Feb 8, 2010

Super Bowl Ad Celebrates "Miracle Baby"

There was certainly enough controversy over the past week about a planned Super Bowl ad paid for by Focus on the Family. It seemed that pretty much everyone had an opinion about whether a "pro-life" ad had any place on a Super Bowl broadcast.

Not that anyone pointed out that a team named the "Saints" would be playing in the game and ultimately pull through with a win but that's a whole separate discussion.

Those of us in Canada didn't have a chance to see the ad when it aired. Now you can check it out below. I'd say that it's always important to wait and see the content of an ad before critiquing it too much. You'd be hard pressed to find any scare tactics or inflammatory language as many predicted.

More than anything, these types of controversies put the pro-life message front and centre in the public square and we see a great deal of debate unfold - not always done respectfully but at least there's a public conversation going on. No doubt many Super Bowl parties paused for a moment to weigh in on the issue one way or another. If we can raise awareness and help even one person recognize that every life is indeed a miracle, we're all better off.

In a game with Saints and Hail Mary passes held on a Sunday, I'd say that any discussion of miracles is entirely appropriate.

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Feb 4, 2010

Statement from Archbishop Collins on G8 Maternal & Child Health Initiative

Statement from Archbishop Thomas Collins
Re: G8 Proposal on Maternal & Child Health

February 4, 2010

In light of the many positive contributions that Canada can make to the improvement of maternal and child health, it is astonishing that the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Michael Ignatieff, has issued an official statement advocating contraception and abortion as fundamental elements in addressing this important issue.

There are many fruitful ways to improve maternal and child health, and the discussion should centre on the most effective strategies for doing this. We all await with keen interest the tangible measures that the Prime Minister will propose.

Certainly the provision of clean water, the expansion of immunization, and the assurance of a supply of adequate food are among the ways in which the goal of improved health can be attained.

Even those who think that abortion should be allowed do not, however, propose it as a positive contribution to the good of society.

When there are so many obvious practical steps that can be taken to promote maternal and child health throughout the world, it is sad to see Mr. Ignatieff introduce into the discussion this negative proposal, which in no way serves to improve the health of mothers or children, but which rather imperils the most vulnerable among us.

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Feb 2, 2010

Archbishop Collins & Haiti: A Time for Grief, Wisdom & Action!

Monday evening provided an opportunity for faith and civic leaders from across the Archdiocese to come together in solidarity for the people of Haiti. Archbishop Collins provided a powerful homily that is an appropriate reminder to us all of how we should seize each day and find the face of Christ in all those we meet. His remarks below:

I: A Time for Grief: Mourning those who have Died


This evening we gather together, people of many faith traditions, but united in our prayer for the people of Haiti in this time of their grief and suffering.

It is an ancient tradition of many Christians to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died, and to see in the wall of death a gateway to another dimension of life, to another and more glorious portion of the vineyard of the Lord. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

All of us join in prayer for our many brothers and sisters in Haiti who mourn the sudden and violent loss of those whom they love. We pray that God will strengthen and console them in this time of sorrow, and our own prayers, and those of so many people throughout the world,
reach out to them in the solidarity of love. Times of great suffering such as this call for a simple union of prayer that is deeper than mere human words.

Like the friends of Job in his affliction, we act most compassionately when we silently seek to be at one in heart and mind with those who suffer. This is what compassion means: to suffer with another, and this is what we are called to do in each experience of grief which we share during our journey through this life. When the grief is so great, and the suffering so vast, the call for simple compassionate prayer is all the greater. This evening we come together in such prayer.

II: A Time for Wisdom: Lord, Teach me the Shortness of Life, That I may gain Wisdom of Heart

This time of grief and of solidarity in prayer should also be for all of us an occasion to grow in holy wisdom as we reflect upon the significance of this great catastrophe, and seek to discover what light it can shed in our own lives, so that we in our own situation might live more justly, and with greater love. Any experience of the death of a person we know and love, and certainly any massive disaster in which so many die, surely reminds us of the fragility of life in this world, and the brevity of our earthly journey.

A monk stood before the King in ancient England, as a small bird flew in through the window from the dark night outside the hall and, after briefly passing through the brightly lit chamber, flew out the window on the other side. Such, said the monk, is our passage through this world. And so it is. We need to learn from that. As the ancient psalmist said: “Lord, make us know the shortness of our life, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” (Psalm 90:12).

We need such wisdom, especially we who live in the cocoon of technology, bewitched by the illusion that we are in control of life. Like the captain of the Titanic, we can rush ahead, too confident in our machinery. But this world is immensely dangerous, with natural forces we only imagine that we control, and our passage through this life is short.

The death of a friend or relative breaks in upon our dream of earthly security, and so too does the news of great natural disasters, such as the tsunami a few years ago, or the more recent earthquake in Aquila, or the hurricane that destroyed New Orleans, or the terrible earthquake in Haiti, which has caused such misery. We need to ponder the fragility of earthly life, whether death or suffering comes through disease, or through the violence born of human iniquity, or through the sudden terror of natural disaster. We know that so often times of catastrophe bring forth in some what is most noble in the human spirit, and in others what is most vile.

From that, too, we can learn. Lord, teach me the shortness of life, that I may gain wisdom of heart. Knowing that at any unexpected moment I may come suddenly to the end of this earthly pilgrimage, may I live each moment generously and with integrity, loving God and serving neighbour. This life is, after all, like a runway that is only the first stage of the flight home. It may be relatively long or short, by our human reckoning, but it is never more than a brief instant in comparison with what lies ahead once we “let slip the surly bonds of earth.”

The brevity or the apparently long length of earthly life, by human reckoning, never has any relationship to the quality of life that matters, that which is measured by love and not by years. I often think of two great and saintly women: Mother Theresa of Calcutta lived to an advanced old age, and Saint Therese of Lisieux was struck down by disease when in her early twenties, and died. Both are great saints, because whether granted a few years or many, by human reckoning, both filled every precious day with practical love for others, and so should each of us.

Lord, teach us the shortness of life, that we may gain the wisdom of heart to treasure every day as an occasion to treat each person we meet with the reverence that is due to a child of God, and to find in the sacrament of the present moment the focus of a generous life of service.

If we do that, then we will truly be alive, and will escape what the Apocalypse calls “the second death”, which can begin on this earth, and which consists in the extinction of generous love in a heart ruled by the ego. The ancient Christian writing, the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, or Didache, begins with words that put the choice before us: “There are two ways, the way to death and the way to life, and there is a great difference between them.”


III: A Time for Action: Seeing the Face of Christ in Those who Suffer

We live wisely, and are fully alive, during our brief earthly pilgrimage through this valley of tears when we act daily with practical love, seeing in each person the face of Jesus. Thus will we spend wisely our scant treasury of time. In the vision of the last judgment which was read this evening, from the twenty fifth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus speaks of those who are hungry, and thirsty, and naked, and in prison, and of those who are sick, or who are strangers in need of welcome.

Such are the sufferings of this life, and Jesus speaks of them just before we hear of his own torture and violent execution at the age of thirty three. He did not cling to his divinity, but entered into this world of suffering, himself experiencing the pain of death, even death on a cross, and calling upon each of us to recognize his face in those who suffer, and to act accordingly.

We do this now as we seek in as effective a way as possible to bring practical aid to the people of Haiti. Each of our religious communities is engaged in raising money to help, and we will have the opportunity this evening to contribute to that cause. In the suffering people of Haiti, struggling after the great earthquake, we see the face of Christ, and we need to respond.

We gather this evening a few metres away from the graves of hundreds of Irish refugees from famine, a natural disaster made worse by human failure to deal with it, who died in the terrible summer of 1847. Go to Ireland Park to read the names of the victims, each one a precious child of God, called by name, and to see evocative statues that convey their misery.

Our ancestors in faith reached out to help them in those terrible days. At a time when religious tensions were often destructive, Catholics and Anglicans, and people of other faiths, led by their spiritual leaders, united in sacrificial love for the afflicted, and some gave their lives in acting on their conviction that it was the face of Jesus that they could see in each suffering victim. Our ancestors in faith set a standard of love which we should never forget, and which we must emulate.

We can do so now by reaching out to assist the people of Haiti in any way we can. But we do not need to look far away to find occasions for filling the brief moments of our earthly journey with acts of loving service. In our own city, not far away at all, we can too easily find those who are hungry, and thirsty, and naked, and in prison, and of those who are sick, or who are strangers in need of welcome. In each person, if we will only open our eyes, we see the face of Jesus. We do not seek him only in far off places, for he is close at hand. All of our religious communities are deeply engaged in caring for those in our society who are most vulnerable. We need together to increase that engagement.

Life is short. None of us has much time, and none of us knows the day or the hour when we will be called to account for how we have used the precious moments entrusted by God to our stewardship. The experience of the fact of death, as at this time of great natural calamity, shatters our illusions of security and indulgent self-sufficiency. Lord, teach us the shortness of life, that we may gain wisdom of heart, and that we may not waste the gift of time through the ultimate death that is found in the gratification of ego, but be fully alive by filling each moment with the generous service of others.

In the sacristy of St Michael’s Cathedral there is a sign that says: “Priest of God, celebrate this Mass as if it were your first Mass, as if it were your last Mass, as if it were your only Mass.” It is intended to focus the attention of the priest on the sacredness of what he is doing, something so easily forgotten when repetition becomes routine, and consciousness is dulled.

We can so easily take for granted those realities which are most important, but which are so close at hand that we do not see them. We miss the many splendoured thing that lies before us, in the hidden presence of God, or in the personal dignity of each of our brothers and sisters.

When we reflect upon the brevity of this life, as we are forced to do when confronted with the harsh fact of death, we would each benefit from a sign within our minds, exhorting each of us to live to the full as God invites us to do, through reverence for each person, whom we receive as Christ, and through filling each day with the practical love which will reveal the authenticity of our faith: “Child of God, live this day as if it were your first day, as if it were your last day, as if it were your only day.”

Photos: Reuters, CNN

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Jan 28, 2010

Join in Prayer for the People of Haiti - Feb. 1, 2010 - 7:30 p.m.


In recent days, we've seen an outpouring of generosity to support all those impacted by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Millions of dollars have been raised to support the ongoing humanitarian efforts. ShareLife continues to receive donations from across the Archdiocese which will be channelled to our Caritas Haiti partners who will be on the ground in both the short and long term.
During my time working for ShareLife, I was always impressed to see our Catholic partners were among the first to enter a diaster zone and the last to leave or in many cases, they never left at all. I can recall conversations with Catholic Relief Services in the USA five years after the Oklahoma City bombings talking of the counselling services that continued years later.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, which struck Central America in 1998, Catholic partners continue to work on the ground with the people most impacted by this natural disaster, twelve years later. Donors can take comfort in knowing, long after the disaster leaves the headlines in their local papers, Catholic partners will maintain a presence and supportive community that will help all those in need, regardless of their religious affiliation.

For those who would like to join in prayer on a local level to support the people of Haiti, you're invited to join in an ecumenical prayer service on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Basilica in downtown Toronto. Archbishop Collins will be joined by other Christian faith leaders from across the Archdiocese. We've invited our elected officials, friends in Catholic education and anyone else who may wish to join in solidarity to support our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

You can find more information and a poster to circulate to family and friends here.

More than ever, it's time to join together in prayer for a country that has been changed forever.

Photos: CNN, Caritas

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Jan 25, 2010

Cardinal Ambrozic - Happy 80th Birthday

January 27, 2010 marks the 80th birthday of His Eminence, Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, retired Archbishop of Toronto. In the midst of all the exciting news about the arrival of our newest auxiliary bishops, it is important that we not forget those that have retired and remain with us.

A trip down memory lane is in order as we pass on our best wishes and ongoing prayers for Cardinal Ambrozic. He was born in Slovenia, the second of severn children. In 1945, the entire family fled to Austria, where they lived in displaced persons' camps. Even more powerful is to note that the Cardinal completed his high school education in these camps.

In September of 1948 the family emigrated to Canada and settled near Toronto. Shortly afterwards, he entered St. Augustine's Seminary to study philosophy and theology. On June 4, 1955, he was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Toronto by His Eminence, James C. Cardinal McGuigan. Aloysius Ambrozic became an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto in 1976, serving with the late Archbishop Philip Pocock and Cardinal Carter.

He became Archbishop of Toronto in 1990, Cardinal in 1998 and was one of the voting Cardinals in the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI. In terms of day to day responsibilities, the biggest change with his 80th birthday is that he is no longer eligible to vote if a conclave were held tomorrow. Yet the memory of his participation in the historic conclave of 2005 is something that won't soon be forgotten.

And one of the highest honours that can be paid to an individual, earlier this year, Cardinal Ambrozic Secondary School opened in Brampton. For someone who loved to study and learn, it is a legacy that will last for years to come.

The Cardinal has always valued his privacy and is enjoying his retirement, whether it be visiting with family or his brother priests or catching up on reading. He's had his share of health challenges the last few years but he still makes time to celebrate mass just about every day.

It's our prayer that he may enjoy a lengthy and peaceful retirement.

For those so inclined, you can join Archbishop Collins who will preside on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at St. Michael's Cathedral where the 5:30 p.m. mass will be offered for the intentions of the Cardinal.

To all of us who have had the privilege of working with him, we wish him all the best as he celebrates 80 years. An amazing journey for a man who deserves our respect, prayers and best wishes!

Photos: Archdiocese of Toronto, Brampton Guardian

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Jan 21, 2010

The New Kids on the Block...

Well Toronto's newest auxiliary bishops have arrived! Thanks to all those who were involved in making the January 12/13 ordinations of Bishop William McGrattan and Bishop Vincent Nguyen a great success. It was great to see extensive media coverage for both bishops at both the local and national level. These are the kind of good news stories that are a pleasure to work on for those involved in the day to day activities of the church.

Bishop Nguyen's powerful immigrant story also struck a chord with the media and he was involved in literally dozens of interviews over the last week. Thanks to Bill Steinburg in the Communications office for all his assistance in coordinating the ever growing requests. Special thanks also to my colleagues Kristen, Nerissa & Emanuel for helping oversee the many logistics involved in the ordinations as well as our friends in the Diocese of London for all their hard work.

It's always nice to work on a few 'non-traditional' media opportunities and this week has seen a couple bubble to the surface.


On Tuesday, January 19, Bishop Nguyen appeared on CBC's The Hour, with George Stroumboulopoulos, a popular show that skews to a younger audience. We were delighted that Bishop Nguyen was able to appear as a guest on the show. I would safely say it's the first time in history that a double bill on a talk show included a Catholic bishops and former member of the boy band, New Kids on the Block.

The segment runs just over 9 minutes - if you'd like to check it out you can access the video here. It's definitely worth a look.

My experience has been that most people only know our bishops to see them on the altar, to share a brief word at a reception. When you get to know the story behind these shepherds, it brings us all that much closer to our faith. Hopefully we've all had a chance to do that the last week or so. Remember, there's lots of great online info, pics and other info about our newest bishops online. Please keep our new shepherds in your prayers.

***

Another unique media opportunity takes place on Sunday, January 24, 2010 when a number of priests and women religious from the Archdiocese of Toronto will participate in CBC's Test the Nation, a game show that will run across the country. A brief description of the show from the TTN website.

On Sunday, January 24, 2010, Test the Nation will conduct its second real-time interactive IQ test on CBC Television. This LIVE two-hour special will show us just how smart Canadians are! Viewers can take the test in the comfort of their own homes by playing along online or with pen and paper, while six teams exercise their competitive brainpower live in our Toronto studio.

In-Studio Competition Our in-studio participants are divided into six teams: Twins, Politicians, Believers, Atheists, Contact Sports Athletes and Nerds. Each team is made up of 30 Canadians (that's 180 total participants!).

For more information on this program, you can visit the Test the Nation website online at: http://www.cbc.ca/testthenation/episodes/iq/about.php

Should be fun to see how this all works out - thanks to the participants who have generously agreed to be part of the show.

For us, these proactive opportunities provide an opportunity for us to reach out beyond the walls of our churches and to bring the great personalities of our people to the surface. For those who may be concerned that the church seems to be portrayed in a negative light, we look to these proactive opportunities to show a different face to our work. The stories are there, we just need to help provide the tools so that they may be told...

So even though it's still only January, the year has started with plenty of action.

Enjoy...

Photos: Archdiocese of Toronto, CBC

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Jan 15, 2010

GTA Catholics Mobilize Support for Haitian Earthquake Victims

In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12, the Archdiocese issued the following media release January 14 to announce our efforts to assist all those impacted by this tragic event. Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers.

Toronto Catholics mobilize support for Haitian earthquake victims

- Donations being received, special collection scheduled -

TORONTO (January 14, 2010) The Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto has organized a multi-level response in support of the people of Haiti following the catastrophic earthquake Tuesday.

As news of the devastation of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake continues to trickle out of the country, the Archdiocese of Toronto’s charitable fundraising arm, ShareLife, is accepting financial contributions from the Catholic community through local churches, by phone and through its website (www.sharelife.org). In addition, Archbishop Thomas Collins has requested that a special second collection be held at each of the 224 parishes in the archdiocese during the weekend of January 23/24, 2010.

“When our neighbours cry for help, wherever they are in the world, we have an obligation to respond to their plight,” said Archbishop Collins. “We pray profoundly for our brothers and sisters in Haiti, who are suffering so much at this time. We are one with them in love.”

The Church’s efforts in the Greater Toronto Area are working in partnership with Catholic dioceses across Canada. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is actively encouraging all Catholics to respond to the needs of Haitians during this time of national crisis.

Working through the Catholic Church’s official international relief network, Caritas Internationalis, funds are being channelled to Caritas Haiti, which runs 200 medical clinics in the country. ShareLife does not apply any administrative fees to humanitarian relief contributions, ensuring as much money as possible is directed toward assistance of those in crisis. Donations will help provide food, shelter, clean water, and medical and cooking supplies for those affected by the earthquake. Catholic partners will be present in both the short and long term, assisting with the rebuilding efforts that will continue for months and years to come.

The Archdiocese of Toronto is Canada’s largest diocese, stretching from Toronto north to Georgian Bay and from Oshawa to Mississauga. It is home to 1.9 million Catholics, more than 800 diocesan and religious priests and 224 parishes, with mass celebrated in more than 30 different languages each week.

Those wishing to donate to the relief efforts can make a contribution online at www.sharelife.org, by phoning the ShareLife office (1-800-263-2595 or 416-934-3411) or by giving through their parish (making any cheques payable to ShareLife – [Parish Name] – Haiti Earthquake Relief).

Photo: CNN

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Jan 12, 2010

Special Website For New Auxiliary Bishops Launched

Well the episcopal ordinations are upon us. The team has been hard at work over the last several months preparing for the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop William McGrattan and Bishop Vincent Nguyen.

We've launched a special "mini-site" that will allow you to access all you need to know about Toronto's newest bishops. Background info, coat of arms for the newest bishops, photos and other resources are all available with just a few clicks.

Please continue to pray for these newest members of the Episcopate. Hats off to the Diocese of London and all those in the Archdiocese of Toronto who have played such an important role in supporting our new shepherds.

Expect lots of media coverage in the coming days (things began with a great cover story in Tuesday's Globe & Mail) as we work with the media to tell the stories of these men of faith. This is a blessed moment for the church and we are privileged to have the opportunity to be part of the experience.

Fun trivia facts for those following along: Bishop William McGrattan has not read the official Papal Bull (announcement of his appointment) from the Holy Father. He pledged to hear it for the first time at the ordination ceremony when it is read aloud.

Bishop Vincent Nguyen will be reunited with all 8 of his siblings by Wednesday morning. The last brother to arrive was held up at customs in Viet Nam after trying to bring a crozier (shepherds' staff) through security. Hand carved by a local carpenter and made as a gift for their brother, Vincent's sibling was sent back through security and returned to the gate too late to catch his flight. 24 hours later, he arrives in Toronto Tuesday evening.

Having been present at the airport last night for the reunion of 8 siblings, it was truly a special moment. No sooner had the hugs, kisses and media interviews finished when the visitors from Viet Nam were outfitted with winter parkas to prepare them for the blustery night outside.

It's safe to say that for all concerned, it has been an amazing journey! A new chapter begins this week...

Photo: Archdiocese of Toronto

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Jan 8, 2010

Live Webcast for Toronto's Newest Bishops!

Due to space restrictions at both the Cathedral in London and Toronto, we've had numerous requests in recent weeks as to whether the episcopal ordinations of Bishop-elect McGrattan (Jan 12) and Bishop-elect Nguyen (Jan 13) will be streamed live. We're happy to share the news that this will happen. So from London to Toronto, Viet Nam to Dublin and all points in between, you're most welcome to join us "virtually" for this historic occasion.

We'll be posting more info regarding the ordinations next week, including some very interesting coat of arms that you should enjoy!! Media interviews for both bishops are in full swing and keep the prayers coming for good weather!! As previously mentioned, these are ticketed events due to the limited space at both churches.

The official press release on the webcast from Salt & Light can be found below...

January 8, 2010 (Toronto) – Episcopal ordinations for Toronto’s newest Auxiliary Bishops will take place on January 12 and 13 at 3:00pm ET. Salt + Light Television will be there to bring the Episcopal Ordination Ceremonies to those who are unable to attend in person.

Both ordinations will be available for viewing through the Salt + Light website starting at 2:50pm. This is the first time a Canadian Episcopal ordination is available via online streaming. The Episcopal Ordination ceremonies will also air on Salt + Light Television, which is available on channel 240 on Rogers digital cable, and channel 654 on Bell TV.

Bishop William McGrattan's ceremony will air on Saturday January 16 at 8:00pm ET with repeats on Sunday January 17 at 12:30am & 9:00am ET; Bishop Vincent Bishop Nguyen's ceremony will air on Sunday January 17 at 8:30pm ET with repeats on Monday January 18 at 1:00am and 7:30am.

"Offering these Episcopal ordination ceremonies via live streaming allows everyone, to take part in these joyous celebrations," said Father Thomas Rosica, CSB, CEO of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation. "It is a privilege for Canada's National Catholic Television Network to offer these important moments to Catholics near and far."

Bishop William McGrattan will be ordained bishop on Tuesday January 12 at 3:00pm ET at St. Peter's Cathedral in London, Ontario and Bishop Vincent Nguyen will be ordained bishop on Wednesday January 13 at 3:00pm ET at St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto, Ontario. For full details or to watch the live stream visit ordinations.saltandlighttv.org

Photo: CNN.com

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Jan 5, 2010

New Year's Roundup


Happy New Year to one and all. Our communications team is hard at work this week, preparing for next week's episcopal ordinations in London and Toronto as we prepare to welcome two new auxiliary bishops to the Archdiocese of Toronto. A few updates as we start the year and bring you up to speed with what's been going on "Around the Arch"...

Some sad news from the Durham region of our Archdiocese. St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Oshawa was struck by fire early Christmas morning. Emergency crews were called just after 5:30 a.m. Christmas Day when fire began to spread throughout the sanctuary of the church. The fire appears to have been deliberately set with an intruder smashing a basement window to gain access to the church.

Thanks to some quick action by the pastor, Fr. Callistus St. Louis, the blaze was quickly put out by firefighters but not without extensive internal damage to the church, which will keep the small Oshawa parish closed for what looks to be several months. Please keep their community in your prayers. We also thank Fr. Keith Callaghan from neighbouring Holy Cross parish who opened his doors Christmas Day to many shocked parishioners finding out about the fire only when they arrived for Christmas mass.

***
Archbishop Collins was appointed Tuesday morning to the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Social Communications. This group, with religious and lay representatives from around the world, looks at how the church communicates both within our family of faith and to the rest of the world, using modern media and other communication tools to evangelize. The group meets several times throughout the year in Rome and provides a wonderful opportunity for the Vatican to stay connected to the church abroad. Congratulations to Archbishop Collins on this new appointment!!

***
Next week the Office for Refugees will host a National Catholic Conference on Refugee Sponsorship. The conference will provide a forum for Diocesan experienced and/or interested clergy and lay people working in refugee sponsorship and social justice offices; It will provide opportunities for training, networking and discussing refugee sponsorship within the Catholic Church; Allow participants to share best practices, formalize cooperation and find ways to empower the Catholic community at large. Most of the sessions will take place at Manresa Retreat Centre with the exception of a special meeting held in downtown Toronto to accommodate bishops in town for the episcopal ordination of Bishop Nguyen. Please keep all those who work to care for refugees in your prayers. Our hope is that the conference will shed even more light on the important work being done across the country.

If you're interested in attending the conference, contact Jenny Hwang at
refugeeoutreach@archtoronto.org

Happy New Year to one and all. May 2010 be filled with blessings, peace, good health and happiness!

Photo: Fox News

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Jan 1, 2010

Happy New Year, Peace!

As we begin a new year and decade, our best wishes to all those who frequent the pages of Around the Arch. May this new year be filled with good health, abundant blessings, laughter, great memories and a faith that acts everyday!

The beginning of a New Year, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and the World Day of Peace (and that's just all today) remind us that much lies ahead and 2010 exists as a blank canvas in which we can construct the scene that will become the weeks and months ahead.

May each one of us utilize the many gifts entrusted to us to make the most of every day and share with each other the gift of peace, joy and love. Happy New Year!

Photo: Freefoto.com

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Dec 27, 2009

A Manger and A Shelter...

This Christmas season, we reflect on the many gifts we have all been blessed with. A fitting reflection comes to us from National Post reporter, Charles Lewis, who penned this editorial that first appeared in the paper on December 17. I suggest checking out Holy Post, an award winning blog put together by the National Post where faith issues can be discussed and debated. For now, we thank Charles for helping Linkus capture the true spirit of Christmas.

Father Ed Keays, the chaplain at the Good Shepherd Centre in Toronto, gave a sermon on the third Sunday of Advent. He was filling in for the parish priest at St. Brigid’s, something he had done before. It was one of those December days when everything was grey and no one had quite yet accepted how cold it was outside. Inside, the heating system was fighting a losing battle. The people in the pews mostly kept their coats on to retain whatever warmth they had generated at home.

We like Father Ed because he is a great storyteller, his booming voice keeps everyone alert and the stories he relates in his homilies are the kind you might repeat to a friend, even one not Catholic or even religious.

Father Ed talked about the Advent being a reminder about hope and God’s love and how that love never wavers or changes, and that it was important that everyone realize that God loved them no matter what. He spoke about Christ entering the world to show his love and solidarity for mankind. And then he mentioned how blessed we all were that we were on this journey through life together. It was a good reminder of what was important in the midst of so much consumerism and worldly noise.

But then he spoke a bit about his work at Good Shepherd. The shelter can feed up to 1,000 hungry people a day. Many of the people who come there are drug addicts and alcoholics or otherwise marked by behaviour that has put them outside of family and friends.

He spoke about December being a very hard month for the people he ministers to. And about how even the small comforts of a voice of a loved one are denied them. Many, he said, will call home at Christmas, only to have the person on the other end hang up.

“So where do they go?” he asked. “They come to us, to God.”

The shelter is not a pretty place when it is filled to the bursting point. Many of the men have not washed in days, or changed their clothes. Many have colds and others just look exhausted. Some are happy just to soak in this warm oasis before hitting the streets.

When they do get outside they will be ignored or feared or pitied or despised.

So where is the God that Father Ed was talking about? And why would these people go to God at all except to get fed? God, it would seem, has not smiled upon them.

The manger in which Christ was born was worse than any shelter. No family except one that was poverty-stricken would think to have a baby in an unheated barn in winter. The place was not warm or cozy. And unlike the shelter, there were no legion of volunteers cooking hot meals or being helpful or conveying some bits of compassion. Christ was born in desperate circumstances and there is no sugar-coating that fact.

But it was not to end there. Joseph and Mary and their child would soon be on the run to Egypt and it would be a few years before they made it home. But really nothing got easier. The son would grow up and eventually be hounded to his death. And when he went, his only possession, a ragged cloak, was fought over by the people who killed him.

But that is not to say His life was bleak. He made plenty of friends. Most were as unpopular as He was with the greater society. They were fallen women, the poor, the hungry and the diseased. Some were the hated Roman soldiers and the tax collectors and other scoundrels. He told stories that made the rich uncomfortable and the establishment uneasy.

There was, of course, no Good Shepherd Centre back then. So these outcasts had to go somewhere else for food, compassion and love. They had to find someone who would listen and not turn away in disgust.

They ran into the arms of God.

Photos: CNN

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Dec 22, 2009

Radio Ads Invite Catholics Home for Christmas

Below you'll find video of a Christmas message that is airing currently on Newstalk 1010 CFRB radio in Toronto and Salt & Light Television across the country. The 30 second commercials are intended to reach those who we see from week to week in our churches as well as those who identify themselves as Catholic but have been away from the church for a variety of reasons.

We also have the wearecatholic.ca website for those who may be looking to learn more about the Archdiocese of Toronto and their Catholic faith.

Our hope is that this Christmas, all will hear the invitation to "Come Home for Christmas" at any one of our 224 churches across the GTA. If you know someone who's been away from the church, consider inviting them to join you.

While the story is one we're all familiar with, it is still inspiring to hear it told again and again...

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Dec 15, 2009

H1N1 Update from Archbishop Collins - Temporary Measures Lifted

December 15, 2009

Ongoing Communication regarding the H1N1 Flu Virus

To all clergy and employees of the Archdiocese of Toronto,

I would like to provide a further update regarding our H1N1 planning. In my communication of November 2, I outlined a series of temporary measures that were implemented after consultation with local health experts, church officials, and others with extensive experience in pandemic planning.

In recent days, we have seen the number of cases of H1N1 decrease significantly. While we are relieved that the virus appears to have peaked, we must remain vigilant in maintaining good hygiene practices, especially during the winter months and traditional flu season. Over the last several weeks, all Ontarians have been provided the opportunity to receive vaccination against the H1N1 virus, in addition to the traditional flu shot offered at this time of year.

I would encourage parishes to continue the following pro-active measures:

• Provide hand cleaning stations near church entrances.
• Ask all those distributing communion to wash their hands before mass. You may wish to provide an alcohol-based sanitizer so that all ministers may sanitize their hands before and after distributing communion.
• Kindly remind your parishioners that if they are feeling sick or ill, it is best for them to stay home.

In terms of our liturgical practices, effective Wednesday, December 16, I am removing the temporary restrictions that I imposed in the communication of November 2.

Although it was not mentioned in that communication, I encourage parishes to provide the faithful with Holy Water in the fonts at the entrances to the church.

As in the past and to ensure consistency in our churches, please communicate these changes to your parishioners. This update will also be available on our website and through our H1N1 page: www.archtoronto.org/flu.

To our family of faith, I extend my gratitude for your patience over the last number of weeks. As we await the birth of the Christ child, we are ever mindful of our call to serve the most vulnerable among us just as Christ cares for each member of his family.

Sincerely in Christ,

Thomas Collins
Archbishop of Toronto

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Dec 10, 2009

Keep Christ in Christmas

We're not there yet but as we continue this Advent season, we're getting into "Merry Christmas" mode - those days leading up to Christmas where, when we see someone for the last time before the big day, the MC comes out.

A good time for a reminder, courtesy the Knights of Columbus, to remember the reason for the season.

As I've mentioned previously, the Archdiocese will run a series of 30 second radio ads on Newstalk 1010 beginning December 21st inviting people to "Come Home For Christmas". Production on the ads will take place next week.

Until then, here's the KOC spot - in the midst of all the social gatherings and shopping, let's take time to pause, reflect and wait in joyful hope for the coming of our saviour!

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Dec 3, 2009

The Priests, Concerts & Nativity Scenes...


For those who enjoyed their standing room only appearance last year in Toronto, "The Priests" return to St. Paul's Basilica on Friday, December 4, 2009. The singing clergymen, who broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest selling classical debut album of all time, will be performing songs from their second album entitled "Harmony". As they did a year ago, they'll also dialogue with Classical 96 FM Program Director John Van Driel. The event will assist in funding the St Paul’s Christmas Family Program, feeding local families in need this season.

The Priests are also partnering with Salt and Light Television on the concert. If you aren't able to make it to St. Paul's for the evening get together, you can catch the entire event live web-streamed on the S & L site, beginning at 8 p.m. EST. Ticket info can be found here.


Another Christmas concert always worth checking out is the annual St. Michael's Choir School Christmas Concert at Massey Hall. With a Friday night (Dec. 11) and Saturday matinee (Dec. 12) in store this year, the concert also coincides with the release of SMCS latest offering, their 10th recording, "In Midnight's Stillness". The release features Christmas music and is dedicated to the late Msgr. Barrett Armstrong. Ticket info is available here.

And while we're on the subject of Christmas, thanks to Gethsemane Ministries, a lay movement of Toronto-area Catholics, who will, once again display a Nativity scene in front of Queen Street’s Old City Hall from Sunday November 29, 2009 to Sunday, January 10, 2010 in an effort to remind all passersby the true meaning of Christmas. This volunteer effort is a great example of our lay movements in action. Thanks to all who have worked so hard to continue this annual tradition.

While we haven't yet hit the second week of Advent yet and no snow on the ground so far, you might say "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!"

Photos: The Priests, St. Michael's Choir School

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Nov 27, 2009

Crisis Simulation, Media Training & Radio Ads...

With the "New Year" of the church and the advent season upon us, doesn't seem like there are enough hours in the day to fill all the tasks on the plate these days. A bit of insight on some of the issues the Communications Department is working on the last little bit.

1) Episcopal Ordinations - the Communications Office often doubles up as the event planning office. We're well on our way to coordinating the details around the arrival celebrations for Bishop Nguyen and Bishop McGrattan. As previously stated here, the London celebration for Bishop McGrattan takes place January 12 in London while Bishop Nguyen's episcopal ordination takes place the next day in Toronto. We are designing invitations, compiling the guest lists and working to get all invites mailed off by mid next week.

Then we move on to planning the programs for each celebration. Add to that liaising with the reception venues, menus, liturgy planning and media around both events, it all adds up to some significant planning at a time that was already busy to begin with. It's been great working with our team as well as some great folks at the Diocese of London on these events.

2) Crisis Communications Simulation - our office conducted a crisis communications simulation last week. I highly recommend this advance planning for any organization. It is said that more than 65% of corporations have a crisis communications plan on file but less than 20% ever hold a mock simulation. Our team ably participated in two scenarios that helped us walk through a mock crisis and determine roles, responsibilities and just how we would respond in the event of a crisis. It's not a matter of if these situations are upon you but when. The Archdiocese deals with mini "fires" from week to week - some are on a micro level affecting a parish or particular region while others can be on a macro level which would impact the entire diocese. We also need to be prepared for any emergency or crisis situation that could impact the business offices of the Archdiocese.

All said, a simulation is like a fire-drill. It's never the real thing but you're a lot more prepared once you've gone through the exercise. Time well spent and invested. I'll be presenting at the annual AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) Conference next week in Toronto on Crisis Communications Planning with a team of non-profit communicators some of our best practices, successes and learnings. Should be fun.

3) Media Training - we just completed another round of media training. We try and schedule these sessions from time to time, identifying key leaders in the Catholic community who may be called upon to speak to the press. Given that there aren't many days that go by when we don't receive a request from the media, it's important to have a solid roster that includes bishops, clergy, women religious and lay men and women. We'll have another session in a couple of weeks to continue to nurture and strenghten our communications resources. The women outnumbered the men in our most recent session, and everyone involved did a great job!

4) Catholic Communicators in Education - I had the chance to attend a great session earlier this week, sponsored by the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association (OCSTA) for communication directors from Catholic school boards across the province. Thanks to OCSTA for including me as a guest in this group - it provides an important link and reinforces the triangle of ministry - parish, home and school that we continue to stress in our evangelization. Some great synergy in the room and always great to connect with other colleagues in communication.

5) Christmas Radio Ad Campaign - you may remember the We Are Catholic advertising campaign that ran during Holy Week earlier this year. Well phase 2 of the campaign will be launched the week of Christmas with ads on AM radio station Newstalk 1010. It's not a huge media buy - we want to be responsible stewards of any funds spent on advertising but this will give us another opportunity to present the message of "Christmas" to an increasingly secular community during the week of the birth of the Christ-child. Ads will start airing December 21st - more information to follow in this space.

We're also working on some interesting media requests including the possibility of some clergy and women religious appearing on a national quiz show - not your common everyday inquiry but one of those that's fun to put together. Hopefully we can make it happen - stay tuned for more details.

6) Proposed Euthanasia Legislation - Thanks to all those across the Archdiocese that have been so dilligent in contacting their MP's regarding the proposed Euthanasia bill. Word came down in the last couple of days that the scheduled debate and vote originally planned for next week in the House of Commons, will now be moved to February. We must continue to contact our political leaders to express our serious concerns about the Bill and advocate for increased funding and support of palliative care programs. The Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute (CCBI) holds their annual lecture on December 3rd - A deeply human need - palliative care for the young, the old, the marginalized and homeless. Consider attending this important gathering. The CCBI website has all the details.

So all in all, lots to report on. We're grateful for all that the Catholic community continues to do to make a profound impact in so many different ways...giving of one's time and talent - it's the best gift you could ask for!

Photos: OCSTA, Freefoto.com

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Nov 19, 2009

A Final Song for Monsignor Barrett Armstrong - 1929-2009

St. Michael's Cathedral was filled to capacity this past Thursday as family and friends gathered to say goodbye to a beloved priest, teacher and friend. Msgr. Barrett Armstrong passed away November 14 just shy of his 80th birthday. A staple at Toronto's St. Michael's Choir School (SMCS) for years, Msgr. Armstrong served as Director of Music for more than 4o years at SMCS.

Dozens of priests, current students from the Choir School and hundreds of alumni paid their respects with one final send off for Msgr. Armstrong. Among those in attendance included alumni John McDermott, Michael Burgess (who sang Panis Angelicus) and Barenaked Ladies member Kevin Hearn.

Retired priest Fr. Don MacLean took a look back at the life of Msgr. Armstrong in a homily that wove its way throughout the storied career of a priest who composed, conducted, counselled and laughed his way through a life centred on faith. Remarking on some of his more famous puns, Fr. MacLean recalled seeing Msgr. Armstrong using a cane for the first time. Remarking to his longtime friend that he was now using a cane, Msgr. Armstrong replied, "It makes me "able".

Fr. MacLean spoke of Msgr. Armstrong's lengthy service to the church, including his role in conducting choirs for the 1984 Papal Visit, a warm friendship with Cardinal Ambrozic and Msgr. Armstrong's own interview as a St. Michael's Choir School student at the tender age of 12.

It is a blessed experience to be in a church where the responses are hearty and the singing fills every corner of the mother church of the Archdiocese. For those familiar with the final commendation and farewell at a Catholic funeral mass, you know the words and music to "In my body, I shall look on God, my Savior." It's all the more powerful when the congregation is singing the farewell to the man who wrote the song.

In a fitting tribute, as the hearse departed St. Michael's, the entire student body of the Choir School lined the street, breaking into applause as Msgr. Armstrong made one last ride down Bond St.

It was the final act in a life that has inspired generations of Choir School students and others beyond the hallowed halls of this renowned institution. Thank you Msgr. Armstrong for your shining example of faith. Your musical score on earth is complete. We can be assured that heaven is richer with the addition of a new conductor, pun master and faithful priest, ensuring that for all those who have gone before us, the beat goes on...

Photos: St. Michael's Choir School, Archdiocese of Toronto

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Nov 16, 2009

New Auxiliary Bishops: Key Dates & Assignments Announced


It's been a busy last week getting details together around the arrival of Toronto's newest bishops. The full complement of diocesan bishops gathered together briefly this past week to celebrate mass at the second week of the annual priests' seminar north of Toronto.

We can now provide further details regarding their episcopal ordinations.

The episcopal ordination of Bishop William McGrattan will take place in his home diocese of London at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at St. Peter's Cathedral. 24 hours later in Toronto, the episcopal ordination of Bishop Vincent Nguyen will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at St. Michael's Cathedral.

Now the real work begins - planning these events is always a joy but with it comes a lot of work with details and logistics that require many checks and balances - yes, that means some long days ahead!

We are often asked if these events are open to the public. I can tell you, as one involved in coordinating the Toronto events, unfortunately, we must limit the gatherings to invitation only. It's not because we are trying to be selective about who can attend, it's more practical than anything. The cathedral can only seat up to 1000 people. Factor in more than 600 priests, 100 deacons (+ their wives) and you've already got the church 75% full before you've extended an invitation to the special guests' family and friends. If the mother church of the Archdiocese had seating capacity for 2,000 it would be a different story.

However, with busy schedules and many public events taking place week to week, you'll have plenty of time to meet Toronto's newest bishops in short order.


With two new auxiliaries comes their assignments. Archbishop Collins has announced the new pastoral responsibilities of his episcopal team. They are as follows:

Bishop John Boissonneau - Regional Bishop of the Western Region, Vicar for Catholic Education, Vicar for Liturgy, Liaison with Catholic University Chaplaincies, Liaison with Theological Faculties.

Bishop Peter Hundt - Regional Bishop of the Northern Region, Vicar for Religious, responsible for the Pastoral Mission Fund and the Missionary Co-Operative.

Bishop William McGrattan - Regional Bishop of the Central Region, Vicar for Ethnic Communities, and Liaison with Lay Movements.

A fourth region, the Eastern Region has been created consisting of Scarborough (which had been part of the Central Region) and Durham (which had been part of the Northern and Eastern Region).

Bishop Vincent Nguyen - Regional Bishop of the Eastern Region, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Moderator of the Archdiocesan Curia, and Vicar for Deacons.

The division of the diocese into four regions will occur on January 14, 2010, on which date any changes in episcopal assignments will also take effect.

So for those who may wonder about the role of the Auxiliary Bishop, you can see that there is plenty to keep them busy. By dividing the Archdiocese (Canada's largest) into four distinct regions, it allows the Archbishop and auxiliaries to tackle issues and pastoral needs strategically. While things don't officially get rolling with the new team until January, be assured that the work has already begun.

And they say things slow down around Christmas....certainly not for the church! You might say it's "peak season"!

Photos: Archdiocese of Toronto

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Nov 9, 2009

Could you be a Catholic School Board Trustee?

Education. Some might say it's our most important investment. There is no shortage of discussion around publicly funded Catholic education, both in Catholic and secular circles. For more than 160 years, our system has been a critical part of our provincial history. More than 600,000 students are educated in the system each year with over one million Ontarians choosing publicly funded Catholic schools for their kids. We must never forget the tremendous responsibility that comes with planting the seeds of faith in our young people as well as providing them the tools to contribute to our society as responsible citizens, discerning believers and caring family members. I believe firmly in all of this because I am a Catholic school grad and I believe in publicly funded Catholic education.

There are a number of ways that our community can be engaged in supporting publicly funded Catholic education. I like to think of it as the triangle of partnership: parish, home and school. All have a critical role to play. It's important for us all to remember that it's not somebody else's responsibility to instill Catholic values and faith in our young people - it's our responsibility.

An interesting new series of workshops will be taking place this January to help our family of faith learn more about the important role of the Catholic school board trustee. They're intended to take a deeper look at the role of the trustee both from a spiritual and practical perspective. And no, there will be no calculus involved so we can all breathe a little easier.

But first what's a Catholic trustee? Well, just as we elect local councillors to address the interests of our geographic area during municipal elections, we also elect school board trustees at the same time to help oversee the important work that takes place in our school boards. There are five english and one french catholic school board within the Archdiocese of Toronto. Their budgets are immense - hundreds of millions of dollars to oversee and nurture.

To properly administer these funds require faithful and responsible stewardship. Catholic School Board Trustees come from all walks of life: they are a reflection of our diverse faith community. There is no typical day for them - they put in hours upon hours of meetings, phone calls and correspondence because they believe they can make a difference. While I can't confirm it officially, in the time I wrote the previous paragraph, there were likely 2,302 trustee meetings across the province. You get the idea.

In 2010, we will hold municipal elections and once again, Catholic school board trustees will be elected. Have you ever considered running for the position? There are hundreds of men and women across the province who have answered the call to this vocation and we are grateful for their tireless efforts. We also extend an invitation to those who may not have previously considered the role to reflect on putting their name forward. While you may not have won that hard fought student council race in Grade 7, it's time to move on and give it another try. I know, you would've extended recess by an extra five minutes - seemed like such a sure thing.

St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto is presenting a series of workshops on 6 consecutive Saturdays (Jan 9/10 – Feb. 13/10) for anyone in the province of Ontario who is considering running for the position of Catholic trustee, is a present trustee, or any other persons who are interested. For a full description of the sessions and an invitation from Archbishop Collins, click here. You can also learn more about the role of Catholic School Board Trustee by visiting the website of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Asssociation.

Topics covered will include: The Mission and Overview of the Catholic School System, Historical and Legal issues in Catholic Education, Finance, Roles and Responsibilities, Election, and Skills required of a Catholic trustee. A highly qualified faculty with experts in education who have lived the experience so to speak will be on hand to share personal reflections. Even if you're not thinking of running for trustee but would like to learn more about the role of publicly funded Catholic education in our province, it's worth a look.

Of course, there needs to be homework for this assignment and here it is: if the course isn't in the cards for you, here are three other things you can to do strengthen publicly funded Catholic education:

1) Check your property tax bill to ensure your support is directed to your local Catholic school board. If you are a tenant you can verify your support by contacting your local Catholic school board or municipal office.

2) Vote! Traditionally, the voter turnout for school board trustee has been extremely low. We need to change that and engage our family of faith. By the way, in order to have a vote for Catholic school board trustee, you need to have your property tax bill directed as per the suggestion above.

3) If you don't see yourself running for elected office, affirm someone who has made that decision. Maybe it's contacting the current trustee to thank them for their ongoing efforts, perhaps it's encouraging a leader in the community you think would make a great elected representative to run for office.

So to recap, you don't educate millions over 160 years watching from the sidelines. There's lots of work to be done. Let's strive for more than just a "Participant" ribbon. When we all work together as a family of faith, the "good news" continues...

Class dismissed.

Photos: Archdiocese of Toronto, Toronto Star

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