- Diocese of St. Catharines

Vineyard
FEB
2016
Refugees
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VOLUME 29 NO. 2
THE JOURNAL OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. CATHARINES
Happenings around
the diocese
p. 11
Published by the Office
of Religious Education
for the Diocese of St.
Catharines 4 times yearly
and distributed free
throughout the diocese.
Articles, letters, photos
and announcements are
welcome. All items will
be considered. Direct
correspondence to the
Office of Religious
Education, P.O. Box 875,
St. Catharines, Ontario,
L2R 6Z4, email-offreled@
saintcd.com, FAX 905-6842185—or call Rose Marie
905-684-0154. Past issues
of Vineyard are archived
at www.saintcd.com
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SPRING 2016
Where
Faith
Lives
www.saintcd.com
THE NAME OF GOD IS MERCY
by MOST REVEREND GERARD
BERGIE
BULLETIN
BOARD
6, 7 & 12
On January 12, 2016 our Holy
Father, Pope Francis, released
a book entitled, The Name of
God is Mercy. It presents his
understanding and experience of
mercy. The Holy Father offers his
reflections as a means of helping us
live the Year of Mercy. He wants
us to open our hearts and allow
Jesus to come to us. He is asking
us to approach the confessional
with faith and to try to be merciful
to others. There is no question that
God’s mercy is a central theme of
the pontificate of Pope Francis. It
is also appropriate that we focus
on this theme during the Season
of Lent.
On the Fourth Sunday of Lent
we are presented with the familiar
parable of the Prodigal Son. (Luke
15:13, 11-32) The focus is the
merciful father who is waiting for
his son’s return. The younger son
has squandered his inheritance
and is physically and spiritually
broken due to his immoral lifestyle
and famine in the land where he is
living.
We are told that after some
reflection he “came to himself”
(another way to say this is, “coming
to his senses”) and recognized
that he could return home to his
father. He believes that his actions
have broken the relationship with
his father (“Father, I have sinned
against heaven and before you; I
am no longer worthy to be called
your son; treat me like one of your
hired hands.”) He knows that his
father is both compassionate and
just and hopes that he will respond
favourably to his return.
What the son did not fully
appreciate was his father’s greatest
quality—he was merciful. When
the father sees his son returning
home, he runs to greet him. The
robe, ring, and sandals, given to
the son by the father demonstrate
that he has always been his son,
never a hired hand. The son now
experiences his father’s mercy for
he has been forgiven, healed, and
restored.
Lent can also be a time
of forgiveness, healing, and
restoration for each one of us if we
prayerfully reflect on our current
situation and open our hearts to
God’s mercy. Like the Prodigal
Son, we may also realize that our
lives need to change and then we
will ‘come home’.
In his book on mercy Pope
Francis states, “Mercy exists…if
you don’t recognize yourself as
a sinner, it means you don’t
want to receive it, it means
that you don’t feel the need
for it.” (The Name of God is
Mercy) To receive mercy we
need to be humble enough to
admit we are sinners and in
this way model the Prodigal
Son.
This
is
not
easy.
Unfortunately our attitude
may be more like the older
brother of the gospel parable
who believed he was much
better than his brother
because he had worked hard
and was always faithful and
obedient to his father. He
too was blind to his father’s
mercy and allowed his heart
to be hardened. The truth is
that the older brother was
also a sinner and in need
of mercy. Since he could
not acknowledge this, he
was unable to join in the
celebration of his brother’s
return. Sometimes we may
feel so comfortable in our
sin that we do not see any
reason to change or we justify
ourselves and our behaviours.
Unfortunately, we see no need
for conversion in our lives.
The Church celebrates
the ‘sinner’s return’ in the
Sacrament of Reconciliation.
It is the first step to coming
home to Christ. It is the
sacrament of God’s mercy
where we find forgiveness
and healing. I assure you that
every priest in our diocese
sees himself as a physician of
the soul who wishes to bring
healing in this sacrament.
In
the
document
proclaiming the Year of
Mercy, Pope Francis writes,
“Confessors are called to
embrace the repentant son
who comes back home and
to express the joy of having
him back again. Let us never
tire of also going out to the
other son who stands outside,
incapable of rejoicing, in
order to explain to him his
judgement is not severe and
unjust and meaningless in
light of the father’s boundless
mercy. (MV 17)
During Lent there is a
greater emphasis on this
beautiful sacrament. Once
again we will have a day
where the Sacrament of
Reconciliation will be offered
in all parishes from 10 a.m.—
2 p.m. with Adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament. The date
will be Saturday March 5,
which is the Saturday before
the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
There will be many other
opportunities
throughout
Lent and the Year of Mercy in
your parishes to receive the
Sacrament of Reconciliation.
I invite you to celebrate this
sacrament and not to be
afraid, especially if it has
been many years since your
last confession. Reflect upon
the parable of the Prodigal
Son and come to the merciful
Father.
For those who feel that they
do not need this sacrament or
are having difficulty seeing
or acknowledging their sin, I
turned toward the sinner; it is
the Father waiting to embrace
his Prodigal Son upon his
return. It is experienced most
perfectly in the Sacrament of
Reconciliation and is lived
out through the Corporal and
Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Lent provides us with
an incredible opportunity to
focus on God’s mercy. We can
do this in the context of the
three pillars of Lent—prayer,
fasting and almsgiving. In our
prayer let us spend some time
meditating on the meaning of
mercy. Let us also prayerfully
prepare to celebrate the
sacrament of mercy.
The Return of the Prodigal Son, Rembrandt c 1661-1669
pray that you will receive the
grace to see this sacrament as
a means of renewal in your
life. Pope Francis states, “The
Lord of mercy always forgives
me; he always offers me the
possibility of starting over.
He loves me for what I am;
he wants to raise me up; and
he extends his hand to me…
For as long as we are alive it is
always possible to start over,
all we have to do is let Jesus
embrace us and forgive us.”
(The Name of God is Mercy)
This is a sacrament that is
rooted in hope and a new
beginning; it is truly ‘good
news’.
Mercy is God’s loving gaze
Fasting and almsgiving
can also be incorporated into
the Corporal and Spiritual
Works of Mercy as we deny
ourselves so that we can focus
on the needs of others. In this
way we will put into practise
what we say each Sunday in
our Jubilee prayer, “In being
transformed by mercy, may
we become witnesses of
mercy, bringing healing and
hope to others.”
May the Season of Lent
be a time of conversion and
spiritual renewal for all of us
as we contemplate, celebrate
and live the gift of mercy.
Mary, Mother of Mercy,
pray for us.
February 2016 The Vineyard
2
The
biblical origins of our
Jubilee Year
by FR. CRAIG MORRISON,
O.CARM.
The Book of Leviticus, the
third book of the Old Testament,
announced to the ancient
Israelites the specifics of their
Jubilee Year observance: “You
shall consecrate the fiftieth year
and you shall proclaim liberty
throughout the land to all its
inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee
for you.” (Leviticus 25:10) So
during the Jubilee Year, our
Israelite ancestors freed their
slaves, cancelled debts, and
everyone, rich and poor alike,
enjoyed a year of rest. It was a
year of clemency and mercy for
those in need, especially those
who had been sold into slavery
because of financial difficulties.
This year’s Jubilee is called
‘extraordinary’ because it is
not in the cycle of the fifty-year
Jubilee as the bible commands,
but has been proclaimed for a
special occasion. Pope Francis
announced this special Jubilee
Year to remind all the baptized
that the Church in the world
is a sign of God’s mercy and
clemency toward all peoples.
Jesus too understood his
own mission as an extraordinary
Jubilee Year. At the beginning of
his public life, he returned to the
synagogue in his hometown of
Nazareth. (Luke 4:14-20) It was
the Sabbath day (our Saturday)
and Jesus, an observant Jew,
stood up to read from the bible.
He chose verses from chapters
58 and 61 of the Book of Isaiah.
The bible at the time of
Jesus was written on lengthy
scrolls, and so the servants
in the synagogue that day
would have had to roll the
scroll for quite some time as
Jesus scanned the Hebrew text
looking for the passages he
wanted. The congregation must
have been waiting with fervent
anticipation: “What passage is
this rabbi searching for?” Finally
Jesus finds the text from Isaiah
that he wants to read aloud:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon
me, for he has anointed me to
bring good news to the poor. He
has sent me to proclaim release
to the captives and recovery
of sight to the blind, to let the
oppressed go free, to proclaim
the year of the Lord’s favour.”
Jesus’ announcement that
his time on earth would be a
“year of the Lord’s favour”
proclaimed to this ancient
Jewish congregation that a
Jubilee Year was about to begin.
Once Jesus leaves the
synagogue we follow him
through the gospels to discover
that everyone whom Jesus
meets experiences the Jubilee.
Jesus stops at the casket of a
widow’s only son and addresses
the dead man: “Young man, I
say to you, rise!” (Luke 7:14) A
paralytic lying beside the pool
at one of Jerusalem’s gates rises
from the mat on which he has
been lying for 38 years: “Stand
up, take your mat and walk.”
(John 5:8) Another paralyzed
man, after being lowered down
To mark the 2015-2016 Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis asked that a Holy Door be created in every diocese throughout the world. On the right
is the Diocese of St. Catharines Holy Door at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria. During this Jubilee Year parishioners are invited to
make a pilgrimage to the Cathedral and pass through these doors. On the left are the bronze Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. These
doors date back to 1499 when Pope Alexander opened a special door to mark the Holy Year 1500. Photo on right by Denis Cahill
through the roof of the house
where Jesus is teaching, never
even gets a chance to open his
mouth before Jesus says to him,
“Friend, your sins are forgiven
you.” (Luke 5:20) An excluded
woman with a htemorrhage
is called a ‘daughter’ by Jesus
(Luke 8:48) and a leprous man,
touched by Jesus, can return to
life in the Jewish community.
These individuals and so many
others in the gospel celebrate
Jesus’ Jubilee year.
Many of these key moments
of mercy in the gospels are
depicted on the Holy Doors
of St. Peter’s Basilica—the
bronze doors that Pope Francis
opened on December 8, 2015,
to inaugurate the Jubilee year.
The 16 images on the doors
trace various Jubilee moments
in biblical history—moments of
redemption.
Among my favourites is
the depiction of Jesus’ glance
at Peter who has just denied
knowing Jesus. The Latin
inscription is taken from Luke
22:61—“conversus
Dominus
respexit Petrum”; “The Lord
turned and looked at Peter.”
You can see at the top of the
scene the rooster that has just
crowed, reminding Peter of
Jesus’ prediction at the Last
Supper: “I tell you, Peter, the
cock will not crow this day, until
you have denied three times that
you know me.” (Luke 22:34) The
high priest Caiaphas is seated
in the background and Jesus,
his hands now bound, looks at
Peter who cannot look at him.
Through his tears, he recognizes
that he has denied knowing the
one whom he recognized as the
messiah just as Jesus is about to
embrace his cross.
But after the resurrection,
Jesus’ first words to Peter are
“Peace be with you.” (Luke
24:36) In that sacred moment
Peter experiences the profound
meaning of Jesus’ ‘Year of
Favour’, the Jubilee Year that
he announced that day in the
synagogue. The debt Peter owes
to Jesus is cancelled in the risen
Christ’s loving greeting: “Peace
be with you.”
When
Pope
Francis
announced the Jubilee year,
he wrote that the Holy Doors
are doors of mercy “through
which anyone who enters will
experience the love of God
who consoles, pardons, and
instills hope.” The faith-filled
millions, who will pass through
St. Peter’s Holy Doors this year,
will pass by the image of Peter
weeping for his sin.
We too can pass through the
holy doors in our own Cathedral
of St. Catherine of Alexandria,
St. Catharines, knowing that
Jesus waits for us on the other
side with the same words of
mercy that he said long ago to
his friend and disciple Peter,
“Peace be with you.”
Fr. Craig Morrison, O.Carm.
teaches Aramaic and Sacred
Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical
Institute in Rome. He will join
the retreat team at Mt. Carmel
Spiritual Center, Niagara Falls, for
the Holy Week Retreat beginning
with the Seder Meal on Wednesday
March 23, 2016.
Pilgrimage
to the
Holy Doors
Throughout the
JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY
Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria
67 Church Street, St. Catharines
Among my favourites is the depiction of Jesus’ glance
at Peter who has just denied knowing Jesus. The Latin
inscription is taken from Luke 22:61—“conversus Dominus
respexit Petrum”; “The Lord turned and looked at Peter.”
will be open weekdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.;
Saturdays 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.;
Sundays 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Parishes or organizations who want to come on a
pilgrimage to the Holy Doors may call
the Cathedral office at 905-684-3964
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. to book a date and time.
A tour and prayer service can also be arranged.
A Holy Hour of Mercy will be celebrated throughout
the Jubilee Year of Mercy on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
with Adoration, Benediction and Reconciliation.
The Vineyard February 2016
We
3
must be the Church
that goes forth
As Pope Francis tells us, “The Church does not exist to
condemn people but to bring about an encounter with the
visceral love of God’s mercy. I often say that in order for this to
happen, it is necessary to go out: to go out from the church and
the parishes, to go outside and look for people where they live,
where they suffer, and where they hope. I like to use the image
of a field hospital to describe this ‘Church that goes forth’; it
exists where there is combat, it is not a solid structure with all the
equipment where people go to receive treatment for both small
and large infirmities. It is a mobile structure that offers first aid
and immediate care, so that its soldiers do not die. It’s a place for
urgent care, not a place to see a specialist. I hope that the Jubilee
will service to reveal the Church’s deeply maternal and merciful
side, a Church that goes forth toward those who are ‘wounded’,
who are in need of an attentive ear, understanding, forgiveness
and love.”
Pope Francis The Name of God is Mercy (497)
The Lenten season is the time for us, “to prepare the way of
the Lord,” Luke 3:4, to prepare ourselves for that great mystery
of our salvation, the Resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday
morning. Two of the best ways to accomplish this is through the
Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, which allow us to be the
‘Church that goes forth.’
THE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY
to feed the hungry
to give drink to the thirsty
to clothe the naked
to welcome the stranger
to visit the sick
to visit the imprisoned
to bury the dead
THE SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY
to counsel the doubtful
to instruct the ignorant
to admonish sinners
to comfort the afflicted
to forgive offences
to bear patiently those who are ill
to pray for the living and the dead
PRAYER FOR THE YEAR OF MERCY
“Merciful Like the Father”
O God our Father,
turn your gaze toward us
so that we may know your mercy.
Help us to acknowledge our sin
and see the injury it causes.
Pour the medicine of your mercy over us
as a healing balm.
Like a trusting child
may we run to the open arms
of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is meek and humble of heart.
In being transformed by mercy,
may we become witnesses of mercy,
bringing healing and hope to others.
May your Holy Spirit inflame our hearts
and inspire many to respond to you with love.
Grant us the grace to be merciful like you Father.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us.
Where Faith Lives
The Diocese of
St. Catharines
invites Catholics
to celebrate the
Sacrament of
Penance
Saturday March 5, 2016
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
In every parish church across the diocese a priest
will be available to hear individual Confessions.
No matter how long it has been, you are welcome
to celebrate this wonderful sacrament of
reconciliation and healing and spend some time
in prayer with Our Lord.
Flyers on how to make a good confession will be
distributed in the parishes.
For a list of parishes in the diocese go to:
www.saintcd.com/directory/parishes.html
Mercy will always be greater
than any sin, no one can put a limit
on the love of the all-forgiving God.
Just by looking at him, just by raising
our eyes from ourselves and our
wounds, we leave an opening for the
action of his grace. Jesus performs
miracles with ours sins, with what
we are, with our nothingness, with
our wretchedness.
Pope FrancisThe Name of God is Mercy (736)
‘Come to me, all you that are weary
and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
Mt. 11:28-30
February 2016 The Vineyard
4
St. Alfred
by LOUISE MINNITI
St. Alfred Parish, St.
Catharines, invites you to
attend the Man of the Shroud
exhibit being held March 2-8,
2016.
The exhibit was organized
in 2002 by a group of clergy
and laity in Vancouver, British
Columbia. It is owned and
operated by the Vancouver
Shroud Association, with
Carolyn Wharton, a founding
member,
as
executive
director. Wharton will be
accompanying the exhibit to
St. Catharines. The objectives
of the association are both
to inform people about the
Shroud of Turin, and to
encourage devotion to the
man who it represents.
The Man of the Shroud
exhibit
is
an
extensive
exhibition on the history,
science and significance of
the Shroud of Turin. Since
medieval times, the Shroud of
Turin has been venerated as
the cloth in which Jesus’ body
was wrapped in the tomb.
The gospel of John (20:6-7)
describes it as having been
left behind in the tomb at the
resurrection.
Secondo Pia was an
Italian lawyer and amateur
photographer, best known for
taking the first photographs of
the shroud on May 28, 1898.
It was, while developing the
photographs, he noticed that
the photographic negatives
showed a clearer rendition of
the image.
One of the most dramatic
elements of the exhibition
will be the actual-size digital
photograph of the shroud,
printed on linen that bears
parish hosts
the mysterious image of
a scourged and crucified
man. This reproduction will
be placed in a worshipful
setting conducive to prayer
and observation, hanging, as
it will, above the altar in St.
Alfred Church.
To enrich the exhibition
and to give visitors some idea
of the suffering of Jesus Christ,
many artifacts, reconstructed
according to features found
on the shroud are also on
display—the scourge, the
crown of thorns, nails, and the
lance that pierced his side—
each replica tells its own story.
Just as impressive are
the wonderful panels that
describe all the scientific
and historic research on the
shroud using text and highquality photographs. These
professionally
prepared
documentary museum boards
are designed to enlighten and
educate visitors in the latest
findings associated with the
14-foot linen cloth, believed
to be the burial cloth of Christ,
will be displayed in the church.
The exhibit in St. Mark
Room will be complemented
with
informative
and
motivating
presentations
given
by
internationally
renowned shroud scholars,
Barrie Schwortz and John
Iannone.
Schwortz
has
been
involved with documenting
the shroud since 1978 and
today plays an influencing
role in shroud research and
education. He was the official
documenting photographer for
the Shroud of Turin Research
Project (STRP), the team that
conducted the first in-depth
scientific examination of the
shroud in 1978. The STRP
is credited with identifying
some of the most compelling
scientific proof that the shroud
is indeed the burial cloth of
Jesus of Nazareth.
Schwortz is the editor and
founder of the internationally
recognized Shroud of Turin
website
(www.shroud.com)
the oldest, largest and most
extensive shroud resource on
the Internet. His presentations
will be March 3 and 4 (10 a.m.,
1 p.m. & 7 p.m.) and on March
5 (1:30 p.m. & 6 p.m.).
John Iannone has studied
the shroud for over 36 years
and is a published author
and lector on the authenticity
of the Shroud of Turin. He is
vice-chair of the Holy Shroud
Task Force, an organization
of scientists, scholars, writers
and interested individuals
working to preserve the shroud
from modern environmental
damage and to promote
continued studies and testing
of this precious relic.
“The shroud is truly
ecumenical,” says Iannone.
His presentations will be
March 6 (1:30 p.m. & 6:30
p.m.), March 7 & 8 (10 a.m., 1
p.m. & 7 p.m.).
Indeed, people of all
denominations—Catholic,
Orthodox, Protestant and even
those of no particular faith—
will be moved by the shroud.
It speaks to the heart and
soul of each of us. No one can
explain the effect the shroud
has on each visitor.
“It cannot be proved
a forgery,” says Wharton.
“Science has done all it can,
and science cannot prove it
is inauthentic. That’s what
makes it super exciting”
St. Catharines
Right to Life Dinner
Saturday February 27, 2016
Holiday Inn Parkway Convention Centre
St. Catharines, Ontario
Business meeting 4:30 p.m.
Reception 5:00 p.m. Dinner 6:00 p.m.
Guest speaker: Brad Mattes
International Right to Life Federation, president
Life Issues Institute, Ohio, president
TV and radio host on life issues
Tickets: $45 adults, $25 students
Contact 905-684-7505
[email protected]
Shroud
exhibit
John Iannone
Barrie Schwortz
Visual representation of
the Carbon 14 testing done on
the shroud and the exhaustive
search for scientific facts will
be presented with several
informative
documentary
DVD’s. Every effort will be
made by the volunteers to
ensure your visit is reverent
and respectful.
Volunteers
will
be
available to greet visitors to the
exhibit and answer questions.
Knights of Columbus will
stand guard during the hours
the exhibit is open. Completely
accessible, St. Alfred will be
a most welcoming host to all
visitors. Please pray for the
success of this unique and
unprecedented event.
With no charge for
admission, the parish is
thankful for donations. Group
bookings for the presentations
can be arranged by contacting
Anne 905-327-0062.
Exhibit hours: Wednesday
March 2 - Friday March 4 and
Monday March 7 – Tuesday March
8 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.);
Saturday March 5 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
& 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.); Sunday March 6
(1 p.m. - 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.).
IN MEMORIAM
Msgr. Vincent Ferrando died
peacefully January 12, 2016, in his
100th year.
He was born and raised in
Baltimore, Maryland, and in 1936
was accepted into St. Augustine’s
Seminary, Toronto.
Msgr. Ferrando was ordained May
1942 by James Cardinal McGuigan for
the Archdiocese of Toronto, and was
assigned as associate pastor to St.
Helen, Toronto, where he served until 1946. He was also associate
pastor at St. Ann, Niagara Falls, from 1946-1951.
Msgr. Ferrando served as pastor at St. Ann, Niagara Falls
(1951-1955); St. Mary, Welland (1955-1976) and Our Lady of the
Scapular, Niagara Falls (1976-1992) before he retired in 1992.
In 1955 while pastor at St. Mary, Welland, his skills were
tested when he undertook the monumental task of establishing
the separate school system in Welland. For the first five years, the
administration of the schools was conducted from the rectory.
During his 13 years as a trustee, five of which he served as
chair, the system grew as new schools were added. As trustee
chair, he recruited teachers from Ireland, Scotland and England
when Ontario had a shortage of teachers. He also initiated the
daycare nursery of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
When immigration opened after WWII and a large number
of Italians immigrated to the Niagara area, Msgr. Ferrando made
himself available as counsellor and information source, directing
new arrivals to the appropriate agencies and job opportunities.
He also conducted classes in basic English, helped a wide variety
of interpretation cases and proxy marriages by the dozen. In 1954,
Pope Pius XII honoured him with the title of Monsignor.
In 1958 when the Diocese of St. Catharines was created, Bishop
Thomas McCarthy appointed Msgr. Ferrando as consulter to the
bishop and diocesan director to the Society of the Propagation of
the Faith and the Holy Childhood Association. Later he became
director of the Office of Religious Education, a position he held for
eight years, and director of the Legion of Mary.
In 2005 Msgr. Ferrando received the Sons of Italy Award for
long-standing faithful service. In 2006 the Niagara Catholic District
School Board conferred upon him the Award of Distinction
which is given to those who have made notable, significant and
positive contributions to Catholic education in Niagara during a
sustained period of time.
Msgr. Ferrando’s funeral was held at Our Lady of the Scapular,
Niagara Falls, January 16, 2016, and his remains will be interred at
Holy Cross Cemetery, Welland.
May he rest in peace.
5
The Vineyard February 2016
THINKfast!
There are many reasons
to THINKfast!
Each year, 100’s of youth
across Canada participate in
the Development & Peace
THINKfast!
program,
a
25-hour
education
and
fundraising fast in solidarity
with communities in the
global south.
Youth
groups
from
schools, parishes and other
community
organizations
get together to create a team
and ask friends and family
to support them in their fast.
During the fast, participants
partake in activities and
reflections that help them
to understand the injustices
faced by their sisters and
brothers in the global south,
and strengthen solidarity
with these communities.
Here, Natalie Pagnotta,
St.
Catharines
Diocesan
Council youth representative,
tells Development & Peace
why she likes to THINKfast!
D & P: How has the
THINKfast!
program
impacted you?
Pagnotta: I did my first
THINKfast! seven years
ago. It was an eye opening
experience. It was my first
introduction to the work of
Development & Peace and
I was so intrigued by the
organization’s mission to
assist those in the global south
through
empowerment.
supports
Not only sending funds to
partners, but also enabling
people of these communities
to help themselves and
become
self-sufficient.
Through the empowerment
of our brothers and sisters
in the global south they gain
the capacities to sustain their
communities for years to
come.
D & P: Was there a
particular
THINKfast!
activity that gave you a new
perspective on life in the
global south?
Pagnotta: The penny
activity opened my eyes
the most to the challenges
faced by people in the global
south. This activity involved
D&P
sifting through dirty, mudfilled water in a basin to find
a coin. It showed me what it
is like to live with a lack of
clean water, and the struggle
and process involved in
trying to attain clean water.
D
&
P:
What
is
your
involvement
with
Development & Peace since
your first THINKfast!?
Pagnotta:
I’ve
had
the opportunity to be a
THINKfast! organizer for
three years at my parish, Our
Lady of the Scapular, Niagara
Falls. Following grade school
graduation, I attended the
local Development & Peace
annual general meeting and
was nominated as a parish
youth representative.
Five years later, I’ve had
the privilege of being involved
with the organization at the
diocesan level as well as the
parish. I had the opportunity
to
attend
the
Ontario
Provincial Meeting in May
2013, hosted by the Diocese
of Sault Ste. Marie. While
there I connected with other
youth representatives and
members from all over the
province. Through my high
school years, I’ve attended
various
workshops
and
annual meetings organized
by the council, including
Share Lent and high school
gatherings.
58th Annual
CWL Diocesan Convention
May 24 & 25, 2016
Tuesday May 24
Opening Mass
St. Alfred, St. Catharines
6:30 p.m.
Guest speaker:
Fr. Thomas Lynch
Topic: The Value of Human Suffering
A reception will follow
Wednesday May 25
Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Centre
St. Catharines
Keynote speaker:
Fr. Frank Freitas
Topic: The New Evangelization
The theme for the convention will be
Palliative & Hospice Care Through Acts of Mercy
Development & Peace prepares
celebrate 50th anniversary
Contact parish president to register
13th Bishop’s Gala
and
Award of Distinction
supported by
Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education
Diocese of St. Catharines
Niagara Catholic District School Board
Friday April 1, 2016
Club Roma
125 Vansickle Road, St. Catharines
Antipasto & cocktails 5:30 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $75
(must be purchased by March 24)
Cash bar
DJ to follow dinner
Contact Sherry Morena 905-735-0240 ext. 213
www.niagaracatholic.ca
Proceeds to the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education
Monies raised go to helping students attend summer camps and other
activities
in which they otherwise would not be able to participate
In the spring of 1967, Pope
Paul VI issued an encyclical
letter, Populorum Progressio,
which stated, “Development
is the new name for Peace.
Inequality and injustice often
lead to war, but development
paves the road to peace. It must
be built daily, and it must strive
towards justice for all human
beings. (PP, 76) Pope Paul
emphasized that “the laity must
play an active role in promoting
international justice and peace.”
(PP, 81)
As a result of this call,
the
Canadian
Conference
of Catholic Bishops created
Development & Peace later
that year as a lay organization
dedicated to improving living
conditions in poor countries.
For 49 years, Development &
Peace has been working with
partners in 70 countries in
Africa, Asia, Latin America and
the Middle East. Now with the
50th anniversary approaching in
2017, members of Development
& Peace look back at what they
have learned about effective
development, and forward to
the new challenges facing the
world.
One of the things learned
is that effective development
assistance must respect the
needs and wisdom of the
disadvantaged—we
cannot
presume to know what others
need. We need to respect
others as equal partners
in
development,
rather
than assume an attitude of
superiority. Over the years we
have learned from our partners
perhaps more than we have
taught them.
The annual educational
programs in Canada are based
on what the partners have
conveyed are the pressing
issues they are facing. Over
the years, the focus has shifted
from isolated projects to a more
effective approach of long-term
programs.
Increasingly, there has been
a need to address disasters,
both natural and social. The
earthquake in Haiti, tsunami in
southern Asia, typhoons in the
Philippines, droughts in North
Africa, and refugee crisis in
Syria and other Middle Eastern
countries have challenged and
overwhelmed us. Development
is a slow process, and often it
to
seems we take two steps back
for each step forward. But
our faith in the Risen Christ
provides us with the hope to
continue.
Development & Peace
works with the Vatican-based
network of Catholic charities
called Caritas Internationalis.
Aid is provided to countries
in crisis even before the media
makes the public aware of
them. When the crisis is past,
Development & Peace and its
partners continue to provide
assistance in an effort to
eliminate the causes of the crisis.
In preparation for the 50th
anniversary, Development &
Peace has updated its logo.
The old logo was two people
standing on the earth globe,
with one standing higher than
the other. The new logo has the
two people holding hands as
equal partners. In the new logo,
Christ’s presence is represented
in the shadow of the cross on
the earth globe. It also identifies
Development & Peace as the
Canadian partner in the Caritas
network.
6
Diocese
by JOE BARKOVICH
Marilyn Nabilsi has what
it takes to be successful in
her ‘people’ job. She has a
warm, winning smile. She has
a welcoming demeanor. She
loves working with people.
Nabilsi
has
been
coordinator
of
refugee
resettlement for the Diocese
of St. Catharines since the
beginning of January.
She was well known in
local refugee circles before
that because she has been a
volunteer at Casa El Norte,
Fort Erie, and Chez Marie,
St. Catharines, which are two
refugee centres operated by
the diocese.
February 2016 The Vineyard
names
Syrian
She has other important
qualifications. Nabilsi has
already sponsored Syrian
refugees—a young family of
three as well as two young
men, 18 and 22. Born in
Montreal, daughter of a mom
of Syrian descent and a dad of
Lebanese descent she is fluent
in Arabic, a language spoken
by Syrians, as well as English
and French.
Her
husband,
Bashar
Shaheen, is of Syrian descent
and is a mechanical engineer
by profession. They have
three children—Anthony 13,
Veronica 9, and Sophie 4, and
are parishioners at St. Joseph,
Grimsby.
In her new role, Nabilsi
refugee coordinator
is the diocese’s go-to person
when it comes to speaking
to parish groups interested
in refugee sponsorship. She
knows the ropes; she can
answer their questions. When
interviewed January 20, she
was looking forward to an upcoming meeting at St. Thomas
More, Niagara Falls.
“When people come to a
new land because of conditions
they are escaping, it is very
traumatic to leave everything
behind. It helps if the people
who will be welcoming them
know about their traditions,
what they should be preparing,
even the importance of having
a smile for them.”
She will be compiling a list
Star
of the Sea prepares to
welcome refugee family
Parishioners at Star of the
Sea, Port Dalhousie, are gearing
up for the arrival of a Syrian
refugee family.
Fr. Richard Kowalchuk,
pastor, says he is elated, but not
overwhelmed, by the success of
his parish’s initiative. “I’m not
overwhelmed because of the
long tradition of social justice
involvement here,” he says. “It
made me confident about the
outcome.”
The
small,
700-family
parish is closing in on the fund
raising goal of $30,000, the
minimum amount required to
sponsor and support a family
for a year.
The project started in late
November - early December
2015, after Pope Francis asked
that every European parish take
in one Syrian refugee family
because of the worsening crisis
in that country.
Bishop
Gerard
Bergie
echoed the urgency that
was facing the world in his
stirring Christmas message.
Fr. Kowalchuk spoke about
it in a homily with a message
conveying, “We can and must
do something, sooner rather
than later because time is of
the essence,” and parishioners
showed interest in getting
involved. One family had, and
shared, first-hand experience
welcoming
the
so-called
Vietnamese boat people to
Canada during that country’s
refugee crisis in the 1980s.
A letter from the refugee
team to parishioners said in
part, “Sponsoring a refugee
family from Syria will probably
be something you will be proud
of for your whole life. It will
be emotionally moving and
satisfying as the family makes
a new life for themselves,
with your assistance, in St.
Catharines.”
“Once the momentum
started, it just kept growing,”
said
Louanne
Campbell,
a member of the team
coordinating
the
effort.
Roncia Zinati, an Arabic
fluent parishioner of Lebanese
background who will be a
translator when the family
arrives, found an appeal by
Campbell and others who
spoke at weekend Masses “…
really touching; your words
reeled me in that day.”
Diverse facets of the parish
community became involved.
A
special
envelope
collection was taken up; St.
Francis Catholic Secondary
School, St. Catharines, is
holding an out of uniform
day with proceeds going to
the refugee campaign; the
parish St. Vincent de Paul
Society pledged a donation;
the Catholic Women’s League
is holding a ‘shower’ at which
new gifts will be accepted for
the family; St. Ann Catholic
Elementary
School,
Port
Dalhousie, will be doing a pop
can fundraiser; Mother Teresa
Catholic Elementary School,
St. Catharines, has committed
to fundraising; and the parish
Knights of Columbus group is
on board to assist as well.
As of January 19th,
the parish was just under
$3,000 short of its goal, but
Fr. Kowalchuk hinted a
parishioner who telephoned
to talk about the project might
donate the difference. “Isn’t it
amazing how we tend to do our
best when there is some form
of adversity involved,” says Fr.
Kowalchuk.
For lack of storage space,
the parish team hasn’t yet
collected
donations
like
household
furniture
and
clothing although offers have
been made. They still need to
find accommodation for the
family and that will be a focus
in the days and weeks ahead.
Recently, the committee
learned some details about
the family the parish will be
receiving, although it may be
longer than expected—possibly
three to six months—until
they arrive. The father, Wael
Kmous, is 28 and a carpenter,
his wife Mania, a homemaker,
is 25 and they have a daughter,
Miya, 18 months. The family is
of people in the diocese who
can speak Arabic because she
sees a need for translators as
refugee families begin to arrive.
She will also work alongside
refugee co-worker Claudia
Palma tending to paperwork
that needs to be done to bring
refugees to the diocese.
Nabilsi says her work
is rewarding because it is so
personally enriching. When
asked what she gets out of
it, she said, “Just seeing the
happiness on their faces is
a nice feeling. They are so
thankful. What more could
you ask for?”
Marilyn Nabilsi
please
contact
Marilyn
at
[email protected]
or
905-684-0154, or contact Margaret
If you are interested in Jong, chair of the Diocesan Refugee
volunteering to support efforts Committee at [email protected]
to sponsor Syrian refugees, or 905-684-0154.
Diocesan faithful responding
to Syrian refugee crisis
The diocesan sponsorship initiative is growing. Thanks to
generous volunteers, donors and benefactors, the diocese can
provide financial and other assistance to parish communities
that have the willingness but may not have the financial means
to sponsor a refugee family.
As of January 29, 2016, the diocese’s status was: 14 parishes
committed to sponsoring Syrian refugee families; 21 families
being sponsored by parishes; 6 parishes are taking preliminary
steps toward sponsorship commitment; 7 Syrian families are
expected to arrive in the diocese in the coming weeks and
months.
To become a donor go to www.saintcd.com/donate-now/
and select Refugee sponsorship and resettlement.
St. Mike’s gathers clothing
for Syrian refugees
(l-r) Wael, Miya and Mania Kmours.
in Lebanon, where they have
lived for close to two years. A
connection in Lebanon who
works for the United Nations
helped find the family for the
parish.
The young Catholic family
was thankful upon hearing
they would be sponsored by a
parish in Canada. In a telephone
conversation, Wael Kmours is
reported to have said, “I feel
like I won the lottery—without
buying a ticket.”
Roncia Zinati says, “Even
though they still have a wait
period ahead, they now see
light at the end of the tunnel…
they have hope they’re going to
have a future.”
Refugee
Centres
within the
Diocese of
St. Catharines
Casa el Norte
281 Central Avenue
Fort Erie, ON 905-871-4483
Chez Marie Refuge
16 Pelham Road
St. Catharines, ON
905-682-5795
Students at Saint Michael Catholic High School, Niagara Falls, gathered
75 bags of winter apparel for the Syrian refugees.
By ANTOINETTE LAMBERT as 75 bags filled with winter
items were gathered.
The Social Justice Club
MINGA was truly asnamed MINGA (Minds Inspir- tounded by the generosity of
ing New Generation Activists) the staff and students. The goal
at Saint Michael Catholic High was to create awareness in the
School, Niagara Falls, was students regarding the Syrian
committed to gathering winter refugee crisis and the imperapparel for the Syrian refugees ative need to reach out and
that are expected to arrive soon show care and compassion by
in parish communities of the acts of kindness and generosidiocese.
ty.
The students launched a
MINGA wishes to make
school wide competition De- a positive difference in the
cember 9-15, 2015 to all period world and be the agent of so2 classes in order to motivate cial change so that all can work
them to bring in gently used together in building the kingwinter outdoor clothing such dom of God on earth. As one
as coats, boots, hats, mitts, body in Christ they want to
scarves, earmuffs.
reach out a helping hand and
The items were based on a be the eyes and face of Christ
point system—a coat had a val- to their neighbours.
ue of 50 points while mitts had
“For whatsoever you do
a value of 5 points. The class to the least of our brothers that
with the greatest accumulated you do unto Christ.” (Matthew
points won a pizza party, while 25:40)
second place winners had ice
Antoinette is program chair
cream, and third place winners of French and International Lanenjoyed timbits and drinks. It guages, Saint Michael Catholic
was a very successful initiative High School, Niagara Falls.
7
The Vineyard February 2016
Parishes
open their doors and
hearts to Syrian refugees
by NANCY SANTAMARIA
Across
the
country,
Canadians are opening their
doors and their hearts to
welcome 25,000 Syrians who
have fled the atrocities of
war in their country. Many
parishes in the Diocese of St.
Catharines have established
refugee
committees
and
are making preparations to
sponsor
refugee
families.
These are important efforts;
but they represent just a small
amount of the people affected
by this war. In December, there
were still 6.5 million displaced
within the country and more
than 4.2 million who have fled
to the neighbouring countries
of Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.
When the crisis began,
funding for the refugee camps
was lacking, and refugee
sponsorships
to
western
nations were slow in coming.
Conditions in the camps grew
more desperate, and by the
Syrian
summer of 2015 a tidal wave of
migrants began to make their
way towards Europe. With
thousands dying along the
way, the world began to take
notice.
In
September
2015,
the government of Canada
announced that it would
double any money raised
by Canadians to help those
living in the refugee camps.
Bishop Gerard Bergie, in a
pastoral letter to Catholics in
the St. Catharines Diocese,
encouraged them to donate
to Development & Peace, the
Catholic Near East Welfare
Association and Aid to the
Church in Need. To date, the
diocese has collected $69,000 in
emergency funds. Donations
can still be made and will be
matched by the Canadian
government until February 29,
2016. You can donate online
at www.saintcd.com/donatenow/ and select Refugee
sponsorship and resettlement.
Development & Peace
has been supporting partner
organizations in these conflict
areas since the crisis began.
Despite the difficult conditions,
many Syrian refugees have
chosen to stay in the region.
They hope that once there
is peace, they will be able
to return home and rebuild
their society. Assistance to
organizations in Syria and
neighbouring
countries
dedicated to peace-building
is an important element of
the work of Development &
Peace. These efforts are longterm programs that go beyond
short-term emergency aid.
This Lenten season, please
continue your support and
solidarity as millions still face
unfathomable circumstances.
Consider making a donation
on Solidarity Sunday (March
13, 2016) or become a Share
Year Round member. Your
contributions make a world of
difference.
children the most vulnerable
Below is a synopsis of some of
the work Development & Peace has
been doing in Syria. These excerpts
were taken from the Development
& Peace website.
“Above all, I think of all
the children who are robbed of
their hope for a better life and
a decent future. Killed children,
wounded children, mutilated children, orphans, children
who play with remnants of
war, instead of toys, children
who don’t know how to smile.
Please stop! I ask you with all
my heart. It’s time to stop. Stop
it please!” Pope Francis, July 27,
2014
Children form one of the
most vulnerable groups in times
of war. When there is conflict,
social services break down and
families struggle to meet their
basic needs. As people flee, the
social fabric begins to fall apart
and people lose the community
support that helped them overcome the challenges they face.
The city of Homs has been
one the most affected by the
war in Syria. With bombs falling, a local day centre for children with special needs run by
the Sisters of Sacred Heart was
forced to close its doors in 2011.
In fact, not long after the centre
closed, the building that housed
it was destroyed by bombings.
Despite the security threats
surrounding them, the sisters
were determined to provide
these much-needed services to
the community and they managed to find funding to re-locate
the centre to a safer neighbourhood. At first, the centre welcomed only two children, but
as one of the only organizations
to continue to offer education
and support to children with
disabilities, it quickly grew to
receiving close to 100 youth
between ages 5 - 25 on a daily
basis.
Presently, the sisters run
four centres supported by Development & Peace. They employ educators, psychologists,
speech therapists and social
workers, who provide a wide
range of activities that help
youth learn to express themselves, gain self-acceptance,
become more autonomous and
develop their talents and potential.
Parents are encouraged to
participate in activities to learn
about their child’s disability
and how to adapt. It creates an
important community support
network for them, and through
this network, parents come into
contact and exchange with others of different faiths and backgrounds, which contributes to
creating an atmosphere of tolerance in the community.
“It is the only centre that
continues to open its doors
during a time that is not normal. It welcomes everyone
from all regions because our
mission is to serve all humanity,
and each person is important,”
says Sr. Samira Jriej, director.
“It is a symbol and a bridge towards peace and reconciliation
for parents, because it brings
everyone together and helps
them to forget the other considerations around them that are
far from humanity.”
St.Patrick’s, Niagara Falls
preparing to greet refugees
by JOE BARKOVICH
St.
Patrick,
Niagara Falls, will be
among the first in St.
Catharines diocese to
take in Syrian refugees.
The pastor, Fr. Gerard
Power,
O.Carm.,
was exuberant when
sharing
the
news
during an interview
December 14, 2015, at
the parish office.
The parish has
had a phenomenal
fund raising campaign, Fr. Gerard Power, O.Carm.
which is the reason
why St. Patrick’s is able to $54,000 at the time. Since then it
has climbed to $67,000.
sponsor two Syrian families.
Some people or families
“The first is expected to
were
able to give $1,000; many
arrive in the near future,” Fr.
gave
$100.
And one parishioner
Power said. It is a family of
who
came
to mind—a woman
three—Ayman Krait, a sound
with
a
disability—came
in and
technician; his wife Souzi, a
said
she
wanted
to
help
the
lawyer; and their four-yearrefugees
and
asked,
“Can
I
old daughter Stephanie. The
have
an
envelope?”
and
put
in
second is a family of four, also
in Lebanon for more than a $5, said Fr. Power. That’s how
year. Both families are Roman the contributions have ranged.
“I’ve never had to talk about
Catholic.
Ayman,
Souzi
and the ‘m’ word (money),” in a
Stephanie fled Syria in 2014. homily he said.
A campaign thermometer
They lived in a suburb of
was
posted in the parish and
Damascus; but their home was
bulletin
updates were provided
destroyed in fierce fighting
on
a
weekly
basis. He attributes
during that country’s civil war.
the
success
to
a very generous
They stayed with friends in
parish,
one
very
much attuned
Damascus for a time then left
to
the
suffering
of
these people
for Lebanon where they have
through
no
fault
of
their own.
been living in a refugee camp
Volunteers
were
praised for
for 16 months. “It has not been
leadership
and
commitment.
easy,” said Fr. Power.
The family is living with A refugee committee of 22
nightmares and from what they people was formed and
have been through Stephanie through meticulous planning,
may have post-traumatic stress. everything that could be needed
Life in Lebanon also has its to help people begin their new
own stresses because the Syrian lives was planned for. “They
refugees are not wanted and couldn’t have done more had
violence, especially against they been looking after their
women, appears commonplace. own families in time of need,”
Fr. Power began the Fr. Power said.
When opportunity arose
fund raising at the parish in
to
secure
a nearby home at
October 2015. He’d listened
a
decent,
affordable rental
to Pope Francis talk about the
price,
the
parish
did so after
humanitarian crisis unfolding
consulting
with
Margaret
Jong
as huge numbers of refugees
of
the
diocesan
committee.
took flight to Europe. He
said the pope was calling on It is on Maple Street, directly
parishes to reach out and take across from St. Patrick Catholic
in families if they were able. Elementary School and the
And parishioners were coming church. It is now sparkling
to Fr. Power, saying something and spotless thanks to work
needed to be done through of parish volunteers and fully
furnished thanks to donated
their parish community.
When the fund raising had items collected over several
reached $27,000 a parishioner, weeks. It will be home for the
unnamed for the purpose of second family because it is
this interview, approached a family of four. The parish
Fr. Power and said he would is in the process of finding
contribute a matching donation. apartment accommodation for
That boosted the campaign to Ayman, Souzi and Stephanie.
Parishes of the
Diocese of St. Catharines
committed to sponsoring Syrian refugee families:
St. Catharines Deanery
St. Julia, St. Mary, Star of the Sea, St. Vincent de Paul, NOTL.
Niagara Falls Deanery
Our Lady of the Scapular, St. Patrick (sponsoring 2 families),
St. Thomas More, St. Michael, Fort Erie.
Welland Deanery
St. Kevin (sponsoring 2 families).
Haldimand Deanery
St. Patrick, Caledonia; St. Stephen, Cayuga; St. Joseph, Grimsby;
St. Mary, Hagersville; St. Helen, Vineland.
8
February 2016 The Vineyard
Soup’sOn! celebrates
14 souper years
(l-r) from Notre Dame College School, Welland, Jake
Liota, Chef Chris Begin, Cole Liota, Aidan Harold.
Soup’sOn!, the popular
mid-winter fundraiser at St.
Kevin, Welland, was back for its
14th serving on Friday January
29, 2016.
Soup lovers had nine
soups on the menu with the
participating soup preparation
teams: Blessed Trinity Catholic
Secondary School, Grimsby—
potato, cheddar, smoked ham;
Canadian Food and Wine
Institute (Niagara College)—
turkey pot pie soup and French
Cassoulet;
Confederation
Secondary School, Welland—
French-Canadian pea soup
(l-r) from Lakeshore Catholic Secondary School, Port
Colborne, Akayla Brown, Rachel Khairallah.
and beef, barley, roasted
root vegetable; Eastdale
Secondary
School,
Welland—roasted tomato;
Lakeshore Catholic High
School, Port Colborne—
roasted butternut squash;
Notre Dame College
School, Welland—carrot
with cream cheese, sage
and bacon; and new to
Soup’sOn!—Stephanie the
Lunch Lady—onion, ale
and cheddar. Soup’sOn!
is a fundraiser for the St. (l-r) from Blessed Trinity Catholic High
Kevin Food Bank Social School, Grimsby, Nick Peters, John
Justice Scholarship.
Koumarelas.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
OPENING DOORS OF MERCY
March
for Life
set for May
Plan to attend the 2016 March for Life May 12 in Ottawa. Pictured
here are some participants at the 2015 march. For information
and registration contact the Right to Life office 905-684-7505 or
[email protected]
Prayer
for
Vocations
Eternal God…
Bless your Church with holy
and faithful priests, deacons,
brothers and sisters.
Give those you have called
to the married state and
those you have chosen to live as a
single person in the world,
the special grace their lives require.
Form us all in the likeness of your son
so that in him, with him and through him
we may love you more deeply
and serve you more faithfully,
always and everywhere.
With Mary we ask this
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
“Là où vit la foi”
Le diocèse
catholique romain
de St. Catharines
Invite tous les
Catholiques à célébrer
L’ÉDUCATION CATHOLIQUE
OUVRIR DES PORTES DE MISÉRICORDE
“Blessed are the
merciful, for they will
receive mercy.”
“Heureux les
miséricordieux, car ils
obtiendront miséricorde.”
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK
SEMAINE DE L’ÉDUCATION CATHOLIQUE
MAY 1-6, 2016
1er AU 6 MAI, 2016
WWW.GOODNEWSFORALL.CA
WWW.GOODNEWSFORALL.CA
- Matthew 5:7
- Matthieu 5,7
le sacrement de
Pénitence
Samedi, le 5 mars 2016
de 10h à 14h
Dans toutes les églises du diocèse, un prêtre sera
disponible pour entendre les confessions. Sans égard
à la fréquence ou à votre absence de ce sacrement,
nous vous invitons à venir célébrer le merveilleux
sacrement de réconciliation et de guérison et passer
un moment en prière avec Notre-Seigneur.
Pour connaître la liste des paroisses du Diocèse, allez à :
www.saintcd.com/directory/parishes.html
9
The Vineyard February 2016
SENIOR MATTERS
CHOOSING TO DOWNSIZE
by PATRICIA WATERS
Seniors often reach a point
in later years when through
necessity or choice they make
a decision to move from
their homes into a smaller
accommodation. Those who
make the choice to downsize
may choose to move to a
townhouse or condo or they
may choose life-lease housing.
Although
townhouses
and condos have been on the
market for many years, lifelease housing is fairly new
to the housing market and
as such there is often some
confusion about what lifelease housing is.
Life-lease
properties
are usually developed by
non-profit
or
charitable
organizations such as faith
based
groups,
cultural
associations or service clubs,
to name a few. In this area there
are three life-lease properties
you may be familiar with—
Portview, across from Star of
the Sea, Port Dalhousie; Jubilee
Place, beside St. Alfred, St.
Catharines; and Villa Roma,
connected with Club Roma, St.
Catharines.
Buying
a
life-lease
property entails more than
what is involved in the usual
sale of property between a
buyer and seller. Along with
the legal contract of the sale
you are required to sign a LifeLease Agreement.
So what exactly is a lifelease?
In life-lease housing, the
buyer purchases the right to
occupy a unit for a long period
of time, often for their lifetime.
The buyer pays a large lump
sum upfront accompanied
by the signing of a legal
document called the LifeLease Agreement, which is the
contract between the owner
(or sponsor) and the resident
for leasing the unit.
The owner or sponsor
owns the building, including
the units, and the land on
which it is located. The resident
owns the right to occupy the
space they reside in for the
lifetime. The lessee does not
hold title or ownership to the
unit. Life-lease units may be a
detached house, a row house,
or a suite in an apartmentstyle building. It is imperative
to review the Life-Lease
Agreement plus the rules and
regulations before a purchase
and it is recommended to
seek legal advice to fully
understand the agreement
and answers to any questions
in order to be fully informed.
One of those questions
may refer to independent
living. Many places require
that all residents be able to live
independently and when this
is no longer possible, residents
would be required to make
arrangements to relocate to
a living environment more
suitable for their care.
According to the life
lease agreement residents are
allowed to occupy the unit
for their lifetime, after which
time it can be sold privately, or
through the owner (sponsor)
by the estate for the going
market value rate. If residents
wish to sell the unit earlier
themselves, they are not bound
by the agreement to remain
there for their lifetime but are
free to resell it at the going rate
in the housing market.
Generally,
life-lease
buildings are marketed to
seniors and adults 55+. As
such there are often many
amenities
offered
which
might
include—common
rooms for resident gatherings
or available for rental to
occupants, exercise rooms,
gardens, and smaller rooms
for crafts, cards and other
activities of interest to the
residents. These opportunities
to socialize with the other
residents are very important
especially for those who live
on their own.
For those interested in finding
out more about life-lease housing
the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing has published a LifeLease Housing Resource Guide
on their website http://www.mah.
gov.on.ca
A THROW AWAY
SOCIETY
In Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’—On
the Care of Our Common
Home, a recurring theme
is that we have become a
“throw away culture.” We
continuously buy trinkets
and gadgets that we don’t
need, then throw them away
when they are no longer
fashionable or when they
break.
In the process, we contribute to the pollution of
our air, water and land. We
use the resources of the earth
and spoil natural habitats
such as forests, marshes and
rivers without concern for
the other species of life that
live there. We even treat other human beings as if they
were objects to be thrown
away if they are not deemed
to be useful to society. Are
not abortion, euthanasia,
and the homeless signs of
our throwaway culture? If
we dismiss another person
because we disagree with
their opinions, attitudes or
personality, are we not, in a
sense, throwing them away?
During this season of
Pope Francis
Lent, Pope Francis has challenged us to experience a
conversion that opens our
hearts to be merciful. This
conversion must fill us with
the courage to not only extend our hand to our sisters
and brothers in the global
south but to transform our
own lives so that all can live
in dignity.
In this Year of Mercy,
the Corporal and Spiritual
Works of Mercy are a way
that we can counter a society that shows disrespect for
other people. To counter a
society that shows disrespect
for our earth, we can ‘create
a climate of change’.
HOLY CROSS
CATHOLIC CEMETERY
50 WOODLAWN RD., WELLAND
Because you give…
The Good News of Our Lord is
shared with our brothers and
sisters in remote and isolated
missions across our vast land.
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” —Psalm 23:5
Your support will help prepare children for the sacraments in farflung missions.
Above, confirmand Charity Linklater in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas.
PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRIES OF CATHOLIC MISSIONS IN CANADA.
Here is my gift of:  $20
 $50
 $100
 $200
 Cheque (made payable to Catholic Missions in Canada)
 $_________
 Visa
 Mastercard
 AMEX
Credit Card No._____________________________________Expiry__________
Name_____________________________________Signature______________________
Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.
Address________________________________________________________________
City_________________ Province__________Postal Code____________
VIN_0216
Phone_______________________ Email ________________
Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada
201 – 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4T 1W2
Tel: 416-934-3424 Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642) Website: www.cmic.info
Operated by the Diocese of St. Catharines, Holy
Cross Catholic Cemetery is a visible sign of our belief
in the resurrection.
We offer a comforting atmosphere in which our
Catholic Faith is celebrated and love for family and
friends is remembered.
A selection of burial services is available including
ground burial, cremation burial and above ground
cremation placement. We would be happy to answer
any questions you may have including monuments
and markers.
For further information call: 905-734-4172
CMIC-Ads-August2015.indd 26
Aug 27 9:38 AM
10
February 2016 The Vineyard
A TIME TO CHERISH AND CELEBRATE FAMILY
Monday February 15th is Family Day, a holiday in the
Province of Ontario. The rationale behind the creation of this
day was to give us all a long weekend in the middle of winter.
For us as Catholics it is an opportunity to thank God, not only
for our immediate family, but for our “family” that comprises
our parish, diocesan, Canadian and universal community that is
the Church.
Pope Francis:
the importance of family
“God always knocks at the door of hearts. He likes to do this. It comes from his heart. But do you
know what he likes best? To knock on the doors of families and find families that are united, to
find families that love each other, to find the families that bring up their children and educate
them and help them to keep going forward and that create a society of goodness, of truth and of
beauty.”
“We must pay special attention to this: the children and the grandparents. Children and young
people are the future, they are the strength, those who take us forward. They are the ones in which
we place our hope. Grandparents are the memory of a family, they are the ones who gave us the
faith, transmitted to us the faith.”
Pope Francis
World Meeting of Families 2015
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA
OUT OF THE COLD
In
the
Niagara
area,
has resumed assistance to those in need
November 2015 – March 2016
Shelter information can be accessed anytime by dialing 211
Out of the Cold – St. Catharines
November 1, 2015 – March 31, 2016
Hot meal/overnight shelter 6 p.m.
Icon of the Holy Family by Steve Knight
PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY
Sunday:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Westminster United Church
180 Queenston Street
Silver Spire United Church
366 St. Paul Street
Cathedral of St. Catherine Catholic Church
67 Church Street
St. George Anglican Church
83 Church Street
St. Alfred Roman Catholic Church
272 Vine Street
Knox Presbyterian Church
53 Church Street
Queen St. Baptist Church
57 Queen Street
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate the splendour
of true love, to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again experience
violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.
1st Sunday:
2nd Sunday: 3rd Sunday: 4th Sunday: 5th Sunday:
St. John Anglican
Fallsview Brethren in Christ
Holy Trinity Anglican
Church of Christ Latter Day Saints
Elite Development Soccer Team
Holy Family of Nazareth,
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability
of the family, and its beauty in God’s plan.
Monday:
Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Glengate Alliance Church
Our Lady of the Scapular Catholic Church
Saint Paul Catholic High School
Dutch Reform Church & Stamford United Church
Saint Michael Catholic & Stamford High Schools
St. Andrew United Church
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer.
Pope Francis
Out of the Cold: 905-641-2249 or 905-984-5310
***************************************
Niagara Falls Community Outreach
(Soup Kitchen & Emergency Shelter)
November 1, 2015 – March 31, 2016
Lawrence Avenue Christ Church
Dinner 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Out of the Cold: 905-354-1640
***************************************
Harvest Kitchen – Welland
November 2015 – March 2016
Hot meal (no overnight)
905-788-0744
Your St. Vincent de Paul store needs you to
Shop
Volunteer
Donate
Pray
enjoy our excellent prices
your time at a local conference
your gently used items
for the success of our missions
67 Queenston Street, St. Catharines
905-684-2042
Support your parish or local conference of the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Sunday: 5 p.m. Central United Church
12 Young Street
Wednesday: 5 p.m.
St. Kevin Catholic Church
307 Niagara Street
Thursday
Monday: 5:30 p.m. 1st & 3rd Thursdays 5:30 p.m.
Sacré-Coeur Catholic Church
2nd Thursday 6 p.m.
72 Empire Street
Faith Welland Church
380 South Pelham Road
Tuesday: 5:30 p.m. 4th Thursday 5:30 p.m.
Central United Church
Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
12 Young Street
300 Chaffey Street
Emergency
Shelter - Hope Centre - 24 hours
570 King Street 905-788-0744
11
The Vineyard February 2016
Coming Events
CWL Retreat: Plan to attend
the St. Catharines Diocesan
CWL Retreat Saturday March
5 or Wednesday March 9, 2016,
at Mt. Carmel Spiritual Centre,
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Cost:
$40. The presenter will be Fr.
Michael Wastag, O.Carm., on
the theme Living A Merciful
Life. Contact Shelley 905-7147677 to register.
Gethsemane
Ministries:
The
Gethsemane
Centre,
84008
Wellandport
Road,
Wellandport, will host a
Divine Mercy & Healing
Retreat March 12-13, 2016,
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fr. Denis
Phaneuf and Moria Noona
will be the guest speakers. Fr.
Eric Mah will lead a separate
retreat for youth (Grade 8-12).
Bishop Gerard Bergie will
preside at Sunday Mass. For
registration and information
contact 905-386-1111 or www.
gethsemaneministries.com
New Evangelization Summit:
The Pastoral Council at
St. Thomas More, Niagara
Falls, announces that the
New Evangelization Summit
2016, will be broadcast live
from Saint Michael Catholic
High School, Niagara Falls,
April 15 & 16. Go to www.
newevangelization.ca
for
information and tickets.
Pilgrimages 2016: April 24May 2, Portugal & Spain
– students and friends of
Notre Dame College School,
Welland, includes a 4-day
Camion walk from Melide to
Santiago de Compostella; July
31-August 14, Norway – with
Fr. Frank Wagner; September/
October, Ireland – with Fr.
Gerard Power, In the Footsteps
of St. Patrick. For booking
information contact Ineke
at Brinkman Travel, www.
brinkmantravel.com or 905-9889100.
On-Going
Catholic Organization for
Life & Family (COLF):
Globally, as well as in every
human heart, a great battle
rages between good and evil.
How can we train children so
that they are able to choose?
The prevailing individualism
and moral relativism are huge
challenges for parents who
care about transmitting the
true meaning of freedom,
autonomy and responsibility.
In its 2015 message to families,
Parents, Will Your Children
be Happy?, COLF presents
a reflection of conscience,
examining the human and
Christian
virtues
parents
should strive to inculcate…
always depending on their
best ally-the Holy Spirit. For
information on how to order or
to obtain a workshop guide, go
to www.colf.ca
THE BULLETIN BOARD
Contemplative
Prayer:
Contemplative prayer groups
meet bi-weekly at St. Alfred,
St. Catharines, and St. Kevin,
Welland. For information
contact Brenda at 905-646-1995
or [email protected]
Diocesan
Separated
&
Divorced: This support group
meets the 2nd & 4th Monday
of the month, 7 - 9 p.m. at
Mt. Carmel Spiritual Centre,
7020 Stanley Avenue, Niagara
Falls. Some 2016 dates, topics
and presenters are: February
22 – Annulment Process
– Margaret Jong; March
14 – Finding Strength and
Help; March 28 – Looking at
Separation & Divorce Through
Children’s Eyes; April 11 –
How the Church Cares for the
Separated & Divorced – Fr.
Chris Kulig; April 25 – Coping
With Grief from Separation
& Divorce – Dino Sicoli; May
9 – Forgiveness as Part of the
Healing Process – Dino Sicoli;
May 24 – New Relationships;
June 13 – Facing Fears After
Separation & Divorce; June 27 –
Loving & Respecting Yourself.
For information contact Mt.
Carmel 905-356-4113, Diocesan
Catholic Centre 905 684 0154,
or
separatedanddivorced@
saintcd.com
to a lifetime of love. Visit www. Centre, Thorold, on scheduled
wwme.org for information and Mondays & Fridays 9 a.m.registration.
3 p.m. She received training
at the Loyola House Retreat
Marriage
Preparation: Centre, Guelph, Ontario, and
Engaged couples planning has accompanied people in
to be married in the Catholic spiritual direction for over 20
Church are expected to take a years. For information or an
marriage preparation course appointment call 716-480-1316.
or an Engaged Encounter
weekend. Parishes have the Warehouse
of
Hope:
2016 schedule with information Wanted—a few good men, for
about dates and places or a couple hours a month or so,
www.saintcd.com
to help fill containers of relief
goods, mostly school desks,
Marriage Tribunal: If you are chairs, mattresses, or boxes
considering remarriage in the and bags of small items. A tow
Catholic Church at some point, motor assists with the heavy
or hoping to enter a marriage material and takes 2-3 hours
with someone previously to load a 40’ container (about
married, you should speak to 12 containers a year). No longa priest or contact the diocesan term or regular commitment
Catholic Marriage Tribunal in
St. Catharines, 905-687-8817 or
[email protected]
Natural Family Planning: For
information contact Chris &
Lena Turner (Serena) 905- 6433375 or Joan Kenny (Billings)
905-680-4154.
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
Shrine: Open year-round, 4706
Miller Road, Port Colborne,
situated in a rustic wooded
area providing a special place
where people can gather to
reflect or enjoy solitary prayer.
From May-October the rosary
is recited Thursday at 7 p.m.
followed by Mass. The shrine
has large grounds, a meeting
room and gift shop; donations
of gently used religious articles
are gratefully appreciated.
The facilities are available for
retreats and gatherings. For
information call Cathy Kruger
905-732-7479 or visit www.
rosaryshrineniagara.com
Emotions Anonymous (EA):
A support group for anyone
with the desire to become
well emotionally. EA is a 12step organization that meets
weekly with the purpose of
working towards recovery
from emotional difficulties.
Meetings are held Tuesday’s
at Mt. Carmel Spiritual
Centre, Niagara Falls, 7-8 p.m.
For information contact Fr.
Chris 905-356-4113 or www.
emotionsanonymous.org
Retrouvaille: If your marriage
needs help, Retrouvaille could
Franciscan
Third
Order
be a lifeline. This is a process
Fraternity (ofs): Are you
designed to heal and renew
called
to
a
Franciscan
troubled
marriages.
The
vocation? Attend a meeting for
focus is on communication
information. In the Welland
and provides couples an
area, meetings are held 1st
opportunity to rediscover
Sunday of each month, St.
themselves and their marriage
Kevin, 2 p.m. Contact Louise
relationship. For information,
Cowan, ofs, 905-732-4063;
in strictest confidence, contact
in the St. Catharines area,
Joyce and Larry Webb 905-664meetings are held 3rd Sunday
5212 or retrouvaille.hamilton@
of each month. Contact Leona
cogeco.ca
Watson, ofs, 905-937-0227.
Hotel Dieu Shaver Volunteers:
The Hotel Dieu Shaver Health
and Rehabilitation Centre
has immediate openings for
volunteers at the coffee shop,
gift shop, Nevada ticket sales,
bingo and Eucharistic ministry.
Contact 905-685-1381 ext. 85302
or volunteer@hoteldieushaver.
org
Salt + Light TV: Salt + Light is
available in Ontario on Rogers
Digital Cable (395), Cogeco
Digital Cable (185 in specific
areas) and Mountain Digital
Cable (387). For information
visit www.saltandlighttv.org or
call 1-888-302-7181.
Spanish Mass: Held at St.
Alfred, St. Catharines, 7:30
p.m. Saturday. For information
Marriage
Encounter:
For
call 905-934-9703.
married
couples
looking
to restore communication
Spiritual Direction: Spiritual
and rekindle romance, this
direction is a relationship in
program is designed to help
which a trained guide helps
share
concerns,
feelings
one recognize and respond to
and expectations in a nonthe movement of God in their
confrontational way. A very
lives. Sr. Marian Baumler,
private experience called a
SSMN, offers spiritual direction
weekend of discovery, leading
at the Diocesan Catholic
required—just a few hours,
once in a while. Please
consider volunteering. The
perks? Nice people to work
with, generous coffee breaks,
and the satisfaction of helping
the poorest of the poor. For
information call 905-646-7237.
If no one answers leave a name
and number to get a call back.
Warehouse of Hope Recycling:
The Niagara Warehouse of
Hope is able to recycle used
electronics, small appliances,
stereos, TVs, computers and
accessories (working or not).
Bring items Monday-Friday 9
a.m. – 5 p.m. and place them in
the drop-off house at the back
of the warehouse building, 46
Broadway Ave, St. Catharines.
Annual Diocesan
Respect for Life Mass
Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord
Monday April 4, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria
Presider: Most Reverend
Gerard Bergie
Catholic Women’s League,
Knights of Columbus,
Daughters of Isabella and other groups are
invited to send representatives and carry
banners in the procession
Reception to follow in the parish hall
hosted by the Diocesan CWL
Information: Elise 905-684-7569 or Martina 289-686-6122
Diocesan Respect Life Committee
Mt. Carmel Spiritual Centre
7020 Stanley Avenue
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 7B7
905-356-4113 FAX 905-358-2548
email: [email protected]
www.carmelniagara.com
2nd Tuesday
of each month
Feb 17, 24
Mar 2, 9, 16
Feb 27
Mar 12
Mar 19
Mar 21
Mar 23-27
Apr 23
May 14
May 28
Come Away Day
Presenters: Ministerial Team
Lenten Wednesday
Presenters: Ministerial Team
Is Anything a Sin Anymore?
Presenter: Fr. Chris Kulig
Four Passions, Many Versions
Presenter: Fr. Jay Comerford
GK Chesterton: Apostle of Common Sense
Presenter: Fr. Chris Kulig
You Do What With Your Palms?
Presenter: Fr. Jay Comerford
Holy Week Retreat
Presenters: Ministerial Team
Angels According to Thomas Aquinas
Presenter: Fr. Chris Kulig
History & Development of the Rosary
Presenter: Fr. Jay Comerford
Facing & Combating Impatience
Presenter: Sebastian Fazzari
12
February 2016 The Vineyard
SHARE LENT 2016
Bishop endorses
SHARE LENT campaign
by MOST REVEREND
GERARD BERGIE
During the Lenten
season the Church
encourages
us
to
prepare
for
Easter
through prayer, fasting
and almsgiving. We
are blest in Canada
to have the SHARE
LENT campaign of the
Canadian Organization
for Development &
Peace, an organization
founded
by
the
Canadian Conference
of Catholic Bishops. Most Reverend Gerard Bergie
By almsgiving we are Photo by Denis Cahill
able to assist our less
fortunate brothers and sisters in the global south.
I encourage you to generously support SHARE LENT 2016.
Haiti
after the
earthquake
SHARE LENT CONTRIBUTIONS
The diocesan council for Development and Peace would like to thank the
parishioners of the St. Catharines Diocese for your faithful stewardship to less
fortunate sisters and brothers in the global south.
Contributions to the Share Lent collection rose in 2015 as shown below. In
addition, there were 74 monthly donors to the Share Year Round program, as well
as donations from Niagara Catholic District School Board staff and schools, and
to the special emergency fund for Syrian refugees.
In the articles on this page, we shared some of the ways your contributions
have been put to use. Other programs that are being funded can be found in the
Share Lent magazine.
We trust you will be as generous as you are able during the 2016 Share Lent
campaign.
Deaneries
by LINDA BOWRON
January 12, 2015, was
the 5th anniversary of the
earthquake in Port- au- Prince
Haiti. We all remember the
news photos of destruction
and human trauma and the
mass exodus of people from
the city to the countryside
where they faced a life of
misery with no shelter, no
potable water and no way to
feed themselves.
The world responded
with
emergency
help.
Development & Peace was
already working in Haiti with
various Haitian organizations
on development issues and
through these groups were
able to respond quickly to
the peoples’ needs. With
the help of Caritas Haiti
and Catholic Relief Services
they were able to: provide
food for 1.2 million; potable
water for 75,310; temporary
shelter for 130,330; health
and psychosocial support for
102,031; distribute hygiene
kits to 18,221, and train
65 people in psychosocial
support.
After the immediate
needs were met, the work
turned to reconstruction of
housing and infrastructure.
Development & Peace based
its reconstruction program
on the use of local labour
and resources, the creation of
local wealth, and the search
with Haitian participants for
sustainable solutions for the
reconstruction.
Emphasis
was placed on human rights
and the dignity of all human
beings; women and children
were a priority.
Provided with the work
of the future owners were—
470 houses, 586 water tanks,
reservoirs, wells, and water
supply points, 3 schools
built for 1,079 students,
and an experimental farm
provided to train 500 young
entrepreneurs.
Development & Peace
supports Haitian human
rights organizations that
work to prevent human rights
abuses, support victims of
violence, especially women
and children, defend the
rights of the homeless facing
eviction from unused land,
and advocate for the reform of
the judicial system and state
practices. More than 3,120
St. Catharines (13 parishes)
Niagara Falls (10 parishes)
Welland (15 parishes)
Haldimand (7 parishes)
TOTAL
D&P
2014
$46,024
$42,000
$73,189
$24,838
$186,294
supports refugees in
For Syrians living in
besieged
neighbourhoods,
daily life is a struggle.
Apart from the destruction
of
infrastructure,
high
unemployment, complete lack
of services, there are the bombs
that fall daily. East Ghouta
(near Damascus) was once the
breadbasket of the country; but
agricultural activities have all
but come to a halt due to the
extended conflict that has been
ongoing for almost five years.
The consequences have been
devastating for the community,
who have lost their income
female victims of violence
received assistance, and 6,369
people were educated on
gender-based violence.
Food
security,
a
major concern before the
earthquake, became an urgent
concern after it. Development
& Peace worked with Haitian
partner organizations, like
Mouvement Paysan Papaye,
to
improve
agricultural
production. Jobs were created;
peasant families improved
and increased agricultural
2015
$57,592
$52,516
$70,494
$22,874
$203,476
Syria
and access to food, especially
in winter when the cost of food
skyrockets.
Development & Peace is
supporting the organization
Aosus, which is courageously
overcoming
the
obstacles
of war and is rallying the
community around a project
that is fostering hope and
mutual aid.
The project is employing
270 families, mostly femaleheaded households, to can
vegetables (beans, peppers,
eggplant)
to
ensure
an
availability of food during the
winter months. Food baskets
of the prepared foods are
distributed to 2,000 vulnerable
families. The project is farreaching, providing not only
food to the families, but a
much-needed income to the
women and a new market for
farmers, who are encouraged
to maintain their production.
It is a recipe for community
solidarity that is working.
These excerpts were taken
from the Development & Peace
website.
production,
diversified
their sources of income and
guaranteed better nutrition
for their children.
Ecological
equilibrium
and
biodiversity
were
respected in these activities.
Development & Peace helped
the people with—agricultural
tools for 2,658; agricultural,
environmental training and
entrepreneurship for 15,000;
provided 8,997 animals (pigs,
mules, poultry, and goats);
provided seedlings for over
14,000 families; provided 38
tonnes of seed (beans, corn,
peas, yam and millet) for
almost 50,000 families.
The five-year program
has allowed Development &
Peace to strengthen existing
partnerships and create new
ones. These communities
have become their own actors
of concrete change.
To read more go to www.
devp.org, click on international
programs and scroll down to
Haiti.