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Bishop LeGatt: COVID-Related Measures, and Seeing Christ in All

In this video containing a two-fold message, Archbishop LeGatt’s takes a moment to discuss the rationale behind the newest set of COVID-related restrictions in place throughout our Archdiocese, to then reflect on the division that may be becoming more and more pronounced and urgent in our families, parishes, communities, and society. Issues surrounding mask-wearing and vaccination have become so emotionally charged and sensitive that they have the potential to do unimaginable and long-lasting harm to our families and communities, leading to anger, and even sometimes to hate. Hence, we must, before anything, love. Love conquers all. Although we may have strong convictions on one side of these issues or the other, let us never forget the person, first: the presence of Christ in each and all, He, who calls us first to love each and all. Let us not become so consumed by our positions that we forget the value and the dignity of all, and see the person first, in God’s image.

Reconciliation: the Archdiocesan Response for the Next Year

This week, Archbishop Albert reflects on some of the efforts the Archdiocese plans to undertake in its reconciliation journey. The following are a few of the proposed initiatives: ➡️The formation of an advisory committee composed of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to guide the continued efforts of truth and reconciliation in our diocese. ➡️The various pastoral services are asked to include efforts to promote truth and reconciliation. This could be done through workshops, or through the sharing of resources with the parish coordinators of different ministries. ➡️The use of the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation (here for more info: https://bit.ly/3l5Dgj3) educational resource as a professional development tool to nurture the minds of our priests and diocesan employees so as to promote a renewal of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. ➡️The Committee for the Renewal and Growth of Parish Pastoral Councils is still working toward its mission of developing and implementing PPCs in our parishes, but with a new priority of providing PPCs with resources to facilitate conversations around reconciliation. ➡️The organization of diocesan discussion groups using the Listening to Indigenous Voices resource from the Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice. ➡️Following a year of listening, dialogue, and conversion of hearts within our diocesan Church, we are committed to collecting funds at the local level in support of initiatives that will be discerned locally with Indigenous partners. These efforts are only the beginning. Let us not be afraid to have these deep, and sometimes difficult, conversations with those around us. Let us walk humbly together in practicing just and equitable relationships in our daily lives. Finally, let us ask the Lord to continue guiding us on this journey.

Bishop LeGatt: Official Apology to Canada's Indigenous Peoples

Following last week’s plenary assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), where an official apology was unanimously pronounced from every Catholic bishop in Canada to Indigenous peoples for the Catholic Church’s part in the trauma of colonization, especially Indian Residential Schools, Archbishop Albert reflects on what this apology means. First and foremost, it is the working of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been working in the hearts of all Catholics for many years, leading up to this total and unequivocal apology. If we truly believe we are One in Christ and all share in His love, we also believe that we are one in sin, and that we all carry the sin and scandal of Residential Schools. Thus, we also all share in the responsibility to inform ourselves, and partake in the many works for reconciliation that lay ahead. We truly all have a part to play. The $30M fundraising efforts which will be undertaken by all Canadian dioceses in the coming years are part of this, but only part of the broader, individual, personal work of reconciliation that lays ahead of us. We all share in the responsibility, and we all share, through the Holy Spirit, in the way forward.

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.