Northern Catholic D I O C E S E O F PRINCE GEORGE News

VOLUME XXII, NO.1 W i n t e r Diocese celebrates ordination of two deacons Lake and those dom and in lifelong service to he served joy- God and humanity” and prom- fully participated ised obedience to the bishop in the occasion. and his successors. A week later Following the prayer of con- Inside this on October 21st secration each formally re- i s s u e : it was standing ceived the Gospel of Christ room only at with the words, “Believe what Financial 6-7 Immaculate you read, teach what you be- Statement Conception lieve and practice what you Parish in Prince teach.” School 8 George as Rene As deacons they will continue Antonio was to serve in the diocese, Alvin at Stewart 12 also ordained to Resurrection Parish in Fort St. the transitional John and Rene at Immaculate diaconate. Conception Parish in Prince DRC 14 In both in- George. Their ordination to Schedule stances the sol- the ministerial priesthood is emn occasion scheduled for May 31, 2013. Rev. Vincent James, OMI, pastor of St. Andrew’s Parish, Fraser Lake, accompanies Alvin Matias as he enters was punctuated Rene and Alvin are among five Stellaquo Hall for the celebration of his ordination to with joyful and men from our diocese in for- the diaconate. inspiring music mation for priestly ordination. and applause as Ken Anderson of Fraser Lake, October was a month of cele- people welcomed the commit- Mark Raine of Prince George brations as two men were or- ment they witnessed. and Cody Weibe of Kitimat are dained transitional deacons for During the celebrations the discerning their vocation as the Diocese of Prince George candidates vowed a life of celi- they study at Christ the King through the imposition of bacy “for the sake of the king- Seminary in Mission, BC. hands by Bishop Gerald Wies- ner, OMI. St. Andrew’s Parish and its missions hosted the celebra- tion for Alvin Matias at Stel- laquo Hall, October 14. Alvin spent a pastoral year in Fraser

Rene Antonio kneels before Bishop Gerald Wiesner, OMI, during the celebration of his ordination to the diaconate at Immaculate Conception Parish in Prince George. Deacon Alvin Matias is pictured standing beside the Bishop. P a g e 2

Brother Joseph Glaab, OFM, gave a helping hand to Bishop Gerald Wiesner as he packed his belong- ings for the long trip to Saskatche- wan, October 26. In a message to the Diocese, the Bishop said that, with the knowledge of the Apos- tolic Nuncio, he was moving his residence from Prince George. Northern Catholic “While I retain full responsibility News for the Diocese of Prince George Published by the and will return for short periods of time as necessary, the day to Diocese of Prince George day running of the Diocese will be done by the , Father 6500 Southridge Ave Box Richard Beaudette, O.M.I. Thank 7000 you for your gracious kindness to Prince George, BC me. God bless you!” PHOTO BY: V2N 3Z2 Susan Campbell

Phone: 250-964-5644 Fax: 250-964-2101 Parish celebrates fifth year of ordination

Email: [email protected] Father Johmer Faderanga was assigned to St. Mary’s Parish in New Hazelton in Editor: October 2011. A year later on October Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin 18, 2012 he celebrated his fifth year of ordination. The parish marked the occa- Layout: sion and celebrated vocations to the Stacy Gaal priesthood on October 21st with a pot- luck dinner. PHOTO BY: Barbara Schwab

Northern Catholic News VOLUME XXII, NO.1 P a g e 3 It is all God’s doing The Season of Advent marks mas cycle as we celebrate the Again John reminds us “God so the beginning of the Liturgical ways in which God is shown to loved the world that he gave his year and the Christmas cycle. us through his Son, Jesus. The only Son”. God didn’t have five The periods of preparation, cele- Christmas cycle ends with the sons; God had one Son and gave bration and continuation of the Feast of the Lord’s Baptism. that Son to us purely out of love Christmas cycle last about seven As we stand back and look at for us. It is all God’s doing. weeks. this we may be inclined to say What remains for us to do is to The four weeks of Advent form that it is fine for scholars but graciously receive the gift and live the preparation for this cycle. It is hardly for us as ordinary people. as gifted people, always giving divided into two stages. In the The fact is, however, all of this is thanks for what God has done first stage the emphasis is on the for us as ordinary people. for us, who God is for us. coming of Christ in the final judg- What it is trying to help us real- God wants to pour his grace on ment and on our preparation as ize is that God is sharing God’s us in both big and little ways. we “await the blessed hope and self with us. Sometimes he will give us insight coming of our Savior”. The Christmas cycle, beginning into his love or his plan. Other This is a continuation of the with Advent, calls us to stop and times he will comfort or encour- spirit of the final weeks of Ordi- ponder the great reality that God age us. Sometimes he will give us nary time. The closing days of takes the initiative to reach out words of warning and urge us to Bishop’s Advent direct and prepare us for and share God’s self with us. repent and other times he will the feast of the birth of the Lord. The Gospel of John reminds us move us to seek out his healing Letter Christmas and its octave centre that “the Word became flesh and power. on the great truth of the Incarna- lived among us”. Sometimes this May our celebration of the Most Rev. Gerald tion: God loves us and sent his is translated as, “God pitched Christmas cycle serve to embed Wiesner, OMI Son to be one of us so that we God’s tent among us”. God be- all of this deep within us as we might believe and love and have came a fellow camper with us. try to live as gracious people. eternal life. God has become a fellow pilgrim May God bless all richly this Epiphany continues the Christ- on the way with us. Christmas.

Margaret Silf, pictured here with Sr. Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ, left and Claire Petrucci, right, facilitated a one-day workshop entitled “Living God’s Dream” at the Do- mano Renewal Centre, October 18. Born in Yorkshire, England, Margaret is the author of a number of books and travels extensively to give retreats, workshops and days of reflection. A mother and grandmother, she is world renowned for her work in Ignatian spirituality and her passion for making Christian spirituality accessible in everyday life was evident throughout the day. PHOTO BY: Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin P a g e 4 Diocesan Assembly 2012: Fanning the Flame By: Susan Campbell plished showed that his was a sav- see God’s look of love. We are PRINCE GEORGE - ing ministry. Through his words and called to be God’s smiling face, “Evangelization: what exactly does deeds he was inaugurating a new especially to those who feel invisi- it mean? Does it apply to us?” era centered on the reign of God ble. These are the questions partici- made present in history. We are sent to the world we pants at the Diocesan Assembly God acted in and through Jesus in have been given today; faith is not tackled on September 20-21 with a unique way. The resurrection transmitted automatically. keynote speaker, Bishop Claude confirmed the message. The out- We may experience resentment Champagne, OMI, from the Dio- pouring of the Holy Spirit brings against the by cese of Edmundston. that same power of the resurrec- some in society. In places where it “Fanning the Flame – the New tion into our world today. is not possible to preach in words, Evangelization” was an apt title for Where do we see signs of it to- it is still possible to proclaim the the Assembly. Bishop Claude day? message through our actions. helped us to reflect on that spark The second building block is the Do those who feel excluded in of the Spirit deep within us calling Church, the sacrament of God’s society find a welcome in our com- us to notice where God was al- reign. We are that part of human- munities? Where are we called to ready at work in our lives, our kind who welcomes God’s kingdom witness to gospel values? schools and our parishes. through Jesus Christ. We have as The fourth building block is dia- He also challenged us to be more our goal to journey toward the logue. It is useless to speak to peo- mindful and intentional in our life fullness of God’s reign. ple without first listening to them as disciples of Jesus Christ. As a pilgrim church we are subor- as Jesus did. People are looking for Over the course of two days dinated to the reign of God. We something deeper. We give people Bishop Claude described the basic see a reality not seen by others. time to discover what it is they are building blocks of evangelization This calls us to be ambassadors of looking for and speak to that. and invited us to reflect on how to Christ, to make visible the work of There is also need for inter- live them out in our schools, par- Christ and the Spirit in the world. religious and inter-cultural dialogue. ishes, families and communities. That calls us to be a sign of the Are we ready to listen to the The first building block is Jesus unconditional love of God for hu- other? If we are open to listening, and his message, a message of love manity. If our quality of life as God will give us something to say in and compassion for all, especially Church is poor, rather than be a return. those who were excluded in his sign of this love, we become an It is not a matter of getting people Bishop Claude Cham- own day and time: the poor, obstacle. into our churches. If they choose pagne, OMI and Bishop women, foreigners, even public Many people have abandoned not to, do we leave them high and Gerald Wiesner, OMI sinners. their practice of faith. Pope John dry? With whom are we willing to are pictured during the Jesus fought against exclusion and Paul II called for a “new evangeliza- be in dialogue, to listen fully and to Diocesan Assembly in preached reconciliation and for- tion,” precisely to reach out to learn from another? September. PHOTO BY: giveness. The healings he accom- those who have distanced them- Participants spoke, for example, of Mary-Anne Lewis Jamin selves or who have a tenuous con- students and parents of other nection with the faith community. faiths, discovering what we had in How do we facilitate God’s reign common. today? How do people perceive the The fifth building block is social Father’s unconditional love through justice which is a constitutive di- us? mension of our commitment to the The examples given were very world. It is more than just care for concrete: through acts of forgive- the poor and the “little ones.” It is ness, patience, courage, persever- also contesting unjust socio- ance. We spoke of the everyday economic structures. examples that permeate our school Laws of economy are human con- hallways and classrooms, parish structs. If we are not committed to witness and family life. social justice, who will fight for the The third building block is reach- poor and promote human rights? ing out. Bishop Claude used a line This is where the whole Church is from St. Teresa of Avila: “Christ called to be active, especially the has no body but yours. No hands, laity who live and work in these no feet on earth but yours…” same structures. God looks on us with love. God’s Where are we called to work for smile took flesh in Jesus. When we justice today? What is already hap- look on someone with love they pening and where are the gaps?

Northern Catholic News VOLUME XXII, NO.1 P a g e 5 A mini-retreat for Grandma By: Rita M. Wiebe the treasures of the family’s particular Prior to this event, I had not given much PRINCE GEORGE – I was one of 25 cultural heritage. The role of grand- thought to my own French-Canadian women who took part in a Grandmoth- mother is not easy because society does traditions. The gathering was an opportu- ers/Elders Gathering Retreat at the Do- not always value tradition. nity to examine it and the meaning it has mano Renewal Centre on November 6, It is time for grandmothers and elders had for me. 2012. to celebrate who they are and enjoy one I gained a better understanding of the This cross cultural event facilitated by another as new friends, she said. uniqueness of my own background in Sharon Hurd, with assistance from Sr. During the day we looked at over 50 comparison to the German, Filipino, Irene Baker, CSJ, explored the similarities different words from different cultures Aboriginal, Chinese and African grand- and differences experienced from various for grandmother. Many of the Grandmas mothers participating in the day. I also perspectives of the grandmothers partici- present have adopted different names for gained a whole new appreciation for pating. their own grandmotherly status. these different cultures. The session was the first of three gath- It was refreshing for this room full of The next Gathering of Grandmas/Elders erings which will culminate with a ban- grandmothers to discuss traditions will take place on January 15, 2013. Regis- quet. around Christmas and their different tration is necessary as space is limited. Sr. Jean Marie Lehtinen, Administrator cultures as they looked to the prepara- The non-profit Domano Renewal Centre of the Domano Renewal Centre de- tions they would soon be making. is located on Southridge Avenue near scribed the gathering as an opportunity Another commonality was about re- Walmart and can accommodate live-in as for grandmothers to experience the uni- spect for family traditions. In many cases well as commuters at its programs. versal importance of their role in the family breakdown, work schedules and More information can be found on their family and society. distance have forced families to re- website www.domanorenewalcentre.org She further stressed that recognition of examine what family tradition means and or by calling 250-964-4475. family values are an important contribu- how new traditions within the family tion to future generations as they hold system can be created and accepted.

Sr. Margaret Connolly, RSCJ

Margaret Connolly, RSCJ, died on November 7, 2012 in Hali- fax. Sr. Margaret came to Prince George following her “retirement” to minister for 10 years before returning to Barat Residence in Halifax in 2004. She is pictured here after receiving an honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from St. Mark’s Theological College in Vancouver, April 26, 2009. P a g e 6 Financial Statement: Year Ended June 30, 2012 The financial statements for the year income for the current year (2012-2013). the diocese from money taken out of our ended June 30, 2012 shows a surplus of Contributions from the Diocesan An- investment portfolio. The Appeal has also just over $500,000. nual Appeal continue to fund the Pastoral enabled the diocese to maintain the level The Diocesan Operations portion of Centre as well as other programs and of service within the diocese while de- our financial statement shows a deficit of some of our smaller missions and par- creasing the requests for grants from $2,408 – our first deficit after three years ishes. Catholic Missions in Canada. of small surpluses. With the contributions from the Dioce- A land sale provided the surplus re- Income from cathedraticum, investment san Annual Appeal, we can continue to ported in the Capital Assets portion of interest and gravel sales were lower this provide the services necessary for the the financial statement. year. There were a couple of bright spots operation of the diocese as well as the Detailed financial statements can be during the year: an unexpected gift of outside programs and subsidies to our viewed at the Diocesan Centre. Please $40,000 to the diocese and gravel sales smaller parishes and missions. call 250 964-4424 to make arrangements. that started in 2012 will provide more In the past this funding was provided by

Investment income Our detailed financial statement out- lines the sources of our investment income: land leases (College Heights Manufactured Home Park and the Chevron station on Domano Boule- vard), property rentals, gravel royalties on several gravel quarries and the in- vestment portfolio. Our leases and rentals continue to provide solid and stable income for our operations. We view our land holdings as an in- vestment as well, but report all activity dealing with our land holdings under Capital Assets. Any surplus realized in a particular Diocesan Special Collections year from Capital Assets is added to Amount our investment portfolio, not put into Name Collected Use of Funds our operations. In this way our invest- ment portfolio continues to grow and Canadian Church 9,125 Needs of the Church in Canada provide more income for operations. Catholic Missions in Canada 10,625 Missionary efforts in Canada Development&Peace 31,361 Projects in developing countries and (Share Lent Collection) education in Canadian parishes Development&Peace Special 14,388 Designated relief efforts Evangelization of the Nations 12,267 World-wide mission efforts Holy Land 20,422 Maintenance of sites of the Holy Land Pope’s Pastoral Works 10,609 Charitable works of the Holy Father

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VOLUME XXII, NO.1 P a g e 7 Financial Statement: Year Ended June 30, 2012

Notes on Statements Cathedraticum – assessment from parishes Donations – gifts from Catholic Missions in Canada, religious communities, charitable organizations, individuals and businesses Direct Support – subsidies to the Renewal Centre and Domano Sisters and donations Diocesan Services – Offices of the Diocesan Centre and maintenance of Diocesan properties P a g e 8 Sacred Heart Panthers run the race The Sacred Heart Panthers enjoyed their participation in a cross-country running meet held at Immaculate Conception School in Sep- tember. Pictured here is one of the Sacred Heart School students pulling ahead. The afterschool races were excit- ing and enjoyable for coaches, parents and com- munity members.

School raises funds for cancer research By: Rebecca Gilbert drives, sold hot chocolate raising goal of $2,500.00. PRINCE GEORGE - We did and lemonade at recess and Since students surpassed this it and more! Sacred Heart students in the Grade 6/7 total, staff also had to pay up School raised $2,736.89 for class even took a pie in the with one staff member having cancer research as we cele- face for loonies. his head shaved, another Well done brated one of our school’s Great fun was had by the wearing a wig and another heroes, Terry Fox. students and staff who took kissing a pig. School classes had penny very seriously their fund “Nothing is too much for Sacred Heart Terry Fox” was the repeating phrase as the fundraising kicked off. Much applause is School! due Ms. Ruddy who spear- headed the weeks of fund- raising. Well done Sacred Heart School!

The Grade 7 class at Sacred Heart School headed up fundraising efforts. Pictured here are two students from the class who got into the spirit of the event with Terry Fox tattoos on their faces.

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Northern Catholic News VOLUME XXII, NO.1 P a g e 9

Musical dog steals the show By: Nuala Powers All Creatures of Our God and King, reaffirmed their commitment to PRINCE GEORGE - Though St. was led by Sean Hogan and Chris- caring for their animals and to Francis of Assisi, patron saint of tine Murphy. Following the intro- promoting respect for all creation. ecology, advised his followers to: duction of each pet by its owner, Father Pier then blessed all the “Preach the Gospel and if neces- Izabella Roderick (Grade 4) pro- pets communally. sary use words”, language was not claimed the reading from Genesis. The ceremony concluded with the main means of communication As a result of Izabella’s great love The Prayer of St. Francis who would at the annual Blessing of Pets at of animals, she has raised almost have been very much at home Sacred Heart School Gym, Octo- $4,000 for the SPCA in its many among the animals. During this ber 23rd. fund raising campaigns. Izabella was song Rupert the dog treated all Barking, meowing and even a the top fund-raiser in her age- present to his terrific sing-along singing dog threatened to drown group in the annual Paws for a skills! out Father Pier Pandolfo as he led Cause in September. Father Pier then blessed individ- a service of blessing. Organized by She was presented with an X- ual pets and their owners. The Linda Hebert and Sylvia Fowler, Box in recognition of her great ceremony was followed by treats the ceremony raised funds for the work at a recent school assembly. for animals provided by Doggone local SPCA which had a represen- Izabella was accompanied by her Bakery in Prince George and treats tative present. dog Timmy. for humans provided by Linda and The appropriate gathering song, During the service pet owners Sylvia.

Father Pier Pandolfo blesses a cat brought by a Sacred Heart School student to the annual Blessing of Pets celebration held in the gym. PHOTO BY: Christine Murphy P a g e 10 The very nature of God Tonight the snow is falling time to ponder God’s jour- in our world. and the wind is blowing. It is ney with us; our God coming This gives us an opportunity not really a time for travel or to dwell among us and our to ponder again Christ’s for heading out of doors God promising to gather us great love for us, what God unless particular tasks de- home from the many and will do to reach out to us. mand it. It is however, a per- varied journeys we take to God always takes the initia- fect time for reading a book. explore and discover our tive, always calls to us. God This fall a few folks in our own limits and possibilities. seeks us first and looks for parish suggested we form a All of us wander away from creative ways to say, “Return For the book club. The idea took our truest self from time to as far as you can and I will root and now we meet once time. We betray our own come the rest of the way to a week for about one hour desires and the best of who you.” Life of the to share our insights and we are. Sometimes admitting Not unlike the king’s son reflections on the book we that we have done so is a we have received a message. World have selected. real challenge. Our God has come to us. The current book is The It is easy enough to resume As disciples of Christ we Rev. Douglas Sunflower: On the Possibilities doing good deeds, to make are invited to echo the mes- Jeffrey, OMI and Limits of Forgiveness by choices that are life-giving. sage of the King. We are Simon Wiesenthal. It ex- And it is easy enough for us called to engage in actions, plores our many and varied to forgive others. Many of us to speak words that bring responses to sin and forgive- however, struggle to humble healing to divisions that open ness and the limits and possi- ourselves, admit our own up within us and among us. bilities that await us as we shortcomings, ask for for- As disciples of Christ we tap into God’s grace at work giveness and engage in acts recognize the greatness of in the world and within us. of restitution. God and we recognize our As I was reading the follow- The parable in The Sun- own sin. Admitting our sin ing quote caught my eye, flower suggests that when we and turning toward our God touched my imagination and find ourselves unable to re- is not always easy. led me to think much more turn to God, our God asks As we listen to God’s deeply about my relationship only that we turn our face Word, as we celebrate the with God: toward the Divine and come Eucharist, as we celebrate “A king had a son who as far as we can. When we the sacrament of reconcilia- had gone astray from turn towards God, God tion and engage in private him on a journey of a promises to make up the prayer let us listen for a hundred days. His distance that separates us. word, sent by God, that will friends said to him, In a word, God comes to enable us to return as far as ‘Return to your father.’ meet us. we can. He said, ‘I cannot.’ Then Winter settles in and our The good news is that as his father sent a message lives slow down a little as we we turn our face towards to him saying, ‘Return as are often limited by weather God, our God will be there, far as you can and I will and road conditions. The eagerly waiting to close the come the rest of the season of Advent deepens distance between us. It is in way to you.’ In a similar and we look forward to the God’s nature never to give way God says, ‘Return celebration of Christ’s birth up on us. to me and I will return to you.’” In the season of Advent we celebrate the two-fold com- ing of Christ; his birth and his coming at the end of time. It is good that we take

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CWL executive meet in Surrey By: Evelyn Rigby tion and Bylaws necessitated by the new Despite the packed agenda all business SURREY - Two women from the Prince Not-For-Profit legislation. These changes was successfully concluded. An evening George Diocese recently travelled to the will allow the CWL to retain its status as an social was marked by a celebration of Fa- Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre for the incorporated society. ther Tran’s birthday and enjoyable fellow- Catholic Women’s League of BC and Yukon Other matters discussed included future ship. annual provincial fall mid-term meeting. communiqués, the progress of Catch the The fall provincial newsletter and commu- Linda McClinton, Christian Family Life Fire presentations within each diocese, per niqués are accessible to all members animator and Prince George CWL Diocesan capita fees and the 2015 national conven- through the provincial website: President Lorraine Thibeault, along with 16 tion to be held in Vancouver. www.cwl.bc.ca. other members of the provincial executive pledged their energy, co-operation and joy in their love and service to God before tackling a lengthy agenda. The goals for the year were presented and common concerns and projects were dis- cussed among the women from six dio- ceses. Spiritual Advisor Father Tien Tran pre- sided at the Mass and led participants in the Liturgy of the Hours. He reported on the National Convention and gave a talk on the Year of the Faith with reference to the Catholics Come Home project. Father Tran encouraged the provincial council to profess their faith, live it and pray that it remain strong. He also advised them to access the treasure of sacramental life available in each parish and to study our church’s documents and teachings on moral issues. CWL Provincial executive members include, front row: Sharon Geiger, Edna Lorenzen, Lucille Wal- A new provincial theme “Let Your Faith lace, Agnes Geiger, Nancy Simms, Father Tien Tran, Doreen Gowans (President), Pat Deppiesse Shine” was chosen and will come into effect (President-Elect), Dianne Barker, Lorraine Thibeault (Prince George Diocesan President); second in January 2013. row: Linda McClinton, Caroline Ann-Alter, Gisela Montague, Kathy Weswick, Beth Bosch, Evelyn Provincial President Doreen Gowans ex- Rigby, Sandra Stajduhar, Jenny Shaw, Jeanne Wilson plained proposed changes to the Constitu-

Knights support minor hockey Frank Mauro, Grand Prince George Councils Knight of Kitimat Christ the King Council 5148, 5246, 8046, 8318, 8927 presents Kitimat Minor Hockey Association President, Michael Luis Knights of Columbus with a $400 sponsorship donation for a Rep team for the 2012-2013 Serving Church and Community hockey season. The funds in Prince George are from the Knights of Columbus Charity Ap- Come and Join us — New Members Welcome peal. PHOTO BY: Max Patzelt P a g e 12 Team work rescues mission STEWART – St. Felix Mission ence and leadership of Father nations which can have a big recently received an Terry Brock from Terrace who impact on the community. upgrade to its aged and brought on board several Others work together on a battered buildings cour- Knights of Columbus from Sa- specific project. Miracles of- tesy of a group of vol- cred Heart Parish”. ten result when larger and unteers from several In the early stages these smaller churches share their parishes. Knights managed to rebuild resources and facilities. “It was a combined many damaged parts of the Father Johmer was encour- and timed effort that church and rectory. Their work aged to see 16 people at Mass saved the life of that included a new deck for the on a mid-August Sunday. He church,” according to church and new skirting for the commented that this gave him Father Johmer rectory. more strength to carry on Faderanga, pastor of St. A number of parishioners with some added enthusiasm Mary’s in New Hazel- from Stewart and Hyder were for his apostolic mission in this ton with responsibility also part of the work crew. small community. for the Stewart mission. Together with Paul Heinzen, a “Don’t ever underestimate Father Johmer par- former Frontier Apostle and the power of unity of commu- ticularly noted mem- friend of Father Terry Brock nities working together for a bers of his own parish, now living in Alaska, they spent common goal because to- including Gabriel Laz- weeks working on completing gether we can move moun- zarotto and Jerry Paré the project. Father Johmer tains,” Father Johmer said. who spent several days called them “the silent heroes He pointed to the words of working on the installa- of all”. Bishop Gerald Wiesner that Roof repairs were part of tion of a new water drainage There is much talk about part- inspired him: “We are all part the facelift given to St. system and plumbing valve for nership in the Church and this of the same Church and we Felix Mission in Stewart the church. can mean a variety of things. are all working together to- this past summer. “Also,” he said, “a big thank Some churches work together ward the same goal.” you goes to the shared experi- in local groups across denomi-

Mass of Thanksgiving celebrating Saint Kateri - Over 2500 people, led by the Honourable Andrew physical sight was impaired ear- mainly Canadian pilgrims, partici- Scheer, Speaker of the House lier in her life by smallpox, her pated in a Mass of Thanksgiving in of Commons. inner vision was clear. “Deep the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, In his homily at the Basilica, within her heart she had re- October 22. Archbishop Smith called the ceived the gift of seeing clearly The Mass was presided by the canonization of St. Kateri Te- the truth of Christ and his Most Rev. Richard Smith, kakwitha “an extraordinary Church.” Archbishop of Edmonton and event that brings great joy to “In this Year of Faith, the life President of the Canadian Con- the people of Canada and to of Kateri demonstrates that the St. Kateri Tekakwitha as ference of Catholic Bishops our sisters and brothers of the gift of faith carries with it the depicted in a painting by (CCCB). He was accompanied by First Nations in particular.” capacity to see clearly the approximately 20 Canadian Bish- He quoted Blessed John Paul II beauty of God and his plan for Sister Dorothy Grills, CSJ ops present in Rome for the can- who, in a speech to Native us, which far exceed in grandeur onization of Saint Kateri Tekak- Americans soon after her beati- the sensible realities of this witha, including His Eminence fication, said that Kateri “stands earth.” Thomas Cardinal Collins, before us as a symbol of the St. Kateri serves as an instruc- Archbishop of Toronto best of the heritage that is tive witness for the new evange- and Bishops Lionel Gendron and yours as North American Indi- lization, he said. She had an Louis Dicaire of Saint-Jean- ans.” open and welcoming heart to Longueuil. “Now that she has been added receive the Gospel message Members of the all-party Cana- to the canon of the Church’s which found a home within her dian government delegation were saints,” Archbishop Smith con- as witnessed by her life. also present in addition to the tinued, “she also stands before Before concluding with a Canadian Ambassador to the the whole Church, indeed the prayer to St. Kateri, Archbishop , Her Excellency Anne entire world, as a reminder of Smith said that those present Leahy, as well as a number of the universal call to holiness were privileged to witness chiefs from First Nations commu- and a model of cooperation Kateri's canonization. “We shall nities in Canada. with the mystery of grace.” also be truly blessed if we learn The Canadian delegation was He noted that while her from her example.”

Northern Catholic News VOLUME XXII, NO.1 P a g e 13

Blinded by truth? By: Susan Campbell very thing we profess. Discrimination and intolerance are It was a small, simply carved wooden We profess that God is compassion- the result. horse with a beaded figure placed ate to all, slow to anger and rich in Ultimately our understanding of deliberately on the altar during a rec- mercy. Yet this same God was, and Truth is a work in progress. This is onciliation process between aborigi- too often is, used to justify harsh clear in the Second Vatican Council’s nal and non-aboriginal participants punishment, alienation from family Dogmatic Constitution on Divine who came together to seek forgive- and culture and forced compliance to Revelation: ness and healing in the aftermath of a way of life that was anything but “The tradition that comes from the the Indian Residential School legacy. compassionate and rich in mercy. apostles makes progress in the Its presence spoke volumes to all Although not all aboriginal children church, with the help of the Holy present. experienced brutality at the hands of Spirit. There is a growth in insight The horse was discovered in the their caregivers, all the participants into the realities and words that are mid 1990’s in the walls of a former spoke of their immense sadness at being passed along. This comes residential school, St Eugene’s in what was taken away from them. about through the contemplation Cranbrook, BC. When or how the They lost foundational connections and study of believers who ponder horse found its way into the walls is with their families and culture. Their these things in their hearts. It comes not known, yet freed from the dark- basic sense of self was denigrated and through the intimate sense of the ness and given a prominent place in damaged. spiritual realities which they experi- the sacred circle, it spoke poignantly Joining my parish community the ence. And it comes from the preach- of the many young children taken Sunday after the workshop I found ing of those who, on succeeding to from their families and sent away to myself discomfited as I tried to come the office of bishop, have received residential schools. to terms with what I just experi- the sure charism of truth. Thus, as Assembled at this historical gather- enced. the centuries go by, the church is ing were over a dozen aboriginal par- How is it that the church that has always advancing toward the pleni- ticipants who were sent to this par- given me such life, has nourished and tude of divine truth, until eventually ticular school as children. They were nurtured the faith I proudly profess, the words of God are fulfilled in it.” now back in the very place that sym- could have been so complicit in the There is a dialogue implicit here that bolized so much darkness and suffer- systematic removal of vulnerable chil- emerges from a place of deep con- ing in order to come to a place of dren from their homes in order to templation and spiritual insight. It is forgiveness and to find healing for carry out the explicit government the task of the whole community to themselves and their families. policy of assimilating aboriginal peo- discern and move toward the fullness The non-aboriginal participants ples within a European-based society? of Truth. came from different walks of life. Rep- How could we have gotten it so In this Year of Faith we can ask: am I resentatives of the church included: wrong? How is it we were so blind to open to listening to those whose priests and ministers, women and the consequences? Despite good in- experience of truth differs from my men religious as well as the local tentions – and many truly existed – as own who may have something to bishop. No one present had actually well as the dedication and self- contribute to my ongoing conversion taught at this school which closed in sacrifice of countless men and of heart, mind and will? 1970, but some belonged to the reli- women, in the end the outcome cre- Am I willing to have the truths I gious congregation that operated it. ated more harm than good. hold challenged, not to relativize Added to these participants were This is evident in many aboriginal them but to discern whether a social workers, educators, counselors communities and in our inner cities. greater truth can be realized? and community members - aboriginal If these were simply past events we In the readings for the Feast of and non-aboriginal - who came to be might try to dismiss the conse- Christ the King, Jesus says he came reconciled. quences as unfortunate and congratu- “to testify to the truth.” That ulti- What became clear during the week late ourselves on how far we have mately is our challenge as well. -long Returning to Spirit reconcilia- come as church and society. And we tion workshop is that the legacy of have come some distance in the re- the Indian Residential Schools is a spect we offer to cultures different source of pain and suffering for every than our own. participant, even if that pain is not the To leave it there, however, misses a same for each one. deeper question that is still relevant As a non-aboriginal contemplating today: can we hold a truth and yet the residential school legacy, one of miss the Truth? The truths we hold the things I found painful was how (e.g. Jesus is “the way, the truth and blinded we can be by our “truth.” We the life.”) can be viewed incorrectly can profess one thing, yet live in a (only Catholics/Christians will be way that creates a mockery of the saved and all others will be damned). P a g e 14 Domano Renewal Centre Schedule January ~ June 2013

Registration is required for all programs. Please phone, email or go on the web: (250) 964-4475 E-mail: [email protected] www.domanorenewalcentre.org

Northern Catholic News VOLUME XXII, NO.1 P a g e 15

In the words of Pope Benedict XVI … God is always faithful to his promises, but he often surprises us in the way he fulfills them.

The child that was born in Bethlehem did indeed bring liberation, but not only for the people of that time and place; he was to be the Savior of all people throughout the world and throughout history.

And it was not a political liberation that he brought, achieved through military means: rather, Christ destroyed death for ever and restored life by means of his shameful death on the Cross. And while he was born in poverty and obscurity, far from the centres of earthly power, he was none other than the Son of God.

Out of love for us he took upon himself our human condition, our fragility, our vul- nerability and he opened up for us the path that leads to the fullness of life, to a share in the life of God himself.

As we ponder this great mystery in our hearts this Christmas, let us give thanks to God for his goodness to us, and let us joyfully proclaim to those around us the good news that God offers us freedom from whatever weighs us down: he gives us hope, he brings us life. “And He shall reign forever and ever…” Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a Peace filled New Year

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