8 May 2008
Dear Pastors, Lay Pastoral Animators and Parishioners,
Weekend with Sr. Eva Solomon & Natives
Last weekend, May 2-4, I hosted a weekend with about a dozen representatives of Native communities from around the archdiocese. Most were from around the Lesser Slave Lake; as always, distance is a challenge in our archdiocese when we try to have a gathering that represents everyone in the archdiocese. Nonetheless, it was a powerful and enlightening weekend. I feel that it has served as the beginning for the Native Pastoral Committee that I am hoping to establish eventually in our diocese.
Father Alessandro Costa, OMI
I received word from the Assumption (Polish) Province of the Oblates of the death of Father Alessandro Costa on April 20th. According to the biography, his first assignments after his ordination (1950) were to some of the Slavey-Beaver First Nations communities of our diocese, in Meander River, Steen River and Indian Cabins. He composed a number of writings in the Aboriginal language, including a catechism. In 1967 he moved to Toronto to work in the Italian immigrant community there. May he enjoy the eternal life in which he placed his hope.
Exploring Urban Aboriginal Ministry
This is the topic of a conference being held at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, from the evening of July 16th to the morning of July 19th. The Lac Ste-Anne pilgrimage begins on the afternoon of July 19th. Registration is $100.; accommodation is extra, but there are some bursaries available for those with limited means. For more information, check out the poster on our archdiocesan website, or contact Newman College at 1-800-386-7231.
Toronto in May
I was in Toronto for the whole week of April 18th to 25th. There were many highlights to this trip, and one very personal blessing that brought me deep joy. The three highlights were: a meeting of the board of Catholic entities dealing with the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement; the Southdown Conference on Critical Issues, and the Catholic Missions in Canada gala dinner. The Southdown Conference is presented every two years by the Southdown Institute, a treatment facility for clergy and religious. This year’s conference focused on the issue of change – change in people’s lives, change in the Church, change in society. We all deal with change all the time throughout our lives, but sometimes we react to it poorly. The conference, which is geared to bishops and leaders of religious communities of men and women, gave us some insight into how we can help others deal with change, but also how we as leaders can best be the agents for change, which we often are. The Catholic Missions in Canada gala is a fundraising dinner that raises awareness and money for missionary dioceses in Canada, like our own. I was deeply moved by the interest and generosity of many people in Toronto for those who minister in the farthest reaches of our country. It was a testimony to the unity that we enjoy as a broad Christian community.
As a sideline, I also taped some talks for the TV Perpetual Help Devotions, which I know some of you follow on Vision TV on Wednesdays. I also went to an open house that the Redemptorist young adult ministry team held at their new home in downtown Toronto. Fathers Santo Arrigo and Jon Hansen send their best regards.
The weeks ahead …
I look forward to seeing many of you as I travel around the archdiocese over the next several weeks for the Sacrament of Confirmation. I count on all of you to pray for these young people and support them in their life of faith. Somewhat akin to what we say about weddings: a confirmation ceremony is a day, but discipleship is a lifetime! May our young people find courage and hope in their faith, and live their relationship with Jesus in the Church with joy and zeal. Jesus Christ is counting on us all, each and every one.
As we move closer to the end of another school year, please keep our youth in your prayers. At bishops’ meetings, I am also constantly reminded of the rare (and becoming rarer) privilege that it is to have a Catholic education system. It is a graced moment and place, where we can pass on Gospel values and Gospel message.
Sincerely yours in Christ the Redeemer,
+ Gerard Pettipas, C.Ss.R.
Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan |
