Well, the last time I wrote here I was when I was blogging for IMPACT 2009 in Saskatoon. It's time for more blogging, but this time you get the insider look, the personal touch, the struggles, the love, the mission.....
The title of my blog reminded me of the great rock god Led Zeppelin: "Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time!!!" (Robin sings/screams at the top of her lungs.....) It HAS been a long time for me, a long time since I was on mission, a long time since I've had to be this extroverted and energetic, a long time since I've had to sacrifice as much as I have in the last week. I was curious, so I looked up the lyrics to that great musical piece, and found that other lyrics applied in my circumstance. Here's a sample:
"Its been a long time since I rock and rolled,
Its been a long time since I did the stroll.
Ooh, let me get it back, let me get it back,
Let me get it back, baby, where I come from.
Its been a long time, been a long time,
Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time.
Its been a long time since the book of love,
I can't count the tears of a life with no love.
Open your arms, opens your arms,
Open your arms, baby, let my love come running in.
Its been a long time, been a long time,
Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time."
This song also implies that the desire of the heart is happening NOW, and in my case I can say that it's true. I've been longing to give the love of Jesus in a big way. I've seen a lot of glory in my life, but now is the time to be transformed "from glory to glory" as our IMPACT theme says (2 Corinthians 3:18). I'm going to open my arms and let the love come running in, but I hope it runs out from me too. I'm going to rock and roll and do the stroll. Let's do it!
We had our first Sunday in the parishes this past Sunday. St. Pius X is probably one of the most welcoming communities I've ever seen, and so is the University of Calgary Catholic Community. I see God's hand in a big way in my parish placement. There are a lot of families and different ages represented at St. Pius: our parish priest is the gentle and soft-spoken Fr. Silvano, a holy and faithful Filipino priest. There are two deacons at St. Pius as well. I had the pleasure of listening to Deacon Stephen preach this past Sunday, and the man is ON FIRE. He spoke about God's love and how we're taught in stages: first we learn to love our neighbor as ourselves, then to love as we love Jesus, and then to love as Jesus has loved us. He brought the IMPACT mission into his homily too...
I'm very excited about the U of C Catholic Community. Before coming to Calgary I had had many convos with various people from Calgary about the community and the bridging role of the St. Pius team for the new Calgary staff team this fall! All that talk, and I've been placed here, able to be a bridge as much as possible. The community is already on board for Cornerstones, music, you name it. Eden, the sacristan, got us working right away: I got to bear the cross for mass last night. Fr. Thao is our Vietnamese bundle of joy at U of C Catholic. I have never seen someone vibrate so completely as when Fr. Thao laughs. What a great university student chaplain!!
More to come, so stay tuned!
Memorare:
Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. AMEN.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Picture Montage #3, As Well As Some Last Words
August 13, 2009
"Burning with the fire and love of the Holy Spirit, go forth to proclaim the Risen Christ and to draw every heart to him!" -Benedict XVI
This is our FINAL IMPACT UPDATE... I'm a little sad. Here are some last pictures and words for you from the various parish teams!
Left to right: Chantal Castelino, Nathan Drew, Daniel Pettipas, Marissa Martin... ST. ANNE
Chantal writes:
I can think of two very pivotal points that happened in the summer to the St. Anne's parish team.
The first is in regards to our team unity. One weekend, the women on our team decided to honour the men on our team. We cooked lunch for them and then we all spent the day at Cranberry Flats. It brought us so much closer together as friends and team-mates, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best days of mission for me.
The second was during a formation, where we decided that we were going to share the gospel by investing in individuals. Establishing that level of trust in our relationships with parishioners could help us to see where they were at in their faith. This would enable us to give them a realistic challenge to respond to and grow from. A middle-aged man whom one of us invested in began to pray the Rosary daily, bring his family to mass, and wants to lead the Discovery study with some friends. This is only one of the many glory stories our team has.
Looking back, I have learned so much from each one of them, and I thank God every day for blessing me with such wonderful, dedicated, and driven (and ridiculously good-looking) team-mates. I love them!!
God bless,
Chantal Castelino
Jeremiah Webster, Courtney Koch, Anthony Churko, and Whitney Murphy... ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
Adam Regier, Jacquelyn Spicer, Charlotte Kerssens, Adam Mann... ST. JOHN BOSCO
Katie Lebrun, Emeka Nzekwu, Kathleen Boskill, Kevin Darwent... ST. PAUL'S
Rachael Northcott, Anthony Flory, Abbey Deschner, Beth Pettigrew, Michael Hudec... ST. PHILIP
Alana Beddoe, Kathleen Wolfe, Kevin O'Byrne, Laura Endrizzi, Sam Flynn... ST. AUGUSTINE
Sam Writes:
We were very blessed from the start with team unity that has lasted all summer. We have had many wonderful experiences together; times in prayer in particular. There have been tears shed with and for one another, and God has spoken to us powerfully in prayer. We experienced what it means to rally around one another and learn from each other and our own leadership styles. We had great responses in our faith studies and were blessed to receive much wisdom from our participants and growth in our own journeys. We enjoyed lots and lots of carefree timelessness and grew together through such times. We had a lot of random fun, dancing in the car, singing, laughing (our team word from prayer was 'laugh'), and some slips into the river!
The biggest glory story overall for us is generally the overall experience of the summer. The community and spirit of St. Augustine's is so welcoming and we felt it from the start. Fr. Mike Bedard accepted out task with open arms and was so supportive in everything we had to do. We had a great response to our retreat on community in which we challenged each participant to become involved in the parish next year. Afterward we had a powerful Praise and Worship/Prayer Ministry session with everyone (there were 14 parishioners). After our final Faith Study we were praying in front of the Tabernacle together as a team and we were listening for God's words. We began to speak what we felt God was telling us in that moment and it was extremely powerful how the Lord moved. God spoke in powerful ways of love and affirmation of the mission that was completed in His name this summer.
Jesus had a mission for St. Augustine's this summer: A mission of hope, laughter, and love. As a team, we are very humbled to have seen what He has done through our own best efforts and how He has moved so powerfully beyond what we have done. It has been wonderful, challenging, and ultimately fulfilling to be at St. Augustine's this summer!
Praise Be Jesus Christ!
-Sam
Chris O'Hara, Michelle Walsh, Theresa Kosterman, Joshua Hrynchyshn... TRINITÉ PARISHES
Reid Sonntag, Hailey Brown, Elisha Ramstad, Liz Stilwell, Daniel Carreiro... HOLY FAMILY
Matt Vaughn, Emily Lautsch, Meghan Farnand, Teanna Lobo, Conor George... HOLY SPIRIT
Andrew Nobauer, Larissa Nelson, Alana Hodge, Eloisa Tamondong, Ian Anderson... APOSTLE TEAM
Larissa Writes:
Just last week, the Apostle team led Vacation Bible School in Allan, SK. On the first day, a little girl walked into the church where the faith station was held, and she looked up at the leader with a terrified look on her face. She said, "I CANNOT be in a church!" The leader asked the girl why and her response was that the last time she was in a church was at her grandmother's funeral, and she was now too scared to be in a church. By the end of the week, after many blessed faith sessions, there was an opportunity to take the children to Mass. Before Mass, the girl came up to the leader and said, "You know, this is going to be really special for me . . ." The leader smiled and immediately realized the change that had taken place in the girl's heart. The girl admitted that she now felt joyful when entering a church and was filled with excitement at the thought of attending Mass for the first time since her grandmother passed away.
(Missing team: St. Patrick's...Jon Mann, Jennifer Rospad, Valerie Christie, Josh Nadeau, Esa Sluzar)
Well, that's all folks! See you in Calgary in 2010!!
Peace!
August 13, 2009
"Burning with the fire and love of the Holy Spirit, go forth to proclaim the Risen Christ and to draw every heart to him!" -Benedict XVI
This is our FINAL IMPACT UPDATE... I'm a little sad. Here are some last pictures and words for you from the various parish teams!
Left to right: Chantal Castelino, Nathan Drew, Daniel Pettipas, Marissa Martin... ST. ANNE
Chantal writes:
I can think of two very pivotal points that happened in the summer to the St. Anne's parish team.
The first is in regards to our team unity. One weekend, the women on our team decided to honour the men on our team. We cooked lunch for them and then we all spent the day at Cranberry Flats. It brought us so much closer together as friends and team-mates, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best days of mission for me.
The second was during a formation, where we decided that we were going to share the gospel by investing in individuals. Establishing that level of trust in our relationships with parishioners could help us to see where they were at in their faith. This would enable us to give them a realistic challenge to respond to and grow from. A middle-aged man whom one of us invested in began to pray the Rosary daily, bring his family to mass, and wants to lead the Discovery study with some friends. This is only one of the many glory stories our team has.
Looking back, I have learned so much from each one of them, and I thank God every day for blessing me with such wonderful, dedicated, and driven (and ridiculously good-looking) team-mates. I love them!!
God bless,
Chantal Castelino
Jeremiah Webster, Courtney Koch, Anthony Churko, and Whitney Murphy... ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
Adam Regier, Jacquelyn Spicer, Charlotte Kerssens, Adam Mann... ST. JOHN BOSCO
Katie Lebrun, Emeka Nzekwu, Kathleen Boskill, Kevin Darwent... ST. PAUL'S
Rachael Northcott, Anthony Flory, Abbey Deschner, Beth Pettigrew, Michael Hudec... ST. PHILIP
Alana Beddoe, Kathleen Wolfe, Kevin O'Byrne, Laura Endrizzi, Sam Flynn... ST. AUGUSTINESam Writes:
We were very blessed from the start with team unity that has lasted all summer. We have had many wonderful experiences together; times in prayer in particular. There have been tears shed with and for one another, and God has spoken to us powerfully in prayer. We experienced what it means to rally around one another and learn from each other and our own leadership styles. We had great responses in our faith studies and were blessed to receive much wisdom from our participants and growth in our own journeys. We enjoyed lots and lots of carefree timelessness and grew together through such times. We had a lot of random fun, dancing in the car, singing, laughing (our team word from prayer was 'laugh'), and some slips into the river!
The biggest glory story overall for us is generally the overall experience of the summer. The community and spirit of St. Augustine's is so welcoming and we felt it from the start. Fr. Mike Bedard accepted out task with open arms and was so supportive in everything we had to do. We had a great response to our retreat on community in which we challenged each participant to become involved in the parish next year. Afterward we had a powerful Praise and Worship/Prayer Ministry session with everyone (there were 14 parishioners). After our final Faith Study we were praying in front of the Tabernacle together as a team and we were listening for God's words. We began to speak what we felt God was telling us in that moment and it was extremely powerful how the Lord moved. God spoke in powerful ways of love and affirmation of the mission that was completed in His name this summer.
Jesus had a mission for St. Augustine's this summer: A mission of hope, laughter, and love. As a team, we are very humbled to have seen what He has done through our own best efforts and how He has moved so powerfully beyond what we have done. It has been wonderful, challenging, and ultimately fulfilling to be at St. Augustine's this summer!
Praise Be Jesus Christ!
-Sam
Chris O'Hara, Michelle Walsh, Theresa Kosterman, Joshua Hrynchyshn... TRINITÉ PARISHES
Reid Sonntag, Hailey Brown, Elisha Ramstad, Liz Stilwell, Daniel Carreiro... HOLY FAMILYMatt Vaughn, Emily Lautsch, Meghan Farnand, Teanna Lobo, Conor George... HOLY SPIRITAndrew Nobauer, Larissa Nelson, Alana Hodge, Eloisa Tamondong, Ian Anderson... APOSTLE TEAMLarissa Writes:
Just last week, the Apostle team led Vacation Bible School in Allan, SK. On the first day, a little girl walked into the church where the faith station was held, and she looked up at the leader with a terrified look on her face. She said, "I CANNOT be in a church!" The leader asked the girl why and her response was that the last time she was in a church was at her grandmother's funeral, and she was now too scared to be in a church. By the end of the week, after many blessed faith sessions, there was an opportunity to take the children to Mass. Before Mass, the girl came up to the leader and said, "You know, this is going to be really special for me . . ." The leader smiled and immediately realized the change that had taken place in the girl's heart. The girl admitted that she now felt joyful when entering a church and was filled with excitement at the thought of attending Mass for the first time since her grandmother passed away.
(Missing team: St. Patrick's...Jon Mann, Jennifer Rospad, Valerie Christie, Josh Nadeau, Esa Sluzar)
Well, that's all folks! See you in Calgary in 2010!!
Peace!
Picture Montage #2: Impacters "Off Duty"
August 7, 2009
Photo credits: Eloisa Tamondong, Abbey Deschner, Michelle Walsh, Liz Stilwell, Matt Vaughan, Rachael Northcott, and Meghan Farnand
"In God alone is there primordial and true delight, and in all our delights it is this delight that we are seeking." --ST. BONAVENTURE
Hanging out by the South Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
Hailey Brown by the South Saskatchewan river
Esa Sluzar enjoying a prairie sunset
Jeremiah Webster enjoying coffee at Starbucks, and a, um... leaf. A BIG leaf for Saskatchewan!
Rachael Northcott on Canada Day
Weekend off in Battleford (Blue Mountain Outdoor Adventure Center)... ziplining!
Mr. Andrew Nobauer: Zip line king! Blue Mountain is in the Thickwood Hills near Battleford
A group went to Goodsoil, SK for their weekend off.... Here, a cool looking Kathleen Wolfe
At Cochin lighthouse.... yup, a lighthouse in the middle of Saskatchewan!
August 7, 2009
Photo credits: Eloisa Tamondong, Abbey Deschner, Michelle Walsh, Liz Stilwell, Matt Vaughan, Rachael Northcott, and Meghan Farnand
"In God alone is there primordial and true delight, and in all our delights it is this delight that we are seeking." --ST. BONAVENTURE
Hanging out by the South Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.Hailey Brown by the South Saskatchewan river
Esa Sluzar enjoying a prairie sunsetJeremiah Webster enjoying coffee at Starbucks, and a, um... leaf. A BIG leaf for Saskatchewan!Rachael Northcott on Canada DayWeekend off in Battleford (Blue Mountain Outdoor Adventure Center)... ziplining!
Mr. Andrew Nobauer: Zip line king! Blue Mountain is in the Thickwood Hills near BattlefordA group went to Goodsoil, SK for their weekend off.... Here, a cool looking Kathleen WolfeAt Cochin lighthouse.... yup, a lighthouse in the middle of Saskatchewan!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Picture Montage #1: Impacters On Duty
July 28, 2002
Photo credits: Eloisa Tamondong, Abbey Deschner, Michelle Walsh, Liz Stilwell, Matt Vaughan, Rachael Northcott, and Meghan Farnand
"Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch. " --Pope John Paul II
The Apostle Team has been traveling around Saskatchewan with their message. L to R: Ian Anderson, Andrew Nobauer, Eloisa Tamondong, Alana Hodge and Larissa Nelson
Note the Apostle Van in the background!
Apostle Team continued
Holy Family parish team in the Cornerstone skit on prayer: PRAY OFF TIME! Matt Vaughan, Emily Laustch, Teanna Lobo, Meghan Farnand
Do you see hope? CCO Impact and Staff missionaries at the appreciation BBQ
Impact at work: the cool thing about the mission is that there are many opportunities to witness. Pictured here: Rachael Northcott's popsicle stick raft, built with the children she works with as playground leader
Matt Vaughan at Holy Spirit's family day, petting zoo and all
Charlotte Kerssens praising God at the Cornerstone
July 28, 2002
Photo credits: Eloisa Tamondong, Abbey Deschner, Michelle Walsh, Liz Stilwell, Matt Vaughan, Rachael Northcott, and Meghan Farnand
"Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch. " --Pope John Paul II
The Apostle Team has been traveling around Saskatchewan with their message. L to R: Ian Anderson, Andrew Nobauer, Eloisa Tamondong, Alana Hodge and Larissa Nelson
Note the Apostle Van in the background!
Apostle Team continued
Holy Family parish team in the Cornerstone skit on prayer: PRAY OFF TIME! Matt Vaughan, Emily Laustch, Teanna Lobo, Meghan Farnand
Do you see hope? CCO Impact and Staff missionaries at the appreciation BBQ
Impact at work: the cool thing about the mission is that there are many opportunities to witness. Pictured here: Rachael Northcott's popsicle stick raft, built with the children she works with as playground leader
Matt Vaughan at Holy Spirit's family day, petting zoo and all
Charlotte Kerssens praising God at the Cornerstone
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Cornerstone #3: Speaker's Forum
by Robin Anderson
July 21, 2009
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord... To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit..."
Ken: Quite simply, if we do not know who we are, we cannot realize our potential. (Note: Ken spoke on identity in Christ)
Leah: Sexuality and Catholicism has been an area of interest for me for a long time now. As I discovered the wisdom of Catholicism in sexual theology, I became increasingly rooted in the Incarnation of Jesus. All of a sudden, being embodied became exciting because God communicates to us in and through our bodies. God, as Trinity, loves in relationship, and we are called to discover God's love and communion in our relationships too.
R: What were the main points of your talk? Or, if there was one thing that you wanted the attendees to take away, what was it?
Curtis: My main objective was for each person in attendance to hear the basic Gospel message and respond to it. I shared the acronym, LIFT, to help understand the message and my testimony.
L = a Life changing event happened to me. All of us have life changing events that happens to us. Mine was...
I = I was diagnosed with a terminal Infection in my heart. We all have this infection and it’s called sin.
F = But a Famous person (Jesus) donated me a new Heart. You would have heard of Him, He has been in movies, on TV, and has had 1000’s of books written about Him.
T = So I had a heart Transplant and the surgery was so successful, I am going to live forever!
Ken: Our significance come from God alone, and not from what we wear, buy or how we look. Our conception is not an accidental act of biology, but rather a divine intervention. We are to die for, and we are to rise for. We have been given the family name of God, (Father Son and Holy Spirit), which is a name that will last forever!
Leah: The main points of my presentation are summed up in my book: How Far Can We Go? The one thing I'd like people to take away is that God loves us and He invites and trusts us to choose a rich life of loving relationships, no matter what vocation we are called to.
R: What did you see happening at the Cornerstone? In the people attending? In the Impacters?
Curtis: I saw the Holy Spirit working. I saw youth excited, alive, passionate, and engaged in their faith. Being in that environment renewed me in my faith and gave me a new sense of hope for the Catholic Diocese in Saskatoon.
Ken: I saw a captive audience of young people thirsty for the truth. It was obvious while speaking, that some were hearing the truth of their Identity in Christ in a new way, or for the first time. For some, it seemed as though a veil was being lifted off the eyes, and an understanding of their significance and place in the heart of God the Father was being communicated to them by the Holy Spirit. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of. I also observed a sense of community being developed in with the young people attending this event.
Leah: At the Cornerstone, I saw God's love at work in people trying to figure out how to become like Christ. None of us have arrived yet, but there is a miracle in that God is present to us along the way.
R: How would you like to see the momentum of Impact carried into the years to come?
Curtis: As a result of this mission my great expectation is that every person in the world would encounter Christ and live their lives for Him.
Ken: It would be wonderful to have a regular citywide meeting for youth, conducted with the SAME spirit of Catholic evangelism as the Cornerstone. Young people need to hear the truths of the Church proclaimed in a clear and relevant way, and an opportunity to ENCOUNTER Christ. The Cornerstone has been effective in this. It would be disappointment and a disservice to the youth of this city if this did not continue.
Leah: I would like to see Impact build unity in the Church in Saskatoon. I would like to see enthusiasm, openness and care as fruits of the mission.
R: Well folks, that's all for now! See you at the Cornerstone, Holy Spirit Parish, 7 30 pm on Thursdays...
by Robin Anderson
July 21, 2009
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord... To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit..."
- 1 Corinthians 12: 4-5, 8
I, personally, have not missed a Cornerstone yet. I love being there, in the joy, the music, the worship, the laughter, and the learning. Here is what a few of our Impact 2009 Cornerstone speakers have to say about their topics, and about what they see happening in Saskatoon as results of the Impact mission! Just so you know, these interviews were conducted over email, after their experience speaking at Cornerstone. I asked each of them the same questions. Enjoy...
Speaker Curtis Wagner, pictured here with St. Francis of Assisi!
Speaker Curtis Wagner, pictured here with St. Francis of Assisi!
Speaker Ken Yasinski, founder of Face to Face Ministries
Speaker Leah Perrault, co-author of How Far Can We Go? A Catholic Guide to Sex and Dating. Pictured here with her beautfiul daughter Robyn.
R: How did the theme of the Cornerstone speak to you personally?
Curtis: The theme was freedom. I originally thought that by following Christ I would loose my freedom because I had to follow a bunch of rules but since I committed my life to Jesus I have never felt so free. I realized that Christianity is not about what I do but instead what’s been done. This is what’s been done: Jesus died on the cross personally for me so that my sins would be forgiven and that I could experience eternal life in heaven. My relationship with Jesus helps me to focus my energy, simplify my decisions, give meaning to my life and most importantly prepare me for eternity. God has developed an incredible sense of peace, hope, and an inexpressible joy in my life that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus. This lasting joy and happiness that sustains me on a daily basis and gives me a freedom that can’t be explained in words.
Speaker Leah Perrault, co-author of How Far Can We Go? A Catholic Guide to Sex and Dating. Pictured here with her beautfiul daughter Robyn.
R: How did the theme of the Cornerstone speak to you personally?
Curtis: The theme was freedom. I originally thought that by following Christ I would loose my freedom because I had to follow a bunch of rules but since I committed my life to Jesus I have never felt so free. I realized that Christianity is not about what I do but instead what’s been done. This is what’s been done: Jesus died on the cross personally for me so that my sins would be forgiven and that I could experience eternal life in heaven. My relationship with Jesus helps me to focus my energy, simplify my decisions, give meaning to my life and most importantly prepare me for eternity. God has developed an incredible sense of peace, hope, and an inexpressible joy in my life that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus. This lasting joy and happiness that sustains me on a daily basis and gives me a freedom that can’t be explained in words.
Ken: Quite simply, if we do not know who we are, we cannot realize our potential. (Note: Ken spoke on identity in Christ)
Leah: Sexuality and Catholicism has been an area of interest for me for a long time now. As I discovered the wisdom of Catholicism in sexual theology, I became increasingly rooted in the Incarnation of Jesus. All of a sudden, being embodied became exciting because God communicates to us in and through our bodies. God, as Trinity, loves in relationship, and we are called to discover God's love and communion in our relationships too.
R: What were the main points of your talk? Or, if there was one thing that you wanted the attendees to take away, what was it?
Curtis: My main objective was for each person in attendance to hear the basic Gospel message and respond to it. I shared the acronym, LIFT, to help understand the message and my testimony.
L = a Life changing event happened to me. All of us have life changing events that happens to us. Mine was...
I = I was diagnosed with a terminal Infection in my heart. We all have this infection and it’s called sin.
F = But a Famous person (Jesus) donated me a new Heart. You would have heard of Him, He has been in movies, on TV, and has had 1000’s of books written about Him.
T = So I had a heart Transplant and the surgery was so successful, I am going to live forever!
Ken: Our significance come from God alone, and not from what we wear, buy or how we look. Our conception is not an accidental act of biology, but rather a divine intervention. We are to die for, and we are to rise for. We have been given the family name of God, (Father Son and Holy Spirit), which is a name that will last forever!
Leah: The main points of my presentation are summed up in my book: How Far Can We Go? The one thing I'd like people to take away is that God loves us and He invites and trusts us to choose a rich life of loving relationships, no matter what vocation we are called to.
R: What did you see happening at the Cornerstone? In the people attending? In the Impacters?
Curtis: I saw the Holy Spirit working. I saw youth excited, alive, passionate, and engaged in their faith. Being in that environment renewed me in my faith and gave me a new sense of hope for the Catholic Diocese in Saskatoon.
Ken: I saw a captive audience of young people thirsty for the truth. It was obvious while speaking, that some were hearing the truth of their Identity in Christ in a new way, or for the first time. For some, it seemed as though a veil was being lifted off the eyes, and an understanding of their significance and place in the heart of God the Father was being communicated to them by the Holy Spirit. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of. I also observed a sense of community being developed in with the young people attending this event.
Leah: At the Cornerstone, I saw God's love at work in people trying to figure out how to become like Christ. None of us have arrived yet, but there is a miracle in that God is present to us along the way.
R: How would you like to see the momentum of Impact carried into the years to come?
Curtis: As a result of this mission my great expectation is that every person in the world would encounter Christ and live their lives for Him.
Ken: It would be wonderful to have a regular citywide meeting for youth, conducted with the SAME spirit of Catholic evangelism as the Cornerstone. Young people need to hear the truths of the Church proclaimed in a clear and relevant way, and an opportunity to ENCOUNTER Christ. The Cornerstone has been effective in this. It would be disappointment and a disservice to the youth of this city if this did not continue.
Leah: I would like to see Impact build unity in the Church in Saskatoon. I would like to see enthusiasm, openness and care as fruits of the mission.
R: Well folks, that's all for now! See you at the Cornerstone, Holy Spirit Parish, 7 30 pm on Thursdays...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Fr. Tom Rosica at CCO's 20th Anniversary BBQ, St. Paul's Cathedral, Saskatoon
Left: Matthew Orlowski, a testimony of CCO and the discernment of the priesthood. Right: Gregory Smith-Windsor. Both young men are entering the seminary this fall in London, Ontario, and both have been involved with CCO on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
Thanking the Lord for His Goodness: CCO 20th Anniversary BBQ July 8, 2009
by Robin Anderson
July 13, 2009
“How can we repay the Lord for all the good done for us? We will raise the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord!” --Psalm 116: 12-13
I’d like to interrupt this Cornerstone series, AGAIN, with another very important report. CCO had a BBQ potluck night at St. Paul’s Cathedral last week, Wednesday, July 8. All 60 missionaries were present from across the country; furthermore, Fr. Thomas Rosica (CEO of Salt and Light Television and organizer of World Youth Day in Toronto) addressed a large crowd of Impacters and supporters from in and around Saskatoon. There was an abundance of food; but even more importantly, there was an abundance of hope in celebrating what has been for CCO, as well as hope for the future of CCO in Canada and the world.
Jeff Lockert brought greetings as President of Catholic Christian Outreach, drawing attention to CCO’s 20th Anniversary, as the celebrations come to an end with Impact 2009. Saskatoon, he said, was the perfect place to hold the Impact mission, as it is the founding city. He acknowledged past and present students, staff alumni, and all the supporters attending. Jeff also spoke of the expansion to Laval University this fall, in Québec.
Two student testimonies, those of Megan Crowe and Matthew Orlowski, followed Jeff’s greetings in the packed Saskatoon cathedral. Megan shared about her experience on Impact 2009 so far, especially noting that her expectations for the mission and her actual experience had turned out to be quite different. She pictured herself in a large parish, and impacting many people at a time; however, through her missionary experience she has come to see the significance of one person at a time. God has shown her the importance of all the relationships in her life, and that she is called to be a missionary in her work relationships and friendships. “I know now,” she said, “that God wants me to proclaim the gospel to the world, one person at a time.”
Matthew Orlowski shared a moving testimony of his discernment of the priesthood, a discernment process that involved Catholic Christian Outreach. Through CCO’s faith studies, both leading them and attending them, Matthew has been “astounded in the changes I’ve seen in myself and in the people around me.” On Impact 2007, during a time of Eucharistic Adoration, Matthew came to a place of greater surrender with regards to his vocation; he knew the priesthood was viable possibility for him. Through diocesan discernment retreats, as well as another mission with CCO in Québec (Rencontrez Jésus), in the fall of 2008 Matt decided to apply for the seminary.
Fr. Tom’s sharing, the main attraction of the night, was partly a talk he delivered at CCO’s Rise Up in Toronto this past New Years. He drew attention to the wall at St. Thomas More College in Saskatoon: it depicts the Basilians as the apostles, distributing the product of the miracle of loaves and fishes to the multitudes. According to Fr. Tom, CCO missionaries could be depicted alongside the Basilian Fathers, as they have taken the call of evangelization seriously in the last twenty years. CCO is “guilty as charged”; the "charges" range anywhere from being a friend of the pope to proclaiming Jesus, even when it is difficult.
The role and mission of CCO in the Canadian Catholic Church, and indeed in the Church as a whole, is a large role and mission according to Fr. Rosica. CCO is an answer to John Paul II’s call for a “new Pentecost.” The movement has responded to the needs of evangelization, formation, the need for testimonies, and the need for creativity and freshness. “CCO,” said Fr. Tom, “does not exist to apologize Christianity out of existence” […] but contains “Catholic agents of change who know and love Jesus Christ.” Fr. Tom expressed his admiration for young people using the “language of conversion, taken from the Acts of Apostles,” phrases such as “since my conversion,” and “I’m discerning that option right now.” CCO has refused to water down the Gospel message, declaring with St. Paul: “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (I Corinthians 9:16).
Furthermore, said Fr. Tom, CCO has a special relationship with John Paul II. The movement was brought to his attention after World Youth Day 2002, when Fr. Tom had his follow-up meeting with the Holy Father. A card from CCO soon after yielded a strange, but inspired, response from the pope. He signed his own name on the large card of names, declaring himself a member of CCO; he then sent the card back. The card is preserved in CCO archives in the Ottawa head office.
Fr. Tom Rosica also notified CCO of the temptation that could potentially grow in the movement. There is a danger, he said, in seeing ourselves as on a “Noah’s Ark”; once on the vessel of salvation, the terrible, sinful people will be left to their own destruction. CCO is called, as indeed is every Catholic, “to enter into the messes encountered on an every-day level” and invite people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. CCO is called to be on the “Bark of Peter, with Jesus,” not on a “Noah’s Ark.” CCO is called to continue the work it was founded to assume.
Fr. Tom ended his address with a quotation from Marianne Williamson (quoted by Nelson Mandela when he became prime minister of South Africa), a fitting quotation for current students and alumni alike:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
“We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
“We are meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Angèle and André Regnier thanked everyone, especially those who journeyed with CCO in the movement’s beginning stages. André called all the missionaries, both staff and Impacters, to the front. He asked, “Looking at all these missionaries… Do you see hope?”
Indeed, I do. I’m so excited to see CCO’s progress through the next twenty years!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Cornerstone #2: Witnesses of What They Have Seen of Jesus
by Robin Anderson
July 6, 2009
“Get up now, and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness of what you have seen of me and what you will be shown.” –Acts. 26:16
So this week for me has been a little crazy. I had decided that this week's update would be shorter, you know, trying to save time, when I realized that the theme I picked for this week's Cornerstone update facilitated some easy writing! The people of the Diocese of Saskatoon have been witnesses of the events occurring during Impact 2009. So let's let them have a voice. Let's get their reactions. Let's let Robin stop typing now.
Denise Hounjet-Roth and her husband Louis Roth
Denise Hounjet-Roth (St. Augustine): "I decided to take part in the faith study at St. Augustine, because I knew it was the turning point for so many of the young people in CCO. I was wondering, ‘What are they saying, or what are they teaching, that makes these young people come alive in their faith?’ So I went for a selfish reason, I was so curious. [...] It was an eye-opener for us, going through the faith study (Discovery). Even my discerning of where Jesus is my life, even as an adult, I NEEDED THAT."
"I’m glad Impact is in Saskatoon, I’m excited it’s in Saskatoon, I think Saskatoon needed this. I’ve seen some kids at Cornerstone who I know through certain circles, and I’m so glad to see them here, it’s wonderful for them. I’m so happy to see them here! Even kids who have come with our kids, and they’re coming back! Wow! Obviously the Cornerstones have been making an impression. I think the Cornerstones are wonderful the way they’re set up."
Louis Roth: "I think that CCO is doing an excellent job, especially in bringing the kids fallen away through secular society, fallen away from the Church, maybe through a rough life, and they’re helping these kids rediscover who Jesus is, and bring them back to a Christian value system."
"There’s a part of Impact that extends beyond when the missionaries leave. We’re responsible, we’re the ones called to carry that message forward."
"I’ve heard some stories from some of the kids (the Missionaries' testimonies at Cornerstone), how they weren’t into their faith, and look at where they are now! It’s been good to be a part of that, to hear where they’re coming from."
Carmen Shepherd
Carmen Shepherd (St. Phillip Neri): "I’m loving the mission, and sad that it’s going to be over in a month! Just to be able to have so many young Catholic people around. I’m seeing more and more young people coming out, even in Cornerstone itself, there are more people raising their hands and singing so joyfully. It’s amazing, I love seeing people express their love for God."
"Jesus to me is everything, He’s always been very strong in my life. Impact though, has strengthened my relationship quite a bit because I hadn’t experienced the group aspect in quite a while, to be with a community. I have been able to live who I am around them, and not be scared to show that I love Jesus."
Nicole Brodner
Nicole Brodner (St. Paul's Cathedral): "I’ve been seeing the parishes come together, becoming more like a small town community now, instead of everyone being all over the place!"
"Jesus is my Savior, my best friend, my help, my strength. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without him. Through Impact I have been able to see him through other people more. The way the missionaries are giving out their summer to come here, or the different jobs they’ve taken, or just their attitudes in inviting people out; it's all been a witness of Jesus."
Robin Anderson: "'Nuff said."
by Robin Anderson
July 6, 2009
“Get up now, and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness of what you have seen of me and what you will be shown.” –Acts. 26:16
So this week for me has been a little crazy. I had decided that this week's update would be shorter, you know, trying to save time, when I realized that the theme I picked for this week's Cornerstone update facilitated some easy writing! The people of the Diocese of Saskatoon have been witnesses of the events occurring during Impact 2009. So let's let them have a voice. Let's get their reactions. Let's let Robin stop typing now.
Denise Hounjet-Roth and her husband Louis Roth
Denise Hounjet-Roth (St. Augustine): "I decided to take part in the faith study at St. Augustine, because I knew it was the turning point for so many of the young people in CCO. I was wondering, ‘What are they saying, or what are they teaching, that makes these young people come alive in their faith?’ So I went for a selfish reason, I was so curious. [...] It was an eye-opener for us, going through the faith study (Discovery). Even my discerning of where Jesus is my life, even as an adult, I NEEDED THAT."
"I’m glad Impact is in Saskatoon, I’m excited it’s in Saskatoon, I think Saskatoon needed this. I’ve seen some kids at Cornerstone who I know through certain circles, and I’m so glad to see them here, it’s wonderful for them. I’m so happy to see them here! Even kids who have come with our kids, and they’re coming back! Wow! Obviously the Cornerstones have been making an impression. I think the Cornerstones are wonderful the way they’re set up."
Louis Roth: "I think that CCO is doing an excellent job, especially in bringing the kids fallen away through secular society, fallen away from the Church, maybe through a rough life, and they’re helping these kids rediscover who Jesus is, and bring them back to a Christian value system."
"There’s a part of Impact that extends beyond when the missionaries leave. We’re responsible, we’re the ones called to carry that message forward."
"I’ve heard some stories from some of the kids (the Missionaries' testimonies at Cornerstone), how they weren’t into their faith, and look at where they are now! It’s been good to be a part of that, to hear where they’re coming from."
Carmen ShepherdCarmen Shepherd (St. Phillip Neri): "I’m loving the mission, and sad that it’s going to be over in a month! Just to be able to have so many young Catholic people around. I’m seeing more and more young people coming out, even in Cornerstone itself, there are more people raising their hands and singing so joyfully. It’s amazing, I love seeing people express their love for God."
"Jesus to me is everything, He’s always been very strong in my life. Impact though, has strengthened my relationship quite a bit because I hadn’t experienced the group aspect in quite a while, to be with a community. I have been able to live who I am around them, and not be scared to show that I love Jesus."
Nicole BrodnerNicole Brodner (St. Paul's Cathedral): "I’ve been seeing the parishes come together, becoming more like a small town community now, instead of everyone being all over the place!"
"Jesus is my Savior, my best friend, my help, my strength. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without him. Through Impact I have been able to see him through other people more. The way the missionaries are giving out their summer to come here, or the different jobs they’ve taken, or just their attitudes in inviting people out; it's all been a witness of Jesus."
Robin Anderson: "'Nuff said."
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