Full Stories - May 2009
Milestones in Recent Catholic-Jewish Relations
This document chronicles, on a year-by-year basis, the dramatic advances in Catholic-Jewish dialogue since the Second Vatican Council. This detailed profile of significant changes and developments in Catholic-Jewish relations will be very useful to teachers, students, researchers, historians, interfaith practicioners and others. This document can be downloaded free of charge. Read more
Special magazine issue - Mysteries of the Rosary. Order bulk copies for home, parish or school
Now available May-June 2009 special issue on the Rosary
Order bulk copies for your school or parish, friends and family at the special low price of 30 cents each (postage extra). Phone Penny at 416-261-7135 (or 1-800-260-4815), ext. 284 or email order to mid-penny@scarboromissions.ca.
This special issue on the rosary presents the 20 mysteries (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious), each with three reflections: thoughts and questions about the mystery; ideas on how we as Scarboro missionaries often understand the mystery; and an Amazon Word. Scarboro missionaries have worked in the Brazilian Amazon since 1962 in the Prelacy of Itacoatiara and the Diocese of Roraima. Each mystery of the rosary is accompanied by a photo from a country where Scarboro missioners are present. The images from other lands represent the universality of our faith. We hope that these short reflections will help you in praying the rosary and in deepening your sense of Jesus and Mary acting in your life. May you be blessed as you pray the rosary. We ask that you remember us in your prayers.
A Caregiver's Retreat for Women - June 13-14 at SFM
LAY MISSION OFFICE NEWS
Guyana Revisited
By Barbara White (missioned to Guyana from 2003-2005)
Returned Scarboro Lay Missioner
Kimberley welcoming Barbara with a bowl of 'shebe' – A welcoming drink of the Amerindians
Yes, I felt the call to return to Guyana after almost 3 years of being back on Canadian soil and back into the frenzy of our fast-paced society. I was very surprised and pleased to hear that so many remembered me. Goodness knows that I did not accomplish any great things while I was there but to them, what was important, was to know that someone cared and knew of their struggles for a better life. Especially the people of Aishalton - in the words of Fr Amar - "the visit brought hope and joy to their eyes!' What joy and dancing and laughing and tears as we hugged and greeted each other! It was a very humbling experience for me and I realized, ever more strongly, that those less fortunate crave our companionship more strongly than all the material things we can give.
The smells, sounds and sights of Guyana came back to me quickly. One night in the apartment with the dogs howling, the horns blowing, the car alarms going off, the boom boxes going full tilt, the roosters crowing, the roaring traffic....and I knew I was back! It appeared that some things hadn't changed. The heat and humidity was as high or higher than I remember .....30+ degrees, how did I ever stand it? Out came the 'ole sweat rag' and it saw much use during my time there.
In presbytery kitchen in Aishalton with Fr. Amar, Fr.Britt & Jesuit student, Emma, the cook with her baby.
Memories came flooding back as I re-visited places and people where I had spent my time and energy. I regret that time did not allow a visit to everyone and every place that I would have liked to re-visit but I hold them in my heart.
Our next plan was to visit Aishalton via Lethem, where I had lived for the last 1 1/2 years before returning to Canada. The bus ride to Lethem was a somewhat wild ride with a break down just before Linden with a 1 1/2 hour wait in the wilderness for a replacement! Eventually we arrived in Lethem, dirty and grimy to continue our journey to Aishalton.
From Lethem to Aishalton was a breeze as we rode in the cab of Father's new truck, instead of the back as our former mode of travel. Of course, the roads/trails were as rough as ever and we still had to drive through the rivers and creeks. We arrived late and it appeared that no one was about, but gradually shadowy figures started popping out from under trees and beside buildings! What rejoicing! "Didn't believe you would come back, you're home, you're home"! The typically Guyanese expression "you got fat" (meaning you look well and healthy) dotted many exclamations! I peeked into the old place - my bedroom looked just as I had left it and I was inundated with memories!!!
Fr. Britt and Barbara White
The Women's Centre, which was started by Maxine Bell (also a Scarboro missioner), continues to be a refuge for the women. My friend got the spinning machines up and working again and we sent in a bundle of supplies. This seems to be their biggest hurdle - getting supplies into Aishalton. Our time in Aishalton came to a close with a gathering of fun and song on the Church grounds. Lots of love, hugs and joy spilling over!
We returned to Georgetown with an overnight in Lethem. One of the breaking ground projects, that I was involved in during my stay in Georgetown, was the Children's Home for abandoned children with HIV/Aids. I was impressed with what I saw – a well run home occupied by 16 children who looked happy and well cared for.
I was filled with hope and gratitude for being blessed with the opportunity to return to this, the land of my second home. The spirit of Christmas was made so real in the beautiful tradition of the Christmas Novena. It touched my heart.
Outside St. Ann's Orphanage
Gertrude and Ivy welcoming me to Aishalton
Edgar Cassimero and Barbara White
Barbara White and children outside Bernard John's home
A Good Belly Laugh in Guyana
Patty MacDonald with the children at the Daycare Center in Georgetown
By David and Patty MacDonald
Scarboro Lay Missioners in Guyana
Our morning began, as most morning do, since our arrival in Guyana. We were awakened by the rooster's crowing, followed shortly by the always adventurous minibus ride to the Missionaries of Charity to greet Sister Valentine. On our arrival, there was no time for chit chat, as the homeless have become accustomed to being served at 9AM sharp. The serving was routine with no incidents or disruptions this morning. Clean up went as planned and I had time to spare as I waited for Patty to finish at the Day Care Center upstairs.
Being I was now available, Sister Valentine enlisted my services to peel garlic for the following day. Conversation flowed easily between us until the Sister from India asked me what I had done with the footoo? I asked her to repeat the question. She asked, "What did you do with the footoo?" "Where is it?" My facial expression indicated that I didn't understand. She kept repeating, "You know, the footoo!" It became evident that we had a language barrier.
Patty and David MacDonald with Sr. Valentine
We giggled like school kids as she tried to find an alternative word for footoo. Slowly she said, "You know Mister David, footoo". The totally confused look on my face caused us both to break out in a good belly laugh. "The footoo, you know, of you and me", she tried to explain, as we fought to control our laughter. Finally, I clued into what she was trying to ask. Patty had taken a photo (footoo) of Sister Valentine and me. She was trying to ask if I had gotten the picture developed.
Then Patty arrived from Day Care shortly, so I inquired what she had done with the footoo. She had the same puzzled look on her face that I had earlier. I repeated the question which sent Sister and I giggling again. We explained the confusion over footoo to Patty and then we all had a good laugh. We teased Sister Valentine before leaving for the day.
The following morning, as we presented the footoo to Sister, her smile revealed her approval. Hopefully, she has tucked it away, where she can retrieve it when she's in need of a good laugh.
As we recall this event, we can't help but take note of how a good belly laugh has the power to relieve stress, especially when we are able to laugh at ourselves.
A New Sense of Hope and Joy
Sr. Ann MacDonald with Steve 4, Annie 2 1/2 at HIV Aids Clinic
By Sr. Ann MacDonald, csj
Scarboro Lay Missioner in Malawi, Africa
Since arriving in Mzuzu, one of my ministries has been at the Malazi HIV/Aids Clinic which is sponsored by St. John's Hospital. Wednesday is the clinic day for mothers and young children and this is the day that I look forward to each week. Over the past few months, I have worked with the dedicated and kind staff that assist the mothers to understand this disease and its effects on their children in a non-judgmental way. I have met these same mothers who faithfully bring their children, month after month for a routine check-up so they can receive their anti retro-viral drugs that are helping their children to live a healthier life...but the highlight has been 'meeting the children!'
My assigned job is to record their weight and to measure their height - not a difficult task, you would think! Since I am a stranger, a mzungu (white person), the children are a little afraid of me, especially the younger ones, and will not take my hand to go onto the scales. As the weeks pass and they now recognize me, we have been able to establish a relationship. Playing hide & seek has become a favorite game with the younger ones as they wait for their appointment.
My time at the HIV/Aids Clinic has been a real gift for me personally, as I have seen many of the children put on weight and grow a few inches in just a few short months. It's been a real blessing to share in the joy of their mothers when I show them the change in weight/height since their last visit. The smile on the faces of the mothers, who care for these children each day is a revelation to me of God's care and concern for the little ones. Even if the child's progress lasts only for a short time, I see mothers and children leaving the Clinic with a new sense of hope and joy that will carry them through the times ahead.
Witnessing the dedication of St. Vincent de Paul in Malawi – The poor helping the poor
Joseph 102 yrs old
By Sr. Ann MacDonald, csj
Scarboro Lay Missioner in Malawi, Africa
In late December, I was invited by members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society to accompany them on some home visits they were making before Christmas. The gifts they were bringing to members of the community included small bags of sugar and bars of soap which were gratefully accepted and the visit concluded with a prayer before we were on our way.
Our last stop was at the home of Joseph, 102 years old, the oldest living person in the Parish. He was recognized during the visit of the Papal Nuncio in October 2008 and was given a Medal which was blessed by Pope Benedict. When we met and he saw my religious medal around my neck, he told me that he had also received a medal, just like mine from the Pope! Joseph told me that he came to Malawi with his father when he was very young from Mozambique to plant Irish potatoes and has been here ever since. In our conversation, I asked him what has kept him living all these years. He reached into his pocket and took out a very tattered and dirty Bible which was written in Portuguese and said very clearly, "I read it every day and try to follow what the Bible says." Some words of wisdom to think about!
St. Vincent de Paul team, Joseph, his wife top row, and daughter on right and Sr. Ann MacDonald
I was struck by the commitment, dedication and caring attitude of these three men who serve the Parish Community of St. Peter's as members of St Vincent de Paul. They are ready to assist with any request that comes to their attention, whether it be paying of school fees, building a home for a family of orphans so they can stay together, assisting with the purchasing of a new wheelchair or giving some maize to families needing food.
I spoke with the Pastor, Fr. Chunda about my interest in St. Vincent de Paul and then met with their executive who invited me to join them. I look forward to sharing in this very valuable ministry in the coming year. I feel that I will be the one enriched by their presence in my life.
Are you interested in becoming a Scarboro Missioner?
Lay Mission work in October 2006 Magazine Issue
To read about the current Lay Mission work in the latest magazine issue, click here
INTERFAITH DESK NEWS
Learn about Official Church Documents on Dialogue
This listing features official Church documents on interfaith dialogue that have been published during and since the era of the Second Vatican Council. Included here are papal encyclicals as well as documents produced by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, by Bishops' Conferences and by Congregations within the Vatican (e.g. the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith). Each listing contains a one or two-sentence description of the document's contents. To read listing, click here.
Exploring Four Levels of Interfaith Dialogue
By referring to a Vatican document on interreligious dialogue, this statement makes the connection between Christian mission and interfaith dialogue - Christians and people of other faiths can cooperate on four levels: the dialogue of life, the dialogue of deeds, the dialogue of theological exchange and the dialogue of religious experience. Read more
Interfaith Retreat weekend May 29 - 31 in Tottenham, Ont.
Guidelines for Designing a Multifaith Prayer Service
Multifaith prayer is a growing international phenomenon that yields many spiritual, social and cultural benefits for the various faith groups and individuals involved. But there are a number of religious, cultural and practical challenges involved in organizing multifaith prayer services. This set of comprehensive guidelines provides an abundance of information, resources and guidelines for designing and implementing a multifaith spiritual service in your community. Read more ...
Building a Global Interfaith Community – Jan-Feb 2007 issue
This special edition of Scarboro magazine reports on the international interfaith activity of the Catholic Church. The reader is taken on a journey from Egypt to Rome, Canada, Guyana, the United States and to Africa and across Asia. With inspiration from the last four Popes, Catholics around the globe are embracing interfaith dialogue and often in leadership roles. Read articles from this Jan-Feb 2007 issue.
Learn more about Interfaith Resources
There is a wealth of information about Interfaith Dialogue (e.g., Golden Rule, Teaching Models, Guidelines for Dialogue) on this web site. Read more...
JUSTICE AND PEACE OFFICE NEWS
Make Poverty History Canada: Calling on Canada to be a leader at the July G-8 Summit in the fight against poverty
Make Poverty History Canada is advocating for Canada to be a leader in the fight against poverty at the G-8 Summit in Italy from July 8th to 10th. They are calling on supporters to urge the Canadian government to publicly commit at the G8 meeting to reach the goal of giving 0.7% of Canada's national income in foreign aid within ten years as well as to encourage G8 members to honour their previous commitments to provide education for all. To reach the goal of 0.7% would require a clear timeline of aid increases, by about 15% a year. Canada has promised many times to reach this target but we are not even half way there, whereas other countries already give 0.7% and more.
To find out more and participate in the Get to the Point campaign go here...
To find out more and participate in the Education for All campaign go here...
Make Poverty History Canada: G-20 increased aid but relying on the IMF to deliver it
The global financial crisis threatens to reverse significant progress made on reducing extreme poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals – an estimated 40 million people have been pushed back into poverty. On April 2nd the G-20 (leaders from countries with 20 largest economies) met to address the financial crisis. Some Scarboro missioners and staff recently participated in a MPH Canada campaign calling on Prime Minister Harper to provide leadership on four key issues related to the impact of the financial crisis on poor countries: reaffirming global aid commitments, ensuring decent jobs and public services for all, using stimulus packages to build a global Green Economy and tackle climate change, and democratizing the governance of the global economy.
The G-20 agreed to give billions in more aid to help poor countries affected by the global economic crisis. However, these resources will be delivered mostly through the IMF, the World Bank and regional development banks, who in the past have imposed on poor countries various conditions for help such as free trade policies, financial market deregulation and government spending caps on health and education. These international financial institutions need to be reformed and until they are reformed, there is concern that additional aid may not help those who need it most. The G-20 was vague on reform details.
Read more here...
KAIROS Focuses Program, Reduces Staff in Response to Financial Crisis
Media Release – Tuesday, April 28, 2009
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives today announced that, faced with major financial challenges, it has responded with a new plan to bring about long-term sustainability. With deep regret, KAIROS has cut staff positions and several important program areas as part of this plan.
The KAIROS Board affirmed values critical for program as KAIROS moves forward, including: a more focused program, faith-based in every way – its identity, its program, its commitments, integrated with social movements and retaining KAIROS' theological courage.
In a special consultation, KAIROS' member churches and organizations gave high priority to the following program areas for KAIROS' work in future: Indigenous rights, ecological justice, global human rights, and human rights in relation to poverty and injustice in Canada.
The program will be organized within two major themes: Sustainability, with a primary focus on ecological justice, and Rights and Dignity, which includes Indigenous rights and global human rights. International development work will be focused on the same themes of Sustainability and Rights and focused on more support to fewer partners. Education and grassroots advocacy will be integrated with, and inform the work of, each major theme. The restructured organization now has two major program priorities in two teams. The Sustainability team will have a primary focus on ecological justice. The Rights and Dignity team will work on Indigenous rights and global human rights. Both teams will link to poverty and injustice in Canada. The Global Partnerships program that supports the work of Southern partners will continue. Education and campaigns will be increased to inform each area of work, helping to link grassroots education and mobilizing with policy development and advocacy.
Although KAIROS will not continue its refugee program, member churches will continue their own refugee work and also work through the Canadian Council for Refugees. There will also no longer be full programs related to international debt and trade or corporate accountability, although economic justice is will inform research, policy and advocacy.
The KAIROS Anti-Poverty Fund grants have not been carried forward. KAIROS will continue to work with its anti-poverty networks across the country and will develop a response to poverty in terms of the need for just and sustainable livelihoods, including migrant justice.to the extent possible.
The financial crisis that emerged late in the fall of 2008 was a result of reduced contributions from KAIROS member churches, greatly increased rent, steadily increasing program and staff costs, and decreased endowment revenue caused by the global economic crisis.
"We believe this new restructured plan is a good one in response to the challenges we are facing. But we are grieving the loss of valued colleagues and important areas of work," says KAIROS executive director Mary Corkery. "KAIROS is losing staff whose work is excellent. We honour and thank them."
KAIROS' restructuring plan includes outreach and fundraising. Additional including greater consultation with churches and ecumenical partners, resources have been allocated for work in "new media" and for new programs to generate revenue. The restructuring is based on a board consultation process with member churches and organizations.
KAIROS thanks its member churches and organizations, and networks across the country, for their continuing support and prayers.
Ecuador: Deadline to prevent oil drilling in Yasuní National Park extended to July 2009 but government proposes carbon trading as solution
Sign the Kyoto plus petition
Canadian environmental and public interest organizations are asking individual Canadians to sign the KYOTOplus Petition. The petition calls for Canada to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least 25 per cent (from the 1990 level) by 2020. They are targeting a minimum of one million signatures for this petition. They will deliver these signatures to the United Nations climate conference that will take place in December 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark. This conference will make the crucial decision about a second phase of the Kyoto Protocol. Canada must be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
The Petition for Concerned Canadians reads as follows:
Whereas global warming is an unequivocal threat to our environment, our economy and to people's lives; and
whereas global warming must be kept as far below 2øsius as possible (relative to the pre-industrial level) in order to prevent catastrophic consequences; requiring developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25 to 40 per cent (from 1990 levels) by 2020; and
whereas Canada should join the global community in agreeing to these reductions at the United Nations climate conference in Copenhagen, Denmark in December 2009; therefore
I call on elected officials to ensure that Canada honours its Kyoto commitment and sets a national target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25 per cent (from the 1990 level) by 2020.
Canada must have a credible plan to meet this 2020 target, including:
- a just price on greenhouse gas pollution;
- world-leading regulations and effective investments to cut greenhouse gas pollution from vehicles, buildings and other sectors;
- strong measures in support of energy conservation and renewable energy; and
- urgent measures to minimize climate change impacts on people and ecosystems here and abroad.
Go here to sign the petition online...
Ecuador: Sign the Yasuní Green Gold Online petition
Yasuní National Park in the Ecuadorean Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and home to various Indigenous groups including some still living in voluntary isolation. A plan to drill half a billion barrels of oil in the ITT reserves lying beneath the park threatens devastating environmental and social impacts and would provide the world with just five days' worth of oil consumption. While the President of Ecuador has announced a proposal to conserve Yasuni with financial support from the international community, his proposal still needs support and improvement and time is running out.
The Yasuní Green Gold campaign is promoting an online petition calling on:
"Ecuador's government to commit to unconditionally and permanently conserving the Yasuni, and guaranteeing the rights of its local and indigenous people, through a coherent plan which involves their full participation in the decisions which affect their lives.
World leaders to commit to working with the Ecuadorian government and local people to help create the best possible plan to save the Yasuni and to support the plan financially in a way that ensures that the Yasuni is unconditionally preserved and that the rights of its people are respected now and in the future."
Go here to learn more and sign the petition...