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100th Anniversary > Celebrating Faith in Our Families
| Message From the Deanery Chair |
November 2009
Congratulations to everyone for planning and celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Archdiocese. The feedback we have received over the past few months has truly been very reflective and energizing!
How is the Archdiocese celebrating our anniversary theme: Faith Alive! Celebrating our Past – Hope for our Future?
- The Kick-off and Centennial Proclamation on the Solemnity of Pentecost, May 31, 2009 proclaimed, with gratitude, the beginning of 100 years of our Faith.
- The travelling icon of ‘Our Lady of the Rosary’ has blessed those who have had the privilege of pondering and praying with our patroness of the Archdiocese.
- Parishes have worked diligently to create a beautiful banner. Much hard work by each parish has gone into this project and the originality and uniqueness of each banner is beyond words. The procession at the Eucharistic Celebration on June 6, 2010 with 168 banners displayed will speak for itself.
- ‘Called Out in Faith’ – our Centennial Song. Lyrics written by Fr. Francis Hengen and Music provided by Sister Anastasia Young SSS stirs the heart with a new joy when sung at gatherings.
- Deanery Celebration gatherings have been celebrated in a variety of ways with much enthusiasm and by an excellent representation of parishioners.
- The One Hundred Faith Story books have been well received and are being enjoyed. To date, over 4,000 books have been sold with a profit made of
$2,485 on the total number of books purchased. 542 books are in the parishes which have yet to be paid =
$2,710. There are 68 boxes in stock at the Diocesan Centre to be purchased.
- Merchandise items have been delivered to your parish. To place your order or if you may have any questions please contact Audrey Patrick at 525-3211.
New Possibility
As a response to the National Catholic Women’s League Theme: Women of Peace and Hope,
3 CWL Regional Councils (one out of province) have invited Fr. Ed Hengen and Vivian Bosch to offer a presentation.
As we prepare for Advent, parish pastoral councils are extending an invitation to the following presentations being offered: ‘Peace and Hope: Inward, Outward, Upward’ and ‘Spirituality of Waiting’. Personal faith stories shared along with Scripture teaching open the doors to recognize the meaning of being called the ‘Beloved’ while pondering the face of our compassionate God around us. Vivian and Fr. Ed have been strongly influenced by the writings of Jean Vanier and Henri Nouwen and look forward to sharing their experience and insights with you.
Contact: Fr. Ed: E-mail, 332-6684
or Vivian: E-mail, 773-5693.
Become Creative With The 'One Hundred Faith Stories'
Each Story:
- Helps us concentrate on the real but often hidden event of God’s active presence in our lives.
- Calls people together to share their stories bringing them to a silence within which helps them discover themselves, each other and God.
- Remains with us far beyond any conversation. Words are the instrument of the present world; silence reflecting on stories shared is the mystery of the future.
How can we become creative in using the ‘100 Faith Stories’?
- The church strives at reaching out to our young people. Could those who come for Baptism instruction learn about our faith by reading faith stories of our past?
- Would it be beneficial for RCIA candidates to become aware of Faith experiences that have taken place in the Archdiocese over the past 100 years?
- May Confirmation candidates be interested in using the 100 Faith Stories as a resource for their Service Project in making home visits to seniors or when visiting the sick in their community?
- Is it possible that catechists may find the Faith Stories beneficial when preparing their lesson plans? You may wish to contact Mike MacDonald, Catechetical Coordinator for ideas to assist you.
- CWL and K of C members are invited to do a Spiritual Program at meetings. Would a faith story followed by a short period of sharing interest your council? Councils have older members who do not attend meetings, perhaps a Faith Book would be a nice gesture to ensure members they are being remembered and valued.
- Might senior groups be interested in reading a story and sharing their past experiences related to the story read?
- Would students or their parents respond to reading or listening to the faith stories. Could they be encouraged to participate in telling their own story to their children or perhaps be encouraged to listen to their grandparents stories?
- Advent and Christmas are upon us. Could the One hundred Faith Stories be an interesting gift for someone this year?
Let us be creative in sharing our
faith and purchase a book for $5.
Prayer of the heart shared in the 100 Faith Stories offer a new sensitivity to the reader, give eyes to see the reality of our Catholic faith traditions and allow us to recognize the caring face of our compassionate God in each story.
I urge you to be creative in utilizing the stories that have been shared by 100 parishioners of the Archdiocese. Take advantage of the faith story book to create enthusiasm in the sharing of our faith as we continue to focus and move forward by continuing to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Archdiocese.
Many blessings,
Vivian Bosch
Deanery Chair
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