NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 2019*
Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils
Montreal 7-10 October 2019

(* This article contains but a brief summary of the week, for details and to learn more about the myriad of invaluable insights and ‘tools’ for fruitful ministry, speak with your local CFPC Representative. He has much to share!)

Trains, planes and automobiles were among the means of transport to get the participants and guests to Le Nouvel Hotel in downtown Montreal - the site of the 2019 annual National Assembly of the Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils. Some did, however, also travel by foot from the residence of Montreal’s Archbishop at the Cathedral about 11 minutes away on foot.


 
The Assembly began with registration in the hotel’s Atwater room which went very well - thanks to volunteers like Fr Sean Lee Lung, our representative from the Toronto Archdiocese. As 5:00 PM drew near, the Atwater was transformed in to a what would serve as the chapel for the remainder of the conference. Central Vice-president Fr. Louis Groetelaars, brought all essential liturgical items from his parish in the Cornwall Diocese and spearheaded the change of the small conference room into a very prayerful chapel.
 
His Grace, Most Rev. Christian Lepine, the Archbishop of Montreal, was the main celebrant at the opening Mass of the Assembly. All the CFPC Representatives concelebrated. Archbishop Lepine, among several important themes, spoke of the absolute importance of the consistent prayer life of the priest and his strong relationship with Christ whom he serves.
 
Everyone enjoyed an excellent meal in the Hotel restaurant, after which everyone gathered in the St Mattieu conference room for the assembly’s ‘Keynote Address’. It has been a long-time tradition for the CFPC’s National Assemblies that the local ordinary is invited to speak to the gathered representatives on the designated theme of the year, thus setting the tone and spirit of the four-day event. The priests, gathered from across Canada, were truly impressed with Archbishop Lepine’s openness and candour in sharing what he is doing in his diocese to respond to various pastoral challenges, while also admitting that he did not have all the answers. As all the speakers at the event, he invited the assembly to engage in some ‘Q&A’ and discussion.
 
The evening ended, as usual, with a fellowship gathering in the hospitality room hosted by Atlantic Vice-President Fr. Edward Terry from Corner Brook Diocese.
 
The second day - which would turn out to be the most intense - began at 7:30 with morning prayer that the Representatives prayed from their smartphones and tablets. This was followed by a continental breakfast as a ride was sent for the special guest of the day - the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi. He spent time with the federation throughout the day… speaking, preaching and participating in discussions. The first session was an extended sharing/discussion on the most important goals and challenges of priestly life and ministry in Canada today. A mixture of priests from around the country in the smaller discussion groups was maintained at this time so that all representatives would learn about the unique challenges and movements in various areas of the country and also appreciate that some things are universal for pastoral ministry regardless of one’s region. Needless to say, that when representatives from each smaller group reported back to the plenary gathering, even more discussion ensued. The underlying movement throughout this and the two subsequent discussion sessions was to continuously winnow down the vast amount of possible important goals to two or three projects that the Federation would begin tackling immediately after the close of the Assembly.
       The representatives gathered in the chapel room where Archbishop Bonazzi led the Mass and preached the homily of the day. During this Mass, as with the other liturgical services throughout the Assembly, representatives took turns taking the readings and responsorials as well as choosing and leading songs. Some also always concelebrated at the Altar. The Federation is grateful to Fr. Louis Groetelaars for also serving as the Assembly “sacristan” assisting with all practical liturgical needs.
       The members of the Federation’s three regions gathered in the early afternoon to hold a meeting for their region. One of the highlights of the Western Region’s meeting was the election of their new Vice-President Fr. Pier Pandolfo from the Prince George Diocese.
      The Apostolic Nuncio then spoke again at the afternoon session during which he shared a true wealth of insights and information. Among his key points, he acknowledged that we are going through change, but that we would wade through these waters if we maintain a strong sense of fraternity and support each other.
 
       The third day was special with a unique schedule that included a pilgrimage and formality, but also organizational breakthroughs. The day began with morning prayer in the chapel which was the 1^st Hour according to the Byzantine Divine Office. This was an important experience for the gathering as the CFPC, of course, includes the eparchies of the various Eastern Churches in Canada. After a good continental breakfast, the Federation held its annual general meeting. The AGM, chaired by President Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski, included regional and financial reports, but was especially fruitful due to the determination of the Federation to establish concrete goals to be dealt with beginning immediately. Of the several proposals, two main themes surfaced. The first was the need for stronger communication between the member-representatives of the Federation, but also all the members, which includes all the priests of the member dioceses and eparchies. A group was formed that would study the practical needs for this (in fact, the group met the very next day for their first meeting!). This will include a regular ‘newsletter’ toward which various members would contribute and an enhanced, more practical website. The other major point stressed the need of providing brother-priests with resources to support them in their ministry – as has been the hallmark of the Federation – but now to address issues on the immediate horizon, such as: vocations (reawakening the local Church), emerging social issues (e.g. gender identity, the new approach to parish life, etc.) and priestly spirituality esp. in times of crisis.  The 2020 National Assembly will be held in the Western Region. Calgary and Winnipeg were proposed, but it is left to the Western representatives will propose a location and other practical details. 
 
       A highlight of the day, and of the entire Assembly, was a pilgrimage to Montreal’s famous St. Joseph Oratory. The representatives had the opportunity to visit the shrine, pray in solitude and even take advantage of the many Confessors. At the daily 12:15 Mass in the massive “crypt chapel”, Bishop Joseph Nguyen of Kamloops (a liaison bishop for the Federation), presided and preached and all the federation Assembly clergy concelebrated. It was an extraordinary experience of grace for both the Federation and the unexpecting lay-faithful that attended.
       The participants had a few hours to do their own thing in the city before the evening formal dinner. Some visited the city’s amazing churches, others visited the ecclesiastical supply centres, some shopped the downtown or wandered the old city, or all of the above. In the evening a formal dinner was held at the hotel as has been a long-standing tradition at the CFPC’s national assembly. The local Archbishop was invited as well as the Bishop for the Eastern-rite Maronite Catholics Bishop Paul-Marwan Tabet, who was also the guest speaker of the evening. Bishop held the undivided attention of the Reps throughout his fascinating talk that included a PowerPoint presentation and amazing accounts about serving as a priest in truly extraordinary circumstances.


 
       The following morning began with a Mass in the chapel, which was especially appreciated by members that would spend a good part of the day travelling back to their home parishes. After breakfast, the first session of the day was with auxiliary bishop of Montreal, Bishop Thomas Dowd, who had just returned from the Consistory in Rome, where a personal friend was among the newly created Cardinals. It was a much-appreciated presentation, as Bishop Thomas shared much about his own faith and vocation journey and his personal life as a priest and a bishop. He spoke about challenges and crises in ministry and in the Church, but especially about successful responses to the Lord’s calling and presence in daily living one’s vocation.
 
      The Assembly deliberations were not yet over. There was a concluding brainstorming session as to the immediate next steps as well as proposals for the regional gatherings and especially the next National Assembly – location, facilities and proposed speakers. The Assembly, as always, ended with a fellowship meal before everyone started on their way back home. It is hoped that bishops and brother priests will give an ear to the diocesan and eparchial representatives that attended the Assembly and learn about the ideas, pastoral insights and renewed enthusiasm with which they parted from Montreal.

Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils

2019 National Assembly

Montréal 7-10 October 2019

In the interest of selecting a somewhat central location that would also facilitate easier travel arrangements AND to explore possible CFPC collaboration with brother priests of the dioceses of La belle province… the participants at Assembly 2018 agreed that Montreal would be the best location this year! et voilá here we are!

The pervading theme for Assembly 2019 is ‘Priestly Vitality’. Among the special speakers will be the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi and the Archbishop of Montreal, Most Rev. Christian Lépine, who will share their priestly experience and insights on growing true happiness in our ministry and sharing it with those entrusted to our care.

Aside from the excellent talks, the event will include discussion and sharing… the collective steering of our Federation into the organization it can and must be for the benefit of our members… opportunities of fellowship and prayer with dedicated priests from around Canada, and… an extraordinary pilgrimage experience to the famous
L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph.

You are invited! - All diocesan CFPC Representatives or, if one is unable to make it this year, his designated substitute, but also (room permitting) all brother priests that would like to participate in the Assembly! But register now!

The primary Assembly location will be Le Nouvel Hotel. Conference sessions and most meals will take place here. They are offering a good rate for Assembly participants so reserve your room today, but clicking on one of the links below.

Book your Room online by clicking [HERE] Group code is: cfpc

Réservez votre chambre d’hôétel [ICI] Notre code est: cfpc

                                                              (or simply call to reserve by phone 1-800-363-6063)

To Register for the Assembly, please compete the linked form and forward it, together with payment

for this year’s Assembly fee of $600.oo to cfpc2020@gmail.com or

mail to: Assembly 2019 Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils

460 Munroe Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2K 1K4

Tel. 204-996-1310

Messages: 204-667-8866

The 2019 Atlantic Gathering of the Region's CFPC Representatives

The Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils Representatives from the dioceses of Atlantic Canada met during the week right after Easter in the great city of Halifax. This time was chosen in direct connnection to the Atlantic Episcopal Assembly. The AEA graciously makes time for an encounter with the priest-representatives of their region whenever they hold their regional assembly. At least, that has been the tradition that has developed over the last number of years. 

The Federation Representatives take the opportunity of gathering for at least two days to pray together and discuss the matters that are of concern to them and the many priests that they represent. The CFPC National President Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski attends and reports on the Federation and the upcoming National Assembly, but it is the Vice-President Fr. Ed Terry that organizes and chairs the gathering. They also discussed and planned a general gathering of all clergy of the Atlantic Region that will soon be happing in the area. 



In the course of their discussions they also prepare the topics that they would like to raise with their Bishops. The Topics may include the raising of concerns and the propoal of ideas, but also the posing of queries regarding pastoral challeges for which they seek guidance. His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Mancini of Halifax, the President of the Assembly chaired the special gathering. The Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, M. R. Luigi Bonazzi was also present. The CFPC Representatives left very saitsfied with the encounter that went way beyond the allotted time.

CFPC 2019 EXECUTIVE MEETING: MONTREAL
 
The executive of the Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils gathered in Montreal during the first week of February for their 2019 midyear assessment and planning meeting. It was a very fruitful three days of scoping out and studying facilities for the 2019 National Assembly, working out the Assembly’s theme and fundamental presentations, as well as times of prayer and very positive meetings with individuals and offices with which the CFPC hopes to be collaborating in the immediate future.


 
Montreal was chosen as it was decided at the last National Assembly in Charlottetown that this year’s Assembly would be held in Montreal. Montreal is the perfect location for a CFPC event it is a major hub which makes it relatively easy for representatives to make travel arrangements… the Federation wants to explore new opportunities for collaboration with our brother priests in Quebec… and, after all, Montreal is rich with Catholic history and so much Catholic culture to explore. [Mark Twain famously referred to it as “the city of a hundred steeples” and that is probably a modest estimate.] It will be a perfect location for National Assembly 2019.
 
The first session was held Tuesday evening and the executive looked at the present financial status of the Federation and discussed how to preceded with extending an invitation to dioceses and eparchies which presbyterates are not presently involved with the CFPC. They also discussed possible models as to how the federation could responsibly realize the motion at Charlottetown to financially sponsor delegates from dioceses for which cost would be a concern. The main discussion that began at this point and carried on throughout the following days was the 2019 National Assembly and all the associated details that would need to be addressed. Although priests in our day face a number of challenges and hardships, there was a strong consensus not to focus directly on the negative, but to propose a theme and program that could offer hope and the additional aids to live our ministry with increased confidence and joy (Romans 12:12). The banner theme chosen was “Priestly Vitality” and the dates would be [SAVE THE DATES!] 7-10 October 2019.
 
Although all meals also became times of discussion, another session was held after breakfast where the Assembly theme and related prospective sub-topics were discussed as well as potential speakers and the plan to reach out to them.


 
The group then left for a noon-day Mass at the famous St. Joseph Oratory where they were graciously welcomed by chaplain Fr. Charles Coroso, CSC. Following the Mass and daily devotions, that apparently are the custom at the Oratory, they also were met by the Rector of the shrine, Fr. Claude Grou, CSC who also graciously invited the CFPC to include a pilgrimage to the Oratory at some point during the National Assembly - for a Mass and tour.
 
Aside from meeting at the hotel again in the afternoon, the executive also made the trek to the Chancery of the Archdiocese of Montreal where they met with a number of individuals involved with pastoral ministries. The Regional Vice-Presidents also reported on developments within their region and their plans for the three Regional Gatherings coming up in April and May.
 
Locations in and around Montreal were considered as possible places where Assembly 2019 could be held. The practical needs of the individual Representatives that would be attending the Assembly as well as concerns about cost and appropriate accommodation and meeting facilities for the number, considerably narrowed down the possibilities. Unfortunately, a similar situation as was had at the Charlottetown retreat centre is not available. However, negotiation is now in progress and an adequate place will decided upon soon.


 
The Montreal meeting was very successful and the follow-up research regarding the national assembly will see the principal details finalized soon and it will be shared with all our CFPC members.  
 


 

CANADIAN FEDERATION OF PRESBYTERAL COUNCILS
2018 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CFPC
 

The Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils held its annual National Assembly this year on Prince Edward Island. Graciously hosted by the Diocese of Charlottetown, the event took place at the new diocesan Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centrewest of the City just past the town of “Avonlea”, made famous by the legendary Anne of Green Gables. The Federation frequently uses a hotel in the host city as retreat centres are not always available. However, the everyone was simply amazed at the accommodations, the conference facilities with excellent technology setups, the wonderful meals and the amazing hospitality provided at Our Lady of Hope. Although the distance seemed to be a bit prohibitive for some representatives (especially from the far west), everyone that came agreed that the facilities and reasonable fees (and, again, the hospitality!) made the trip worth it. 
 
After registration and orientation, the first day began with the Eucharistic Liturgy in the retreat centre chapel, presided at by the Bishop of Charlottetown, Most Rev. Richard J. Grecco. He also preached the first homily of the Assembly. This was followed by a supper and then the opening session which is the Keynote Address of the Assembly, setting the tone for the national gathering. It is the tradition of the CFPC that a local bishop would give this address which is then followed by an open Q&A. Bishop Grecco, who has a doctorate in theology and considerable teaching experience, delivered an excellent treatise on eschatologyand how it should inspire and guide the attitude of the Church. What he had in mind was not merely a consciousness of the “last things” (as is sometimes the given as the essential subtitleof eschatology), but rather a looking and moving forward toward the promise of Christ of a new a resurrected life… a new life that begins already now.
       
The evening continued with fellowship and discussion among the Federation representatives and the local clergy and guests. Tuesday morning began with morning prayer from the Divine Office. It must be mentioned that the Federation was very blessed to have Mr. Leo Marchildonnot only lead all the liturgical services throughout the Assembly, but he had prepared a booklet with all the essential texts for the participants to use every day. Leo is the Music Director of the Diocese of Charlottetown and a member of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Council for Liturgical Music. 
       
The first session of the day was presented by well known Catholic journalist Rev. Raymond de Souza. He had just come in from Rome where he covered the Canonization of the seven new saintson October 14th. He would shortly be returning to Rome to continue coverage of the Synod on ‘Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment’, but he was able to spend time with the Federation. The theme of the 2018 Assembly was to inspire a renewed appreciation for the gifts of ordination in a priest’s sacramental role among the People of God. This is the theme that Fr de Souza spoke on – encouraging priests to revisit the awesome gift that their sacred orders can give to people, especially those entrusted to their pastoral care. He spoke about witness of their mere presence as well many opportunities that they have to Evangelize.
       
A bus transported the entire group to St. Dunstan’s Cathedral Basilicain the heart of Charlottetown for their daily noonday Mass. Bishop Grecco was the main celebrant, but he was joined by Bishop Joseph Nguyen of Kamloops and the Cathedral Rector Fr. And, of course the CFPC member-representatives. There was relatively large gathering of people for a week-day Liturgy. Bishop Grecco gave a brief homily then invited the President of the Federation, Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski(Winnipeg Archeparchy) to tell the congregation a little about the CFPC and why they are in Charlottetown. In closing, Fr. Michael thanked the Bishop and the people of Charlottetown for their extraordinary hospitality and support and he gave special recognition and thanks to the Charlottetown Diocese’s CFPC Representative Fr. James Willick, for all his work in helping arrange the Assembly program.
       
Following the Mass, Fr. Willick arranged a bus tour of significant churches and sights in the Diocese. The tour stopped at a number of places along the way, including the amazing “Harris church” of ------ designed by the famous PEI architect William Harrisand, of course, Confederation Bridge.  Members went to various local restaurants for supper to have a taste of Atlantic Canada’s local and authentic seafood. Everyone met back at the Basilica to take the bus to the University of Prince Edward Islandwhere Charlottetown Youth Coordinator, Lauren Van Vliethad organized an encounter with young people. The idea was to parallel the themes that during this month were being discussed at the Rome Bishops’ Synod on “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment”. It was a very inspiring evening that saw the group of priests from across Canada engage in a dialogue with young people ranging from high school students to university students to young professionals, including a university professor and a married couple. Van Vliet facilitated the encounter with some questions throughout the evening, but everyone was free to ask their own questions and share their observations. You can always tell when the event went well… when no one is in a hurry to leave, but wants to stay and continue meeting and conversing.
 
The following morning began at 7:30 with morning prayer, followed by breakfast. The first session was presented by Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, who tackled the question of “Priesthood in a Time of Crisis”. He spoke a bit about understanding and dealing with crisis in general, but he mainly tackled the great crisis of clergy abuse of children that is presently rocking the Catholic Church globally. His presentation was actually encouraging and hopeful in spite of the fact that he insisted that we must be honest in recognizing that the accusations are real, the crisis is large and it will only grow in the next couple of decades and we all need to take tough measures to clean up our act.
 
The Assembly broke for the Eucharistic Liturgy which was presided over by the Federation’s liaison bishop for the Western Region – Bishop Joseph Nguyenof Kamloops, who also preached the homily. After lunch and a bit of free time, Monsignor Rossetti presented at the afternoon session. He spoke about a subject that has always been important to the Federation – the integral wellness of priests in their ministry. The session, that included an excellent presentation that allowed for questions throughout, was entitled, “Health, Burnout, Happiness and Joy”. Basing his comments and insights on accurate data resulting from years of research, Monsignor Rossetti dismissed a number of common “myths” about clergy stress and burnout and how best  to deal with such phenomena. He offered concrete information about clergy happiness and successful ministry. Among the 10 top predictors of priestly happiness were such factors as: a sense of inner peace; an authentic relationship to God; mutual support among priests; sense of being lonely and unappreciated; close friends and unresolved issues from one’s past. This presentation was received very well by the Assembly as it obviously touched upon everyone’s life.
 
Following the extensive session, the priests had a moment to prepare for the “formal” dinner that traditionally takes place at the National Assembly, to which the local hierarchy and other dignitaries are invited. The Retreat Centre staff did indeed provide a banquet experience for the priests with beautifully decorated tables and an exquisite meal. At the dinner, the CFPC President and expressed thanks on behalf of the Federation to the staff and all that made the event happen the positive experience it has been. The Federation’s regional Vice-Presidents, Fr. Edward Terry(Atlantic), Fr. Gregory Smith-Windsor(Western) and Fr. Louis Groetelaars(Central) to express special thanks to Bishop Grecco and the guest speakers. Aside from the wonderful meal and fellowship, the highlight of the evening was the keynote address given by Fr. Raymond de Souza. Giving the example of three of the Church’s priestly martyrs, including the recently canonized Martyr Oscar Romero.
 
The following morning was a day dedicated to the Federation, its members and its future. Following morning prayer and breakfast, the members gathered to tackle a series of fundamental questions about what the CFPC needs to provide for priests across Canada and how it needs to evolve to fully live its vision statement to work, “in a spirit of unity and collegiality with priests and bishops in Canada.  We serve the pastoral needs of the people of God by supporting Presbyteral Councils in their role as advisors to individual bishops and by assisting priests in the integration of their spirituality, ministry and leadership”. This was surely one of the best and most passionate discussions of the entire Assembly and the only regret was that more time was not allotted for this session and the official AGM on the previous day. A number of important ideas and proposals came from these meetings and are to be implemented in the next months.
 
The Assembly concluded with two very important items for the Federation. The first was a concluding Eucharistic Liturgy which was presided over by the Western Vice-President Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor. The homily, as is the tradition, was preached by the President Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski. [It is significant to note that some of the Assembly participants that could not concelebrate in this special Liturgy, because of flight schedules, made the effort to offer an early morning Mass.]  (Presbyterorum ordinis, 13)This was followed by the last event - afellowshiplunch before everyone had to checkout and begin departures back to their home eparchies and dioceses. (Presbyterorum ordinis, 8)

RESOURCE KIT FOR PRIESTS ISSUES SECOND PRINTING

The popular “Enhancing Your Ministry: A Resource Kit for Priests” was first issued over thirty years ago by the Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils as a tool to help priests – parish pastors in particular – to better assess their ministry. The information gathered in a private and respectful way has helped many priests across the country to better arrange and enhance their pastoral duties, prayer life and their personal need for rest and renewal. 
       
Five years ago, the “kit” underwent a complete ‘aggiornamento’ with the input of all Federation representatives, but especially a committee of six CFPC members representing the three regions of the Federation. It was published in 2014. The Kit was snapped up and is still in demand. The present Federation executive made the decision to reprint the booklet once again with a few minor updates. It has been reprinted and some copies will be available at the Federation’s 2018 National Assemblyin Charlottetown (October 15-18).

It can be ordered from the CFPC executive via cfpc2020@gmail.com.