CENTRAL REGION OF THE CFPC GATHERS IN TORONTO 
CFPC HOLDS 2018 CENTRAL REGIONAL GATHERING IN TORONTO

The Central Region of the Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils held their 2018 Regional Gathering in Toronto from 21-22 May. Regional Vice-President Fr. Louis Groetelaars, who is also the Diocesan Representative for Alexander-Cornwall, organized the event for the Victoria Day long-weekend when most representatives could make time to attend (having just celebrated Pentecost in their respective parishes).

The city of Toronto - relatively central to the region - was selected to better facilitate easier access for attendance. Furthermore, an airport hotel was chosen in order that both those driving and flying would reach it easily. Not all Central representatives were able to attend, but those that did, included: Regional Vice-President Rev. Louis Groetelaars (Alexandria-Cornwall), Rev. Sean Lee Lung (Toronto), Rev. Lindsay Harrison (Ottawa), Rev. James Beanish (Pembroke), Rev. Peter Keller (London), Rev. Michal Kruszewski (Hamilton), Rev. Michael Mahoney (Thunder Bay), Rev. Rico Passero (St. Catherines), Rev. John Perdue (Peterborough) and Federation President Rev. Michael Kwiatkowski (Winnipeg). Those that sent regrets included: Rev. Rod McNeill (Kingston), Rev. Anthony Man-Son-Hing (Sault Ste. Marie) and Liaison Bishop, Most. Rev. Robert Bourgon. Other dioceses and eparchies were also not represented.
 
The agenda, aside from the usual review of minutes, diocesan/eparchial reports and other administrative matters, included a review of the 2017 National Assembly and then what the representatives would like to see at the 2018 Assembly planned for the middle of October in Charlottetown. The group was unanimously pleased with the calibre and expertise of the 2017 speakers (see communique below) and are looking forward to more of the same this year. One of the highlights of the discussions was the sharing about various pastoral and spiritual programs that were being employed in some of the dioceses and eparchies. The benefit was that the programs were not merely mentioned or promoted by their creators, but they were given a fair assessment by priests that have actual experience with them. Some of the more widely used programs included: “Formed”, “Chosen”, “Decision Point” by Ascension Press, “Vibrant Parish”, “Alpha”, “Divine Renovation” and the “Good Leaders, Good Shepherds” learning modules developed by the Catholic Leadership Institute.
 
Very helpful deliberations also took place concerning the original goals of the alliance and what direction it needs to take in the future to become more effective and more beneficial to the members and all the clergy it wants to support. Communicating to all CFPC members the wealth of information that is presented and exchanged at all Federation events was seen as a priority that the CFPC must address. The Central Region decided to turn their discussions into a concrete proposal that was unanimously supported and will be presented to both the Federation executive and to the National Assembly in October.
 
The priest-representatives, as is the tradition, also took time to pray together at various junctures during the Gathering – including the evening prayer, morning prayer and the Mass for Pope Francis’ new Marian Feast in the Roman Catholic Church – “Mary Mother of the Church”. Beginning this year, this feast will be commemorated annually on the Monday after Pentecost. Being a gathering of priests, a highlight was the opportunity for brother clergy to concelebrate the Eucharistic Liturgy together (although a few eyebrows may have been raised when the Mass time on Tuesday was announced for 7:00 AM). Midway through the gathering, they also took a break for an evening meal out at a neighbouring restaurant where the discussions continued, of course, albeit in an atmosphere that was less formal and more in the spirit of brothers around the dinner table.
 
It is the hope that the information that the Representatives take home will be able to be shared with local Bishops and with the respective Presbyteral Councils. The executive will review the Central Region’s proposals and act upon them as is appropriate leading up to the National Assembly.
 

WESTERN CANADIAN PRIESTS CONVENE IN SASKATOON
WESTERN REGIONAL GATHERING OF THE CFPC

 
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF PRESBYTERAL COUNCILS - WESTERN REGION GATHERS IN SASKATOON
 
     The Representatives of the Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councilsfrom the organization’s Western Region, convened in the City of Saskatoonfor three days of presentations and discussion. The representatives are appointed delegates from potentially each of the Catholic dioceses/eparchies established in Canada. Every year the Federation holds a National Assemblyto which all representatives are invited as well as other interested clergy. It is also the practice for each of the three regions of the federation – Atlantic, Centraland Western– to hold an annual “gathering” to deal with matters that pertain to priestly ministry within the particular region. The Western Region decided some time ago that Saskatoon would be the site of the 2018 Regional. Fr. Gregory K. Smith-Windsor, the Saskatoon Representative and the elected Western Vice-President of the Federation was the principal organizer of the event that was scheduled for 16-18 April 2018.
 
The highlights of the first day included a Mass concelebrated at the formerCathedral Church of St. Paulin downtown Saskatoon with Bishop Mark Hagemoenas the main celebrant. Bishop Mark also preached a brief homily related to the Scripture readings of the day [Acts 6:8-15; John 6:22-29]. In the evening, Bishop Mark was also the opening speaker at the gathering. He offered a fascinating presentation on his four years of episcopal ministry in the northern regions of Canada. Needless to say, his presentation brought out many aspects of priestly ministry in general that would resonate with any pastor throughout the Church. What ensued was a very helpful “q&a” and open discussion and sharing that went on after the formal schedule and into the evening fellowship. His Excellency graciously stayed as long as the priests wanted to talk.
 
       The second day began with a double session in the morning with Catholic lay speaker on Evangelization and youth ministry Ken Yasinski. His talk was engaging and challenging about the great benefit of the Church to revisit it’s whole mission purposeto always and enthusiastically and relentlessly live the commandment of Christ to, “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age!” [Matthew 28:19-20]. He openly and honestly shared a wealth of his experience and insight including - successes and challenges. His presentation also inspired the priests gathered to raise many questions and share many insights and concerns of their own.
       The clergy made their way back over to St Paul’s which was only about half of block away, but they had to walk in winter conditions again as it had decided to snow in Saskatoon and the streets were covered with snow and it continued to fall. The pastor of St Paul’s, Fr. Nestor Silvawas not present, but assistant priest Fr. Richmondgraciously hosted the swarm of CFPC representatives that gathered for the regular daily noon-hour Mass. Vice-President Fr. Greg preached the homily of the day [Acts 7:51-8:1; John 6:30-35], but first he gave a brief explanation to the fair-sized congregation what the Federation is all about and why they had gathered in Saskatoon.
 
       Everyone returned to the hotel for a late and therefore much appreciated lunch. Bishop Bryan Bayda, also of Saskatoon, but for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy, joined the group for lunch. Federation President, Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski(with whom he had attended the Redemptorist Fathers’ minor seminary “back in the day”) introduced him to all the representatives. Bishop Bryan enjoyed the surprise of meeting up with his one-time director of a Clinical Pastoral Education program that he attended in Alberta prior to ordination. St. Boniface CFPC Representative Fr. Gilbert Gariepywas very involved with the development of the program in Canada back in the 1980s and 1990s and that is when he had Bishop Bryan as his student.  
 
       The third day of the Gathering, Wednesday, began again with a Eucharistic Liturgy at which the representative from the Archdiocése de Saint-Boniface, Fr. Gilbert Gariepydid the honour of serving as the main celebrant. The Federation invited him to do so as they wanted to recognize the 50^thanniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Fr. Gilbert also preached a very appropriate and moving homily.
       Following the Liturgy, the final full-morning session turned immediately to toward dealing with some Federation business before the gathering concluded. Each representative gave a report on the pastoral activity in their home eparchy/diocese. They also discussed various questions concerning the direction and immediate plans for the Federation itself. These plans include: expansion of the CFPC in the west; the organizing of a western gathering for all priests in the region; their own participation in the National Assembly in Charlottetown in October; the distribution and implementation of Federation resources among clergy; putting together new materials – especially regarding “financial stewardship”; a more effective realization of the CFPC’s fundamental mission; etc. The gathering was to conclude with a lunch, but the discussion spilled over into the lunch-hour so that information was being shared and points were being made as members took their last bites and then hurried off to the airports or highways to make their way home throughout Western provinces.
 
       The next Federation event will be the Gathering of the Representatives of the Central Regionin Toronto inMay. This is being prepared by the Central Vice-President Fr. Louis Groetelaarsfrom the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall.    

ATLANTIC GATHERING OF
THE CANADIAN FEDERATION OF PRESBYTERAL COUNCILS
TAKES PLACE IN HALIFAX

The Atlantic Region of the Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils held their annual gathering in Halifax this year, 9-10 April. It was a meeting of the diocesan Representatives from each of the dioceses in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Due to pastoral commitments and other concerns, unfortunately not all the representatives were able to participate in this meeting. (Not to mention the winter blizzard that hit Halifax on Sunday and caused flight cancellations!) However – as is always the case with any gathering of the CFPC – those that did attend came away with a wealth of insights and inspirations to share with their local bishops and their fellow priests in their own diocese. In fact, in this case, the sharing with local bishops was made easy as the Federation gathering coincided with a meeting of the Catholic Bishops of Atlantic Canada that was also taking place in Halifax at the same time.

The Atlantic Gathering was organized under the direction of Regional CFPC Vice-President Fr. Ed Terry. Who also serves as the Representative for the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador. The Federation President, Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski, Representative of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg, was also in attendance to participate in all the discussions and sharing.

The highlight of the second day was an afternoon encounter with all the Bishops that serve across the provinces of Atlantic Canada. At the meeting, the participants of the Gathering spoke to the Bishops about their concerns and proposals as priests serving within the region. The special session for the CFPC that the Bishops made in their agenda offered the Federation Representatives a unique opportunity to speak with the Bishops about their concerns and proposals as priests serving within the region. It began with regional Vice-president Terry presenting a summary of the concerns and topics that the Atlantic Representatives decided earlier in the day to raise with their Bishops. The Bishops’ gathering was being chaired by Halifax Archbishop Anthony Mancini and he, therefore, facilitated the discussion that followed. Among the issues that seemed more prominent was the development of the best means of communication between bishops and priests and with all the Faithful; and the need for ongoing formation of clergy. The blessing and challenge of having priests from outside the diocese serve the needs of the local Church was also raised. Refence was made to the challenge raised by both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis that the Church truly needs to enter into a mode of rethinking the way the Church does everything. The way we live out parish life, the way we Evangelize, the way we communicate the Truth of the Gospel and the Teachings of the Church, the way we relate to and support families, marriages, etc. Those around the table acknowledged that the society in which we are presently living has radically changed all around us and we now need to decide what the words of the Apostle mean for us today when he says, “become all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).  The Bishops were grateful for the opportunity to engage the participants in discussions about a wide range of matters. The fascinating session went overtime a bit, but certainly the Atlantic CFPC representatives were glad that this once common tradition of meeting the Bishops at their annual gathering was restored.

The next gathering of the CFPC will take place in Saskatoon 16-18 April – for the Western Region. The guest speaker will be youth lay minister and motivational speaker, Ken Yasinski. The Central region has yet to finalize its plans for their gathering, perhaps in May in Toronto. There is much excitement, however, about the Federation’s 2018 National Assembly which will take place in October in Charlottetown this year, featuring well-known speakers Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, Fr. Raymond de Souza and a very special encounter with youth to coincide with the Synod on Young People, Faith and Vocation that will be taking place in Rome at the time.

The Atlantic Gathering, like all events of the Federation was a valuable time of brotherhood during which the priests gathered were able to exchange ideas. They were able to share about their local successes and challenges, but also discuss how the former might be implemented in their home dioceses or eparchies and how the latter might be resolved for the good of the Church.

Presently the clergy within the member eparchies/dioceses brings the number of priests participating in the Federation’s work to approximately 1,840 across Canada. The Federation strives to provide excellent resources (publications, conferences, etc.) in support of brother priests, but especially to do what it can to facilitate a more effective mutual collaboration between priests and the Bishops and the people that they serve. As the vision statement explains: “…working 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.”

Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils

2017 National Assembly

Communiqué

The Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councilsheld it’s 2017 National Assembly in Victoria, British Columbia from the 15^th to the 19^th of October, 2017. Such an Assembly takes place annually within one of the three regional districts of the CFPC. This year it was scheduled to take place in the “Western Region” and in 2018 it will take place in one of the dioceses of the Eastern Region [tentatively within the province of Prince Edward Island]. 

       The gathering, attended by a good number of clergy representing many of Canada’s Catholic dioceses, eparchies and exarchates, was held at the Inn of Laurel Point hotel and conference facility.

       The clergy daily concelebrated a Eucharistic Liturgy and occasionally prayed some of the Divine Office in common. They shared meals and enjoyed times of fellowship during which they were able to better get to know brother priests from around Canada.

      The principal theme of this year’s Assembly was, “Ethical/Moral Issues in Ministry Today”. All talks, homilies and discussions focused on this theme in one way or another.

       His Excellency, Most Rev. Gary M. Gordon, the Bishop Victoria, was present for much of the Assembly and, in fact, celebrated the opening Mass and preached the homily. Later in the evening, Bishop Gordon delivered the Assembly’s Keynote Address.

      The second day of the Assembly was rather intense, but was filled with inspirational presentations as well as open and very beneficial discussions. The morning sessions were facilitated by renowned medical expert and bio-ethicist, Sr. Nuala P. Kenny, O.C., MD, FRCP, who spoke on “Rediscovering the Art of Dying” – the title of her latest publication that is already available from Novalis. She gave excellent, succinct presentations on the question of euthanasia and what she clarified as “medically assisted death”. As this was unexpectedly thrust upon the Canadian people by the country’s supreme court a year ago, Canadians – and, yes, their priests – have been striving to formulate the best pastoral response and guidance. Sr. Nuala helped clarify the moral complexities of so-called Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). She fielded many questions from the representatives inquiring about what the appropriate pastoral approach would look like for priests faced with the prospect of informing the faithful of the issues and dealing with real situations.

       The afternoon and evening sessions were facilitated by Dr. Michael Sy an Assessment Team Leader from the Southdown Institute. The general theme that he covered was more concerned with the individual life of priests themselves – “Mental Health Issues in the Priesthood”. His presentation and extensive Q&A approach was very much appreciated by the priests, as they were able to ask and receive answers to a myriad of questions on the health of priests. Many asked questions that regarded their personal experience and things that they have witnessed during their years of ministry.

       The Federation always requests ‘liaison bishops’ from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to accompany each region of the Federation by participating in all the regional meetings. The present liaison for the West is Most. Rev. Joseph P. Nguyen of Kamloops, B.C. He participated in the session discussions and joined in the Assembly prayer - even celebrating the Mass and preaching on the second day. (His parable of the ‘25 cents’ will probably be repeated from not a few pulpits around the country).

       Many priest-representatives agreed that the sessions were profoundly helpful and hoped that the presentations and the free discussions would one day soon be arranged for their own presbyterates. Both speakers and both Bishops made themselves available for informal small group and individual discussions throughout the Assembly. 

     On the third day, the morning session discussed the undertaking of “Raising the Profile of the CFPC”. Long-time, albeit former, representative to the Federation from the Diocese of Thunder Bay, Fr. Alan Campeau, facilitated this session. He is best known for being the principal editor of the 2^nd edition of the excellent priestly minister’s evaluation handbook published by the CFPC, “Enhancing Your Ministry”. The point of this session, which ran overtime (as they all did), was for all representatives to better understand the goals of the Federation and the richness of its already extant resources and successes. The participants also engaged in excellent brainstorming as to how the CFPC can better make itself known and, of course, better serve the priests of Canada. The results of this session will be studied and implemented by the new executive that will lead the Federation forward from this Assembly.

       The Federation’s annual general meeting was also held, during which regional reports were made and the CFPC’s financial statement was presented, studied and accepted. A highlight of the AGM was the election and/or presentation of new executive officers. This was required as the Central and Western Regions were in need of new vice-presidents and the CFPC was also due to elect a new president. Rev. Michael Kwiatkowski from the Archeparchy of Winnipeg was chosen by acclamation to be the President of the Federation. The other new members to the executive, which were elected by their own regions and now presented to the plenary session, are: the Vice-President for the Western Region, Fr. Gregory Smith-Windsor (Diocese of Saskatoon) and the Vice-President for the Central Region, Fr. Louis Groetelaars (Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall). Fr. Ed Terry (Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador) remains the Vice-President for the Eastern Region. 

       The Federation representatives expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing members of the executive that served with dedication for six, three and one year respectively: Fr. Douglas McNeill (Saint John Diocese) as President; Fr. Michael R. Savarimuthu(Winnipeg Archdiocese) as Western Regional Vice-President; and Fr. Rico Passero (Diocese of St. Catherines) as interim Vice-President for the Central Region.

       The CFPC representatives look forward to presenting their report on the proceedings of the 2017 Assembly together with the wealth of shared information to their local Bishop, presbyteral council and all their brother priests.