Provincial Newsletter - Congregation of the Resurrection, Priests ...

ProvincialNewsletterOntario-KentuckyProvinceNovember, 2008

Superiors’ ConferenceA. Presentations by Mike BrehlFrom October 14-16, 2008, the province’slocal leaders gathered atResurrection College fortheir annual conference.Father Mike Brehl, theCanadian RedemptoristProvincial offered threepresentations. In eachpresentation he drewfromthe members’ presentday realities: howFr. Mike Brehl, C.Ss.Rthe culture in North America has changed in the40 years since Vatican II, the changes in religiouslife in the past 40 years, and styles of religiousleadership since the Second Vatican Council.In the first presentation dealing with theculture we were reminded of the advances in technology;the deconstruction of authority and institutions;how the standard of living has improveddramatically; that our culture has been changedby immigration, a change in moral standards,secularism, consumerism. These changes haveengendered in many of us: fatigue, ego-centrism,a sense of entitlement, greed, insecurity, fear, alack of trust, etc.In the second presentation Father Brehlbegan by referring to a document of Pope PaulVI. In the document the pope challenged religiousto be faithful to the Lord, to be in touchwith the signs of the times, to take bold initiatives,to be constant in generosity, to be humblein face of adversity and to be part of the Church.Father Brehl expanded on each of these pointsand related them to the paschal mystery and ourdocument, The Vision of Hope. The PaschalMystery involves death to self for the sake of allpeople. At this point we were asked to describeour life as religious over the past forty years. Afew words had a positive connotation, but mostwere negative. Father Brehl picked up on oneword that encapsulated many of the others, notonly for us, but for most religious communities:diminishment. This sense of diminishment pro-duces fear and a feeling of powerlessness. Thusit is important that we talk about our fears and atthe same time realize what we can do and whatwe cannot do. The Vision of Hope does not giveus a plan but rather criteria, namely: focus on astyle of community living which is engaging,assisting and praying, collaborate with the laityand remember that we are an international community.These criteria are to influence our plansfor the future. Father Brehl reminded us that ourpersonal, communal and societal hope is rootedin the paschal mysteryIn the third presentation Father Brehlspoke about the role of leaders. He shared sixleadership principles worked out by his owncommunity. They are: authority is for mission;leadership as a co-responsible task; decentralizationand subsidiarity; solidarity; flexibility; andcollegiality. A leader, at any level, is a “keeper”of the charism of the group, leads with mercyand compassion, is the convenor of the group,safeguards the vulnerable, and administers withprudence. He suggested from what he heard fromthe group that some of the tasks our communityfaces are: expressing our fears and having themacknowledged; choosing apostolates in a time ofdiminishment and planning our future mission;what community means to us. When working atthese tasks we ought to be guided by the threecriteria of the Vision of Hope as given above.This year’s superiors’ conference wasprepared in light of our upcoming 2010 provincialchapter and the 2011 general chapter. Thefocus for next year’s conference will continue inthe same manner as we prepare for these two importantCongregational gatherings.B. Reports by Various GroupsFour groups were asked to report at theconference.Faith and Justice CommitteeToby Collins and Murray McDermott reportedon behalf of the committee. Toby reportedhow the 2007 provincial chapter mandated thecommittee and suggested climate change as themajor concern. From a survey two other topics

surfaced, human trafficking and elderly care.Toby referred to the movie by Al Gore whichstressed how modern society is consuming resourcesfaster than nature can replenish them.Andre Beauchamp speaks of four bombs whichthreaten us and the planet: the D-bomb referringto the demographic of an explosive world population;the P-bomb which refers to the environmentaleffect of pollution; the C-bomb which isthe rampant consumerism of our societies; andthe I-bomb referring to the inequality/iniquity/injustice present in the world.Murray spoke briefly about human trafficking.There was also a discussion that focusedon the purchase of cars as a means to reduce pollution.Opinions both in favour of hybrid carsand opinions which questioned their suitabilityand practicality were expressed.Vocational MattersIn the absence of Jim Donohue, the currentVocational Director, Bob Liddy gave a reportfor this group. He continues to be a memberof the Formation Committee and the contact personfor men interested in religious life. He celebratesMass three times a week for students andothers at SJU and is involved in student retreatsat McMaster University and St. Jerome’s.As pre-novitiate director he explainedthe program of Frank Brick: part time studies atthe Toronto School of Theology through St. AugustineSeminary while living at the Manor inWaterloo as well as involvement in work at theManor and activities in the area. He stated thathe was in contact with a number of young menand encouraged members to actively engage menin considering a religious vocation. Members canforward names of interested candidates to Bobwho will maintain contact with them. The importanceof a current and interesting vocational website for the community was stressed.Some enquirers are seeking religious lifefor unsuitable reasons. Others lack support ofparents. We need to help change the attitude ofparents toward their children entering religiouslife.Financial ReportIn her report, Susan Millar the provincialtreasurer, highlighted the sources of our provincialincome and the major operational expenses.We have been able to maintain a balanced budgetfor the last number of years, but with risingretirement costs there is danger of a yearly deficit.She encouraged members living in Ontario tocomplete income tax forms and to request rebateswhich are applicable; also, to obtain health insurancewhen travelling if the regular policies donot cover expenses outside the country/province.Copies of her report were given to each superiorwho can share it with house members.2010 Provincial ChapterThe fourth report was given by Dan Lobsingeron planning for the 2010 Provincial Chapter.He explained the makeup of the committee,its first meeting with the facilitator, Sister BrendaPeddigrew, RSM, and the general direction takenby the committee. He encouraged superiors to respondto the questions sent out by the committeeconcerning the style of chapter which memberswish to have in 2010.C. Issues submitted by the LocalHousesThe final session of the conference was ageneral discussion and information sharing on thevarious issues suggested by local houses. Againthere was an interesting exchange concerningthe purchase of hybrid cars. On other matters

it was suggested that: the provincial newsletterbe distributed via e-mail; distant houses be keptinformed about community news; we have presentationson religious life open to the generalmembership especially for the first evening ofthe Superiors’ Conference; a prayer network beset up among those living at the Manor; we domore in regard to future planning; more informationbe given to the members concerning thestatus of Resurrection Centre; the province reintroducePastoral Days; we have the communityretreat earlier than August; travel expenses forvacations should be a personal budget expenseand not a local house expense; the title “superior”should be changed to “leader”; and we look at theviability of maintaining the provincial house.The following clarifications were made:when a religious is transferred he does not takewith him a computer paid for by the parish; whena religious is transferred, the parish or local housewhich he is leaving pays for the moving expenses;when a member uses the allowance offered bythe diocese through the parish to pay for a membershipat a fitness club, the amount received isto be deducted from the $1,000.00 allowed bythe local house for health and wellness; the donationto the Roman House for a papal blessing is$75.00; each house is still expected to celebratethe monthly or yearly Masses set out in the Constitutions.Jubilarian CelebrationOn Thursday, October 16, 2008 five memberswere recognized for their years of serviceto the Church and the Congregation. Three werecelebrating the 25th anniversary of their priestlyordination: Jim Donohue, Joe Scollard and AdamWroblewicz. Fred Scinto celebrated 40 years ofpriestly ministry and Frank Ruetz celebrated his50th anniversary.A Eucharistic liturgy was held at St. LouisParish in Waterloo with the families of the honourees,Congregational members and provincebenefactors present. Our provincial superior, SamRestivo, presided over the assembly and FredScinto preached the homily. Joseph deViveiroswas the master of ceremonies and the parish folkchoir led the music. In his homily Fred emphasizedhow God initiates and guides the relationshipwe have with the Divine and the work towhich we are called. Thanks to Tim Uniac forgraciously hosting us at St. Louis Church and toJoseph deViveiros for arranging the liturgy.After the Eucharistic liturgy the groupgathered at the Waterloo Inn for a reception andmeal. The jubilarians were introduced by a provincemember or a lay person and then had theopportunity to express their appreciation of theircall to mission through respective ministries.L’Arche AnniversaryRecently L’Arche Stratford celebrated its35th anniversary. Murray McDermott, who hasworked with L’Arche for over twenty years, haswritten an article for this occasion; it is includedwith this newsletter.Resurrectionist MissionsRecently a committee was established topromote and oversee the disbursement of fundsreceived by the province to the various missionsin which CR’s work. Several generous donationshave been received and the Canadian governmentspecifies that we cannot simply pass alongthe money, but need to have direct control overwhere and how the money is spent, including detailedfinancial documentation. The committeeconsists of Susan Millar, our provincial treasurer,Terry McGuire and Jerry Kroetsch. Following upon requests received from Bolivia and Tanzania,the committee has recommended to the provincialcouncil that sixteen computers and necessaryaccessories be purchased for the San MiguelParish office, the San Miguel parish library andSantiago de Collana Mission Centre at a cost ofapproximately 35,000.00 American dollars. Inorder to ensure that the purchase meets the guidelinesof the Canadian government Fathers TerryMcGuire and Jerry Kroetsch will be visiting LaPaz at the end of November. The committee isalso in the process of purchasing a Toyota Hilluxtruck for the Mission in Tanzania.

NewslettersWe are considering sending our newslettersby email rather than mailing them. Thiswould save money for postage, and would allowall areas of the Province to receive the news at thesame time. Currently, those in Bermuda, Floridaand Kentucky have to wait a week or longer forthe newsletter to arrive when it is sent by regularmail. Those who do not have email wouldcontinue to receive a hard copy of the newsletter.Please let the Provincial Office know if you havea concern about the suggested plan of emailingthe newsletters.Resurrectionist VestmentsThere is an opportunity to order or reorderResurrectionist vestments. Please consideradding to your collection of our beautiful newvestments. You can also place a brand new order.The items and prices are as follows:Presider Chasuble with Risen Lord$715.00Concelebrant Chasuble with the Banner$520.00Dalmatic with the Banner$520.00Exterior Deacon Stole with Banner$209.00Exterior Concelebrant Stole with Banner$209.00Funeral Pall$1095.00Cope with Risen Lord on Capuche only$1105.00Please have your order into Patti by Friday, November28, 2008.These Vestments were Exclusively andEspecially designed for us by Maison Bouvrier.They would be wonderful additions to your houseand/or parish community!Email Changes:John Cline -- brojo@sentex.netAdam Wroblewicz -- adamwr@rogers.comLiving the MissionResearch has demonstrated that the firstfive years post-ordination constitute a vulnerableperiod for newly ordained priests. NorthAmerican dioceses and religious congregations,concerned about providing a solid foundation fortheir recently ordained, have opted for the “FirstFive Year Ordination Program”. The followingare a few that have taken the lead: The Archdioceseof Toronto, The Archdiocese of Louisville,the Canadian Jesuits and the Canadian Redemptorists.The Ontario-Kentucky Province, throughthe unanimous decision of the provincial council,has chosen to provide this support for Toby Collinsimmediately following his transition fromDeacon to taking on the additional responsibilitiesof ordained priesthood. Toby has respondedenthusiastically to the program during his firstyear of ordained ministry.The program includes on-site mentoringfrom his pastor, Sudie MacDonald; spiritual direction;ministry supervision by an accreditedclinical pastoral education supervisor; use of aconfessor; and participation in the “Early PriestProgram” at St. Meinrad’s Institute for Priests andPresbyterates. This support provides Toby withthe opportunity to discuss and explore pastoralexperiences that are unique, complex or encounteredfor the first time. Toby has been workingdirectly with Jim Donohue who was appointedby the provincial council to coordinate the variouscomponents of the program.Toby is to be commended for respondingwhole-heartedly to his ongoing formation inservice of the gospel. The province is confidentthat this “First Five Year Ordination Program”will offer Toby a firm foundation as he beginsto effectively realize the mission of resurrectingsociety in pastoral ministry in today’s culture.Larry BordonaroAs indicated in a previous e-mail message,it is with sadness that we inform you thatLarry Bordonaro, CR has requested to departreligious life in the Congregation and incardinateinto the Archdiocese of Toronto. Again, thisis not a request for exclaustration but immedi-

ate incardination. Larry has sent his petitiondirectly to Norbert Raszeja, CR, the SuperiorGeneral. Larry has been in ministry in the Archdiocesesince 1996. He first served as AssociateJudicial Vicar and is currently Judicial Vicar forthe Toronto Regional Marriage Tribunal whichoversees most of the dioceses in the province ofOntario. Please remember Larry in your prayerduring this time of transition for him and for us.Jan KoniecznyAs you know, Jan is a member of the PolishProvince. Tadeusz Gajda, C.R., the Provincialof the Polish Province, recently informed SamRestivo, C.R. that he has given permission to Janto minister as a parish priest in the Diocese of St.John’s, Newfoundland, effective immediately.His new address is P.O. Box 449, St. Anthony,Newfoundland, AOK 4S0. His new phone andfax number is 709-454-8473. We wish Jan wellin his new assignment.Juliusz FiglakThrough mutual discernment betweenFather Juliusz Figlak, Father Tadeusz Gajda, thePolish Provincial, and Father Sam Restivo, it hasbeen decided that Juliusz will return to Polandin January 2009. As you know, Juliusz came toCanada in September to explore the possibility ofministry in Canada. The adjustment to Canada,in all its many aspects, at this time in his earlypriesthood, has been more of a challenge than herealized. If Juliusz is to deepen and strengthenhis commitment to religious life and ordainedpriesthood in the Congregation, it seems thathe will need to do so, first and foremost, in hisown milieu. Juliusz successfully completed partone of the English language course at RenisonCollege this fall. To express his gratitude to themembers of the province, Juliusz has offered tominister in one of our parishes over the Adventand Christmas season before returning to Poland.He will serve at St. Joseph’s Parish in Brantfordand assist Father Adam Wroblewicz. Juliusz hasbeen encouraged to consider pastoral ministry inCanada at a later time in his religious life andordained priesthood.St. Jerome’s FeastOn Thursday, November 6th,several members of the Congregationof the Resurrectionattended the 8th annual St. Jerome’sFeast in the D.R. LetsonCommunity Centre at St. Jerome’sUniversity.The program included a gourmet buffetand the presentation of the Chancellor JohnSweeney Award to the Honorable John Milloy,MPP for Kitchener Centre. Mr. Milloy is a leadingCatholic in public life and is a strong supporterof the issues surrounding Catholic postsecondaryeducation. He is currently Minister ofTraining, Colleges and Universities for the OntarioProvincial government.Money raised from the 2008 Feast will beused to fund students involved in service learningexperiences in conjunction with various agenciesas part of the new St. Jerome’s Centre for ResponsibleCitizenship. This Centre, rooted in Catholicsocial tradition, “creates educational and serviceexperience for St. Jerome’s students who wantto put their knowledge, skills and gifts to use inthe pursuit of a more just and peaceable world.”(quote taken from the evening’s program).House CouncillorsSeveral houses have elected councillorsand a bursar since our community directory wasprinted; please make the following additions:St. Agatha House1st Councillor: John Cline2nd Councillor: Bernie HayesBursar: Charlie FedyBermuda House1st Councillor: Paul Voisin2nd Councillor: Vlad SobolewskiBursar: Joe PalubeskiFlorida House1st Councillor: Lorford Keasey2nd Councillor: Bill LaFlammeBursar: Norm Choate

Murray McDermott, MC for the eveningAdam Wroblewicz,ordained 25 yearsJubilarian CelebrationOctober 16, 2008J.J. Johnstone introducing Adam WroblewiczFred Scinto, ordained 40 yearsFrank Ruetz, ordained 50 years

Community ChristmasCelebrationTuesday, December 30Resurrection Manor4:30 pmLiturgy of the Hours, St. Eugene’s Chapel5:00 pmCocktails, Resurrection Manor6:00 pmDinner, Resurrection Manorrsvp to the Provincial Office by Dec. 15