Fall & Winter 2011

Catholic OttawaWhy the Sacred Heart devotion still makes sense today

World Youth Day this year included several days in the Archdiocese of Valladolid. There, we

learned of the recently beatified Blessed Bernard Hoyos, a Jesuit born 300 years ago who died after less than a year as a priest.

Bernard, like St. Margaret Mary, had mystical experiences of the Sacred Heart. One day, Bernard experienced the Lord giving him a mission: “I wish you to spread the devotion to my Sacred Heart throughout Spain.” From then on, he did all he could to follow the Lord’s command, forming collaborators to communicate the essence of the Sacred Heart devotion. Bernard distributed prayer cards and leaflets and founded associations in honour of the Sacred Heart. But the best way he spread this devotion was through his personal witness to the love of Christ.

Popes regularly ask the Jesuit Order to do as Bernard did, which has led to the creation of the Apostleship of Prayer association in many countries. St. Therese of Lisieux joined and I also did while I was in high school.(Continued on page 2)

By Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J.

The Word grew and multiplied – Acts 12:24

Each year, I suggest a theme to unify and nourish the spiritual

and pastoral life of the faithful of Ottawa.

For the 2011-2012 Pastoral Year, I have chosen a theme to help us focus on Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini: “The Word of God grew and multiplied” (Acts 12:24).

A tree is fertile when fruit grows – fruit that nourishes. The Word of God bears fruit when it is translated into attitudes and actions that build a community of faith.

One cannot talk about growth without talking about life. The Word of God cannot live if it remains… ink on paper, in a book gathering dust on bookshelves.

To bear fruit, the Word of God must be sown, take flesh through proclamation and preaching, or in teaching. It is also sown through

words of encouragement given to those in need. (Continued on page 2)

By Archbishop Prendergast

We can share the Word of God in many ways. Here, a priest sings about his call to the priesthood in front of 19 Canadian bishops and 6,000 young people from Canada during World Youth Day in Madrid

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(Continued from page 1 - The Word grew and multiplied – Acts 12:24)

While preaching and teaching require special training, anyone can speak words of encouragement – words filled with faith and hope.

A number of times, I have spoken of lectio divina – a simple way of reading, reflecting and praying on God’s Word so that our hearts can be ever more open to God’s will for our lives. I encourage families to acquire

a Bible, if they do not have one, and to read the Bible on a regular basis individually and, when possible, with family members, friends and fellow parishioners.Opening parish meetings and other activities with the reading of a biblical passage or scripturally-based prayer will help meet the Holy Father’s hope that the Bible be at the heart of all the Church’s life and activities.

(Continued from page 1 - Why the Sacred Heart devotion still makes sense today)

Why does the Sacred Heart devotion still make sense today?

Essentially, the Sacred Heart devotion connects faith to everyday life. The idea of the Apostleship of Prayer is to make use of a simple prayer – the Morning Offering – to link our lives and all we do to the Mass and then

to end each day with a prayerful review so as to plan for the morrow. When disciples link their lives to the fiery love of the Heart of Jesus, their hearts are set on fire. It’s a spirituality that makes sense in the busy times in which we live. Try it each morning; it will grow on you. For particulars, check our archdiocesan website at www.CatholicOttawa.ca or visit www.apostleshipofprayer.org.

Catholic Ottawa Page 2

Archbishop’s Office

Ottawa pilgrims visited Valladolid during the Days in the Diocese in August

~ † ~

Archbishop’s Advent Christmas Reception

Sunday, December 18, 20113:00 pm – Concert at

Notre Dame Cathedral4:00 pm – Reception in

the Cathedral HallAll are invited!

~ † ~

A diocesan priest of Ottawa, Fr. Bob Bedard founded the Companions of the Cross, a priestly Society of Apostolic Life recognized by the Holy See and the Servants of the Cross now seeking church approbation. This is an example of how the Word grew and multiplied in Ottawa. Fr. Bob Bedard passed away on October 6, 2011 and his funeral was held on October 12, 2011 at Notre Dame Cathedral.

Fall & Winter 2011Page 3

Archbishop’s Office

The Archbishop’s Charity Dinner benefits families

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J. hosted his annual charity dinner on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. More than 700 Catholics once again generously supported this event. Three important local charitable

organizations were designated as the beneficiaries of this year’s dinner.Catholic Centre for Immigrants promotes and facilitates the reception of newcomers to Canada. The Centre sensitizes the community to address newcomers’ needs and invites it to respond; it also assists newcomers in realizing their full potential in Canadian society. Services offered include temporary accommodations and housing assistance, orientation, settlement, and integration, language and cultural interpretation, community development, education, and outreach, as well as employment searches.

Catholic Family Service Ottawa is a non-profit charitable organization, offering a range of social services in English and French to all residents of Ottawa. Professional, qualified staff, through a variety of programs designed to strengthen and empower individuals and families, provide these services. Catholic Family Service Ottawa was founded in 1940 and incorporated in 1968. They received their designation under the French Language Services Act (1986) in 1992.

The Waupoos Foundation is a Christ-centred community integrating its “Pray, Work and Play” motto in its activities while providing vacations to families in need. The late Rev. Fred McGee, OMI, and members of the Cursillo movement, founded the Waupoos Family Farm, near the corner of Rideau Road and Albion Road, in 1980. The ministry is a marriage of the charism of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – to evangelize the poor – and the call on cursillistas to do good deeds.

Gold sponsors

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Sisters of Charity OttawaSouthway Inn/Shallows RestaurantVincent Dagenais Gibson LLP

Silver sponsors

Allegra Print & ImagingCatholic Mutual CanadaDeloitteHKMV HUB InternationalKelly Funeral HomesNational Bank Financial Group

Bronze sponsors

Aramark Québec Inc.Club Optimiste de Vanier Companions of the CrossEdward J. Cuhaci and Associates Architects Inc.Emond Harnden LLPGreen Shield CanadaHope CemeteryTD Waterhouse Private Trust ServicesUBS Global Asset Management (Canada) Co. Vice Hunter Labrosse LLP

Thanks to our sponsors

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORSMERCI À NOS COMMANDITAIRES

Ottawa Catholic School BoardConseil des écoles catholiques de langue française du Centre-Est

Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien

GOLD / OR

SILVER / ARGENT

BRONZE

SPECIAL THANKS TO / REMERCIEMENTS SPÉCIAUX À

COMPANIONS OF THE CROSS

Catholic Ottawa Page 4

English Pastoral

Most priests are happy, appreciate celibacy

Most priests are happy, appreciate celibacy, said

Monsignor Stephen Rossetti. Priests in general are among the happiest members of society, he added, and contrary to secular opinion, most embrace celibacy as a positive aspect of their vocation. These were some of the conclusions outlined by Monsignor Rossetti in his book Why Priests are Happy: A Study of the Psychological and Spiritual Health of Priests (Ave Maria Press).

The author, who is currently serving as associate dean for seminary and ministerial programs at The Catholic University of America, also wrote Born of the Eucharist, The Joy of Priesthood, and When the Lion Roars. As a licensed psychologist, Monsignor Rossetti previously worked as president and CEO of

Saint Luke’s Institute, a treatment and education center for clergy and religious.

The author surveyed 2,500 priests, and made discoveries that modern society might find surprising. He explained some of these findings, including the correlation between a priest’s happiness and his relationship with God and others, and the signs of hope for the future of the priesthood.

Priests are among the happiest people in the country. Some modern thinkers suggest that the only way to true human happiness is to be freed from the constraints of religion. They see religion as repressive of one’s true human freedom and humanity. Thus, using this logic, being a priest must be the unhappiest life of all. Therefore, to hear that priests are among the happiest people in the country is met with disbelief.

The fact of priestly happiness is a fundamental and powerful challenge to the modern secular mind. But for us Christians, it only confirms the truths of our faith. Jesus prayed, “That my joy might be yours, and your joy might be complete.”

Joy is one of the unmistakable fruits of the Holy Spirit. To be truly and fully Christian is to know God’s gift of joy. The secular mind searches for this joy, but it is looking in the wrong place.

It only makes sense that those men who have dedicated their lives in the service of God and others in the Catholic faith as priests would be slowly and gently filled by God with an inner happiness and joy.

Jesus promised us his joy and it is demonstrably true.

By Fr. Joseph Muldoon, E.V.

Youth leadership training conference

The Archdiocese of Ottawa is hosting a national youth

ministry training conference from March 9-11. Every two years, the Canadian Catholic Youth Ministry Network (CCYMN) organizes this

event to help equip those involved in youth ministry. Workshops and talks will offer useful tools that can be applied when training volunteers and when ministering in parishes, schools, or through movements. The theme is “Be still and know

that I am God” – a reminder that we need a strong prayer life, especially when we are busy. For more information, visit www.bestill.ca or contact Ted Hurley: thurley@archottawa.ca.

By Ted Hurley

The new evangelization of young adults

The new evangelization is happening at Carleton

University. As the part-time chaplain on campus, I work closely with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO). In the first week, they contacted 300 students, and 100 signed up for faith studies.

What a joy it is to meet the students in the “orbit” of CCO, who are attracted by the joy that is so evident among these young Catholics. In our times, the faith must be

passed on person to person, through genuine friendship. Our friendship with Christ leads us naturally to want to share Him with others.

In my first week, I met a young Muslim man who feels drawn by Christ and wants to learn more. I gave him a Bible and I ordered a YOUCAT for him (the youth Catechism handed out at World Youth Day). Another young man expressed his interest in the priesthood. It’s helpful that I am also the vocations director for the Archdiocese of Ottawa.

St. Margaret Mary’s parish also welcomes students for the Eucharist every Saturday at 5:00 p.m. The music ministers, sacristan, lectors, and servers are all students, expertly coordinated by the CURCC executive (Carleton University Roman Catholic Chaplaincy). Please pray for many conversions at Carleton, at the University of Ottawa, and in every parish, that the spirit of the new evangelization may sweep through our country. Also, pray for vocations to the priesthood in Ottawa.

By Fr. Tim McCauley

Fall & Winter 2011Page 5

English Pastoral

How World Youth Day 2011 strengthened my faith

“The WYD pilgrimage showed me that there is purpose in suffering. Sometimes, we suffer to love our neighbours, love God, or learn to better love ourselves. During these two weeks, we have given up food, sleep, shelter and our comfortable routines for the sake of the Kingdom of God.” -Alicia Cameron

“As a Catholic, it is important for me to receive the Eucharist. However, due to health reasons, I was unable to during the pilgrimage. I was deeply frustrated, but that frustration turned into prayer, which turned into a hunger and burning desire to receive Christ into my life and experience Him

in a new way. It has given me a new appreciation for the Holy Sacrament.” -Serena Williamson

“The WYD 2011 experience in Madrid gives me great hope for vocations to the priesthood. I have seen thousands of young men from around the world willing to give their lives for Christ by serving His Church. Many other young men have expressed interest in knowing more about the priesthood. I think that WYD really helps to encourage vocations. In fact, that is part of my journey to the priesthood. After WYD 2005 in Germany, I returned home excited about learning what steps I had to take to respond to

God’s call to be a priest in the Archdiocese of Ottawa.” -Matthew Keshwah, Seminarian

“I expected the climax of our pilgrimage to be the closing vigil and Mass. Being denied entrance and later hearing stories from pilgrims who made it to these events was difficult until Archbishop Prendergast pointed out how the Lord allowed each of us to experience it in our own way for a reason. I realized that God wove our experiences together into a common quilt so that we could learn things from one another that we couldn’t on our own.” -Matthew Bisson

World Youth Day (WYD) pilgrims from Ottawa recall their experience in Spain this summer.

National Federation of Presbyteral Councils’ AGM

The National Federation of Presbyteral Councils held its

AGM in Ottawa Sept.19-23. This group is composed of priests who meet by region – the Atlantic region, the Central region and the Western region, and once a year,

they come together from across the country for their AGM.

There were 35 priests representing the English dioceses of Canada who met to discuss issues of financial accountability in parishes and the manner in which priests live out their human lives in their faith communities. The priests were

guided in their discussions by a team from the Southdown Institute in Toronto led by Sr. Miriam Ukeritis and Dr. Philip Dodgson. This Centre aims to bring healing and wholeness to priests and religious men and women dealing with various addictions. The sessions were held at St. Theresa’s Church.

By Fr. Joseph Muldoon, E.V. and Local Representative for Ottawa

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast celebrated Mass in Madrid with the Ottawa pilgrims after the Closing Mass with Pope Benedict XVI. Many of the youth couldn’t make it in to the site and the Eucharist wasn’t given to the 2 million who attended the Mass with the pope because the storm during the vigil collapsed the tents that kept the hosts

Catholic Ottawa Page 6

English Pastoral

Be compassionate and generous this Christmas

Poverty reduction and the needs of frail seniors continue to be

priorities on the social justice agenda. Housing is a key cost in addressing poverty and archdiocesan support for the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) is important.

Deacons Bob Birch and Hugh O’Donnell became active MHI board members at the May AGM. The Ontario Social Assistance Review Commission visited Ottawa at St. Joseph’s church this summer to meet with citizens living on disability and welfare subsidies. We joined in this effort of assisting, recording, and analysing the key elements of poverty in the city.

One of those elements for the poor, and also for seniors as noted by the Council on Aging, is the complexity of the provincial systems in place to provide assistance. Both of these groups need committed supportive volunteers to help navigate the complexities of the respective

systems. In September, Joe Gunn and his ecumenical team at Citizens for Public Justice launched a beautiful series of prayers and reflections on our Christian responsibility to tackle poverty and justice in Canada. Their little book Living Justice: A Gospel Response to Poverty is available in Ottawa by email: cpj@cpj.ca.

Another growing and outstanding call upon Christian discipleship is the loneliness of seniors living in

long-term care facilities in our hospitals and related dedicated facilities. We need someone to work with us to recruit volunteers from our Catholic community who will bring compassion and human justice to our aging population. Please remember to feed the growing numbers of our hungry neighbours as we head into Christmas and the winter. These issues were brought up during the fall meeting of the executives of the CWL councils.

By Patricia Marsden-Dole

Left to right: Colleen Randall outgoing president of the diocesan CWL, Fr. Joe Muldoon, and Heather Sisk incoming president of the diocesan CWL

The Evangelizing Parish Institute at St. Basil’s Parish

The North American Forum on the Catechumenate in

partnership with the Archdiocese of Ottawa held the Evangelizing Parish: Vision, Passion, Practice Institute at St. Basil’s Parish with participants from the archdiocese and other neighbouring dioceses. Catherine Ecker and Fr. Roy Roberts, members of the NA Forum and both actively engaged in the Archdiocese of Toronto facilitated the institute.

The Friday evening opened with a welcome from the archdiocese, followed by prayer and an overview of the institute. The vision of evangelizing a parish was

reflected upon and followed by a ritual of thanksgiving for baptism, reminding us of our baptismal call to bring the Gospel to others through our service to one another in our parish communities, our country, and our world. Baptism has made us a chosen race brought into this marvelous light to share God’s love with one another and with all of creation. The evening closed with a social gathering providing an opportunity for all present to become acquainted with one another.

The following day began with a mystagogical reflection on the ritual of thanksgiving for baptism. The remainder of the day was spent reflecting on the passion for

evangelizing the parish. We reflected on how we serve one another in our parish communities through the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives as we are opened to the Spirit’s presence. Lastly, we looked at the practice of evangelizing a parish by reflecting on the beatitudes.

The institute closed with a send-off prayer; calling us as communities of faith to reflect on God’s love for us, our parish communities, and for the world. We were challenged to move forward and spread God’s love in our parish communities through our love and concern for one another by praying for each other and doing acts of kindness.

By Carmel Horan

Fall & Winter 2011Page 7

English Pastoral

Environmental Stewardship: the Church as a moral compass

Care for God’s creation is all about moral leadership. In an interview with writer Peter Seewald, Pope

Benedict XVI was asked if humanity was incapable of resolving the threat of climate change. In response, the pope pointed out the need for decisions that follow from a deep moral awareness of global responsibility to the earth and all peoples. This means moving away from current lifestyles that are at the expense of future generations, to lifestyles that reflect “reasonable self-denial (...) without having to exclude entirely the possibilities of our time.” The challenge for the Church is to provide the moral authority that leads to personal lifestyle decisions touched by conscience. In this respect, Pope Benedict remarked that the Church “not only has a major responsibility: she is often the only hope.”

We can see evidence of moral leadership in our community in showing care for God’s creation. Over 40 Catholic schools within our archdiocese have received Eco-School status in 2011. Children and youth with support from teachers, staff, and parents demonstrated achievement in energy conservation, waste minimization, ecological literacy, and school

ground greening. More schools are coming on board this year. Furthermore, an increasing number of parishes are putting into practice ways that demonstrate environmental stewardship. This past spring, Divine Infant Parish joined St. Joseph’s Parish as a recipient of the Greening Sacred Spaces Award provided by the interfaith network Faith and the Common Good. A number of parishes have completed energy efficiency audits and/or are involved in energy saving retrofits that support both economic and environmental sustainability. In coming months, parishes will have an opportunity to participate in a new Greening Sacred Spaces certification program that will recognize parishes that meet qualifying standards of care for the environment. By our example, based on conscience, we demonstrate moral leadership.

For information about Catholic Social Teachings on the environment, as well as on “Green Audits” and energy reduction grant programs, contact John Dorner, Liaison for Environmental Stewardship: jdorner@archottawa.ca.

By John Dorner

Eight men began the revised diaconate formation program

On September 10th, an all-day orientation session was held for the eight aspirants and their wives.

The following weekend, a discernment retreat was held and organized by Fr. Mark Slatter, and he was assisted by deacons Bob Birch and Peter Fan. This was an excellent beginning to the new program, after a three-year break from accepting new aspirants.

Once again, information sessions for the diaconate will be held in various parishes across the archdiocese this winter in February and March. More information will be available in the Friday Fax. The next discernment cycle will begin in September 2012.

The diaconate community retreat

This year’s retreat for the diaconate community was lead by Archbishop Prendergast at Notre-Dame-de-la-Providence retreat house from October 21-23. Photos courtesy of Gary Bourgeois, who was ordained a deacon on August 9, 2011

By Deacon Michael Seath

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Communications Office

Celebrate! – Online resource for the new translation of the Roman Missal

Introduction to the Missal

The Church’s liturgy is constantly adapting to present our faith and spiritual practices more authentically

as our culture continues to change.

The current form of the Mass that we celebrate in English has remained unchanged since it was first implemented over 30 years ago, and we recognize now that we had lost some important content by loosely paraphrasing the Latin prayers into English. With the addition of new saints to the liturgical calendar and some other changes, Blessed Pope John Paul II announced a new Roman Missal in Latin in 2000. Now, it has been richly and authentically translated into English and is ready for us to celebrate.

On the First Sunday of Advent (Nov. 27, 2011), we will begin celebrating with the Third Edition of the Roman Missal. Many prayers at Mass will sound a little different than the words we have used before, but this will give us a fresh opportunity to listen carefully to what we are saying when we pray.

There is an expression that reminds us that what we pray reveals and teaches what we believe: lex orandi, lex credendi. The language in which we pray together at Mass is special because it is a simple, dignified, formal way of talking to God and it helps us remember Who we are praying to – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The new Mass is a fresh, wonderful opportunity for us to experience the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Mass as we praise and glorify God together.

By Fr. Geoffrey Kerslake

In Canada, on the First Sunday of Advent (Nov. 27), we will begin using the latest version of the Roman

Missal. One useful resource to help us prepare is the website http://www.celebrate-liturgy.ca, provided by the liturgical publication Celebrate!

It collects scholarly short articles from the magazine, and a few other places, on a variety of topics connected to the new Missal. A number of articles offer a very general introduction to a specific topic and are easily accessible to a person with little or no previous study of theology. However, some of the more theoretical pieces will be a more challenging read if one does not have some previous exposure to liturgical study.

Because each of the articles is focused on a specific topic, they are able to address a single issue in some depth while being short enough to be read and enjoyed over a single sitting. The website currently has around 60 articles, but more will continue to be added over time. It is a valuable resource, particularly for pastors and persons working on parish or diocesan liturgy committees who would benefit from well-written, concise, articles on the foundations of the new Missal. It is a good place to start browsing for information on the history of the new Missal for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the Liturgy of the Church and how it has developed to its current form. There is no doubt that almost anyone could find an article of interest.

By Fr. Geoffrey Kerslake

We have a new website – www.CatholicOttawa.ca

Our archdiocesan website www.CatholicOttawa.ca now has a photo rotator and is easier to navigate

thanks to the drop-down tabs in our navigation bar. It’s also easier to access the archbishop’s blog and his schedule since the links are at the top of the page on the right (see image below). We are also adding new features to our site, such as confession times – a good reminder to attend the sacrament of reconciliation on a regular basis. Please take some time to browse our website and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us by phone: 613-738-5025 or by email: reception@archottawa.ca.

By Sarah Du Broy

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Communications Office

40 Days for Life branched out to over 300 cities

The fall 2011 40 Days for Life Campaign (Sept. 28 - Nov. 6)

was launched in 301 cities, including 16 in Canada. Under Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) coordinator Paul Lauzon, Ottawa included for the first time the ‘Proclamation of the Word’ component. Every day, for two hours, the Bible was read.

Those who had the opportunity to publicly proclaim the Word described the experience as a personal awakening to the power of God’s Word.

The campaign was launched by a rally on Parliament Hill on Sept. 25. Powerful uplifting talks were given by Doris Gagnon, Ottawa’s courageous sidewalk counsellor, and Ruth Lobo from the Canadian Centre for Bioethical Reform. Inspirational music was led by Marcel Dion. The evening closed with a sombre candlelight procession to the abortion clinic on Bank Street.

The Oct. 16 midpoint rally brought many prayerful vigilers together

at Ground Zero where abundant love and compassion for precious unborn babies was made clear.

A fitting close to the 2011 40 Days for Life Campaign was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Basilica on Nov. 6 with Vespers led by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast and another very moving candlelight procession to Ground Zero.

Planning for the 2012 campaign is already underway. Financial needs for the campaign are significant, and without generous donations, CLC wouldn’t be able to undertake this successful endeavour. For more information, visit: www.40daysfor life.com/ottawa or email: 40daysottawa@gmail.com.

By Paul Lauzon

The IMPACT! on my faith this summer

Last year, I moved away to take an environmental studies

program. I knew that I wanted to bring my faith with me, but I encountered many challenges.

I grew up in a Catholic family attending weekly Mass, getting involved in youth events, and playing guitar in the Church youth band. However, I never really payed attention during Mass, or understood what Mass was all about.

Within my first month of college, I joined a small Catholic group on campus. I was worried about what others would think of my beliefs, but I enjoyed sharing with the group. We were only four, and our events and campus Masses didn’t attract many people. I tried to form a youth band, but despite my efforts, I felt alone and that no one cared. I wondered why I even bothered with my faith. The way I lived my life wasn’t much better.

Excessive drinking and partying became a routine. By the end of the school year, I was drained and experienced anxiety and depression. I knew I needed help.

This summer was an answer to my prayers. At St. Monica’s Parish, I learned about the IMPACT! team and what they were doing here. I figured I’d join a faith study to meet some cool people, stay out of trouble, and try to understand my faith better.

The faith study really helped me understand God’s personal love and mercy for me. In lesson five, I chose to have a personal relationship with Jesus. One question that really stood out was: “If you were to meet Jesus tonight and he asked you Why should I let you into heaven?, What would you answer?” I now intend to spend the rest of my life finding the answer to that question. This past summer, everything fell into place and I discovered who I was.I also heard about the Cornerstone

event that the IMPACT! team was running. After the first time I attended, I was very impressed. I finally felt alive and reassured that there are people that I can relate to. Since taking the faith study, I have attended the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time since receiving the sacrament ten years ago. It took a lot of weight off.

Now, I am at peace knowing that I’m on the right path and that God has a plan for my life. I’m considering sharing the faith study series with my school this year.

By Jeremy Eckert

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In Ottawa, 200 young adults gathered weekly for the Cornerstone. This picture was taken at the May 26 Cornerstone – courtesy of Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO)

Catholic Ottawa Page 10

Communications Office

Papal Mass with seminarians

I was blessed to attend a Mass for seminarians with the pope at the

cathedral in Madrid on Aug. 19. It was scheduled to begin at 10 am. When I arrived at 6:30 am with a brother seminarian from Toronto, we were surprised to see 400 other young men already there. In the next hour, thousands of future priests filled the streets to celebrate the Eucharist with the Vicar of Christ – Pope Benedict XVI. Waiting for the pope to arrive, many young men from around the world prayed their breviary, the rosary, or their Holy Hour. There were so many seminarians present that when the pope’s motorcade arrived, the cheers were deafening: “Viva el Papa! VIVA! (Long live the pope), Benedicto!” (followed by four fast claps), or “Esta es, la juventud del Papa! (This is the youth of the pope!)”

The Mass was absolutely beautiful and a true encounter with the risen Christ in the Eucharist. I felt so close to the action with a gigantic screen in front of me. It was as if I were sitting with Jesus and the 12 Apostles at the Last Supper. It was a special moment that I will always treasure and think of when at Mass.

While it was in Spanish, I understood and followed most of the celebration thanks to my French knowledge and Latin studies at the seminary. The pope told us to persevere in our vocation and personal prayer life. His Holiness said “to be close to Christ, we must be close to the Eucharist; which is the source and summit of our faith.” He stressed how important the sacrament of reconciliation is in the life of

a priest. “A good confessor must first be a regular penitent.” He went on to encourage us to grow in our relationship with Mary, our mother. She is the one who will lead us to – and keep us close to – her son Jesus.

At the end of the Mass, the enormous crowd of seminarians spontaneously sang Tantum Ergo and Salve Regina as the pope processed out. The Tantum Ergo is sung every time we receive benediction (the blessing of the people by the Blessed Sacrament) after a time of Eucharistic Adoration. The Salve Regina is sung (or recited) by every priest before going to bed at night. It is the Marian prayer said at the end of the rosary (Hail Holy Queen).

I wish my dear friends in Ottawa could see the zeal and joy in the eyes of these young men, and that they could hear the enthusiasm in their voices when they sang. These seminarians couldn’t wait to preach the Gospel and give their lives to serve the Church.

I wish Ottawans could see the tremendous love these young men have for Christ and for them – the bride of Christ.

The faith was alive in Spain. While this is not what we normally see in all our young people back home, something special happened there. The Holy Spirit is moving and raising up a generation of young people that are on fire for the Lord. There is great hope for the Church. I pray that there will be much fruit from this World Youth Day, both in Ottawa and the world.

By Matthew Keshwah, Seminarian with the Archdiocese of Ottawa

Papal Mass for seminarians at the cathedral in Madrid during World Youth Day. Photo taken by Matthew Keshwah – Seminarian with the Archdiocese of Ottawa

Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the Eucharist with thousands of seminarians during World Youth Day. Photo taken by Matthew Keshwah

Fall & Winter 2011Page 11

Communications Office

Founded in 1984, the Saint Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Ottawa

is an association of jurists that sponsors and encourages all members of the legal profession to participate in an annual Red Mass as a reminder to all that the law is based on the eternal law of God and divine justice. It has also the objective to familiarize and educate its members and the general public as to the principles, ideals and standards of personal conduct exemplified in the life of Sir Thomas More.

Born in 1477, Sir Thomas More was an English lawyer and politician. He was elected to Parliament in 1504 and Speaker of Parliament in 1523. He became, in 1529, the first lay person to hold the prestigious office of Lord Chancellor of England. Despite the prestige and demands of this office, More was recognized as a devoted family man. His biographers all noted the high level of education he gave to his children, daughters and son, which was unusual at that time. He resigned his Chancellor’s office in 1532, when Henry VIII

was recognized as Supreme Head of the Church in England by the English clergy, with one exception (Bishop John Fisher). Thomas More was executed on July 6, 1535, a few days after Bishop John Fisher. The Catholic Church canonized Saint Thomas More in 1935.

For more information, visit: www.theinquiry.ca/Guild.hide.php.

The Saint Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of OttawaBy Daniel Roussy

Construction at St. Isidore church in Kanata

After many years of planning, our new church will be open for us

to celebrate Christmas.

In Aug. 2010, our old church, built in 1886, was partly demolished to make way for our new church. Site work began in Sept. 2010 and the construction of our new worship space, that will seat 570 people, began in late Feb.

The new church has a construction budget of $5.5 million. To date, the construction is on budget and on schedule. To finance our new church,

our fundraising committee began to raise money in Feb. 2008.

In less than four years, our generous parishioners contributed $2.8 million. Over 900 families have contributed to our new building. Many people outside our parish, including non-Catholics, were very generous in helping us reach our financial objective.

In remembrance of our old church, the new one will retain the stained glass windows, the bell, and a replica of the old steeple.

Archbishop Prendergast will dedicate our new worship space on January 14, 2012.

In 1836, a small chapel was erected on Queen Street for the needs

of the few Catholics in the small village of L’Orignal. In 1839, it was already known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church. With the arrival of more and more French-speaking Catholic settlers, a larger church was built in 1854-1855.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the oldest French parish in the archdiocese. The whole community pulled together to plan

memorable activities and events throughout the year.

Our own Manon Séguin, internationally renowned in the music world, was our ambassador. The last week of June was one of rejoicing. On June 26, the village of L’Orignal hosted a large parade for Saint-Jean-Baptiste that kicked off a week filled with activities, including a concert showcasing great francophone artists. The festive week ended on July 1, where young and old celebrated À l’ombre du clocher.

Magnificent fireworks left the people in awe and supremely proud of their parish and their village.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parish turns 175 years oldBy Louise Bédard

Archbishop Prendergast dedicated the church on July 2, 2011 for its 175th anniversary

By Fr. Virgil Amirthakumar

Fr. Virgil Amirthakumar and Msgr. Kevin Beach at St. Isidore Parish during the construction last summer

Catholic Ottawa Page 12

Communications Office

Sacred places for sacred memories...in the tradition of faith

Hope Cemetery4660 Bank StreetOttawa, ON K1T 3W7 Telephone: 613-822-1212Website: www.hopecemetery.ca

Notre-Dame Cemetery 455 Montreal Road Ottawa, ON K1K 0V2 Telephone: 613-746-4175 Website: http://notredamecemetery.ca

Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Ottawa

Fall & Winter 2011Page 13

Tribunal

The joy of marriage

In the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the Legislator introduces a new explicitness to an important

concept in marriage law; namely, that the marriage aims at, or “is ordered for,” “the good of the spouses” [c. 1055 ]. The expression “the good of the spouses” is pregnant with a richness of meaning because it centres on the consenting persons themselves, who are creatures made in the image of God. The emphasis is laid on the persons who are getting married.

In the Roman Church, marriage is a sacrament and a calling from God for a man and a woman. Its value and effect cannot be overestimated. The core of the sacrament of marriage is the mutual consent of the spouses, which is a simple contract but filled with a range of terminologies; unfolded, as it is, in the Church’s rite and ritual, and publicly expressed by the parties. The model is the mystical marriage of Jesus Christ and the Church. Appropriate grace is obtained in and through sacramental marriage, which stands out among all other sacraments, involving as it does, two persons from somewhat different backgrounds, who do not know all the details of the future and yet choose to accept each other wholly, in the presence of the Church’s minister and the believing, worshipping community. The entire community is expected to pray with them and for them, wishing them well.

The joy of marriage comes from that grace of sacramental married love, and this joy is further nurtured by the spouses in their frequentation of the holy Eucharist. Of course, in their journey together, in their day-to-day manner of living, the spouses need to show and renew and confirm that simple consent that they made to each other - “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in

health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life.”

The conscious experience of an intimate partnership for the whole of life must mean for the married couple a lasting love founded on complementarities, equality, dignity and sacrifice. It does not mean that all the difficulties of life are eliminated. Human difficulties come in every form and in all walks of life, but life and love survive, for God gives grace when needed. Given the virtues of faith, hope and love, the measuring rod that measures the joy of married life is the degree of sacrifice that each spouse makes for the well-being and growth of the other.

This article is the first of a series on the value of Marriage Law and the Tribunal Ministry. In the next issue, the article will be on marriage outside the Church.

By Fr. Vincent Pereira, J.C.D.

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Catholic Ottawa Page 14

Finance

ROMAN CATHOLIC EPISCOPAL CORPORATION OF OTTAWA - GENERAL ADMINISTRATION FUNDStatement of Revenue and Expenses Year ended December 31, 2010 2010 2009Revenue Diocesan Administration Tax $2,412,902 $2,345,082 Properties and parking 1,039,357 935,676 Investments 254,776 264,577 English Pastoral Sector 318,269 312,008 French Pastoral Sector 173,757 149,932 Youth Summit 73,557 0 Donations and Bequests 938,994 1,664,278 Diocesan and Regional Tribunals 31,508 35,916 Episcopal Conferences 64,470 66,505 Chancery and archives 4,955 5,127 Other 150,272 13,961 Campaign for the Priests’ Pension Plan and Compensation Fund 22,757 46,999 $5,485,574 $5,840,061Expenses Archbishop’s Office 272,919 297,789 Chancery and Archives 118,749 124,079 Administration 378,305 424,194 Properties and parking 1,476,186 1,441,045 Episcopal Conferences 150,848 150,583 Communications 68,299 56,590 English Pastoral Sector 614,662 612,372 French Pastoral Sector 348,357 324,888 Youth Summit 97,616 0 Donations 101,003 84,073 Diocesan and Regional Tribunals 169,296 179,814 Education of Priests 122,427 158,183 Professional Fees 72,411 88,429 Interest 10,765 9,527 Special Payment for the Priests’ Pension Plan (1) 272,350 167,505 Development office 147,467 128,279 4,421,660 4,247,350Excess of revenue over expenses before the undernoted items 1,063,914 1,592,711 Amortization of deferred contributions 43,750 46,980 - capital assets Recognition of deferred contributions -disposal of capital assets 127,230 0 Amortization of capital assets -192,970 -195,848 Excess of revenue over expenses $1,041,924 $1,443,843 Complementary Notes to the General Administration Fund Statement (1) Special Payment to Priests’ Pension Plan - Represents the 1% increment of Diocesan Administration Tax contributed by parishes in order to help reduce the unfunded liability of the Pension Plan. In 2010, the amount on this line also includes $100,000 from a donation. (2) Advances to Funds of the Corporation - The balance at the end of 2010 were as follows: $5,766,834 to Hope Cemetery ($5,766,834 in 2009), $1,075,135 to Loan Fund for Parishes ($1,075,135 in 2009), $455,807 to Notre-Dame Cemetery ($455,807 in 2009).(3) Trust Funds Assets and Liabilities - Amount held in Trust as per governmental requirements of the Province of Ontario for the assurance of the perpetual care of the 48 cemeteries under our jurisdiction. We are not allowed to use the capital. The interest serves to provide for the maintenance and care of our cemeteries. The amount held with a Trustee is listed on the Balance sheet as both an asset and a liability. (4) Transfers to Funds of the Corporation - Amounts transferred in 2010 were as follows: $22,757 to Compensation Fund ($46,999 in 2009), $671,930 to Parish RealEstate Fund ($764,906 in 2009) and $100,000 to Particular Works Fund ($NIL in 2009) and $NIL to Loan Fund for Parishes ($342,235 in 2009).

Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2010 2010 2009Assets Current assets Cash $188,922 $235,585 Accounts receivable 846,644 775,016 Interest receivable 7,392 9,375 Prepaid expenses 159,823 54,634

1,202,781 1,074,610

Investments 4,081,289 3,695,690Capital assets 2,887,375 3,253,637Advances to Funds of the Corp. (2) 7,297,776 7,297,776Long-term receivables 626,094 651,436 Trust Funds assets (3) 10,170,278 9,619,241

$26,265,593 $25,592,390

Liabilities Current liabilitiesAccounts payable and accrued liabilities $777,847 $808,462Deferred revenue 963,939 900,654 Deferred contributions - Capital assets 528,758 699,738 Long-term payable 138,495 227,267 Trust Funds liabilities (3) 10,170,278 9,619,241

12,579,317 12,255,362

Fund balances Invested in capital assets 2,358,617 2,553,899 Accumulated unrealized gains 87,230 -14,781 & losses on financial assets Internally restricted 6,222,641 6,222,641 Unrestricted 5,017,788 4,575,269 13,686,276 13,337,028 $26,265,593 $25,592,390

Statement of Changes in Fund Balances year ended December 31, 2010 2010 2009 Balance, beginning of year $13,337,028 $12,968,883 Excess of revenue over expenses 1,041,924 1,443,843 Changes in unrealized gains & losses on available-for-sale financial assets 102,011 78,442 Transfers to Funds of the Corporation (4) -794,687 -1,154,140 Balance, end of year $13,686,276 $13,337,028

Audited Statements by Deloitte & Touche are available at the Diocesan Centre.

Fall & Winter 2011Page 15

Planned Giving

Online Giving

You can now make online donations directly to the Archdiocese of Ottawa to support its many

ministries and parishes. This method of charitable gift giving is quick and convenient. You can direct your contribution to a specific ministry, and there is no need to write a cheque and mail it. You can even set up automatic monthly donations.

We invite you to go www.CatholicOttawa.ca and click the “CanadaHelps.org” button. You will be securely and safely transferred to CanadaHelps, which will process your donation and issue your downloadable tax receipt.

For more information, please call Louise Morton, Development Officer, at 613-738-5025, ext. 235 or email her at lmorton@archottawa.ca.

By Louise Morton

Giving to your parish

End-of-year and Christmas giving

Please consider the increasing costs associated with operating your parish. Your offertory gifts help

make the many ministries, outreach programs, and community support programs in your parish possible. Most importantly, you help maintain your place of worship for your use each week. As Christ graces us each year with blessings, please consider recognizing the needs of the parish with a sacrificial increase in your offertory this year. For information on low-cost ways to increase your offertory, please call your parish office or Louise Morton, Development Officer at the archdiocese, at 613-738-5025, ext. 235.

By Louise Morton

By Louise Morton

Do you already give to your parish and the Catholic community? At this time of year,

many parishioners consider gifts in memoriam, charitable gift planning, creative year-end gifts through tax-smart plans, and company giving opportunities. Please remember your archdiocese or parish as part of your philanthropic planning. For more information, please contact your parish office or Louise Morton, Development Officer at the archdiocese, at 613-738-5025, ext. 235.

Charity dinner held in support of familiesThese are a few of the photos taken by Heribert Riesbeck at the Archbishop’s Charity Dinner on October 26, 2011 at the Hampton Inn.

Archdiocese of Ottawa1247 Kilborn PlaceOttawa ON K1H 6K9

This newsletter is published by the Communications Office of the Archdiocese of Ottawa, 1247 Kilborn Place, Ottawa ON K1H 6K9, Tel: 613-738-5025; Fax: 613-738-0130

Photo credits: Deacon Gary Bourgeois, Robert Du Broy, Paul Lauzon, Heribert Riesbeck

Recent Diocesan Activities ...Top: Fr. Robert Bedard, CC’s funeral, Diocesan FeastMiddle: Hope and Notre Dame cemeteries celebrations Bottom: Archbishop’s Charity Dinner, Deacons Retreat

ISSN 1927-2618 (Print)ISSN 1927-2626 (Online)