W. Formosi (1942-2015)

Past CMIC president served missions well Visited most of the 26 mission dioceses

Photo by Rene Sevilla

By CMIC STAFF

TORONTO—Former Catholic MisMissions In Canada. sions In Canada (CMIC) president A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Monsignor Roger W. Formosi, Fr. Formosi was ordained a priest 73, passed away October 6, 2015, for the Diocese of Hamilton in after a lingering illness. 1969. He completed his phiWhen he joined The Cathlosophy and theology studies at olic Church Extension Society Resurrection College in Kitchener in 1997 as CMIC was then and St. Augustine Seminary in known, Church ExtenScarborough, Ontario. sion was close to its From 1973 to 1983, 90th year of serving Monsignor Formosi the Canadian missions. was director of vocaUnder Monsignor Fortions for the Hamilton mosi’s leadership, it was diocese. He was also renamed Catholic Misactively involved in the Monsignor Roger sions In Canada “to renewal movements W. Formos better reflect,” as he said, COR and Cursillo. “its mission—serving As well, he served missions in Canada.” on the board of Brant Catholic As president, Monsignor ForSchool Board, Saint John Colmosi “followed” the missions: lege in Brantford, Ontario, and St. visiting small communities from Augustine Seminary in the ArchEast to West to North, and spoke diocese of Toronto. about their needs to parishes in Monsignor Formosi retired Ontario and beyond. as pastor of St. Dominic parish By the end of his term in in 2012 but continued to pro2002, he had visited most of the vide pastoral ministry at Mary 26 mission dioceses whose misMother of God parish in sions are supported by Catholic Oakville, Ontario. Catholic missions in canada 19

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO

WILDERNE

LEAD US TO THE

DERNESS? Missionary sister has learned a few things about the desert and Advent: ‘Both cultivate an attitude of watchfulness.’ BY SISTER SHELLEY GRANT, C.N.D.

Catholic missions in canada 21

noticed on the social networking site Tumblr, that Advent was a trending topic. When I clicked on it, there were various images and quotes from hundreds of blogs about Advent. They ranged from quirky Advent calendars and mystical poems to stick figures of reindeer and cookie recipes. When I converted to Catholicism in 1980 and experienced my first season of Advent, I was told this Sunday was known as the “Joyful Sunday.” None of them featured a wilderness! Yet, that is where John beckons us on this Third Sunday of Advent. He is a voice of one crying out in the wilderness and what is amazing is that people follow Him out there. Some of them wanted to question His identity: “Are you Elijah? The Messiah? The prophet?” Others were drawn to His message of repentance and preparation for “the coming.” One could also say that Advent was a trending topic in John’s days. Of all the sights and sounds of our current Advent season, wilderness is typically not one of them. When was the last time you saw a Christmas card with a stark image of the wilderness on its front cover? But Scriptures tell us that the wilderness 22 winter 2015

is important for salvation history: the Exodus of the Israelites led through the wilderness and Jesus’ public ministry begins after a period of “testing” in the wilderness. These stories teach that the desert is a place not only where God can be known more deeply but it is also a place where humans can know themselves more deeply. After experiencing life here in the Okanagan and the dry desert climate I can see when out in the middle of some of the reserves I travel to, you do have that time to think, to be alone, to allow the Spirit to take you where you need to go. I have learned a few things about the desert and Advent. Both cultivate an attitude of watchfulness. What might look the same, day after day, year after year (how many Advent seasons have you lived through?) has beauty and depth if we do not become lulled by sameness. I drive to 11 different reservations every month. Most are located on back roads in the bush, through desert land with all the elements that you can imagine. If I take the time to be attentive throughout the day, I would notice different things about the mountains, desert and the landscape: the way the shadows move over the rocks;

Photos courtesy of Sister Shelley Grant, C.N.D.

Sister Shelley Grant, C.N.D., after a baptism.

the varied colours of brown, gold and tan; little flowers that seem to come out of nowhere, different types of sage, a nd— watch for rattlesnakes slithering over the warm asphalt. For me, it’s easy to get lulled by the sameness of Advent traditions such as the hanging of

the greens or the lighting of the Advent wreath, even the sameness of the story of the “Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Writer Richard Rohr asserts, “Advent is not about a sentimental waiting for the Baby Jesus,” Advent is a time to focus Catholic missions in canada 23

our expectations and anticipation on “the adult Christ, the Cosmic Christ,” who challenges us to empty ourselves, to lose ourselves, to surrender. Following John out into the wilderness of Advent keeps me watchful and open to the new

major fear of any type of snake, their words gave me no solace whatsoever. The wilderness stories of Exodus, Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, and Advent teach that God meets us in our humanity, and the only way we can truly know God, as Saint Teresa of Avila would say, is when we truly know ourselves. John the Baptist invites us into the wilderness of Advent not to experience some kind of generic holiness or abstract Christian life. He invites us into the wilderness of Advent to truly know ourselves and to understand how God’s love and grace is made manifest in the particularities of our lives. How do I witness in today’s world? What joy do I bring?

‘The wilderness stories of Exodus, Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, and Advent teach that God meets us in our humanity’ reality he announces, which never takes root in me in quite the same way year after year. Wilderness is also a place of exposure. In this stark landscape, not only can one be exposed to heat and lack of water, one can also be exposed to fears and anxieties. At one of our mission churches, we have a den of rattlesnakes under the ramp leading into the church. I have seen, on one occasion, at least three curled up sunning themselves as we entered the church for service. The elders told me they were “holy” snakes. Having a 24 winter 2015

Sister Shelley Grant, of the Congregation of Notre Dame, coordinates the native ministry team in South and North Okanagan in the Diocese of Nelson as well as serves as pastoral worker at Sacred Heart mission in Penticton, British Columbia. This article was first published online at http://www.cnd-m.org

Will Planner A GUIDE TO MAKING A WILL

Your will is one more way that you can provide for the neediest missions in our country. Preparing your will is an expression of love for those you leave behind: your family, your friends, and the charities whose work you believe in and want to continue to support.

The gift of a bequest won’t add financial stress but it will give you the assurance that the work of our missions will continue into the future. A will planner—with key information about your assets and your wishes—will help you get started.

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MINISTRY AMONG OUR FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES

A TYPICAL DAY? IT DOESN’T HAPPEN Ursuline Sister Bernadette Feist, a new member of the CMIC board of governors, shares this article about her typical day in the missions. By Sister Bernadette Feist, 0.S.U.

his was ONE day in the city of Regina, one hour from our Valley Native Ministry in Lebret, Saskatchewan. Ten a.m.: We have a SARA meeting (Sisters’ Association of Regina Archdiocese) to prepare for celebrating “Consecrated Life” year, declared by Pope Francis. Twelve-thirty noon: Mass at Campion College to meet with Father John Meehan, S.J., who presents monthly teachings to First Nations parishioners at the Valley Native Ministry 26 winter 2015

Program. Then, over to Burns Hanley to pick up religious supplies and materials to use in ministry for 25 reserve communities. Then, a visit to Webb’s Copier for toner. Ink ran out the day before. Driving out of the city, a stop at Superstore for bread buns for the Friday “Too Good To Be Threw,” where about 60 lunches are served weekly. Into the evening, a phone call: “Could you please come and pray with us? Mom will soon leave us, she’s asking for you. “ My reply: “Give me tonight to

Sister Theresa Frey, I.B.V.M., right, new chairperson-elect, presents Sister Bernadette Feist, 0.S.U., outgoing SARA chairperson, with a rose, in honour of her 50 years of religious life.

Photos courtesy of Sister Bernadette Feist, O.S.U

re-arrange my tomorrow (Confirmation gatherings) and I’ll see you in the morning.” But— where do they live in Regina? Abraham set out for a land he did not know (Hebrews). By faith he arrived. So did I. And so the following stories to share. Irene’s last goodbye Just recently, many of us gathered at the home of the late Francis and Irene Desnomie on the Peepeekisis First Nation, for the traditional wake of recentlydeceased Irene Desnomie. I was present as a friend of the

family for 35 years, and as one of others who had come for prayers of the sick and receiving of Holy Communion in Irene’s home in Regina. The day before she died, family had called me—at Irene’s request—I could only continue her journey with her, as friends and family gathered on the reserve for the wake. The event was taken up with much visiting, storytelling, drum-songs, speaking, and meeting relatives and visitors. Time passed quickly, and after a couple of hours, an elder came and gave me a hen pouch of tobacco, asking if I would Catholic missions in canada 27

say a few words when called upon. I accepted the tobacco and joined in their prayers as the evening passed. At some point, I was able to speak what was “so right” to share. I told of the experience of first coming to the house 35 years ago, when the late Irene had said to me, “You must be very welcome in our home, because the dog under the porch steps feeding her

added, “But they should feed you first.” Yes, I did enjoy soup, sandwiches, coffee—and more visiting. Then I returned to Irene for my goodbye. We began to talk about every line in Ecclesiastes—”There is a time....“ Finally, I said to her, “Irene, now it is time for me to go.” Her eyes lit up, shone like stars, and with a big smile on her face, she said: “And me, too.” The following day, family had called that Irene had completed her journey here on earth, peacefully going to her God. The traditional wake continued, until close to 8 o’clock, when one of the sons spoke. He said: “Mom always told us as kids, to pray before we went to bed. She said we must not only pray the ‘Our Father,’ if we are by ourselves or if we are with others, but also say the ‘Our Father’ before going to sleep. Now, would Sister please come and lead us in this prayer?” He invited all to join hands, connecting with the casket before us, encircling the drums in the centre of the

‘You must be very welcome in our home, because the dog under the porch steps feeding her young did not bite you, or even stir.’ young did not bite you, or even stir.” More stories followed about those years...but the most important one was when I visited the day before she died. After prayers and a couple hours with her family, Irene said to me: “If you have to go now, that’s okay, it is done.” She had earlier also received Holy Communion with us. And then she 28 winter 2015

Sister Bernadette Feist, O.S.U., on right, with, from left: Arlene Johnson, from Peepeekisis, and Zelda Bear and her brother Terry from Standing Buffalo, at the dropin centre, Too Good to Be Threw.

people, as we all prayed “Our Father.” Now that you have read these stories, take a minute of quiet time and pray the “Our Father.” Funerals among First Nations Peoples are a great “teaching” time and experience of inculturation. Drum songs in Piapot At Piapot, elders spoke of the history their ancestors had left them. There were drums to begin the celebration of Mass— joining faith and culture—as was the life experience of Connie Iron, another

recently deceased. Following the liturgy were more drum songs and speakers who have been given tobacco. And then it was time to “listen.” Ursuline Sister Bernadette Feist, pastoral administrator at Valley Native Ministry in the Archdiocese of Regina, Saskatchewan, writes that she has one wish this year: “One more person to work among, and share the gifts of, First Nations culture by listening and praying with our native peoples.” More stories from missionaries on our website at: www.cmic.info Catholic missions in canada 29

A missionary’s prayer Ever get stuck in the mud? Presentation of Mary Sisters Diane Lajeunesse (front) and Anita Verley have—often! Bad weather combined with dirt roads are two of their travel concerns as they minister on Big River First Nation, a Cree community in Northern Saskatchewan. It’s home to 3,000 people where unemployment, poverty, poor housing and inadequate transportation are met by the pastoral presence and compassionate witness of the two missionaries. “They are always there to listen, to support us, to encourage and to teach us how to pray,” says one resident. Your gift will put food on the Sisters’ small kitchen table, and gas in their truck at Christmas and throughout the year.! Your donation will help fund their annual ministry cost of $12,400, and offer your friendship—especially welcome on rainy days! Returning to Happy Valley-Goose Bay from Black Tickle, Father Aidan Devine wrote, “Cold in Black Tickle reminded me of knives that cut through the skin!” Beset in winter by snow so deep it blocks doorways, blizzards lasting one day into the next, and wind-chills of -39°, Black Tickle is so isolated that there are no scheduled flights in and out of the area for its 200 residents. Father Aidan visits the Labrador village about four times annually at a yearly cost of $8,000. How essential are you to his ministry? “Without aid from Catholic Missions In Canada supporters, it would be impossible to do any type of ministry in Black Tickle,” he says. It’s that simple; your gift this Christmas will help fund Father Aidan’s travel costs of $8,000 to Black Tickle—and provide the most precious Light of all in winter storms! If and when a Christmas wish is answered, additional gifts will then be gratefully and with donor permission, directed to other Christmas petitions.

Three missionary priests—Fathers Wendelin Rolheiser, o.m.i., Eugene Whyte, o.m.i., and Gaspar Savarimuthu—minister in 15 missions of the western part of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. The area is home to mainly Métis, Dene and Cree people, and while livelihoods consist of fishing and mining, unemployment is high and it’s difficult to cover each mission’s costs. This summer, residents and missionaries in some of these areas suffered the additional ordeal of forest fires and evacuation; for example, Sister Norma Samar, o.l.m., and people of La Ronge were evacuated as were Sister Carmen Catellier, s.n.j.m. (right), and people of Pinehouse Lake. Your Christmas gift will help ensure churches in this area remain a sacred refuge—now and into the future. Your donation will help the priests and sisters cover the $13,400 cost to heat the prairie churches this winter, and provide yearlong training of lay leaders.

I want to help answer a missionary’s special prayer this Christmas. Please designate my Christmas gift to answering a missionary’s prayers this Christmas: Sister Diane and Sister Anita • Father Aidan • Sister Carmen and missionary team Name_______________________________________________________________ Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.

Address____________________________________________________________ City_____________________ Province_____________Postal Code_____________ Phone____________________________ Birthdate (D/M/Y) ___________________

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400-year church tradition

New First Nation church in Kingsclear blessed Church blessing gives joy, unity to native parish By Kimberly Lyons

KINGSCLEAR FIRST NATION—On Sunday, July 26, the blessing and dedication of the new St. Ann’s Church in Kingsclear First Nation was one of unparalleled joy and unity for the parish. The celebration began with a procession from Wulastukw Elementary School to St. Ann’s Church. As the choir sang, Arthur 32 winter 2015

Sabattis led the procession along with Chief Gabriel Atwin, altar servers, several clergy and Bishop Robert Harris of the Diocese of Saint John, New Brunswick. Words of welcome were conveyed to the bishop and the congregation by Chief Atwin followed by the Honour Song performed by the Wulastukw School Drummers.

Photo courtesy of The New Freeman

The new church at Kingsclear First Nation, Diocese of Saint John, New Brunswick.

Bishop Harris began with the blessing and sprinkling of water—a reminder to the congregation of their baptism. Bishop Harris, assisted by Father Matthew Onwugigbo, administrator for the parish and Father Douglas McNeill, episcopal vicar for Temporal Affairs for the dio cese, performed the blessing and

dedication ceremony. The previous church structure burned in a fire in 2011. Kingsclear First Nation has had a Catholic church in its community for well over 400 years. Abridged and reprinted with permission from The New Freeman, August 14 and 21, 2015. Catholic missions in canada 33

Archbishop Peter Sutton, O.M.I.: 1934-2015

Faithful

Archbishop and missionary

Oblate Archbishop Emeritus of Keewatin-Le Pas Peter Sutton’s leadership marked by his love of people

eloved Archbishop Emeritus of KeewatinLe Pas Peter Sutton, O.M.I., passed away September 5, at the age of 80, in the Oblate residence Maison Notre Dame in Richelieu, Quebec. Archbishop Sutton received Catholic Missions In Canada’s St. Joseph Award in 2012 for outstanding missionary work. Archbishop Sutton had been a priest for 55 years and a bishop for 41 years. Archbishop Sutton was named 34 winter 2015

Coadjutor April 1986 of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, became Archbishop November 1986, and retired March 25, 2006. His motto was: “My brother, my joy,” referring to Christ whom he sought to model. Archbishop Sutton’s time in the diocese was marked by his love of people and his outgoing and personable nature. His compassion, thoughtfulness and sense of humor, made him very approachable and these qualities helped him attract missionaries for the diocese. He made sure

Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas

By CMIC STAFF

Archbishop Emeritus of Keewatin-Le Pas Peter Sutton, O.M.I.: 1934-2015.

Archbishop Emeritus Peter Sutton, OMI: REMINISCENCES

1995: Three Oblate Archbishops: Archbishop Sutton, on right, with, from left, Archbishop Henri Légaré, O.M.I., and Archbishop Henri Goudreault, O.M.I.

CMIC File Photo

that the buildings were kept in good repair and that the worshipping environment was appropriate. During his 20 years as Archbishop, many new churches were built all over the diocese. He encouraged groups of adults from every community to take on a more active role in being church. In the later years, Archbishop Sutton O.M.I. dealt with the Residential School Issues as they came to the fore and was concerned about using a pastoral approach in his involvement with litigations and negotiations with the government. With files from Keewatin-Le Pas Archives: http://www.dioceseof keewatinlepas.ca/index.php/ example-pages 36 winter 2015

“My walls and shelves remind me of the people and places that have marked my life, from home on the Gaspé Coast to my last visits to faithful friends in Southwestern Ontario; from Labrador, Northern Quebec and its Lower North Shore; to Northern Manitoba and Northern Saskatchewan. “These mementos speak to me of the people who have journeyed with me during my fifty years of priesthood, including the thirty six years as Bishop of LabradorSchefferville and as Archbishop of Keewatin-The Pas. Friends of teen years still figure in my ‘remembering.’ They legitimately boast of their grandchildren who are my adopted nephews, nieces and grandchildren. I remember the many families who were part of my pastoral ministry. The agenda for our home visits keep me attuned to pastoral life today. The not-so-easy years called me to renewed faithfulness and a commitment to faithful transformation.” Excerpted from story by the late Oblate Archbishop Peter Sutton, from the December 17, 2010-Volume 7, Number 33 issue of OMI Lacombe. It features recollections of his vocation as a missionary bishop and priest, written from his room in Springhurst, where he lived in retirement with 14 Oblates and one diocesan priest.

Parish Mission awareness

‘ We’ll keep on working’

Missionary support high on Knights’ agenda By CMIC STAFF

Photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus Newmarket Council

aking care of Canada’s misassist the other 545 missionaries sionaries has become working across Canada”, says something of a tradition Dean Yeats, the Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus, of the Newmarket Council, Council 6643, of Newmarket, Ontario. In particular, a missionary priest, Father Bart Burke, who until his recent retirement, served the remote mission parish of Saint Bernadette in Sandy Lake in Northwestern Ontario. Each year, the Council planned and Dean Yeats, on right, Grand Knight of the held fundraising break- Newmarket Council, and Doug Andrews, treasurer, present cheque donation to the fasts or parish dances missions from their St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser. to raise awareness of the needs of our Canadian Mis- as he delivered another cheque sions and much-need funds to for $700.00 representing the assist Fr. Bart. profits from the most recent And now that Fr. Bart St. Patrick’s Day dance held to has retired? assist Catholic Missions “We’ll keep on working to In Canada. Catholic missions in canada 37

Year of Consecrated Life

The Oblates of Mary

Immaculate Oblatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; place in the history and development of archdiocese is worthy of recognition and gratitude By Archbishop Gerard Pettipas, C.Ss.R

In the following article, Archbishop Gerard Pettipas, C.Ss.R., shares his reflections on the Oblates, one of the religious communities who are ministering, or have served in the past, in the Archdiocese of GrouardMcLennan, as we celebrate the Year of the Consecrated Life.

hile there are no longer any Oblates to be found in the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan, their place in the history and development of this archdiocese is worthy of our recognition and gratitude. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) is a missionary congregation, 38 winter 2015

founded on January 25, 1816, by Saint Eugene de Mazenod. Eugene was born in 1782, at Aix-en-Provence, France, on the eve of the French Revolution. His parents were of the noble class and quite wealthy. Because the revolutionaries were intent on putting such persons to death, at the age of eight Eugene and his family fled to

Italy, where they remained for 11 years. Returning to France as a young man, he entered the Seminary of St. Sulpice and was ordained as a priest in 1811. At the time of their founding as a community of missionary priests and brothers, Eugene and four companions came together to preach missions in

“He has sent me to preach the Gospel to the poor,” has been adopted as the motto of the congregation. As the work of the congregation developed, the Oblates saw themselves not as specialists, except in facing urgent needs. “It was enough for bishops to come to our Founder and say to him: ‘I do not have anybody...’ for him to act, reexamine his manpower, cut personnel here and there, and release 2 or 3 men for these new needs … You see, it is a question of passion, of missionary concern.” Pope Leo XII approved the Society in 1826 under the name of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of the Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin Mary. Eugene de Mazenod became the Bishop of Marseille, France in 1837, but even in this role, continued to guide and direct his religious community. The Oblates came to Western Canada in 1844, while Eugene de Mazenod was still alive.

‘The Oblates came to Western Canada in 1844. They engaged themselves with great zeal in the growth of the Church in the western and northern reaches of Canada.’ Provencal. Their goal was to renew the Church in France after the Revolution, primarily to “Revive the spirit of faith among rural and industrial populations by means of missions and retreats, in which devotion to the Sacred Heart and to Mary Immaculate is recommended as a supernatural means of regeneration.” Citing the words of Jesus in the synagogue of Nazareth,

Catholic missions in canada 39

They engaged themselves with great zeal in the growth of the Church in western and northern reaches of Canada, working especially with our First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. At one time, there were several hundred Oblates serving in fourteen Provinces across Canada—there was even a Grouard Province dedicated to our diocese alone. At the time of St. Eugene de Mazenod’s death in 1861, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate numbered 417 priests and brothers, ministering in France, Great Britain, Canada,

the United States, South Africa and Sri Lanka. As of 2011, the congregation had approximately 4,400 members serving in numerous parts of the world. At present, there are three Oblate Provinces in Canada: OMI Lacombe (throughout Canada outside Quebec), the Notre-Dame du Cap Province (for French-speaking Canada), and the Assumption (Polish) Province. Archbishop Gerard Pettipas, C.Ss.R., is shepherd of the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan in Northern Alberta.

G u i de l i n e s f o r a c c e p ta n ce of

Clothing for our Missions Thank you for remembering the needs of our missionaries with donations of clothing and knitted goods for people living in our Northern missions. Here are a few guidelines for sending knitted or items of new clothing to our Canadian missions: • Please call us first! • Small donations are often the best! •B e prepared! Postage can be very expensive but it is usually the only way for your gift to get to its destination.

Our limited office space keeps us from accepting large donations. By covering the cost of shipping, you will allow us to send more funding directly to meet the needs of our missionaries.

T h a n k yo u f o r yo u r c a r e a n d c ompassion! 40 winter 2015

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

It is wonderfully fulfilling to do something good that lasts— something that makes a difference. Our Endowment Fund is growing and we couldn’t be more pleased. It means we can continue to support these four mission needs:

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

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

Photo by Rob Waymen

• The education and formation of seminarians and lay leaders

To establish an endowment, a minimum gift of $5,000 is required; this can be funded through smaller installments over a period of five years, as many of our donors have done. Your endowment gift will remain intact forever—the interest earned on your gift will provide a perpetual stream of financial support to our missions each and every year—a great way to keep giving, generation after generation.

c Please send me information on establishing an endowment Name_____________________________________________________________________

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

Address___________________________________________________________________ City_________________ Province__________Postal Code____________ Phone_______________________ Birthdate (D/M/Y) ________________ Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada, Gift Planning Office 201 – 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4T 1W2 Tel: 416-934-3424

Fax: 416-934-3425

Email request to: winnie@cmic.info

Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642)

Website: www.cmic.info

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Email_____________________________________________________

St. Bonaventure CWL Council

‘ Increase and multiply!’ Sharing talents through creative giving By DR. Kathleen Kufeldt

CALGARY, ALBERTA—The Gospels provide many examples of the continuation of the exhortation to “Increase and multiply” in the

opportunity to do this in support of Catholic Missions In Canada and our other charities. At the Catholic Women’s League National Convention in Edmonton in 2012, we were blessed to begin what has become an enduring friendship with those two great ambassadors for Catholic Missions In Canada: Kathleen Ancker, CMIC national development director, and Patricia Gyulay, CMIC outreach officer. During the convention, one

‘The crèche as a symbol of hope enables us to offer the gift of the visual presentation of Jesus’ Birth into parish families’ homes as well as send much-needed funds to CMIC and other charities.’ parables of the loaves and fishes, water into wine, and talents given to us. Our Council was given an 42 winter 2015

Photo courtesy of CWL St. Bonaventure Council-Calgary, Alberta

Kathleen Ancker, national director of development, Catholic Missions In Canada, on left, with CMIC outreach officer Patricia Gyulay, at 2012 Catholic Women’s League Convention.

of our members won CMIC’s grand draw, a beautiful Nativity set. Since our member already had one at home, she donated it to our Council and the decision was made to offer it as a Christmas raffle in our parish. We raised over $600 for our favourite charities. We noted also how popular this draw was with young families. It has now become an annual event. We have had other Nativity sets donated, and when necessary, have bought a set for the raffle. The crèche as a symbol of

hope enables us to offer the gift of the visual presentation of Jesus’ Birth into parish families’ homes as well as send muchneeded funds to CMIC and other charities. Dr. Kathleen Kufeldt is a member of the Catholic Women’s League St. Bonaventure Council in Calgary, Alberta. Dr. Kathleen Kufeldt is a member of the Catholic Women’s League St. Bonaventure Council in Calgary, Alberta. Catholic missions in canada 43

GIFT PLANNING

YOUR KINDNESS KEEPS MISSIONARIES GOING

The bounty of Our Lord is evident and bearing fruit as they serve in the vineyards of our missions BY WINNIE QUINN, CHARITABLE GIFTS MANAGER

ife goes on in our missions in good times and in bad as you see in the touching stories shared by Father Anthony Anh, Ursuline Sister Bernadette Feist, and Father Aidan Divine in the earlier pages of our magazine. And the bounty of Our Lord is evident and bearing fruit as they serve in the vineyards of our missions. Our missionaries live simple and austere lives following Christ’s call. They serve in churches with crumbling walls and antiquated heating systems, in horrible winters, which come earlier, last longer, and are much colder than many of us experience with sometimes not enough wood to keep the fire burning. But with your support they are able to keep going. Sister Bernadette receives a call at night asking, “Could you please come and pray with us? Mom will soon leave us, she’s asking for you.” She went and spent time with Irene and her family. 44 winter 2015

Finally, Sister said, “Now it is time for me to go.” Irene’s eyes lit up, shone like stars, and with a big smile on her face, she said: “And me, too.” She died the next morning. You, our donors, made Sister’s last visit to Irene possible. Father Devine struggles to share Christ with the people of Good Shepherd mission in Black Tickle, Labrador in extreme icy conditions. But, as he says, with the help of Catholic Missions In Canada’s donors, at least he is able to travel there. Father Anthony Anh started his ministry in Natuashish, Labrador, on August 15, 2014, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On September 2, a phone call woke him up in the middle of the night, “The caller told me that a 23-year-old man had just committed suicide by hanging.” Again, your gifts allowed him to be there for the family and community. These are just some of the

challenges and rewards our missionaries face. Your kindness and caring enable them to share the love of Christ with both the young and old in these isolated communities by providing food, heat, repair of churches and the all-important means to travel. Gifts of shares have become a popular way of giving for many of our donors. The reason for the increase in this type of gift is the favourable treatment of capital gains tax. When you gift shares to charity, there is no tax on your capital gains. The result is that many donors transfer some of their more highly-appreciated stock to Catholic Missions In Canada (CMIC). You pay no tax on your capital gain and you receive an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value of your stock at the time of your gift.

As Mr. and Mrs. Buckingham said several years ago, “by donating shares, it allows us to get a significant tax benefit and now that we don’t have to include any of the capital gain into our taxable income, there is no worry about clawbacks on our Old Age Security.” If you were to “sell” your shares and give Catholic Missions the cash, you would have to include the capital gain in your income and incur tax on 50 per cent of your gain, thus reducing the cash value of your shares. If you are considering a charitable contribution this year, gifting appreciated stock is one of the most effective means of tax savings available. How giving away $10,000 in stock can benefit you Take a look at the tax savings of donating securities versus selling

Sell Shares and Donate Cash

Donate Shares Directly to CMIC

$10,000

Cost basis

2,000

Capital Gain

8,000

Taxable gain (50%)

4,000

Tax on gain (assumes 46% marginal tax rate)

1,840

Tax savings on gift of shares

$1,840

Fair Market Value

Catholic missions in canada 45

your shares and donating the cash. The chart assumes you wish to donate shares of stock worth $10,000 that you purchased for $2,000 several years ago. If you would like to hear more about how you can keep

the fires burning in one of our missions this winter, or how to make a gift of shares, I will be pleased to assist you. You can reach me at 416-934-3424, or toll-free, at 1-866-937-2642, or email me at winnie@cmic.info.

Please send me information on Gift Annuities

I plan to leave a Gift in my Will to CMIC

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

Wills

Endowments

TFSAs

RRSP/RRIFs

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

Day

Joint: c Male

Month

Year

Female Birthdate: ______ /______ /______

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

Address ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ City _________________________ Province _________________________ Postal Code_______________ Phone________________________________

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Email ________________________________________________________ Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada 201 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4T 1W2 Tel: 416-934-3424 Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642) Email: winnie@cmic.info

46 winter 2015

Cath o l i c M i ssi o n s I n C a n a da’ s

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

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

Eparchy of New Westminster

tepan Dovhoshyia, a newly ordained priest from Ternopil Ukraine, who has been discerning his vocation to the priesthood in the Eparchy of New Westminster early this year, will soon join the Eparchy before Christmas, Bishop Ken Nowakowski announced recently. “Fr. Dovhoshyia completed all of his seminary formation in Ukraine and was ordained a subdeacon at our Church of the Holy

Dormition of the Mother of God in Richmond, British Columbia, and subsequently ordained deacon at Holy Eucharist Cathedral Parish in New Westminster.” Bishop Nowakowski says they hope to welcome the newly ordained Fr. Dovhoshyia and his wife Julia and son Lucas to the Eparchy before Christmas. The Eparchy of New Westminster serves Ukrainian Catholics in British Columbia and Yukon at its 12 parishes with its 10 priests.

Photo courtesy of Eparchy of New Westminster

A new priest at Christmas

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.

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