The New Translation Arrives...so what do you think?

With the new translation of the Roman Missal now in use throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief that yes, that day has come and the sun did come up the next morning. In fact, initial reaction from many anecdotal conversations is that things went much smoother than anticipated.

In this way, we tip our hat to the clergy and lay staff of the Archdiocese in welcoming the new translation and preparing accordingly for its arrival. Bear in mind, for many of our priests this past weekend would have been like their first Mass all over again as the 2nd edition was the only one they ever celebrated. So if you felt a little awkward responding, "and with your spirit", just imagine what it was like for a priest to have to navigate through a huge number of changes.

Add to all of this, extremely tight deadlines on the delivery of the new Roman Missal, with some parishes receiving their orders from Ottawa just on Friday with a handful of others making other heroic efforts to make it happen.

Most importantly, we're going to start focusing on what we say and actually reflect on the words recited during the Eucharistic celebration. Whether you love the new translation or find some of the terminology awkward, we're talking about it. That's good news.

At the Cathedral Sunday, the Archbishop had the opportunity to brief the congregation at the start of Mass on the historic day in church history and talk a little about the changes, why they're being implemented and the prayer that this will bring us to a greater appreciation of the celebration of the Eucharist. All in all, it went very well, with parishioners equipped with pew cards and most people catching on to the new translation. Yes, there were a few "and also with you's" lurking in the distance but that's to be expected.

We had good media coverage as well - not a surprise that many of the stories found those who "liked" the new translation and those who didn't. Point counterpoint is the basis for most media stories but they were all done respectfully and I was actually surprised with the amount of secular interest on the story that would be most confusing for a non-Catholic reporter to tackle (that was the case with those I met on Sunday), including one camera operator who first went to the United Church Cathedral and would have certainly found a very different translation in use there.

I've heard of a few parishes where there were some mea culpas from clergy who reverted back to a 2nd edition reference - it shows we're all human. And another church where father, having heard the congregants use one of the "old" responses, smile and ask the congregation, "why don't we try that one again?'

Isn't this what a family does? We walk together and help each other when we stumble, we come together in unity, in prayer and mutual support.

If you feel so inclined, feel free to share your "first weekend" impressions in the comments section. Whether you're clergy or congregant, would be great to get your thoughts. You don't need to name your parish or region - remember though, in all things charity.

Thanks to all who have worked so hard to welcome the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal. As in all things in life we can't forget: prayer, patience and a sense of humour. We made it through week one:) And now the real heavy lifting begins...

Media Advisory: Prayers at Mass Change for Millions of Catholics This Weekend

Prayers at Mass Change for Millions of Catholics this Weekend

Catholic Churches throughout North America Implement New Mass Translation

TORONTO (November 24, 2011) – The most significant changes in language used at Mass in nearly 40 years will be implemented in Catholic Churches throughout North America this weekend. Clergy across the continent will lead congregations using a new translation of the Roman Missal, the book of prayers used at Mass.

The product of more than a decade of consultation and collaboration with translators, theologians and bishops around the world, the updated text is intended to be more faithful to the original Latin translation. More than 3,000 prayers are contained in the Third Edition of the Roman Missal. While all the elements of Mass remain the same, the English text will change significantly for priests presiding at Mass and, to a lesser extent, for churchgoers responding to the prayers.

In a letter to be shared with the Catholic community this weekend, Toronto Archbishop, Thomas Collins, encouraged the faithful to absorb the richness of the new text:

“As we walk into a newly renovated room, we marvel at the beauty of a space that maintains its strong foundation yet has taken on a new magnificence after many years of use. We pray that the Third Edition of the Roman Missal will bring us new appreciation for a sacrament that is the summit of our experience as Catholics.”

Clergy, parish staff and musicians have participated in numerous workshops throughout the Archdiocese to prepare for this transition. To assist parishioners with the revised translation, 175,000 brochures outlining the changes have been distributed to churches throughout the Archdiocese.

The introduction of the the new Roman Missal coincides with the start of the Advent season, which marks the start of a new church year as Christians throughout the world prepare in joyful anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.

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 and 225 churches, with Mass celebrated in more than 30 different languages each week.

Additional resources and background information on the Third Edition of the Roman Missal can be found online at: www.archtoronto.org/romanmissal

Embracing Change: The New Roman Missal

In our continued preparation for the implementation of the new Roman Missal this weekend, below you'll find a reflection from Catechist Christine Way Skinner, a parish catechist in Newmarket, Ontario. She is also a member of the Archdiocese of Toronto's Roman Missal Implementation Committee. This piece originally appeared in the Catholic Register.

NEWMARKET, Ont. - As the catechist in an active suburban parish, I have been responsible for helping parishioners and teachers in our parish schools prepare for the changes that English-speaking Catholics will experience now that Advent is here.

When I first learned that we would be using a new translation of the Mass a few years ago, I knew that it would be very important to prepare people for the change. In my 20+ years of experience in pastoral ministry, I have learned that change in general is difficult for people. Change in peoples’ traditions and rituals, however, can be exceedingly difficult.

In many ways, the changes that have been made to the words we speak at Mass are minor compared to other changes that we as a Church have been through. More is staying the same than is changing. Nevertheless, the changes are significant enough to have caused some consternation among Catholics.

It has been interesting to listen to what has moved people — either to rejoice in or to mourn — regarding the coming changes. What one person loves, another disdains. What one disdains, another loves. One of my liturgy professors used to say that in any given liturgy there had to be “room for everyone to play.”

The truth that he was naming is that there must be something that touches each person in the gathered assembly. This is not easily accomplished in any congregation and is a special challenge for a Church like ours. Communal prayer in the Catholic tradition is inherently inclusive.

On Sundays, we gather together rich and poor, educated and uneducated, newborn babes and 100-year-old grandparents. You can find folks from almost every ethno-cultural group and national affiliation. This is what led James Joyce to describe Catholicism as “here comes everybody.”

When the language, ritual and pastoral ministry of the Church serves an assembly this broad and wide, everyone will find something that moves their heart and something that leaves them cold. Can we really expect that the new translation of the Roman Missal will work any differently?

The very prayer that evokes beautiful new scriptural images and stories in one person will be distractingly wordy to another person. The formality which seems dignified to one will seem stuffy to another. This is what it means to belong to a universal (the very definition of Catholic) Church.

There are some other significant reasons for us to rejoice in the changes. At least for a while, we will be compelled to pay more attention to the words that we speak on Sunday. Because we learn our liturgical prayers by heart, it is easy to fail to go through the motions without being conscious of what we are saying. Having to use new expressions will, hopefully, make us more attentive and we will move towards that full, conscious and active participation for which the Second Vatican Council called.

This new English translation will also unite us with other language groups. Using the same words in many tongues, we will raise our voices throughout the world in praise of our loving God. Perhaps this may help us to realize more profoundly that Christ is truly present in the neighbour with whom we worship.

As well, because the language is more formal, it may help us to reclaim some of the reverence and mystery of liturgical celebrations of former times. While it would likely be a mistake to return to the strictness that once characterized our churches, a little formality may serve as a necessary corrective in a culture both inside and outside the Church that has forgotten its good manners.

Anglican liturgical scholar Thomas Talley wrote that “Too many communities have already been brought to despair by the discovery that, having rearranged the furniture of the sanctuary and instituted an offertory procession, they still don’t love one another.”

The new Roman Missal that is being welcomed into parishes this Advent will not be a perfect translation nor will it be the last. Our task as Catholics is to seek out those words and gestures which touch our hearts and move us to be more loving and kind. It is our job to focus on those words which lead us to conversion and make us more just, more prayerful and more courageous. If we find ourselves becoming annoyed or petty, then perhaps those words are not the ones that are meant for us. They are for other “players” in the liturgy.

Let us welcome this opportunity to renew our communal worship, and thereby, our faith.

(Christine Way Skinner is a catechist at St. John Chrysostom parish in Newmarket, Ont.)

What happens to the "old" Sacramentary when the new Roman Missal "arrives" this weekend?

While we are certainly focusing our energies these days on the introduction of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal (coming to a church near you this weekend), a question that has been asked and worth answering, "What do we do with the Missal that's currently being used? (often referred to as the Sacramentary)

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), the body tasked with coordinating the printing of the new Roman Missal, has provided guidelines to parishes for "decommissioning the Sacramentary".

When you stop and think of it, it's amazing to consider the literally tens of thousands of sacramental celebrations that have occurred utilizing the current Sacramentary. From baptisms to weddings, loved ones saying a final goodbye to those called home to God at funerals, confirmations, weekday Mass, Sunday celebrations, countless Holy Weeks, Christmas Eves, Christmas Morns and all things in between.

While the carpet may have reinvented itself numerous times, layers of paint have peeled and been reapplied, there's the faithful Sacramentary helping lead the way in our celebrations.

Tabs well worn, mightily lifted by countless altar servers and at times hiding its pages so Father needed to take an extra moment or two to find the right one, we'll miss the Sacramentary and the history it will take along with it. Almost a time capsule of sorts, it's fitting that we have a decommissioning ceremony to say one final goodbye.

Here's a recommended decommissioning, as provided by the CCCB:

De-commissioning the Sacramentary

1. After the Prayer after Communion, the Priest pauses for a moment of silence and then reminds the faithful of the many events this book has been a part of in these or similar words:

Dear Friends in Christ; today is the last (Sun)day in which this Sacramentary will be used. It has served our community well for many years: it has been present at baptisms, funerals, marriages, and above all at the countless Masses that have been prayed in this church. We pause to give thanks for all that God has done by means of the words contained in this book, and trust that God will continue to bless us in the years ahead.

(All pray silently for a time.)

Then the Priest, with hands outstretched says:

Father of light and wisdom,
We praise you for your gifts:
for giving us the power to see
and the ability to write and read
and to use the arts of printing.

Bless + this book as it is taken out of service
and grant that all who have used it or heard its words
may grow in wisdom and grace
before you and all your people.

Father, we praise you through Jesus Christ your Son
in the love of your Holy Spirit,
now and always and for ever.

All: Amen.

2. The Mass continues in the usual way with the Final Blessing. After the Dismissal, the Deacon, or in his absence the Priest closes the book for the final time, saying:

For everything there is a season.
At the closing of this book,
we look to the opening of a new season of grace.

3. The Sacramentary is carried out in the procession by a server or other appropriate minister.

4. The Sacramentary is then reserved in the sacristy, a parish library or museum, or disposed of in a dignified manner.

So there you have it. Now for those who may ask the bonus question, "What is disposed of in a dignified manner mean?" then we turn to a directive offered to dioceses in the United States earlier this year for some reflections:

Pertaining to disposal of the Sacramentary, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recommends that parishes:

Bury it in an appropriate location on church grounds or a parish cemetery (if there is one)

Bury it in the coffin of the deceased (perhaps a priests' funeral) if they had a specific love and devotion for the Liturgy.

Burn it, collect the ashes, and bury them in an appropriate location on church grounds.

Keep a copy for parish archives.

In these final days, let us give thanks for the blessings that have come with sacramentaries throughout North America that will soon be retired. For those attending daily Mass, the countdown on your final "and also with you" continues for the next few days as it too, will be "retired" after many years of dedicated service.

Pope Speaks to Children in Africa - Full Text

Having completed his Apostolic Visit to Benin, Africa, Pope Benedict has now returned to Rome after another trip abroad. A country of only 9 million, for many it was the birthplace of a new evangelization 150 years ago that has spread into neighbouring areas from Togo to Ghana and Niger.

We don't often get a chance to hear the Holy Father speak directly to children and this meeting provided such an opportunity. He began his visit at the Home of Peace and Happiness where Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity care for sick and abandoned children. The delegation then made their way to St. Rita's Parish in Cotonau where 800 children listened to the Pope and had the opportunity to pray together. The full text of the Holy Father's meeting with the children can be found below:

APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO BENIN 18-20 NOVEMBER 2011
MEETING WITH CHILDREN
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

Parish church of Saint Rita -Cotonou

Saturday, 19 November 2011

Dear Young Friends,

I thank Bishop René-Marie Ehuzu of Port Novo, Director of Social Ministry of the Benin Bishops’ Conference, for his words of welcome. I also thank the parish priest and Aïcha for their words offered on behalf of all of you. After this beautiful moment of Eucharistic adoration, it is with much joy that I greet you. Thank you for coming out in such great numbers!

God our Father has gathered us around his Son and our brother, Jesus Christ, who is present in the host consecrated during the Mass. This is a great mystery before which we worship and we believe. Jesus, who loves us very much, is truly present in the tabernacles of all the churches around the world, in the tabernacles of the churches in your neighbourhoods and in your parishes. I ask you to visit him often to tell him of your love for him.

Some of you have already made your First Holy Communion, and others are preparing for it. The day of my First Holy Communion was one of the most beautiful days of my life. It is the same for you, isn’t it? And why is that? It’s not only because of our nice clothes or the gifts we receive, nor even because of the parties! It is above all because, that day, we receive Jesus Christ for the first time!

When I receive Communion, Jesus comes to live in me. I should welcome him with love and listen closely to him. In the depths of my heart, I can tell him, for example: “Jesus, I know that you love me. Give me your love so that I can love you in return and love others with your love. I give you all my joys, my troubles and my future.”

Do not hesitate, dear children, to speak of Jesus to others. He is a treasure whom you should share generously. Throughout the history of the Church, the love of Jesus has filled countless Christians, and even young people like yourselves, with courage and strength. In this way, Saint Kizito, a Ugandan boy, was put to death because he wanted to live according to the baptism which he had just received. Kizito prayed. He realized that God is not only important, but that he is everything.

What, then, is prayer? It is a cry of love directed to God our Father, with the will to imitate Jesus our brother. Jesus often went off by himself to pray. Like Jesus, I too can find a calm place to pray where I can quietly stand before a Cross or a holy picture in order to speak to Jesus and to listen to him. I can also use the Gospels. That way, I keep within my heart a passage which has touched me and which will guide me throughout the day.

To stay with Jesus like this for a little while lets him fill me with his love, light and life! This love, which I receive in prayer, calls me in turn to give it to my parents, to my friends, to everyone with whom I live, even with those who do not like me, and those whom I do not appreciate enough. Dear young people, Jesus loves you. Ask your parents to pray with you! Sometimes you may even have to push them a little. But do not hesitate to do so. God is that important!

May the Virgin Mary, his Mother, teach you to love more and more through prayer, forgiveness and charity. I entrust you to her, together with your families and teachers. Look! I have this rosary in my pocket. The rosary is like a tool that we can use to pray. It is easy to pray the rosary. Maybe you know how already; if not, ask your parents to help you to learn how. At the end of this meeting, each one of you will receive a rosary. When you hold it in your hands, I would ask you to pray for the Pope, for the Church and for every important intention. And now, before I bless you all with great affection, let us pray together a Hail Mary for children throughout the world, especially for those who are sick, who are hungry and in places of war.

Let us pray together: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute Turns 10!

Tucked away on the campus of St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto sits a wonderful gift within our Catholic community in Canada. The Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute (CCBI) quietly goes about its business in tackling issues that are seeping into the everyday lives of Canadians, whether we're aware of it or not.

Their work is critical to ensuring that there is a Catholic voice involved in issues related to bioethics. This week, the CCBI celebrates its 10th anniversary of sharing collective wisdom and pastoral guidance with the Catholic community both in the Archdiocese of Toronto and throughout the country.

For those not familiar with the work of the CCBI, a little background courtesy the CCBI website:

The Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute came about as a result of discussions, dating back to 1998, among some Toronto-area physicians and lawyers, ethicists at the three Catholic hospitals of Toronto, University of St. Michael's College, Regis College, St. Augustine's Seminary, and the Canadian Association of the Order of Malta. This group felt that it would be helpful to create a centre or institute to help enhance Catholic research and communications in the area of bioethics in a way that would be of service to Canadians generally.

In particular, it was felt that there was a need to foster collaborative research and to communicate the fruits of that research in ways that are accessible to Canadians of all backgrounds. The group also stressed the need for a proactive approach to bioethics by Catholics, academically credible research, and stronger links across the country among academics, clinical ethicists, and workers in health and pastoral care.

In the summer of 2000, under the direction of His Eminence Cardinal Ambrozic, the Archdiocese of Toronto agreed to provide sufficient funds to organize the proposed institute, to fund its activity during the first year, and to provide significant annual support thereafter.

With this support assured, an office was established on the campus of the University of St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto. A director, Dr. William Sullivan was appointed effective January 2001 to begin the process of Canada-wide consultations that would help to shape the Institute's vision, mission and activities.

I've had the pleasure of working with the CCBI on numerous projects over the last several years. With a shoestring staff and budget, they are making a profound impact in our faith community and beyond.

Their first director, Dr. Bill Sullivan paved the way and continues to be a treasured resource to the CCBI and our faith community. Some may recall that in 2007, Dr. Sullivan was asked by the Vatican to serve on the Pontifical Academy for Life, a talented group of international experts tasked with assisting the church as she explores biomedical issues and questions relating to the dignity of human life.

Current director, Dr. Moira McQueen is one of the busiest Catholics around. You may catch her lecturing on Moral Theology at the St. Michael's College, offering commentary to the media on any number of ethical issues from organ donation to stem cell research or end of life care to name a few.

She also makes "house calls" to parishes throughout the Archdiocese where the popular "People in the Pews" program is offered for Catholics looking to learn more about bioethics through four, two hour evenings.

If that's not enough, she's an author, having published Bioethics Matters, a helpful introduction for Catholics looking to become more informed on ethical issues (stem cell research, reproductive technologies, end of life issues, etc.) from a faith perspective.

If you haven't had a chance to experience any of these offerings from the CCBI, you're missing out. Consider a visit to the CCBI website where a host of resources, including information on organ donation from a faith perspective, short articles on issues of present day relevance can be accessed. They also offer regular lectures that are always a popular and informative chance for Catholics to learn more about what's currently "on the radar".

With court cases underway, particularly around end of life issues, there's no better time to get educated. When Catholics or non-Catholics get together and ask you why the church teaches what it does or perhaps a colleague misrepresents the position of the faith, you'll be in a much better position to recant the argument.

More importantly, as we all face challenging ethical decisions in our own lives and those we love, we can take comfort in knowing that the church has provided us with a roadmap and a toolkit to help navigate through these most difficult moments.

So Happy Birthday to the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute. For a 10 year old, you sure know a lot about a whole bunch of stuff! Can't wait to see what you're like as a teenager!

Roman Missal - 2 Weeks Away - Great Video Resource

The days are counting down in preparation for the implementation of the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal. Hopefully by now in your parish community, there has been some discussion, bulletin announcements and education around what's to take place come November 27.

For those who are more visual, there's been a series of great videos prepared by the LifeTeen program and the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Phoenix. Many of the videos are aimed at young people but some clips have been developed for parents and adults as well as those working with young people.

As part of the video series, a brief 10 minute episode has been prepared for adults and parents where Fr. John Muir from the Office of Worship at the diocese walks through some of the changes, history and why we're doing what we're doing. There are some references to the United States but the essence of the presentation is one that works in Canada as well.

Certainly worth a look, you'll find it below.

Don't forget the Archdiocese of Toronto has an extensive Roman Missal site that has resources for adults as well as helpful tools for use in schools and parish ministry.

Together, let's continue our rediscovery and appreciation of the Eucharist as we prepare for this historic change.

Lest We Forget

Each year, on Remembrance Day we remember the sacrifice made by those who gave their lives for the freedom that we enjoy in Canada and other countries around the world.

During countless services nationwide, the famous poem, "In Flanders Fields" will be recited. Depending on which version of the story you reference, a doctor subbing as a chaplain may well have inspired this famous piece of prose.

According to one popular account, during the early days of the Second Battle of Ypres a young Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, lost his life on May 2, 1915 after an exploding artillery shell landed near him. Serving alongside Lt. Helmer in the same unit was a friend of his, the Canadian military doctor and artillery commander Major John McCrae.

As the brigade doctor, John McCrae was asked to conduct the burial service for Alexis as the unit chaplain had been called away somewhere else on duty that evening. It is believed that later that evening, after the burial, John began the draft for his now famous poem “In Flanders Fields”.

For those looking to join in a faith based Remembrance Day service, St. Michael's Cathedral, along with the 2011 Graduating Class of St. Mike's Choir School, will offer a service November 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Take a moment to stop, reflect, give thanks and pray for those who have fallen and for peace, now and always.



In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

It's Raining Nativity Scenes in Toronto - Nov. 10-12

It's just about that time of year when families and churches will unwrap nativity scenes carefully preserved over the last number of months, to celebrate Advent and to prepare for the birth of the Christ child.

For centuries, the "nativity scene" (also referred to as a crèche) has popped up worldwide, depicting the arrival of the Baby Jesus. The displays vary in composition, size, materials and presentation but all see Christ as the centre of the display, the story, the miracle that we call Christmas.

In an increasingly secular world and in a country and city that, at times, seem reluctant to call Christmas Christmas, it's refreshing to see a crew heading to town that unabashedly celebrates the occasion and the visual representation that comes with the manger scene.

Yes, in just a few short days, The Friends of the Crèche Conference will be held in Toronto, a full fledged convention that will include Ecumenical Prayer, discussions, workshops, socializing and of course, plenty of crèches. It all takes place November 10-12 - full details available online.

From far and wide they will come, just as did the wise men from the east, to celebrate all things nativity. With workshops like "The Crèche in Time of War", "Journeys of the Nativity", "Displaying, Animating & Caring for your Crèche", it will be a full out crèche fix for those with a passion for angels, animals, kings, Mary and the baby Jesus.

St. James Anglican Cathedral agreed to host and organize the event on the request of the American Branch of a worldwide organization of Friends of the Crèche - the original group started over 100 years ago in Europe and has grown to branches in 19 countries around the world with its headquarters in Rome. The Americans joined as a conference after a meeting in 1999 in you guessed it, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. On their website they list the goals of the "friends" as the following:

To learn more about the crèche tradition: how it developed, and how it is expressed in our own and other cultures.
To make better known the tradition of the crèche.
To serve as a source of information about crèches.
To encourage artists to create crèches.
To promote crèche exhibits.
To establish relationships with crèche associations in other countries.

Check out a great piece they've penned on the history of nativity scenes here.

This is the first time the convention has been held in Canada and the "Friends" will gather at the Royal York in Toronto, likely home to a few nativity scenes in its day. Registrants have been confirmed from 27 states in the USA, 6 provinces as well as participants from Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.

A major exhibit of crèches assembled from institutions and personal collections across the entire continent will demonstrate its continued importance to so many. One in particular was made in a prisoner of war camp during World War II, and with the convention also coinciding with Remembrance Day, it's a most appropriate time to delve into this part of crèche connection.

All the crèche conference details are wrapped up online here.

So thanks to the "Friends of the Crèche" for descending on Toronto and injecting the Advent spirit and long-standing tradition of the nativity scene in our city. To the participants: while you're here, feel free to drop off a crèche at City Hall the Eaton Centre, Queen's Park and any other spot you think has misplaced the reason for the season.

Welcome to all who will be part of this celebration - if you can't seem to track them down, just follow the star...

Catholic Family Services Hosts Mass re: Woman Abuse Nov. 3

Sadly, each day in our community, women continue to be abused. The numbers are not encouraging. Every year, more than 33,000 women across the nation suffer from some form of abuse, most often, from a loved one.

To put that in perspective, the population of Orillia is about 30,000. So think, if you will, of every single resident of that community being abused at some point in the year and that's what you have across our country. Even more upsetting is that this often happens quietly, unreported, in some cases, under the auspices of a "loving relationship".

Catholic Family Services of Toronto continues to shine a light in the darkness when it comes to this issue. For the 2nd year, the organization is hosting a Mass this week to draw attention to the plight of those abused, pray for all those impacted and to offer hope in the form of support services to begin the healing process.

St. Clare's Parish in downtown Toronto will serve as the venue for this year's Mass, at which pastor Fr. Vito Marziliano will preside on Thursday, November 3 at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend - Mass will be followed by a light meal. Full details can be found here.

The passionate staff at CFS Toronto make a profound impact in our community, not only through organizing this spiritual gathering to come together as people of faith; they're also rolling up their sleeves and offering a host of programs to those most in need, in a culturally sensitive environment.

A wonderful extension of their work is the close partnership they have established with many local parishes and chapters of the Catholic Women's League as well as the expansion of an ever-growing volunteer mentorship program.

From the Catholic Family Services of Toronto website:

Woman Abuse Services can be accessed by calling the North Office at (416) 222-0048. The program focuses on providing a safe and supportive environment to abused women and their families, including those who have been sexually abused, in which they can receive counselling, support, education, and information on other support services in the community. The services are provided through individual, couple, family and group counselling. Assessments and service plans are jointly developed to determine the most appropriate way to provide a focused service.

SAFE TO SHARE

This is our early pathway to service for women who have experienced intimate partner abuse. Support and safety planning are offered. This group is offered weekly and women can attend as needed. Child care is available and TTC tokens provided, if needed. There is no fee for this group.

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING

Individual counselling works with the woman to assist her in healing from the impact of abuse and develop a safety plan for her and her family. The process starts with the woman and her counsellor making an assessment and identifying goals that will be worked on in counselling.

COUPLE COUNSELLING
This service is offered to couples where issues of woman abuse may have been identified at intake. It is a one-session assessment, taking up to two hours. The goals are to determine safety and to make recommendations regarding which services would be appropriate.

FAMILY COUNSELLING
Where issues of woman abuse have been identified and the parents have separated, services to the mother and children are usually offered through the Here to Help group program. Screening is done to assess for suitability.

GROUPS FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN

Safe to Share Women Support Group
Understanding Abuse
Here to Help

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN
This is a peer based support service provided by trained volunteer mentors to assist women receiving counselling for the impact of abuse. The service may be provided individually to the women to assist in breaking their isolation or in speaking engagements to the community to heighten awareness of woman abuse.

PROGRAMS HELPING MEN END ABUSE
Choosing to Change
Being a Dad

It's clear that CFS Toronto has chosen to lead the way in providing support to those afflicted by the scourge of abuse in our community. We can all do our part - if you know of someone in an abusive relationship or who has been a victim of abuse, refer them to Catholic Family Services.

One phone call or inquiry could be the first step required to address an issue that may have gone on for weeks, months or even years. Every individual deserves to live in an abuse free environment. To those who have been afflicted by abuse, we have a responsibility to ensure that there are no more days living in darkness. In a very special way, Catholic Family Services is that beacon of hope for a new tomorrow. For all that they do, we give thanks.