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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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!!

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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

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