Sharing stories from across the Diocese of LondonWINDSOR TO WINGHAM, SARNIA TO SIMCOE AND COMMUNITIES IN-BETWEEN

Parish News May 2016

Did You Know?In 2015, the Refugee Office processed over 300 refugees! Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the success of refugee sponsorships in Parish News.

It was this story that inspired the Office of Campus Ministry at King’s University College to begin the process of sponsoring refugees in October 2014. What began as the hope to welcome one individual has become a project which has engaged scores of donors and volunteers from Christ the King University Parish and from the broader university community. In excess of $150,000 has been raised. Thus far, our community has welcomed three young people from various parts of Africa, one man from Iraq and a family of three from Syria. We have recently submitted an application to welcome the parents and siblings of the mother from Syria. God willing, they will arrive in the next months.We have also partnered with a local Anglican Church who was rich in volunteers but lacked the finances to welcome a family into their midst.The needs of those who have come to be with us are simultaneously complex and mundane. Trauma has necessitated some counseling and language barriers have made finding the appropriate personnel challenging. Years of living without access to doctors and dentists have necessitated immediate care. There have been challenges in negotiating the bus system,

settling into school, securing employment and in trying to offer words of support when the languages that we speak are not the same. Anyone who have come into contact with our new brothers and sisters have commented on the great joy that they radiate and the resiliency that they present even after experiencing incredible violence and tremendous uncertainty. We have been challenged to become a more inclusive community and are striving to appreciate faiths and cultures which are not our own. As always, we pray that God who has begun this work in our midst will bless it and bring it to completion.Father Michael BechardChrist the King University ParishKing’s University College

While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water. He came closer still and called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”The young man paused, looked up, and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean.” The old man smiled, and said, “I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.” Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!” The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up another starfish, threw it into the back into the ocean past the breaking waves and said, “It made a difference for that one.”

Author Unknown

Welcoming the Stranger in the Year of Mercy

GR8FestivalOn Tuesday, April 26, 1100 Grade 8s from all corners and regions of the Diocese gathered in Sarnia to immerse themselves in a day of faith and learning for the 3rd annual GR8Festival. The day featured workshops for students on living their faith in their high school years; Laudato Si’ (Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment); NET Canada engaged the students with a focus on their relationship with the Lord; and more. Following the workshops, the students joined Bishop Fabbro and Bishop Dabrowski for Mass, and concluded the day with a drum café.

“It’s great to see so many kids who are not typically involved in Church activities given the opportunity to participate in an intentionally faith filled day,”

commented Youth Ministry Specialist, Dan Moynihan. GR8Fest’s attendance has steadily increased each year, and we look forward to watching it continue to grow!

The Newest Priest Ordained for Our Diocese On Saturday, April 23 at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, Bishop Fabbro ordained Rev. Mr. David Johnston as a priest for the Diocese of London, in front of more than 500 priests, family and friends, including David’s parents and three siblings. David, 27, was born and raised in Port Lambton and attended Western University to study chemical engineering before entering St. Peter’s Seminary. David shares that the priesthood is not so much something that he chose, but rather something that was chosen for him by God: a calling.

Father Johnston’s first Mass took place the following day at his home parish Sacred Heart, Port Lambton. Congratulations to Father Johnston! May your ministry be a fruitful one.

Year Attendance

2014 300

2015 800

2016 1100

Some of the CCLC Winter Track campers.

Bishop Dabrowski instructs the Gr8Fest Drum Cafe.

Catholic Christian Leadership Camp: Winter TrackThis March, Youth Ministry held its first ever CCLC Winter Track at Lambton Retreat Centre.This weekend experience gave potential campers a taste of what CCLC would be like this summer, and the opportunity for former campers to bring their friends and show them what the CCLC experience is all about. It included small group discussions; leadership skills development; team building games; faith formation and catechesis; music ministry featuring a house band; celebration of Mass; camp activities including archery, hiking, and of course a campfire complete with s’mores and hot chocolate. Check out www.cclcamp.ca to find out how young people can join in the fun at camp this summer.

Parish News is a regular newsletter for the Diocese of London, distributed electronically.

Publisher: Diocese of LondonEditor: Emma Moynihan1070 Waterloo StreetLondon, ON N6A 3Y2

To submit your story or event recap email: emoynihan@dol.ca

All About Our YouthA recap of Youth Ministry’s Spring events