Reflections

On Scarboro's General Assembly & Chapter 2002

January/February 2003

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article

Fr. Alex McDonald giving the homily at the mass celebrating the Japanese mission and people.

A great reunion

Thanks to the people in charge, especially the two facilitators who did such an excellent job. I thoroughly enjoyed the two weeks of the Chapter. For 57 years, Scarboro Missions has been my life and my family, so it was a great reunion.

I did feel sadness at the lack of vocations to the priesthood. As in former days, so now surely many young men are being called to the missionary priesthood. I keep wondering why so few respond as they are missing out on a great life.

I had feelings of admiration for and pride in our lay missioners who have interrupted their careers to give part of their lives to Scarboro Missions. I also had feelings of gratitude to our three priests for accepting to serve on the Council and lead us on our missionary journey over the next five years.

Fr. Alex McDonald, S.F.M.
Ichinomiya, Japan

L-R: Fr. John Carten, Fr. James Gauthier, and Fr. Richard Veltri.

An experience of communion

The General Assembly, followed by the Chapter, was an experience of communion among the members and associates of Scarboro Missions. There was an atmosphere of peace proclaimed by the Gospel, in which reflection and decision-making took place. Perhaps what I experienced most was a desire of the participants to be faithful to Jesus, to the reign of God, to the Church, and to the fundamental charism of Scarboro Missions. May Scarboro move forward in the mission of the Church in peace.

Fr. James Gauthier, S.F.M.
Nagoya, Japan

(L-R) Mary Lou Howard, Fr. Dave Warren, and Mary Olenick preparing a meal for the community.

My first Scarboro Chapter

This was my first Scarboro Chapter. I must say it was wonderful to meet Scarboro lay missioners and priests whom I had only heard and read about. I soon realized that we truly are a Scarboro family.

Even though the days were long, it was exciting to be part of deciding the future of Scarboro and where God is leading us. It was most enjoyable to share in the special celebrations, prayer times and wonderful meals together. The special Masses by each mission country were beautiful and a chance to see how Mass is celebrated in all of our mission countries, each one different and very unique.

It was two weeks packed with a full schedule going from morning till night, but I'm glad I was there.

Mary Olenick
Malawi, Africa

Like Pentecost

Reflecting back on what happened this summer at Scarboro Missions, it was a very special time. It reminded me of Pentecost. We were of one mind to find ways to work better together. Consultations and preparations were factors to its success. Information, discussion and cooperation were the tools we used.

Sr. Fernande Barnabe chatting with Fr. Howard Shea.

The consensus model was followed and respected by the facilitators and members. The procedure was carried out without too much frustration. There was time for expressing one's opinion and clarifying points, and all were achieved without feeling rushed. Through the discussions and the consensus arrived at, we had the good feeling of having been heard and understood. I could feel that the Spirit was really at work and present in our deliberations. Every day, we worked together to find ways in which we can be better missionaries and achieve a greater unity in the work being done.

I was particularly struck by the dynamics of a mixed community of ordained and lay people, men and women. The ordained members of the Society did not hold on to the past, but were very confident and open to the changes that are taking place in the Society. I have great admiration for them.

The Eucharistic celebrations were well prepared and meaningful. They embraced the different cultures of the world where Scarboro priests and lay missioners are serving. By participating in these liturgies we felt a part of the people of that mission. It gave us a greater togetherness. They were truly Eucharistic celebrations.

I wish I had words to describe the final Eucharistic celebration. A oneness existed and each of us was infused with energy and love to carry on the mission of the Church. The moment reminded me of Pentecost when the first disciples were burning with the desire to make known to all the people of every nation our salvation through Jesus Christ.

Sr. Fernande Barnabe, MO
Bangkok, Thailand

From a Secretary's view

Immediately following World Youth Day, Scarboro Missions began a short retreat in preparation for a General Assembly followed by the XIth General Chapter. This was the second General Assembly in our history, and the first in which the Assembly was so closely tied to the Chapter. Members dealt with the priorities that they had indicated to be the most important.

Left: Fr. Robert Cranley, Assembly/Chapter Secretary, had lots of help from Peter vanZyl and Cynthia Chu.

The first was mission priorities. The consensus determined that we would go to the non-evangelized and to the marginalized to be with them and bear witness to the message of Christ. This would include justice and peace efforts and a preferential option for the poor.

The second was membership under which we recognized that the numbers of our permanent priest members are decreasing, and that there are a growing number of laity who wish to work in mission. As a result we will continue our efforts to find a model which will allow, as much as possible, equality of membership with attendant rights and obligations for clerics and laity.

The third priority was responsible stewardship of Society property and buildings here on Kingston Road in Scarborough, Ontario. This, by consensus, requires further investigation.

Then came the fun part: choosing the next General Council. The Assembly facilitators worked hard on this, as we were using a completely new method. Our only assurance was that this method had been used successfully by several religious communities of women, and that it was in conformity with Church law. So, those nominated circulated to six roundtables where each was 'grilled' as to their strengths and weaknesses for the positions. The candidates also met by themselves to discuss their being in leadership, serving with each other and serving the Society.

At this point we moved into Chapter. All the motions that had been discussed in Assembly were once more presented and voted on according to Church law. The results could be seen on a large screen using Powerpoint.

I had agreed to be the Secretary for the Assembly/ Chapter, but there were so many assistants, all with computer skills, that it was the easiest 'secretarying' that I ever did. Being a supervisor is obviously the way to go.

Fr. Robert Cranley, S.F.M.
Assembly/Chapter Secretary

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article