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VOL. 37 NO. 1 THE JOURNAL OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. CATHARINES CHRISTMAS 2024
THE
in this issue: diocese anniVersary Pgs. 6-11
COVER ART: Jubilee year 2025, a Pligrimage of hoPe
Copyright © 2024 Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines.
Publisher: Most Reverend Gerard Bergie, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Catharines
Managing Editor: Sr. Mary Kay Camp, IBVM
Executive Assistant: Rose Marie Brown
Copy Editor: Robert J. Foley
Vineyard Volume 37 No. 1 Christmas 2024
the catholic centre of the diocese of st. catharines
3400 Merrittville Hwy. Thorold, Ontario, Canada
P.O. Box 875, St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 6Z4
1
But the angel said to
them, ‘Do not be afraid;
for see—I am bringing
you good news of great joy
for all the people: to you is
born this day in the city
of David a Saviour, who is
the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11
midnight mass
e annual broadcast from the
Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria
Christmas music by the Cathedral choir
directed by Lucas Chorosinski
choir conducted by Timothy Marrie
Begins at 11:30 p.m.
Adoration_of_the_Child_Honthorst_c1622
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Christmas Eve 2024 marks the beginning of a Holy Year that will last until January 6,
2026. It starts with the opening of the Holy Year Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. This happens
once every twenty-ve years. Pope Francis has asked each diocese throughout the world to
ocially begin the Jubilee Year on December 29, 2024. We will mark that day with a Mass at
our Cathedral at two o’clock in the afternoon.
The theme that Pope Francis has chosen for this Jubilee is, “Pilgrims of Hope”. In the
document initiating this year (Spes Non Confundit -Hope Does Not Disappoint), the Holy
Father states, “Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as
the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future
may bring. Even so, uncertainty about the future may at times give rise to conicting feelings,
ranging from condent trust to apprehensiveness, from serenity to anxiety, from rm conviction to hesitation and doubt. …
For all of us, may the Jubilee be an opportunity to be renewed in hope. God’s word helps us nd reasons for that hope.”
(SC 1)
Another signicant reason to hope is the feast of Christmas. This is the hope that is found in the birth of a child which
is always a joyous event. What makes this birth so unique is that the child is Jesus, the Son of God.
New life is always a sign of hope; however, this becomes even more signicant when it is connected to our salvation. In
the beautiful Advent Hymn, “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” we hear these words: “Born thy people to deliver, born a
child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.”
God became a little child in order to save us so that we could be with Him forever. This means that on our pilgrimage
of life, we have a future. It is rooted in a belief that good things will come to us because Jesus was born in a simple stable
in Bethlehem.
Please be assured of my sincere prayer that this Christmas will be a source of hope for you. May any disappointments
that come from anxiety and doubt be overshadowed by the bright hope found in the birth of the Christ child.
May the coming Holy Year also bring us closer to Jesus as we take to heart the words of Pope Francis: “may the Jubilee
be a moment of genuine, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, the ‘door’ of our salvation, whom the Church is charged
to proclaim always, everywhere and to all as ‘our hope’. ( SC 1)
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gerard Bergie, D.D.
Bishop of St. Catharines
2
let us begin this Jubilee year as Pilgrims of hoPe
A very Merry And Blessed ChristMAs
And
A hAppy And GrACe-Filled new yeAr
3
bishoP will launch Jubilee year
with mass at cathedral
by TERRI PAUCO
Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year. This
happens every 25 years and will begin on Christmas Eve
2024 when he opens the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica,
Rome.
This Holy Year invites each of us to live our faith more
deeply as Pilgrims of Hope, the theme that Pope Francis
chose for this signicant event that displays the spiritual,
ecclesial and social importance of the life of the Church
to the entire world. It invites us as Pilgrims of Hope on a
journey towards an intimate encounter with Christ. Despite
the crises, conicts and challenges of the world we live in,
we will rediscover and share the messages of hope found in
the Good News of the Jubilee—a hope that does not fade,
reected in our love of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and King
of Peace.
Here, in the Diocese of St. Catharines, Bishop Gerard
Bergie will celebrate a Mass for the Opening of the Jubilee
Year at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, St.
Catharines, on Sunday December 29, 2024, at 2 p.m. All are
welcome.
4
Pilgrimages are journeys to holy places and they are an
important part of any Holy Year. The Catechism of the
Catholic Church states that pilgrimages “evoke our earthly
journey toward heaven and are traditionally very special
occasions for renewal in prayer.” (CCC 2691)
By travelling and embarking on a pilgrimage, often with
other companions on the journey, we not only change our
place physically, but invite change in ourselves. It is a time
of discovery and transformation. This time invites us into
the wonder and awe of creation. It allows time for personal
reection to give thanks and praise to God, to seek God’s
mercy and to ask for special intercessions.
Several diocesan pilgrimages are being organized for this
Jubilee Year. Visit the Diocese of St. Catharines website, www.
saintcd.com, for pilgrimage details as they become available as well
as for all diocesan Jubilee plans.
imPortance of Pilgrimage
in Jubilee year 2025
the JuBilee prAyer
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the ame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of
the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within
both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil
vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen
In this Jubilee Year we are called to be
tangible signs of hope for those of our
brothers and sisters who experience
hardship of any kind. Pope Francis
Fr. Peter Rowe and Ineke
Brinkman are hosting a Pilgrims
of Hope pilgrimage during the
2025 Jubilee Year, May 12-23,
2025. The itinerary includes
the southern Netherlands;
Aachen and Trier in Germany;
the Marian Shrines of Banneux
and Beauraing in Belgium;
Luxembourg; Brussels and its
vicinity; Gent and Brugge; Ieper (Ypres) and Vimy;
the cathedrals of Amiens and Beauvais; leading to a
rendezvous with alluring Paris. Price, including ights,
taxes/fees, is $5,650 per person double occupancy;
single is $1,525. To reserve a space contact Ineke 905-
988-1313 or ibrinkman@dt.com
PILGRIMS OF HOPE PILGRIMAGE
Fr.Peter Rowe
5
Jubilee Pilgrimage
Diocese of st.catharines
October 16 - 24, 2025
Enter through the Holy Doors with
most reverenD gerarD bergie
Bishop Gerard Bergie, Diocese of St. Catharines, extends an invitation to join him on a
pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, and to enter through the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica, the
Archbasilica of St. John Lateran and the Basilica of St. Mary Major, during the 2025 Jubilee
Year.
The spiritual journey begins with a visit to Assisi to honour and pray at the tomb of Blessed
Carlo Acutis. As well as a tour of the basilicas, other destinations include: San Giovanni
Rotondo (Shrine of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina); Lanciano (Eucharistic miracle of Jesus); the
Abbey of Montecassino; a papal audience; tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel;
Piazza Navona; Trevi Fountain; Appian Way (the oldest road from Roman times); Capitoline
Hill; the Colosseum; the Roman Forum and the Arch of Constantine.
For reservations (rst come, rst served) contact Ineke Brinkman, travel advisor and organizer
at ibrinkman@dt.com and complete the booking form.
Ineke can also be reached at 905-988-1313.
Photo by Denis Cahill
6
diocese marks 66th anniVersary
Priests and deacons in the sanctuary of the Cathedral of St.Catherine of Alexandria during the diocesan anniversary Mass held
November 25, 2024, the Feast Day of St. Catherine of Alexandria, patroness.
The choir singing at the anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria conducted by Timothy Marrie.
7
On November 25, 2024, clergy, deacons and wives,
religious and laity gathered at the Cathedral of St.
Catherine of Alexandria, St. Catharines, for a Solemn
Mass to celebrate the feast of its patroness, St. Catherine
of Alexandria and the 66th anniversary of the Diocese of
St. Catharines. Bishop Gerard Bergie welcomed the then
Cardinal-Elect Most Reverend Francis Leo, Metropolitan
Archbishop of Toronto. “I wholeheartedly welcome
you. Thank you for accepting our invitation to be with
us today…your presence adds to the solemnity of the
occasion…please be assured of our prayers and sincere
gratitude for your presence,” he said.
The Cathedral was packed for this momentous
occasion. Lucas Chorosinski, music director/organist;
Tim Marrie, choir master; Cathedral cantors and choir;
liturgical ministers and the congregation, joined with
Bishop Bergie and the clergy for this celebration to
welcome Archbishop Leo.
Archbishop Leo gave an inspiring homily (see
excerpts pages 8-9) After Mass he graciously spoke with
many of the people who wanted to congratulate him on
his up-coming appointment as Cardinal. (In Rome on
December 8, 2024, Archbishop Francis Leo was created a
Cardinal for the Archdiocese of Toronto by Pope Francis).
Students from Sacred Heart Private School, were part of the congregation at the diocesan anniversary Mass.
Sylvie De Serres did the First Reading at the
diocesan anniversary Mass.
Mike Saunders did the Second Reading at
the diocesan anniversary Mass.
Deacon Anthony Calaycay proclaimed the
Gospel at the diocesan anniversary Mass.
cardinal-elect celebrates diocesan anniVersary
8
Praise be Jesus christ now and foreVer
Edited excerpts from Archbishop Leo’s homily at the 2024
Diocesan Anniversary celebration.
Your Excellency, brother priests, deacons, members of
consecrated life, dear faithful and the laity. Again I want
to thank Bishop Gerard Bergie for the gracious invitation
to be here with you. It’s such a wonderful privilege and
honour to come to celebrate the patronal feast day together
with you and I want to thank him for his kindness and
graciousness in inviting me to share this time with you.
A time of prayer. A time of devotion. A time of
worshiping God. When our blessed Lord walked this earth
he taught us a lot of things. He taught us what it means to
be a follower and he used a number of images, metaphors
and examples to help listeners understand what it means
to be a follower, a believer in him.
Today’s gospel relates one of these images, the very
strong consoling and compelling image, “I am the vine,
my father is the vinedresser and you are the branches.”
(John 15:1-8) I think if anybody in this country knows
anything about that, its people living here, in the Niagara
area. You are very familiar with this and it’s a beautiful
image.
Archbishop Francis Leo delivers his homily during the anniversary
Mass.
Students from Sacred Heart Private School, Welland, presented the gifts during the diocesan anniversary Mass.
Cont. on page 9
9
Like the fruits that are being expected by Jesus, the
grapes depend largely on the connection that exists
between the vine and the branches.
God’s dream for us is that we bear fruit. The fruits he
was referring to are the fruits of the Holy Spirit that will
last into eternity.
Jesus said another very interesting phrase in today’s
gospel. We need to abide in him. Abide in him means stay
connected with him, come with him.
It also means we depend on Jesus, a radical
dependence. Without him we can do nothing for our
salvation, we cannot bear fruits. It also means be faithful
to him in good times and in bad.
We are connected to him, that is faith; we depend on
him, that is hope; and we’re faithful to him all the days
of our life, that is love. How do we continue to abide in
Jesus?
Number one: Trust him. Secondly: prayer—deep,
profound prayer. Finally: those seven gifts he gave us
called the Sacraments. Believing, trusting Jesus, praying
to him every day from the depth of our hearts, celebrating
the sacraments. These will allow us through thick and thin
in good times and in bad to abide in Jesus and we will bear
fruit.
One person who was able to abide in Jesus in an
extraordinary way, a witness to that abiding truth, was
St. Catherine, our patron saint. She teaches us that there
is nothing more important in this life than to glorify
God, spread his kingdom and the salvation of souls . She
teaches the importance of remaining faithful to him in the
face of diculties, hardships and even persecution. She
reminds us that no matter how tantalizing, interesting and
tempting any situation may oer, we do ,not compromise
with our faith. She gave that ultimate witnessing delity
to the end, as a virgin and a martyr.
The witnessing of a faithful life, faithful to our
vocation, abiding in Jesus, speaks to people and will help
others come to the Lord. St. Catherine also reminds us to
call to mind often who we are, to whom do we belong,
in whom do we abide and who is our father? We are the
family of God. God is our father, Jesus is our brother, our
Lady is our mother. We are brothers and sisters and we can
come from dierent countries, but we are one. Our faith
brings us together, our faith makes us brothers and sisters
in Christ. We should never forget to whom we belong.
My last point that I’d like to share with you, in
keeping with this, is what we say in the Creed, “I believe
in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.” That is a
beautiful statement because we are a branch; but there are
other branches too on this vine. The Church is a gift that
Jesus gave us. The Church has many aspects. Sometimes
when we read the papers the Church does not get a good
word in because when we look at the Church just with
the human eyes, on the natural, that is one thing. We’re
called to look at all things—our life, the world around us,
with a supernatural vision, from on high, how God sees
things. The Church is a building—the stones, the stain
glass windows—but the Church is even more importantly
a community of believers, what St. Peter calls the living
stones. These are beautiful stones but what’s more
beautiful is the people, the living stones, the community
of believers, that is what the Church is.
Tradition tells us in scripture (St. Paul Letter to
Ephesians 5) that the Church is the people of God. We
belong to him, we are God’s holy people. The Church is
the mystical Body of Christ—lots of members, one body
united, Jesus as head.
Vatican Council II tells us the Church is the universal
sacrament of salvation. Jesus uses the Church to save us;
a sacrament that gives sanctifying grace. It is the kingdom
of God here on earth. We see where the kingdom begins
and nds its fulllment, it’s accomplishment in heaven.
The Church is our spiritual home. Through the Church
we were given a new life; through the preaching of the
Word, through faith, through water and the Holy Spirit
in the Sacrament of Baptism, we were born again. The
Church has given us that birth and feeds us with the Word
of God and with the Sacraments.
The Church is a communion—a communion of people.
We are inter-connected like the branches and the vine
both on earth and with those in heaven.
Let me conclude with the vine. There is one very
special branch, a gift that Jesus gave us. It was Good
Friday; before he gives up his spirit and dies, he gives us
his mother to be our mother.
I conclude with a passage from Pope Francis at the
2013 World Youth Day in Brazil. He said, “When the
Church looks for Jesus, she always knocks on his mother’s
door and asks, ‘Show us Jesus’. It is from Mary that the
church learns true discipleship. That is why the church
always goes out on mission in the footsteps of Mary.”
Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever!
(l-r) Lucas Chorosinski, music director/organist, with Cynthia
Konopka, violinist, at diocesan anniversary Mass
10
Congratulations to the couples,
clergy and religious celebrating
special anniversaries in 2024
Sr. Amanda Dudeld, Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Ragusa, Welland, with students from the Sacred
Heart Private School were among those who chatted with Archbishop Francis Leo following Mass.
Bishop Gerard Bergie (centre) with Cardinal-Elect Archbishop Francis Leo (left) and Fr.
Arthur Lee, Secretary/Master of Ceremonies, Archdiocese of Toronto, at the diocesan
anniversary Mass.
Knights of Columbus member, Sir Rinaldo
Di Santo, greeting Archbishop Francis Leo
Archbishop Francis Leo with Sr.
Maria D’Alessandro, Catechist
Sister of the Sacred Heart,
Thorold.
Sr. Mary Lucy Pennella,
Carmelite Sister of the Divine
Heart, St. Catharines, with
Archbishop Francis Leo.
All anniversary photos by Denis Cahill
11
ANNIVERSARY COUPLES
70 Henry & Margaret Clement 50 Deacon Maurice & Frances Prindiville
70 William & Doris Mann 50 Vince & Maria Ranucci
70 Silvio & Lidia Sacco 50 Elindoro & Leticia Rodriguez
70 Gino & Anna Tiberi 50 George & Carol Sorbara
65 William & Theresa Culligan 50 Gordon & Teresita Sagala
65 John & Vera De Laat 50 Gary & Angela Talosi
65 Bruce & Barbara Jones 50 Wallace & Nancy Thornton
65 George & Doris Mayer 50 William & Colleen Van Ruyven
65 Andrew & Eileen Palmer 50 Gerard & Sandra VanDerLoos
60 Murray & Luba Beange 50 Douglas & Brenda Walls
60 John & Veronica Douglas 50 Martin & Jean Weaver
60 Stu & Mary Lou Gallardi 40 Anthony & Sharon Angotti
60 Pietro & Viola Izzo 40 Matthew & Barbara Botden
60 Ernest & Angela Kachur 40 Mark & Karen Cherubini
60 Randolph & Teresa Kawucha 40 Nick & Liberina Colaneri
60 George & Leitha Marucci 40 Ronald & Karen Eckstein
60 Mathew & Yvonne Paes 40 Leonard & Debra Herman
60 William & Eileen Rouse 40 Marc & Katherine James
60 Joseph & Nancy Solomon 40 Larry & Sandy Jones
60 Daniel & Marilyn Toneguzzi 40 Joseph & Jacqueline Kozina
55 Zénon & Alponsine Paulin 40 Bert & Tracy Le Blanc
55 Francois & Georgette Roy 40 Dan & Sharon MacDougall
50 Robert & Nicolene Aymar 40 Michael & Lorrie MacKenzie
50 Bill & Carol Comer 40 Richard & Elsa McAllister
50 Bruce & Lee Crampton 40 Allan & Patricia McInnes
50 Bruce & Monique Dressel 40 Wilfredo & Jocelyn Mendoza
50 Jim & Gaytane Epoch 40 Noel & Cristina Mondragon
50 Rocco & Gaetana Nina Girolamo 40 Dominic & Mary Joanne Panetta
50 Adrian & Catherine Goemans 40 Mike & Julie Paul
50 Howard & Mariann Gray 40 Gerry & Alma Pelletier
50 Ernest & Christina Hein 40 Michael & Tracy Piggott
50 George & Margaret Hodgkinson 40 Roy & Joyce Reeves
50 Reynold & Irene Krenz 40 Robert & Nacita Stenzel
50 Rick & Carol Lundy 40 Dino & Janice Verardo
50 Theodore & Donna Mencfeld 25 Tommy & Shirley Calura
50 Jacques & Catherine Messier 25 Dan & Gloriann Carlesso
50 Antonio & Mary Ann Miano 25 Rajwant & Renata Chatterji
50 Lloyd & Margaret Mooney 25 Luigi & Sandra Greco
50 Amato & Mary Natale 25 Devin & Kim Miroy
50 Edward & Wanda Oszczypek 25 Patrick & Dorothy Murtaugh
50 Antonio & Girolama Palumbo 25 Bill & Trish Nash
50 Lee & Linda Paterson 25 Paul & Karen Nolan
50 Florijan & Marisela Ponikvar 25 Brian & Sandra Smith
couPles, clergy and religious mark sPecial anniVersaries in 2024
PRIESTS
71 years Bishop James MacDonald, CSC 68 years Fr. Edward Jankowski
65 years Msgr. Dominic Pizzacalla 55 years Fr. Norman Bordage, CSC, Fr. John Tracey, CSC
50 years Fr. John Croal 45 years Fr. Raymond Fenech Gonzi
Fr. Andrew Morasse, CSC Fr. Peter Rowe
Fr. John Vickers, CSC 40 years Bishop Gerard Bergie
35 years Fr. Michael Basque Fr. Randy Gallant
Fr. Mathew Pendanathu Fr. Andrew Goodwin
Fr. Peter Walton
25 years Fr. Jacek Kryn, S.A.C., Fr. Stanislaw Ksciuk, Fr. Paul MacNeil, Fr. Gerard Power, O.Carm
RELIGIOUS SISTERS
60 years Sr. Mary Peter Filmore, Carmelite Sister of the Divine Heart, Sr. Paula Maria Raftis, Carmelite Sister of the Divine Heart
40 years Sr. Maria D’Alessandro, Catechist Sister of the Sacred Heart
12
go therefore and make disciPles of all nations
by JOE BARKOVICH
Bishop Gerard Bergie practices what he preaches. He
was the closing speaker at the diocese’s Parish Leadership
Day held at Gethsemane Ministries, Wellandport, October
26, 2024. He spoke with passion on his tongue and re in his
heart. Praise God!
The image of re gured prominently at the day-long
session. A scriptural passage, “I came to bring re to the
earth…” (Luke 12:4) was referred to time and again. Bishop
Bergie reminded listeners about Pentecost, where the Holy
Spirit descended in tongues of ame.
“Catholic Christians are in need of this re when they
go about their mission,” Bishop Bergie said. The mission is
explained in a passage in Matthew’s gospel; “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.”
(Matthew 28:19)
“There we have the mission,” he said. “Go and make
disciples of all nations,” he added, for emphasis.
“But mission is not something exclusive to select persons.
It’s not just my responsibility, it’s all our responsibility,”
Bishop Bergie said, aiming his words at the audience of
priests, deacons and members of parish pastoral councils,
just over 200 in number. “These days mission is easily said
but not so easily done. Flash back to the morning session,
where the Age of Christendom and the New Apostolic Age
were discussed. We are now in the latter, a time that is more
secular, where the culture is ambivalent to faith and where
religion is undermined,” he said.
This is exacting a heavy toll in terms of workers in the
mission eld. Again, he cited scripture, this time Luke 10:2—
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore,
ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his
harvest.”
“The sad reality is we do not have enough labourers in
the diocese,” he said. “The consequence is we are not making
disciples as we should be, challenging listeners to become ‘a
light in the darkness’.”
“There is a word that denes bringing people to Jesus
Christ, a word that comes from the Greek language. That
word is evangelization. To evangelize is to proclaim the
Good News of the gospel,” said Bishop Bergie.
He also referred to another Greek word, kerygma, which
means to proclaim or announce. ”We are tasked with a
mission of creating disciples through the proclamation of
the gospel message,” he said. “We want to set hearts on re
with God’s love.”
Then came a special challenge to the diocesan church.
Bishop Bergie said the year 2033 is the 2000th anniversary
of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the
year 2033, “We want to bring 2,000 people into the faith at
Easter, at Easter vigils,” he said.
He asked: “Is it big? Yes. Is it audacious? Yes. But we
can do it.”
Bishop Bergie spoke like he was on re. He said with
fervor, “Together we can do it.”
He said there is need for leaders who will inspire new
leaders who will lead people to Christ. But what is not
needed is ‘smoke or smouldering’.
“We need the ame of love. I Invite you to join me. The
local church needs not be afraid because it is guided by and
protected by the Holy Spirit,” said Bishop Bergie.
(l-r) Tony Paiement, Judy Learn, Helen O’Neal from St. George,
Crystal Beach.
(l-r) Margaret Jong, chancellor; Nicholas Ali, Oce of Evangelization
& Mission; Fr. Patrick Gilmurray, pastor, St. Michael, Fort Erie;
Lorraine McCarthy and Ron Huntly, from Huntly Leadership
We want to set hearts on re with God’s love.
13
a ritual for Penance and healing
“She said it really t in with the theme of the day. The
three-hymn blend was picked because it is upbeat and
beautifully praises God,” said Allie.
Allie was asked about reaction, if any, from the
Leadership Day attendees.
“A lot of people told us we did a really good job. And
then the people from St. Michael’s, the following Sunday,
told us how they really enjoyed it,” she said.
The positive reactions must have been music to the St.
Michael’s musicians’ ears.
by JOE BARKOVICH
Music at the Leadership Day was
provided by the Praise and Worship group
from St. Michael, Fort Erie.
Allie Cordova, lead vocalist, said Terri
Pauco, from the Youth and Family Oce,
Diocese of St. Catharines, reached out and
asked if they would take part in the day based
on what she had heard about them and their
music.
Iris Cordova, drums and vocals; Solena
Verne, keyboards; Alex Esguerra, guitar and
vocals; and Victor Aranva, saxophone, were
part of the Praise and Worship team that
performed.
Allie, in her 4th year at McMaster
University, Hamilton, where she is studying
music, is parish music director and Praise and
Worship leader. Praise and Worship members
are also part of the parish choir, she said.
Allie is considering pursuing a Master’s
degree in sacred music at Emmanuel College
of Victoria University, University of Toronto. If she decides
otherwise, it will attend teacher’s college.
The St. Michael Praise and Worship musicians opened
the day’s morning session with Pilgrims of Hope. For
the afternoon session they did a blend of three hymns—
Goodness of God, How Great Is Our God and, I Could
Sing of Your Love.
Pilgrims of Hope was chosen in discussion with Terri
Pauco.
(l-r) Alex Esguerra and Allie Cordova, music ministry from St. Michael, Fort Erie,
provided music at the diocesan Leadership Day.
Participants at the diocesan Leadership Day held October 26, 2024, held at Gethsemane Centre, Wellandport. In the front row (l-r) Bishop
Gerard Bergie, Ron Huntly and Lorraine McCarthy, were presenters at the event.
4. What was your biggest
takeaway from the day?
The biggest takeaway
from the day is that there is
such potential with all the
wonderful parishioners in the
diocese. It was wonderful to
see and be a part of the energy
in the conversations that were
happening. There is a desire,
or spark if you will, to meet
the challenge that Bishop
Bergie, our shepherd, has
given us. His address was very inspirational and you could
hear the pride in his voice as he spoke of the diocese and the
possibilities as we journey for the future.
5. Did you feel ‘hearts on re’ that was talked about
during the day?
I did experience hearts being set on re from the
enthusiasm I witnessed and the feeling I felt while listening
to the speakers, particularly Bishop Bergie. He stated that we
could be the best diocese and I believe we can.
There was a feeling of excitement, as though we were
on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation. The wood had
been collected and a spark has lit the ame. It is now time
to fan the ame to spread out and set hearts on re in the
diocese. Joining our hearts and hands in giving praise and
glory to God. I was thrilled to be a part of a day of fellowship
and look forward to participating in what is yet to come.
14
Vineyard reached out to several Leadership Day attendees
for reaction to the session. The responses below are from Betty
Colaneri, member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and a parishioner
of Our Lady of the Scapular, Niagara Falls.
1. What did you think about the Parish Leadership Day?
I found the Leadership Day wonderful! It was so uplifting
to see parishioners from all over the diocese coming together
for the common good and goal of the diocese. These are
dedicated parishioners that are concerned for the future of
the diocese.
The speakers were amazing at explaining what we
presently have, where we can strive to be and the steps of
how we can get there.
2. What discussion group were you in? How was it
helpful?
I was in the service group. We were able to break out
into smaller groups and share our experiences and thoughts
on a very important part of our ministry which is service.
Fr. Chris Gillen, pastor, St. Martin, Smithville, and dean of
the Haldimand Deanery, guided us through a wonderful
workshop where he shared his thoughts on the importance of
ministry through service as well as giving us the opportunity
to share ideas with each other that we will be able to bring
back to parishes to discuss and implement.
3. The diocese seems to be asking a great deal of its
parishes. Are they up to it?
I don’t think it is a lot to ask of the parishes. I believe
we are all up to the challenge of doing what it takes to make
the diocese a thriving, enthusiastic and passionate one that
is ready to set hearts on re. As the saying goes, ‘team work
makes the dream work’. It is achievable if we work together.
We are a chosen people that Jesus has called for ministry
and with him all things are possible. “God does not call the
ParticiPants comment on leadershiP day
Betty Colaneri
by JOE BARKOVICH
Below are the comments of attendees from various
parishes across the diocese who agreed to short interviews
while the day was in progress.
Parishioner Alex Felicetti, St. Thomas More, Niagara
Falls, took part in the evangelization workshop. Asked
about his biggest takeaway he replied, “Evangelization
is not a one-time thing, it can take years and years.
Evangelization is a multi-step process; just because you go
to church doesn’t mean you’ve been evangelized,” he said.
A science teacher at St. Michael Catholic High School,
Niagara Falls, Felicetti agreed parishes are dealing with a
big ask by the diocese but thinks they are up to it.
For Gilles Deslauriers, a parishioner at Sacré-Coeur,
Welland, speakers at the session were riveting. “I found
them inspiring and interesting and to some degree
challenging. And I must say, I think Bishop Bergie did a
bang-up job. He was so passionate. I think he was really
on re.”
Sarah Nannarone, St. Michael, Dunnville, found the
speakers’ presentations helpful, especially the talk about
why people don’t attend church and reasons why they
leave the church. While she described her parish as warm
and welcoming, a parish where ‘nobody should feel left
out’, she is saddened by poor attendance. She was at a loss
to explain why so few people attend regularly. Reasons
that were cited during the presentations will be food for
thought “I try again and again (to convince people to
attend) and then eventually they don’t want to talk to me,”
she said.
Sarah said her children, a daughter 10 and son 8, attend
Mass regularly. “My daughter is on re,” she said proudly,
“she just loves God, she’s a God person.”
Maria Dusson, St. Ann, Niagara Falls, enjoyed listening
to the speakers and taking part in the group discussion.
“It’s good to talk about things you can be doing better,”
she said.
Dusson, 19, attends St. Michael Catholic High School,
Niagara Falls. She helps with the Children’s Liturgy at her
parish. She nds this ministry meaningful because, “I like
to talk with little kids. It not only gives me the opportunity
to oer them knowledge of Catholic beliefs, but also the
opportunity for them to understand why we do those
things and the meaning of it,” she said.
Parishioners came together for the common good
qualied. He qualies those
he calls.” (Exodus 4)
15
sacred heart, chiPPawa marks 100th anniVersary
st. JosePh, snyder 175th of its construction
by FR. STUART MACDONALD
Two neighbouring parishes in the Niagara Falls
Deanery celebrated signicant anniversaries in 2024.
In June, St. Joseph, Snyder, celebrated the 175th
anniversary of its construction with a solemn Mass
presided over by Bishop Bergie. A few months later, in
October, Bishop Bergie consecrated the church and new
altar at Sacred Heart, Niagara Falls, on the occasion of its
100th anniversary.
Fr. Stuart MacDonald was assigned pastor to St.
Joseph in October 2019. Then in September 2023, he was
also named pastor to Sacred Heart. The past year has
been a transition for both parishes working under one
pastor. Happily, the decision has been made that the
parishes will merge, becoming Sacred Heart parish, with
two churches in its boundaries.
The anniversaries are a signicant moment for a new
beginning as merged parishes. While St. Joseph is older
than Sacred Heart, for decades the pastor of Sacred Heart
would celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Joseph before it had
a resident pastor, which happened only in the 1950s.
There has always been a close relationship between the
parishes. The merger presents new opportunities to
invigorate parish life.
St. Joseph is marking its anniversary year with the
construction of an accessible washroom and storage
room. For 175 years, parishioners walked down the
street to the parish hall to use facilities. The addition is
welcome indeed.
Sacred Heart marked its anniversary with the
consecration. The consecration ceremony is a solemn
blessing of a church signifying that it is perpetually being
turned over to the worship of God. The altar and walls
are anointed with sacred chrism, which is used at baptism
and ordinations. Incense is burned on the mensa of the
altar while the congregation and walls are incensed. After
dressing the altar, Bishop Bergie proceeded to kiss the
newly consecrated altar and continued the celebration of
Mass.
This year marks a milestone in the life of the parish—
two distinct communities coming together in worship
and pastoral activity as a new single entity.
St. Joseph Church, Snyder Sacred Heart Church, Niagara
Falls.
Bishop Gerard Bergie consecrated the church and new altar at
Sacred Heart, Niagara Falls, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Assisting him were (l-r) Deacon Anthony Calaycay and seminarian
Jacob Willms.
Bishop Gerard Bergie during his homily at the 100th anniversary of
Sacred Heart, Niagara Falls.
Parishioners at Sacred Heart, Niagara Falls, at the celebration of the
parish 100th anniversary.
16
reflections of a long-time
out of the cold Volunteer
homeless
matters
by SUSAN VENDITTI
A long line of people extending to the parking lot waiting
in the cold drizzle is an intimidating sight. Volunteers
worried, “How many will come?” “ Will we have enough?”
The door is opened and the welcoming begins. A
volunteer greets each guest, one by one, asking for their rst
name that is written in a register. She asks, “ Hot chocolate
or coee?” and “How do you take your coee?” then passes
the order to the barista volunteers. Beverages are served
and suppers given out asking guests if socks are needed or
an apple is wanted. The volunteer helps pack up backpacks
and bags then says, “Good bye,” and begins again.
My job is to record each name in the register, saying it as
often as possible during this brief encounter and to always
use it when saying good bye. I entered 246 names sitting
in the open doorway gradually freezing and thinking that
complaining about being cold is so frivolous when I have a
warm home.
I hear snippets of conversations.
T. has a place but is waiting to get her stu out of
storage. D. is still working. B. is so proud of her rst great
grandchild and happy to take his supper and special treat
bag home to him. D. asking for three extra meals for his
kids ages 6, 8 and 12, and me actually remembering their
names from other weeks. J. telling us he’d only need one
meal because his partner died. T. thanking us profusely and
when asked to pick one apple from a multi coloured pile
shares a joke. “Any apple will do. I do not discriminate.”
The need swallows up our eort but volunteers continue
to do the hard part—doing the work again and again.
It is 7 a.m. the next morning and I am trying to make
sense of that night in relation to the Christmas season. The
journey of Mary and Joseph, a poor couple, travelled by foot
and donkey. They were helped by a stranger, given the gift
of a lowly manger where our saviour was born. Alleluia.
I pray that Out of the Cold suppers provide needed
nourishment, that calling guests by name is important, that
kindness matters and that in a small way we are living out
the gospel message.
“For I was hungry and you gave me to eat. Thirsty and
you gave me to drink. A stranger and you welcomed me.”
(Matthew 25:35-40)
Susan Venditti is a volunteer at Cathedral Out of the Cold.
The South Niagara Shelter on Ontario Road, Welland, is nearing completion. A public open house for
those interested in seeing how the shelter is set up was held Friday, December 20 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
A portion of the shelter, as seen from across Ontario Road, is pictured above. This photo was taken in
November.
city of welland to oPen new homeless shelter
17
assistance for those in need in the niagara region
OUT OF THE COLD — ST. CATHARINES
November 1, 2024 — March 31, 2025
Meals
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday Knights of Columbus Hall Monday Silver Spire United Church
366 St. Paul Street 235 Church Street
Tuesday Cathedral of St. Catherine Wednesday St. George Anglican Church
67 Church Street 83 Church Street
Thursday St. Alfred Roman Catholic Church Friday Knox Presbyterian Church
272 Vine Street 53 Church Street
Saturday Queen Street Baptist Church
57 Queen Street
Out of the Cold St Catharines
P.O. Box 29077
St. Catharines RPO Carlton
Ontario, L2R 7P9
outofthecoldstc@gmail.com
***********************************
HARVEST KITCHEN — WELLAND
November 1, 2024 — March 31, 2025
Meals
Sunday Central United Church Monday Sacré-Coeur Catholic Church
1st, 4th & 5th 12 Young Street Dine in 5 – 6 p.m. Dine in 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. 72 Empire Street
Tuesday Holy Trinity Anglican Church Wednesday St. Kevin Catholic Church
1st, 2nd & 3rd at Market Square Take out 5 – 6 p.m. Dine in 5 p.m. 303 Niagara Street
Thursday Holy Trinity Anglican Church
1st, 2nd & 4th Dine in 6 p.m. at Market Square
3rd Thursday Take out 5:30 p.m. at Market Square
Friday Southridge Community Church
Dine in 6 p.m. 414 River Road
***********************************
THE SOUP KITCHEN — NIAGARA FALLS
November 1, 2024— March 31, 2025
4865 St. Lawrence Avenue
Open 7 days a week for take out Hot bagged lunch
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
www.nfsoupkitchen.ca
NIGHT-TIME COLD WEATHER RELIEF EMERGENCY OVERNIGHT SHELTER
Overnight accommodations for unhoused ages 18+ for men, women, families: Nightlight Youth Shelter
7:30 p.m. – 7:30 a.m. 9 p.m. curfew Women’s Place South Niagara
Start Me Up Niagara 5925 Summer Street YWCA Niagara Region
Pre-registration recommended Call 211
18
new book suPPorts couPles in natural family Planning
If you would lIke to get Involved In the work of the Socety of
St. vIncent de Paul contact a Store or your ParISh conference.
east niagara Parish conferences st. catharines Parish conferences
Our Lady of the Scapular: Kathleen Parr: kathleen_parr@hotmail.com St. Denis: Michael Harding: michael.s.harding@gmail.com
St. George Ridgeway: Judy Learn: judith.learn@gmail.com Ozanam Centre Soup Kitchen: OzanamStC@gmail.com
St. Michael, Fort Erie: Theresa McKeller: tmckellar1@cogeco.ca St. Alfred: Mary Little: mlittlenotl@gmail.com
St. Vincent de Paul N.O.T.L: Jen Pothier: jenpothier@yahoo.co.uk Cathedral of St.Catherine of Alexandria: Connie Buis: abuis2@
St. Patrick, Niagara Falls: Cli Sexton: cli.sexton@hotmail.com cogeco.ca
St.Thomas More: Nicole Chartrand: yayou1@yahoo.com Star of the Sea: Bob Kennedy: bob.kennedy@cogeco.ca
beamsVille Parish conference St. Thomas Aquinas: Syl Roach: roach.syl@gmail.com
St. Helen, Lorraine Martin: lorraine.martin02@gmail.com St. Mary of the Assumption: Bennett Carroll: call 905-682-5216
welland Parish conferences St. Julia: W. Lorne McEwan: lorne42@cogeco.ca
St. Andrew: Margaret Addario: richardaddario@hotmail.com St. Patrick, Clyde Head: headsey@gmail.com
St. Kevin: Tim Donohue: timdonohue@gmail.com Holy Rosary, Thorold: Albert Ciamarra: albertciamarra@gmail.com
Ted O’Leary: oleary42@gmail.com
St. Alexander, Fonthill, Paula Medeiros: paula.medeiros@bell.net
St. Ann, Fenwick, contact St. Ann Parish, 905-892-6123
Dr. Stephanie Kae, a Catholic wife, mother and
family physician in Niagara Falls, Ontario, recently
published a book combining the Catholic faith with
medicine entitled, Totally Yours: The Catholic Natural
Family Planning Handbook. The physician, inspired by
patients, wrote a down-to-earth and practical book that
uses real-life stories and experiences of over 20 couples,
to demystify natural family planning (NFP).
Why is this book needed?
Dr. Kae noticed, after teaching hundreds of couples
the Marquette Method of natural family planning, that
they were asking the same questions. There was no single
resource she could refer patients to for information.
Blog posts, many dierent books and various websites
all had pieces of information but it was hard to navigate.
Some couples stated that even their priest did not know
where they could turn to for a detailed overview and
more information on natural family planning.
Dr. Kae also heard so many beautiful stories of
couples living out their Catholic faith by using natural
family planning and knew they needed to be shared.
She stated, “My goal with this book was to combine the
‘why’ (theology) and the ‘how’ (science/physiology),
so that couples would better understand natural family
planning. Couples need more than a slide at marriage
preparation courses or a brochure in the parish narthex;
a book is an ideal way to explain the beauty of this
practice.”
With a healthy dose of humor, a rm grounding in
Catholic moral teaching and evidence from scientic
literature, this book focuses on 12 things everyone
should know about NFP. From the reluctant user to the
seasoned, this book is a worthwhile read for engaged
couples, married couples,
clergy as well as anyone
looking for easy-to-
understand information
on NFP.
Dr. Kae said, “I
wrote the book I wish I
had read before getting
married. This book will
give couples a realistic
look at NFP with relatable
stories and experiences
from couples who put it
into practice.”
The book, mostly written while breastfeeding her
third of four children and then edited while caring for
her fourth baby, is a worthwhile resource for couples
and an excellent addition to marriage preparation
programs. Hundreds of copies have already been
purchased by Catholic dioceses to ll gaps in their
marriage preparation programs.
According to Dr. Kae, “The book is very realistic; it
acknowledges the challenges and hardships that come
with implementing NFP in marriage. It also speaks
about the beauty of NFP and how using it can change
attitudes and perceptions toward one’s spouse and
children.”
Totally Yours: The Catholic Natural Family Planning
Handbook has been granted Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur
by Bishop Gerard Bergie, Diocese of St. Catharines, and is
available in paperback and e-book versions on Amazon. Link
to Amazon in Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Totally-Yours-
Catholic-Planning-Handbook/dp/1068936606/
Dr. Stephanie Kae
st. Vincent de Paul stores
116 Lock St. E., Dunnville 905-701-9999
Store hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m-3 p.m
Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
36 Jarvis Street, Fort Erie 905-871-0203
Store hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
5970 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls 289-296-3807
Store hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
67 Queenston Street, St. Catharines 905-684-2042
Store hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
51 East Main Street, Welland 905-788-3413
Store hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
your st. Vincent de Paul store needs you to
Shop enjoy our excellent prices
Volunteer your time at a local conference
Donate your gently used items
pray for the success of our missions
19
20
serra club Promotes Vocations
to the Priesthood, diaconate
and religious life
Vocation
corner
God our Father, we thank you for calling men and
women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests,
deacons and consecrated persons. Send your Holy
Spirit to help others to respond generously and
courageously to your call. May our community of
faith support vocations of sacricial love in our
youth and young adults.
Fr. Nicholas Deak, died November 18, 2024, in the Welland Hospital at 80 years of age. He
is survived by his wife Etelka, children Anna and Joseph and three grandchildren.
Fr. Deak was born in Kokényesd, Szatmar Megyne, Romania, in 1944 and emigrated to
Canada in 1962. He worked at General Motors for over 28 years before being ordained to the
priesthood for the Hungarian Greek Catholic Church in Lemberg Lviv, Ukraine, July 1991. He
was elevated to Mitrophoric Archpriest in 2008.
From the time of his ordination, Fr. Deak was pastor of St. John the Baptist Hungarian
Greek Catholic Church, Welland. During his years of priesthood, he also assisted Fr. Ladislav
Miskei, pastor, Our Lady of Hungary, Welland, as well as the parish of St. Michael the
Archangel, Hamilton.
Fr. Deak will be remembered for his dedication to family and community. His kindness,
compassion and sense of humour left a lasting mark on the hearts of those who knew him.
On November 30, 2024, a funeral Mass was held at St. John the Baptist followed by
interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Welland.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Greek Catholic Church, Sisters of the
Sacred Heart of Ragusa, Our Lady of Hungary Church and the Welland Hospital.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
in memoriam
a Prayer for Vocations
by DEEDEE ALEXANDRE
The Serra Club of St. Catharines welcomed six new
members this past year; there is still room for you.
Serra Club is a group of lay Catholics who promote,
support and pray for people who are discerning religious
life. Currently, they are praying for four seminarians and
three men beginning candidacy for the permanent diaconate.
The next fundraiser will be a Murder Mystery Dinner to
be held May 3, 2025, at Club Roma, St. Catharines. Cost is
$65/person and includes a glass of wine and/or beer, dinner
and entertainment. The Murder Mystery will replace Trivia
Night.
Each month, Serrans meet for 5 p.m. Mass at Our
Lady of the Scapular Church, Niagara Falls, followed by a
meeting. The 2025 dates are: January 5 (Zoom); February 5
(Zoom); March 12, April 9, May 7 and June 11 at the parish
hall. Contact Deedee 905-732-4782 if you are considering
becoming a member and to get the Zoom link.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Serrans.
Deedee Alexandre is president of the St. Catharines Serra Club.
21
For those who serve well as deacons gain
a good standing for themselves and great
boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:13
a deacon’s day three candidates to diaconate to begin formation
by DEACON FRANK BERARDI
On Saturday December 7, 2024, three aspirants
for the permanent diaconate, Diocese of St.
Catharines, were admitted to candidacy for the
permanent diaconate. The Rite of Candidacy took
place during Mass celebrated by Bishop Wayne
Lobsinger, Auxiliary Bishop, at Mount Mary Retreat
Centre, Hamilton.
The three candidates—Wydmarck Kwan, Joseph
Abad and Jean Max Philome, each petitioned Bishop
Gerard Bergie, Diocese of St. Catharines, to formally
request enrolment as a candidate for ordination as a
permanent deacon. Their spouses, Julie Kwan, Mary
Abad and Marie-Ange Philome, also gave written
consent in support of their husbands’ requests.
During the rite, the aspirant who aspires to
the diaconate, publicly manifests his will to oer
himself to God and the Church, so that he may
exercise sacred orders. The Church, accepting this
oering, chooses and calls him to prepare himself
to receive a sacred order. In this way he is rightly
numbered among candidates for the diaconate. The
candidate also promises to conform his heart more
and more to the heart of Christ in serving God’s
people. There will be two more ministry enrolments
during formation—lector and acolyte—then nally
ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacon.
Un Natale molto felice
e benedetto
E
Un anno nuovo felice e
pieno di grazia
Wesołych Świąt
щасливого Різдва
unA Muy Feliz y
BendeCidA nAvidAd y
un próspero y lleno
de GrACiA Año
nuevo
un très Joyeux et
Béni noël et
une Bonne et
heureuse Année
reMplie de GrâCe
Diaconate candidates (l-r) Wydmarck Kwan, Joseph Abad and Jean
Max Philome.
22
cwl holds adVent retreat
our mission
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada calls its members to grow in
faith, and to witness to the love of God through ministry and service.
Members of the CWL enjoy a break during their annual Advent retreat (l-r) seated: Edna O’Rourke, Elsie Bell,
Trudy Ruiter, Irma Ruiter; standing: Debbie O’Brien, Deedee Alexandre, Jane Foran.
by DEEDEE ALEXANDRE
On November 27 and December 7, 2024, members
of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) enjoyed a very
powerful, meaningful and inspiring Advent Retreat at
Mt. Carmel Spiritual Centre, Niagara Falls.
The mornings started with the recitation of the rosary.
Theresa Murphy, diocesan faith chair, led the recitation
on Wednesday while Frances Murdaca, diocesan faith
sub-chair, led it on Saturday. The intentions were for the
unhoused, the focus of the national CWL.
Domenic Inneo, guest speaker, did Part I of his
presentation on Dialoguing with God. He went through
dierent forms of prayer, (ie. Ignatian, Lectio Divina). He
spoke from the heart and it was extremely interesting and
meaningful.
Mass was celebrated in the chapel with Fr. Joizel Fern
Piñon, O.Carm, on Wednesday and Fr. Paul MacNeil,
pastor, St. Alexander, Fonthill, on Saturday.
Following lunch, Inneo presented Part II of
Dialoguing with God with more practical tips, tricks
and techniques. His website is dialogueprayer.com if you
would like to learn more.
It was an outstanding Advent Retreat that was
enjoyed by all. The Lenten Retreats are scheduled for
February 19 and March 1, 2025.
23
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24
diocesan youth attend renew conference
Participants from the Diocese of St. Catharines attended a Renew Conference hosted by the Archdiocese of Toronto on
November 23-24, 2024. They are seen here (l-r) Frank Capisciolto, co-ordinator, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, St.
Catharines Diocese; Anna Maria Rivera, Diocese of Hamilton; Bronson Fuliere, St. Thomas More, Niagara Falls; Paul Nguyen,
St. Ann, Niagara Falls; Lily Saranchuk, St. Denis, St. Catharines; Rob Kolodziejczuk, St. Ann, Niagara Falls; Katherine Keho,
Cathedral, St. Catharines.
refugee centres
within the
Diocese of St. Catharines
Chez Marie Refuge
16 Pelham Road
St. Catharines, Ont
905-682-5795
Casa el Norte
closed for renovations
Holy Cross Cemetery
Operated by the Diocese of St. Catharines
50 Woodlawn Road, Welland.
We oer a comforting atmosphere in which
the Catholic faith is celebrated and love for
family and friends is remembered.
A selection of burial services is available
including ground burial, cremation and
above ground cremation placement.
For further information call: 905-734-4172
25
rebuilding a culture of eVangelization
by NICHOLAS ALI
I was speaking at a parish recently on the topic of
evangelization, and I could see on the faces of some of
the parishioners a mixture of fear, disinterest and even
mild revulsion. I think most of the reactions were due to a
misunderstanding of the word evangelization.
In many Catholic circles, the term evangelization has
become something of a bad word. It conjures up images
of people forcing faith on others, proselytizing and just
uncomfortable, unwanted and ultimately unfruitful
conversations, that end up pushing people farther from
the Lord. Evangelization is seen by a number of Catholics
as something that is not Catholic but rather as something
Protestants do. As Catholics, we have lost the culture of
evangelization.
This is a tragedy, because the last words the Lord spoke
at the end of the gospel of Matthew haven’t changed. We are
still called to make disciples and proclaim the good news
(kerygma) to all peoples. (Matthew 28:19)
St. Vincent De Paul puts it this way: “I am sent not only
to love God but to make him loved. It is not enough for me to
love God, if my neighbor does not love him.” (CCD XII:215)
If we truly believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, that he loves
us, gave his life to save us and is with us now to enlighten,
strengthen and free us, then there is simply no better or
more important gift for us to pass on to others, than the gift
of faith. The good news of God’s love should well up such
joy and love within us, that it naturally ows forth from us
to touch the lives of others.
I had this desire for years, but rationalized (because I was
afraid) that I was evangelizing simply by the witness that I
gave by living a joy-lled life that
was rooted in Christ. I was living
out the famous phrase that is often
(wrongly?) attributed to St. Francis:
“Preach the gospel at all times; and
when necessary, use words…” I
was intentionally ignoring the fact
that sometimes words are necessary.
This rationalization is
dangerous only because it is
true. It correctly assumes that
evangelization begins with witness
and that hearts are usually won by deeds and not words;
however, it doesn’t take into account the responsibility to
be attentive in relationships to the moments when speaking
about our faith is needed. These moments are the point at
which a simple invitation would be eective. It could be
at a time in the friendship where we have already built
trust and the person has demonstrated both curiosity and
openness. These moments are all too often missed, because
evangelization isn’t anywhere on the radar. We lack a
culture of evangelization. We aren’t looking for those grace-
lled moments where we can help impart the greatest gift in
the universe with a simple invitation. Pope St. Paul VI said
that “[The Church] exists in order to evangelize.” (Evangelii
Nuntiandi, 14)
I invite you to ask yourself, am I an evangelist? Do I
give witness to my faith in Jesus by the way in which I live?
Does fear stop me from prudently speaking to others about
my faith? Am I a disciple who makes disciples?
Nicholas Ali is director of Evangelization and Faith Formation
for the Diocese of St. Catharines.
Nicholas Ali
financial assistant
diocese of st. catharines
Responsible for all aspects of nancial accounting:
accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliations,
trial balances, unaudited nancial statements,
payroll, employee benets, pension plan, annual charity return
as well as providing bookkeeping support to parishes.
Detailed job description can be found at:
saintcd.com < employment < Financial Assistant.
Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume
by January 15, 2025
to John O’Brien, CFO, jobrien@saintcd.com
26
niagara catholic’s adVent message
by CAMILLO CIPRIANO
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s hard
to believe that the Advent season is already upon us and
we’re tying a bow on 2024. Incredibly, when the calen-
dar ticks over to 2025, we will close the rst quarter of
the century and the millennium, and as Catholics, it will
mark the year of the Jubilee, the Year of Hope.
It has truly been a wonderful year at Niagara Catho-
lic with many fantastic events and activities from January
through December. It is my privilege to share them with
you.
It was a year lled with goodbyes, saying farewell
to graduating students and retiring sta, and hellos wel-
coming new sta and students to the schools.
Niagara Catholic participated in long-standing events
like the annual Pilgrimage and Holy Childhood Walks
and in other community events across Niagara. Some fo-
cused on fun, like the Grape and Wine Festival and Santa
Claus parades. Others on social justice, equity, reconcilia-
tion, like the walk in solidarity with the Indigenous com-
munity as well as raising money to support people with
critical illnesses through the Rankin Run and Terry Fox
Run.
Throughout 2024, Niagara Catholic celebrated many
successes in academics, athletics, arts and technology. In
late November and early December,
seven student athletes signed on for
university scholarships, with more to
come.
Across Niagara Catholic, many
talented musicians competed on the
provincial and national stage in 2024,
as well as students competing at the
provincial and national level in sci-
ence and technology.
Also recognized were sta win-
ning awards, including the very ded-
icated and talented Kindergarten
Team at Our Lady of Fatima Catho-
lic Elementary School, Grimsby, for
the year’s Early Childhood Commu-
nity Development Centre (ECCDC)
Awards of Excellence. They received
their award at the ECCDC’s awards
celebration on November 28. Addi-
tionally, incredible alumni who are
leaving their mark on the world in the
arts, medicine, music, business and
other professions were recognized.
These successes are proof that education is truly the
great equalizer, and that publicly funded Catholic edu-
cation provides students with the foundation and con-
dence to be fearless in their dreams. Led by outstanding
principals, the schools are lled with teachers and sup-
port sta who have dedicated their lives to Catholic ed-
ucation and to student success. This is also shown by the
EQAO results and 2023 graduation rates.
Niagara Catholic announced the building of a new
Catholic elementary school in Niagara Falls, opened the
new St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School, Waineet,
and celebrated the blessing of a brand-new turf eld at
Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School, Grimsby.
Looking ahead into the second part of the school year,
the board will launch new elementary and secondary
school websites and podcasts as well as host open houses
for Grade 8, advanced placement and kindergarten.
Advent is a time for hope, peace, love and joy. On be-
half of all the Niagara Catholic sta and trustees, I wish
you and your loved ones a season lled with hope, peace,
love, joy and a happy, healthy new year.
Camillo Cipriano is director of education, Niagara Catholic
District School Board.
Camillo Cipriano
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by JENNIFER PELLIGRINI
Each year, the Niagara Catholic community eagerly
anticipates the annual pilgrimage. With October designated
as pilgrimage month, schools are granted the exibility to
schedule walks at a time that best suits individual needs,
making this year’s event even more inclusive.
What began as a single school event at Notre Dame
College School, Welland, under the late Fr. Jim Mulligan
in 1975, has evolved into a beloved tradition that now
includes all Niagara Catholic secondary schools, along with
participants from elementary schools, sta, parents, trustees,
alumni and local community members. October 2025 will
mark the 50th annual pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage continues to serve as a vital opportunity
to raise funds for various global and local causes. Leveraging
the power of social media, many schools have showcased
the pilgrimage and the organizations they support to a
wider audience, increasing awareness and fostering a sense
of shared purpose.
The in-person walks, which took place throughout
communities, exemplied the students’ and sta’s
commitment to living out Catholic social teachings. These
teachings—rooted in the values of justice, charity and
solidarity—align perfectly with the school board’s mission,
vision and core values. The walks not only brought attention
to the causes they support, but also reected the tremendous
annual Pilgrimages suPPort causes
at home and in the global south
school pride that is a hallmark of Niagara Catholic.
The dedication shown by students, sta and volunteers
to raise funds for these important causes has been truly
inspiring. They are listed here.
Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School, Grimsby
Theme: Back Where we Started From
Amount raised: $4,900+
Denis Morris Catholic High School, St. Catharines
Theme: Hope Starts with You
Amount raised: $7,500+
Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, St. Catharines
Amount raised: $5,800
Lakeshore Catholic High School, Port Colborne
Theme: We Will Walk You
Amount raised: approximately $8,000
Notre Dame College School, Welland Amount raised:
approximately $26,000
Saint Francis Catholic Secondary School, St. Catharines
Theme: We are the People
Amount raised: $15,500+
Saint Michael Catholic High School, Niagara Falls
Theme: Walk in Hope, Walk in Love
Amount raised: $16,000
Saint Paul Catholic High School, Niagara Falls
Theme: Walk in Love as Christ also Hath Loved Us
Amount raised: $16,200
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Vineyard subscriPtions
The Vineyard, our diocesan journal, has gone digital. To enrol for a
free online subscription, send an e-mail to: vineyard@saintcd.com.
Open house dates for January/February 2025
Adoration_of_the_Shepherds_Charles_Lebrun_1689
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students are in need at christmas
by JIM MARINO
Christmas is a joyous time of year for most, but for some
families facing nancial hardship, it can be anything but
merry.
Although poverty is often associated with developing
countries it exists right here in Niagara. According to the
most recent statistics, nationally, more than 17% of children in
Canada live in poverty; the Niagara Region combined is just
over the national average at 18%. However, when looking
at the micro-level, those numbers increase, especially in St.
Catharines, Niagara Falls and Niagara Centre. According
to Food Banks Canada (which maps the vulnerability to
poverty according to ridings) St. Catharines riding had 22%
of children living in poverty while those in Niagara Falls are
20.7% and Niagara Centre 20.4%, a little more than 1-in-5,
living in poverty and lacking proper nutrition.
Thanks to successful annual Benet Gala and golf
tournament fundraisers, as
well as a generous Niagara
community, the Niagara
Foundation for Catholic
Education (NFCE) will help
brighten Christmas for several
needy students and their families
by providing food gift cards for
a nutritious Christmas dinner.
In an eort to further increase
the purchase of food cards for
even more students in need and
their families, NFCE is making
a concerted eort to solicit additional nancial donations.
Any support oered would be greatly appreciated.
Hunger and a lack of nutrition are not the only
hardships being experienced by students and their families.
Other statistics reveal that 80% of classroom learning is done
through the eyes and that 1-in-4 students suer from some
kind of vision problem severe enough to impact learning.
Many families do not have the nancial resources to purchase
eyeglasses; hence the NFCE has developed a program called
Seeing Clearly to provide some necessary funding.
Financial assistance has also been provided to—students
with hefty medical expenses; young families with a parent
suering from cancer; loss of personal and household items
when re devastated the family home; and numerous other
serious situations that are part of NFCE’s out-reach program.
Over the years it has successfully funded hundreds of
scholarships.
Oering as much assistance as possible to students in
need, especially at more dicult
times, is the epitome of the
NFCE’s existence and purpose.
Students who receive support
are truly grateful.
One student wrote; “Thank
you for your assistance. I
promise it will be put to good
use during future endeavors in
furthering my education, and
will promote the important
lessons I have learned as a
Catholic student.”
Another writes; “It’s not always easy to juggle school
and work, but with NFCE’S generosity, it has made it much
easier. When I graduate, I hope I can make a dierence in
people’s lives like you have in mine.”
And yet a third student says; “I respect and appreciate
how NFCE promotes learning
and community involvement
and I am very grateful for the
award I have received. It will
be extremely useful as I pursue
studies in sciences at Queens
University, Kingston.”
These examples of gratitude
are proof positive that nancial
support is much more than a
donation. It’s a long-term solid
investment that will pay big
dividends for students in need
who require assistance right now. Making a bequest through
a will is a common and straightforward way to arrange a
planned gift. A donor may wish to provide a specic sum or
percentage of an estate for the foundation. Another practical
method of making a contribution is to name NFCE as a
beneciary of a life insurance policy. Tax receipts are also
given for gifts of stocks and bonds.
Many charities and registered charitable foundations
may never achieve earth shattering accomplishments that
result in the attention of national news headlines. However,
there is much merit in heeding the words of St. Teresa of
Calcutta (Mother Teresa) who reminds us that, “not all of us
can do great things, but we can do small things with great
love.”
The Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education is a registered
charitable foundation. Tax receipts are issued. Mailing address 427
Rice Road, Welland, Ontario, L3C 7C1, or donate on-line through
PayPal at www.nfce.org
Jim Marino
The Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education wishes you gifts and blessings of faith, hope
and peace during this happy and holy Christmas season. May the spirit of Christmas be with
you always as we joyfully celebrate the birth of Jesus. Thank you for supporting students in
need who attend Niagara Catholic District School Board schools.
A support group
for anyone with the
desire to become well
emotionally. EA is a 12-
step organization that
meets weekly with the purpose of working towards
recovery from emotional diculties. Meetings every
Tuesday evening at Mt. Carmel Spiritual Centre,
Niagara Falls, 7-8 p.m. For information contact Fr.
Chris 905-356-4113 or www.emotionsanonymous.
org
32
lay carmelites
Lay Carmelites, a group of Roman Catholic men
and women who seek to enrich their spiritual
lives by following the Carmelite tradition, hold a
monthly meeting every 2nd Friday at Mt. Carmel
Spiritual Centre, 7020 Stanley Avenue, Niagara
Falls, at 6:30pm. For information, contact Trudy
Bretzler 905-732-0670 or trudybretzler9@gmail.
com
Franciscan Third Order
Fraternity (ofs)
Meeting schedules for this Fraternity are: Welland area, the
4th Sunday of the month, St. Kevin, 1 p.m.; St. Catharines
area, the 1st Tuesday of the month, Cathedral of St.
Catherine of Alexandria, 1 p.m. For information contact
deborahtessier57@gmail.com
salt + light tV
Salt + Light is available in Ontario on Rogers Digital Cable
(395), Cogeco Digital Cable (185 in specic areas) and
Mountain Digital Cable (387). For information visit www.
saltandlighttv.org or call 1-888-302-7181.
MT. CARMEL
SPIRITUAL CENTRE
7020 Stanley Avenue
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 7B7
905-356-4113 FAX 905-358-2548
email: mtcarmel@carmelniagara.com
www.carmelniagara.com
GETHSEMANE
CENTRE
84008 Wellandport Road
Wellandport, Ontario L0R 2J0
905-386-1111
email: info@gethsemaneministries.com
www.gethsemaneministries.com
JERICHO HOUSE
Youth Leadership, Justice & Spirituality
Centre
10845 Rathfon Road
Waineet, Ontario L0S 1V0
905-834-0553 FAX 905-834-5230
e-mail-leadership@jerichohouse.org
www.jerichohouse.org
Located in Waineet, Jericho House is an ecumenical
and inter-faith youth leadership, justice (social and
ecological) and spirituality centre rooted in the Catholic
tradition. It provides programs and experiences in a
respectful, supportive and inclusive environment. It also
provides hospitality to individuals and groups who wish
to facilitate their own programs. It is ideal for retreats,
conferences, workshops, seminars, luncheons and other
occasions. For information contact 905-834-0553 or www.
jerichohouse.org
PILGRIMAGE TO EUROPE
Consider joining Fr. Stephen Bruzzese on a pilgrimage
to Poland, Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic, April
29 – May 10, 2025. See breathtaking landscapes with
palaces, historical sights and cruise along the most
scenic section of the Danube River. Cost is $5,995
based on double occupancy. For information contact
Fr. Bruzzese 905-685-5911 or pastor@stdenischurch.
ca
WILLS: Have you made your will? When
you are estate planning please do not forget your
parish and diocesan family. A bequest to the Diocese
of St. Catharines helps continue God’s work in your
name. For information call 905-684-0154.
33
Retrouvaille: If your marriage needs help, Retrouvaille could be a lifeline. This is a
process designed to heal and renew troubled marriages. The focus is on communication and
provides couples an opportunity to rediscover themselves and their marriage relationship.
For registration and/or information, contact Angelo & Chiara 905-664-5212 or www.
retrouvaille.org
Marriage Encounter: For married couples looking to restore communication
and rekindle romance, this program is designed to help share concerns, feelings and
expectations in a non-confrontational way. A very private experience called a Weekend
of Discovery, leading to a lifetime of love. Visit www.wwme.org for information and
registration.
Marriage Tribunal: If you are considering remarriage in the Catholic Church at some
point, or hoping to enter a marriage with someone previously married, you should speak
to a priest or contact the diocesan Catholic Marriage Tribunal in St. Catharines, 905-687-
8817 or tribunal@saintcd.com
Marriage Preparation: Engaged couples planning to be married in the Catholic
church are expected to participate in a Marriage Preparation or Engaged Encounter
weekend. At the present time, some of these weekends are in-person, but most are held
virtually. For information contact jennstoop@gmail.com
Separated & Divorced Healing Ministry: The diocesan Divorced &
Separated group holds in-person meetings at the second and fourth Monday
of the month (except holidays) at Mt. Carmel Spiritual Center, 7020 Stanley
Avenue, Niagara Falls, 7 p.m. For information and/or to pre-register contact
separatedanddivorced@saintcd.com or 905-356-4113.
Natural Family Planning: Learn Natural Family Planning Online with
an Ontario Physician. Natural Family Planning (NFP) involves using signs
of fertility to avoid or achieve pregnancy. Totally Yours Family Medicine is a
virtual clinic that has taught hundreds of couples across Ontario the Marquette
Method of NFP which uses a both fertility monitor and natural signs of fertility.
NFP is easy to learn, eective, and allows couples to live with their God-given gift of fertility. To learn
more, visit www.totallyyoursfamilymedicine.com or e-mail info@totallyyoursfamilymedicine.com
Catholic Engaged Encounter: is a diocesan-approved marriage preparation program
that provides quality marriage preparation in a weekend retreat format. It is open to any
engaged couple wanting to prepare for a deeper more meaningful life together and who
are considered free to marry according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Visit
www.ceeeast.org for more information and to register.
marriage ministries in the diocese
34
Benefits of the
Graduate Diploma in
Taught online by faculty
members at Assumption
CATHOLIC STUDIES
Considered a hiring asset by
eight Catholic school boards
Has a pathway toward an
M. Ed. at the University of
Windsor
Class times are scheduled with the
working professional in mind
Has a pathway toward an
M. Div or M.T.S. degree
Tuition fees are competitive
and there are no ancillary fees
01
03
05
07 No international fees (one flat
rate for everyone)
Has an auditing option available at
a significantly reduced tuition rate
Average class size is 10: 1
(10 students per faculty member)
Has a transfer policy
09
02
04
06
08
10
Is flexible, allowing students to
complete one course or the diploma
Is endorsed by the Bishop of the
Diocese of London
11
12
Application process is easy and
completed entirely online (no fee)
13
Catholic universities, in
particular, need to become
places “where solutions for
civil and cultural progress
for individual persons and
for humanity, marked by
solidarity, are pursued
with perseverance and
professionalism.”
Pope Francis
35
Perpetual Adoration
36
37
The DAILY TV MASS community
invites you to pray the Rosary each day
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tel: 1-888-383-6277
E-mail: info@ncbc.ca www.dailytvmass.com
youtube.com/dailytvmass
JOIN US DAILY ONLINE FOR PRAYER
www.dailytvmass.com
Daily TV Mass App
a Prayer for Peace in ukraine
Holy and Gracious God
We pray for the people of Ukraine
and the people of Russia;
for their countries and their leaders.
We pray for all those who are afraid;
that your everlasting arms hold them
in this time of great fear.
We pray for all those
who have the power over life and death;
that they will choose for all people life,
and life in all its fullness.
We pray for those who choose war;
that they will remember that
you direct your people to turn our swords into
ploughshares and seek for peace.
We pray for leaders on the world stage;
that they are inspired by the wisdom
and courage of Christ.
Above all, Lord, today we pray
for peace for Ukraine.
And we ask this in the name
of your blessed Son.
Lord have mercy.
Amen
Pray for Peace
in the
middle east
God of mercy and compassion,
of grace and reconciliation,
pour your power upon all
your children in the Middle East:
Jews, Muslims and Christians,
Palestinians and Israelis.
Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust,
despair to hope, oppression to freedom,
occupation to liberation,
that violent encounters may be replaced
by loving embraces, and peace
and justice could be experienced by all.
Amen
T
he
C
remaTion
G
arden
ST.VinCenT de Paul
hiSToriCal niaGara-on-The-lake
The Curved WallThe Trellis The Hexigonal
The Centre Columbarium
We oer a comforting atmosphere in which the Catholic faith
is celebrated and love for family and friends is remembered.
For information please contact Patrick Portelli,
St. Vincent de Paul parish 905-468-7272
or
John O’Brien, CFO Diocesan Catholic Centre
905-684-0154 ext 206
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