Category: CCAT Blog

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Family – Our Window to the World

Family blog banner image

“The family is the first essential cell of human society.”– Pope John XXIII

We live in a time when the foundation of family and its significance are more critical than ever. The dictionary defines “family” as a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether living together or apart (dictionary.com). This definition suggests that family involves both children and adults, hinting at a hierarchical structure where children depend on adults for their well-being and development. It also underscores the relationship between adults as fundamental to how children understand relationships, making adults responsible for modelling healthy behaviours and life choices.

In this article, I will explore a few of the fundamental gifts and pillars of a healthy family and how these serve as windows to the world for those fortunate enough to be part of one. I will qualify my reason for describing the family as a blessing. From my interactions with children and adults, I’ve learned that some express deep gratitude for being part of a positive and healthy family. Others feel they were denied the opportunity to grow in such an environment. I hope that we can reflect on the kind of family we should aspire to create and understand its significance in shaping a better world for all of us.

Family creates a place of belonging 

As a mother of three and someone who grew up in a large extended family with siblings and many cousins, one fundamental aspect I’ve learned about family is the sense of belonging it provides. Based on my experience, our first awareness of being part of a group begins at home. When a family creates a sense of belonging for its members, they feel rooted and emotionally safe. This starts with the adults, who begin to cultivate a sense of safety and belonging when they foster and model security in their own relationships. 

Freedom to express joy or frustration with family gives us the confidence to be authentic. At the heart of this experience is a sense of safety and care, knowing we won’t be judged for being ourselves. 

Family blog quote

Another example of belonging and family, provided by a young person I mentor, is the feeling of being validated and caring for one another. This, in turn, helps them appreciate relationships and leads them to want to eventually create a similar structure. 

Key characteristics of a family where everyone feels a sense of belonging include acceptance and inclusion, where individuals feel safe being themselves and are appreciated. Shared experiences, consistency in how family members relate to and rely on one another, and a sense of safety in each other’s presence all contribute to this feeling. Additionally, belonging is strengthened when each person contributes to the family’s well-being and is acknowledged and valued. 

Family is the first book of life bound by love 

As a bookworm, I like to think of family as a book that offers life lessons and shapes the members’ worldview through its teachings. The adults in the family—their relationships and actions—are like the book’s chapters, providing critical lessons for the children in their care. Based on my experience and that of my peers, I would divide this book into four key areas with love as the thread that binds each chapter: 1, Dignity, Respect and moral compass; 2. Faith and spiritual development 3. Healthy Relationships and Social Skills 4. Construction of the world view. 

While it may not cover every aspect of family life, I highlight some as central to my understanding of family and reflect my observations of children who carry these lessons into their choices. Although I won’t elaborate on how children often bring fresh and unique perspectives to life, I want to acknowledge that they can be great teachers for adults, especially when they are given a safe space to ask questions and express their thoughts. 

Family shapes the sense of self and dignity with a moral compass 

A well-run family offers values for developing and leading a worthy life deserved by all. It teaches lessons on how to discern right from wrong. For example, it is in the family that a child first learns that lying or stealing is unacceptable. In their formative years, children learn if it is okay to share feelings and/or confess wrongdoings. Their parents’ reaction will determine their future course of action. 

They also learn to respect themselves and others by setting boundaries and caring for their health and well-being. One adverse effect of adults not setting correct examples in these areas is that children lose the opportunity to develop the ability or skills to navigate or choose things or relationships that are good for them, making them vulnerable in their external surroundings. 

Family offers the first lessons on faith and spiritual development 

Drawing from my example, one of the best gifts I received from my family was my faith. My parents played a crucial role in developing my spiritual foundation and personal relationship with God. 

As parents, my husband and I draw from our own experiences of growing up with evening family prayers as a central part of our lives, though we’ve made some adjustments. As we continue this tradition in our household, we view it as a way of passing on the faith we received in our childhood to our children. We all appreciate the check-in time we’ve added to our prayer routine, which offers moments for reflection, fellowship, or even the chance to discuss or debate something one of us feels strongly about. I believe this practice is essential to the well-being of our family. 

Family is where one should learn healthy relationships and social skills 

Many of us can agree that one of the first lessons we learn in a communal family setting is the importance of community and social bonds. Our internal familial relationships give us the confidence and encouragement to seek friendships and social connections without fear. Looking back, I believe this was where we first learned to mirror external relationships, respect different perspectives, and appreciate various communication styles. 

No one goes through life without experiencing conflict, grief, or mistakes—these are inherent to being human. Our response to adversity often reflects the skills learned from our earliest social unit: the family. 

Family is where we first learn to communicate, forming the foundation for how we interact with the world. It’s also where we learn to cope with difficulties, and our responses outside the home often replicate the behaviours modelled by the adults around us, for better or worse. 

In today’s increasingly diverse world, how we encounter people, cultures, and beliefs different from our own is primarily shaped by the lessons we first learn and observe at home. 

Family is the first window to the world 

The family shapes the initial worldview, influencing how a person engages with the world and treats all of creation. 

Interacting with young people and couples often reminds me of how the adults in their lives shaped their understanding of the world. I see two distinct perspectives among them. Some are deeply sensitive and dedicated to the common good, feeling responsible for the well-being of their friends, neighbours, and community. Others view the world as existing primarily for their own needs, with loyalty confined to their immediate circle. Both mindsets reflect what they learned from their families about their responsibility to themselves and the world. 

Family is where a child first learns to value or ignore their role in building a shared humanity. When families model generosity and reciprocity beyond their homes, they teach children the importance of interconnectedness and equality rather than a hierarchy of values. 

In sum, we all recognize and appreciate that a healthy and solid family structure is critical for a healthy and solid society, and we are responsible for creating and supporting one where people grow and thrive. In offering gratitude for families, I am also acutely aware of the need to intentionally pray for families to be a place of belonging where people learn, grow, find their God-given purpose on earth and become a gift to the rest of the world. 

“And whoever does not provide for relatives and especially family members has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim 5:8). 

-Originally published in https://lightoftruth.in 

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The Life of a Sunflower and Its Example of Humility

Sunflower farm

Dr. Agnes Thomas 

“Humility, however deep it be, neither disquiets nor troubles nor disturbs the soul; it is accompanied by peace, joy and tranquillity.” Theresa of Avila

Sunflowers are lovely; they rise high and stand tall in suitable soil. What I admire most about sunflowers is their beauty and how their bright colour can lift the observer’s spirits. But what makes them truly special to me is the reminder they carry. Every time I see a sunflower, I am reminded of the virtue of humility, especially regarding relationships. Allow me to expand. Let me explain how these plants remind me of the virtue of humility and what they can teach us about relationships grounded in humility. For example, a sunflower takes approximately two to three months from seed to bloom; that is an entire season and the lifespan of that plant. A single sunflower has roughly a thousand seeds in it, and they are highly nutritious when fully ripened. If vital life relationships were like sunflowers, able to be planted and nurtured for the duration of their life, they, too, would be a beautiful bloom to watch. Similarly, when properly nurtured, relationships produce many fruits that can nourish all those around. So, in this brief reflection, I aim to examine what we can learn from the sunflower and how humility serves as a pillar for good relationships.

A fully bloomed sunflower head is slightly bent as if offering itself to the world in praise and glory for its life. It reminds me of many great people who led and contributed much to the world, having that posture of humility instead of pride and an “I am above everybody” attitude. The sunflower offers a lesson in how we should position ourselves. When in glory and filled with the seeds of life, like our gifts, talents, and positions of influence in our private and public lives, we must remember that our calling in life is to serve others. We are in relationships not to seek dominance or compete but to be present.

I used to think humility meant living in the shadows and making others believe you are less than them. However, from experience and the many good people who influenced my life journey, I learned humility is about acknowledging and accepting the truth of who we are. False humility can be disastrous for us and others; it shows us that if you pretend to be something else or feel obliged to, you are either in the wrong place with the wrong crowd or not self-aware.

We all know it is easier to live, work and participate in projects with humble people. So, what makes humble individuals so appealing? They are easy to be around, open to learning, and accepting of both perfection and imperfection. They constantly seek ways to grow and are comfortable with their humanity. Whether in personal or professional relationships, we all want to be at ease and respected for who we are. Humility enables us to connect with others in a way that is both desirable and authentic, much like the sunflower.

As Mother Theresa famously said, “If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.” A humble person is self-aware; a self-aware person knows their flaws and gifts. In relationships, they accept others for who they are without trying to prove superiority or foster unnecessary competition. Their self-awareness allows them to be open to learning and growing with others, understanding there is always room for improvement. Humble people are not swayed by fame or shame, success or failure; they remain grounded and content with themselves, like the bright sunflower—always pleasant.

Another gift that humility brings to relationships is mutual respect and a high regard for others. Like the sunflower, which stands tall in a garden alongside different plants, a humble person remains confident without being clingy. Sometimes, I feel that this plant offers a perfect meditation on worship, as a graceful offering of gratitude to our Creator. The sunflower is beautiful and serene, unaffected by its surroundings, constantly striving to be present.

A relationship founded on humility fosters mutual respect, learning, and gratitude. This foundation leads to peace and spreads goodness in the world. Like the sunflower, humility radiates joy and light. 

-Originally published in https://lightoftruth.in 

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Human Dignity and the Call of the Gospel

From her experience living with the L’Arche community, she writes about human dignity and Christ’s teachings on it.

Dr. Agnes Thomas

I began to understand and explore the concept of human dignity as a core value when I started living in the community of L’Archei. Understanding what it means to uphold your dignity, dignified behaviours, etc., was commonplace in terms of growing up. However, I later realised that the notion of dignity was often intertwined with social constructs like class, caste, gender, occupation, and abilities. It was not seen as an inherent quality possessed by all humansii but rather as something earned or inherited, placing individuals in a hierarchical or social order. L’Arche offers a different worldview by organising community life where people with and without disabilities live together, sharing everyday life and work. This inclusive design removes barriers to participation, ensuring that everyone has a role to play. At L’Arche, upholding the value of human dignity is not just an aspiration but a way of life. While I am not seeking to idealise L’Arche as I acknowledge that the community has its drawbacks, I do want  to share a few characteristics of community life that are transformational for people who are open to taking a long look at themselves and dare to ask how we treat the world and people who are not like us.

Reflecting on my experiences a couple of decades later, various themes emerged as I began to critically examine the notion of human dignity from the lens of a believer, social scientist, and social justice advocate. In this article, I will share some of the themes and experiences that influenced me over the years. I will also address the questions that I am challenged with and that still influence my choices and leadership practices, that involve humans from all walks of life, particularly people facing disparities and living on the margins of our societies. The key questions we will reflect on are: What do we mean by human dignity, and can we find examples in the teachings of Christ? How does a community like L’Arche provide us with tools to assess our own views and assumptions of human dignity? What can we learn from the L’Arche example, and how do we apply our learning in our everyday lives?

Two accidental sublime discoveries shaped different periods of my life: my time in the communities of L’Arche and my discovery of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). At L’Arche, I encountered people with intellectual disabilities for the first time. Admittedly, I was unfamiliar with this aspect of life and had never met anyone with disabilities. To say it was a shock is an understatement. However, once I realized that there was no turning back, life quickly turned into a journey that had me ‘joyriding’ with my new friends. There was a lot of learning and unlearning, and some of it included learning to hold the moments as they defined a new understanding and outlook on life. Other learnings included acknowledging the graces that seeped  through one’s being to embrace the sacredness of life that was unfolding in front of them. The first few years provided a lens through which to understand the world from the perspective of people who were often rejected and excluded from participating in community. Many were denied of existence. I realized then why I had never met a person with disabilities and why no one ever talked about people with disabilities.

One question I had during those early years was why, if we are all made in the image of God, are some accepted and considered ‘normal’ while others are rejected and deemed unfit? It seemed contradictory to Genesis 1:27, the very first book of the Bible: So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

L’Arche offers the gift of discovering a way of life within a community where genuine relationships of mutual care and respect are nurtured. Through early friendships in the community, I was able to experience the unique gifts of individuals and came to truly understand the meaning of the word ‘created in the image of God.’ The life of and relationships in the community become an instrument for understanding why the majority of the world misses the opportunity to experience the riches of diverse gifts of some people, especially if they lack a high transactional value. Life in the community offers an antithesis to what it means to be successful. It reveals the beauty of life and people in the most mundane things, living and owning life as a celebration, and at times, causing big chaos, but always knowing and accepting life as sacred and worthy of being lived and celebrated with all of its vulnerabilities and strengths. The most important lesson here for me was that the gift of people is revealed to us when we accept them for who they are and for their capacity to help us transform into better humans. These experiences led me to understand the Beatitudes (Matthew, 5:1-12) and the Gospel’s core teachings, which challenge us and offer clear guidance for a life of righteousness, grace, and compassion.

The core principle of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is upholding human dignity, and L’Arche embodies this fundamental truth. When I discovered CST, I saw how its teachings are naturally applied at L’Arche. This is how life is at L’Arche.  L’Arche offers four key lessons about human dignity as articulated in CST: the right to life and relationships, the sanctity of every person, the opportunity to participate in community and work within one’s ability, and access to dignified care. For example, meaningful participation is ensured by having the opportunity to work with your hands. Life is organised in the community, with opportunities to create, learn, and produce together and sometimes earn a small wage for spending or keeping in the bank. For some community members, having the opportunity to work in or outside the community and earn a salary is significant as it allows them to contribute to the community and add value. I remember Peter, a retired worker from one of the communities where I lived, saying, ‘Having the opportunity to work gives me respect, and I have something to look forward to when I get up in the morning; I don’t want to be stuck in my room all day, and that is not fair for anyone.’

Of course, this isn’t an option for everyone. Adam, who is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair, found working outside the community challenging.

However, he enjoyed being the greeter and helping in the candle-making workshop or gardening with assistance. There is always something for people to participate in, which I believe is essential to living and upholding the dignity of each individual in the most real way.

Reflecting on my years living and working with people at L’Arche, I can attest that we all carry immense power and potential to transform the world into a better place. No one is less than the other as we are all created in the image of God. When we deny the chance of the other to fully live, we deny ourselves an opportunity to encounter the mystery and gift of life that each person has to offer. Treating one another with dignity and respect is imperative, and that starts with us; if we don’t practise and demonstrate these values in our daily interactions — like how we respond to someone seeking help at our door or to those who demand lots of our time and attention within our vicinity — we remind ourselves and others of what we genuinely value and prioritise. Beyond our homes, how we conduct our work and interact with others, especially those we lead or who differ from us in values, reveals whether we truly uphold dignity as a core value. In our communities and cities, our responses to those who are displaced or struggling with poverty or addiction reflect our collective commitment to human dignity. On a broader scale, we can assess our social systems by examining how well they ensure access to education, clean water, healthcare, housing, and essential services. When these needs are met, we can affirm that human dignity is a guiding priority in our society.

Pope John XXIII, in his encyclical Pacem in Terris, emphasised respecting the rights of every person as essential for peace. A deeper look at the root cause of all chaos, wars, and calamities around the world reveals that it all began from the breakdown or absence of respect for human dignity. When we learn to treat each other with dignity despite our differences in abilities, strengths, values, and socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, we will begin to see humans as sacred gifts. The absence of dignity and respect leads to the absence of love, peace, and joy. We all have the power to be a source of hope and change and to be a true instrument designed to respond to the call of the Gospel – to love and to be loved so all can live in harmony, and the brokenness of the world can be healed.

References:

i L’Arche: We are people with and without intellectual disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognise our need of one another. https://www.larche.org/about-larche/

ii Human Dignity: https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_three/section_one/chapter_one.html

Article credit: Kairos Global, September 2024- A Catholic magazine for youth and young families published by Jesus Youth, an International Catholic Movement approved by the Holy See.

 

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The Gift of Suffering

Lent brings forth reflections on suffering, the cross, and other sacrificial aspects of life and love more profoundly than any other time of the year for me. Therefore, I am sharing a few thoughts on suffering, what I have learned, and how it continues to influence my life. While none of this is new, I am keenly aware of our tendency to avoid pain and suffering as much as possible, sometimes at the hefty cost of not accepting life in its fullness. Our desire to evade suffering often leads us to make mediocre decisions that may have consequences for us, those around us and the generations that follow us. For example, our inclination to avoid difficult conversations and close an eye on injustice in our community are some everyday choices we make to avoid pain/discomfort. Understandably, no one wishes to embrace suffering as a joyful gift, as did the early saints whose lives were marked by pain and suffering, as well as immense hope and joy. Drawing inspiration from The Passion Week and the Crucifixion, I seek to explore how our lives are intertwined with suffering and the everyday joys of life. What does the suffering on the cross and the agony in the garden teach us?

One of the first lessons I took from Passion Week is the acknowledgement of the impending pain and suffering that awaited Jesus on the cross; the agony in the garden makes it real for us. The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that it is the reason we are afraid of pain and suffering. The crucifixion of Christ serves as a reminder that suffering often makes you feel isolated, abandoned, and afraid that you will not have the strength to endure the trials. Sometimes, we want to give up rather than go through it, and that is when Jesus offers light and hope with his prayer in the garden and reveals humanity in suffering.

Jesus’ approach demonstrates how accepting rather than escaping the pain and suffering can lead to something greater. However, to see beyond the obvious, one must have faith, hope, and patience to recognize the life lessons learned from the experience. Acknowledging pain and suffering as an integral aspect of life enables us to overcome the fear of obstacles that could derail our plans, impede our growth, and deter us from taking risks or confronting life changes.

Another lesson and gift from the cross is that it pushes us to expand our perspective beyond our boundaries. It beckons us toward greatness and illuminates our purpose on earth as interconnected with the rest of humanity. Just as a diamond is refined through fire, a life that embraces and traverses suffering, discerning its purpose, radiates light upon the world. The lives of saints and countless leaders who preceded us serve as testaments to this truth, as they left lasting marks on the world through their life choices and sacrifices.

Apart from the theological and religious significance of Jesus’s death and resurrection on the cross, it offers many transformative lessons for everyday people who may not engage with the deeper religious connotations. It reveals our inherent humanity, fragility, and the ultimate sacrifice one can make for another. In our daily choices, when we strive to positively impact others through our actions and existence, whether for family members, children, neighbours, colleagues, or the broader collective good, we acknowledge the potential for pain and alienation. This acceptance of pain and suffering also teaches us to confront our fears and silence the negative voices that hinder us from overcoming harmful addictions, addressing lingering hurts, forgiving those who have wronged us, letting go of toxic relationships, etc.

In essence, the Death on the Cross is not merely a great example of pain and suffering, but rather an invitation to live and embrace life fully, with unconditional love and a commitment to “love your neighbor as yourself” even amidst life’s hardships. It is about living for and with others, enriching our existence with empathy and compassion and offering hope to the world. By embracing this truth, we impart an invaluable gift upon our children and future generations: the realization that life is a delicate balance between despair and joy, presenting opportunities for personal growth and fostering a deeper love and care for humanity.

 

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Cardinal Thomas Collins Palliative Care & Gerontology Scholarship

Catholic Charities of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto (CCAT) is pleased to announce the creation of the Cardinal Thomas Collins Palliative Care & Gerontology Scholarship, which is designed to recognize the wise counsel and strong support Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Cardinal Collins offered to CCAT.

“Cardinal Collins served the archdiocese in countless ways in his 16 years as Archbishop and then as Cardinal. On top of his leadership of the Archdiocese, he was also the chairman of Catholic Charities’ board,” says CCAT Executive Director Agnes Thomas. “We want to honour his guidance and dedicated support in a way that reflects his extraordinary care for his community.” This is a timely tribute, as 2023 marked the 50th year of the ordination of the Cardinal in May of 1973.

Eligible applicants for the scholarship, which will be up to $5,000 annually, will be seeking to study issues related to palliative care or gerontology. This reflects the Cardinal’s passionate concern for older people and his desire to offer positive answers and alternative to the growing number of Canadians opting for MAiD, or physician-assisted suicide.

The Cardinal Thomas Collins Scholarship is the latest offering in a total of five new scholarships, which will be available as of this year. The newly created awards are designed to support learners from diverse backgrounds and capacities, including newcomers and people seeking refuge in Canada, outstanding and dedicated youth, and adults seeking to earn a degree or diploma or augment their skills in the services sector, such as in social work, community development, disability studies, and social services. All scholarship recipients will be announced during Catholic Charities Week, which runs the final week of September.

These newest awards join the Fr. Paul Lennon/Doreen Cullen Social Work Scholarship, which was established in 2013 on the occasion of CCAT’s 100th anniversary.

For more information on our scholarships and awards, including how to apply, please visit our website.

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We are, at our heart, a church that flows from the life and experience of refugees.

Millions of Christians around the world are readying to celebrate Christmas, recalling an event that has at its heart a migrant family forced to flee persecution. Our homes are decorated, the gifts bought, and seasonal cookies and favourite meals are being prepared.

Yet right here on our doorstep, more than two thousand years after the birth of Christ, we face a refugee crisis of our own. Residents of Toronto have been shocked this year to find refugee claimants sleeping on the streets because there simply are not places to house people fleeing their home countries or seeking a better life in Canada. Complicating matters has been various levels of government bickering over who is responsible for related issues. The expedited release of the federally committed $97 million, to provide shelter for refugee claimants, would help ease the current pressure being felt in the City of Toronto.

As a result, with the city facing other societal pressures, from budget battles to a rise in homelessness, there simply have not been enough beds to provide people who had placed their hopes in Canada. And with winter soon upon us – and the cold weather already here – the situation is becoming more urgent every day.

Recently, the Social Justice and Advocacy Committee of Catholic Charities met with Loly Rico, the Executive Director of FCJ Refugee Centre to discuss homelessness and the plight of refugee claimants. The FCJ Refugee Centre was established with the help of the Sisters of Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ.) to help uprooted people overcome the challenges of rebuilding their lives in Canadian society, offering an integrated model of refugee protection, settlement services, and education, including shelter for women and their children.

The meeting was informative but concerning. The Refugee Centre, for example, is serving not only many refugee claimants but also precarious migrants facing homelessness. Precarious migrants include temporary foreign workers, international students, victims or survivors of human trafficking, and undocumented individuals. While there are limited shelters and other support available to refugees, there are no specific services for these precarious migrants, and a recent Toronto Star investigation exposed just how vulnerable migrants can be to various forms of abuse.

Recent information indicates that many new immigrants, refugees, and refugee claimants are in the shelter system. Unfortunately, funding has not increased to help shelters cope with the increased need.

While Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and staff are exploring various solutions, pressure mounts daily. Exacerbating the housing problem for refugees are delays in the immigration process. A backlog in the process contributes to refugee claimants not being able to access some support services as the eligibility criteria do not allow them to participate in some supportive programs.

And, while governmental help is appreciated, it is often not enough. For many refugees who are eligible for social or emergency financial assistance, the single-person support of $392 for rent is not enough as the rent of a bed with a bathroom is now about $1,000 in Toronto.

When the City of Toronto witnessed newly arrived migrants and refugees sleeping on the streets earlier this year, various places of worship opened their doors, although often the arrangement has not been sustainable in the long term. It’s time for all of us to think more creatively about where we can find spaces to house migrants and refugees, including spaces in private homes, creating more shelter spaces, and repurposing underused buildings. It’s simply wrong to tell people they are welcome only to arrive and find nowhere to stay.

We are, at our heart, a church the flows from the life and experience of refugees. The Christmas narrative that begins Jesus’s earthly ministry includes his family having to flee to Egypt, just days after his birth, to escape King Herod’s brutal edict to murder young children.

With the refugee experience now documented for millennia, it seems reasonable to hope we have learned as a world about the horrors faced by refugees. We should be mindful that millions of people experience great suffering because they must uproot themselves because their safety – and that of their loved ones – is threatened daily. Yet today, the number of refugees is climbing, with  an estimated 35-million people  around the world considered refugees, forced from their homes for many reasons, including political, cultural and economic persecution.

This, therefore, is not a problem unique to Southern Ontario. But Canada does stand apart from many other places in that we are a country at peace, with plenty of natural resources and, inflation notwithstanding, a pretty strong economy. There is more we can do, as individuals

Many biases and misconceptions exist about refugees, including what they are entitled to when they are accepted by Canada. They receive basic financial support and basic healthcare, with some guidance as to how to settle. Some communities – e.g., church groups – serve as private sponsors, working with the federal government to house the newcomers and help them find employment. But this support – and the obligations assumed by private sponsors — is temporary, and settling in a country far from home, with different customs and languages, perhaps a radically different climate, and numerous forms to fill out, among other challenges – all far from family or friends– must be very challenging.

The pressure is on from the time refugees land in Canada, since assistance is limited and temporary.  Finding stable employment can be hard, and locating affordable housing can seem impossibly difficult in the overheated real estate market of the Greater Toronto Area.

That’s why the Catholic community needs to educate ourselves about the issues surrounding refugees, digging deeper than superficial headlines. Many of the member agencies of Catholic Charities see refugees on a regular basis and can attest to the exceptional challenges refugees live out daily as they attempt to build a new life in Canada.

Education includes understanding that anyone filing a refugee claim is thoroughly vetted before being accepted. And, as numbers of claimants rise, it is important to remember that, as crises grow around the world, Canada remains, mercifully, a beacon of hope and promise. People who have been involved in sponsoring refugees describe the experience as life-changing, for both refugees and sponsors.

Sadly, modern life continues to create refugees, whether fleeing war in Ukraine, or war in the Middle East, or the ongoing sorrows of Afghanistan. It’s a reality that, for Catholics, should bring to mind Matthew Chapter 25.

“And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing?” his disciples ask Christ, and he explains that any time we encounter someone in need, we are encountering him. The question is how we respond.

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Advent: Shifting from Fear to Hope

“Beware, keep alert….”

The opening and closing words of the gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent (Mk 13:33-37) seem particularly timely this year, as many of us feel on edge. We live in particularly challenging times. Wars rage, with the impact at times felt locally. Food bank usage is up, while fewer and fewer people are able to find affordable housing. A surge in floods and forest fires and uncontrollable storms makes it impossible for us to deny the reality of global warming.

Therefore, the caution to be alert is almost ironic, coming as it does when so many of us are fearful of more bad news from around the world or lie awake at night because of local concerns, worried about everything from finances to our children’s futures. We are alert to issues in ways we may never have anticipated, and many of us would simply like to be able to relax a bit.

But the notion of being alert in Advent is a concept that should foster hope, not fear, because it is a calling to be mindful of the coming of the Christ child into our lives. That presence exists in many ways, whether it’s Jesus as eternal saviour entering into human history and living on earth as our redeemer, or the coming of Christ into our lives daily, whether through the reception of the sacraments or in encounters with our neighbours, or, finally, the coming of Christ into our lives at the end of time.

The constant presence of Christ in our lives, no matter how dark the days of early December may feel, should give us hope and inspire us to move forward, no matter how wary we might be. If we have the promise of redemption held out to us, we should become people motivated by gratitude, good will and abiding hope. Rather than pessimists, we should become optimists, knowing better days are ahead.

It is certainly noteworthy that Christ’s time on earth was marked by challenges. Before he was even born, his mother faced the risk out becoming a public outcast because of her pregnancy. Mary and Joseph faced persecution, and the challenge of having nowhere to stay, with Jesus born into the humblest of circumstances. Political upheaval made them migrants, and they lived a modest life.

In other words, the Holy Family faced many of the challenges that many of the people who interact with the member agencies of Catholic Charities today face – and that should be a powerful reminder to all of us to set judgment aside and replace it with a desire to help. We encounter Christ not only in Mass, not only in prayer, but every day we engage with the world and its inhabitants.

As the gospel says, “Beware, keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come.”  That’s a reminder not only of our own mortality and readiness for death, but also for the unexpected encounters we have in small ways. It reminds us to acknowledge that a small child in a stable in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago continues to change lives and offer us hope, and that we are called to be party of that change, models of that hope.

Therefore, be alert!

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Joining Together to Pray for Peace

The images emerging from the Middle East are searing. Children killed, seniors held hostage, entire families losing their homes and forced to flee, innocent people on both sides of the current conflict between Israel and Gaza, as well as others in neighbouring countries, living in fear of what comes next.

While the hostilities are happening thousands of miles away, the tension can be felt locally, as well. Canada is home to the fourth-largest Jewish population in the world, with more than 335-thousand people identifying as Jewish,  and Statistics Canada’s latest figures show that more than 45-thousand people of Palestinian descent live in Canada.

With many people from each community living in the Greater Toronto Area, the anguish of each group is highly visible, with everything from protests to posters – and, sadly, sometimes hate speech and vandalism—reminding us daily that a significant part of the world is in turmoil.

We cannot turn away from this crisis, yet the entire situation can leave us feeling frustrated, trapped by not knowing how we can help, how we can attempt to bring about peace.

This Friday, though, there is an opportunity to engage, to stand in solidarity with all people suffering in the Middle East. Pope Francis has declared Friday, October 27 to be a day of fasting, penance and prayer for the world, allowing all of us the opportunity to engage in one or more activities with others throughout the world who desire peace for all. The Pope has expressed his desire that the hostages be released, that humanitarian aid be allowed into Gaza and that paths of peace in the Middle East and elsewhere be forged and cultivated.

Archbishop Francis Leo has echoed the Pope’s call for this Friday, inviting people to “participate in a way most suitable for their community. This may include Eucharistic Adoration, Daily Mass with special intentions for peace, praying of the rosary as well as clergy and the faithful offering their own personal prayer time, fasting and penances for this intention.”

These days, when we speak of fasting, many Catholics think of Lent, and the notion of “giving up.” In this instance, fasting offers us a very practical reminder of the suffering of others. A brief few hours without food is not hard for most of us, but the resulting hunger pains can point our hearts and minds back to the suffering of people we’ve never met, making us more aware of our own blessings, and of the onus on us to help in whatever way we can. (Of course, taking the money saved from fasting, especially if it becomes a periodic habit, and donating to a related cause, lending another layer to the notion of “giving up.”)

When we talk of penance, understandably our mind goes to the sacrament of Reconciliation and specific actions assigned us. But when embraced, penance can also become an ongoing process of conversation, examining our failings and our sins and working to eradicate them and to embrace the light instead of the dark. It is unreasonable of us to judge others when we haven’t turned our minds to our own failures. By working to improves ourselves, we cannot help but contribute to a more peaceful society. So ask yourself: have I caused conflict in my own daily life? Do I hold biases regarding certain people? Is my approach to others one of anger versus kindness? Taking Friday to engage in some self-examination can be a fruitful start to eradicating the things we do that do not contribute to peace.

And, of course, there is always prayer. Sometimes we make the process of prayer more challenging than it need be, feeling we have to pray specific prayers clearly stating specific goals. When we try too hard, we can come up short, allowing structure and process to stand in the way of sincere conversation with God, to stop us from listening to God.

But anyone reading headlines or watching TV news should feel confident in recognizing that now is a time to let the cries of our hearts be heard, and to appreciate the power of raising our voices collectively.  There are millions of others like you who are disturbed by the crisis in the Middle East and, for that matter, unrest around the globe. We may not always understand or appreciate complex world situations, but we can all understand wanting to end suffering.

We must also remember the many other countries and regions in conflict with one another across the world and the innocent people who are caught in between.

And so, if your heart urges you to cry out, “Peace, please!” please do. And this Friday, know that you are not alone but adding your voice to those heard around the world.

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“Home is Where the Heart is.”

“Home is where the heart is.”                                                                                                            “Home, sweet home.”                                                                                                                         “There’s no place like home.”

 It can be easy to be sentimental about the place called home when, like many of us, you have never had to worry about having a roof over your head.

 But for many of the people seeking assistance from Catholic Charities’ member agencies and affiliated organizations, finding a safe, affordable place to call home can be a brutal, worrying struggle.

 Each day, it seems, news headlines tell horror stories about the scarcity of rental housing in the GTA, as well as what feels like ever-increasing prices, with rental costs soaring far beyond the reach of those on a fixed income,

 Particularly shocking is the wait for subsidized housing, a problem seen across Canada. In Toronto, for example, it can take 14 years for a subsidized one-bedroom unit to become available. It is upsetting but hardly surprising, therefore, to see tent cities sprinting up, with residents unable to find anywhere else to go.

 Recently, Canadians were shocked to discover that asylum seekers were sleeping in the street in downtown Toronto because there simply were no shelter beds available. For many observers, the response was the same: “This is simply unacceptable.”

 But every day, our agencies see people struggling to find a place to live. Teen mothers, people struggling with substance abuse or with mental health issues, the elderly… the length of the list should make all of us uncomfortable. It may also surprise as well because, for example, many seniors living in poverty are women who have had full careers and yet cannot afford rent. Housing is often a more precarious issue for people than we know.

 For people with limited income, finding a place that is within budget is just one piece of the puzzle because, if you don’t own a car, you also have to calculate such challenges as whether there are grocery stores within a reasonable distance, and whether public transit is close by.

 We are always grateful when member agencies are able to address immediate housing needs. At Rosalie Hall, for example, pregnant teens who have faced trauma have a safe place to stay while they learn how to become moms.

 And St. Michael’s Homes offer a safe place for men with mental health and substance abuse problems.

 At Mary Centre, they provide a variety of residential services for people with intellectual disabilities.

 While not all our agencies offer a residential component, staff at all agencies will attest to the extraordinary housing challenges facing people on the margins. It’s a problem we hear about daily. We know we all need to do more. Without stable housing, everything from holding down a job to ensuring children’s education is uninterrupted is at risk.

 There are many ways you can help your vulnerable neighbours in what is increasingly being labelled a crisis.  Obviously, all levels of government need to work together to figure out productive ways to create more subsidized units,

 The province of Ontario needs to extend rent controls to all rental units rather than merely those built before 2018 so that tenants are not surprised by unanticipated rent increases that can seriously damage renters’ budgets. 

 There also needs to be a stronger crackdown on what is known as “renoviction,” which sees tenants evicted, with upgrades done to the property so that landlords are able to rent the unit at a higher price.

 And, of course, we need immediately to increase the supply of emergency beds available to people in a housing crisis. 

 No doubt there are numerous creative ways all levels of government can respond to ensure that the right to safe, affordable housing is protected, but that requires cooperation and, as always, for the rest of us to raise our voices to say that we care about this pressing issue.

 For our communities to function properly, let alone to flourish, we need to let policymakers know how strongly we feel about ensuring there are homes for all. We shouldn’t even have to consider this topic up for debate. 

 It’s a matter that should be particularly close to Catholics’ hearts, as the earthly ministry of Jesus begins with the Holy Family having no shelter, and soon after becoming migrants. We are a church that stems from an understanding of the harshness of this issue, and we are called to do more.

 

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Every Child Matters

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a recent – but very powerful – addition to the Canadian calendar.

The day was introduced on September 30, 2021, as a way to remember the children who were sent to residential schools and never came home, as well as the survivors of those schools, their families, and communities. They were all isolated from their families and struggled with loneliness – pining for family and community connections.

Between 1867 and 1996, the Canadian government ran 140 residential schools, often working in tandem with religious communities, including various Catholic orders. As the Truth and Reconciliation Commission so thoroughly documented, often the children attending these boarding schools were forcibly taken from their families, and their own Indigenous culture was stripped away, with Indigenous languages lost. No matter how well-intentioned the creation of the schools may have been, many of these schools often inflicted harm that resulted in a life of trauma. Many children attending schools across the country were subjected to physical, sexual, spiritual, and emotional abuse.

Worst of all, of course, was the fact that many children died while attending residential boarding schools, far from their homes, and families were not informed of these deaths, with no marked graves to allow family any sense of connection or a place to grieve, creating an ongoing sense of loss.

As Catholics, we play a role in this sorrowful legacy and have a great deal to learn about what happened, how we can properly express contrition, and how we can help. We have inherited a very painful part of Canadian history. There are still many survivors in Canada today, scarred by their experiences in these schools. Many children and grandchildren live with intergenerational trauma, recognizing the suffering of their ancestors, whether it is the lingering sadness over a lost childhood or even the challenge of being a parent when there were no parental models growing up, or of having trouble showing affection when none was shown to them as children.

Pope Francis’s visit to Canada in July, 2022 was an important step in beginning to heal the suffering caused by residential schools. His request for forgiveness from Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people answered #58 on the TRC’s list of 94 Calls to Action.

The papal visit served as a key moment in the church’s relationship with the Indigenous people of Canada. But what can we do as individuals? The first step is to learn about what happened, because it is impossible to engage in the process of reconciliation without knowing what the problems have been. A good place to start is the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s website: https://nctr.ca/records/reports/. Another excellent resource is Listening to Indigenous Voices, which explores Indigenous worldviews, examines the history of colonization, and concludes with sessions on righting relationships, decolonization, and indigenization.

Voice your support for the ongoing cooperation of our church in providing documents and records to help the process of finding answers. Watch documentaries and attend lectures. Pray for the missing children and their families, for survivors and for finding ways to help the healing.

And today, put on your orange shirt – or wearing anything orange you might have– because orange is a visual reminder that every child matters. It’s a small gesture but it represents extending a hand to begin the process of understanding, which is key to reconciliation.

When you are out and about today, whenever you see an orange shirt, think of the lost children and the suffering of so many because of those losses. And make that mindfulness a daily thing, so that we think of reconciliation not only on special days of the year but on a regular basis. It is a first step in healing the past. No amount of work will resolve the loss. However, efforts towards reconciliation make us hopeful for a future where communities can find peace with one another and learn together.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

Matthew 25:37-40