JUNE 2015 - Diocese of St. Catharines

JUNE
2015
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OF
DISTINCTION
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Vineyard
Page 6
VOLUME 28 NO. 3
CWL
DIOCESAN
CONVENTION
Page 8
Statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Catholic Centre, Diocese of St. Catharines
THE JOURNAL OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. CATHARINES
www.saintcd.com
“BEHOLD THIS HEART WHICH HAS LOVED SO MUCH”
BULLETIN
BOARD
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
Where
Faith
Lives
Bishop Gerard Bergie
Photo by Denis Cahill
June is traditionally a month
that is dedicated to the Most Sacred
Heart of Jesus. Our Lord appeared
to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a
Visitation Sister, at Paray-le-Monial,
France, from 1673 until 1675. Jesus
revealed to her his Sacred Heart
with the words, “Behold my heart
that has loved so much and yet is
loved so little.”
In 1928, Pope Pius XI issued
an encyclical, Misserentissimus
Redemptor, which attested to the
authenticity of these apparitions. He
stated that Jesus “promised her (St.
Margaret Mary) that all those who
rendered honour to his heart would
be endowed with an abundance of
heavenly graces.” The image of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus signifies the
love of God for us.
In his encyclical letter Deus
Caritas Est (God is Love), Pope
Benedict XVI quotes from (1 John
4:16) “We have come to believe
in God’s love”. He then states,
“In these words the Christian can
express the fundamental decision
of his life. Being Christian is not
the result of an ethical choice or a
lofty idea, but the encounter with
a person, who gives life a new
horizon and a decisive direction.”
So when we encounter
God’s love in our lives, we
should be radically changed
because God is love. When we
open our hearts to divine love,
we grow in our love for God
and neighbour. Jesus states,
“You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all
your strength, and with all your
mind, and your neighbour as
yourself.” (Luke 10:27)
Our Lord reminds us that
we cannot say that we love
God and refuse to love our
brothers and sisters. Divine love
moves us to love God and those
around us and to act on their
behalf, especially those most in
need. Blessed Mother Teresa of
Calcutta reminds us that not all
of us can do great things, but
we can do small things with
great love. We can do incredible
things in God’s name when we
are motivated by God’s love;
however, there is a force in the
world that is not happy with
this reality.
The Screwtape Letters is
one of the more popular works
of Christian apologist and
author C.S. Lewis. The novel
is about a senior devil named
Screwtape whose job is to bring
misery to humanity. He is in
charge of his nephew, a novice
devil named Wormword.
The novel consists of a series
of letters in which Screwtape
instructs his nephew in the art
of temptation and deception
in order to corrupt a soul.
One of the greatest laments of
Screwtape is that God actually
loves the ‘human vermin’.
God’s love is something that he
cannot fully comprehend.
C.S. Lewis captures a
fundamental truth that should
never be forgotten. Satan hates
humanity and does not want us
to succeed. He cannot tolerate
the fact that God loves us. So the
prince of lies tries to convince us
otherwise by sowing the seeds
of doubt.
Do we really believe that
God loves us?
If we did it would make
an incredible difference in our
lives. We would respond to that
love with true passion and that
would become the motivation
for all of our actions. We would
come to Mass on Sunday so that
we could be near the one we love
and hear his Word and receive
his Body and Blood. We would
pray each day in order to speak
with the One we love. We would
follow his commandments
because we know this is what
pleases the One we love. We
would care for others because
we know that whatever we do
for the least of our brothers and
sisters we do to the One we love.
All that we do would be acts of
love in response to the One who
loved us first.
The greatest tool that Satan
has in his arsenal to use against
us is to tempt us to doubt
God’s love for us. We must
avoid thoughts that make us
believe that we cannot be loved
see Sacred Heart of Jesus Pg. 2
Bishop’s Gala promotes
Catholic education
The Bishop’s Gala, held at Club Roma, St. Catharines on April
10, 2015, raised funds for the Niagara Foundation for Catholic
Education. The foundation uses these funds to assist students in
the pursuit of their education.
Band members from Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School,
Grimsby, entertained at the Bishop’s Gala They are (l-r) back row: Kyle
Orlando, Sawyer Fenwick, Graeme Nic.kerson, front row: Morgan
Bender, James Pollock, Hunter Leyenhorst. For more photos see page 12
June 2015 The Vineyard
2
Sacred Heart of Jesus continued from page 1
Diocese
honours altar servers
because of some sin, weakness,
limitation, or imperfection
because these thoughts are
destructive. If we begin to doubt
God’s love then it negatively
impacts everything else in our
lives. This is something we must
never forget.
As a visible reminder
of divine love, I have
commissioned a statue of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus for the
front of the Diocesan Catholic
Centre. I am grateful to the
benefactors who helped to
make this possible. Under the
statue you will find the words,
“Behold this heart which loves
so much.”
It is my hope and prayer
that this statue will be a constant
reminder to those who enter
the Diocesan Catholic Centre,
drive by, or walk by on route
to Brock University, that God is
love. May the outstretched arms
of Jesus and his visible heart be
an invitation for all to come and
share a deeper communion with
him, his Church and others.
May this reflection on God’s
love also help us to prepare for
the coming Holy Year of Mercy
that Pope Francis has recently
announced. It is precisely
because God loves us that we
receive the outpouring of Divine
Mercy.
In his Papal Bull announcing
the Holy Year of Mercy, Pope
Francis wrote, “The time has
come for the Church to take
up the joyful call to mercy
once more. It is time to return
to the basics and to bear the
weaknesses and struggles of our
brothers and sisters. Mercy is the
force that reawakens us to new
life and instils in us the courage
to look to the future with hope.”
(Misericordiae Vultus, 10)
In October, I will be
publishing a pastoral letter for
the coming Holy Year of Mercy
in which I will describe how the
diocese plans to ‘take up the
joyful call to mercy once more’.
It will contain specific ways we
can celebrate the gift of God’s
mercy and love during the holy
year. We are fortunate because Bishop Gerard Bergie (left) and diocesan vocation director Fr. Michael Basque (right) are seen with altar
in preparation we are already servers from across the diocese who attended an awards evening held at St. Alfred, St. Catharines.
doing this in the month of June
Bishop Bergie reflected on men and women who dedicate
by CAROLINE MATOVIC
as we honour the Sacred Heart.
commitment to service, role themselves to the fostering
(Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have
On April 23, 2015, at modelled by the first deacons and promotion of vocations to
mercy on us.)
St. Alfred, St. Catharines, and priests. He also asked the the ministerial priesthood and
43 altar servers from 20 candidates to be open to what consecrated life. Its objectives
parishes within the diocese God is calling them to be and and purposes are: to foster
were recognized for their to be open to vocations if that and promote vocations to the
ministerial priesthood and
outstanding
service
in is truly their calling.
After the ceremony, Serra to support priests in their
ministry at the 4th Altar
Server’s Awards ceremony, Club St. Catharines hosted a sacred ministry, to encourage
Wednesday November 25, 2015
presided by Bishop Gerard reception in the parish hall and affirm vocations to
Bergie.
The
candidates for a time of fellowship for consecrated religious life and
were chosen to receive the the altar servers and their to assist members to recognize
and respond in their own
Bishop’s Award for Service family and friends.
Serra Club St. Catharines lives to God’s call to holiness.
by their parishes because of
Serra Club St. Catharines
their dedication, faithfully and the parishes represented
3 Lyman Street, St. Catharines
and reverently serving at at the celebration welcomed meets once a month for
weekend Masses and other the opportunity to recognize Mass, a meal and a meeting.
Mass 5:30 p.m.
special liturgical celebrations and honour the altar servers New members are always
throughout the Church year. who display a sense of welcome.
Clergy, religious and married couples
For information contact
The
theme
of
the responsibility, appreciation
celebrating 25, 40, 50, 60 years
evening, Gifted to Serve the of the liturgy and devotion in Michael Lettieri, 289-296-5485,
[email protected] or
Lord Jesus, was threaded their duties.
Serra Club is a voluntary Paul Moccia, 905-788-0571,
throughout
the
evening.
will be honoured
During
the
ceremony, association of Catholic lay [email protected].
Registration details will be sent to parishes September 2015
Diocesan Anniversary Mass
Feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria
Cathedral of
St. Catherine of Alexandria
Knights
present cheque for
Bishop’s Charities
Clergy appointments effective August 5, 2015
Appointment of Episcopal Vicar
Episcopal Vicar for the Francophone Community – Fr. Paul
McDonald
Appointment of Rector
Fr. Donald Lizzotti – Rector, Cathedral of St. Catherine of
Alexandria, St. Catharines
Appointment of Pastors
Fr. Obioma Anyanwu – St. Patrick, Port Colborne
Fr. Brian Bevan – St. Martin of Tours, Smithville
Fr. Richard Kowalchuk – Star of the Sea, St. Catharines
Fr. Paul McDonald – Sacred Heart, Niagara Falls
Fr. Charles Moser – St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catharines
Fr. Rico Passero – St. Joseph, Grimsby
Fr. Peter Walton – St. John Bosco, Port Colborne
Appointment of Administrator
St. Joseph, Snyder – to be announced at a later date
On March 12, 2015, the Knights of Columbus presented Bishop Gerard Bergie with a cheque for
$7,000, the proceeds raised at the 1st Bishop’s Charities Dinner held at Club Capri October 25,
2014. Bishop Bergie distributed the proceeds evenly among the following organizations for use in
their ministry to the needy—Refugee houses Casa el Norte, Fort Erie & Chez Marie, St. Catharines;
Ozanam Centre, St. Catharines; Niagara Falls Community Outreach; and Welland Particular
Council of St. Vincent de Paul Society. This year the Bishop’s Charities Dinner will be held October
24, 2015, at Club Castropignano, Port Robinson. Pictured here with Bishop Bergie are members of
the planning committee (l-r) Al Craig, Chuck Johnston, Marion & Martin Marko, Bill Amodeo and
Christopher Turner. Absent: Garry Tappay.
Appointment of Parochial Vicar
Fr. Timothy Nelligan – Our Lady of the Scapular, Niagara Falls
(effective Sept. 9, 2015)
Transfers out of the diocese
Fr. John Vickers, CSC – assigned to the staff of Moreau Seminary,
Notre Dame, Indiana
Fr. Chad Grennan is returning to St. Alfred, St. Catharines
New clergy to the diocese – Fr. Timothy Nelligan, ordained
September 29, 2001, served as a Regular Force Roman Catholic
Chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces.
The Vineyard June 2015
Diocesan
3
financial report
Yours sincerely in Christ
+Gerard P. Bergie
Bishop of St. Catharines
budget
Income & Expense Budget for 2015
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This issue of The Vineyard includes the simplified financial
statements and budget for the diocese. The information
includes a summary of income and expenses for 2014 and
budget information for 2015 in the form of a pie chart and a
ledger. It is provided for your information.
In 2014, the budget target was a deficit of $94,000. I am
pleased to announce that, as a result of a rebate on health
insurance premiums and some very generous unexpected
donations, the projected deficit was eliminated. In fact, the
diocese ended the year with a surplus of $271,400. This
significant turnaround was a welcome change to the deficits
the diocese has been incurring over the last several years.
It also provided some much needed cash to assist with the
financing of the new church being built in Beamsville.
As an aside, construction of the new church is well under
way and it should be ready for occupancy near the end of 2015.
It will be a beautiful house of worship for the parishioners of
St. Helen parish when it is completed.
For this year, 2015, we are forecasting another deficit,
this time in the amount of $76,900. That is half the deficit
that was originally forecast last year for 2015. Since being
appointed as bishop of the Diocese of St. Catharines my fiscal
objective has been to have a balanced budget on a consistent
basis. However, much more work remains to be done in this
area. Cost reduction initiatives continue. In addition, we are
seriously considering revenue generation suggestions. The
diocesan finance council is carefully studying two initiatives
that if determined to be viable, will be implemented in the
near future. The goal continues to have a balanced budget for
all years in the planning window.
I am deeply grateful to the members of the diocesan
finance council who generously share their advice, wisdom,
time and talent for the benefit of the diocese. In this diocese
we are also blessed with so many generous and supportive
parishioners who unselfishly give of their time, talent and
treasure. Thank you for all that you do to make the Diocese
of St. Catharines a community where faith lives and charity
abounds.
May God bless you.
&
Ministry/Department/Category
Expenses
Diocesan administration
$213,259
Salaries – administration
118,125
Support services for parishes
399,211
Salaries – support & services
144,375
Diaconate14,700
Marriage Tribunal
136,136
Clergy education & renewal
162,000
Office of Religious Education
118,240
Brock University ministry
68,500
Youth ministry
78,896
CCCB & ACBO assessments
70,000
Refugee ministry
65,700
Vineyard36,712
Depreciation(45,000)
Write-offs(70,000)
Investment expense
(40,000)
Total expenses
$1,470,855
Income
Tax on parishes
Contributions & donations
Interest on loans to parishes
Investment income (realized)
Harvest of Hope income (realized)
Miscellaneous
Total income
$620,000
276,000
90,000
200,000
199,000
15,000
$1,400,000
Surplus (income less expenses) ($70,855)
Capital Investments
Parish deposits invested
Diocesan funds invested
Total invested
$3,543,288
4,242,442
$7,785,730
Note: Current outstanding parish loans for capital projects $4,633,923
Summary of Income & Expenses 2014
Income
Actual
Budget Tax on parishes
$620,000
Contributions & donations
148,000
Interest
100,000
Capital Campaign (Harvest of Hope) 210,152
Investment income & miscellaneous 314,000
Total income
$1,392,152
$605,466
284,577
91,318
200,000
593,849
$1,775,210
Expenses
If you have any questions concerning the information
presented on this page contact
Peter Michaud, business manager,
Diocesan Catholic Centre
905-684-0154 ext. 246
Administration
Support of parishes
Ministries
CCCB & ACBO assessments
Less depreciation & write-offs
$403,090
$472,645
492,666
577,677
680,344
652,301
70,000
61,344
(160,000)(260,141)
Total expenses
$1,486,100
$1,503,826
Surplus/deficit
($93,948)
$271,384
June 2015 The Vineyard
4
Supreme Court
embraces
culture of death
by WILLIAM MATHIE
On February 6, 2015,
Canada’s supreme court struck
down the law against ‘helping’
someone commit suicide. Thus
judges took one more step
in advancing the culture of
death—a path judges began
when they opened the door to
unlimited abortion many years
ago.
In Carter v. Canada
the court ruled that the law
could no longer prohibit a
doctor from killing “…any
competent adult person who
clearly consents to it, and has
a grievous and irremediable
medical condition that causes
enduring suffering that is
intolerable to the individual.”
‘Irremediable’ for the court
means that there is no remedy
that is acceptable to the patient.
What ‘clearly consents’ means
will partly depend on whatever
regulations the government
of Canada comes up with in
the year the court has allowed
for this task. But it will also
depend on how doctors and
other courts interpret consent.
Judges admitted that the
old law protected the disabled
and vulnerable that might
otherwise be pushed into
Faithful
suicide without their consent.
But they said that same law
wrongly forced some of those
whose condition might worsen
over time to opt for suicide,
sooner rather than later, when
they might be incapable
of killing themselves. The
availability of doctor assisted
suicide whenever a patient
wants it would remove this
dilemma. The government’s
claim that the old law upheld
the sanctity of life itself was
dismissed without argument.
As for the safety of the
vulnerable, the court claimed,
this could be maintained
through careful regulations
and trusting doctors to kill
only those who clearly consent.
The court admitted that some
vulnerable
persons
may
wrongly die where there is no
law against assisted suicide,
but said that this danger had to
be balanced against the rights
of those who will now have
the chance to end their lives
whenever they wish.
The court ignored the
evidence from countries that
allow assisted suicide of
how many deaths have been
assisted without the consent
of the patient. Nor did it occur
to the court that the vulnerable
attend
may die because their suffering
has become intolerable to
others who find that suffering
too much, or that the suffering
will be led to see their own
death as beneficial to those
who care for them.
The court was asked to
affirm the conscience rights of
doctors to not participate in
assisted suicide. Instead, the
judges suggested that this was
up to medical associations to
determine, and that any rules
the government or doctors
themselves came up with
would have to balance the
patient’s right to assistance in
committing suicide against the
doctor’s conscience rights.
Ethicist,
Margaret
Sommerville, has described the
Carter v. Canada decision as ‘a
seismic change’ in how society
thinks about medical care and
suicide.
Canadian law has not
treated suicide itself as a
punishable crime, but does
not regard it as a good either.
The suicide of an acquaintance
brings deep regret that we had
not done what we might have
done to prevent that act of
despair. Now the court makes
suicide a right, and killing a
doctor’s duty.
Ottawa March
for
for Life Mass
held at cathedral
Bishop Gerard Bergie greets Brock University students following the
Respect for Life Mass on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord (l-r)
Victoria Robles, Amanda Hendriks, Brendon Orian McCallister, Barbara
Alvarez, Kailey Meehan, Daiana Barboza, and Lauren Katanik.
The annual Respect for Life Mass was celebrated on the
feast of the Annunciation of the Lord on March 25, 2015. Bishop
Gerard Bergie was the presider.
In his homily Bishop Bergie said, “It is God’s will that life
must always be respected and protected. Today it is the sin of
pride that acts as a strong force against life. The person that
believes, ‘this is my body and I can do with it whatever I want’
easily succumbs to the sin of pride and this can lead to even
greater sins like abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide.” He
identified humility as “the greatest remedy to pride” and “our
Blessed Mother Mary” as the “model of humility” and therefore
“our greatest ally” in defending life.
Trent Horn keynote speaker
at Right to Life dinner
Life
St. Catharines Diocese was well represented at the 2015 March for Life in Ottawa. Along with members of
the St. Catharines Right to Life and the Welland-Port Colborne Pro-Life Association, students from Denis
Morris Catholic High School & Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, St. Catharines; Lakeshore Catholic
High School, Port Colborne; Heritage Christian School, Jordan; Smithville Christian High School; Brock
University, St. Catharines; University of Windsor; Niagara College, Niagara Falls, and Kings College
participated in the march.
Vacation Bible
School
Schedule 2015
Respect
Helping people speak intelligently and persuasively about
abortion has been Trent Horn’s life work, and it was the subject
of his talk at the 2015 St. Catharines Right to Life Dinner. He
also spoke at several local high schools. Horn is the author of
Persuasive Pro-Life.
Our Lady of the Scapular, Niagara Falls - July 7-10
Sacred Heart, Niagara Falls – July 13-17
St. Michael, Fort Erie – July 20-24
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary – July 20-24
St. Alfred, St. Catharines - July 20-24
St. Thomas More, Niagara Falls – July 20-22
St. Kevin, Welland – August 10-14
St. Mary, St. Catharines – August 17-21
St. Vincent de Paul, N.O. T. L. – August 17-21
For information contact the parish office
5
The Vineyard June 2015
Welcome
by
DEACON
MCLAUGHLIN
JIM
With this greeting from
the captains of oceanic ships
(salties) Deacon Ed West and I
began our ministry of service to
the seafarers with a rich history
in global trade. Nearly 100,000
ships and approximately 1.2
million seafarers of all races,
nationalities and religions
transport
over
85%
of
merchandise worldwide.
The procedure of getting
permission to board often
begins 18 hours earlier by
tracking these ships on the
Internet as they leave the Port
of Montreal connecting the St.
Lawrence Seaway to the Great
Lakes and the 46km Welland
Canal. The most effective
protocol is to call the seaway’s
dispatcher who in turn calls
the pilot on the ship, who then
asks the captain if we can board
before it enters either Lock 1
from Lake Ontario or Lock 7
from Lake Erie.
Regrettably,
we
don’t
always get permission as one
out of every three ships denies
boarding privileges. There
are various reasons for not
receiving permission as they’re
just too busy with ship chores, or
the captain just doesn’t see the
value of a chaplain ministering
to his crew, while some see
deacons as an unwanted set of
eyes on the ship.
Despite this problem, I was
very fortunate to get on a ship in
late fall manned with seafarers
from India. Their wages hadn’t
been deposited regularly to
support their families and I was
asked, “could I help them?”
As chaplains, we can’t
challenge any issues while
on board the ship, but we’re
advocates for these men and
have an obligation to advise the
National Maritime Authority at
their next port to investigate.
Pope Francis made this very
clear when he called on all those
who work for the well-being of
seafarers’ and their families, “…
to be the voice of those workers
who live far from their loved
ones and face dangerous and
difficult situations.”
I’ve
been
on
other
ships with seafarers from
Poland, Mainland China, the
Philippines, Cyprus, Bahamas,
Lithuania, Russia and the
Netherlands with no problems
of this nature.
What a wonderful joy to
on board
Deacon!
Legion
of
Mary
marks anniversary
Deacon Jim McLaughlin with some seafarers passing through the
Welland Canal Christmas 2014.
be accepted by these men who
have limited opportunities to
go ashore and without visits
to their ships, the local church
wouldn’t exist for them. As
chaplains, we are there to
offer spiritual assistance with
devotion booklets, rosaries
and just listen to their personal
issues. We are also able to help
connect these men with their
families.
Most oceanic seafarers sign
contracts for 6-9 months and
the long months of absence and
loneliness from their families is
an obvious problem. Therefore,
communications with their
homeland is one of the most
important issues for seafarers
and their welfare as access to
the Internet and phones at sea
is still limited and expensive.
I bring on board Wi-Fi
and to see their faces light up
while skyping with their wives
and children, and those with
sweethearts, is like the price of
a very good book as one opens
the first page and knows they’re
in for a very good read.
“Deacon, could you come
over here and meet my wife
and children,” I was asked, as
he engaged in laughter and
tears. There was his wife with
his two young children and she
said to me, “Thank you Deacon,
for bringing our family together
and my husband wishing me a
happy birthday.” There were
a lot of tears floating around
and no one escaped this joy,
including me.
On another occasion I
received an invitation by email
to join up with a ship I had
been on four days earlier as it
travelled to Duluth, Minnesota.
It was now travelling back and
was in the Welland Canal and
had already left Lock 7. Now
this is definitely not protocol
to receive an invitation inviting
me to join up with this ship;
however, I quickly sent out a
note that I was unable to meet
up with them at Lock 7 on short
notice but could meet them at
the next lock and dashed off.
As it turned out, the captain
had no idea I was waiting at
the lock to board his ship and
initially refused. I borrowed
the dock crew’s radio and told
the captain that someone from
his ship had sent me an email
to meet with them. He relented
and invited me to come on
board.
The question was still, who
had sent this invitation? This
became clear as the ship’s cook
greeted me saying, “I knew you
would be here.” “How did you
know that,” I asked? “Because I
prayed to Jesus that you would
come,” he said. He also revealed
how the email arrived as he had
called his wife in the Philippines
with his sim card and asked her
to send me an email. He was
motivated to do this because
several of the crew hadn’t used
the Wi-Fi earlier because they
had been engaged working on
a mechanical problem.
What is the true and
ultimate measure of man? I
would characterize this by the
quality of relationships with
others. This joyful seafarer
thought of his fellow seafarers
and their need to engage with
their families. Together we
became instruments of God’s
love for his children by seeing
Christ’s face in our brothers and
sisters. That is what we are all
called to do in our lives.
Spiritual Direction
Diocesan Catholic Centre
Sr. Marian Baumler, SSMN, offers spiritual direction at the Diocesan Catholic Centre,
Thorold, on scheduled Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. She received her training at the
Loyola House Retreat Centre, Guelph, Ontario, and has accompanied people in spiritual direction
for over 20 years.
Spiritual direction is a relationship in which a trained guide helps a person recognize and
respond to the movements of God in her or his own life. It is available to Christians of various
traditions, lay men and women, ordained ministers, and members of religious communities.
For information or an appointment call 716-480-1316 after July 10, 2015.
Back row (l-r) Ed Jocson, vice-president; Suzanne Boutin-Oubayan,
secretary; Gord Kozak, president; Jennifer Olszowy, treasurer; Bishop
Gerard Bergie; Fr. Norm Bordage, CSC, spiritual advisor; Fr. Paul
McDonald, rector, Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria; front: Ludgi
Sylvain, junior legionary.
by SUSAN THERRIEN
The Legion of Mary
celebrated its 50th Acies at the
Cathedral of St. Catherine of
Alexandria, St. Catharines on
March 22, 2015.
Acies is a Latin word
meaning ‘an army ranged in
battle array’ and is used to refer
to the Legion’s annual assembly
held on or as near as possible to
March 25—the Annunciation of
Our Lord. Over 200 legionaries
belonging to Our Lady of
All Nations Curia gathered
to renew their consecration
to Mary and to reaffirm their
fealty to her.
Bishop
Gerard
Bergie
addressed the members on the
occasion of its 50th anniversary
in the diocese and administered
Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament. Fr. Paul McDonald
gave the opening and closing
remarks, while prayer was led
by spiritual director, Fr. Norm
Bordage, CSC.
Bishop Bergie commended
the Legion for its acts of service,
remarking that it plays a
significant role in evangelization
because it understands the
important role that Mary plays
as the spiritual force that leads
us to her son. He noted that the
Legion continues to proclaim
Christ and draws people closer
to his Blessed Mother. Bishop
Bergie concluded with the hope
that more members will join
the Legion to assist in the new
evangelization to build up the
Body of Christ.
The Legion of Mary
is the largest lay apostolic
organization in the Catholic
Church, with 3,000,000 active
members in 170 countries.
Legionaries are required to
attend a weekly meeting and
carry out weekly apostolic
works—visits to hospitals,
nursing homes and the
homebound;
door-to-door
evangelization; distribution of
rosaries; teaching the rosary
in schools and other works as
directed by pastors.
Under the leadership of
Gord Kozak, president, the
Legion has grown throughout
the diocese and is active in 17
parishes. Two junior groups
have recently been added
with 32 young Catholics (ages
8-17) working for Our Lady’s
apostolate. “We are always
looking for members to help
with our works,” said Kozak.
For information about the
Legion of Mary contact 905-7326546.
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
6
June 2015 The Vineyard
Pioneer &
More than 350 supporters
of Catholic education attended
the 12th annual Bishop’s Gala
sponsored by the Niagara
Foundation
for
Catholic
Education at Club Roma, St.
Catharines, April 10, 2015.
The gala is a fund-raising
Joseph Noonan
opportunity for the foundation.
Funds raised provide financial
support to students who would
otherwise be unable to pursue a
post secondary education.
After
the
Opening
Ceremonies, Anthony Corapi,
Master of Ceremonies, led the
official welcome, greetings and
acknowledgement of special
guests given by: Peter Ferren,
Niagara Foundation for Catholic
Education president; Fr. Paul
MacNeil, NCDSB chair and John
Crocco, NCDSB director. Prior
to Grace, Bishop Gerard Bergie
delivered inspiring words about
the Hope of the Resurrection of
Jesus Christ in connection with
Catholic Eduation.
Frank Iannantuono, NCDSB
superintendent, introduced the
Award of Distinction ceremony.
The 2015 recipients were the late
Joseph Noonan and Anna Racine.
Joe Noonan served Catholic
education for nearly 45 years as
a teacher, administrator and a
trustee.
Several members of the
Noonan family attended the
celebration,
including
his
widow Claire, who delivered
a heartfelt and often hilarious
speech about her husband’s lifelong commitment to Catholic
education.
She recounted a story told at
her husband’s retirement party
by the late Alexander Kuska, who
first hired Noonan as a teacher.
“This young, cocky Irishman
comes into my office and says,
‘I’m Joseph Noonan, I’m Irish,
volunteer win
Awards
of
Distinction
and I’m Catholic, and I won’t
come for a cent less than $900.
’” Mrs. Noonan recalled Kuska
saying. “My name is Alex Kuska,
I’m Polish, and I’m Catholic. Sit
down.” Then Kuska said, ‘I didn’t
tell you then Joe, but we had
already decided to pay you $1,000
for the year.”
She also spoke of her family’s
gratitude at having Noonan
recognized for what he always
saw as his birthright as a fourthgeneration Catholic educator.
“Joe’s life was one of
unwavering faith, love and
dedication for his family and
students, and was living proof of
God’s blessings,” she said. “Our
family thanks you for this great
honour to Joe.”
Anna Racine is a tireless
parent volunteer. She has devoted
countless hours to Catholic
school councils at her children’s
elementary
and
secondary
schools, as well as the Niagara
Catholic Parent Involvement Bishop Gerard Bergie presented Joseph Noonan’s Award of Distinction to his widow, Claire. Seen with them
Committee (NCPIC) and the (l-r) are: Dino Sicoli, NCDSB vice-chair; Fr. Paul MacNeil, NCDSB chair; John Crocco, NCDSB director.
Special Education Advisory
Committee (SEAC).
Joseph Noonan began his career in Catholic education in the 1950s, and spent the next 44 years
Ms. Racine had family and committed to expanding Catholic education in Niagara. In those early years he went door-to-door
in Welland to convince Catholic ratepayers to direct their taxes to Catholic schools that were in
need of financial support. He was steadfast in his belief that Catholic schools should receive equitable resources in order to advance the quality and scope of Catholic education in Niagara.
As a teacher, Noonan demanded high standards of his students, while instilling in them a
belief in their abilities through hard work and commitment to their faith. As an administrator, his
intensity and commitment to students were strong examples to his staffs. As a trustee, he was a
frequent visitor in schools, speaking with students and staff so that he could better understand the
issues he needed to bring to the school board.
He was unequivocally advanced in his ideas about the value of providing students with innovative ways to enrich students and teachers in Catholic schools, for justice in decision-making and
was equally at ease with everyone from students to government officials.
Noonan passed away November 2007 at the age of 81.
Anna Racine
friends on hand to share her
special evening, and like Mrs.
Noonan, she expressed her
gratitude for the honour, but
also for having had the honour
of serving students for so many
years.
“It is moments like these
that remind me that Jesus came
to serve, and not to be served,”
she said. “I am so grateful for all
of the words of congratulations
that I have received, but rest
assured, this award is not about
me at all. Rather, it is because
of so many others. And it is not
about thanking me for all I have
done, but for thanking all of you,
for what you have done for me.”
Aiding Catholic
students
The Niagara Foundation for
Catholic Education was established
to provide financial support to those
students who would otherwise not be
able to pursue their educational goals.
The foundation also supports Catholic education programs in the Niagara
region.
The funds raised are used primarily to provide scholarships, bursaries,
and prizes for students.
It initiates fundraising activities in Peter Ferren, president
collaboration with students, staff, parents and business enterprises and is an excellent way for the community to become more actively involved in Catholic education.
The Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education is committed
to promoting excellence in academic and religious studies and to
encouraging students to achieve the highest level of success in the
academic, social, college, and skills and training programs offered
by the school board within a Catholic-centred environment.
Anna Racine received her Award of Distinction from Bishop Gerard Bergie. With them (l-r) are: Dino Sicoli,
NCDSB vice-chair; John Crocco, NCDSB director; Fr. Paul MacNeil, NCDSB chair.
Anna Racine joined the Catholic School Council at St. Thomas More Catholic Elementary School
in Niagara Falls when her son (now in university) was in Senior Kindergarten. She served as chair and
vice-chair on the Catholic School Council at St. Thomas More and at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic
Elementary Schools. She now serves Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Michael Catholic High School
as their liaison with the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), the parish and the community.
Racine frequently began her day at St. Thomas More and Our Lady of Mount Carmel schools organizing hot lunches, drinks and supplies for events during the day. She often worked well into the evening, organizing and working at pasta dinners, fundraisers, literacy nights and other events and has been
active on the Niagara Catholic Parent Involvement Committee for more than a decade.
She is an avid member of St. Thomas More parish serving as leader of the Children’s Liturgy, Vacation
Bible School, Communion breakfasts, Confirmation dinners and many more events throughout the
year.
7
The Vineyard June 2015
THE “CLASS” OF 2015
NCDSB Student Senate: with staff and board members: Back row (l-r) Ken Griepsma, principal, Saint Francis Catholic Secondary School, St. Catharines; Fr. Paul MacNeil, chair; Allison
Archer, Denis Morris Catholic High School, St. Catharines; Jurgen Sosa, Saint Paul Catholic High School, Niagara Falls; Alex Zaremba and Juniette Centeno, Holy Cross Catholic
Secondary School, St. Catharines; Bishop Gerard Bergie; Braydon Hotte, Notre Dame College School, Welland; Thomas Mingle, Saint Michael Catholic High School, Niagara Falls;
Thomas Dedinsky, Saint Francis Catholic Secondary School, St. Catharines; Alessandra Gabriel, Denis Morris Catholic High School, St. Catharines; guest speaker Dr. Terry NelsonJohnson; Mario Geremia, vice-principal, Saint Paul Catholic High School, Niagara Falls; John Crocco, director, NCDSB; front row: Ralph DeFazio, principal, Notre Dame College
School, Welland; Hailey Craig, Saint Francis Catholic Secondary School, St. Catharines; Ally Nieuwesteeg, Saint Paul Catholic High School, Niagara Falls; Rachel Blair and Chole
Demizio, Lakeshore Catholic High School, Port Colborne; Jessica DiPasquale, Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School, Grimsby; Emily Lostracco, Saint Michael Catholic High
School, Niagara Falls; Rylee Kurzawski, Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School, Grimsby; Meagan Lecompte, Notre Dame College School, Welland. Photo by Martin Schubert
by JENNIFER PELLEGRINI Bergie urged students to build
WITH
CONTRIBUTIONS upon this foundation and to
FROM VINEYARD STAFF
carry it forward, being the
hands and face of Jesus Christ
On May 15, 2015, Bishop wherever they go. He stressed
Gerard
Bergie,
trustees, that in an increasingly
senior
staff,
elementary secular world, where we are
school principals and Niagara frequently disappointed by
Catholic District School Board others and disappoint those
(NCDSB) staff feted the Class around us, Jesus is the friend
of 2015 during the 14th annual who will never disappoint.
graduation celebration. The
“All of these things
event took place at the Gale can weigh us down,” said
Centre, Niagara Falls, hosted, Bishop Bergie. “Yes, there is
as is the tradition, by NCDSB bad news in the world; but
student trustees.
there is far more good news.
In his opening address, You know, after 14 years of
Ken Griepsma, principal, Saint Catholic education, that there
Francis Catholic Secondary is far more good news than
School,
St.
Catharines, bad. Our Catholic schools are
reminded
students
that built upon a solid rock, Jesus
whatever lies ahead for them, Christ.”
they are indelibly linked to
“Friendship with God!
their schools and NCDSB. What an incredible gift. Jesus
“You carry the rich heritage, Christ is the friend who will
teachings, values and culture never let you down and his
of a Catholic education as presence is with all of us
your foundation into the next during challenging times.
chapter of your life,” he said.
Satan makes us think we
In his address, Bishop are worthless; but our God
is about love, mercy and
forgiveness. He cares for us
and strengthens us. Therefore
never lose hope. Pray to the
Holy Spirit and the Blessed
Virgin Mary to give you the
courage to state the truth to
others that Catholic schools
have helped to form you as
a well-educated person of
faith.”
“We are very proud of you
graduates. Go forth, Niagara
Catholic,” he urged, “and set
this world on fire.”
John Crocco, director,
NCDSB, also echoed the
message of using Catholic
education to leave the world
a better place.
“Your Catholic education
has taught you to connect in
a meaningful way; to build
relationships in person, not
via texting or messaging,
but in person, to connect
to something greater than
yourself. We need you to
lead our complex world;
from environmentalists to
St. Michael High School choir: (l-r) back row: Danielle Blane, Nadia Panetta, Kayla Pizzicarola,
Jasmine Marchand, Barbara Jones, Emily Lostracco, Julianna Racine; front row: Toni Goss, Carlene
Drolet, Kennedy Goyetche, Maria Bendo, Cassandra Leadbeater, Michelle Cordoso, Anika Cordero,
teacher Teri Cristelli and teacher Mary Cockbourne. Photo by Martin Schubert
Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson
Photo by Martin Schubert
economists, educators to
community leaders, religious
vocations to working for
peace, working for equality,
working for justice. Your
task is to make the world
better than it is today, to be
the difference that you want
to see in our world. And
remember, one heart with
courage is a majority.
“Grads, my prayer for
all of you is to be strong, be
committed, be faithful and be
who God called you to be and
make a real impact on society
as a Catholic graduate,” he
concluded.
Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson,
guest speaker, is a resident
theologian and faith animator
at Old St. Patrick’s Church,
Chicago. He is known as a
street theologian, educator,
storyteller
and
prolific
author. Through his stories
and humour, he challenged
the graduates to enter more
deeply into the mystery of
grace, spirit and God as a
preparation for the next
stage of their journey of
life. He urged the graduates
to go into the world and
be
transformative
as
ambassadors. His three main
challenges were—take bold
and significant Risks -for
God’s sake; find and pursue
your Passion and bend it
towards Generosity - for
God’s sake; Create life and
Absorb Pain - for God’s sake.
St. Michael Catholic High School band: (l-r) Hunter Murdoch, Corey Sheehan,
Carlene Drolet, Matt Edwards, Adam Hansen , Nicole Cerminara.
Photo by Martin Schubert
8
June 2015 The Vineyard
Catholic Women’s League
holds annual convention
by CATHY CRABBE
The St. Catharines Diocesan
Catholic Women’s League
welcomed over 200 guests at
the opening Mass at Our Lady
of the Scapular, Niagara Falls,
on May 27, 2015. The 57th
annual convention was held
at the Americana Conference
Centre on May 28, 2015. The
theme was One Heart, One
Voice, One Mission.
Bishop Gerard Bergie
was the presider with CWL
diocesan spiritual advisor,
Fr. Mathew Pendanathu, and
many priests con-celebrating.
Proceeds
from
the
collection ($1160) was donated
to the Douglas Memorial
Hospital Palliative Care Centre,
Fort Erie.
Following Mass, greetings
from national CWL president,
Barbara Dowding, and guest
speaker, provincial president,
Betty Colaneri, were given.
Shine, shine, shine the
light of the Holy Spirit through
you in all that you do was
highlighted during the twoday convention. All speakers
reminded delegates to let the
light of the Holy Spirit shine
out from within.
In his homily Bishop
Bergie thanked the members of
the CWL for their loving and
generous hearts of service to
the Church, their country and
one another. He entreated them
to never give in to the sense
of entitlement, reminding
them that they are not doing
what they do for recognition
but to be servants of Jesus. He
encouraged CWL members to
have joy in serving others and
to pray more often to the Holy
Spirit.
“The Holy Spirit is the
beacon that shines to bring
us life, hope and keep us
spiritually young,” Bishop
Bergie said.
Barbara
Dowding,
national president, encouraged
members to take time to
embrace each other during the
convention the way Mary and
Elizabeth did when sharing
their good news. From there on
in, hugs and embraces became
the order of the convention.
Dowding’s message was
that “…you should be humble
and let your light shine
through so others will want
to follow in your footsteps.
Open your hearts to the Holy
Spirit, who will help you with
this. Be patient, kind and
compassionate toward others
because societal changes and
technological advances grow
in leaps and bounds and have
immersed us into a materialistic
world
where
entitlement
is rampant. Be patient and
compassionate with others.”
She commented that Pope
Francis has opened the door a
crack for women—we need to
push our foot against the door
to open it just a little more.
Dowding also addressed
the issue of euthanasia
Some CWL committee members (l-r) Linda Marie O’Hagan, interim recording secretary; Fr. Mathew Pendanathu, spiritual advisor; Melissa
Hofstede, spiritual development; Jacquie Karabinos, Christian family life; Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB, keynote speaker; Sharon Dickson, out-going
diocesan president; Wilma Vanderzwaag, past diocesan president; Bishop Gerard Bergie; Angela Carrier, organization; Marilyn Orr, community
life.
suggesting that since the
government has given people
the option to die before God’s
call, it should also give them
an option to live out the end of
their lives in comfort through
palliative care.
Betty Colaneri, provincial
president, confirmed it is a
beautiful and joyful sight to
see women across Ontario
doing incredible things and
encouraged the recruitment of
new members. She also invited
them to attend the provincial
convention at the Americana
Conference Centre, Niagara
Falls, July 4-8, 2015.
Keynote
speaker
Fr.
Thomas Rosica, CSB, CEO
and founder of Salt + Light
Television, Toronto, spoke
to the 335 delegates at the
Americana Conference Resort
& Spa on Wednesday and
mesmerized them with his
firsthand knowledge of the
recent Synod of Bishops.
The
synod
gathered
together church leaders from
around the world to have
open, honest and charitable
conversations
with
Pope
Francis. Here they were able to
share the diverse needs in the
Church and to create strategies
to address the reign of misery
throughout the world. The
synod is where problems
are put into perspective and
solutions are sought.
Rosica reminded members
that the needs in our country
are not to be diminished and
that we are instruments of
mercy who should cultivate
and grow mercy for our fellow
human beings, welcoming
them back into the fold in
the way that the father of the
prodigal son did.
Another speaker, Deacon
Ron Jenkins from Chalice,
spoke briefly of the 50,000
children and seniors the
organization assists in 17
different
countries,
and
reminded everyone if they let
the light of Christ shine through
(l-r) Barbara Dowding, national president; Fr. Mathew Pendanathu, spiritual advisor; Sharon Dickson,
out-going diocesan president; Shelley Tamas, in-coming diocesan president; Bishop Gerard Bergie; Betty
Colaneri, provincial president, at the St. Catharines diocesan CWL convention.
Photo by Denis Cahill
them, miracles will happen.
Sharon Dickson presented
him with a cheque ($7,530)
representing the efforts of
diocesan parishes and St.
Francis Catholic Secondary
School, St. Catharines, for
Chalice community projects
The convention concluded
with the diocesan election
for the 2015-2017 council
conducted
by
Wilma
Vanderzwaag, past president
and election committee chair.
Installation of the new officers
was conducted prior to the
banquet. Shelley Tamas from
St. Andrew, Welland, was
elected to lead the diocesan
council for the coming term.
Out-going
president
Sharon Dickson thanked the
executive for their time and
commitment to making her
term of office a success and
acknowledged their continued
service to the Catholic Women’s
League, to God and to Canada.
Betty Colaneri, provincial president (left) and Sharon Dickson, out-going
diocesan president, presented Deacon Ron Jenkins, co-ordinator, Chalice
Community Projects, with a cheque for $7,530 at the 2015 diocesan CWL
convention.
9
The Vineyard June 2015
Sacred Heart, Chippawa
celebrates
90th
anniversary
by MARGARET
VANDERSCHOOT &
FR. DON LIZZOTTI
As Sacred Heart parish
in Niagara Falls celebrated its
90th anniversary, parishioners
looked back with gratitude on
a rich history of faith, service,
growth and change.
Inspired by the Sacred
Heart as a symbol of love, the
parish community gathered
on Sunday November 16,
2014, with Bishop Gerard
Bergie, pastor Fr. Donald
Lizzotti and former pastor,
Fr. Tony McNamara O.Carm.,
to celebrate 90 years of God’s
blessings.
Bishop
Bergie
spoke
beautifully during the Mass
about the many blessings of
parish life and the special
patronage of the Sacred Heart
blessing and protecting the
parish over all these years.
After
the
Mass,
parishioners and friends could
view memorabilia that was
on display in the parish hall,
and then shared stories over
a delicious potluck supper of
memories and recalling the
Carmelite Fathers who founded
and served at Sacred Heart
for many years. Numerous
sacramental
celebrations—
baptisms, reconciliations, first
communions,
confirmation,
weddings, funerals, school
Masses and anniversaries—
have enriched the spirituality
of thousands of parishioners
over all the years. Many of
Pastor Fr. Don Lizzotti, (centre) with former pastor Fr. Tony McNamara O.Carm and Bishop Gerard Bergie,
during the 90th anniversary celebration at Sacred Heart, Chippawa, held November 2014.
the photo albums and other
memorabilia recalled these
special times.
Recently, Bishop John
Knight, born and raised in this
parish, donated the original
statues of Our Lady and the
Sacred Heart that were used
in his family home in the
first years of the parish when
Masses were celebrated there.
The building of the
church began with Clarence
Somerville and his family
digging out the basement with
a team of horses and pouring
the foundations. The church
was opened and blessed in
November 1924.
Allie and Laura Willick
sang at the first Midnight
Mass that year. Over the
years, many parishioners have
been involved with church
cleaning, maintenance, lawn
care, decorating, making altar
linens, attending to the sacristy
and assisting the parish priests.
There have been committees to
do fundraising for the school,
for additions to the school, for
the rectory, and for renovations
to the church at different times.
When the late Fr. Denis
Mazerolle was pastor, he and
some parishioners dug out the
crawl space in the basement of
the rectory to make a chapel
for daily Mass.
There have been pastoral
councils, finance councils,
maintenance
committees,
and building committees. A
vibrant and active CWL has
contributed so much over the
years—bazaars, bake sales,
knitting prayer blankets and
serving in many of the other
ministries of the parish.
We cannot forget the
great and dedicated work of
Anne Jeddry who directed the
adult and children’s choirs for
so many years, not only for
Sunday Masses but for many
concerts and musicals. Her
legacy continues in our present
choir who continue to learn
new and beautiful music for
worship.
We
remember
with
grateful hearts the wonderful
dedication and commitment
of the 22 pastors at Sacred
Heart—Carmelite
and
diocesan priests—each with
their own unique gifts and
qualities of leadership. They
always brought Jesus through
the sacraments and their love
and service to the families of
the parish.
As we celebrated and
remembered,
we
also
committed
ourselves
to
continue with the blessing
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
to be a vibrant and faithful
presence in the community
of Chippawa, advancing the
legacy inherited from those
who have gone before us.
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50 WOODLAWN RD., WELLAND
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Your support will help Presentation of Mary Sister Diane Lajeunesse to lead
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PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRIES OF CATHOLIC MISSIONS IN CANADA.
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A selection of burial services is available including
ground burial, cremation burial and above ground
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any questions you may have including monuments
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For further information call: 905-734-4172
10
A Pastor’s Journal: Catholic
Parishes & Schools
Working Together
A
Pastor’s
Journal,
by James T. Mulligan CSC
and published by Novalis,
offers a window onto the
school year and the many
opportunities
for
the
Catholic school to collaborate
with the parish in a joint
mission of evangelization.
It is an essential resource
for strengthening the bond
between
parishes
and
schools.
Despite the challenges
of an increasingly secular
society, where faith often
comes second to sports and
countless other activities,
young people in Catholic
schools can learn about and
grow in their faith when
educators
and
pastors
prepare the ground well,
using a creative and flexible
approach.
Great
things
happen when the joy of the
gospel is shared.
Filled
with
concrete
examples and tried-and-true
approaches to sharing faith
with young Catholics from
September to June, this book
is a practical and convenient
handbook for pastors and
educators alike.
It also includes five
pastoral reflections on the
gifts and challenges of
education: the shifting sands
of publicly funded Catholic
education in Ontario; the
New
Evangelization
for
parish and school; elements of
a spirituality for the Catholic
educator; 10 principles for
the New Evangelization and
Catholic education.
Available at St. Kevin,
Welland, 905-735-5885;
Novalis www.novalis.ca and
as an eBook.
James T. Mulligan, CSC,
is associate pastor at St.
Kevin, Welland, Ontario. He
has published four books with
Novalis on Catholic education:
Evangelization
and
the
Catholic High School (1990),
Formation for Evangelization
(1994), Catholic Education:
The Future is Now (1999), and
Catholic Education: Ensuring
a Future (2005).
In Memoriam
June 2015 The Vineyard
the environment
VATICAN HOSTS
GLOBAL WARMING CONFERENCE
by DENNIS MALONE
In advance of the anticipated release of
Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment
around the end of June, the Vatican hosted
a conference April 28, 2015. It was titled
Protect the Earth, Dignify Humanity: The
Moral Dimensions of Climate Change and
Sustainable Humanity.
Ban Ki-Moon, secretary general of the
United Nations, opened the conference. It
aimed to raise awareness and build a consensus
that the values of sustainable development
cohere with values of the leading religious
traditions, with a special focus on the most
vulnerable.
In his opening remarks, Ki-Moon said
that climate change is the “defining issue of
our times” and that it is “important that faith
groups are in harmony with this issue.” He said, “Science and religion are not at odds on climate
change. Indeed, they are fully aligned.”
The conference was not without its detractors, with several critics challenging the belief that
climate change is caused by human activity and adding that the Church should focus on matters
of theology not science.
There is no question, however, that Pope Francis is exerting very strong influence on the debate
and the publication of his encyclical will further strengthen his position as the ‘environment pope’.
St. Catharines native
wins St. Joseph Award
Sr. Andrea Dumont, CSJ, was the recipient
of the 2015 Catholic Missions In Canada St.
Joseph Award.
Born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario,
she attended St. John Catholic Elementary
School and St. Joseph Convent High School.
She went on to St. Joseph’s Hospital School of
Nursing, Toronto, and graduated in 1955, all
guided by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sr. Andrea
entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Toronto
in 1956. She capped her vocation story by
winning the Catholic Missions in Canada’s
St. Joseph Award for outstanding work as a
missionary.
After serving for 14 years in Guatemala,
she came back to Canada and began her
ministry in the Manitoba towns of the northern
Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, first in
Grand Rapids and Easterville for 9 years, and
since 1990, in Thompson and Nelson House.
Sr. Andrea Dumont, CSJ, recipient of the Catholic
Sr. Joan Quinn, a member of the Sisters of Holy Cross for 62
years, left her earthly life at the Queensway Carleton Hospital,
Ottawa, April 18, 2015. She
was 80.
Joan was born in
Renfrew, Ontario, to the late
Verena Goulet and Vincent
Quinn. In addition to the
Missions in Canada St. Joseph Award, is seen here
Congratulations Sr. Andrea!
Sisters in her community,
with Archbishop Murray Chatlain, Archdiocese of
those who mourn her
Keewatin-Le Pas.
include
her
brothers
Gerry
(Florence)
and
r
aul
c onald leads
arian pilgrimage
Bob (Josie), many nieces,
nephews, grandnieces and
grandnephews.
Sr. Joan was a life-long
educator with on-going
interest in her students
who appreciated her in
return. Her experience
spanned every level of education—teacher at the elementary
level (Ottawa and Renfrew), high school (St. Joseph, Ottawa;
Henry Carr, Toronto), Notre Dame College School with the
Holy Cross Family in Welland, university chaplain and PreService co-ordinator at Brock University, school trustee for
the St. Catharines Lincoln County Catholic School Board,
and spiritual advisor/mentor for the Diploma in Ministry
distance education program from St. Francis Xavier University,
Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
After leaving St. Catharines and moving to Ottawa, she
participated in community leadership, the diocesan adult faith
program, and the RCIA process at St. Basil parish.
A funeral Mass was held at St. Basil, Ottawa, and burial has
taken place at the Sisters of Holy Cross infirmary in Montreal,
Quebec.
Fr. Paul McDonald, rector, Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Catharines, led a group of 30 pilgrims
May she rest in peace.
(May 10-22, 2015) to Fatima, Lourdes, Compostela and Lisieux.
F .P
Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection
and the life. Those who believe in me, even
though they die, will live, and everyone
who lives and believes in me will never die.
John 11:25-26
M D
M
A crowd of hundreds of thousands gathered to adore the Lord and honour the Blessed Virgin,
while imploring her intercession, in Fatima, Portugal, on the night of May 12, 2015, the night
before the Feast of Fatima. The pilgrims led by Fr. Paul McDonald prayed the rosary close to the
spot where the mother of Jesus visited the earth.
They visited the birthplace of St. Anthony and saw the on-going Eucharistic miracle in
Santorem. From Fatima, pilgrims made their way through Spain to Compostela, where the Apostle
James awaits the resurrection on the last day. They also visited Lourdes, in its quiet, serene grace.
11
The Vineyard June 2015
Coming Events
Blessing Gethsemane Centre:
On July 11, 2015, 10 a.m.,
Bishop Gerard Bergie will bless
the new Gethsemane Centre
located at 84008 Wellandport
Road, Wellandport. Once a
Christian school, the centre
has been converted to meet
the multiple needs of hosting
retreats, conferences and other
events. It is equipped with
retreat halls, a chapel, meeting
rooms, in-house food service,
recreation room, religious
store and more. Some of the
things that will be offered are:
weekend and day retreats,
spiritual
counselling
and
faith formation programs. For
information call 905-386-1111.
THE BULLETIN BOARD
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. The topic for June 22
will be Loving & Respecting
Yourself.
For
information
contact Mt. Carmel 905356-4113, Diocesan Catholic
Centre
905‑684‑0154,
or
separatedanddivorced@
saintcd.com
Lourdes; October 15-24 to
Medjugorje. For information
contact Niagara Travel, victor.
[email protected] or 905935-5735.
Recent Happenings
marriage preparation course
or an Engaged Encounter
weekend. Parishes have the
2015 schedule with information
about dates and places or www.
saintcd.com
Marriage Tribunal: If you are
considering remarriage in the
Catholic Church at some point,
or hoping to enter a marriage
with
someone
previously
married, you should speak to
a priest or contact the diocesan
Catholic Marriage Tribunal in
St. Catharines, 905-687-8817 or
[email protected]
Transitional
Deacon
Ordinations: On June 12,
2015, the Solemnity of the
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Bishop Gerard Bergie ordained
seminarians Ronald Angervil,
Stephen
Innamorati
and
Gregory Schmidt as transitional
deacons in the next step of their
formation to the priesthood Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
at Our Lady of the Scapular, Shrine: Open year-round, 4706
Niagara Falls.
Miller Road, Port Colborne,
situated in a rustic wooded
area providing a special place
On-Going
where people can gather to
reflect or enjoy solitary prayer.
Marriage
Encounter:
For From May-October the rosary
married
couples
looking is recited Thursday at 7 p.m.
to restore communication followed by Mass. The shrine
and rekindle romance, this has large grounds, a meeting
program is designed to help room and gift shop; donations
share
concerns,
feelings of gently-used religious articles
and expectations in a non- are gratefully appreciated.
confrontational way. A very The facilities are available for
private experience called a
weekend of discovery, leading
to a lifetime of love. Visit www.
wwme.org for information and
registration.
Pilgrimage to Spain: Barcelona,
Nice, Monaco, Avignon and
Lourdes are among the cities
that will be visited during
this pilgrimage to Spain and
the French Riviera, September
21-October 4, 2015. For
registration and information
Contemplative
Prayer contact
Fr.
Christopher
Workshop: Do you long to Szczepanik, Our Lady of the
become closer to God? Learn Holy Rosary 905-227-3178.
to sit in silence and consent
to God’s loving presence Pilgrimages 2015: July 12-20 –
and action within? Follow Fr. Gerard Power, ‘come home’
the Christian heritage of St. with him to Newfoundland,
Augustine, St. John of the Canada; September 23-October
Cross and Fr. Thomas Keating 4 – Fr. Peter Rowe, Portugal
at this workshop presented to the Pyrenees, Spain and the
by Contemplative Outreach Marian Shrines of Iberia and
Ontario, July 25, 2015, Mt. France (Fatima & Lourdes). For
Carmel
Spiritual
Centre, booking information contact
Niagara Falls, 9:30 a.m. – 3 Ineke at Brinkman Travel,
p.m. Cost: $35 includes lunch. www.brinkmantravel.com or 905Registration: Brenda Coleman, 988-9100.
Marriage
Preparation:
[email protected] or 905-646Engaged
couples
planning
1995.
Pilgrimages
Fall
2015:
to
be
married
in
the
Catholic
September 6-20 to Christian
Church
are
expected
to
take a
Europe; September 20-28 to
retreats and gatherings. For
information call Cathy Kruger
905-732-7479 or visit www.
rosaryshrineniagara.com
Retrouvaille: If your marriage
needs help, Retrouvaille could
be a lifeline. This is a process
designed to heal and renew
troubled
marriages.
The
focus is on communication
and provides couples an
opportunity to rediscover
themselves and their marriage
relationship. For information,
in strictest confidence, contact
Joyce and Larry Webb 905-6645212 or retrouvaille.hamilton@
cogeco.ca
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
call 905-934-9703.
The St. Catharines Diocesan
Catholic Women’ s League
is hosting the
68th Ontario Provincial
CWL Convention
at
The KnighTs
of
Americana Conference Resort & Spa
Columbus
8444 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls
Saturday July 4, 2015 - Wednesday July 8, 2015
invite you to attend the
Theme: One Heart, One Voice, One Mission
Bishop’s Charities Dinner
Guest speaker: Dr. Josephine Lombardi
at
Registration & information at www.cwl.on.ca
Club Castropignano
Most Reverend Gerard Bergie
Please support this event—ask parish presidents for details
1311 Egerter Rd., Port Robinson
Saturday October 24, 2015
Tickets-$60
Reception 6 p.m., Dinner 7 p.m.
Entertainment & Dancing
For ticket information
Bill Amodeo at 289-456-7888
Albert Craig 905-988-1222
Chuck Johnston at 905-646-5099
Christopher Turner at 905-643-3375
Proceeds to support
Catholic Charities
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
June 27
June 28-July 3
July 12-15
July 12-16
July 23-26
July 25
July 26-31
August 7-9
August 10-14
August 23-29
Saints, Eh!
Presenter: Fr. Jay Comerford
Preached Retreat
Presenters: Ministerial Team
The Decalogue: The 10 Commandments
Fr. Jay Comerford
Healing: Letting Go & Moving On
Presenter: Kathryn McMorrow
Enjoying the Psalms Today
Presenter: Fr. Craig Morrison
Awakening to Happiness, Love & Wisdom
Presenter: Sebastian Fazzari
Guided Retreat
Presenter: Fr. Michael Wastag
Self Awareness & Self Esteem in Children
A weekend for parents, grandparents, caregivers
Presenter: Kathryn McMorrow
A Retreat for Women: Wisdom of Teresa of Avila
Presenter: Kathryn McMorrow
Icon Workshop
Presenter: Philip Zimmerman
12
Youth
June 2015 The Vineyard
attend
Young people from across
the diocese came together
April 25, 2015, at St. Ann,
Niagara Falls, for Youth
Summit 2015 Avanti. The
event called young people
to come to discover their
gifts, identify and overcome
distractions and explore ways
to respond to Pope Francis’
call to “…go forth evangelize
and help the poor.”
Bishop Gerard Bergie
was keynote speaker. In both
his presentation and homily
he reinforced the pope’s
message. “Don’t be observers
of life—get involved; immerse
yourself in the reality of life
as Jesus did.” He challenged
young people to use their gifts
and make a difference.
Guest speakers Susan
Venditti and staff, Tara
Thibodeau
and
Cisco
Armstrong, shared personal
journeys and gave examples
of the kind of help offered
at Start Me Up Niagara.
They spoke of the isolation
the poor face and how social
contact and interaction is
as important as food and
shelter. In addition, Venditti
encouraged participants to
look into the needs of their
own communities and get
involved.
Dahlia Brannigan, Roberta
Plantic and Chantel Christian
also made presentations.
Music
was
provided
courtesy of Saint Paul Catholic
High School, Niagara Falls—
vice-principal Mario Geremia;
students
Maddie
Young,
Isabelle Wong, Bella Baldin,
Jacob Collee, Jordan Mason,
as well as Dahlia Brannigan,
chaplain, Lakeshore Catholic
High School, Port Colborne.
Pope Francis has asked
Summit 2015 Avanti
practicing Catholics to realize
the grace they have been given
and accept responsibility for
helping others experience that
same grace—especially the
poor, the sick and others left
on the ‘peripheries’ or margins
Bishop’s Gala:
continued from page
1
of society.
At the conclusion of the
day participants were asked
to look at their gifts and think
about their own personal
plan of how they can make a
difference in their parish and
community.
Youth Summit participants (l-r) Rachel Koiter, St. Patrick, Port Colborne;
Alicia Charlebois, St. John Bosco, Port Colborne; Ashley Clark and
Natasha DalBen, St. George, Crystal Beach.
Knights of Columbus honour guard participated in opening ceremonies
at the 2015 Bishop’s Gala held at Club Roma, St. Catharines. Standing
(l-r) are: S.K Norm Scott, Commander; S.K. Shareef Bakir; S.K. Stan
Steves; S.K. Ed Legace; S.K Ronaldo Disanto; S.K. Don Frena; S.K. Vince
Gigliotti; S.K.Peter Conforti; S.K. Luc Frigault, Assistant Commander;
seated: S.K. Carmen Armenti, Assistant Commander; S.K. Bill Defoe,
Past Faithful Navigator; S.K Ron Green, District Marshal; Bishop
Gerard Bergie; S.K. Al Craig, Faithful Navigator; S.K. Martin Marko,
Commander.
The group, Sapphires, from Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School,
Grimsby, regaled the audience at the Bishop’s Gala. Seen here are (lr) standing: music teacher Angela Maccaroni, Sarah Williscraft, Kayla
Olwage, Laura Varela Sierra; seated Celeste Brienesse, Julietta Ferrara,
Sarah Ogruk, Chloe Borsellino.
(l-r) Youth Summit guest speakers Tara Thibodeau, Susan Venditti and
Cisco Armstrong from Start Me Up Niagara.
Bishop blesses tree at St. Edward
Catholic elementary school
Representatives of the Drum Line (the full line is 17 members) from
Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School, Grimsby, were part of the
opening ceremonies at the Bishop’s Gala held April 10, 2015. From
left are: Nicholas Kimman, Austin Meisel, Daniel Araiche, Malik
Holierhoek, Andrew Robichaud.
On April 24, 2015, Bishop Bergie visited St. Edward Catholic Elementary School in Jordan. He answered
questions from the students, and at the conclusion of his visit blessed a tree planted in honour of Arbour Day.
The Early Learning Kindergarten Program students named the tree ‘George’.
Bishop Bergie and
the Catholic Centre
staff wish you a safe
and blessed summer