Fr. Tom Rosica: Reaching out to the Periphery

The following is a short excerpt from an address titled, “Catholic Charities: Reaching out to the Periphery,” given by Fr. Tom Rosica, C.S.B., CEO of Salt + Light Television, on May 16, 2013 at the 100^th Anniversary Celebration of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. In addition to celebrating the work of Catholic Charities, Fr. Tom spoke about the importance of “getting our hands dirty” as we reach out to those in need.

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Thank you for inviting me to celebrate this momentous occasion with Catholic Charities of Toronto. 

Your wonderful network of 27 agencies addresses the physical, social, emotional and economic needs of this community.  You provide young people with support from neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse.  You look after the poor- providing quality day care for children from low-income families.  Your clear stance for the dignity and sacredness of human life is manifested in the support and educational services offered to young, pregnant women, young parents and their children.  You care for sick, elderly and disabled seniors, including members of the Francophone community.

You give flesh and blood to what Pope Francis has been speaking about for the past two months: “you dare go to the frontiers of society which are not only the geographic frontiers but the frontiers of poverty, of exclusion and of those who are furthest from God.”

Tonight, let us reflect on the meaning of charity, and in particular, Catholic charity.  In the minds of many in our world and Church today, “charity” means donations or generous actions to aid the poor, ill, or helpless; a charitable act or work; a charitable fund, foundation, or institution; benevolent feelings especially toward those in need; doing something out of charity; leniency in judging others; forbearance; alms or Christian love; agape.

Let us go deeper and discover the origins of this charity in our Christian tradition.  When Jesus stood up in the Nazareth synagogue (Lk 4:16ff) to explain his mission to his neighbors, he proclaimed good news for the poor, release for captives, sight for the blind and liberty for the oppressed. These transforming provisions of the Jubilee became the banner under which he carried out the mission entrusted to him by his Father in heaven.  Jesus taught his followers to meet the spiritual and material needs of their neighbors. He told them to feed the hungry, to shelter the homeless, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick and imprisoned, and to bury the dead (Mt 25:31-46). These corporal works of mercy, called diakonia in the early Church form the basis of the social doctrine or teaching of the Church down through the ages.

The life of Jesus of Nazareth is the model of how we are called to live. His teaching has both personal and social implications. The social teachings of the Church, articulated beautifully in Papal encyclicals, shine the light of the Gospel of Christ and the Church’s moral teaching on changing social circumstances, to provide guidance and support to Christians as we seek to live our faith in the world. In this way, the teaching is both very traditional and ever new. Catholic Social doctrine flows from Jesus himself, and is built on the foundation handed on by the Apostles to the Fathers of the Church, and then received and further explored by the great Christian doctors.  It is attested by the saints and by those who gave their lives for Jesus Christ in the field of justice and peace.

One particular Gospel passage that speaks eloquently to us tonight on this centenary is the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), one of the most treasured parables of the Bible.  It is a provocative story that reminds us that as Christians, we are obliged to spend time with people we don't enjoy, to be kind to our enemies, to strive for reconciliation with estranged family members, and to show our affection for people we don't get along with.

It is a powerful story, for it speaks of the power of love that transcends all creeds and cultures and "creates" a neighbor out of a complete stranger.  It is a personal parable, for it describes with profound simplicity the birth of a human relationship that has a personal, physical touch, transcending social and cultural taboos, as one person binds the wounds of another.  It is a pastoral story, for it is filled with the mystery of care and concern that is at the heart of what is best in human beings.  The story is also eminently practical, for it urges us to cross all barriers of culture and community and to go and do likewise!

At times we can be like the priest and the scribe who, on seeing the wounded man, passed by on the other side. We can be silent spectators afraid to involve ourselves and dirty our hands.  We can easily write cheques or send in donations on-line, but remain on the periphery, never getting our hands dirty.  Compassion demands that we get out of ourselves as we reach out to others in need. It means that we get our hands and even our reputations dirty. Indifference is worse than hostility. The hostile person at least acknowledges the presence of the other while reacting violently to it; the indifferent person, on the other hand, ignores the other and treats him or her as if they did not exist. That was the kind of indifference and insensitivity shown by the priest and the Levite who passed by on the other side, leaving the wounded and waylaid traveler completely alone.

The Good Samaritan could have easily passed by on the other side.  But this outsider from Samaria stopped and knelt down beside the stranger who was hurting, and became his neighbor and brother.  This stopping and stooping, this pausing and kneeling down beside the suffering is not done out of curiosity or guilt, but out of love. The Samaritan's compassion brings him to perform a whole series of actions. First he bandaged his wounds, then he took the wounded man to an inn to care for him, and before leaving, he gives the innkeeper the necessary money to take care of him (vv 34-35).

Is this not the work of Catholic Charities?  Is your work not imitating the example of the Good Samaritan who is none other than Jesus himself?  More than 2,000 years after this story was first told, it continues to move people deeply. It teaches us what authentic charity, compassion, commitment and communion with others are all about. Charity, compassion, commitment and communion are the intimate nature of the Church. 

Dear Friends, the mission of Catholic Charities is to create neighbors, brothers and sisters out of complete strangers.  We must do this with simple words, loving, patient gestures, tenderness and love as we kneel beside strangers who are hurting.  Our stopping and stooping, our pausing and kneeling down beside the suffering is never done out of curiosity, guilt, efficiency or productivity, but out of sheer love.

Happy Anniversary!  May the Lord reward you for all you do for his special friends who come to your agencies each day to experience the true meaning of charity, to find healing, wholeness, kindness, tenderness, and to see the face of God.

Catholic Charities of Toronto Gala Speech

On May 16, Catholic Charities of Toronto celebrated its centenary with a gala evening. Below is an excerpt of the speech presented by Executive Director Michael Fullan. We thank him for sharing this with us. Congratulations to all who have contributed to the rich legacy of social service that Catholic Charities has provided over the past 100 years.

Tonight, we gather to celebrate the works of all the women and men who have served over the last century, providing support and sustenance to the most vulnerable in our community. We give thanks for the countless hours of volunteer support and prayer over this time, which is truly a magnificent expression of love for neighbor and God.  We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us!

It was 1913 when Archbishop Neil McNeil identified a need for a body to coordinate the social works of the church and to plan for the emerging social and health needs in this growing community. At the time, there were eight Catholic agencies, many of them that are still in existence, doing valuable work and that are present here tonight.

It seems no matter the decade or the century, the poor are with us in many forms and we are compelled to respond, as set out in the Church’s Corporal Works of Mercy.

Volunteers are the backbone of our Catholic agency system working in concert with staff. Last year over 250,000 hours of volunteer service were reported. If we used the minimum wage to calculate this contribution in fiscal terms it would amount to over $2.5 Million dollars. How do we even begin to calculate the value of the lives changed, where hope has been restored?

One of the things Catholic Charities has done well over the years is bring like-minded, faithful people together to discuss, plan and build community. Our role has often been one of a catalyst that has spearheaded the development of services and agencies that have responded to critical need in a timely manner—The Roses [Rosalie Hall, Rose of Sharon, Rose of Durham], Mary Centre, Society of Sharing are concrete examples of this effective outreach.

We will continue to explore and discern new ways to meet the ever-increasing needs of the most vulnerable in our midst. Our future calls for us, “To Not Be Afraid”, but to find ways to do more together, differently.

Tonight, I am very excited to announce the establishment of two scholarships that will be awarded annually to two graduates (a man and a woman) from our Catholic school system who are interested in pursuing studies in social work. These scholarships have been named in honour of the late Doreen Cullen and Fr. Paul Lennon, who both made outstanding contributions within the social work and Catholic community. Tonight we are very happy to have Fr. Paul with us and I ask that you join me in recognizing him.

These scholarships will be awarded for the 2014 academic year.

The Archdiocese has developed an ambitious pastoral plan which will call upon all of us to use our many gifts, to make it a reality. Evangelization is a key plank in the foundation of this plan and a major focus is on youth. Tonight we will hear from representatives from our Catholic school system who will tell us a little about their “Doors of Hope” project, whereby these young people across four Catholic school boards are taking the Gospel message of our agencies into the secular world. I think this initiative is clearly evangelization and an example of our young people opening doors for the Church today.

There are two things that I would like to do before sitting down – one is to give a special thanks to all the former Catholic Charities Board members and presidents, who have joined us this evening. It is because of your wisdom and commitment that so much has been accomplished. Last but not least, I would like to thank all of the past and present staff for your contributions to the ongoing work of Catholic Charities.

Faces of our Faith: Marc Lerman, Director of Archives

There are many interesting people who help the Catholic Church function on a daily basis in the Archdiocese of Toronto. While priests are most visible in their day-to-day work, there are a number of others who play an important role in the life of our faith community. In this short Q & A, we get a chance to meet the Director of the Archives of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Marc Lerman.

Marc Lerman, archiving items from the recent papal conclave.

1. Briefly describe your role and responsibilities as Archivist for the Archdiocese of Toronto.

I am responsible to administer the securing, maintenance, and preservation of material in any form which makes up the archival and historical records of the Archdiocese, the maintenance of the confidentiality of the archival holdings, and the establishment of rules and regulations for users of the Archives.

I ensure the Archdiocese of Toronto documentary heritage and a basis for scholarly research in keeping with the moral and historical precepts of Canon Law by creating, maintaining, and applying access policies.

I provide advice and guidelines relating to the management of records in any form, be they active or inactive.

2. How many years have you worked for the Archdiocese of Toronto and how did you end up in the role you are in now?

I have worked 28 years for the Archdiocese. I began with a summer student position in the Archives.  An academic and professional commitment to become a professional archivist and records manager led to being appointed Director in 1994.

3. What sorts of things are in the archives and what do you think is the most interesting item in the collection?

Legally a diocese is a corporation.  Most of the Archives holding reflect the nature of a corporation’s business.   More than 90% of the records are textual and the majority deal with financial, legal, and property transactions correspondence.   Artifacts, textiles, photographs, and other media are preserved.

For me the most interesting items originate from very unique events like the Conclave.  We have a 2013 Conclave voting ballot, blank of course.

4. Why is it important for the Archdiocese to maintain such thorough archives?

To be able to conduct forensic searches when necessary in order to meet legal and accountability requirements.  To ensure our story is preserved for future generations, to ensure the legacy of so many serving our Church is recorded and shared.

5. Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?

My mom. She gave me my love for humanity.

6. What is your favourite book?

There are so many….  “John Adams,” by David McCullough

7. Is there a Saint or other well-known Catholic you look to for encouragement in your work?

My inspiration lies in my colleagues.  My commitment to try to succeed is due to Sister Frieda Watson, CSJ, who laid the foundation to our Archdiocesan archival mandate.

8. If you could choose someone to play you in a movie, who would it be and why?

Anthony Hopkins. I relate to his roles serving others (“Remains of the Day”; “Bobby”)

9. What is your favourite thing to do on your days off?

Following the exploits or downfalls of my favourite sports teams and reading biographies of individuals I can learn from.

10. Share one piece of wisdom for our readers.

The people in your life, be it on a personal or professional level, are your best asset.  Cherish, care, and nurture your relationships and you are sure to witness the good God intended.

Pastoral Letter on Gambling, Gaming and Casinos

Below is a pastoral letter from Cardinal Thomas Collins on the subject of gambling, gaming and casinos.

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April 2013

To the faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto:

In my years of pastoral ministry as priest and bishop, I have become sadly aware of the grievous suffering experienced by individuals and families because of gambling dependence.

We are now engaged in debating a plan for a major new casino in our area. Although at the moment this debate concerns Toronto, many of the other proposed sites are also within our archdiocese, and so I am writing to offer pastoral guidance to our Catholic community.

This current discussion is an appropriate occasion for each of us to reflect more deeply upon the effects of gambling in our community.

In recent years governments have more and more used gambling to increase tax revenue, proposing as well that gambling benefits the economy. It is understandable that governments are tempted by the prospect of what seems to be an easy way to do that. Even if there were significant long-term economic benefits, however, and that is far from clear, the establishment of a new casino will have a negative social impact that outweighs such benefits, and will have an adverse effect on the vitality and social health of our community.

It is sometimes argued that yet another casino could be a source of employment and would attract visitors and tourists. That approach is short-sighted. We need to consider the overall effects of the expansion of gambling. I recommend that you read the January 28, 2013, report of the Medical Officer of Health, Community Health Impacts of a Casino in Toronto, which concludes that “with respect to all other potential impacts, the available evidence indicates that the introduction of a new casino is likely to have greater adverse health-related impacts than beneficial impacts.”

I am particularly concerned that marriages and families will be hurt or even destroyed through greater ease of access to gambling through the construction of yet another large casino. The health of families is a constant concern of our Catholic Family Services and of Catholic Charities member agencies throughout the archdiocese.  In our parishes as well we seek to strengthen families, and we directly deal with the suffering which gambling addiction causes to individuals and families. We seek to heal, and are concerned by the expansion of the capacity to harm.

Licensed gambling is undeniably legal, and in fact is being heavily promoted by the government. In view of the suffering that gambling can cause, however, it is important to consider what light both our Christian faith and reason shed on the moral issues related to it.

Occasional and small-scale gambling can be a legitimate form of entertainment, and is not inherently evil. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in the section relating to respect for persons and their goods, states that games of chance or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice, but become morally unacceptable when these activities deprive people of what is necessary to provide for their needs and those of others. That, unfortunately, is what happens far too often. The Catechism also notes the power of gambling to enslave. Individuals, and the government, and charitable organizations as well can become enslaved by the lure of easy gambling revenue, and that is clearly not healthy.

The Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario has consistently raised concerns about the proliferation of gambling, advising governments to take a more cautious approach towards promoting this source of income. These concerns have heightened as gambling has grown over the past 30 years to become a basic source of government revenue.

Gambling is inherently based on illusion – on promoting the fantasy, particularly attractive to the most vulnerable and the most desperate, that it is an easy way to provide a quick solution to the financial problems that they face. That is a cruel illusion, and it is not wholesome for governments to promote it, especially through extensive advertising.

It is sometimes said that should anyone become addicted, gambling’s proceeds can be used to treat their addiction. Apart from the fact that this is rather dubious logic, as it makes more sense not to cause the problem in the first place, problem gambling is a serious public health concern. There is evidence that a significant amount of revenue is derived from people who are most vulnerable to gambling.

When gambling is so extensively available, and is so aggressively promoted, it is also very difficult to protect our young people from viewing gambling as a worthwhile activity, whose negative effects are masked.

As we consider this important issue in the civil society in which we all live and participate as citizens, we should also look carefully at whether we as a Church are also caught up in an unhealthy dependence on gambling that can harm others. I ask all Catholic organizations to examine any connection which they might have with gambling as a source of revenue. If we are engaged in any form of gambling that is likely to cause harm, we should find alternatives as soon as possible. We must not fund our good works in ways that cause suffering to others.

As a Catholic community, we should ponder carefully the proposals before our elected officials and add informed commentary to the discussion. Is yet another major casino a truly wholesome development that enhances the quality of life in our community? Does even more gambling make for a better society for individuals and for families?  Can we support the further extension of a reality which already causes significant harm to the most vulnerable among us?

If you or someone you know is struggling with such an addiction, I urge you to address the problem. The Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline (1.888.230.3505) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They provide a free, confidential and anonymous service to people throughout Ontario in more than 140 languages. We have also established a web page: www.archtoronto.org/gaming to provide background resources concerning this issue, to help educate and support our Catholic community.

May we join together in caring for the most vulnerable among us and, guided by a concern for the common good, in creating a community that is a truly wholesome place where individuals and families may flourish.

Sincerely in Christ,

Thomas Cardinal Collins

Archbishop of Toronto

To see full version with citations and questions for reflection, visit www.archtoronto.org/gaming.

Running Toward the Afflicted

This week our office joined in the collective shock over the events in Boston. One coworker is no stranger to the Boston Marathon, having run it four times. Regardless of connection to the sport, we were all horrified and saddened by what had taken place. This event was made even more real and intense, given the number of reporters and spectators who had cameras rolling when the bombs went off.

Thursday we awoke to more sad news from West, Texas, when an explosion at a fertilizer plant flattened four city blocks, leaving at least 15 dead and more than 160 injured.

While so many people were struggling to comprehend the events unfolding before them, displays of human kindness emerged as well. Strikingly, when every impulse said to run away, emergency workers and civilians ran toward the source of the blasts to help the injured. There was also an incredible Google Doc where almost 6,000 people in the Boston area offered their homes to displaced runners in the hours following the bombings. In the past few days, we have seen mercy being exercised in a huge way.

Emergency workers acting quickly to assist the injured. Photo from here.

It is often during the worst of times that our humanity becomes most visible. Human vulnerability draws out other human characteristics of divine design: compassion, kindness and ultimately, love.

Our world provides no shortage of opportunities to perform corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, harbour the harbourless, visit the sick, ransom the captive and bury the dead.  The tragedies appearing in the news this week represent only a small fraction of unthinkable circumstances occurring around the world and in our own backyards every day. There are opportunities everywhere to extend charity to those in need.

Volunteering in our community.

Our Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan was released with great excitement a few months ago. Since then, perhaps it has faded from the forefront of our minds, been buried in a pile of important papers on our desk or placed underneath a particularly great piece of fridge art. This week was a great reminder that in a hurting world, the goals of the Pastoral Plan remain relevant. They provide a great roadmap to guide our journey as Catholics, notably in how God is calling us to extend a hand to those in need.

This week, we invite you to revisit the section on Catholic Outreach in Justice and Love. Take a look at the questions for reflection from our website:

1. What does it mean to “show the presence of Christ” to the poor and marginalized? What is the motivation to perform good works?
2. Jesus’ coming is referred to as “the Word becoming flesh” (John 1:14). How do we “enflesh” the Word?
3. Who can be the recipients of our social justice efforts (think local, regional and global)?
4. In what ways can we work to make our parish outreach and justice initiatives more fruitful? Are there areas that we should devote more or less time to?
5. In the call to give of our time, talent and treasure, is there one area that we can work on strengthening?
6. How can different groups within our parish collaborate to strengthen justice and outreach initiatives in our community?
7. Recall a moving example of service and outreach that was transformative for you.

We continue to pray for the victims and families of those affected by the events in Boston and West, Texas. May the stories of mercy and charity in the face of tragedy inspire us to reach out in justice and love every day, running with determination toward the afflicted in our society.

Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.
 – Matthew 25: 40

Marlena Loughheed is the Communications Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Toronto.

St. Michael's Choir School in Rome

The talented students of St. Michael's Choir School recently traveled to Rome and had the incredible opportunity to sing for Pope Francis. They also sang at St. Patrick's, Cardinal Collins' titular parish in Rome, and Canadian Martyrs Church, the official Canadian Catholic Church in Rome.

An article about their trip appeared in the Toronto Star this weekend. Read it here.

Holy Father’s Urbi et Orbi Message, Easter 2013

Below is the full text of the Holy Father’s Urbi et Orbi Message, Easter 2013.
Dear brothers and sisters in Rome and throughout the world, Happy Easter! 

What a joy it is for me to announce this message: Christ is risen! I would like it to go out to every house and every family, especially where the suffering is greatest, in hospitals, in prisons …

Most of all, I would like it to enter every heart, for it is there that God wants to sow this Good News: Jesus is risen, there is hope for you, you are no longer in the power of sin, of evil! Love has triumphed, mercy has been victorious!

We too, like the women who were Jesus’ disciples, who went to the tomb and found it empty, may wonder what this event means (cf. Lk 24:4). What does it mean that Jesus is risen? It means that the love of God is stronger than evil and death itself; it means that the love of God can transform our lives and let those desert places in our hearts bloom.

This same love for which the Son of God became man and followed the way of humility and self-giving to the very end, down to hell - to the abyss of separation from God - this same merciful love has flooded with light the dead body of Jesus and transfigured it, has made it pass into eternal life. Jesus did not return to his former life, to earthly life, but entered into the glorious life of God and he entered there with our humanity, opening us to a future of hope.

This is what Easter is: it is the exodus, the passage of human beings from slavery to sin and evil to the freedom of love and goodness. Because God is life, life alone, and his glory is the living man (cf. Irenaeus, Adversus Haereses, 4,20,5-7).

Dear brothers and sisters, Christ died and rose once for all, and for everyone, but the power of the Resurrection, this passover from slavery to evil to the freedom of goodness, must be accomplished in every age, in our concrete existence, in our everyday lives. How many deserts, even today, do human beings need to cross! Above all, the desert within, when we have no love for God or neighbour, when we fail to realize that we are guardians of all that the Creator has given us and continues to give us. God’s mercy can make even the driest land become a garden, can restore life to dry bones (cf. Ez 37:1-14).

So this is the invitation which I address to everyone: Let us accept the grace of Christ’s Resurrection! Let us be renewed by God’s mercy, let us be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power of his love to transform our lives too; and let us become agents of this mercy, channels through which God can water the earth, protect all creation and make justice and peace flourish.

And so we ask the risen Jesus, who turns death into life, to change hatred into love, vengeance into forgiveness, war into peace. Yes, Christ is our peace, and through him we implore peace for all the world.

Peace for the Middle East, and particularly between Israelis and Palestinians, who struggle to find the road of agreement, that they may willingly and courageously resume negotiations to end a conflict that has lasted all too long. Peace in Iraq, that every act of violence may end, and above all for dear Syria, for its people torn by conflict and for the many refugees who await help and comfort. How much blood has been shed! And how much suffering must there still be before a political solution to the crisis will be found?

Peace for Africa, still the scene of violent conflicts. In Mali, may unity and stability be restored; in Nigeria, where attacks sadly continue, gravely threatening the lives of many innocent people, and where great numbers of persons, including children, are held hostage by terrorist groups. Peace in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the Central African Republic, where many have been forced to leave their homes and continue to live in fear.

Peace in Asia, above all on the Korean peninsula: may disagreements be overcome and a renewed spirit of reconciliation grow.

Peace in the whole world, still divided by greed looking for easy gain, wounded by the selfishness which threatens human life and the family, selfishness that continues in human trafficking, the most extensive form of slavery in this twenty-first century. Peace to the whole world, torn apart by violence linked to drug trafficking and by the iniquitous exploitation of natural resources! Peace to this our Earth! Made the risen Jesus bring comfort to the victims of natural disasters and make us responsible guardians of creation.

Dear brothers and sisters, to all of you who are listening to me, from Rome and from all over of the world, I address the invitation of the Psalm: “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever. Let Israel say: ‘His steadfast love endures for ever’” (Ps 117:1-2).
Dear brothers and sisters, who have come from all over the world to this Square, the heart of Christianity, and all of you joining us via communications media, I renew my wishes for a Happy Easter! Bring to your families and your nations the message of joy of hope and peace that each year is powerfully renewed on this day. May the Risen Lord, who defeated sin and death, support us all especially the weakest and those most in need. Thank you for your presence and the witness of your faith. A thought and a particular thanks for the gift of these beautiful flowers from the Netherlands. I affectionately repeat to all of you: May the Risen Christ guide you and all humanity on the paths of justice, love and peace!

Text taken from here.

Pope Francis' First General Audience

Below is the English translation of Pope Francis' first General Audience, as published by the Vatican Information Service. His words provide a great reflection for Holy Week.

FOLLOWING JESUS IS LEARNING TO GO OUT OF OURSELVES

Vatican City, 27 March 2013 (VIS) - “I am happy to welcome you to this, my first general audience,” Pope Francis said to the thousands of faithful who filled St. Peter's Square to participate in the Bishop of Rome's first catechesis. “With gratitude and veneration,” he continued, “I take up this 'witness' from the hands of my beloved predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. After Easter we will return to the catechesis of the Year of Faith. Today I want to focus on Holy Week. We began this week—the heart of the entire liturgical year—during which we accompany Jesus in his Passion, Death, and Resurrection, with Palm Sunday.

“But what,” the Pope asked, “does it mean for us to live Holy Week? What does it mean to follow Jesus on his journey to Calvary, toward the Cross and his Resurrection? On his earthly mission, Jesus walked the streets of the Holy Land. He called 12 simple persons to stay with him, sharing his path and continuing his mission … He spoke to everyone, without distinction: to the great and the humble ... the powerful and the weak. He brought God's mercy and forgiveness. He healed, consoled, understood. He gave hope. He brought to all the presence of God who cares for every man and woman as a good father and a good mother cares for each of their children.”

“God,” Francis emphasized, “didn't wait for us to come to him. It was He who came to us. … Jesus lived the everyday reality of the most common persons. … He cried when he saw Martha and Mary suffering for the death of their brother Lazarus … He also experienced the betrayal of a friend. In Christ, God has given us the assurance that He is with us, in our midst. … Jesus has no home because his home is the people, us ourselves. His mission is to open the doors to God for all, to be the presence of God's love.”

“During Holy Week we are living the apex … of this plan of love that runs throughout the history of the relationship between God and humanity. Jesus enters into Jerusalem to take the final step in which his entire existence is summed up. He gives himself completely, keeping nothing for himself, not even his life. At the Last Supper, with his friends, He shares the bread and distributes the chalice 'for us'. The Son of God offers himself to us; puts his Body and his Blood in our hands to be always with us … And in the Garden of the Mount of Olives, as at the trial before Pilate, he makes no resistance, but gives himself.”

“Jesus doesn't live this love that leads to sacrifice passively or as his fatal destiny. He certainly didn't hide his deep human turmoil when faced with violent death, but he entrusted himself to the Father with full confidence ... to show his love for us. Each one of us can say, 'Jesus loved me and gave himself up for me'.”

“What does this mean for us? It means that this path is also mine, also yours, also our path. Living Holy Week, following Jesus not only with moved hearts, means learning to come out of ourselves … in order to meet others, in order to go toward the edges of our existence, to take the first steps towards our brothers and sisters, especially those who are farthest from us, those who are forgotten, those who need understanding, consolation, and assistance.”

“Living Holy Week is always going deeper into God's logic, into the logic of the Cross, which is not first and foremost a logic of sorrow and death but one of love and the self giving that brings life. It is entering into the logic of the Gospel. Following, accompanying Christ, staying with him when he demands that we 'go out': out of ourselves, out of a tired and habitual way of living the faith, out of the temptation of locking ourselves in our own schemes that wind up closing the horizon of God's creative action. God went out of himself in order to come amongst us … to bring us the mercy … that saves and gives hope. And we, if we want to follow and remain with him, cannot be satisfied with staying in the sheep pen with the ninety-nine sheep. We have to 'go out', to search for the little lost sheep, the furthest one, with him.”

“Often,” he observed, “we settle for some prayers, a distracted and infrequent Sunday Mass, some act of charity, but we don't have this courage to 'go out' and bring Christ. We are a little like St. Peter. As soon as Jesus talks of his passion, death, and resurrection, of giving himself and love for all, the Apostle takes him aside and scolds him. What Jesus is saying shakes up his plans, seems unacceptable, the safe certainty he had constructed, his idea of the Messiah, in difficulty. And Jesus … addressing some of the harshest words of the Gospel to Peter, says: 'Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.' God thinks mercifully. God thinks like a father who awaits the return of his son and goes out to meet him, sees him coming when he is still afar … a sign that he was awaiting him every day from the terrace of his house. God thinks like the Samaritan who doesn't pass by the unfortunate man, pitying him or looking away, but rather assisting him without asking anything in return, without asking if he was a Jew or a Samaritan, rich or poor.”

“Holy Week,” Francis concluded, “is a time of grace that the Lord gives us to open the doors of our hearts, of our lives, of our parishes—so many closed parishes are a shame—of our movements and associations, to 'go out' and meet others, to draw near them and bring them the light and joy of our faith. To always go out with the love and tenderness of God!”

Responding to the Duty of the Moment

The Office of Public Relations and Communications at the Catholic Pastoral Centre continues to be busy as we respond to media requests during this historic time for the Universal Church. Not only does this present an important opportunity to make our Church and our Archdiocese visible in the mainstream media, but the questions we receive from the media allow us to reflect on the events of the past month in a new and deeper way.

Yesterday I was interviewed for Salt + Light’s program, Perspectives. The topic of discussion was how Pope Francis is a “pope of surprises.” See episode here. Of particular focus were his first public comments and appearances, including the homily at the Mass of Inauguration yesterday.

One question posed from the host sparked some interesting reflection: “Pope Francis seems to regularly stray from pre-determined scripts and the norms of his role. Do you think this could be problematic?”

He was referring to a few things: the pope’s choice of name and wardrobe (simple white cassock and black shoes), his first greeting to the faithful (beginning with the words, “good evening!” followed by a request for prayers), the unusual move to return to the hotel where he stayed in the days leading up to the conclave to settle his account, and many more head-turning moments. As he entered into the Mass of inauguration this morning, he chose to tour the crowd in an open-top popemobile and even stopped at one point to embrace a disabled man.

Pope Francis embraces disabled man in St. Peter's Square crowd. Photo from here

There is a lot of buzz about what Pope Francis’ spontaneity means for our Church. I can imagine his support staff, especially papal security, is having quite an interesting journey adjusting to this unique style of leadership.

I was interviewed alongside Jesuit priest Fr. Gilles Mongeau, who aptly pointed out that Pope Francis’ actions are stylistic; otherwise, his leadership of the Church is not going to change significantly from that of his predecessor. Both men are deeply committed to upholding the doctrine of the Church.

Perhaps what stands out most clearly in Pope Francis’ somewhat unpredictable style is a great ability to respond to the duty of the moment.

It seems fitting that on the Feast of St. Joseph, father of Jesus, Pope Francis made the effort to stop and great children and marginalized members of the congregation. There was a Mass to be said, but he wasn't afraid to take a moment to be present to the people who had come to welcome him as the new leader of our Church. It is akin to a father taking time to toss a football with his son for a few minutes on a Saturday morning before running errands. Those small acts of being present to others communicate love in a very powerful way.

Appropriately, Pope Francis’ homily yesterday spoke of the need for tenderness and the role that each human has to act as a “protector.” He implored us to protect those in most need in our society as well as to protect creation.

Pope Francis delivers homily at Mass of Inauguration. Photo from here

In a world that moves at a dizzying pace, our pontiff is encouraging us, through his actions, to take time to fulfill the duty of the moment. Just as he can take a moment to greet member of a crowd while the world waits for a Mass to begin, we can take a moment out of a busy day to show our family and friends that we appreciate them. And just as Pope Francis can take a detour to a hotel to settle a bill and still have time to stop by a Church to entrust his papacy to Mary, we can take small moments in our day to spend time in prayer.

Pope Francis prays at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. Photo from here

Here in the Archdiocese of Toronto, this is a perfect time to recommit to fulfilling the duty of the moment. How am I being called to be more present in my community? How can I fulfill the role of protector in my family, my work and my parish? Big plans aside, where is God calling me to spend my life right now, in this moment? We encourage you to engage with our ArchdiocesanPastoral Plan, which provides excellent opportunities to reflect on our pastoral and apostolic mission.

Is it problematic that our pope is unpredictable? Certainly not. Life is not predictable. Having a pope who understands the unscripted nature of our time on this Earth makes our Church more relevant than ever.

Marlena Loughheed is the Communications Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Pope Francis: What's in a Name?

Yesterday, after the white smoke had cleared and the bells were silenced, the world awaited the big reveal of our new pontiff on the famous balcony in St. Peter’s Square.

The moment finally arrived: “I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope! The most eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord Jorge Mario, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Bergoglio, who has taken for himself the name Francis.”

And the crowd went wild.

In the hours that followed, the buzz in social media was largely related to the name our new pope has chosen.

At first there was a debate about which Francis he was naming himself after. Was it the Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier or the humble Italian St. Francis of Assisi? As the cardinals emerged from the Sistine Chapel, they confirmed that it was indeed St. Francis of Assisi.

As we come to learn about the new leader of the Catholic Church, the name he has chosen gives us some insight.

St. Francis of Assisi was born around 1182 in Assisi, Umbria, Italy. As the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, he was known in his youth for having ready wit, for singing merrily and delighting in fine clothes and showy display. He was handsome, joyful, gallant and courteous.

St. Francis (Photo from here)

In his early 20s, he was imprisoned during a fight with a neighboring town. Locked up and in poor health, he took time to examine his heart. He soon realized how empty his worldly life was. Upon his release, he reformed his ways, turning back to God and living a life of simplicity, in spite of his family’s wealth.

Perhaps the most famous story about St. Francis is his rebuilding of San Damiano Church. While praying in its chapel, Francis heard a voice say, “Go and rebuild my church, which has fallen into ruin.” He took the voice seriously and literally. He began rebuilding the church, gleaning supplies in any way possible, including stealing from his father.

San Damiano Church, Assisi (Photo from here)

Needless to say, his family was less than impressed. They even locked him in a cupboard under the stairs to punish him.

Long story short, eventually Francis came to realize that the Lord had been speaking to him metaphorically (although I’m sure San Damiano Church was still grateful for the free reno).

He went on to found the Franciscans, a religious order that is now present all over the world, serving the poor and living Francis’ humble example of simplicity.

With the election of Pope Francis, the word “humble” seems to be a popular adjective appearing in the news and on the lips of anyone asked their opinion of this man’s character. We hear stories of a Cardinal who chose to ride the bus and live in a simple apartment outside of the diocesan palace in Buenos Aires.

However, the words that stick out in my mind right now are those spoken by God to St. Francis: “go and rebuild my Church.”

It’s no secret the Church faces challenges in our modern era. Strengthening our Church is not going to come through bricks and mortar alone, although administrative practicality is certainly necessary.

Rather, the foundation of our Church is love. Renewed strength will come through a humble leader who allows Christ’s love to shine forth clearly and simply to all of God’s people.

St. Francis embraced love so simply and totally. He made himself small so that big things could be accomplished through him. He lived among the rich but chose to be poor.

Who better to lead us forward than a pontiff who has committed to living his papacy in the spirit of this loving Saint? We are still coming to know Pope Francis. But if his name is any indication, I think this man will have no fear in rounding up some metaphorical two-by-fours and lovingly following God’s call to “go and rebuild my church.”

Marlena Loughheed is the Communications Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Facts on St. Francis’ life taken from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06221a.htm. 

To Know, To Love and To Serve

It has been 24 hours since we were introduced to our new holy father, Pope Francis, but I can sense that the Holy Spirit guided the cardinals well. He is both the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Americas. He is also the first pope from outside Europe since Pope Gregory III in the 8th century.

I saw people’s response to the new Holy Father last night on Facebook and Twitter. Catholics and non-Catholics alike weighed in on the selection. Overwhelmingly, many found a great sense of joy in his selection of the name Francis, evoking the image of St. Francis of Assisi with both his care for the poor as well as his humility.

One story from Holy Thursday 2006 touched me deeply. Pope Francis (then Cardinal Bergoglio) chose a children's hospital in Palermo (Buenos Aires) to celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper. There, he washed the feet of 12 sick children.

This morning, Pope Francis began the day by shunning the papal limousine and choosing instead a more modest car to go pray to the Virgin Mary for the safekeeping of Rome at a local church. He then visited the hotel where he stayed last week to pick up his belongings and pay his bill.

The selection of his name, paying a bill on his own and washing a sick child’s feet are not grand gestures, but they signify that the love of God can be expressed and shown in even the smallest way while also making the biggest statement.

I viewed Blessed John Paul II as a grandfather, Pope Benedict XVI as a teacher and I am beginning to view Pope Francis as a witness: a witness to God’s love and fidelity. He will be a pope that will teach us all to know, love and serve our God. 

Emanuel Pires is the Web/Graphic Designer for the Archdiocese of Toronto

How Will We Receive the New Pope?

By Marlena Loughheed

On January, 21, 2013, this phrase was published in the Archdiocese of Toronto blog: “The last two years in our department, we've noticed that the New Year doesn't exactly ease its way in when considering workload.”

These words were written ignorant that less than a month later, Pope Benedict the XVI would announce his retirement. So, on top of a launching a Pastoral Plan, getting ready for an archdiocesan-wide Lenten reconciliation initiative, and all the other day-to-day work of our office, suddenly we found ourselves sede vacante, or without a pope. Also temporarily “vacante” from our Archdiocese is our shepherd Thomas Cardinal Collins, who is in Rome to participate in the upcoming papal conclave.

The past three weeks have been a whirlwind of media requests, interviews, travel, press releases and much more. We’re the GTA’s one-stop Catholic media shop during these historic events.

In the midst of the busyness, it seems as though there’s barely time to stop and reflect on the events unfolding before our eyes. During this time, one thing has stuck out in my mind: how will I adjust to a new pope?

In 2002, I attended World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto in the days of Pope John Paul II. He was the only pope I had known in my lifetime. As a young person, I related to his warm and friendly nature and his particular efforts to reach out to my generation.

In the summer of 2005, I travelled to Germany to attend World Youth Day in Cologne. Benedict had barely been pope for four months. I can remember being in a huge crowd just before the closing Mass and seeing his popemobile coming toward where my group and I were standing. We considered rushing up to the barricades to try and see the pontiff up close. The crowd started to move and push toward the approaching procession. We decided to forgo the effort and stay put. At that point, we didn’t know Benedict. His presence didn’t have the same effect as JPII, who I sprinted across a park to see up close just three years earlier.

Picture from http://on-msn.com/Y6Vluv

Since that trip to Germany in 2005 and my initial experience of Pope Benedict, I’ve had opportunities to work as a Catholic missionary and for the church in a few different capacities, including this role in the Department of Public Relations and Communications for the Archdiocese of Toronto. Along the way, his three encyclicals and countless other writings and public addresses provided encouragement and a healthy challenge to accompany me along the journey. I especially looked forward to his reflections on the World Day of Communications each year.

As a young person who came to an adult understanding of faith during the reign of Pope Benedict, I have come to respect and revere the man I would categorize as a quiet, loving, grandfatherly shepherd whose short papacy played a necessary and important role in the history of the Catholic Church. It’s now strange to imagine it being led by anyone else.

But, in the coming days, the Cardinals will elect a new pontiff to lead the Catholic Church. This process is not like a normal election where we come to know a few candidates very well throughout the course of an election campaign. Cardinals don’t have the same “rock star” status as other public figures. When the white smoke eventually rises, we will be presented with a name. We may know very little about the man behind the name.

Photo from http://bit.ly/ZIxxga

Our initial attitude toward new characters in our lives is often one of measured observation. With something as intimate as our faith, it seems a natural reaction to want to build a solid trust and appreciation for our new leader.

An integral thing to keep in mind at this time is that ultimately, it’s the Holy Spirit who guides the Church, including the election of a new pope. God remains unchanging and faithful even when things in our human experience are in a state of flux. While it is important to trust the leadership of those who guide the church, first and foremost, our faith is in God.

Our humanity may hold us back from rushing forward to usher in a new chapter in the life of the Church; however, our faith allows us to welcome this change with open arms, trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide our Church via a humble servant, our pope-to-be.

Marlena Loughheed is the Communications Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Head, Heart and Hands

By Emanuel Pires

The Catholic faith has always been an important part of my life. It has formed me, guided me and provided a great sense of support. While there have been times when I have struggled in my faith, I have always felt God’s presence. Even in the most difficult situations, God has placed unique challenges and people in my life who continue to renew my faith in His church and with humanity. It is through this lens that I look at the conclave today; as a source of hope, renewal, and affirmation of God’s presence and love.
 

Growing up, there were two central figures in my life who helped instil my faith: my grandmother and Pope John Paul II -- both very prayerful, loved by those around them, sources of wisdom and irreplaceable in my life. Growing up without a grandfather, that is how I viewed JPII; as the grandfather of the Catholic faithful of the world, someone that we looked to for guidance and comfort. I was fortunate, with my involvement in the Catholic community in Toronto, to be chosen to have lunch with the Holy Father during World Youth Day in 2002, representing the youth of Canada.

That brief time with him really brought that grandfather figure to life. Fourteen young people from around the world spent a casual moment with such a holy and humble man, appropriately in the breaking of bread, sharing in laughter, love and song. The moment I remember the most is when he turned to the young delegate from NYC and spoke about the terrorist attacks of 9/11. To see her well up with tears and feel comfort in his words of sorrow, concern and prayers, will last with me forever.

When Pope John Paul II passed away it was such a shock to the system. The only pope I had ever known was gone and the local church and media were discussing how difficult it would be to replace him. The church, it seemed, was in trouble. Or was it? Shortly after the conclave started… white smoke and the announcement of Pope Benedict XVI. What was I to make of this new pope? Initially I wasn’t sure but as time went on and I heard his words, I no longer had a grandfather figure for a spiritual leader but a teacher. A quote from one of his first public addresses has always stuck with me:

“We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.”

Pope Benedict XVI 

St. Peter's Square - Sunday, 24 April 2005

My faith, while nurtured during the time of Pope John Paul II, was growing in love and understanding with Pope Benedict XVI.

Now that Pope Benedict XVI has retired, I find the world is in the same place. Media and the local church asking where we go from here? I don’t know what is going to happen, who it might be and, honestly, I’m not concerned at all. All I know is that through prayer, love and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the next pope will be exactly what the church needs. Not what we think it needs. Will he be a grandfather figure? Another teacher? A combination of both? Or something entirely different? The conclave is a time when we reflect with our heads, to know the Lord, with our hearts to guide us, and with our hands to put into action what the new pope lays before us as our spiritual leader.

Emanuel Pires is the graphic/web designer for the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Prayer for the Election of a New Pope

As the College of Cardinals prepares to elect a new pope, we encourage you to keep them in your prayers!

Prayer from Imagine Sisters.

Media Release: 225 Local Churches Open Their Doors for "Day of Confessions" March 6

MEDIA ADVISORY

We're Saving You a Place in Line!

225 Local Catholic Churches Open Their Doors for Day of Confessions March 6

TORONTO (March 5, 2013) – Thousands of Catholics in more than 220 Catholic churches throughout the Greater Toronto Area will line up to take part in the Archdiocese of Toronto’s first Day of Confessions on March 6, sharing the burdens of their consciences with priests as they prepare for Easter.

Every Catholic church in the archdiocese will devote extended hours to Confession – formally known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation – as part of the Day of Confessions. Building on similar days in dioceses throughout the United States and Canada, the event, in conjunction with the global Roman Catholic Church’s Year of Faith, provides an opportunity for Catholics to renew their focus on repentance and forgiveness as part of the 40-day liturgical season of Lent. Similar initiatives will take place in the Archdiocese of Edmonton and the Diocese of London, Ontario, where the event has expanded significantly since its arrival four years ago.

Some churches will have a priest on hand for up to 14 hours to be available for those wishing to take part in this important sacrament, which is a central part of an active Catholic faith life. Confession allows individuals to meet with a priest, acknowledge their frailties and imperfections, seek forgiveness and start anew, resolving to raise the bar on personal behaviour moving forward. Priests, God’s representative in the sacrament, are under a seal of secrecy and can never reveal the content of a confession.

Those hoping to take part can find a local parish by visiting www.archtoronto.org. The Archdiocese of Toronto has prepared a special mini-website: www.archtoronto.org/confession with resources, multimedia clips and more information to help those who have been away from the sacrament for an extended time or might be looking for a refresher on the steps involved.

The Archdiocese of Toronto is Canada’s largest diocese, encompassing 42 municipalities stretching from Toronto north to Georgian Bay and from Oshawa to Mississauga. It is home to 1.8 million Catholics and 225 churches, with Mass celebrated in more than 30 different languages each week.

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Sample of Local GTA Churches – Day of Confession Hours

Newman Centre, 89 St. George St., Toronto - 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 4:30 – 6 p.m.                         
Our Lady of Grace Parish, 15347 Yonge St., Aurora - 8:30 a.m.– 6:30 p.m., Reconciliation service- 7 p.m.

St. Barnabas Parish, 10 Washburn Way, Scarborough - 10 a.m. – 12 noon, 2-5 p.m.
St. Basil’s Parish, 50 St. Joseph St., Toronto - 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 – 3 p.m.,
St. Brigid’s Parish, 300 Wolverleigh Blvd., Toronto - 9 a.m. – 12 noon, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
St. Joseph's Parish, 5440 Durie Rd., Mississauga, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., 2-5 p.m, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
St. Mary’s Parish, 65 Amelia St., Barrie - 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
St. Mary’s Parish, 66A Main St. South, Brampton - 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.