Return undelivered copies to: 1495 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2C6 www.archwinnipeg.ca The New Wine Press A Publication of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg (Publication Agreement No. 40628045) Vol. 10. No. 5 December 2010 Archbishop receives honorary degree from St. John’s College

rchbishop of Winni- in an age where the church counters with the arch- Apeg James Weisger- in the west might be thought bishop as “exceptionally ber, praised for his com- to have lost its voice, Arch- warm, and with a brilliantly mitment to social justice bishop Weisgerber’s elec- sharp wit and mind, a per- and pastoral ministry, tion as General Secretary son knows that they have received the honorary de- of the Canadian Confer- been heard as if they were gree of Doctor of Divinity ence of Catholic Bishops in the only one in the room. during the 144th annual 1990, Bishop of Saskatoon To bring together the need convocation at St. John’s in 1996, and Archbishop for large and statesmanlike College at the University of Winnipeg by Pope John thinking, with deep com- of Manitoba Nov. 7. Paul II in 2000, signals a mitment to Christ, and pas- The archbishop was pre- strong commitment to the toral engagement is truly a sented for the conferring of patterns of life and scholar- great gift in the life of the the degree by the Rev. Dr. ship that have characterized church and a sign of God’s John Stafford, the college’s his ministry throughout.” presence. And in you, we dean of theology and chap- Stafford said Weisgerber’s gladly receive this.” lain. Stafford called Weis- “vocal participation” in the Stafford said the list of gerber “a man of singular aboriginal apology pro- honours conferred on gifts, commitment, craft vided by Pope Benedict Weisgerber is “very exten- and contribution, in the ser- XVI to Canada’s First Na- sive both in the Church and vice of Christ, his church, Archbishop James Weisgerber with the Chancellor of St. John’s College, tions leaders in April 2009 in his home province,” in- and society.” the Right Rev. Donald Phillips, Bishop of Rupert’s Land. for the experiences suffered cluding the Saskatchewan Stafford said Weisger- at residential schools, and Order of Merit in 2005. Following degrees in phi- Wilcox, Sask., where he ishes in Regina and Fort ber’s “vigour and tenacity his continuing work in the “We honour your pres- losophy and theology at St. taught philosophy, religious Qu’Appelle. throughout his career must Truth and Reconciliation ence with us today and Paul’s University in Ottawa studies and French. “This is a key aspect of surely have received some process, “affirms that struc- give thanks for the ex- Weisgerber was ordained Stafford said Weisgerber’s Archbishop Weisgerber’s considerable inspiration tures, secular or sacred, can traordinary and manifest to the priesthood at Holy commitment to social jus- ministry,” said Stafford, “for from his prairie stock, in be made to work, and can gifts God has given to you Rosary Cathedral in Regina tice and pastoral ministry it strikes the sort of balance particular his birth and be- have the necessary depth and which you have given in 1963. “An academic fu- has been consistently ex- that is unwilling to place a ginnings in Vibank, Sask., of understanding to support to us,” Stafford said. ture was certainly taking pressed in word and action wedge between the life of and later at St. Peter’s Col- the reshaping of crucial re- shape,” said Stafford. Weis- and was evident during the mind and the pastoral lege in Muenster, Sask., in lationships in this country.” Contributed by gerber became Dean of Arts his years as rector of Holy consequences of the Gos- the Benedictine tradition.” Stafford described en- James Buchok at Notre Dame College in Rosary Cathedral and par- pel. What this means is that St. Benedict’s retreat centre celebrates 40th year he 40th anniversary enty miles north of Win- her 15 years as a Catholic Tof Winnipeg’s St. nipeg . lay person in her native Benedict’s Retreat and In 1923 the building at England. Conference Centre was Arborg was enlarged and In 1981 she moved to celebrated Sept. 17 with the monastery was re-lo- Chicago and earned a music, song and the tell- cated there, leaving the Masters in Theology and ing of one woman’s story convent in Winnipeg as a certification as an HIV of helping and healing. mission where the sisters counsellor. Edwina Gateley, who an- continued to teach. “I had a list of seven swered God’s call to live In 1961 a new priory things I could do and God and work with the pros- and girls’ academy were chose number eight. Tak- titutes of Chicago, gave erected on the present ing care of the little ones, thanks for St. Benedict’s 72- acre riverside site on the most marginalized, and those who heard the the northern outskirts of the prostitutes,” Gately call to create “a place of Winnipeg, on Masters said. hospitality to all. Look Avernue off Main Street. “I told them ‘you are at what God is doing in In 1970 in response to God’s work of art who that little corner of Mani- the call of Vatican II, the sees the beauty in all of toba,” she said. community undertook a His creations.’ ” St. Benedict’s was origi- self-study and renewal. In 1983 Gateley founded nally formed in 1912 by One of the results was From left, Dr. Moti Shojania, chair of the Winnipeg Arts Council, guest Genesis House in Chica- four Benedictine sisters the decision to close St. speaker Edwina Gateley, Sr. Mary Coswin OSB, Director of St. Benedict’s go to assist women who from Duluth, Minnesota Benedict’s Academy and Retreat and Conference Centre and Sr. Virginia Evard OSB, Prioress of St. choose to leave prosti- who established a monas- to reopen that same year Benedict’s Monastery. tution by offering them tic community in Winni- as St. Benedict’s Edu- al organizations and busi- providing pastoral care The Sisters of St. Bene- services and support. peg with a mission of ed- cational Centre which ness. in parishes and personal dict also own and operate Gateley said six hundred ucation and the practice became St. Benedict’s Today St. Benedict’s is care homes, providing re- St. Benedict’s Place, an women have left prostitu- of Christian charity. Retreat and Conference a community of 28 mo- ligious instruction in par- independent living resi- tion since Genesis House At that time, the sisters Centre. nastic women. ishes, schools and through dence for seniors located was started. taught at Holy Ghost Since 1970, St. Bene- The sisters’ endeav- correspondence, serving on the same site as the “God can work miracles School on Selkirk Avenue dict’s has hosted meet- ours over the years have as homemakers, minis- monastery and confer- but we have to go to the and opened an orphanage ings, retreats and in-ser- included building rural tering as retreat directors ence centre. edges,” she said. to care for 75 children. vices for groups from hospitals, staffing paro- and spiritual guides and “We celebrate their mis- In 1915 the orphan- various churches, gov- chial, private and public providing leadership in sion and their story,” said Contributed by age was transferred from ernment departments, schools, administering prayer, spirituality and Gateley as she led into her James Buchok Winnipeg to Arborg , sev- schools, other education- personal care homes, liturgy. own story beginning with 2 • The New Wine Press December 2010

Rene Bouchard leaves Ordination to Transitional Diaconate the Catholic Centre for St. Boniface College Eric Zadji will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on Friday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Rene Bouchard, diocesan Chief Financial St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Winnipeg. Officer, is leaving his position effective, Dec. 31 to become the Vice President (Finance, Eric is currently on Pastoral Internship at Administration and Resource Services) of St. Paul the Apostle Parish. St. Boniface College. Everyone is invited to a�end this important Archbishop Weisgerber expressed his grati- celebration in the life of our local church. tiude for Rene’s seven years of service. Rene Bouchard “While we wish Rene well in his new posi- tion, we are saddened to see him go; his leadership of the Fi- nancial Affairs of the Archdiocese has been exemplary. Rene has Christmas Gift Giving done so much to reorganize and renew our administration and for That Makes this we are grateful.” a Difference “I am sure that everyone, especially Pastors and those involved in Parish Financial Administration, will want to join me in thank- Finding it hard to buy a Christ- ing Rene for his leadership and wish him well in his new respon- mas gift for someone who has everything? Why not honour sibilities.” your loved one by giving a gift, in his/her name, to someone who is in need of everything? The Sisters of Our Lady of the 25 Years of Service Missions (RNDMs) of Canada, who have served the Arch- In September, Mrs. Arlie Poltronetti marked diocese since their arrival in her 25th year of service to the Archdiocese Manitoba in 1898, are inviting you “to partner in mission” with of Winnipeg as the administratiive assis- them through buying a Christ- tant to the Catholic Marriage Tribunal at the mas Gift that makes a differ- Catholic Centre in Winnipeg. Congratula- ence. The RNDMs “Christmas Gift that Makes a Difference” tions Arlie! provides you with a range of gifts for the Christmas season. When you buy one of these Arlie Poltronetti Gifts your contribution helps us to assist some of the poorest people in the world. For more details and/or to buy Director of Catechetics a Christmas Gift That Makes a Difference, please contact and Faith Formation Sr. Sheila Madden, rndm, at [email protected], or at In August, Judy Vermette joined the Catho- [email protected] or at (204) lic Centre, Archdiocese of Winnipeg as Di- 253-0767; (204) 219-3573. rector of Catechetics and Faith Formation. Judy comes to us from St. Bernadette’s Par- ish, Archdiocese of St. Boniface, where she held the position of Pastoral Associate. Judy also has several years experience coordinat- ing parish Catechetical programs. Judy Vermette

Director of Youth Ministry

In August, Erin Kinsella joined the Catholic Centre, Archdiocese of Winnipeg as Direc- tor of Youth Ministry. Erin comes to us from Stittsville, Ont.. In 2004 Erin received her Bachelor of Science degree from Dalhousie University. In the past few years Erin has worked as a Youth Ministry Coordinator at Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Ottawa Erin Kinsella as well as a volunteer team member with NET Ministries of Canada.

Coordinator for Pastoral Councils Archbishop Weisgerber has announced the appointment of Sis- ter Rose Mary Sander, SSND as the Coordinator for Pastoral Councils for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. After some time in the U.S., Sr. Rose Mary has retumed to the Archdiocese of Winnipeg and will help facilitate the Archdioc- esan Pastoral Council and the Deanery Pastoral Councils. This appointment is effective December 7, 2010. December 2010 The New Wine Press • 3 Come Journey through Your Grief Living Waters Bereavement Group iving Waters Colum- agement that might not Participation is limited to 10 Session 1 Jan. 10 7:30 pm Lbarium is pleased to otherwise be found in the spaces. To register, please Introductions offer a Bereavement pro- months and years following contact Monique at 475- Understanding Grief cess for those mourning the loss of a loved one. 7577 or livingwaters@mts. the loss of a loved one. When should you begin net. There is no registration Session 2 Jan. 17 7:30 pm Participants have the op- – immediately or further cost; however a free-will Your Loss portunity to connect with down the road? While it donation will be gratefully Other Losses others who are journeying is recommended to wait at accepted at the conclusion Session 3 Jan. 24 7:30 pm through loss, in a support- least three months before of the process. The ses- Regrets ive and caring environ- participating in a bereave- sions will take place at St God Working Through Others ment. Through the lens of ment process, the ‘right’ Gianna’s Parish Centre, Session 4 Jan. 31 7:30 pm the Catholic faith, they will timing varies from one per- located at 1353 Kenaston explore their grief and the son to the next, and can be Blvd. Please visit the Liv- The Afterlife challenges and blessings of Monique Gauthier beneficial even years after ing Waters Columbarium Gratitude in the Midst of Dark Times engaging in a new reality. people’s stories may give the loss. Listen to your heart website at www.livingwa- Session 5 Feb. 14 7:30 pm Participating in a you the confidence to share and explore the opportuni- terswpg.ca to learn more Letting go of the Old: bereavement process your own. ties before you. about the columbarium and Living in the Present Moment A bereavement group of- All too often, those who Our Bereavement process the critical ministry unfold- Session 6 Feb. 21 7:30pm mourn grieve alone. How- fers a safe place where per- is open to all members of the ing within. Your Body and Your Health mission to grieve is granted. ever, grief needs to be Catholic community who The process may not pro- shared. Grievers need to are mourning the loss of a Contributed by Living Well and Dying Well vide participants with im- hear and know that they are loved one, whether recent Monique Gauthier Session 7 Feb. 28 7:30 pm mediate answers, but does not alone in their thoughts, or in the past. The group Director, Life is Changed, Not Ended… provide opportunities to ask feelings and responses in will meet for 7 sessions, on Living Waters Celebrating Special Occasions questions and interact with day to day situations. The Monday evenings, begin- Columbarium After Your Loved One’s Death others who are on a grief connectedness of the group ning January 10th. (Please journey. Hearing other offers support and encour- refer to the outline below.) Sol Kanee Lecture: Forgiving the unforgiveable

s Canada’s Truth and “Demonizing humanity.” bers and in some cases those forces an offender to unearth AReconciliation Com- She explained how during family members were able the deep causes for what he mission continues its inves- them as apartheid the South African to forgive them. has done and frame them in tigation into Indian Residen- monsters lets government would pay and “These processes affirm the reflection of human lives tial Schools, a member of arm blacks to infiltrate the victims and for many it is he has shattered. It is at once South Africa’s post-apart- them off anti-apartheid African Na- the first time for them to hear punishment and healing.” heid inquiry says it is pos- too easily. tional Congress which led to what happened to their loved Gobodo-Madikizela said sible for victims of cruelty to the exposure and murders of ones. The value of hearing dialogue will not erase every forgive the unforgivable. Dialogue many ANC supporters. that story allows them to problem in a deeply divided “The perception that some forces an Her book, A Human Being connect the trauma to the country but it can create oth- acts are unforgivable has offender to Died That Night: A Story of person who caused it and er avenues for accepting. “It to be rethought,” said Dr. Forgiveness is an account of that is why it is so important humanizes victims and rec- Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela unearth the her interviews with a state- to have the perpetrator pres- ognizes the worst criminals as she presented the eighth Dr. Pumla causes for what sanctioned mass murderer. ent, so the victim receives a as human beings.” annual Sol Kanee Lecture Gobodo-Madikizela The book focuses on her sense of acknowledgement She said society must con- on Peace and Justice in Win- he has done” growing empathy for those for their pain.” tinue to create opportunities nipeg Sept. 29. The lecture lations Committee of the pushed by a cruel system “Remorse transcends the such as the TRC. “It’s so before.” is hosted by the Arthur V. South African Truth and into losing their morality and evil deeds of the perpetrator important to have leadership She said the South Afri- Mauro Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Commission becoming killers. and it presents the perpetra- in this process. South Africa can process introduced a Justice at St. Paul’s College from 1995 to 1998. She said Gobodo-Madikizela said tor as a wounded other and had leaders with a real desire new language to help vic- at the University of Mani- in contemplating forgive- during the South African becomes a self punishment,” for change.” tims heal and to restore the toba. ness for the unforgivable, TRC some murderers came she said. “Demonizing them perpetrators of horrendous Gobodo-Madikizela served “we ventured into a terrain forward and asked to meet as monsters lets them off too Contributed by deeds “to their own sense of on the Human Rights Vio- that was never considered their victim’s family mem- easily. Sustained dialogue By James Buchok Hanley Lectures: Church fails to practice what it preaches about women he Catholic Church has XVI visited Africa in March, Sowle Cahill said many vulnerable, which are often Twritten and said much 2009 he said discrimination U.S. bishops Catholics are not against the women. The bill, passed in support of women’s rights is not part of God’s plan and opposed health use of condoms “if it’s the last March, includes a presi- but an American professor spoke of the plight of African method used to decide the dential order that no federal of theology says the follow women. “I call everyone’s care reforms number and spacing of chil- funds would be used to pro- through on those teachings attention to these adverse making health dren,” which is the basis for cure abortions or to fund “is extremely weak.” conditions and the role of natural family planning. plans that cover abortions. “The church should be men,” said the Pope. care accessible And while she teaches at The U.S. bishops deemed practicing much more fully Sowle Cahill said that while to society’s one of the oldest Jesuit uni- the executive order insuf- what it is preaching,” said women make up 50 per cent versities in the United States ficient while the Catholic Lisa Sowle Cahill as she of the population of Africa most vulner- she said Jesuit education is Health Association repre- presented her third and final they represent 61 per cent able, which are directed much more to boys senting 1,200 Catholic hos- lecture in the annual Hanley of AIDS cases primarily be- “and often the elite. Educa- pitals endorsed the bill. Lecture Series at Winnipeg’s cause of the actions of men. often women. tion of girls is essential to the “There are groups that have Lisa Sowle Cahill St. Paul’s College Oct. 14. She explained that husbands flourishing of women.” an investment in women’s Sowle Cahill, a profes- will commonly have extra “The primary use of con- problem is going to affect Sowle Cahill said in the lower positions,” she said. sor at Boston College since marital affairs and practice doms would be to stop women more than men.” U.S. abortion rates among “But the Gospel and so- 1976 and past president of unprotected sex, later infect- spread of disease not prevent In a recent interview the women living in poverty are ciety demand that this be the Catholic Theological ing their wives. She calls for conception but this is resist- Pope said the use of con- 300 times higher yet U.S. changed.” Society of America and the the church’s acceptance of ed tooth and nail by bishops doms can be justified in bishops opposed health care Contributed by Society of Christian Ethics, the use of condoms to stop except some African bish- some cases, but not between reforms making health care James Buchok said when Pope Benedict the spread of disease. ops. It is sexism because the a husband and wife. accessible to society’s most

The New Wine Press is published bi-monthly. It is distributed free to all The parishes in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. Printed and distributed by the Prolific Group, Winnipeg. Mail all correspondence to: Communications, 1495 Pembina High- way, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2C6. Telephone (204)452-2227; fax (204)453-8236. E-mail: ress [email protected]. New Wine P Web site: www.archwinnipeg.ca Publication Agreement No. 40628045 A publication of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg Editor: James Buchok 4 • The New Wine Press December 2010 Students at Stewardship – We get it! St. Maurice s our understanding Aof stewardship deep- work for ens we really do ‘get it’, social justice and once we get it we see it everywhere. We see it not artin Luther King Jr. as a single or particular ac- Msaid, “Injustice any- tion but as a lifestyle that is where is a threat to justice rooted in our faith. We are everywhere.” faced with many choices This is the motto of the every day. Stewardship is St. Maurice School Social a way of life that is freely Justice Committee (SJC), chosen. It is one way we an organization dedicated to The St. Maurice School Social Justice Committee express what it means to helping the less fortunate in is participating in Fill the Food Banks. be a disciple. It means liv- our faith, our discipleship, The ASAC encourages all our community and around ing a Christ-centered life Soup. goal – with one week still and our stewardship. It’s parishes to explore ways in the world. Last fall, six as opposed to a self-cen- The SJC began promot- remaining in the campaign. not easy to be a disciple which these virtues may be grade ten students formed tered life. In doing so, then ing this campaign at the As great as the response and a good steward to- cultivated in our lives and SJC with the intentions of the daily choices we make, beginning of October and has been, the greatest ben- day. When it comes right in our faith communities. promoting the idea of social at home, at work, in the justice within the school. received an immediate and efit of the campaign is the down to it, stewardship There are many fruits to be community, in our parish, Since its formation, the SJC overwhelming response awareness it has raised in and discipleship are the discovered in living these are a function of how we has grown to 24 members from students. In just one students, especially those work of a life time. The virtues. Please contact the from grade nine to eleven. day, over 400 food items in early elementary. Stu- live our faith. Archdiocesan Stewardship Stewardship Office at This fall, the SJC is par- were collected. One of St. dents really identified and We are blessed as a church Advisory Council (ASAC) 452.2227, ext 228 for more ticipating in Fill the Food Maurice’s grade one classes empathized with those in in the Archdiocese of Win- has identified 10 virtues, information, on resources, Banks, an initiative run brought in 66 items on the our community – especially nipeg to have a wonderful or good characteristics, workshops or retreats. by Shaw TV’s Together is campaign’s launch date, children – who go hungry vision for what it means of the Christian steward. which earned them a spot Amazing movement. This on a daily basis. to be church – Building a Cultivating these virtues Contributed by on a Shaw TV telethon for campaign encourages stu- Thank you students and Church of Communion. in our lives makes being a Dan Potvin dents from various schools Fill the Food Banks. families of St. Maurice! From now until the sum- In just three short weeks, disciple today much easi- Director of Stewardship to donate non-perishable mer of 2012 we will be er. These virtues include and Development the students of St. Maurice Contributed by food items to Winnipeg Har- exploring how steward- prayer, humility, trust, pa- for the Archdiocese vest. Every pound of food have donated an incredible St. Maurice School ship is vital to that vision. total of 1502 non-perishable Social Justice Committee tience, responsibility, grati- of Winnipeg donated will be doubled by There are many ways in tude, generosity, simplicity, both Shaw and Campbell food items – beating our which each of us lives out mercy and perseverance. Celebrating Advent in Its Fullness dvent, like time, and freedom for which they complete. This is the pur- Acomes in three dimen- so earnestly hoped. pose for which we were cre- sions: the past, the present As Christians, we believe ated; it is the longing of our and the future. If we are to Jesus is the Messiah who spirits. celebrate Advent in its full- brings peace and freedom We need to share with ness and help our children by revealing to us the king- our young people the full to do the same, we need to dom of God. Jesus comes understanding of Advent. incorporate each of these di- not as a warrior-king but as Advent is a story of hope mensions into the Liturgical a teacher and healer who fulfilled in Jesus and hopes season of Advent. shows humans how to live yet to be fulfilled at the end In the past our Hebrew in keeping with the plan of of time. When we know the ancestors waited for the ar- God. So each Advent we full meaning of Advent the rival of the promised Mes- prepare our hearts to joy- prayer in the Liturgy takes siah. They looked forward fully welcome the birth of on a deeper meaning, “as to the coming of a great Jesus at Christmas. This we wait in joyful hope for Knights of Captain Miles MacDonell Assembly warrior-king who would is the present dimension of the coming of our Savior protect their small nation Advent, each year we pre- Jesus Christ.” Then we will present annual contribution to Catholic schools from powerful neighbours, pare to celebrate Jesus the have celebrated Advent in On May 24 the Captain Miles MacDonell Assembly presented the prin- a constant threat to their Messiah yet again. its fullness. cipal of St. John Brebeuf school with a cheque for $15,750 raised at peace and security. Israel As followers of Jesus we the knights’ annual dinner and draw fundraiser held in April. Every was surrounded by mighty hope for the day when Jesus Contributed by year a different catholic school is chosen to be the recipient of the empires, the Assyrians to will return to take us home Leonard Ernst funds raised. Above, from left, are SK Lawrence Luba, Al Seredyn- the north, the Egyptians to to eternal life. This is the Associate Director ski, principal Laura Carreiro, past pastor at St. John Brebeuf Church the west and the Babylo- future aspect of Advent we of Catechetics Rev. Msgr. D. Ward Jamieson, SK Larry Zarychanski and SK Robert nians to the east. The Mes- celebrate. God’s plan will Westman Deanery Girouard. siah would ensure the peace be fulfilled and all will be Advent at the seminary is a blessed time of waiting suppose that if you’d do ing that advent is all about. the Magnificat change so Christ with Christmas, I will Advent is a time when we I one of those word associ- Here at the seminary we that their first letters spell ask myself this year: ‘what as seminarians are intensely ation tests on the word ‘ad- are in a fortunate position out the Latin words “Ero would it be like if Christ waiting, because it is the vent’ the other word you’d as our period of waiting is Cras” – “Tomorrow I will were to come into my life as best preparation we can immediately come up with made a little easier through come.” if for the first time?’ give ourselves for the com- is ‘calendar.’ We seem to the celebration of our daily During our daily Mass Advent is confronting our- ing semester. As for me, I need the daily chocolate to liturgies. we will read the beautiful selves with the times we’ve admit that I am also waiting help us get through advent. For our morning and eve- prophecies from the Old not let God into our lives a to come back to Winnipeg Advent is a season of wait- ning prayer we use a differ- Testament, especially the bit more fully and radically. and hopefully I will be able ing, but once we’ve said ent breviary, where many of powerful metaphors of Isa- While exams and papers are to meet with some of you in waiting, that doesn’t sound our prayers have changed iah about how the people on our mind and our days our celebrations and gather- all too attractive, does it? a little. For example, the were waiting for an end to are busy enough, we try to ings throughout the diocese. If anything, our day and beautiful morning prayer slavery and longing to be adopt an attitude in which Until then, I wish you a age has made it very hard responsory “Your light will back home again. we face the truth – about blessed time of waiting! for us to really wait. We kind Sebastiaan Benders come, Jerusalem, the Lord But despite all these helpful our own ‘slavery’ and our Sebastiaan Benders is one of like to get what we want, will dawn on you in radi- ‘tools’ the Church is offering own longing to be home, so of six of the Archdiocese of when we want it. Weeks our advent calendar, we’re ant beauty” recalls the de- us (and you!), it is a time of that at Christmas we can say Winnipeg’s seminarians. He before Christmas we are al- all quite busy buying pres- sire that the people of Israel waiting that we can only en- ‘yes’ to God’s light coming is studying at St. Joseph ready saturated with Christ- ents and food, putting our had as they longed for their ter into through a conscious into the world, rather than Seminary in Edmonton. mas carols and by the time decorations up and sending Saviour. In the days before decision of our own. remaining in our own dark- His website is located at we reach the last days of Christmas cards. Christmas the antiphons for As we await the coming of ness. www.sebastiaanbenders.nl This is hardly the wait- December 2010 The New Wine Press • 5 Archbishop bestows award for dedicated service to education on Joe Stangl rchbishop James Weis- School Question and lead- cational tax dollars paid to the Agerber has bestowed the ing the effort to get provin- province. Archbishop’s Award in ap- cial funding for independent In the 1970s the Royal Com- preciation of dedicated service schools. mission on Education recom- and leadership to Catholic ed- Manitoba had not funded mended support to indepen- ucation to Joseph Stangl, who Catholic schools since 1890 dent schools at 80 per cent served Catholic schools for although public funding of of the grant to public schools decades and was instrumental Catholic schools was guaran- and in 1990 such a funding in securing government fund- teed in the Manitoba Act of agreement was reached with ing for the schools. 1870. In 1890 a non denomi- the Manitoba government. In Presenting the award on be- national public school system the early 1990s monetary re- half of the Archbishop, the was created and public fund- straints forced the government Vicar General Rev. Msgr. D. ing of all but public schools to freeze education funding Ward Jamieson said Stangl is ended to public schools and inde- “a shining example of the gift The MAEE was founded by pendent schools and under of stewardship.” parents who believed in pa- a new agreement funding to “We’ve had many struggles rental rights in education. Its independent schools became over the Catholic school sys- aim was to promote equal ed- 50 per cent in 1996. Manitoba tem and how to fund it and we ucational opportunities for all Catholic schools are currently wouldn’t be where we are to- children in Manitoba at both funded by the government at day without Joe Stangl,” said public and private schools. $4,600 per pupil. Jamieson. The group believed in the right Bringing greetings from the In his acceptance speech Rev. Msgr. Ward Jamieson, left, and Joe Stangl. to choose the school they wish Canadian Catholic Schools Stangl, 92, originally from their children to attend. Trustees Association Mar- Quantock, Sask., said over the Cvitkovitch. provincially, nationally and In 1968 Stangl became presi- The MAEE joined with garet Kingdon said Stangl’s years there have been many After retiring from a success- in some cases internationally dent of the Manitoba Associa- other organizations to form work had reached “far be- people who have given their ful career in business Stangl in Catholic and independent tion for Equality in Education the MFIS in 1974 and under yond” Manitoba’s borders. time and talents in the service devoted himself to active vol- school education. (MAEE), the precursor to the Stangl’s leadership discus- Joe is a well known figure of Catholic schools. “None of unteerism including 13 years In 1958 he was honoured present Manitoba Federation sions with governments con- throughout Canada,” she said. these things were done just as secretary treasurer of St. with a Papal Knighthood, of Independent Schools. tinued. The goal of the MFIS by myself,” he said, mak- Paul’s High School in Win- Knight of St. Gregory the Stangl is best known for was the adequate funding of Contributed by ing particular mention of the nipeg. Great (KSG). In 1979 he re- taking on the challenge of the independent schools stu- James Buchok contributions of lawyer Frank He became involved locally, ceived the Order of Canada. the long-standing Manitoba dents’ education from the edu- Jubilee Fund holds sixth auction anitoba’s Jubilee Fund Mheld its sixth annual art and antique auction Oct. 19 as it continues its work in sup- port of community projects including housing, day cares, small businesses and worker co-ops. More than 100 fund sup- porters filled the parish hall at Winnipeg’s St. John Brebeuf Church to bid on paintings, antiques, soapstone carvings and collector’s items donated by local artists, businesses and individuals. There was also a Recent project to solve flooding problems has thus far proven successful. silent auction of gift baskets, Fund development manager Rita Borthwick gift certificates and other Forecast for St. Mary’s Cemetery items. The fund is managed by a An example of the fund’s The mission of the Jubilee 12-member volunteer board activities is the Explorer’s Fund is to advocate economic of directors. For events such as Children’s Centre Inc. daycare calls for a dry spring and summer opportunity for all members the auction the fund depends serving families in Winnipeg’s fter years of extensive a really high level of skill and the system is a success and of society through ethical and on a number of supporters to Weston community. The day- Aspring flooding at St. sensitivity,” said Rech, whose should be effective for many socially responsible financ- plan and staff the function. care is located in the basement Mary’s Cemetery, located at firm has been working in the years to come people should ing of community economic “We have a group that works of a church which has been 520 Osborne Street in Win- city for 30 years, primarily in not expect miracles. development initiatives. The sold, so the daycare needs a nipeg, the Board of Directors commercial projects. “When spring snow is just fund provides flexible financ- The Fund’s mission new home. It was able to se- of Catholic Cemeteries Man- Rech said there had been standing there it will melt at ing in the form of loan guaran- is to provide cure a fifteen year lease for an agement Inc. is confident the so much settlement over the the first sight of the sun and tees for groups and individuals old fire hall in the neighbor- situation has been largely re- decades in the 126-year-old there will be ground water ac- who cannot qualify for tradi- socially responsible hood which would also allow solved. cemetery that the surface al- cumulating until the ground tional financing. According to financing for it to expand its capacity from 50 children to 66. Renova- An extensive drainage and lowed puddles as wide as 20 thaws,” says Rech, which is its website The Jubilee Fund community landscape project was com- to 50 feet to form, with no- the same case as any home- “seeks to raise awareness and tions costing up to $700,000 pleted in November 2009 and where to drain. owner’s yard or playing field address poverty and injus- development were required and were made it passed its first big test in the Compounding the problems in the city. tice.” initiatives. possible by a number of foun- spring and summer of 2010, were the generations of de- The Board and management The fund receives its financial dations, a loan from a credit which was one of the wettest velopment and buildup in the are pleased to announce this resources from memberships, union and a loan guarantee years on record. A system of busy neighbourhood which major improvement to the donations, fundraising events, by consensus,” says Borth- from the Jubilee Fund. four-inch wide and 18-inch left the cemetery lower than property, and wish to express foundations, corporations and wick. “They all care and they Meanwhile, in Winnipeg’s deep drainage trenches con- the surrounding roads, side- their appreciation to the Cath- a grant from the Government want to help and make a dif- North End, the Jubilee Fund taining plastic pipes and back- walks and alleys. Excessive olic community for its contin- of Manitoba. ference.” Borthwick has been helped Neechi Foods Co-Op filled with coarse sand form rain or spring melt couldn’t ued support. Fund development manager with the fund for eight of its 16 expand to a large property Rita Borthwick said the auc- years. on Main Street where it will the framework of the project. readily drain away and the St. Mary’s Cemetery and As- tion provides between five The fund also earns interest anchor a retail, restaurant and The system drains into the city curbs, paths and roadways sumption Cemetery on Por- and ten per cent of the fund’s from its Jubilee Investment food complex to be known sewer system. within the cemetery added tage Avenue West are operated annual budget. Certificates purchased by in- as Neechi Commons. Neechi Mr. Ken Rech of Ken Rech to the problem by retaining under the direction of Catholic Borthwick said donations of dividuals and organizations in is in its twentieth year as an Landscape Architects Inc., the water. The grounds staff Cemeteries Management Inc., art come from various sources the form of three or five year aboriginal, inner-city coopera- the firm hired to design and would do its part working an organization under the including from people who term deposits. These funds are tive owned and operated by its oversee the installation of the to pump the water off but in auspices of the Archdiocese of are moving to smaller homes. pooled together into a single workers. drainage system, said the big- a difficult spring the water Winnipeg. gest challenge was digging would accumulate as fast as it “That seems to happen every fund and used to secure and Contributed by Contributed by narrow trenches in tight areas could be removed. year,” she said. “It’s just a one- leverage loans for community James Buchok James Buchok on sacred ground. “It required But, cautions Rech, although time gift.” initiatives. 6 • The New Wine Press December 2010

Archdiocese of Winnipeg Annual Financial Report Archdiocesan Dear sisters and brothers, me in the financial resourc- Bouchard, will be leaving The statement that we are Rene Bouchard at 478- Finance nce again we are es of the Archdiocese. We us at the end of December. presenting reflects the fi- 3203. Opleased to present our are also blessed to have a On your behalf, I would nancial report of the Arch- Once again thanks for Council statement of operations; as strong team in the finance like to thank him for his diocese on June 30, 2010. your generosity! always, the report speaks of department at the Catholic leadership over the past The complete audited re- Most Reverend your generosity. Centre. seven years and wish him port has been approved by V. James Weisgerber

We are fortunate to have a Unfortunately, as you well in his new position at the members of the Finance Reverend very active and competent are aware, our Financial St. Boniface College. We Council. If you would like +V. James Weisgerber W. Richard Arsenault finance council who advise Administrator, Mr. Rene will certainly miss him. more details, please contact Archbishop of Winnipeg Rene Bouchard Roman Catholic Archiepiscopal Corporation of Winnipeg Charles Henaire 2010 Financial Highlights Operating Fund Reverend Statement of Operations Monsignor D. Ward e are pleased to pro- Expenditures For the Year Ended June 30, 2010 Jamieson Wvide this report on Expenditures for pastoral the operating revenues and and support services totaled Ralph Piasta 2010 2009 Guy Prefontaine expenditures of the Roman $1,129,000, similar to the $ $ Catholic Archiepiscopal previous year. Expenditures Revenues Silva de Sousa Corporation of Winnipeg for increased in a number of Annual appeal (Sharing God's Gifts) 1,592,842 1,543,537 Bruce Ward the fiscal year ended June ministry areas including Parish assessment 518,253 509,018 Geraldine Willcock 30, 2010. The accompany- the marriage tribunal (mi- Donations, grants and bequests 137,516 198,813 ing Statement of Operations, nor addition to staffing and Administration fees and other 93,368 96,871 which is drawn from the au- increased case fees), youth Catholic schools assessment 79,040 70,717 Archdiocese dited financial statements and young adult ministry Workshops, conferences and programs 73,225 36,469 of the Corporation, summa- (increased program activi- Interest and investment income 52,290 86,624 of Winnipeg rizes the sources of revenue ties), and the diaconate and Marriage tribunal fees 33,655 15,687 and lists the ministry areas lay formation programs (re- Deferred contributions 21,650 19,810 Debt recovery - 120,000 Fast Facts and services provided to the turn to full activity levels in parishes and missions of the the Nathanael and The Sum- Total revenues 2,601,839 2,697,546 Catholic population Archdiocese of Winnipeg. mons programs following a 155,000 Revenues “hiatus” year 2009). Offset- Expenditures The Sharing God’s Gifts ting these were reductions Pastoral and support services Deaneries and parishes annual appeal and the parish in such areas as pastoral ser- Catholic schools 172,958 163,054 assessment continue to gen- vices and human resources, Marriage tribunal 140,036 119,704 Deaneries - 6 erate the major portion of which were mainly due to Religious education 139,237 139,230 Parishes - 66 archdiocesan funding. Com- staffing vacancies during Chaplaincy 109,482 99,310 Missions - 24 Youth and young adult 81,262 63,274 bined contributions totaled portions of the year. Diaconate and lay formation programs 80,491 36,948 Reduced Service $2,111,000 in 2010 for an Chancery and archdiocesan Stewardship 71,603 81,035 Churches - 11 increase of $59,000 (+3%) administration expenditures Communications 64,104 62,117 over 2009, and represented increased by $18,000 to First Nations outreach 54,079 43,419 Priests and Religious 81% of total revenues. $516,000 in 2010 (+4%). In Social justice (Micah House) 42,184 57,403 Diocesan Priests Donations, grants and be- addition to costs associated Pastoral services 38,323 72,169 quests totaled $138,000 in with the offices of the Arch- Human resources 32,829 68,891 (including retired Archives and other diocesan programs 25,823 29,348 2010, and included funding bishop and the Moderator Priests) - 63 Diocesan Pastoral Renewal 18,126 21,273 Religious Priests - 23 directed towards the West- of the Curia, these expenses Diocesan conferences 18,032 9,720 man First Nations outreach, include salaries and benefits Diocesan celebrations and commissions 16,843 32,806 Deacons - 19 Religious Education in related to the Chancery’s Ecumenism 12,340 13,864 Seminarians - 6 the Parkland and Westman secretarial, accounting and Diocesan insurance program 11,665 14,401 Brothers - 1 deaneries, and Micah House financial management func- Total pastoral and support services 1,129,417 1,127,966 Sisters - 115 - the Archdiocesan Office of tions and such items as com- Chancery and archdiocesan administration 515,924 497,822 Social Justice. Revenues de- munications, office supplies Priests' pension, professional development and care 344,483 461,792 The Sacraments creased by $61,000 (-31%) and travel. Increased costs in Mission support 164,116 199,401 from the previous year, re- 2010 were mainly attribut- Building operations 102,202 99,004 Baptisms – 1659 flecting a reduction in both able to additional travel re- Appeal expenditures 50,803 45,572 First Communions project-specific grants and quirements and incremental Conference of Bishops 39,667 40,738 bequests. annual salary adjustments. Banking and investment fees 34,930 33,049 – 1081 Other revenue sources ex- Priests’ pension and sup- Donations 29,660 20,240 Confirmations – 827 perienced varying levels of port totaled $344,000, com- Professional fees 22,629 17,157 Marriages – 329 fluctuation as the result of pared to $462,000 in 2009 Christian Initiation Total expenditures 2,433,831 2,542,741 particular initiatives and (-$117,000 or -25%). The of Adults – 43 Excess of revenues over expenditures 168,008 154,805 activities during the year. reduction mainly reflects a Notably, interest and in- “leveling out” of contribu- as well as increased expen- from 2009. which $45,000 was applied vestment income continued tions to the priests’ pen- ditures for priests’ forma- Results towards capital expenditures Catholic Schools to decline, decreasing to sion plan to $241,000 from tion and care. These operating activi- in that year. $52,000 (-$34,000 or 40%) a high of $415,000 in the Other major items include ties resulted in an excess of Concluding Comments Parish Schools - 7 due to continuing reductions prior year, when additional revenue over expenditures The Archdiocese of Win- mission support and building Schools run by in market interest rates. As funds were contributed as operations. Support to home of $168,000 for 2010. Of nipeg, its parishes and mis- well, revenues for 2009 had part of the ongoing program this amount, $57,000 was sions once again express our religious orders - 2 missions in 2010 decreased Number of students in benefited from the recovery to fund the existing pension by $35,000 to $164,000 (- used to fund capital asset gratitude and recognition all schools - 3,262 of a $120,000 loan provided shortfall. This decrease in 18%) as the result of cer- purchases during the year, to all who contribute their to another Canadian diocese pension costs was partially tain specific requirements including the replacement time, skills and resources Cathechetics ten years earlier. offset by $30,000 in travel, in 2009. Building expenses of carpeting and boardroom to the needs of the Church Total revenues for 2010 support and formation ex- remained relatively stable at renovations at the Catholic in our communities. It is equaled $2,602,000. The penditures associated with $102,000 (+3%). Centre. The remainder of through your commitment Number of children in reduction of $96,000 (-4%) international priests in 2010 Total expenditures equaled the surplus was added to the and generosity that we may Cathechetics from the previous year re- (in previous years, these had $2,434,000 in 2010, for a operating fund balance. continue to respond and to - 3,900 flects the impact of the loan been funded by trust funds decrease of $109,000 (-4%) The comparative surplus serve. recovery. received for that purpose), for 2009 was $155,000, of Revenues Expenditures December 2010 The New Wine Press • 7 The View from Micah House

aper, paper everywhere. . . . In this supposedly Ppaperless world the mounds on my desk sel- dom seem to diminish. Hidden amongst them is a Areas of service in the CLC include working for the betterment of the marginalized in our cities, message that challenges the systems by which we supporting refugees and other new Canadians, environmental causes and disaster aid. live in our country. The first piece of paper was a comic like story Ever heard of Christian Life Community (CLC)? that chronicled twelve separate systems. Each was hristian Life Commu- of prayer and apostolic mis- countries around the world, of finding God in all things; deemed inaccessible by the ordinary people. The Cnity, commonly called sion. In Canada, there are by our common charism and of fostering our de- system that was totally accessible was the prison CLC, is an official lay as- more than 60 communities and our shared desire to live sire to work with Jesus for system. That system, which deals with a high pro- sociation of the Catholic in five regions: Atlantic, our lives as companions of the fulfillment of his mis- portion of vulnerable people, was allotted a huge Church. CLC has a rich, Quebec (where it is called Jesus, called to be one ap- sion in our world. We do amount of money at the expense of underfunding 500-year history, reach- Communauté de vie chré- ostolic body continuing his this through the practice of ing back to St. Ignatius of tienne, or CVX), Central, mission in the world. regular prayer, and through other systems such as medical, educational, recre- Loyola, of forming adults Prairie, and Rockies/B.C. Our specific areas of ser- individual and communal ational, income assurance and so on. in prayer, community, ser- regions. Here in the Prairie vice in this mission are as discernment, so that we can It appears that systems have largely replaced the vice and mission. Although region, there are five com- diverse as we are. Some of discover how God speaks Great Commandment: “Love the Lord your God its origins are in the Roman munities: four in Winnipeg, us work directly with the to us, and calls each of us with all your heart, mind and soul and love your Catholic tradition, CLC’s and one in Thunder Bay. marginalized of our own to participate in the grand way of life is also open to Formation in the CLC way cities; some work for so- mission and adventure of neighbour as yourself.” The answer to the com- members of other Christian of life takes place within cial justice for aboriginal Christ. plexities and needs of communities and individu- traditions. these small communi- Canadians; some support If you’re interested in als has led to organizational structures that allow The spirituality of CLC is ties, with the leadership of refugees and other new finding out more about Christians and non-Christians alike to distance rooted in the gospel and the trained guides, and with the Canadians; some cham- Christian Life Community, themselves from the needs and pains of commu- life of the church. It is also counsel of an Ecclesial As- pion environmental causes. please contact Mariette inspired by the Spiritual sistant, often a Jesuit priest, Recently some have been Ternowski, CLC Prairie nity members. The pervasive attitude is that a cer- Exercises of St. Ignatius of providing an umbrella of called to support the suffer- Region Representative, at tain system will take care of it. The healthy inter Loyola, which is the specif- support that enables com- ing people of Haiti. marietteternowski@mts. relationships that are a corner stone of a commu- ic source of its charism. As munities to stay true to their In our CLC communi- net or 897-0701, or visit the nity have broken down as a result and have been members, we form small Ignatian roots and charism. ties, and through our con- CLC website at www.jesu- replaced by systems which follow rules and crite- communities of six-eight Although we meet in small nections to the wider CLC its.ca/clc . people, and meet regularly local communities, we body, we focus on increas- ria that do not necessarily respond to the needs of — weekly or bi-weekly — are connected to all CLC ing our awareness of being Contributed by individuals. In addition, each system vies for funds in order to share our lives groups, currently in 66 created and loved by God; Mariette Ternowski which will help provide meaningful service to people. The competition, rules and regulations be- St. Amant named Caritas Award recipient come all consuming and prevent communications between systems that were established to make life he Board of Direc- early intervention therapy physical, social, emotional Winnipeg Foundation and worth living for those in need. Ttors of the Catholic for about 200 pre-school and spiritual needs of the the St. Amant Foundation. This was painfully illustrated this week when it Foundation of Manitoba and school age children people they cared for, lay- The St. Amant Foundation took five people to unravel rules of various sys- has named the St. Amant with autism, and provides ing the foundation for many supports the mission and organization as the Caritas outreach services to hun- generations of caregivers. values of St. Amant and tems so that a person with a physical disability and Award recipient for 2011. dreds of individuals living They helped each indi- funds research, capital ren- depression could begin to move forward. St. Amant will be hon- in their own homes. Today vidual develop to the best ovations and program en- The second collection of papers on my desk was a oured at the 33rd Annual 85 per cent of St. Amant’s of their abilities. St. Amant hancements for St. Amant. study guide on Love in Truth (Caritas in Veritate), Caritas Award Dinner, services are provided in the Centre grew from a small St. Amant employs 1,400 an encyclical published by Pope Benedict XVI. Thurs., April 14, 2011 at community. organization located in one team members includ- The language of the encyclical is rather abstract the Winnipeg Convention Located in south Winnipeg building to opening its first ing behaviour analysts, for easy reading. But it addresses this question of Centre. the building was originally community home in 1977. early childhood educators, systems. Imagine, he suggests, if today’s systems St. Amant serves thou- the St. Boniface sanato- In 2005 the organization physiotherapists, music would actually take as their norm a Christian ethic sands of individuals with rium founded by the Sisters was re-named St. Amant to therapists, occupational of love of neighbour. In this age of globalization developmental disabilities of Charity of Montreal, the reflect the scope of its out- therapists, psychologists, and their families each Grey Nuns. It was initially reach work in Manitoba. respiratory therapists, and technology, “the great challenge before us” the year. With seven programs intended to care for patients The Grey Nuns of Manito- speech-language patholo- Pope says, “is the need that in commercial relation- and its own Research Cen- with tuberculosis. Children ba transferred governance gists, teachers and a wealth ships the principle of gratuitousness and the logic tre, St. Amant is a leader in with disabilities were first and ownership of St. Amant of other professionals in of gift as the expression of fraternity can and must the field of developmental admitted to one small ward to the Catholic Health Cor- various roles. The staff find their place within normal economic activity.” disabilities and autism. called the St. Amant ward poration of Manitoba in strives to create and main- If businesses and systems are called to see beyond St. Amant’s River Road in 1959, and the building October, 2000. The Catho- tain a community that sees profit to the common good, we too, as individu- Place is home to 210 in- was renamed the St. Amant lic Health Corporation also the intrinsic worth in all als must transcend the systems in our communi- dividuals and provides re- Centre in 1974. includes Sara Riel Inc., Ta- individuals and supports ties and renew our efforts to loving our neighbour spite beds, a year-round St Amant was named for ché Centre, Youville Cen- those individuals and their freely. Our hearts have to be ready for this. school and adult develop- Beatrice St. Amant (1888- tre, St. Boniface Hospital, families as they wish to be mental and recreational 1957) who came to Manito- Marymound Inc., and other supported. day programs. St. Amant is ba from Quebec in 1914. In healthcare facilities. For tickets to the Cari- Sr. Johanna Jonker is at Micah House also the largest provider of 1939 she established You- The St. Amant Research tas award dinner contact 1039 Main St., Winnipeg community living services ville Hospital in a Trans- Centre is partnered with the The Catholic Foundation Phone 589-5393 in Manitoba supporting ap- cona farmhouse to care for University of Manitoba and of Manitoba at (204) 233- proximately 180 individu- children with developmen- is dedicated to improving 4268 or e-mail cfmb@mts. als in homes around the tal disabilities. When she quality of life for individu- net province. could no longer care for the als with developmental dis- St. Amant offers an ap- children she asked the Grey abilities through research Contributed by plied behaviour analysis Nuns to take over. and education. The base Marnie Puchniak program, which provides The nuns nurtured the funding is provided by the December 2010 8 • The New Wine Press Interfaith Peace Prayer Gathering The Archbishop’s Message A prayer for nascent life Into the Light

ur Holy Father, OBenedict XV1 has invited the whole Church to join with him in prayer at the beginning of the sea- son of Advent for all nascent life (babies within the womb of their mothers). The First Sunday of Advent is a very appropriate time for such prayer as Advent prepares for the birth of Jesus and it celebrates the time Mary car- ried Jesus in her womb. In Jesus, God entered into our world and he entered into our world in the same way that all of us do. For nine months, From left, Goonwantee Bahadoosingh, Msgr. Stan Jaworski, Archbishop Weisgerber, Mary provided life and care and safety as Jesus Prashant Rajurkar, Claire Coleman, Farida Lalbiharie, Msgr. Maurice Comeault and Noble was formed within her womb. Lalbiharie. As we reflect on this reality of nascent life, our hearts are moved with wonder and awe. How andles lit and held from the United, Menno- Maharaj said. “All the Maharaj said it some- Cin a sacred circle by nite, Anglican, Ethiopian world’s religions point times seems there is no much we owe to our mothers! How much they those who worship in di- have given us. Our hearts are filled with grati- Christian, Lutheran and to the same thing, we are way out of the world’s verse faiths opened an Catholic churches. created in God’s image problems such as wars, tude as we meditate on the costly hospitality and interfaith peace prayer “It is a great joy seeing and all of us are children suffering and pain. generosity we have all received. We join with gathering Oct. 2, with the we are together in the of God. In all faiths the “We don’t have to look the Church throughout the world in honoring all glow of each flame giving light of the creator,” said gift of our existence is a at far away nations. Look life to the evening’s theme Farida Lalbiharie, who gift from the creator.” at our own families and those who are carrying a new life in their bodies. of Into the Light. Pregnant mothers deserve a privileged place in started the annual prayer Maharaj said Sikhism neighbours and see the “God is the light and that gatherings in 1997. “It is teaches “in thy creator is suffering. When one of our hearts and in our communities. light shines on all of us,” a beautiful experience to thy light and in every heart us suffers we all suffer. The generosity of mothers also forcibly re- said Archbishop James share our similarities and there is the same light.” Wherever darkness pre- minds us of the helplessness and vulnerability Weisgerber. “ ‘Into the our differences. May we She quoted Martin Luther vails there is an oppor- light’ is a thing we all hold all together live in that King saying “darkness tunity to choose to bring of all unborn babies. Canada is one of the few in common, and what we countries which does not have any law to in any city of love, ” she added. cannot drive out darkness, light there. It is by shin- hold in common is much Lalbiharie, a parishioner only light can do that.” ing this light in the dark- way protect babies within the womb. Canada more important than what at Our Lady of Perpetual “When we see the light ness that we will heal the allows abortion upon demand. This is really a divides us. We’re not a Help, was honoured in in each other we encour- world.” national disgrace. In our prayer we need to ask large group but we’re a 2007 by the Montreal- age that light to shine, ” Maharaj quoted the very faithful group. We based Canadian Centre on Maharaj said. “We must founder of her own reli- God to keep us deeply conscious of this terrible are a sign of what can tragedy and to help us do all that we can, individ- Ecumenism for her work find the values and good- gion, Sathya Sai Baba. happen and what needs to in interfaith relationships. ness in all of us.” “Look for the truth in ually and collectively, to demand that our elected happen in this world.” Perene Maharaj of Win- “Buddha said, ‘set apart yourself, not others be- officials have the integrity to enact appropriate About 100 people gath- nipeg’s Sathya Sai Baba all worldly desires,’ and cause we can only change legislation. ered at Our Lady of Per- Centre presented a dis- a Hindu proverb teaches ourselves. Do not allow petual Help Church rep- course on Into the Light ‘true happiness consists ego to pollute your ac- Besides the scourge of abortion, many of the resenting faith traditions unborn are put at great risk because of the des- and said at the basis of all of making others happy,’ tions. Do not seek to find including Islam, Hindu- the world’s faiths is the and in the Koran it is writ- differences between peo- perate poverty of mothers and families. Grind- ism, Hare Krishna, Rama journey from darkness to ten ‘that which you want ple.” ing poverty, which is a reality which affects huge Krishna, Judaism, First light. for yourself seek for the portions of the human family, is also a reality Nations Spirituality, Bud- “Since the earliest days world,’ and Muhammad Contributed by dhism, Unitarian, Bahai, the message has been the said ‘do not consider any James Buchok for some of our neighbors. Poverty can so eas- Sai Baba, Sikhism, Rama ily lead to family and community breakdown. same, to connect with act of kindness insignifi- Krishna and Christianity the light of the creator,” cant. ’ ” Dysfunctional families and communities expe- rience discord, violence, often accompanied by substance abuse. Within such situations a child in the womb is at great risk. Our prayer must be a sincere plea to Our Father to assist all of us in Archbishop Weisgerber’s Schedule finding ways to build communities and a world in which there is justice and a more balanced Saturday December 4 4:00 St Paul’s High School Advent Celebration sharing of resources. 7:00 Mass at Immaculate Conception Parish, Winnipeg Our parish communities should be places Wednesday December 8 2:30 Archdiocesan Finance Council which welcome and celebrate life and, in a spe- Thursday December 9 2:30 Council of Priests cial way, new life. During this time of prayer as Friday December 10 6:00 Knights of Columbus Pre-Christmas Celebration Saturday December 11 7:00 Mass at St Benedict’s Monastery we meditate on the beginning of Jesus life and Sunday December 12 11:00 Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Sandy Bay as we recall with gratitude the beginnings of our Monday December 13 7:30 Sharing God’s Gifts Committee own lives within our mothers’ womb, let us re- Tuesday December 14 10:00 Ecumenical Bishops’ Meeting solve to honor and protect the unborn with all the Wed. - Fri. December 15-17 CCCB related Meetings, Ottawa gifts and in all the opportunities which the Lord Friday December 17 7:30 Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate of Eric Zadji St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Winnipeg gives us. Sunday December 19 5:00 Mass at St. Edward’s Parish Wednesday December 22 5:30 Mass at St Peter’s Parish Friday December 24 Midnight Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral Friday December 31 5:00 Mass with the Spanish Community at St Ignatius Parish, Winnipeg Thurs.-Sun. January 6-9 Bishops of Western Canada Annual Retreat, +V. James Weisgerber New Westminster, B.C. Archbishop of Winnipeg