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The Bishops of Canada unequivocally apologize to the Indigenous Peoples

The Catholic Bishops of Canada, gathered in Plenary this week, took the opportunity to affirm and acknowledge to the Indigenous Peoples the suffering experienced in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools. Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples. They acknowledged the grave abuses that were committed by some members of our Catholic community; physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual. They also sorrowfully acknowledged the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day. Along with those Catholic entities which were directly involved in the operation of the schools and which have already offered their own heartfelt apologies, the Catholic Bishops of Canada expressed their profound remorse and apologized unequivocally.

To read the document Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of this Land, click here.

Following up on the Apology, the Catholic Bishops of Canada have also pledged 30 millions dollars to support healing and reconciliation initiatives. For more information, click here.

Video for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In preparation for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday, September 30, 2021, Archbishop LeGatt and Mireille Grenier, Director of Pastoral Services, sat down to share about their vision for reconciliation within the Archdiocese of St. Boniface, and other questions. This dialogue is available on the Archdiocesan website and Facebook page.

The 2021 CCCB Plenary - Discussions on the Continued Path Towards Truth and Reconciliation

This week, September 20-25, will take place (virtually) the annual plenary assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (#CCCB). Each year, all the Catholic bishops of Canada gather, in collegiality, to pray together and to discuss the issues at hand for the Church in Canada, discerning together the ways in which the Holy Spirit is Calling our Church to continue its journey within our society. This year, an issue of particular importance and significance will of course be that of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
During this plenary assembly, discussions will cover topics such as the December meeting of Indigenous peoples who live in Canada with Pope Francis in Rome, a future papal visit to Canada, and the concrete action needed from within our Church to humbly and authentically continue in the paths of truth and reconciliation. Please pray, in a very special way September 20-25, for all of these, our Church leaders, as they consider the promptings of the Lord and the issues at hand, especially within our continued context of pandemic, as our bishops continue to lead and shepherd our Church. Please pray that their hearts would be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, being faithful instruments of the WIll of God, and that the Lord would continue to move in powerful ways through our local and national Church. St. Joseph, patron of Canada, pray for us!

COVID-19 – Clarifications for Religious Services

New Code Yellow Alert restrictions for all of Manitoba come into effect on September 3rd.

Religious services may be held with 50 per cent of capacity or 150 people, whichever is greater. The gathering limit for funerals, weddings, baptisms and prayer vigils for the deceased is 50 people or 50 % of capacity, whichever is greater. Masks are mandatory indoors.

We have significantly updated our COVID-19 Health Measures and Protocols for Religious Services document, to include sections on Proof of vaccination, Receptions, Fall Supper and Banquets, as well as Catechism.

To read the diocesan document, click here. Or visit the diocesan webpage by clicking here.

To read the Provincial COVID-19 Prevention Orders in effect on September 3, 2021, click here.

Bishop LeGatt: Reflecting on Our COVID-19 Beliefs

This week, Archbishop Albert reflects on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the fourth wave we are currently experiencing. Issues such as vaccination and other public health measures have greatly divided people, and as such, Archbishop Albert invites us to take a moment to reflect not only on what we believe, but on why we believe it. Truly, God calls us to charity and love for one another, and he calls us to do everything we can to promote the wellbeing of others, especially the vulnerable and marginalized. As such, the Archdiocese of Saint-Boniface continues to cooperate with provincial regulations, voluntarily, for the wellbeing of all. However, he also clarifies in this video that the Church will never require proof of vaccination upon entry into a church. Let us continue to work together, in open, charitable dialogue, to find the common good, and journey together towards God. Let us walk together, and carry one another.
➡️ Visit here for the most up to date COVID-19-related restrictions in place within our Archdiocese: https://www.archsaintboniface.ca/main.php?p=965

Bishop LeGatt: A Reflection on Suicide

Reflecting on his nephew’s life, recently claimed by suicide, Archbishop Albert reflects, this week, on Brett’s life, and the beautiful person he was. Full of life, vigour, love, and joy, Brett was a gift to all those around him. But suicide claimed his life. Depression exists in so many people’s lives, and sometimes in those whom we least expect. Archbishop Albert thus invites us to start an open dialogue about depression with our loved ones, and urges anyone who may be struggling to seek the supports they need to live full lives. Truly, Jesus weeps with those who weep, and mourns with those who mourn. May Brett’s soul rest in eternal peace and may the Lord give consolation to his family and loved ones during this time of mourning.
➡️Here are some further reflexions, offered by Ron Rolheiser, OMI:
➡️Suicide and melancholy: https://ronrolheiser.com/suicide-and-melancholy/...
➡️Struggling to understand suicide: https://ronrolheiser.com/struggling-to-understand.../...
➡️On suicide and despair: https://ronrolheiser.com/4360-2/#.YSpWf9NKg0o
Death by suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in Canada. According to the American CDC, the rate of death by suicide has risen by a staggering 30% since 1996. Mental health issues exist in every age group, postal code and income bracket. Often, the signs can be difficult to understand, and are tragically overlooked.
Asking for help can be hard. What if I’m not taken seriously? What if they think badly of me? I feel awkward talking about it.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to reach out. Reach out today. We urge you.
Your life matters.
You matter.
You are worth it.
You are loved beyond your understanding by a God who created you, and you have people who care for you too.
Deeply.
There is hope.
Always.
You don’t know who to call? That’s ok. Here is a list of confidential resources available to you. You don’t need to be on the verge of suicide to reach out.
➡️Canada Suicide Prevention Service: http://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/
Or give them a call, toll free: 1-833-456-4566
Or just text them: 45645
➡️In French: Association québécoise de prévention du suicide, https://www.aqps.info/nous-joindre.html
Give them a shout anytime: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
➡️Or find a 24-hour crisis centre nearby: https://suicideprevention.ca/Im-Having-Thoughts-of-Suicide
The latest U.S. data suggests in 54% of completed suicides, there were no known mental health conditions. Here are some of the less obvious signs that could suggest someone is struggling with their mental health:
* Increased substance use (alcohol or drug)
* Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness; no sense of purpose in life
* Anxiety, agitation or uncontrolled anger
* Unable to sleep or sleeping all of the time
* Feelings of being trapped– like there’s no way out
* Withdrawal from friends, family and society
* Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
* Dramatic mood changes
➡️Check out amazing resources from the Canada Suicide Prevention Service if you suspect you know someone who is thinking about suicide, or who could benefit from you reaching out to them: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/.../someone-you-know.../
➡️Are you dealing with loss from suicide? https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/struggling-with-loss/