Inside Forgiveness Year of Mercy Houston Campus CC O

Spring 2016

Inside Forgiveness Year of Mercy Houston Campus CC O . c a by Photo Ministry announcement

Pope Francis Appoints Fr. Scott McCaig, CC as Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Canada April 8, 2016

t is with great joy and gratitude to God that the Companions of the Cross announce that Fr. Scott McCaig, CC has been named Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Canada by I his Holiness Pope Francis. Bishop-elect Scott McCaig, CC is from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. He entered into full communion with the Catholic Church in 1987, and after serving with NET Catholic Youth Ministries USA joined the Companions of the Cross in 1989 in Ottawa. He obtained an undergraduate degree in History from Carleton University, a Bachelor’s degree in Sacred Theology from the University of St. Paul, and a Masters of Divinity degree from the University of Toronto (Toronto School of Theology). He was ordained to the priesthood in 1995 by Archbishop Marcel Gervais. He has served as an Associate Pastor, Parish Administrator, Hospital Chaplain and Director of Formation for the Companions of the Cross from 2000 to 2006. He served two terms as General Superior of the Society from 2006 to 2016.

Bishop-elect Scott serves on the Board of Renewal Ministries Canada and has participated in missionary outreach to over 15 countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. He also serves on the Board of Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) and is involved in the spiritual formation of members of the movement. He regularly assists with training of missionaries with NET Ministries of Canada and is a co-Chaplain to the Spiritual Motherhood of Priests Apostolate in Ottawa.

Bishop-elect Scott’s ordination to the episcopate will be at 7:30 p.m. on May 31, 2016 at Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario.

In the joy of the Risen Lord,

Fr. Mark Goring, CC Anne Ma rie G r ud en Assistant General Superior Photo by by Photo ...... The Companions of the Cross is a quarterly WHAT’S INSIDE Credits publication designed to encourage spiritual growth and to share about God’s movement within a new The Great Gift of God ...... 3 Publisher community of Catholic priests, and candidates for Be Merciful as Your Heavenly Father is Merciful ...... 4 The Companions of the Cross the priesthood. The Companions’ ministries are made possible by the prayerful generosity of its “Behold, I have set before you an open door!” Editors-in-Chief supporters, to whom we are most grateful. (Revelation 3:8) ...... 6 Fr. Scott McCaig, General Superior The editorial team welcomes your comments and Overcoming the “Huh?” Factor: Fr. Rick Jaworski inquiries. Clarifying the Jubilee Indulgence...... 8 Mailing Address: Managing Editor The Padre’s Picks: On Mercy 11 199 Bayswater Avenue ...... Christine Labrosse Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1Y 2G5 New Wine For New Wineskins ...... 12 Office: (613) 728-3175 From the Shepherds: Preparing Chastely Graphic Design Fax: (613) 725-1590 16 Dyann Bernard 1-866-885-8824 (toll free in Canada) for Marriage ...... Pigs Can Fly Design 1-866-724-6073 (toll free in USA) From the Shepherds: Preaching to Evangelize: [email protected] Web site: companionscross.org 5 Simple Points...... 18 E-mail: [email protected] Publications Mail Agreement #: 40016244 Hitting the Mission Field ...... 20 Testimony: Why I’m still a seminarian...... 22 Community News & Notes ...... 23 F e a t u r e by Fr. Bob Bedard, CC The Great Gift of God This article is transcribed from a homily given by Fr. Bob in 2005 at St. Mary’s Parish in Ottawa, Ontario during a parish reconciliation service. It is presented in the style that he spoke, and is not his typical written work.

o come together to share in the Sacrament of Reconciliation is to share in one of the great gifts of God. The Sacrament of T Reconciliation as it’s called right now, was also known as the Sacrament of Penance or Confession. Every sacrament has at least two people in it. There’s no sacrament with just one. And anybody who takes part in a sacrament, anybody, including the one who gives it and the one who receives it, everybody is eligible to receive the grace of God. That’s why for us who are priests, it’s such a blessing to be able to minister the Sacrament of Confession because we are able to receive blessings from the Lord, grace from God, and that’s an incredible blessing. You don’t see it, but it operates in your life none the less. We have to know that’s happening, we have to want But it’s important to confess them to a priest. Because as many spiri- it, and we have to ask for it. I think possibly we forget, and maybe it tual authors have said, any sin that is forgiven and yet not confessed would be good to remember tonight to ask the Lord to pour out the still has a power to have influence over me, even to control me. blessing, the grace that he has available in the Sacrament. It’s important for us to try and understand how sin grieves God. I When Jesus went public with his assignment from the Father to think we’ve all heard the expression, perhaps we’ve used it with preach the good news, he said, “Repent. Repent and believe the children – your sins hurt God. They hurt God. He’s hurt. And we good news because your redemption is near at hand” (cf. Mk 1:15). need to get his forgiveness. Well, that’s not really accurate. Actually, The kingdom of God is close. Repentance is the essence of confes- nothing can hurt God. Nothing. The greatest sins of the world, a load sion. To repent means to change my mind, to change my heart, to of sins, they don’t hurt God, because he can’t be hurt. But what hap- turn things around. It means to return to God if I’ve wandered away, pens is he sees your sins hurting you. And because he loves you so to clean up those things in my act that are not according to God’s much, that’s why he’s hurting himself. It’s because of what you’re loving plan for me, and to ask him to accept my sorrow and my doing to yourself. That hurts. amendment. Part of confession is saying, “Okay, I’m not going to do that again.” Some people are uncomfortable with confession and they stay away. And that’s too bad, because confession is a tremendous blessing. Now, the condition for forgiveness of sin is very simple, it’s sin- And we’re urged to go to confession to celebrate the forgiveness of cere repentance. That’s it. What’s repentance? It’s to say, “Lord, I’m God at least once a month if we can. God himself is a great psychol- sorry about that. I don’t want to do that again.” That’s repentance. ogist and he knows that until I am able to divest myself of some- When I repent sincerely, my sins are taken away, they are forgiven. thing that I have done wrong, I will continue to feel guilty about it.

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 3 ... Even though I’m saying, “Lord, I want to do away with it, I want to We need to get to confession, to open up to the Lord. We need to be stay away from that sin.” When we are able to tell someone – that’s unfazed by what we have to say, to be untroubled by the things we what confession does – it gives us a chance to divest, to unburden are unburdening. If we’re getting rid of something that’s a burden, ourselves with something that otherwise can be a burden. that shouldn’t be a problem, when you think of it. The Lord who is love and forgiveness does not hold these things against us, as long There’s one other thing about confession. A lot of people are afraid as we are repenting, turning away. God loves a repentant heart. He and they wonder if the priest who is listening to them could remember fusses over them. The angels are singing. their sins. Would they be able to face him after church on Sunday? I was asked that question just the other day by a young man. He said, I had a telephone call the other day. Somebody who hadn’t been to “Do you remember?” I said, “No, frankly it doesn’t mean a thing. confession for 50 years. Would it be acceptable if the person came You and I are both human. We are flesh and blood and we don’t have to confession? Of course! “Have you ever heard of a 50 year lapse?” to be ashamed before each other. We’re all ashamed before God. You “Oh yes, even 70 years.” It doesn’t matter. The details do not matter. are and so am I. But as far as I’m concerned, you don’t have to be The Lord is reassuring us of his forgiveness and his love, and his ashamed before me, and I don’t remember them anyway.” mercy and you and I just simply need to move in and take advantage of them. The Lord is not out to punish us. He’s out to pour mercy Often enough, somebody will come and say, “Father, you know that upon us and blessing and healing. sin that I confessed six months ago?” I say, “I haven’t got a clue.” ...... Which is true, I don’t remember it. It’s amazing. I think it’s a special Fr. Bob Bedard, CC was the founder of the Companions of the Cross. grace from God. He wipes most of it out of our memories. He passed on to his eternal reward on October 6, 2011.

F e a t u r e by Fr. Francis Frankovich, CC

Be Merciful as Your Heavenly Father is Merciful od is love. However, when the Fa- In Matthew 18:21 Peter asks Jesus: “Lord, ther looks on us in our brokenness, if my brother sins against me, how often G our sinful condition seeing our re- must I forgive him? As many as seven pentant heart, he expresses this love by be- times?” We remember how Jesus an- ing merciful to us, namely, by paying the swered this by saying: “…not seven times price for our sins through his son’s death but seventy-seven times.” Then Jesus con- and resurrection. He does this though we do tinues by giving him the parable of the un- not deserve this nor could we pay for the forgiving servant. In this parable, the king wrong we have done. Luke 15: 11-32 is one forgives one of his servants even though concrete way of understanding this mercy he owed the king a huge debt. But that ser- of God. It is expressed to both the prodigal vant later would not forgive his fellow ser- son, when the father reestablishes the dig- vant who owed him a small amount. Jesus nity of this son, and the other son, when concluded this parable in Matthew 18:33- the father tries to convince him to express 25 saying that the king, having found out mercy having received so much from the fa- about the situation, exclaimed: “‘Should ther. Both sons were sinful and mercy was you not have had pity on your fellow ser- extended to both though in different ways. vant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers In Luke 6:36-38, Jesus wants us to be merci- until he should pay back the whole debt. ful as our Father is to us. He said that this So will my heavenly Father do to you, un- mercy is expressed in forgiving, rather than less each of you forgives his brother from judging or condemning those who do wrong. his heart.” Forgiving one another is one

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 4 ... of the spiritual works of mercy that I have found to be central to inner healing and physical healing. It is so freeing and life- giving when properly understood and prac- ticed on a regular basis.

On one of my visits to Bogatá, Colombia in 2009 I was asked if I had written a book. I responded that I never thought of such an adventure. They encouraged me to do so. On my return to Houston, I seriously considered doing this. I kept sensing that the Lord wanted me to write a book on forgiveness. That year during Christmas break time I wrote on this topic, in Spanish first.

Having had over 40 years of experience of hearing confessions and listening to people’s difficulties, I remember many people telling me how difficult it was to forgive some of the serious of- “One who does not forgive becomes sick physically, emotionally, fenses that they experienced. I wrote about this topic using both the and spiritually. That is why the family must be a place of life and definition of forgiveness as found in the dictionary and the New Tes- not of death; a territory of healing not of disease; a place of for- tament revelations. The New Testament revelation points out that giveness not of guilt. Forgiveness brings joy where there was sor- Jesus alone is the Saviour and only he can destroy sin: both those row due to a hurt; and healing, where the hurt has caused disease.” that I commit and those that others commit which also affect me. This theme I develop in my book: Forgiving from the Heart. (I found this comment in the August 12, 2015 edition of Diario Contraste under the section Mundo. They say that the comment After several different editions and having translated the book into belongs to Pope Francis.) English, which had been originally only printed in Spanish with a company in Bogatá, I have written now what I sense is a clearer This statement from Pope Francis so fully confirms my conviction expression from my understanding of this great mystery regarding of the importance of forgiveness. forgiveness. Because I have heard many preachers speak about forgiving God, forgiving self, and forgiving others, I thought that In my book: Forgiving from the Heart I try to explain what forgive- I would try to explain somewhat what these actions might entail ness is from the perspective of the Gospels and a practical way to so as to achieve being merciful as our Father is merciful with us. I practice forgiveness from the heart. Because the action to forgive put these three types of forgiveness with a question mark because is a command given to us by Jesus, it cannot take place without his I sense they are all misunderstood to some degree. assistance (his grace). Therefore I ask the reader to call on the presence of the Holy Spirit to enlighten and empower them to look at I recently was given the following statement about forgiveness their life situations in a new light while reading the book. His pres- (originally presented only in Spanish). I have included this in the ence will assist in understanding this process and in empowering the introduction to my book: Forgiving from the Heart. reader to achieve what may have been thought impossible.

“A perfect family does not exist. We don’t have perfect parents, we My prayer is that my small book (printed by Amazon): Forgive- are not perfect, we don’t get married with a perfect person, and we ness from the Heart (in English) and Perdonando de Corazon don’t have perfect sons and daughters. We have complaints against (in Spanish), through the working of the Holy Spirit and Mary’s one another. We disappoint each other. Therefore, a healthy marriage powerful intercession, will be of great help in understanding more and healthy family does not exist without the practice of forgiveness. fully what forgiveness is and enable one to practice forgiveness from the heart on a daily basis. “Forgiveness is vital to our emotional health and spiritual survival. Without forgiveness, the family becomes a theater of conflicts and Fr. Francis’ book Forgiving from the Heart is available a bastion of grievances. Without forgiveness, the family is sick. through Amazon.

“Forgiveness is the sterilization of the soul, the cleansing of the ...... mind, and the liberation of the heart. One who does not forgive Fr. Francis Frankovich, CC is the Associate Director of the Catholic has neither peace of mind nor communion with God. The hurt is a Charismatic Center (CCC) and Director of the Hispanic Ministry of the poison that intoxicates and kills. Keeping a wound in the heart is a CCC. He is also the Ecclesiastical Adviser to the Archdiocesan Hispanic self-destructive gesture... Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Archdiocese of Houston/Galveston.

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 5 ... F e a t u r e by Bishop-elect Scott McCaig, CC

“Behold, n December 8 of last year, Pope “Behold, I have set before you an open Francis officially inaugurated I have set door, which no one is able to shut” O the Extraordinary Jubilee Year (Rev 3:8). of Mercy by opening the Holy Door in St Peter’s Basilica. It was pouring rain, but before you an Quite simply, Jesus is our refuge. He is our still over fifty thousand people attended, salvation, our life, and our secure protec- including the President and Prime Minister open door!” tion. Passing through a Holy Door is a sym- of Italy and the King and Queen of Bel- (Revelation 3:8) bol that we are knocking at the door of his gium. Like most people watching I was heart, that we are committing or re-com- entranced as the Pope dramatically threw mitting ourselves to him as our Saviour, open the doors, strode confidently through, and that we are entering through him into and then was embraced by a waiting Pope the Father’s house and claiming the sanc- Emeritus Benedict XVI. It was a beautiful tuary of his infinite mercy! This is why and moving event. the Church has Holy Doors and why she invites her children to pass through them. As I viewed the proceedings, I got to won- Structurally they are made of simple wood, dering about the origins and deeper mean- plaster, and other materials, but spiritually ing of this ancient ritual surrounding the they are animated by faith, hope, and love! Holy Door. When did it begin? What is its historical symbolism? And what meaning In his papal bull, Incarnationis does it hold today? So I did a little digging. mysterium’of November 29, 1998 when What I found has made my own pilgrim- St. Pope John Paul II announced the Great age to our local Holy Door that much more Jubilee of 2000, he explained that passing significant and meaningful! through the Holy Door is “a ritual expression of conversion” that “evokes the pas- Many historians believe the tradition of a sage from sin to grace”. Near the Holy holy door is linked with the medieval no- Door in Notre Dame Basilica in Quebec tion of “sanctuary”: once the oppressed City there is an instruction which reads: “A and persecuted passed through the doors Holy Door ...is a visual symbol of inter- of a church they were safe. Their pursuers nal renewal, which begins with the willing could not follow. The Lord’s house was desire to make peace with God, reconcile holy and inviolate. Here the downtrodden with your neighbours, and restore in your- could find mercy and protection. self everything that has been damaged in the past, and reshape your heart through Deeper yet, this notion of ‘sanctuary’ was conversion.” Pope Francis expressed the itself inspired by a myriad of rich biblical images that speak of the hope that “The Holy Door will become a Door of Mercy through doors of heaven, “the door of the Lord where the just may enter” which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who (Ps 188:20), the ultimate place of refuge. Not surprisingly, Jesus consoles, pardons, and instills hope.” What we have here is a rich himself reveals clearly and forcefully that he is the fulfillment of and beautiful ‘sacramental’ that invites us to a deeper relationship this consoling reality: with the Living God. And real graces are available to the faithful who pass through these Holy Doors with the right disposition (see “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved” (Jn 10:9). article on Indulgences, pg. 8)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, The precise date when the Church began using Holy Doors is and it will be opened to you” (Mt 7:7). somewhat disputed. Certainly it was part of the first Jubilee in-

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 6 ... augurated by Pope Bonifice VIII who invited the faithful to pass ordinary Bishop to designate one or more Holy Doors in his own through the Holy Door in the Lateran Basilica in 1300. In the year diocese during the Jubilee of Mercy. I guarantee there is one very 1500, Pope Alexander VI expanded the devotion by adding Holy close to you! No airplane or train or ocean liner needed. Doors to another three basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s, St. Paul Out- side the Walls, and St. Mary Major. The first Holy Door outside of So I encourage you to check with your local diocese, find out Rome appears to have been in the Cathedral of Santiago de Com- where the Holy Door is, and make a mini-pilgrimage. And as you postela in Spain by pontifical decree in 1178. Pope Benedict XVI enter the Holy Door, don’t be distracted by the fact that it is, after granted Holy Doors to the Sanctuary of Saint John Vianney, Cure all, physically just a door. Listen in the quiet of your heart and hear of Ars, in 2007, and to the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in the words of our Saviour: “Behold, I have set before you an open Manila, Philippines in 2010. In 2013, Pope Francis granted a Holy door”; “I am the door”; “knock, and it will be opened to you.” Door to Notre-Dame Basilica-Cathedral in Quebec City, Canada, And then walk confidently into the inviolate sanctuary of the Fa- as it was the first Catholic parish in North America and was cel- ther’s infinite mercy! ebrating its 350th anniversary...... But in this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has expanded the Bishop-elect Scott McCaig, CC was appointed Bishop of the Roman gift further than ever! He has made it easier than it has ever been to Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada on April 8, 2016. He will be pass through a Holy Door by giving a temporary privilege to every ordained Bishop on May 31, 2016.

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 7 ... F e a t u r e by Bishop-elect Scott McCaig, CC

Overcoming the “Huh?” Factor: Clarifying the Jubilee Indulgence

ecently someone came to me holding a pamphlet that announced the Jubilee of Mercy Indulgence – and wearing a R rather puzzled expression. The words on that pamphlet read, “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven. In- dulgences help to purify us from the effects of our sins, such as bad habits and attachments to worldly things.” The question he asked me matched the one written all over his face: “Huh? What in the world does this mean?!” I could sympathize. When I was first investigating the Catholic faith some 30 years ago I had the same puzzled expression when someone tried to explain to me the meaning of an indulgence. In fact, I think my verbal response may also have been “huh?”

What I eventually discovered all those years ago is that indulgences are actually fairly easy to understand – and very biblical! To explain what an indulgence is let me begin with an analogy: Imagine for a moment that you ran a red light in your car and crashed into another vehicle. Now, there are two major consequences to your action. The first is that you are guilty of breaking the law. The fine that you incur has to be paid or you will end up in jail! The second consequence is all the damage that you caused to your car and to the other person’s car. These vehicles need to be repaired or they will remain damaged and dangerous.

In a similar way … when we sin we break God’s law and there are also two major consequences to our actions. The first is eternal and

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 8 ... spiritual: In the case of mortal sin the spiritual consequences are the the Catechism affirms, “a conversion which proceeds from a fervent worst imaginable – loss of friendship with God and eternal damna- charity can attain the complete purification of the sinner in such a tion! In the case of venial sins there is a wound to, and a weakening way that no punishment would remain” (CCC 1472). of, our relationship with God. Just like the traffic ticket the debt of our guilt must be paid. When we seek forgiveness from God with This is also where indulgences come in. They assist us in healing a humble and contrite heart (and confession for serious sins) God the temporal effects of sin in our conversion process. Essentially, the forgives our guilt and the debt of our sins is washed away in the Church exercises the authority given her by the Lord (Mt 18:18) and Blood of Jesus. Jesus paid the price for our violations of God’s law! designates certain acts of prayer, penance, or charity for the remission of these temporal punishments due to our sins. The Catholic But that is not the end of the matter. As it says in the Catechism Catechism explains that, “an indulgence is partial or plenary accord- of the Catholic Church, “the forgiveness of sin and restoration of ing as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to “Huh?” communion with God entail the remission of the eternal punish- sin” (CCC 1471). What an amazing gift of God’s mercy! ment of sin, but temporal punishment of sin remains” (CCC 1473). Just as the cars were damaged and needed to be repaired, when Indulgences can even be applied to those who have passed away. we sin we also cause damage to our souls and the souls of oth- We know that ‘nothing unclean will enter into heaven’ (see Rev ers! Sin wounds us. It forms evil habits and attachments in us. 21:27), so in purgatory souls are healed and cleansed from the Factor: It warps our understanding of spiritual realities. It weakens and temporal effects of their sin. In this way they are purified and eventually deadens our consciences. These prepared for heaven. Indulgences can be wounds are spiritually dangerous and must applied to them by way of prayer and this also be healed. greatly assists them. It is an act of charity for the faithful departed. The Catholic An- There is also a communal dimension to our swers website illustrates an example of this sins. In fact, Pope St. John Paul II declared Just like the from the Old Testament: in his 1984 exhortation On Reconciliation and Penance that “a soul that lowers it- traffic ticket the Judah Maccabee finds the bodies of self through sin drags down with itself the soldiers who died wearing super- Church and, in some way, the whole world.” stitious amulets during one of the Our sins hurt others even if they are private debt of our guilt Lord’s battles. Judah and his men and personal. Right at the beginning of cre- “turned to prayer, beseeching that ation we view the temporal effects of our must be paid. the sin which had been committed first parent’s sin: “To the woman he said, ‘I might be wholly blotted out” (2 Macc will greatly multiply your pain in childbear- 12:42). The reference to the sin being; in pain you shall bring forth children ing “wholly blotted out” refers to its (Gen 3:16).” And we see in the life of Da- temporal penalties. The author of 2 vid that even after sin is forgiven the temporal effects of the sin Maccabees tells us that for these men Judah “was look- remain: “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the ing to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who Lord.’ Nathan answered David: ‘The Lord on his part has forgiven fall asleep in godliness” (verse 45); he believed that your sin; you shall not die. But since you have utterly spurned the these men fell asleep in godliness, which would not Lord by this deed, the child born to you must surely die’” (2 Sam have been the case if they were in mortal sin. If they 12:13-14). God forgave David but David still had to suffer great were not in mortal sin, then they would not have eternal loss as well as other temporal punishments (2 Sam 12:7-12). It is penalties to suffer, and thus the complete blotting out not that God is taking revenge for our sins but rather it is the very of their sin must refer to temporal penalties for their su- nature of sin that we push away the hand of God’s blessing and perstitious actions. Judah “took up a collection, man by loving protection. man, to the amount of two thousand drachmas of silver and sent it to Jerusalem to provide for a sin offering. This explains why we receive a penance after confessing our sins In doing this . . . he made atonement for the dead, that and receiving absolution. In addition to demonstrating contrition for they might be delivered from their sin” (verses 43, 46). our sins, our penance helps to heal the damage we have caused to Judah not only prayed for the dead, but he provided our souls and helps make reparation for the damage we have caused for them the then-appropriate ecclesial action for less- to others. We find deeper healing for the wounds of sin and ‘raise up’ ening temporal penalties: a sin offering. Accordingly, the world! Our penance is a help to our ongoing conversion, and as we may take the now-appropriate ecclesial action for

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 9 ... “It is indeed my wish that the Pope Francis stated that he wanted the “celebration of the Holy Year to be for all believers a true moment of encounter with the Jubilee be a living experience mercy of God.” He said that, “it is indeed my wish that the Jubilee be a living experience of the closeness of the Father, whose ten- of the closeness of the derness is almost tangible, so that the faith of every believer may be strengthened and thus testimony to it be ever more effective.” Father, whose tenderness is And for this reason he announced a special Jubilee of Mercy In- almost tangible, so that the dulgence. He has invited each of the faithful to take these steps: faith of every believer may • Make a brief pilgrimage and pass through a Door of Mercy (which are designated in every diocese) as a be strengthened and thus sign of your deep desire for true conversion. • Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (up to 20 days testimony to it be ever before or after your pilgrimage). • Participate in a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. more effective.” • Reflect on the mercy of God. • Make a profession of faith (like the Apostles Creed). • Offer a prayer (such as an Our Father) for the Pope and his intentions.

lessening temporal penalties— indulgences—and ap- And the mercy just keeps coming! For those for whom it is impos- ply them to the dead by way of prayer. (http://www. sible to enter a Holy Door, such as the sick and the elderly, Pope catholic.com/tracts/primer-on-indulgences) Francis invites them to live a deep closeness to the Lord in their suffering. To obtain the indulgence they need only receive com- It is important to realize that one must have the proper disposition munion or attend Holy Mass and community prayer, even through to receive an indulgence. And that disposition is faith! God cannot the various means of communication (e.g. television, radio, inter- be bribed or fooled. We cannot perform some good deed with evil net, etc.). For those incarcerated they may obtain the indulgence in or unrepentant hearts and think that we can thereby manipulate the chapels of their prisons. And any of the faithful may obtain the God into granting these graces. It is gravely sinful to attempt to indulgence by performing one of the temporal works of mercy (to do so. This evil disposition can even wound the Church. It was feed the hungry; to give drink to the thirsty; to clothe the naked; to in large part the abuse of indulgences that sparked the Protestant harbour the harbourless / shelter the homeless; to visit the sick; to Reformation that so deeply wounded the unity of the Church. ransom the captive / visit the imprisoned; to bury the dead) or the The proper disposition that the Church requires of us to obtain an spiritual works of mercy (to instruct the ignorant; to counsel the indulgence is that we have no deliberate attachment to sin. This doubtful; to admonish sinners; to bear wrongs patiently; to forgive doesn’t mean that we are sinless or that we must already be saints, offences willingly; to comfort the afflicted; to pray for the living but that we are sincerely trying to live out our Baptismal promises and the dead). We can easily see that there could be a veritable wa- to reject evil and live for God. terfall of Mercy if we all take advantage of this marvellous grace.

You have probably noticed that there are conditions applied to in- Let us all pray that the goal of Pope Francis for this indulgence is dulgences; one must receive certain sacraments and pray certain fully realized, the intention he articulated in this way: “I wish that prayers. Why is this? Simply to help safeguard the purpose of in- the Jubilee Indulgence may reach each one as a genuine experi- dulgences and the intention of the person seeking to obtain it. The ence of God’s mercy, which comes to meet each person in the face healing grace of the indulgence is all about growing closer to the of the Father who welcomes and forgives, forgetting completely Lord! What better way to properly dispose our souls than sincere the sin committed.” Instead of a hesitating “huh?” let us offer a prayer and reception of the Sacraments! hearty “Amen!”

Indulgences are great blessings of the Lord’s healing grace and ...... goodness. There are many ways to receive an indulgence and we Bishop-elect Scott McCaig, CC was appointed Bishop of the Roman can receive them at any time, but they have special significance Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada on April 8, 2016. He will be during this Jubilee Year of Mercy. At the outset of this jubilee, ordained Bishop on May 31, 2016.

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 10 ... The Padre’s Picks by Bishop-elect Scott McCaig, CC On Mercy ......

Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul The Name of God is Mercy by St. Maria Faustina Kowalska by Pope Francis

St. Faustina’s Diary is Ground Zero of the modern This is a quick and easy read, but don’t be fooled! It’s devotion to Divine Mercy. It records the revelations of loaded with spiritual insight and practical spiritual advice. Jesus’ mercy to this simple Polish nun. It is this book that It reveals the heart of this successor of Peter, and his so inspired St. John Paul the Great and his motivation great hope for the Church. This little book will help us all for making the second Sunday of Easter Divine Mercy realize the dream he relates in these pages: “I hope that the Sunday! It is also the inspiration behind the Jubilee of Jubilee [The Holy Year of Mercy] will serve to reveal the Mercy inaugurated by Pope Francis. It is a treasure-house Church’s deeply maternal and merciful side, a Church that of spiritual wisdom and it is impossible to reflect on these goes forth toward those who are ‘wounded,’ who are in memoirs and not be changed. need of an attentive ear, understanding, forgiveness, and love.” A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken 33 Days to Merciful Love: This is an amazing book. It looks at God’s mercy from a A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation totally different perspective than any other book on the market – that of finding the hand of God’s providential for Divine Mercy Consecration mercy amidst deep tragedy. It is a rich and spiritually by Father Michael Gaitley nourishing story of discovery, faith, and surrender. It is a must for C.S. Lewis fans as there are numerous letters The author of 33 Days to Morning Glory has done it between him and the author in the text. You will probably again! This is a wonderful way to get practical about read it more than once. responding to Divine Mercy – a way to help you meditate upon Divine Mercy and consecrate yourself to it. It focuses on two great Saints of Mercy, St. Faustina and Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy) St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The format is simple but the by Pope John Paul II meditations are as profound as they are beautiful. “I considered this message my special task. Providence has assigned it to me in the present situation of man, the The Divine Mercy Message Church, and the world.” St John Paul II spoke these words and Devotion about the message of Divine Mercy in the first years of his by Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, Vinny Flynn, papacy. And he showed his faithfulness to that mission by Dr. Robert Stackpole writing his second encyclical on the theme of God’s mercy - and our call to imitate this mercy. It is from John Paul the Okay, so maybe you don’t have time to read one of the Great – which means it is deep, profound and challenging. longer books or encyclicals I have recommended – but you Who can ever get enough of Giovanni Paulo II? still want a good guide to what this devotion is all about. This is the one for you. It is small, easy to carry around in a pocket or purse, explains the heart of the devotion, has prayers from St. Faustina, and suggests practical ways of living Divine Mercy...... F e a t u r e by Fr. John Paul Bolger, CC

Fr. John Paul Bolger (bottom right) with students from the Newman Center at the University of Houston New Wine For New Wineskins here was a time in American higher education when the title New Student Orientations, I was amazed that many students did not Newman Center was synonymous with Catholicism on col- know that Catholic ministry existed on campus. Our two Sunday T lege campuses. Catholic parents would visit the center with Masses combined would be about 150-200 students, this represents their children prior to beginning their college studies. It was a mag- only a fraction of the estimated Catholics living on the campus of net where Catholic students could be certain of finding support and 42,000 students. Honestly speaking I was somewhat discouraged at friendship in living out and growing in their faith while away from this reality. When I brought these feelings to the Lord in prayer there home. While Newman Centers continue to be a place where Catho- was one word that emerged loud and clear for me. lics can find community and opportunities to serve; the reality in which they minister has drastically changed. College aged Catholics “No one puts new wine into old wineskins, else the skins will burst represent the largest demographic that is leaving the Church. One and the wine will be lost. No, they put new wine into new wineskins” of the first things that I learned after beginning campus ministry (Mk 2:22). was that the majority of Catholic students no longer associated the Newman Center with Catholicism, let alone know the reference to I came to understand that because the reality in which the Church the name. During our early efforts to promote the Center during ministers in higher education has changed over the years, then the

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 12 ... way in which she ministers must also change in order to meet the this is the only way to measure success; that more bodies equals demand. This is the same reality that exists in every parish. This is more success; that the sign of a successful ministry is the num- not just a change in method of ministry but an entire transforma- ber of people attending an event. This way of measuring success tion based on a change in perspective, a perspective that sees the actually corresponds to the old way of doing ministry that many world as missionary territory. Mission territory requires mission- parishes and dioceses are still using. How often do we hear people ary disciples. tout the number of families in their parish? How many children are attending catechism classes? How many sacraments are being But where will these disciples come from? Of the 150-200 stu- celebrated every year? The real question that we should be ask- dents that I might see in a weekend, only a small percentage of ing is are they becoming intentional disciples? or are they just be- these would visit our Newman ing herded through programs? Center during the week. These Measured by this traditional are students that are already way our ministry would ap- busy going to class, studying, pear to be unsuccessful. working part-time and fulfill- ing other commitments ei- What does this discipleship ther on campus or at home if look like? they commute. Doesn’t sound promising does it? Thanks be One of the first things to be to God in Christ Jesus that he done is to recognize who are has already provided us with the leaders in the community. an example! This can be done seeing who displays the characteristics In his own ministry, Jesus did of a leader, such as humility, not begin by trying to disciple willingness to serve and learn. huge crowds. Rather he began It is a bonus if they have al- by calling his disciples one ready been evangelized and by one. He had a group of 72 have a personal relationship disciples, within that group he formed the 12 Apostles and even with the Lord. They must be personally invited to a small group. within those chosen 12 he had the inner circle of Peter, James and Small groups of 5-8 meet regularly to discuss and connect Jesus John. There is a lot of wisdom in this approach to evangelization. to their own lives. In a small group setting students become com- The true beauty is that you do not need many with which to start. fortable with talking about deeper, more personal aspects of their The smaller the group that you disciple the more likelihood that lived faith journey. In sharing and listening to each other’s stories, they will be well formed. The more well-formed they are, the more students offer support and encouragement. This is precisely the they themselves will be able to go out and disciple others. This kind of experience that they will go on to foster when they go on is crucial for campus ministry for several reasons. Firstly, as we to lead their own groups. described above, the lifestyle of the student is very complicated and divided between so many commitments that they are highly Of course small groups are not the only things that happen at our unlikely to have similar schedules. This would make meeting in Newman Center. Students as members of the Body of Christ must large groups extremely difficult to coordinate. Small groups or also be nourished and empowered by the Sacraments but also by even individual discipling is much more suitable to this lifestyle. Eucharistic Adoration and praise and worship. They must continue The second reason is based on the belief that the most effective to encounter the risen Christ in an ongoing personal way through evangelizers of any given demographic are members of that same common prayer and individual prayer. They must learn about the demographic. As Pope Francis said in his message to young peo- saints, the riches of the teaching of the Church and to use the spiri- ple at World Youth Day in Rio, “The best instrument for evange- tual gifts. What they learn at the Newman Center will serve them lizing a young person is another young person”. Likewise, college their entire life. The task of evangelization and discipleship is a students are best evangelized by their own peers. This may seem daunting work, it is made more daunting by the reality that every like common sense but it is one that is often taken for granted year students graduate and leave the Newman Center while every because we either do not believe that young people are capable year new ones come. Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus that there is or mature enough to evangelize and disciple others or we believe an abundance of new wine for new wineskins. that the only people who should evangelize are priests or religious...... The true difficulty with this model of ministry is that we are pro- Fr. John Paul Bolger, CC is the Director of the Catholic Newman Center grammed to measure success by numbers; how many people? at the University of Houston, Texas. He was ordained to the priesthood in How long does it take? We are constantly tempted to believe that 2008 and is from Cambridge, ON.

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 13 ... 1 Companions of the Cross,the of Companions Bayswater Ave.,ON Ottawa, form,this completePlease 501 (C)(3) of the Internal RevenueInternal Code).the of (C)(3)501

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& F e a t u r e by Ken Gorman Vocation Breakfast, Alberta Style

t. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lloydminster, Alberta Christine was encouraged that given the time of year, many holds monthly pancake breakfasts supporting various university students were home and therefore exposed to this S parish ministries. On December 20, 2015, they held a message. The questions asked were wide and varied, from liv- Vocation Breakfast, and one of the invited Guests of Honour ing conditions to experiences, but still most were surprised was the Companions of the Cross first year seminarian, Kelly by the length of time and amount of education required to be- Aalbers. The event took place when Kelly was visiting his come an ordained priest. parents back in their hometown over his Christmas break from his applicancy year at Assumption Farm in Combermere, ON. They invited Curtis Berube from the Archdiocese of Edmon- Kelly had the opportunity to speak about his vocation at four ton to provide a diocesan perspective as opposed to a religious weekend Masses, and the Companions of the Cross were the community, and invited friends from other parishes within beneficiaries of the proceeds from the breakfast, attended by their own diocese to the event. over 250 people after the morning Masses. We must thank the pastor and parishioners of St. Anthony’s, the When speaking with Kelly’s mother, Christine Aalbers, as to Knights of Columbus, and the organizers, especially Kelly’s par- the reason for the breakfast, she said that she felt that there is ents Gerald and Christine Aalbers, who helped share the Compan- a lack of awareness of vocations within the Catholic Church. ions of the Cross information, and to Kelly’s grandfather Marvin “We wanted to support vocations as a whole, encouraging DeSchryver, a former member of the Knights of Columbus State other young men to consider the priesthood, but also young Board in Saskatchewan, who not only attended the event, but is women…or for someone to realize that the vocation of mar- helping share information about our Community, as well. riage is okay”. She noted that there were both young people and parents asking the young men questions regarding their “We thought that it was great connection between parish, fam- vocation. She hopes that they have opened some doors. ilies and vocations”, concluded Christine. from the shepherds

Here are a couple of articles from the shepherds of two of the dioceses where the Companions of the Cross are ministering. We are grateful for the wisdom of the shepherds that lead us in all of the dioceses where we have foundations. In this issue we are featuring articles by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ from the Archiocese of Ottawa and Archbishop Allen Vigneron from the Archdiocese of Detroit. Preparing Chastely for Marriage By the Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast, SJ

This is the homily given at NET Canada’s commis- Anne Ma rie G r ud en sioning Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa, Ontario in October 2015. Photo by by Photo [Gen 2:7ab, 8b, 18-24 [Ps 128]; Heb 2:9-11; Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ Mk 10:2-16] Jesus brought out the deeper sense of the Scriptures. Jesus pointed to et’s talk about sex. Rarely do priests bring up this subject from God’s plan in creating man and woman, citing two texts from Gen- the pulpit. But given how much ink it gets in the Bible, it’s an esis, 1:27 “from the beginning of creation ‘God made them male and L important subject to God, so it should be important to you how female’” and 2:24 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and to do sex right. mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”.

We hear these scriptural readings on marriage and divorce as the Jesus grounded his teaching about marriage on the order of cre- eyes of the world turn toward the Vatican. There, tomorrow, Pope ation, God’s intention in creating human beings. In marriage, man Francis will celebrate Mass with bishops from around the world and woman are “no longer two, but one flesh”. Jesus’ conclud- to invoke God’s blessing on the Synod of Bishops on the family ing remark, “what God has joined together, let no one separate” and evangelization. serves as the conclusion to the debate with his adversaries.

The synod, which will run until October 25, has as its theme: “The The high percentage of couples living together before marriage vocation and mission of the family in the Church and the modern is of great concern to priests who help Catholics preparing for world.” We know the issues well: separation and divorce among marriage these days. Not long ago, cohabitation was uncommon Catholic couples, breakdown in family life, new structures in child- and was frowned upon by society. Today, cohabitation by couples rearing, blended families, and legislative changes worldwide in the planning marriage and common-law marriages are much more fre- definition of marriage to include “same-sex marriage” and adoption. quent. And there is less social stigma attached.

Jesus’ view on divorce is a widely-attested aspect of his teaching The world tells us that there are good reasons for having sex before found in the New Testament (cf. Mt 5:.32; 19:6, 9; Mk 10:9; Lk marriage and living together. It’s convenient. It will save money. 16:18; 1 Cor 7:11). However, Jesus’ teaching on marriage takes It’s a trial run to see whether the relationship will work out. Unfor- some study. tunately, these are grave deceptions.

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 16 ... from the shepherds

Sex before marriage and cohabiting are contrary to the witness the that they, too, can follow Christ right into heaven. But you have Lord Jesus expects of his disciples. Also, they don’t make good probably heard the expression, “You may be the only Gospel some sense for relationships. people will ever read.” If your life does not witness to the Gospel, your words will have no effect. Recent studies have shown that, contrary to popular belief, couples who live together before getting married have higher rates of Starting with your children! In a few years, and they will come divorce and domestic violence. When compared with those who faster than you think! In a few years, you will want to tell your did not cohabit, those who lived together before marriage scored children to be chaste and not to cohabit before marriage. I’ll significantly lower in both quality of marital communication and give you three guesses what they will ask. “Were you and Mom satisfaction in intimacy. chaste?” “Did you and Dad cohabit?” Nothing you will say after that will carry the same weight as your answers to those two ques- There is an even bigger picture than your happiness and your suc- tions. Nieces, nephews, and neighbours will also emulate you. cess as a couple. God certainly loves you as an individual, but his perspective spans generations and nations. What you decide today Then will come your grandchildren. And their children. Your deci- will have profound consequences in eternity. sion today will affect generations.

Roman Catholic teaching sees in marriage a “covenant by which a God frequently uses the marriage covenant as the model for us man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of to understand his covenant with him. The Church is the Bride of their whole life and which of its own very nature is ordered to the Christ. He is the bridegroom. It’s explicitly in Psalm 19, in Isaiah, well-being of the spouses and to the procreation and upbringing of in the synoptic Gospels and in the Book of Revelation. No wonder children” (Canon 1055). Satan despises this sacrament and seeks to despoil it. He does not want the nations to be evangelized by your marriage! Generosity, self-restraint, and good communication are needed for a good marriage and must be cultivated beforehand. Living chaste- To accept Jesus’ teaching on divorce and marriage is counter-cul- ly during one’s engagement teaches a couple many things about tural today. To grasp that God’s plan is natural marriage, the blessed each other, can draw them closer together, and may even reveal to union of one man and one woman, is counter-cultural. It requires them that they are not ready for Christian marriage. a conversion of heart, a rebirth, and continued compassion toward those with same-sex attraction, whom God loves no less. The Sacrament of Marriage places the couple under a seal, within the walls of God’s protection. Marriage vows give God permission Those struggling with the Church’s proclamation of Jesus’ teach- to mature the couple, to place angels at the doors of their home, ing on marriage may take heart from the Epistle to the Hebrews. and to soften their hearts when there are conflicts. God can keep Its message tells those struggling to be good that “Jesus is not the temptation of infidelity at a distance. He can bless them with ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” health and prosperity. As the two have become one flesh, Jesus’ salvific work now operates in and through the couple. Sex is a gift from God. It is so precious that he has even told us how to do it right. In contrast, the cohabiting or unchaste couple have said “no” to God’s plan, effectively refusing his providence and his protection, Let us pray for people who struggle with sexual purity and those opening themselves up to all kinds of spiritual attacks. whose families are not under his grace. Let us pray that even those in serious sin know they are precious in God’s eyes and the mercy When the married couple conceives a child, that new life has God’s of God is available to them. And let us pray that the Synod mem- hedge of protection around him. The child is within the defences bers will discern wise paths to assist the Church with all who seek of his parent’s covenant with each other and with God. the grace of God to live as Jesus would have us live.

In contrast, the child conceived outside of marriage is exposed God bless you, all the NET missionaries, your support staff, host to spiritual attack. God loves that child no less, but he will not families and all who will be involved with those commissioned provide the protection that comes from the Sacrament of Marriage this evening to bring the Good News to the youth of our nation, when his parents have refused it. including the challenge to live lives of purity and integrity.

You are here, I imagine, because you know that every Christian is ...... called to be an evangelist. You have received the Good News that your sins have been forgiven by Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross The Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast, SJ is the Archbishop of in your place. You want to share that Good News with others, so Ottawa, ON.

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 17 ... from the shepherds

Archbishop Vigneron speaking to students of “The Upper Room” in Detroit.

of them simply do not know it – and will readily admit as much if asked. Sobering recent statistics reveal many Catholics don’t even Preaching to think it’s possible to have a friendship with God, so they certainly don’t know, with every fiber of their being, that they are loved, in- finitely and passionately, by the One who has made it all. And this love, knowledge of this love, an encounter with this love, is what changes lives; it’s what leads to a decision to make a response Evangelize: to follow the One who has laid down his life for us. Until a person knows this, the faith simply looks like rules and regulations. Father Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher to the Papal Household, Simple reminds us that before you can bend steel you must first warm it; otherwise it will snap and break. But once steel is warmed it can be Points molded in all sorts of wondrous ways. And so it is with our hearts; until they have been warmed by the love of God, and unless we By Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron allow ourselves to be his agents in doing this when we preach, we 5 will be trying to bend cold steel. Many of our people sitting in the pews are afraid, fearful that their pasts somehow disqualify them This is an excerpt taken from a pastoral letter to the priests and deacons from this love, thinking the message of this love is for the person for the Archdiocese of Detroit. It is used with permission. sitting next to them. This warming of the heart by the Holy Spirit is why the Gospel truly is good news: we are loved beyond all tell- he following paragraphs are offered for our prayer as we ing! Our lives matter! My life is in the hands not just of a god but think in particular about two topics: 1) preaching to evange- of the good God, who created me, became a man for me, offered T lize, and 2) preaching the New Evangelization to our broth- up his life for me, rose from the dead for me, and calls me to share ers and sisters. The following are short, perhaps too short, and are in his own divine life and joy forever. Nothing in my past or pres- certainly not intended to be exhaustive on either topic. Rather, they ent disqualifies me from this. There is no saint, save Mary, without are offered to help us reflect a bit more about the extraordinary gift a past, and no sinner without a future. God has given to us to proclaim his Word in the assembly. 2. The Gospel proclaimed at Mass is an event. As author and 1. You can’t bend cold steel. Despite the fact many people in the scholar Fr. Jeremy Driscoll said, many of our parishioners tend to pew would say they’ve heard ad nauseum “God loves you”, many look at the Liturgy of the Word as reading and commentary, mean-

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 18 ... from the shepherds

ing they first listen to someone read the Scriptures dealing with 5. Offer the people some concrete way to respond to what’s been events from long ago (often events that are hard to understand, es- said. A frequent lament from parishioners is that while the hom- pecially if taken out of context), and then listen to the priest or dea- ily may have been informative, helpful or inspiring, it was left in con offer some comments (hopefully not too long and somewhat the realm of theory – it didn’t leave them with something to do in funny) on those same often unintelligible readings. But the Liturgy response. Thus it can be helpful if we offer a suggestion or two for of the Word is not “reading and commentary” but “proclamation how we can respond in the next week to what Jesus has said to us. and response”. In other words, because the Word of God is alive, Perhaps after hearing the proclamation of the last judgment in Mat- sharper than any two-edged sword, and able to separate joints and thew 25, it will mean going through our closets at home and purg- marrow (Heb 4:12), what’s being proclaimed from the ambo during our clothes for donation to a shelter or St. Vincent de Paul. Or ing the first part of the Liturgy, and especially in the Gospel, is ac- maybe, after hearing the proclamation of how often I must forgive tually happening: God is speaking to us and acting again to take us my neighbor in Matthew 18, it will mean making it a point to reach to his heart. He is looking for faith, a response from each of us who out to that one person most in my mind right now with whom I am is hearing the Lord speak to us in his Word. For example, when not reconciled. Or maybe, after hearing Jesus tell Martha (and us) Jesus asks the disciples in Caesarea Philippi, “Who do you say that Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from that I am?”, he is also asking us, gathered here at the 8:00 Sunday her, it will mean inviting people to make a more concerted effort morning Mass at St. “What’s His Name” that same question, and to invest time daily in prayer in the course of the week ahead and he is waiting for a response. Or when he asks the disciples in the try to get into the habit of offering to the Lord the first part of our boat, as they are drowning in the Sea of Galilee, before he quiets day in prayer and reading Scripture. Or maybe after hearing Jesus the storm, “Why are you afraid?” he is asking that same question give the Apostles the authority to forgive sins, it might be a great to us who have come to Mass with our very real problems, fears time to encourage people, especially those present, who have been and anxieties. Or when he says to Martha, “I am the resurrection away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to come and experience and the life; the one who believes in me, though he die, will live God’s great love and mercy and to begin again. again; do you believe this?” he is asking me that same question ...... as I sit there in the pew with my own sadness, worry and concern. The key is not to offer commentary but to help people in the pews The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron is the Archbishop of understand what is happening in the text so that they can under- Detroit, Michigan. stand what is happening now and respond in faith...... 3. Focus on what Jesus is saying to us today or asking of us today. Our task as preachers is to know intimately both the Word and our communities, so we can hear what this text is saying to us in our concrete situation. This requires that we have wrestled with the text in prayer throughout the week, and with a particular focus on what this text is saying to us as a community given what is happening right now in this place.

4. Never forget about the all-important place of testimony. Throughout the New Testament we see that the Gospel spreads most effectively by someone telling others the difference Jesus made in his or her life. We need to tell our story. Of course, this requires us to be vulnerable. The ambo clearly isn’t a confessional, let alone the place to work out our own issues in front of the people, so this isn’t meant as an exhortation for us to be inappropriate- ly self-disclosing. But if we’re seriously wrestling with the Word of God during the course of the week as we prepare to preach it, it simply can’t be the case that we aren’t personally being spoken to and challenged, or comforted, or exhorted, or provoked, or con- victed. Just as Jacob forever walked with a limp after he wrestled SHARE with God (Gen 32), so too our own lives can’t be unaffected after encountering him in his Word. By our revealing how the Word has spoken to us it can often have the effect of helping others drop JOY their guard, and allow the Lord’s Word to penetrate more deeply into their hearts and minds and then consider how they, too, can respond to what they’re hearing. FOR VOCATION INQUIRIES CONTACT SR. MELINDA 613.729.8710 WWW.SERVANTSOFTHECROSS.CA F e a t u r e by Fr. Francis Ching, CC

Hitting the Mission Field

n July 2015, I began a new page in my priesthood. I became full- I time giving retreats, missions, and special ministries of evangelization.

It all started in 2014 when I finished my role as the Administrator of St.

Timothy Parish in Toronto. In the c ol in h eng by Photo few months after that, while initially Fr. Francis participates in the music ministry as well on these missions. I felt the need to slow down and re- cuperate, yet slowly I began to experience a lack of zeal and en- So I brought this opportunity to the Executive Council for dis- thusiasm in my parochial ministry. As it was also at that time that cernment and it was decided that I was to be assigned full-time I was coming toward the end of my first ten years of priesthood, missions, with part of the work devoted to assist FLL as well as a priest friend casually reminded me that the honeymoon is over, fund-raising for the community. but the next ten years is the time I should develop in my gifts. That passing remark turned out to be providential. With the help of my I have to be honest that I am not naturally disposed toward ini- brother priests in the house, I quickly discover that my passion and tiating the unknown. When I first started I was a mixed bag of my gifts are in preaching, teaching, and equipping others to evan- excitement and trepidation. I made a number of phone calls to Fr. gelize. For many years, even since before my ordination, I have Ben, who has been doing full-time missions for a while, to learn been heavily involved in giving retreats and missions, but because from him and that helped a lot. My biggest areas of unknown of the demands of my parish ministry, as the years progressed, I were fundraising and finding enough missions. My target was to had to turn down more and more requests. Being freed from parish raise $50k. So I started sending out sponsorship letters. I emailed ministry would certainly help to develop these passions. everybody I knew who might be interested in my new work and those who might have money to give. I sent emails to communi- At the same time, my friends at the Fountain of Love and Life ties all over North America that I had given retreats to before and (FLL), a charitable organization for media evangelization of the asked if they might be interested to have me come again. And Chinese based in Toronto, had also obtained their own status and then I gave the whole thing to the Lord. I told myself: I will give were looking for a Chinese priest to help them to consolidate their this two years. If it succeeds, it is God’s will; if not, it’s time to work, especially in providing ongoing advice to their content and discern a new assignment. giving formation to their staff and volunteers.

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 20 ... People everywhere are thirsting for life’s meaning, for the truth, for the freedom promised by the Lord. If only we had more labourers in the harvest! They are ripe for the Kingdom.

In terms of the topics of my missions, for the most part this year, I used the topic “Consecrated for Mercy” which includes the themes of forgiveness, generosity and obedience to mercy. At some of the Photo by c ol in h eng by Photo longer missions like Vancouver, I also gave a workshop on “Inten- Fr. Francis Ching presenting on one of his many missions. tional Discipleship”. I also gave two Spiritual Gifts workshops in Cantonese so far. And with my work with FLL, I now go to their It did not take long. Requests began to come in, and the money as office once a week to celebrate Mass and provide support. I also well. By August, it was overwhelming. By the end of September, have begun to do some weekly radio recordings on various topics. I raised over $50k. I was repeatedly humbled by the generosity of Besides a few retreats and workshops I gave with them, I also ran the people. Ken Gorman said: “It looks like people really want you an eight session workshop for training praise and worship lead- to do your work.” I guess so. ers, which covers everything from singing, theology, spirituality to liturgy. And if there is not enough travelling, I also took on a The requests also began to come. First they were youth retreats or few pilgrimages. prayer group talks, but then came the missions. From September onward, I was travelling every month: Washington DC, Seattle, All these of course presented quite a big change to my lifestyle as and Hong Kong (it was a vacation but I got invited to give a retreat well. I can no longer keep a regular day-to-day schedule. I have to a charismatic group), Vancouver, San Francisco… The major- to get use to capitalizing on my down days between missions and ity of these were for the Chinese communities. But there are also I’m still learning how to use them wisely and well. There are also weekend retreats and parish missions for the wider Church. In fact, many perks. I have been able to visit many holy doors in the dif- I’m writing this while I’m in Oshawa giving a parish mission. By ferent dioceses and each place I visited I tried to also do some fun the end of June 2016, within the first year of the mission I will things as well as visit some local shrines. One of my big advan- have over 50 engagements. tages this year was being able to visit St. Junipero Serra’s mission at Carmel CA. But the big gift from God though is that although Many people asked me if I was not tired from all the travelling. Yes, my ministry is now vastly different from those of my brothers in I admit, a bit more tiring than I ever knew travelling could be. The the house, I have experienced no separation from them and they good thing is that I actually like to travel and love to meet new and continue to be a tremendous support to me. old friends. Everywhere I go I always try to stay at a parishioner’s home, who can take better care of me given my sight handicap. A So, will I be doing this for the next ten years or more? I don’t few times I ended up helping out with babysitting, haha, which itself know. The year is not up yet. But so far, it has been an exhilarating was a tremendous blessing. ride! God be praised! ...... But the one thing that most energizes me at these missions is the hunger in the people’s souls. And nothing rejoices my heart more Fr. Francis Ching was ordained to the priesthood in 2005. He is from than to see someone come to encounter Jesus and say yes to him. Toronto, ON.

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 21 ... T e s t i m o n y by Brenton Cordeiro

I’m still Why Seminarian Brenton Cordeiro serving food at a Pro-Life fundraising a seminarian dinner at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit in February 2015. his is one of those articles I feel I might look back on 20 years Having worked in ministry in India for several years before joining from now and wonder what I was thinking writing it. I can al- the Companions, I have personally witnessed divine providence T ready see veteran priests reading this and smiling at the shades manifest itself in awesome ways. Joining the seminary though, of naivety and innocence that perhaps flow in this piece. Nevertheless, makes me reliant on the Lord even more. There are days that I look I’m pretty sure that our community’s founder Fr. Bob wouldn’t have at my bank balance (or lack thereof), and continue to be blown gone out of his way to preserve his reputation … so why should I? away by the hand of God, as he continually steps in unfailingly to take care of not just my needs, but at times, even my wants and Being a third-year seminarian means I’m neither here nor there to comforts. I see more clearly each day how when one surrenders to most people. I’m not one of the new applicants that everyone gushes the Lord’s way, doors open, both around you and within you. If it’s over, nor am I near the finish line of ordination. Ordination by the his will, he provides and makes things work. way, God-willing, is six years away (pray for me!) I know that on that day I’ll probably look back and wonder where the time went. I also continue to be humbled by so many of the faithful around Right now, I’m often wondering why there’s still so much time. me. If anything, one of the reasons I’m still in seminary is because I still have weaknesses that need to be worked on. Just this In any case, there’s something special about being a seminarian in past year, I was edified by watching so many people experience the middle of formation. I’m able to see how far I’ve come, and powerful conversions at the Maria Goretti relic’s tour in the U.S., yet I know that I still have the time and opportunity to work on the and our Lay Associates retreat in Detroit. It’s truly inspiring to see many rough edges I still have. people turn to their Father with open hearts and hands, enter into a divine dialogue with him, and then see him respond powerfully. So why am I still a seminarian? The most obvious reason is that Similarly, it’s just as incredible to see the number of university I still feel called to the priesthood. I have discovered (thanks to students (and we see our fair share of those at Sacred Heart Major Fr. Bob and others) that there is nothing else worth doing except Seminary and the chaplaincy at Wayne State University in De- God’s will. That’s not just a pious statement, but something I have troit), whose faith and humility in the presence of the Lord, show really come to believe. Having experienced what the world has me I have some way to go. to offer (moral and otherwise) before joining the seminary, I now know for certain that authentic joy, peace and fulfillment come From a very practical perspective, I’m also still a seminarian, be- only when one seeks the Holy Spirit and follows his voice. I’ve cause other people make it possible. I would not still be able to tried, and at times still try, to run my life on my own terms … let’s be a seminarian without all the people out there who constantly just say those ventures don’t end well. make sacrifices to fund my education, have me (and my brother seminarians) over for meals or to stay during the holidays, or even One of the biggest lessons I have been taught by the Lord as a semi- simply share a smile or encouraging word with me. The brother- narian (and one I’m still learning), is how I need to ‘get over myself’. hood I enjoy in the Companions is the perfect balance of correc- Everyone makes sacrifices all the time, whether they wear a collar tion and encouragement – just what I need. For me in particular, or they are part of a family, and that’s just a part of life (if anything, being thousands of miles from home and family, all these gestures those from the latter often make far greater sacrifices for their families make a world of a difference (and I’m extremely grateful to all and children than I ever will). There have been times I’ve let my- who spiritually and financially support me). self get carried away when people start to show amazement that I left my home in India to move to Canada to join the Companions, With the help of God and the support of everyone who pitches in, but I quickly remind myself that my story is not that unique. Ask any I will continue being a seminarian…for years to come! (God help seminarian to share their vocation story with you and you will quickly me!) Anyway, here’s my story, my gratitude and my request for recognize how each person’s story is remarkable, divinely guided and continued prayers. To heck with reputation, if the Lord is making most importantly, you will see that their discernment journey contin- me a better man and worker in his vineyard, I have no choice but ues to have its own purifying crosses and sacrifices. to testify to that, so that he may be glorified!

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 22 ... Community news & notes by Fr. Rick Jaworski, CC

From left: Neil Joy, Rubén Campbell, and Marcus Schonnop pictured here with Bishop-elect Scott McCaig at the Mass where they were admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders at St. Scholastica church in Detroit on January 31. 2016. Semi-Arians In my seminary days, I lived in a residence for both priests and Daniel Hudec has introduced the Detroit gang to LAN parties. seminarians. The name plate on the door would have your name Brenton Cordeiro writes, “Mi Espanol esta mejorando cada se- and, underneath, the word “seminarian”. One guy playfully cov- mana (con la ayuda de los hermanos Latinos).” José Mattei is ered up the “n”, thus making me a heretic. Among our non-heretic learning Italian for when he becomes pope. Joshua Grandmaison seminarians, Rubén Campbell, Neil Joy, and Marcus Schonnop felt privileged to join in some sidewalk counselling ministry by were admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders during a Eucharistic an abortion clinic. Our Motowners enjoyed a paintball social and celebration at St. Scholastica Church in Detroit on January 31. Super Bowl Party.

After Christmas break, Kelly Aalbers was happy to be back at the Thank you so much for praying for our seminarians. We have Farm. He missed the brotherhood and the joy of living in the wil- prayer cards for each and every one of them. (All our donors derness. (Any potential men interested in the priesthood? Come should have received one in the mail.) If you would like one, or and we’ll give you your own raccoon.) Josh Bruce says that I Be- another one, feel free to contact our Ottawa office and we’ll make lieve in Love by Fr. Jean d’Elbée is the formation book that has im- sure to get one to you. pacted him the most this year. All of the men at the Farm enjoyed their trip to our foundation in Detroit. Juan Pablo Orozco gives a shout out to Justin Doucette for owning him in Ping-Pong.

C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 23 ......

Elder Brothers exorcism conference. Fr. John Vandenakker led a pilgrimage to Fr. Terry Donahue braves paper cuts in sorting through donated the Holy Land. books to go to our library for seminarians in Detroit, or St. Mary’s, or various other worthy causes. He continues to lead the Spiritual ACTheals, an association of Christian therapists (health care pro- Direction Formation course in Ottawa. Fr. Allan MacDonald is tak- fessionals), is having a conference in Toronto this coming Sep- ing the Institute for Priestly Formation’s Spiritual Director’s course tember 22-25. Fr. Ben St. Croix is a member and Fr. Roger and leading various retreats. He reports that there have been more Vandenakker will be celebrating Mass and the Sacrament of Rec- vocations inquiries and visitors this year than in previous years. onciliation. The theme is “Cultivating Mercy in Healthcare – A Christian model for healing”. Further details can be found on their The Holy Spirit helped Fr. Pierre Ingram give a wonderful inter- website www.actheals.org or by contacting Mary Salvador 416- view and question and answer session on EWTN’s The Journey 497-7059. Home television program. With a period of a very heavy workload for both Fr. Pierre and seminarians at Sacred Heart Major Semi- nary, Nathan Grant reports that there was a water main break Partners which gave them three days with no classes. He adds that he can There was a Lay Associate retreat in Detroit that went very well. neither confirm nor deny that Fr. Pierre was seen sneaking around the building with a large pipe wrench; nor the claim that after- Linda O’Donnell, a good friend and former Ottawa employee, wards Fr. Pierre’s offshore bank account received money transfers had some serious respiratory / blood clot issues. We are grateful from each of the seminarians. that she pulled through, but your prayers would still be most wel- come as she continues to recover. In addition, please pray for the Fr. Jamie Utronkie has been very involved with Syrian refugee Sanchez family in Houston. Joe and Blanca’s three and a half-year- resettlement. Fr. Rob Arsenault became a Board Member of an old granddaughter, Rachel Jolie Espinoza, had flu-like symptoms Open Door Pregnancy Center. and suddenly and tragically died.

Who would have thought young Fr. Mark Goring is 40! He is, ...... however, soaring since he beat a fifteen-year-old sprinter. While Fr. Rick Jaworski, CC has a licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Fr. Mark visited Ave Maria University in Florida and surfed in Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. He was ordained in 1990 and is Costa Rica, Fr. David Bergeron went kayaking, and attended an currently the Pastor of Holy Rosary parish in Ottawa, ON.

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C o m p a n i o n s o f t h e C r o s s S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 ...... 24 ... News Flashes

Fr. John Vandenakker with Holy Land pilgrimage group in Garden of Gethesemane in Jerusalem.

Marcus Schonnop, Neil Joy and Rubén Campbell with Bishop-elect Scott McCaig at Ministries Mass in Detroit in January.

Sr. Anna Chan, SC giving a talk at the Mercy Conference for 206 Mercy Conference held at St. Scholastica parish in Detroit. Lay Associates in Detroit. News Flashes

Mercy Conference in Houston, Texas. Photo by lau r a-a nne . c a by Photo Bishop Christian Riesbeck celebrating Mass at CCO’s Rise Up Conference Fr. John Vandenakker and Fr. Pierre Ingram praying over a in Montreal, Quebec in December 2015. participant at the Mercy Conference in Detroit. Photo by lau r a-a nne . c a by Photo Sr. Melinda Schenher, SC and Mary Lauzon, Coordinator of the Lay Seminarian Kelly Aalbers speaking with students at CCO’s RiseUp Associates at Houston Lay Associates Conference on Mercy in January. conference in Montreal. Embracing Pope Francis’ Jubilee of Mercy SEMINARIANS OF THE COMPANIONS OF THE CROSS

Rubén Campbell Alex Colautti Neil Joy Marcus Schonnop Brenton Cordeiro Saltillo, Mexico Windsor, ON Ottawa, ON Surrey, BC Goa, India

Kevin Darwent Joshua Grandmaison Nathan Grant Miguel Perez Juan Pablo Orozco Rockland, ON Ottawa, ON Pickering, ON Conroe, TX Conroe, TX

Daniel Hudec José Mattei Isaac Longworth Daniel Ramos Chris Zettel Fox Valley, SK San Juan, Puerto Rico Woodstock, ON Vancouver, BC Mildmay, ON

David Gomar Tim Silver Kelly Aalbers Joshua Bruce Justin Doucette Guadalajara, Mexico North Bay, ON Bruno, SK Bradford, ON Yarmouth, NS

Fr. Allan MacDonald, CC Vocations Director

[email protected] ..

Please pray for our seminarians and for vocations! Visit our website for discernment resources and information about becoming a priest with the Companions of the Cross

vocations.companionscross.org Companions of the Cross 199 Bayswater Avenue Ottawa, ON K1Y 2G5 Canada

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“But God is rich in mercy: because of his great love for us he brought us to life with Christ when we were dead in sin” (Eph 2:4-5).