ST. JOHN’S, NL: On December 6th, Fr. Ivan Dzhur, C.Ss.R, visiting St. John’s for Redemptorist Vocations Promotion, led a session in the ongoing “Redemptorists 101” series. He spoke about Fr. Achilles Delaere, C.Ss.R. and the Redemptorist ministry amongst Ukrainian Greek-Catholics, which eventually led to the establishment of the Redemptorist Province of Yorkton, which is now a vital part of the new Province of Canada. Divine Liturgy was celebrated after the session.

VANCOUVER, BC: The Redemptorist Associates from Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Vancouver, met on November 27th to reflect on St. Alphonsus’ spiritual practice of “Virtues of the Month.” For Christmas, the members of the circle will be baking and sharing cookies with Inner Hope Youth Ministries, an innercity outreach in East Vancouver that offers support, life skills training, housing and other services to youth and young adults.

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB: On November 8th, the Redemptorist Associates group met to celebrate a number of milestones. First, we anticipated the 292nd anniversary of the founding of the Redemptorist Congregation in Scala on November 9th, 1732. Secondly, we witnessed the commitment of a new member of our circle, Rae Weniger, as well as the re-commitment of our current members: Adele Bonetti, Josy Burrough, Jim and Claudette Davis, Ken Klukas, Guy and Luisa Lee, and Jeannie Pernal.

The service of commitment provided a fitting opportunity to discuss what the Redemptorist charism and mission is all about, and how the laity can become active partners in this mission. In particular, we read excerpts from Communicanda #4, which set down the key priciples of partnership in mission. This inevitably led to a practical discussion of how the local Associates group can play a role in our upcoming Parish Mission this Lent, featuring Fr. Ivel Mendanha CSsR as the mission preacher.