In your mailbox soon!
SCJs in the U.S. and Canada will soon be receiving the North American Story of Immigration, a book of immigration stories compiled by the North American Immigration Community earlier this year. “If you shared your story, you will see it in print along with the many other inspiring and moving stories from fellow SCJs and others,” said Fr. Richard MacDonald of the Immigration Committee. The book includes over 70 stories.
The committee asks that before SCJs take a look at the immigration stories that they read the introductory letter at the beginning of the book.
“We need your wisdom to take us beyond just talking,” continued Fr. Mac, speaking for the committee. “The opportunity to be a part of the care and the cure of the wounds of the immigrants needs our attention.”
Members of the Immigration Committee will be visiting SCJ communities in the U.S. and Canada this fall to continue the discussion and seek ways of action. The first scheduled community meeting is with the Sacred Heart Community at SHML on October 8.
“More information will be coming your way soon,” said Fr. Mac. “We hope that you enjoy the book and that you will continue to pray for the suffering immigrants of the world.”
Members of the North American Immigration Committee: Fr. Claude Bédard, Fr. John Czyzynski, Br. Duane Lemke, Fr. Richard MacDonald, Fr. Peter McKenna, Fr. Élie Muzungu Kasongo-Ngoy, Fr. Tony Russo, Fr. Zbigniew Morawiec, Fr. Tony Russo, and Mark Peters.
The committee is one of the follow-up responses to the 2013 North American Continental Conference. Its next meeting will be November 18-19.
Click here to read a few of the stories shared in the book.
Thank you
Fr. Jim Walters extends his thanks to everyone who shared condolences and kept him and his family in prayer following the death of his father, Lavere Walters, on August 10.
Keep in prayer
Please keep Joyce Nelson, the 86-year-old mother of Dn. David Nagel, in your prayers. She has been in the hospital for over a week undergoing tests.
A trip around the world
Each year students in the ESL program at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology share a bit of their home cultures with the seminary community, SCJs and local staff. This year’s Cultural Fair was held last Friday afternoon in the SHSST dining room. A few photos from it were posted on the province Facebook page. Click here to view them.
Annulment changes explained
On September 8 the Holy See released two documents by Pope Francis that address the way the Church handles annulments. While the Holy Father reaffirmed the “indissolubility of the marriage bond,” he also stated that “charity and mercy demand that the Church, as mother, be close to her children who consider themselves separated.”
The new procedures will go into effect on December 8, coinciding with the start of the Year of Mercy.
Much has been in the press about the revised procedures. Our province canonist, Fr. Dave Szatkowski, summarized the most significant changes in an article on the province website. He begins by stating that “this is not a technical commentary nor is it intended to replace the assistance of a local pastor, but I hope that by reading this article the reader will have a sense of how these changes will concretely change the experience of those who request a declaration of nullity [annulment].”
“It is clear and concise,” wrote a reader on the province Facebook page. “Thank you for putting the process in layperson’s language!”
Click here to access the article.
Annual powwow just days away
St. Joseph’s Indian School’s annual American Indian Day and Powwow will be September 17-19. The days will include Native American drum and dance competitions, cultural activities and presentations, traditional Lakota meals and tours of the St. Joe’s campus. Click here for more information.
Click here to view a video of the 2014 Powwow, or click on the image above.
Closing shots
As we noted last week, Frs. Michael and Dharma, two members of the Indian District, are in the United States for several weeks to learn about fund raising and administration. This week they are in Florida where they are attending the annual National Catholic Development Conference with staff from the province’s three development offices.
Below, Frs. Dharma and Michael are pictured with Fr. Charles Yost after concelebrating Mass last Friday at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake. Click here to view more photos from the Mass, as well as their visit with the Province Development Office.
