Development & Peace Organizational Review

Following an organizational review of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace – Caritas Canada to improve its collaboration with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, implementation of the resulting recommendations will begin this fall.
The organizational review was conducted by the firm Deloitte and involved the participation of staff and members of Development and Peace, as well as staff of the CCCB and Bishops across Canada. The results of the analysis suggested 14 recommendations, which were then integrated into the four following work streams to facilitate the implementation process:
  1. Criteria for international partnerships
  2. Governance structure and reporting
  3. Communications and crisis management
  4. Organizational culture within Development and Peace
The recommendations of the report were accepted by Development and Peace’s National Council in November 2019, and several meetings between the Executive Committees of the CCCB and Development and Peace took place to discuss the expectations of both parties in the implementation of the recommendations and agree to a process.
“Throughout these discussions, we never lost sight of Development and Peace’s mission to serve the poorest and most vulnerable of our world and to build God’s kingdom of peace and justice,” says Evelyne Beaudoin, President of Development and Peace. “We all agree on the vital importance of preserving the identity of our organization as rooted in the Church’s social teachings and embodied in and through acts of solidarity; and we agreed to move forward in the vision of Pope Francis of a synodal Church”
It was also agreed that Development and Peace’s National Council will be reduced from 21 to 15 members, with 11 elected representatives from Development and Peace and four Bishops from the CCCB. The following four Bishops, representing also the four regions, will join the National Council at its next meeting in November 2020:
  • Most Rev. William McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and Co-treasurer of the CCCB’s Executive Committee (West)
  • Rev. Pierre Goudreault, Bishop of Ste-Anne-de-la-Pocatière and Co-Treasurer of the CCCB’s Executive Committee (Quebec)
  • Most Rev. Peter Hundt, Archbishop of St. John’s, Member of the CCCB Permanent Council (Atlantic)
  • Most Rev. Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Pembroke (Ontario)
Each Bishop will also serve on one of the four working committees put in place to implement the recommendations for each of the above-mentioned work streams. Each committee will be chaired by a member of the management team of Development and Peace. In addition to the participation of a Bishop, each committee will be composed of members of the National Council and staff of the CCCB. The four working committees will report to an oversight committee composed of two Bishops and two members of the Executive Committee of the National Council.
Preparatory meetings will take place over the summer with the formal work of the working committees to begin in September. The working committees will be assisted by the firm Deloitte, and the implementation process is expected to be completed by the end of December 2020. Regular progress reports will be communicated throughout the process.
“We are pleased with the progress of the collaborative conversations and joint meetings.” says the Most Reverend Richard Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg and CCCB President. “We are hopeful that, as we begin this new chapter of greater and more far reaching collaboration and alignment between the Bishops of Canada and CCODP – Caritas Canada, much good fruit will ensue in our outreach to the poor and those most in need. The necessary changes to be made, as well as the good will and hard work they entail, will help the Church radiate its mission to the world.”
Resources
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  1. Daniel Fasting | A message from Shalom Media: Pandemic, poverty, loneliness, and sin is crushing our world like never before in history! With contrite and humble hearts, let us set apart 21 days to seek the Lord, with people from around the globe, for a new Pentecost. Listen to the Spirit's call and sign up for 'Daniel Fasting', starting on August 1, 2020, a Shalom Ministry initiative. Shalom Media is a catholic ministry that works with the church to evangelize those who do not know Christ and strengthen those who are in Christ through all means of media. “I ate no savory food, took no meat or wine, and did not anoint myself at all until the end of the three weeks” (Daniel 10:3). Fr. Roy Palatty CMI (Spiritual Director, Shalom Media) will be leading this initiative. Registration is free. For more details : http://www.shalommedia.org/danielfasting  | Download poster
  2. Online Bible Study: Living on the Edge of Chaos | From Cain and Abel through the persecution of the early Church, the Bible is replete with accounts of fear and violence as reactions to God’s desire for humanity. What Sacred Scripture makes clear, however, is that there is a pathway through fear to hope. Join us as we carefully explore biblical examples drawn from the historical books and the prophets, Wisdom literature, the Gospels, and other New Testament texts to illustrate how the sweep of salvation history often follows a journey from order, through chaos, to a new reality shaped by the Kingdom of God. Join Living on the Edge of Chaos: biblical lessons for finding hope in the face of fear with Fr. John Kartje of Mundelein Seminary.  Register here.
     
  3. Online Bible Study: Journey through Scripture | This is the St. Paul Center’s flagship Bible study program designed to help ordinary Catholics grow in their knowledge of the Scriptures while deepening their understanding of the riches of our faith. Journey through Scripture takes a holistic approach, looking at the entire Bible and how all of its parts work together. You can also host a Journey through Scripture study at your parish or home. Register here.
     
  4. Prayer to accept your sickness as part of God's will | When we get sick, especially if that sickness is more severe, it can be difficult to accept it as part of God’s divine plan. Here is an article from Aleteia, highlighting a prayer adapted from the Golden Manual that focuses on this aspect of sickness and helps us resign ourselves to God’s mysterious will. Read more
 
​Caring in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Today, the members of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) released a Message entitled They Still Bring Forth Fruit in Old Age: A Lesson on Caring in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This timely Message serves as an occasion for the Bishops of Canada to acknowledge the most serious difficulties faced by many vulnerable persons across the country during the pandemic, with particular concerns raised for the elderly in our communities. 
The situation of Canada’s seniors, frequently including inadequate institutional care for their mental and physical health, as well as for their emotional and spiritual needs, often places them among the many others in society who are likewise vulnerable and marginalized. As stated in the message: “What emerged at the beginning of the pandemic were the conditions in long-term care facilities and similar institutions that were particularly disturbing, as government and healthcare authorities began to acknowledge. […] That many elderly endured weeks practically in solitude to avoid contracting the virus even from caregivers, and that many died without either the presence of family members or the comfort and strength of the Church’s Sacraments and pastoral care is heartbreaking. […] Most upsetting and what has come to light is the admission that this situation already existed long before COVID-19 appeared on the horizon.”
The Message not only identifies concerns, it also serves as an opportunity for Bishops to express their hope, encouragement and recognition, which are equally important. It remains incumbent upon all members of society to understand, appreciate and cherish the gifts of the elderly and to bring about those necessary changes to improve the care and comfort of those most senior and vulnerable in our communities. “As we slowly return to a more normal way of life, let us not forget the elderly among us who still have so much wisdom to impart, faith to share, stories to tell and joys to offer. Let us create space in our hearts, homes, families and communities to honour them and truly care for them in their weakness and their many needs. Let us welcome their unique giftedness in building a world which is more human, loving, generous, forgiving, and radiant with God’s grace.”
Pope's Intention for July 2020
Pope Francis releases a video message accompanying his prayer intention for July, which this month is for families that they be “accompanied with love, respect and guidance."
  • The full text of his intention: The family ought to be protected. It faces many dangers: the fast pace of life, stress... Sometimes, parents forget to play with their children. The Church needs to encourage families and stay at their side, helping them to discover ways that allow them to overcome all of these difficulties. Let us pray that today’s families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance, and especially, that they may be protected by the State. 
  • Watch video here 
 
Advices from Pope Francis for Family
"Like Mary, families are asked to face their family's challenges with courage and serenity, in good times and bad, and to keep in their heart the great things which God has done." (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia #30). Here are 3 little advices from Pope Francis for for this special month of July - as we pray that today's families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance, and especially, that they may be protected by the State. Download the 3 advices:  

​Ways to honour the Precious Blood 
Read ways to honour the Precious Blood this July as churches re-open. Here are 12 ways you can more closely align your life to the Precious Blood, these ideas are applicable even during the pandemic Communion's restriction. Read here: 
 
"The Sacraments" Free Episode 
Bishop Barron's newest film series "The Sacraments" is out and we're invited to watch the first episode on Baptism for free. Watch here 
Fr. Fred Monk
If you haven't heard already, Fr. Fred Monk has been awarded the 🇨🇦 Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) 🇨🇦 by the Governor General of Canada on July 1, 2020, for founding Mission Mexico, and for his hard work in transforming the lives of thousands of marginalized indigenous families.
The Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) were established to recognize remarkable contributions in many different fields of endeavour, from advocacy initiatives and health care services, to research and humanitarian efforts. This honour, one of the highest honour in the country, is a testament to one's outstanding achievement and service to the nation. Read more 

"The struggle for life here in the mountains goes on, and people in the Diocese of Calgary have impacted thousands of lives through their solidarity." shared Mike MacDonald, Mission Mexico Coordinator. We are called to help one another, and through Mission Mexico, you are giving the most enduring gift: the gift of hope. To help by giving online, visit  https://www.catholicyyc.ca/donatemissionmexico.html
Celebrating Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at home

Through the visions St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus became formalized and the feast day extended to the whole Church by Pope Pius IX in 1856. Bless your family and home with this beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and receive the blessings Jesus promises to souls who honour his Most Sacred Heart. Here are some ways to pray this devotion at home. https://www.catholicyyc.ca/blog/sacred-heart-of-jesus

Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus are numerous and here are some ways we may be able to observe it this year:
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Pastoral Letter of Bishop McGrattan to the Faithful on the Program of Spiritual Renewal in the Diocese of Calgary

We are the body of Christ, nourished by the Eucharist, joyfully committed to living the Gospel message, and working together to share our gifts.

316 Windermere Drive,
Chestermere, AB T1X 0B9

​Phone:  1(403) 455 0196
Fax:  1(403) 455 0335
​Email:  office@saintgabrielparish.ca
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 Our Weekend Masses Are:

Address:   197 Invermere Drive, 
Chestermere AB T1X 1M7

Saturday:  5:00 PM
Sunday:     9:00 AM
​Sunday:     10:30AM
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Office Hours

Tue - Fri:  9:00am - 4:30pm

Telephone

1(403) 455 0196

Email

office@saintgabrielparish.ca

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