September 25, 2020 Vol. 120 No. 38

September marks the beginning of a new pastoral year. The lastfew years have presented significant challenges for our Diocese,including the difficult amalgamation process for a number of ourparishes and the pandemic. Yet despite these challenges Jesus neverleaves us orphans. The Holy Spirit is on the move, and this givesus reason to hope. St. Paul reassures us, “Hope does not disap-point us, because God’s love has been poured into our heartsthrough the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).

As we continue to face the uncertainties of our time, I am call-ing on all of the faithful to focus on the mission of evangelizationand the renewal of our Diocese. This begins when people en-counter Jesus Christ and are transformed.Christ, who promised us that he would bewith us “always, to the end of the age” (Mat-thew 28:20), is present to us in so many ways.Paragraph 1373 of the Catechism of theCatholic Church states, “Christ Jesus, whodied, yes, who was raised from the dead, whois at the right hand of God, who indeed inter-cedes for us,” is present in many ways to hisChurch: in his word, in his Church’s prayer,“where two or three are gathered in my name,”in the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned, inthe sacraments of which he is the author, inthe sacrifice of the Mass, and in the personof the minister. But “he is present … mostespecially in the Eucharistic species.” Thesacraments are the privileged ways, the mostpowerful ways that God shares his divine lifewith us and enables us to grow in our friend-ship with him. We encounter Jesus especially in the Eucharist,and in prayer, particularly before the Blessed Sacrament.

Pope Francis tells us that, “the Christian life needs to be nour-ished by attentive listening to God’s word and, above all, by thecultivation of a personal relationship with the Lord in Eucharisticadoration, the privileged “place” for our encounter with God.”(Message for the 54th World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2017).What a grace it is to spend such intimate time with our Lord. Ihave encouraged our pastors to offer times of Eucharistic adora-tion in their parishes, and am asking the faithful to take advantageof these times so that we can grow deeper in our personal rela-tionship with Jesus. Let us devote some of the time spent in ado-ration to pray not only for renewal in our Diocese and parishes,but also for much needed vocations to the priesthood and reli-gious life.

So as to afford people more opportunities to encounter Christ, Iam also asking parishes to offer one tool of evangelization begin-ning this fall. Some excellent programs include Alpha (which means“beginning”, and is a program covering the basics of Christianity

(continued on page 2)

Towards a renewed personal encounter with JesusA call to the clergy and lay faithful

of the Diocese of Saint John

Bishop Christian Risebeck, CC

Vers une rencontre personnelle renouvelée avec JésusUn appel au clergé et aux fidèles laïcs

du Diocèse de Saint-JohnSeptembre marque le début d’une nouvelle année pastorale. Les

dernières années ont présenté des défis importants pour notrediocèse, y compris le processus pénible de fusion de plusieurs denos paroisses, et la pandémie. Pourtant, malgré ces défis, Jésusne nous abandonne jamais. Le Saint-Esprit est en mouvement etcela nous offre des raisons d’espérer. Saint Paul nous rassure : «L’espérance ne déçoit pas, puisque l’amour de Dieu a été répandudans nos cœurs par l’Esprit Saint qui nous a été donné » (Romains5,5).

Alors que nous continuons à faire face aux incertitudes de notreépoque, j’appelle tous les fidèles à se concentrer sur la mission

d’évangélisation et de renouveau de notrediocèse. Cette mission commence lorsqueles gens rencontrent Jésus-Christ et sonttransformés. Le Christ, qui nous a promisqu’il serait avec nous « tous les jours jusqu’àla fin du monde » (Matthieu 28,20), estprésent de nombreuses façons. Dans leparagraphe 1373 du Catéchisme de l’Églisecatholique il est écrit : « Le Christ Jésus quiest mort, qui est ressuscité, qui est à la droitede Dieu, qui intercède pour nous » estprésent de multiples manières à son Église :dans sa Parole, dans la prière de son Église,« là où deux ou trois sont rassemblés enmon nom », dans les pauvres, les malades,les prisonniers, dans les sacrements dont Ilest l’auteur, dans le sacrifice de la messe eten la personne du ministre. Mais, « au plushaut point Il est présent sous les espèces

eucharistiques ». Les sacrements sont les voies privilégiées, lesvoies les plus puissantes par lesquelles Dieu partage sa vie divineavec nous et nous permet de grandir en amitié avec lui. Nousrencontrons Jésus avant tout dans l’Eucharistie et dans la prière,particulièrement devant le Saint Sacrement exposé.

Le Pape François nous dit : «il faut alimenter la vie chrétiennepar l’écoute de la Parole de Dieu et, surtout, prendre soin de larelation personnelle avec le Seigneur dans l’adoration eucharistique,‘‘lieu’’ privilégié de la rencontre avec Dieu. » (Message pour la54e Journée mondiale de prière pour les vocations 2017). Quellegrâce de passer un moment si intime avec notre Seigneur! J’aiencouragé nos pasteurs à offrir des périodes d’adorationeucharistique dans leurs paroisses, et je demande aux fidèles deprofiter de ces moments afin que nous puissions approfondir notrerelation personnelle avec Jésus. Consacrons une partie du tempspassé en adoration, à prier non seulement pour le renouveau denotre diocèse et de nos paroisses, mais également pour les voca-tions indispensables au sacerdoce et à la vie religieuse.

Dans le but d’offrir plus d’occasions de rencontrer le Christ, je(continué à page 2)

Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900. September 25, 2020Page 2

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designed to reach the unchurched), CatholicChristian Outreach (CCO) faith studies, orthe ChristLife Evangelization Process. It is myhope that many will participate in courses likethese in order to rekindle the fire in our heartsand ignite the desire to know Christ and sharehim with others.

When we experience a renewed personalencounter with Jesus Christ who gives mean-ing to our lives, and our hearts are on fire forJesus, we cannot help but want to fulfill ourGod-given mission from baptism to be themissionary disciples that we are called to be-come. We are compelled to reach into thecommunity and serve in various areas of needas apostles of mercy. As the Holy Father tellsus, “When evangelizers rise from prayer, theirhearts are more open; freed of self-absorp-tion, they are desirous of doing good and shar-ing their lives with others.” (EvangeliiGaudium, par. 282). I encourage you to findout which outreach programs your parishsupports, and seek out opportunities to servein your community. It is also through suchacts of charity that we encounter the Lord.

Please be assured of my ongoing pastoralsolicitude and prayers, as we unite ourselvesto the mission of evangelization and renewal.Let us give God permission to move in powerin our Diocese, staying close to him in theWord and sacraments and in prayer. May wecome alive in our faith, and proclaim him to aworld in desperate need of the hope he prom-ises.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Star of the NewEvangelization, pray for us.

Christian Riesbeck, CCBishop of Saint John

September 21, 2020Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist§

(continué de page 1)demande également aux paroisses deprésenter un outil d’évangélisation dès cetautomne. Plusieurs excellents programmessont offerts, incluant notamment Alpha (quisignifie « début », un programme qui présenteles notions fondamentales du christianismesous une forme facilement compréhensibleaux gens qui ne fréquentent pas l’église), lesprogrammes d’étude sur la foi de l’organismeCatholic Christian Outreach (CCO), ou leprocessus d’évangélisation de l’organismeChristLife. J’espère que vous serez nombreuxà participer à ces cours afin de rallumer le feudans nos cœurs et d’inspirer le désir deconnaître le Christ et de le partager avecd’autres.

Une rencontre personnelle renouvelée avecJésus-Christ donne un sens à notre vie,enflamme nos cœurs pour Jésus, et nous nepouvons faire autrement que de vouloiraccomplir la mission que Dieu nous a donnéedès notre baptême : de vivre comme les dis-ciples missionnaires que nous sommes appelésà devenir. Nous sommes contraints de fairepartie de la communauté et de servir dansdivers domaines en tant qu’apôtres de lamiséricorde. Comme nous le dit le Saint-Père: « Quand un évangélisateur sort de sa prière,son cœur est devenu plus généreux, il s’estlibéré de l’isolement et il désire faire le bien etpartager la vie avec les autres. » (EvangeliiGaudium, par. 282). Je vous encourage àdécouvrir les programmes présentés par votreparoisse et à rechercher des occasions de servirvotre communauté. C’est aussi à travers detels actes de charité que nous rencontrons leSeigneur.

Soyez assuré de ma sollicitude pastorale etde mes prières constantes, alors que nousnous unissons à la mission d’évangélisationet de renouveau. Accordons à Dieu la per-mission d’agir en puissance dans notrediocèse, en restant près de lui dans la Paroleet les sacrements et dans la prière. Puissions-nous épanouir notre foi et l’annoncer à notremonde qui a désespérément besoin de l’espoirqu’elle promet.

Notre-Dame de Guadalupe, Étoile de lanouvelle évangélisation, priez pour nous.

Christian Riesbeck, CCÉvêque de Saint John

21 septembre 2020Fête de saint Matthieu, apôtre et évangéliste§

Towards a renewed personalencounter with Jesus

Vers une rencontre personnellerenouvelée avec Jésus

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Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900.September 25, 2020 Page 3

‘Our Best for God’ – grateful to have students backBy NATASHA MAZEROLLECorrespondent

NEW MARYLAND — After six longmonths, students of Our Lady of Grace Catho-lic School in New Maryland, were finally ableto return to classes on September 8, and itwas an occasion of joyous reunion. “[thestudents] are just so excited, they can’t stoptalking to each other,” Dr. Carolyn Barry, prin-cipal, said. “We’re thrilled to be back, the kidsare easy and great, and it’s wonderful.”

When asked how they feel being back toschool, the students were joyful in their re-

sponses. “The school is a family, I love it!”one said. Another said, “I love doing lots ofwork again,” while a third responded, “theteachers are the best in the world.”

“Students love being back in the classroompraying and working together,” Ms. Barrysaid. “ And they are eager to play — recessand noon hour have never been more fun!”

For their part, teachers are happy to returnto school as well. “I think our teachers realizeanew, because we were distanced from stu-dents for so long, what a privilege it is to bepart of a child’s life and that learning is a pre-cious thing both from the student and theteacher’s point of view,” Ms. Barry said. “Wesee the courage and the labour parents ex-

pend in building up each individual family, andtheir generosity to each other and the schoolis overwhelming.”

Ms. Barry shares that adapting to the newgovernment protocols has not been as diffi-cult as she anticipated. “We thought therewere going to be a lot, but the governmentkind of simplified things, and it’s really verydoable,” she said. “You just have to get yourmind in the right direction.”

Our Lady of Grace School prioritizessmaller class sizes in order to give individual-ized attention to each child, and these smallnumbers have worked in their favour: thewhole school is able to function with onlytwo bubbles, one for the younger childrenand one for the older ones. Ms. Barry sharesthat while this inconvenience is minimal, thechildren still feel the separation. “The olderkids really miss the younger ones. They’reasking everyday, ‘can we go see them? Canwe play with them?’ They love each other,”she said.

Despite the challenges, Ms. Barry remainspositive. “It’s what works and it allows us tobe open, so it’s good,” she said. “K-1 washard in the beginning, it was disruptive forthem. But it really worked well for the olderchildren. They were very lonely [during thelockdown], and they’re very happy to beback.”

This year the school saw an increase of

NEW MARYLAND — Teacher, HeidiMacLean (back left) poses with herelementary students at Our Lady of GraceCatholic School in New Maryland.(Natasha Mazerolle photo)

60% in enrollment, which Ms. Barry insistsis not only because of the pandemic, but alsothe Christian values that are fostered at theschool. “It’s a nice positive thing,” she said.“Some have said that it’s because of Covid andit’s partly that. But I think it’s also because wedo give kids such individual attention. And I thinkpeople are looking for a little bit of God in theirlives, and that’s who we are.”

The school’s motto, Our Best for God, is aconstant reminder to the children and theteachers that Jesus is in control, and every-thing is for his glory. “We put [our motto] atthe top of our page, and if we forget the kidsremind us,” Ms. Barry said. “That’s whothey’re working for, and just to have thembuild virtuous lives one day at a time, just likethe rest of us.”

Ms. Barry is passionate about the role ofschools in society, and is hopeful they will beable to remain open for the entire school year.“We’re hoping and praying that we can con-tinue,” she said. “I think it’s healthy for ourteachers, our students, and their parents, ourcommunity and our province to have schoolsopen. We’re just praying that we’ll be safeand that the province will continue even if wedo have some cases to keep schools open.”

Natasha Mazerolle is a correspondent forThe New Freeman. She can be reached atnatasha@maz-family.com.§

Saying 'thank you' to Godis a beautiful prayer, pope tells childrenBy CINDY WOODENCatholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Saying "thank you" toGod is a beautiful prayer, Pope Francis told agroup of children and teenagers with autism.

"God likes that way of praying," he saidSeptember 21 during a brief audience withyoungsters assisted by the SonnenscheinCentre in St. Polten, Austria, and with theirparents and center staff members.

While some of the young people focused ontheir tablets or half hid behind their parents, oth-ers beamed at the pope with big smiles.

The name of their center means "sunshine"in German, and Pope Francis told them theyare like flowers that blossom in the sun.

"God created the world with a great vari-ety of flowers of every colour," he told them."Each flower has its beauty, which is unique.And each one of us is beautiful in the eyes ofGod and he loves us."

Knowing that, the pope said, one naturallyfeels a desire to thank God, to say, "Thanksfor the gift of life, for all creatures. Thankyou for mom and dad. Thank you for ourfamilies. And thank you also for the friends atthe Sonnenschein Centre."

Pope Francis told the young people thatthey could even add a request to their prayerof thanks.

"For example, 'Dear Jesus, could you helpmom and dad with their work? Could youcomfort grandma who is sick? Could youprovide for all the children in the world whodon't have enough to eat?'"

He also suggested they try this prayer: "Jesus,please help the pope to guide the church well."

"If you ask with faith, the Lord certainlywill hear you," he told them.

After thanking the parents and teachers,Pope Francis returned to his prayer request,telling them, "Please don't forget to pray forme. This work is not easy."§

Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900. September 25, 2020Page 4

By BRIAN DRYDENCanadian Catholic News

OTTAWA — The final push is on by Catho-lic climate change activists and other socialjustice and faith groups to get as many Cana-dians to sign a petition as possible that callson the federal government to follow throughon making policy changes to combat climatechange and put the needs of indigenous Ca-nadians at the forefront of federal policies inthe future.

The online petition, which has a deadline ofOctober 6 for signatures before it is officiallyfiled with the federal government, is part ofthe For The Love of Creation coalition of Ca-nadian churches and faith-based organizationsthat have come together since April to advo-cate for what they call a “just” recovery fromthe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic andto demand government action on climatechange and reconciliation between Canadiansand Canada’s First Nations.

The petition, which can be accessed athttps://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Peti ...ion=e-2712, states “We, the undersigned, resi-dents of Canada and members of Canadianfaith communities, call upon the Governmentof Canada to: commit to reducing CanadianGHG [Green House Gases] emissions by 60per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, whileinvesting in a just transition to a fair, inclu-sive, green economy that creates good se-cure jobs, and promotes the well-being ofeveryone in Canada; honour the rights of In-digenous peoples by animating the principleof free, prior and informed consent, particu-larly in the context of climate policy, energypolicy, and infrastructure development, keyto a robust and functioning right of free priorand informed consent is legislative implemen-tation of the U.N. Declaration on the Rightsof Indigenous Peoples; commit equal supportfor climate change adaptation and mitigationmeasures in the Global South through interna-tional climate financing mechanisms, with addi-tional funding for loss and damage, scaling up toa fair share contribution of at least $4 billion USDper year; and respond to the pandemic in theGlobal South through multilateral debt cancella-tion and increased grant-based support for Ca-nadian international NGOs.”

The petition started collecting signatures onJuly 8 and it closes to signatures at 2 pm onOctober 6.

The For the Love of Creation coalition,which was launched at the time of Earth Day

Deadline approaches for Love of Creation inspired petitionthat calls on feds to do more to tackle climate change

this year in April, is a multi-pronged approachto climate change and First Nations activismthat falls in line with Pope Francis’ calls forthe state of the earth’s environment to be thefocal point of Catholic and social justice cam-paigns across the globe.

“Because of our selfishness, we have failedin our responsibility to be guardians and stew-ards of the Earth,” Pope Francis said in astatement he made this past spring on EarthDay. “We have polluted and despoiled it, en-dangering our very lives.”

Joe Gunn, executive director of the CentreOblat – A Voice for Justice at Ottawa’s Catho-lic Saint Paul University, said the online peti-tion has collected enough signatures to reachthe threshold to be officially recognizedthrough the House of Commons, but the moresignatures the better as the deadline of Oct. 6approaches.

“We’ve got enough signatures now, that

the federal government will have to preparean official response to the petition. The morepeople who sign and get involved in this issuethe more it will have an impact,” he said.§

Joe Gunn

Creation must be protected,not exploited, pope says at audienceBy JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVEESCatholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Human beings mustchange their relationship with nature and viewit not as an "object for unscrupulous use andabuse" but as a gift they are charged by Godto care for and protect, Pope Francis said.

People are called to contemplate creationas a reflection of "God's infinite wisdom andgoodness" and not act as if people are the"center of everything" and the "absolute rul-

ers of all other creatures," the pope said Sept.16 during his weekly general audience.

"Exploiting creation -- this is sin," he said."We believe that we are at the center, claim-ing to occupy God's place and thus we ruinthe harmony of creation, the harmony of God'sdesign. We become predators, forgetting ourvocation as guardians of life."

The audience was held in the San Damasocourtyard of the Apostolic Palace. While thepope maintained his distance when greeting

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VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives for his general audience inthe San Damaso courtyard at the Vatican September 16, 2020. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900.September 25, 2020 Page 5

In Exile

RON ROLHEISER, omi

God is happyChristianity, Judaism, and Islam ultimately all believe in the same

God. Interestingly, too, in the popular mind they also all tend to con-ceive of God in the same way, namely, as male, celibate, and notbeing particularly happy.

Well, the gender of God is not something we can ever conceptual-ize. God is neither male or female, nor some androgynous mix ofgender. So how can we conceptualize God’s gender? We can’t, pureand simple. Classically we’ve spoken of God as male, even as weknow that this isn’t exactly true because we affirm, dogmatically,that God is ineffable, incapable of ever being captured in any concept.That also holds true for our notion of God as celibate, as not having awife. How masculinity and femininity interrelate in God is also ineffa-ble, incapable of being conceived of, but we know God is not simplya male celibate.

But what about that other popular notion, namely, that God is notparticularly happy, especially with us?

Here we have a clear answer: God is happy. How can God not be?If God is perfect oneness, perfect goodness, perfect truth, perfectbeauty, and perfect fullness in every way, how then can God not beperfect happiness? An unhappy God would not be God for such aGod would be lacking the power to make Himself (pardon the pro-noun) happy. Not a minor inadequacy for God. So a perfect God isalso a perfectly happy God. But that’s a metaphysical statement. Wecan still ask, is God happy emotionally and is God happy with us?Mustn’t God frown at times and shake his head in disappointment atour behaviour? Surely God can’t be happy with a lot that goes on inour world. God can’t be happy in the face of sin.

Well, just as in every other thing about God, there are things herewe cannot comprehend. However, this much must be affirmed, bothfrom what’s deepest in revelation in our scriptures and from the tes-timony of countless good people: God is happy! God is not habituallydisappointed with us, frowning at our weaknesses, and sending themajority of us to hell. Rather, God is like the loving parent of a little

child, forever luring us forwards, delight-ing in our energy, wanting us to flourish,saddened when we act in ways that bringunhappiness to others and to ourselves,but understanding of weakness rather thanangry and unhappy.

Julian of Norwich, the famed mystic, describes God this way: Godsits in heaven, smiling, completely relaxed, his face looking like amarvelous symphony. When I first read this passage some years ago,I was taken aback both by the concept of God as smiling and by theimage of God as relaxed. I had never thought of God as “relaxed”.Surely with all that’s happening in our world and surely with all thebetrayals, large and small, in our lives, God must be tense, frustratedand anxious. It’s difficult but easier to picture God as smiling (at leastsometimes), but it’s exceedingly difficult to picture God as relaxed,as not being tense about all that’s wrong with us and our world.

Here’s my journey in grappling with that. I was wonderfully blessedin my religious background. From my parents and family, throughthe parish community I grew up in, through the Ursuline nuns whotaught me in school, you couldn’t have ordered a more-ideal faithmilieu. I experienced faith and religion being lived out in real life in away that gave it credibility and made it attractive. My seminary train-ing and theological studies strongly reinforced that. But, all that time,underneath, there was a picture of a God who wasn’t very happy andwho smiled only when the occasion merited it, which wasn’t veryoften. The consequence of that in my life was an anxious attemptalways to measure up, to be good enough, to not make God unhappy,and to earn God’s approval and affection. But of course, we cannever be good enough, never measure up, and so it’s natural to be-lieve that God is never really happy with us and never really happy atall.

In theory, of course, we know better. We tend to have a healthierconcept of God theoretically; but the heart is not so easy to bringonside. It’s hard to feel inside myself that God is happy, happy withus, happy with me. It has taken me seventy years to realize, accept,take consolation in, and finally bathe in the fact that God is happy. I’mnot sure what pulled all the triggers inside me that helped me makethat shift, but the fact that God is happy comes to me now wheneverI’m praying whole-heartedly, nakedly, and sincerely. It’s also whatcomes to me when I look at the saints in my life, those men andwomen whom I most look up to in faith, who reflect the face of Godfor me. They’re happy, relaxed, and not perpetually frowning in dis-pleasure.

Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, and award-winningauthor, is President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX.He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com Facebookwww.facebook.com/ronrolheiser §

Father Ron Rolheiser’s column In Exile is sponsored byKennebecasis Valley Community Funeral Home

152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis506-849-2119 www.KennebecasisFH.com

Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900. September 25, 2020Page 6

By NATASHA MAZEROLLECorrespondent

SAINT JOHN — Faced with governmentrestrictions and pandemic protocols, two par-ishes in the Saint John region have come upwith innovative ways to minister to familiesthis fall. St. Mark’s Parish in Quispamsis, andOur Lady of Good Counsel Parish (whichincludes St. Joseph’s and Stella Marischurches in Saint John and St. Martin’s Mis-sion in St. Martins) in Saint John, have eachcurated dynamic religious education programsinvolving quality video-based content andonline conferencing to stay connected withfamilies.

“Doing nothing was never an option,” saidWendy Ellis, director of Faith Formation atSt. Mark’s. “We just said, we’re not going tobe afraid, and we’re just going to try. And ifwe fail, the worst that happens is somethingdidn’t happen. But if we don’t fail, somethinghappens.”

In both parishes, understanding and adapt-ing to the unique needs of families during thistime is paramount. Kathy Naves, coordinator

Saint John parishes create innovative online religious education programs

of Faith Formation Programs at Our Lady ofGood Counsel Parish, said their parish is wait-ing until after Thanksgiving to begin their re-ligious education program, in order to “giveour young people, parents and teachers an

QUISPAMSIS — St. Mark’s Parish in Quispamsis sets up a stage production to createonline video content for religious education programs. (Natasha Mazerolle photo)

opportunity to adjust to entering into the edu-cation system.”

Ms. Ellis said that at St. Mark’s, caring forentire families is one of the guiding princi-ples. “People are being overwhelmed by allof the pivots to an online environment,” shesaid. “We didn’t want to be part of the waveoverwhelming them, we wanted to be a lifepreserver.”

To that end, the content is all downloadableto be viewed whenever is convenient for eachfamily. “We decided to create something thatthey could download and view as a family oron their own, and discuss, that would leadthem deeper into a relationship with Jesus,deeper into their prayer life, and the Church’steachings on social justice,” Ms. Ellis said.“That way people wouldn’t feel pressured tohave to make that one certain time slot.”

The faith formation team at Our Lady ofGood Counsel has opted for a hybrid pro-gram which will be mostly online, with cer-tain opportunities for gathering in person. “Onthe third Sunday of the month we will be hav-ing our families mass beginning at 4:00 pmhere at the church,” Father Ralph McRae,pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish,told parishioners. “It’s most important thatfamilies attend, because many times our youngpeople will not be gathering together and itwill be the only opportunity for them to doso.”

Despite the challenges the pandemic hascreated, Ms. Ellis acknowledges that there hasalso been one big blessing. “I think what wereally see now is that catechesis rather

(continued on page 7)

SAINT JOHN — (L to r) Joseph Bourque, Kathy Naves and Father Ralph McRae ofOur Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Saint John developed a hybrid program forreligious education consisting of online content and specific opportunities for inperson gatherings. (Natasha Mazerolle photo)

Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900.September 25, 2020 Page 7

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(continued from page 6)abruptly went from a parish-based activity with a professional volun-teer back to the domestic church, so back into the hands of the par-ents,” she said. “I can only see good coming from that, I see thatentirely as a positive.”

Ms. Naves said that parents at Our Lady of Good Counsel havebeen positive about the new program. “From the parents I talk to theyseems to be excited,” she said.

Ms. Ellis is thankful to be able to reach young people where theyare. “Bishop Robert Barron, Catholic theologian and author, says,‘we’ve got to meet people where they are, and where they are isonline’,” she said. “That doesn’t mean that the in-person experienceis dead or going to go away, but there is this other channel.”

Despite the obvious hurdles, Ms. Ellis insists the effort is worth it.“I just think we need to be willing to step out into the deep and trustthat Jesus is going to be there to hold our hand and send the rightpeople, send the right tools, send the right space in our head so thatwe can go ahead and move forward,” she said. “If I don’t try I won’tbe able to do anything.”

For more information about the religious education programs at St.Mark’s Parish visit https://www.stmarksparish.ca/faithformation; forthose at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish visit https://olgcparish.ca/youth-faith-formation.

Natasha Mazerolle is a correspondent for The New Freeman. Shecan be reached at natasha@maz-family.com.§

Innovative religious education programs

Politicians at heart of Lebanon’s problemsBy MICHAEL SWANThe Catholic Register

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Rai wants a revolution in Leba-non, but not too much revolution.

In an hour-long Zoom conference organized by the Fordham Cen-tre on Religion and Culture, Catholic Near East Welfare Association [CNEWA]and Salt+Light Media with American CNEWA donors and journalists, themost prominent Christian leader in one of the world’s most complicatedcountries argued both for deep change and for maintaining Lebanon’sdelicate system of sectarian power-sharing in the wake of the massiveexplosion that tore through Beirut’s port August 4.

“We support that popular uprising, especially the young people,”Cardinal Rai said.

The uprising featured young people shouting at former MaroniteChristian warlord and Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun, “Leave, leave,leave, you’re not everyone’s father.” The revolution Cardinal Rai claimsto support wants to do away with the power-sharing system in place

since 1943 — a system that ensures that the president and com-mander of the armed forces is always a Maronite Catholic, the primeminister is always a Sunni Muslim, parliament’s speaker is always aShia Muslim and the deputy speaker is always a Greek OrthodoxChristian.

It’s a system that Lebanese protesters argue has fostered the en-demic corruption of Lebanon’s political class, encouraging patronageand back-room deals rather than transparent, open government. Oneof the most popular slogans of the 2019 revolution was “Christiansand Muslims for a civil state.”

Instead of changing the system, Cardinal Rai wants to change thepersonnel — putting his trust in a new generation of non-politicalleaders. Cardinal Rai believes politicians are the problem.

“We want ministers who are independent, intelligent, technocratswho can run this country in a different style,” he said. “We want agovernment of crisis.”

“The problem now is, when a minister is named by the prime min-ister and approved by the president, it seems that this person is notaccountable to parliament, but is accountable to his sect, to his group,to his ethnicity,” explained Catholic Near East Welfare AssociationCanada executive director Carl Hétu. “That’s what needs to change.The constitution in itself seems to be working OK. But we have tomove away from owing things to all the different sectarian groups.”

Trying to help Lebanon rebuild after the Beirut port explosion thatkilled nearly 200 and left over 300,000 homeless has been compli-cated by questions about the future shape of Lebanon’s governmentand how to keep aid money out of the hands of kleptocrats who haverun the country for generations, said Mr. Hétu.

“Aiding the people, especially now — economically, socially — willhelp them to be more in a position to make certain demands forchange,” he said. “So helping the Lebanese in general you’re nothelping to maintain a corrupt government. You’re helping the countryto evolve.”

In context of the Middle East’s declining Christian population, main-taining Lebanon’s balance of power among the 18 Muslim and Chris-tian sects recognized in the nation’s constitution is more importantthan ever, said Cardinal Rai. Christianity in the region is in crisis andthe patriarch puts the blame squarely on the Americans for their 2003invasion of Iraq.

“As far as the Christians are concerned, the war on Iraq has de-stroyed Christianity in the region,” he said.

Displacing over a million Christians from Iraq has crushed a thrivingmiddle class and destroyed Christian institutions, said Cardinal Rai.

“The Christian culture cannot any longer have any impact on thosesocieties. And that’s a loss for everybody,” he said. “Before the war inIraq and Syria and so on, the Christians had their institutions. Theyhad their schools, their universities, their hospitals. Now it’s all gone.… The institutions have disappeared. Which means that the impactthat Christianity was having on society has disintegrated. That is whythey (Middle East Christians outside Lebanon) are so keen and we(inside Lebanon) are so keen on keeping Lebanon as a strong countrywith a strong Christian presence.”

A strong network of independent social agencies, including CaritasLebanon, the Red Cross and CNEWA, will ensure that aid to Lebanonreaches the people without political interference, Cardinal Rai said.

“Let’s face it, we’re Catholics. We’re Christians,” said Mr. Hétu.“Following Christ means it always goes from the cross to resurrec-tion. The Lebanese people are experiencing the crucifixion right now.”§

Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900. September 25, 2020Page 8

(continued from page 4)most of the faithful, he approached severalpilgrims to sign autographs, speak directly tothem or briefly swap his signature zucchettofor one brought as a gift.

Continuing his series of talks on "healingthe world," the pope reflected on the themeof "caring for the common home and con-templative attitude."

Contemplation, he said, is the best "anti-dote against the disease of not taking care ofthe common home" and falling "into an un-balanced and arrogant anthropocentrism," inwhich humans place themselves and theirneeds "at the centre of everything."

"It is important to recover the contemplativedimension, that is, to look at the earth, at crea-tion as a gift, not as something to be exploitedfor profit," the pope said. "When we contem-plate, we discover in others and in nature some-thing much greater than their usefulness."

Departing from his prepared remarks, thepope warned that those who are incapable ofcontemplating nature and creation, are oftenincapable of contemplating their fellow hu-

man beings."Those who live to exploit nature, end up

exploiting people and treating them like slaves,"the pope said. "This is a universal law: if youdo not know how to contemplate nature, itwill be very difficult for you to contemplatepeople, the beauty of people, your brother,your sister."

Recalling a Spanish proverb, the pope alsocautioned that exploiting creation brings costlyconsequences because "God always forgives;we forgive sometimes; (but) nature neverforgives."

Citing a recent report that the Pine Islandand Thwates glaciers in Antarctica are col-lapsing due to global warming, Pope Francissaid the consequential rising sea levels "willbe terrible," and he called on people to "guardthe inheritance God has entrusted to us sothat future generations can enjoy it."

"Each one of us can and must become aguardian of the common home, capable ofpraising God for his creatures (by) contem-plating them and protecting them," the popesaid.§

Creation must be protected, says pope

Pope: Coronavirus vaccinemust be for all, not just the wealthyBy JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVESCatholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — As countries aroundthe world scramble to find a vaccine forCOVID-19, Pope Francis again called for anethical distribution of the vaccine to every-one, especially those who are struggling fi-nancially.

Addressing members of the Italian Phar-maceutical Bank, a charitable organization thatprovides medicine to the poor, the pope saidthat the economic crisis generated by the pan-demic has shed a light on poverty in the world,including "pharmaceutical poverty."

"I repeat that it would be sad if, in provid-ing the vaccine, priority was given to thewealthiest, or if this vaccine became the prop-erty of this or that country, and was no longerfor everyone. It must be universal, for all," hesaid late September.

According to its website, the Pharmaceuti-cal Bank was founded in 2000 by a group ofyoung pharmacists who were convinced thelack of medicine for poor people was an "un-derestimated" problem.

Adopting a similar approach to food banks,the Pharmaceutical Bank opened locationsthroughout Italy to provide medicine to thepoor. The organization also opened locationsin Spain, Portugal and Argentina.

In his address, the pope reflected on thevulnerable health of those who live in povertyand are unable to obtain medicine or treat-ment not only due to lack of money, but alsobecause of a "pharmaceutical marginality" that"creates a further gap between nations andbetween peoples."

"Too many people, too many children arestill dying in the world because they are de-

nied access to a drug that is available in otherregions, or to a vaccine," he said. "We knowthe danger of the globalization of indifference."

Pope Francis proposed "to globalize treat-ment" and said all people should be given ac-cess to life-saving medicine. He also calledon pharmacists, pharmaceutical companiesand governments to work toward the goal ofa "more equitable distribution of medicines."

"Through their legislative and financialchoices, governments are also called upon tobuild a fairer world in which the poor are notabandoned or, worse still, discarded," the popesaid.§

Caring for the Earth and its peopleBy MICHAEL SWANThe Catholic Register

GUELPH — The retreat master’s job is allabout the big reveal — showing people what’salready there. For Jesuit spiritual director Fa-ther Greg Kennedy the job is a delight, a joyand at the same time a humbling experience.

“God is at work all the time, everywhere.We just have to kind of open our eyes to thatand attune ourselves to that reality,” said Fr.Kennedy in a phone interview from theIgnatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph, ON. “Going

on retreat is basically putting yourself in thatstate of mind, that state of heart… The spir-itual director is there to facilitate that process.But it really is between the retreatant and God.Every good spiritual director knows that andbasically tries to get out of the way.”

The Ignatius Jesuit Centre is a retreat housesurrounded by more than 200 hectares oforganic farm and land dedicated to re-estab-lishing natural forest and wetlands. Fr.Kennedy spends about six hours a day work-ing on the farm, then in the afternoons takesup the more sedentary, prayerful work of

spiritual direction.COVID-19 has closed the retreat house to

the public until January, but Fr. Kennedy con-tinues his work in spiritual direction online.His upcoming virtual retreat will be based onhis recently published book, ReupholsteredPsalms.

Fr. Kennedy’s spiritual practice includeswriting a poem every day.

“Somehow I got onto the psalms. It wasjust here and there, until I thought, ‘Oh, maybeI should really get serious about this.’ I wouldpray with them and then see what kind ofemotion they evoked in me. Then try toreinhabit that emotion in today’s environment.”

Eventually, Fr. Kennedy had all 150 psalmsreinterpreted in light of his own prayer andexperience. The current book out from Catho-lic publisher Novalis presents the first 50.Rather than retranslations, Fr. Kennedy’s ver-sions reflect how each psalm resonates forhim — a Jesuit, a philosopher, an environ-mentalist and an organic farmer.

Born in Hamilton, Fr. Kennedy grew up inGreensville, ON, an idyllic, semi-rural com-munity about 20 minutes drive from the Stelcosteel mill that once drove Hamilton’s economy.

As an adolescent, he witnessed his dream-like existence threatened by the spectre ofToronto’s garbage. His childhood home

(continued on page 10)

Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900.September 25, 2020 Page 9

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Canadians want a real debate about abortion but extremistsand political parties are standing in the way, says MPBy BRIAN DRYDENCanadian Catholic News

OTTAWA — An MP who wants Canada toadopt a law that would make it illegal to abortbabies based solely on a baby’s sex thinks herbiggest challenge is not to convince Canadi-ans of the need for such a law, but instead isto convince her fellow members of parliamentwho have a long-history of wanting to shyaway from any meaningful debate in the Houseof Commons about abortion.

“My biggest challenge is breaking throughthe politics. I think most Canadians supportreasonable laws that would not ban abortionoutright but instead put some rules in place,”said Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall. “It’sthe political parties that don’t want to havethis discussion and debate.”

While the federal Liberals, NDP and Greenparties all have actively discouraged and blockedpro-life candidates from gaining any traction inthose parties, Ms. Wagantall concedes that herown Conservative Party has not been open tore-opening the abortion debate in Canada eitheralthough pro-life MPs in the party can at leastdebate the issue internally and pro-life party mem-bers such as herself make up a significant pro-portion of the party’s membership.

Back in February before the COVID-19pandemic severely curtailed the operations ofCanada’s Parliament, Ms. Wagantall intro-

duced a private member’s bill in the House ofCommons called the Sex Selective AbortionAct Bill C-233 that would make abortions doneof the basis of a baby’s sex illegal.

“If just one girl is aborted simply becauseof her sex, parliamentarians must act,” Ms.Wagantall said.

“Thankfully, Canadians of nearly all beliefsare united on this issue, with eighty-four percent stating that sex-selective abortion shouldbe illegal. This is reasonable common groundthat every member of parliament mustthoughtfully consider,” she said, citing a pollthat ran in the National Post newspaper asindicative of Canadians being in favour ofsome form of legal regulations surroundingabortion in the country as opposed to the situ-ation as it is now in which Canada has, inessence, no law when it comes to abortion.

Although the federal Liberal minority gov-ernment prorogued Parliament until Sept. 23and there will be a new Speech from theThrone, a move which effectively killed anygovernment bills before the House of Com-mons, private members bills are in a differentcategory. As long as the Liberal minority gov-ernment survives a confidence vote after theSpeech from the Throne, Ms. Wagantall’s pro-posed bill will continue to proceed in the Houseof Commons without having to be reintro-duced as government bills have to be.

Ms. Wagantall, who represents the Sas-

katchewan rid-ing of Yorkto -Melville, is con-tinuing to speakout in favour ofher proposedbill in the hopethat Canadianswill push theirMPs to supportmaking safe se-lection abortionillegal whenever her bill is eventually addressedin the House of Commons.

“This is something that Canadians are opento and want,” she told the Canadian CatholicNews in a phone interview September 12 fromB.C. where she participated in “Pink Flag Dis-plays” organized by the pro-life We Need ALaw organization.

“I think Canadian have shown that theywant some laws surrounding abortion in thiscountry and it is the political parties and theextremists on both sides, pro-abortion and pro-life, that are not willing to compromise andcome to a consensus that can be supported,”Ms. Wagantall said.

“You have to work where you can get aconsensus or else you can never get anythingdone,” she said.

Although her party has a new leader inErin O’Toole, who has said publicly he has

no intention of reopening theabortion debate in the House ofCommons if he ever forms agovernment, Ms. Wagantall doesthink MPs such as herself whoare considered to be “social con-servatives” do have a strongervoice in her party than in otherparties, especially since the justconcluded federal Conservativeleadership race showed how im-portant social conservative partymembers were in supporting acandidate such as Leslyn Lewiswhich helped Mr. O’Toole win theleadership.

“I think people likeLeslyn Lewis, when she getselected to the House of Com-mons after the next election, willbe a strong voice for some ofthese issues in our party andthere is a growing movement ofsocial conservatives getting in-volved,” she said.§

Cathay Wagantall

Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900. September 25, 2020Page 10

(continued from page 8)backed on to a huge, mined-out limestonequarry that Toronto city council thought mightmake the ideal final resting place for the bigcity’s garbage.

The Kennedy family and its neighbours mo-bilized against the proposed landfill. Eventu-ally the garbage ended up getting truckedacross the border to Michigan.

Young Greg finished high school and movedon to university, but was bothered by howprotecting the environment could be reducedto protecting self-interest and property val-ues. Living in an economy that inevitably pro-duces tons of garbage raised questions ofshared responsibility for Kennedy.

Eventually those questions drove Fr.Kennedy to earn a PhD in philosophy at theUniversity of Ottawa. His doctoral thesis ex-plored questions about our garbage — whereit comes from and what it means.

“My informal conclusion of the thesis wasthat I need to go and care very carefully forthe Earth and basically lead a very simple lifeof organic farming,” Fr. Kennedy said.

He headed east to the Maritimes. He tookfarming jobs where he could find them andfor a while cooked in a vegetarian restaurant.He eventually made his way to the Trappistmonastery in Rogersville, NB, where he ex-plored the idea of a monastic vocation. It wasan experiment that told him he wasn’t meantto be a monk. But it also drove him to Guelph.

When a cousin told him about the Jesuitfarm where she bought her organic vegeta-bles, where Jesuits farmed and taught organicfarming, he thought that might be a good fit.He spent a year in Guelph, working on thefarm and discerning his vocation, before en-tering the Jesuits in 2006.

He earned his Master of Divinity from RegisCollege in Toronto, then went on to moreadvanced studies at the Pontifica UniversidadJaveriana in Colombia from 2014 to 2017.

He came back to Toronto in 2015 forordination and now finds himself back wherehe started — a poet, farmer, philosopher andspiritual director at Ignatius Jesuit Centre inGuelph.

“I see my philosophical training as enablingme to be a good spiritual director — to askgood questions, to be inquisitive, to be curi-ous, to be open,” he said.

The basic encounter between spiritual di-rector and retreatant is precious to Fr.Kennedy.

“It’s very humbling and very life-giving tosay, ‘I’m entering this, into this person’s life,

and they are trusting me with that.’ This is avery sacred relationship, a very sacred bondthat we’re creating.”

It’s a bond between God and each retreatant,but the relationship isn’t complete without theentire created world — the environment.

“We are incarnate beings. So, body and soulare very, very united and very intimate witheach other. That’s why we believe in the res-urrection of the body,” Fr. Kennedy said. “Tothink that somehow the Earth doesn’t matter,

Caring for the Earth and its peoplethat we’re just going to fly away from it andwe can do anything we want to it is certainlynot Catholic theology.”

At the farm in Guelph, Fr. Kennedy findshimself in conversation with people lookingto God for a better sense of how they fit intoGod’s creation.

“To see God at work in other people is justmarvelous. It increases your faith, increasesthe spiritual director’s faith, just immensely.”§

GUELPH, ON — The statue of St. Ignatius leans over the garden at the retreat centre inGuelph, ON. (Photo by Randy Greve/Flick)

Official visit to Ottawa next yeardepends on global pandemicBy BRIAN DRYDENCanadian Catholic News

OTTAWA — A planned visit next month tocommemorate the anniversary of a milestone inthe relationship between Canada and the HolySee by one of the highest-ranking members ofthe Catholic Church to visit Canada in recentyears has been put off until at least next springbecause of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

An official visit to Canada’s capital city Ot-tawa by the Vatican’s Secretary of State CardinalPietro Parolin was being planned for five days inOctober but has since has been postponed theCanadian Catholic News has learned.

But the special visit to Canada by the cardi-nal, who is second-in-command in the Vati-can to Pope Francis, may still take place nextspring depending on if the visit can be donesafely and the impact of the pandemic haseased.

“There were a lot of discussions, includingwith the Prime Minister’s office, the confer-ence of bishops and the Holy See, and it wasagreed to cancel at this time,” said First Sec-retary of the Apostolic Nunciature in CanadaMonsignor Matja• Roter.

Msgr. Roter, who serves under the Apos-tolic Nuncio to Canada Archbishop LuigiBonazzi who is the in essence the Vatican’sambassador to Canada, said a visit by CardinalParolin is to mark the 50th anniversary of offi-cial diplomatic relations between Canada and theHoly See, first officially established in 1969.

While the now cancelled visit would havebeen tied into the anniversary of diplomaticrelations between the Holy See and Canada, itwould have also been a visit by the most sen-ior member of the Catholic Church from theVatican since the Truth and ReconciliationCommission (TRC) issued its final report in2015 on Canada’s disgraced residential schoolsystem. The TRC’s final report called on theCatholic Church to officially apologize for thechurch’s role in operating many of the resi-dential schools in Canada.

In 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeauasked Pope Francis to visit Canada to makean official church apology and Canada’s MPsalso made such a request in a vote in theHouse of Commons. As of now, Pope Francishas not issued such a formal apology on be-half of the church.§

Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900.September 25, 2020 Page 11

OBITUARIES

September 27, 2020Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary TimeFirst Reading: Ezekiel 18.25-28When the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have

committed, they shall save their life.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 25.4-5a, 6+7b, 8-9 (R.6)R. Lord, be mindful of your mercy.

Second Reading: Philippians 2.1-11Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.

Gospel: Matthew 21.28-32The tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the

kingdom of heaven ahead of you.

Sunday’s Liturgy

COMEAU, BERNICE LORRAINE — Bernice Lorraine Comeauwas reunited with her loving husband Orel Joseph Comeau on March,20, 2020. Lorraine was born on August 9, 1929 in Saint John, NB tothe late William and Florence (Morris) Burley.

Lorraine is survived by her children; Victor (Linda) Comeau, Orel“Boo” Comeau, Frederick (Carla) Comeau, Melanie (Floyd) Harrisand Kathy (Mike) Garrett, 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren,4 great- great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Lorraine was the last surviving member of the Burley family, she waspredeceased by her parents, husband, siblings and great granddaughter.

Arrangements were entrusted to Castle Funeral Home, Saint John.A Memorial Mass was held at Our Lady of Assumption CatholicChurch, Saint John.

FOSTER, DONNA LEE — It is with heavy hearts that the family ofDonna L. Foster announces her passing which occurred on Sunday,September 13, 2020, at her residence. Born in Saint John on Novem-ber 9, 1957, she was a daughter of the late Theodore and Bernice(Buckley) Foster.

Donna is survived by her six siblings, Geraldine, Theodore (Kathy),Lorraine, Darrell, Karen, Darlene; sister-in-law, Lorna; five fur ba-bies; special aunt, Agnes Daly; several nieces and nephews, great-

nieces and nephews, who she thought of as her own.In addition to her parents, Donna was predeceased by her brother,

Jack (Lorna), and sister, Beverly.She rested Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, Saint John. A Mass

of Christian Burial was held from the Holy Redeemer Parish, SaintJohn. Interment took place in Cedar Hill Extension, Saint John.

YOUNG, JOHN ALBERT — It is with heavy hearts that we an-nounce the passing of John Albert Young, known to many as “Johnny”or “Johnny Cakes” on September 17th, 2020 at the Saint John Re-gional Hospital. John passed away peacefully with three of his be-loved children by his side. John was born in Quarryville, New Bruns-wick on June 10th, 1941, he was the son to the late Monica Hubbardand the late John Young.

John is survived by his five brothers; Doug (Majorie) Young, Nor-man Young, Donald (Inga) Young, David (Margaret) Young, Bernard(Marilyn) Young and his three sisters; Monica Davidson MacDonald,Helen (Cathy) Young and Janice (Frank) Hogan. In addition to hissiblings, John is survived by his four children; Michelle (Jim) Young-Mather, John Young, B.J. (Hannah) Young, Crystal (Francois) Savoieand grandchildren Desmond, Kendra, Nikayla, Anthony, Devyn,Nathan, Brady, Santana, Gayle, Grant and great-grandchildren. He isalso survived by his children’s mother and dear friend Linda Carrigan.

Along with his parents, John was predeceased by his brother BennyYoung, sister Catherine Furlong and good friends Paulina Hogan, CharlieBreen, Paul Grannan and Billy Chown.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Brenan’s Fu-neral Home, Saint John. A Mass of Christian Burial was held fromHoly Redeemer Parish, Saint John. Interment took place in FernhillCemetery, Saint John.§

Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada:

Thank you for your ongoing support.Each year, and with the generosity of Catholic faithful from

coast to coast to coast, the Bishops of Canada continue theirwork on important doctrinal and ethical questions; ecumenicalinitiatives and inter-religious dialogue; international relations;evangelization, faith education and catechesis; relations withIndigenous peoples; questions of social justice; and the devel-opment of a culture of life and family. In addition to their na-tional Conference, the Bishops of Canada [CCCB] also meet infour Regional Assemblies (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario and theWest). The CCCB and the regional assemblies include the Bish-ops of the Latin Church, as well as the Eparchial Bishops ofthe Eastern Catholic Churches. On behalf of all bishops ofCanada, the Most Reverend Richard Gagnon, archbishop ofWinnipeg and CCCB president, shares his gratitude for the con-tinued support of the Church’s pastoral mission throughprayers, gestures of kindness, encouragement, and generos-ity. “I thank all of you for your support and ask the Lord tobless you and your loved ones abundantly, and keep you safealways.”

To receive CCCB news through our free and confidential e-mail service, please fill out the form at this link: https://www.cccb.ca/news/subscribe/

Follow the CCCB on Twitter: https://twitter.com/

Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900. September 25, 2020Page 12

FREDERICTON — Our Lady of Peace Parish in Fredericton celebrated First Eucharistat two masses. Making their First Eucharist on September 13, (front row l to r) LiamGriffiths, Maxim Robinson, Lucas Daigle, Charlotte Norrad and Christopher Lyons;(back row, l to r) Reese Wilson, Cohen Neal, Father Maria Arokiam Chinnappan,HGN, Jax Rodrigo, Jaslynn Etheridge and Evan Parsons. (Submitted photo)

FREDERICTON — Our Lady of Peace Parish in Frederictoncelebrated First Eucharist at two masses. Making their FirstEucharist on September 16 were Jaxx Paul, Bella Paul, FatherMaria Arokiam Chinnappan, HGN, Ezekiel Costain andMadilyn Green. (Submitted photo)

Church becomes sick when notproclaiming Gospel, pope saysBy JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVESCatholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — If the church fails togo out and proclaim the Gospel to thosewho are lost or forgotten, it risks falling illto the evil that is committed by its ownmembers, Pope Francis said.

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Pe-ter's Square during his Angelus address Sep-

tember 20, the popesaid that just as God"calls everyone andcalls always," thechurch must also"offer everyone theword of salvationthat Jesus came tobring."

"The churchneeds to be like God:always going out;and when thechurch does not goout, it becomes sickwith the many evilswe have in thechurch," the popesaid.

"And why are

these illnesses in the church?" he asked."Because she does not go out. It is truethat when someone goes out there is thedanger of getting into an accident. But it isbetter a church that gets into accidents be-cause it goes out to proclaim the Gospelthan a church that is sick because it staysin."

In his address, the pope reflected on theSunday Gospel reading in which Jesus re-counts the parable of the landowner whogoes out several times a day to hire labour-ers for his vineyard.

The pope said that the image of the land-owner going out repeatedly to look forworkers was "touching" because it repre-sents God who "acts this way."

God, he said, "continues to call anyone,at whatever hour, to invite them to work inhis kingdom. This is God's style, which wein turn are called to receive and to imitate.He does not stay shut in within his world,but 'goes out.' God always goes out, insearch of us. He is not closed up — Godgoes out. He continually seeks out peoplebecause he does not want anyone to beexcluded from his loving plan."

The pope also emphasized how the land-owner paid all the employees the same nomatter how long they had worked.

Like the landowner, the pope explained,God "always pays the maximum amount.He does not pay halfway; he pays every-thing. In this way, it is understood that Je-sus is not speaking about work and justwages — that is another problem — butabout the kingdom of God and the good-ness of the heavenly Father who goes outcontinually to invite, and he pays everyonethe maximum amount."

Pope Francis reminded the faithful thatthose who use human logic and complainthat God's compensation is not based onmerits would do well to remember the firstsaint.

"Let us remember who was the first can-onized saint in the church: the good thief,"the pope said. "He 'stole' paradise at the lastminute of his life: this is grace. This is whatGod is like, even with us. Instead, thosewho try to think of their own merits, fail;those who humbly entrust themselves tothe Father's mercy, from being last — likethe good thief — find themselves first."§

Pope Francis (CNS photo)