St Raymond Parish

Serving English parishioners in 15 communities across the South Shore

Established in 2007 as a parish

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 Regional Evangelization Project for the Anglophone Region

OUR MISSION TODAY

In a pastoral letter of 2001, Bishop Berthelet said it is important that we as Catholics “link our service to a deep spiritual and pastoral purpose.” It will be useful, therefore, to preface our description of our evangelization project by reminding ourselves of that purpose. It is nothing less than the transformation of society, beginning with ourselves and our communities. We are called to practice and to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins and risen for our salvation.

Our planning for evangelization widened last year, when the Pastoral Orientation Council was expanded to embrace all the Anglophone parishes. We have been asked to adapt the propositions already put forward from the several communities to this larger scale and to present the project for the Anglophone Region as a whole.               

This document will bring together the actions envisioned for what the Bishop has defined as the five principal emphases in the spreading of the Gospel: evangelization, youth as a “preferential option”, the social dimension of the faith, the gift of vocations to the service of the Church and the world, and the spirituality of the laborers for the Gospel.

We begin with excerpts from the documents previously prepared by the different parish communities and accepted by Bishop Berthelet.

Cluster parishes of Holy Cross in Boucherville, St. Augustine of Canterbury in St. Bruno, St. Clare in Longueuil and St. Francis of Assisi in St. Lambert

We are challenged to develop a newer, wider sense of community in order to evangelize effectively. In the Cluster, teams from more than one parish work together to plan and provide for the spiritual and social needs of parishioners . . . It was clear we needed to inform ourselves about the various activities that are under way, or proposed in the parishes. We had to keep ourselves focused on the Church’s mission and to reread all activities and plans in the light of that mission: Evangelization.

Good Shepherd in Brossard

This document contains our best definition of our understanding of our mandate, considering all aspects by which the Gospel is transmitted. It is the intention of the Parish Pastoral Council members to evaluate our Three-Year Action Plan regularly as our Evangelization Project evolves. Each person within our parish belongs to the Evangelization Team, and each member, depending on individual time and talent, can support the parish in their strengths and strengthen the parish in its weaknesses. 

St. Gabriel’s in St. Hubert

The history of St. Gabriel’s is the history of a people working together, sharing their talents, time, resources and prayers to build and shape their faith community. Members of St. Gabriel’s are involved in their community in countless ways. We are volunteers. We are pastoral workers. We are community activists. We are participants in ecumenical activities. We are involved in H.O.P.E. and Development and Peace. We are young. We are old. We are women. We are men. We are a rainbow of colors and a world of cultures. We are you and I, building and shaping our world in the image of the Kingdom of God. The foundation has been established.

St. Mary’s in Greenfield Park

It was quickly determined (from survey results) that a vital step in developing an evangelization plan is to identify the characteristics and needs of the community already in existence. Furthermore, it was also recognized that it is important to identify the needs and characteristics of non-regularly practicing Catholics who are in contact with the community through various programs . . . A third group that was not represented by the results of the survey also needs to be considered, namely those who have had no previous contact with St. Mary’s Parish or the Catholic faith.

Chapelry of St. Raymond in Candiac

We intend to pursue, during the next three years, promoting and continuing our outreach program of informing all the communities in our large geographical territory of the English services being offered by the chapelry, by word of mouth, in other parish bulletins and on our web page. There has been a preliminary meeting with the priests and representatives from the French-speaking parishes of our territory, and we hope to strengthen these ties, so that when services in English are requested they know where to refer them.

There is a basic idea that runs through these individual documents which is the framework for our Regional Evangelization Project. It is the idea of three cardinal points, or phases. Even though these three cardinal points are not entirely distinct, it is important to see them as a sequence.

n  The first phase is inquiry or awakening.

n  The second phase is formation or catechesis.

n  The third phase is pastoral mission.

FIRST PHASE: INQUIRY / AWAKENING

Christian witness and the proclamation of the Gospel—the call to conversion.

The process of evangelization is structured in stages and can be compared to the building of a new house from the foundation (first phase) and witnessing to the faith. This first stage is a missionary activity directed towards non-believers and those who live in religious indifference. It can proceed in many ways and can be repeated to nourish the spiritual growth of each person.

SECOND PHASE: FORMATION / CATECHESIS

The formation of the Christian community through teaching and the sacraments.

This phase is not restricted to any particular age group. It is an integral formation of the individual in preparation for the sacraments and life in the faith community. This phase is of no fixed duration or structure; it is an opportunity for the faith journey and it is for people in search of initiation who have witnessed God’s gift of faith and accept it, freely.

THIRD PHASE: PASTORAL MISSION

Integration into the life of the Christian community, dialogue and the practice of charity.

This third phase is the experience of the Christian community and the witness and integration of the values of evangelization; it is a time for the nurturing and growth of the faith and an ongoing conversion to God; it is a response to the presence of Christ in others, and the openness to develop the wisdom that will help to make this world better.

FIVE PRINCIPAL EMPHASES

There are five major elements for emphasis in the challenges and promises of evangelization. They are identified as follows:

n  EVANGELIZATION

n  YOUTH

n  SOCIAL JUSTICE

n  VOCATIONS

n  SPIRITUALITY

In order for evangelization to develop in its rich and dynamic fullness, all of these elements must be areas of activity. Through witness and proclamation, through word and sacrament, through interior change and social transformation, our parishes will carry out the Church’s mission.  

EVANGELIZATION

“It is not ourselves that we preach; we preach Jesus Christ . . . “ – II Corinthians 4:5

The First Phase

Evangelization is the understanding that we are called and sent forth. It is God and not we ourselves who are the authors of our mission. We are called to the task of evangelization; we come together in communion and collaboration. We become aware that we have received the mission to proclaim the Gospel to everyone whom we can reach, and to awaken everyone to the presence of God.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Baptism team meets and  instruction for parents – (first proclamation)
• Marriage preparation
• Faith First
• World Youth Day
• Junior Youth Group
• Bible Camp
• Parish Social Events
• RCIA program

The Second Phase

The reach, once attempted, has to be expanded. The effort begins with education, with reinforcing our own faith and teaching the faith to the children in our community and to other candidates for the reception of the faith, including those who have not heard about Jesus Christ. We must build on a solid foundation after the first call to our faith. Catechesis offers guidelines that will serve to motivate, and sustain, people of all ages in their growth as human beings.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Catechesis for children
• RCIA program
• Parish Retreats
• Bible studies
• Periodicals available in parish library
• Preparation for sacraments. (Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage)

The Third Phase

While the second phase of catechesis is not merely based on instruction, the third phase reaffirms the educational process. The educational approach must aim at the integral formation of the individual, bringing him or her into direct contact with pastoral culture and the missionary spirit. We must take up the process again, step by step, to delve into the social teachings of the church through meetings and exchange, and through moments of renewal and participation in the celebration of the sacraments, thus leading to transformation and evangelizing action.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Encouraging participation in ministries
• Volunteer work
• Prayer group
• Pilgrimages
• Organizations:  Catholic Women’s League, Knights of Columbus
• Meditation, Adoration
• Visitation team (sick and shut-ins)
• Social Justice, Project Hope
• Adult faith forums
• Think Fast  and Solidarity Sunday for Youth (Part of Development & Peace)
• Order of Service (team to accompany families through bereavement) 

YOUTH

“Love your fellow Christians always. Do not neglect to show hospitality, for by that means some have entertained angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:1

The First Phase

Our youth are a “preferential option” [focus] in the establishment of priorities for our endeavors of evangelization. In the perspective of evangelization, we are called to help the parents and accompany them in the discharge of their responsibility as the first teachers of the faith.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Children’s Liturgy
• Faith First
• P.A.T.H (Pizza and Theology)
• Ecumenical bible camp

The Second Phase

The Anglophone Region provides a wide variety of activities and catechetical formation. This applies to children from birth to school age, and what we have already begun to undertake for those aged 7 to 11, we are called to continue for those aged 12 to 16. It is of great importance to pay special attention to the youth at all stages of their lives, and to set them out on a path towards witnessing their faith and becoming responsible for living it.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Ecumenical bible camp for the children and the animators
• Catholic Girls League, a junior branch of the Catholic Women’s League
• Holy Childhood Association
• Family Mass, with emphasis on participation of the youth of the parish
• Youth involved in Ministries within the parish
• World Youth Day

The Third Phase

We must take into account the varying circumstances of children and young adults. For some, it is a matter of offering them a first step, for others, a commitment for involvement within their parish community.  Adolescence is an important time for mental, spiritual, physical and social growth. The challenge is great.  Youth have a hunger for connection, and to belong. When they come to meet Christ and to love Him, they will be on the path towards commitment to the Church.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Taize
• Way of the Cross
• Volunteering and Mentoring
• World Youth Day
• Fund raising social activities  prepared by the Youth
• Christmas caroling for sick and shut-ins and others
• Youth involved in community projects

SOCIAL JUSTICE

“The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.” – James 3:18

The First Phase

It is important for individuals to be nurtured in a social consciousness and a commitment to a life of justice and service. It is equally important that we, as stewards of this planet, hand it down intact to future generations. Human beings are not meant to live in isolation but are meant to live in community with one another. Human dignity is fully realized and protected only in community.

When we are committed to social justice, we are at the very heart of the Gospel of Jesus. We must clearly understand the distinction between charity as service to people and social justice as bringing about change in their lives.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Development and Peace (Raise awareness and encourage participation)
• Social Justice Fair
• Our Harbour

The Second Phase

Witness to charity and to social justice is inscribed in the first moment of evangelization. The missionary dimension awakens faith and sets it in motion, by sensitizing our community to the social teachings of the church as being an essential part of our Catholic faith.

Our parishioners are involved in the following activities:

• Social Justice Fair
• Development and Peace campaigns
• Catechesis and training for Development and Peace
• Catholic Women’s League involved in Development and Peace
• Bendict Labre House
• Men’s club collects for charitable organizations & offers education
• Clothing Depot
• Education about charitable organizations under Corne d’Abondance
• Birthright
• Pennies from Heaven
• Our Harbour, offers education about mental health
• Think Fast and Mini Think Fast
• Holy Childhood Association for the younger children
• Guest Speakers on Social Justice
• Teaching Faith First children about social justice issues eg. Workshop day

The Third Phase

How does the whole diocese become actively involved in actions that promote social change and integrate the social mission into the life of each of our parishes? In the years ahead we shall have to give this dimension of social consciousness a better place at the heart of our projects of evangelization and pastoral works.

Our parishioners are involved in the following activities:

• St. Patrick soup kitchen
• Petite Bonheur
• Donating food vouchers and food
• Our Harbour
• Hope
• Dans La Rue
• Marguerite de Champlain Pavilion
• Nazareth House
• Benedict Labre House
• Outreach for students (post-secondary) CWL bursaries
• Visitation of sick and shut-ins (Ask family about their needs)
• Fundraising for Development and Peace

VOCATIONS

“God’s flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd’s care.” – I Peter 5:2 

The First Phase

“Vocation” is from the Latin word vocatio meaning, “a call”. We are all called by God at many levels throughout our lives. Our most basic vocation requires a commitment of ourselves to others, so that we help in the building of a Christian community each in are own way.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Baptismal preparation
• Marriage preparation starts with the family
• World Youth Day

 The Second Phase

In this phase we must be educated to exercise our gifts in whatever field of service we are called to follow. Education is the key to learning to live and act beyond what seems natural as a human being, to answering our call to discipleship. The task we have as Christians is to answer the call to a discipleship.

 The following are being offered in our parishes:

• School of formation
• Lay vocations
• Missionary Sundays

 The Third Phase

Vision is the first and foremost requirement if we are to answer the call to help the parish reclaim its missionary soul. In this phase all of us are exercising our gifts as participants in the various ministries to which we have received a vocation.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Liturgical celebrations focused on Special days (Mother's Day, Father's Day, Anniversaries, etc.)
• Prayer and financial support for vocations

SPIRITUALITY

“Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force. There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but one hope given all of you by your call.” –

Ephesians 4:3-4

The First Phase

The path to spiritual growth is unique as each person is unique. Spirituality is a practice of attention to the inner rhythm of our days and our lives and it naturally brings a connection to a divine presence within us and a discovery of our own soul. Spirituality is a personal, yet communal relationship with Jesus Christ who leads us to the Father.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Baptism, the first awakening
• Invitation to a retreat
• prayer

The Second Phase

Christian spirituality teaches us that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and as a result the body itself is sacred.  When we are in communion with Jesus Christ we are nourished and thus in turn can nourish others.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Retreat
• Days of Spirituality, offering Spiritual Direction 
• ALPHA
• Bible study
• Prayer Groups
• Confirmation retreats
• Reconciliation
• Mass

The Third Phase

We strengthen our faith and community bonds by our participation and growth.

The following are being offered in our parishes:

• Deepening of faith through retreats
• Adoration
• World Day of Prayer
• Week of Christian Unity
• Way of the Cross
• Corpus Christi
• Reconciliation

TYING OUR COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

As mentioned in “Our Mission Today” on page 3 of this document, our church is called to adopt a social dimension that will bring transformation to our world, which is an essential part of Catholic faith. The re-structuring of parishes, which is occurring in our diocese, challenges us to define our Anglophone Region on a larger scale and formulate a common evangelical project, transcending territorial restrictions, with openness within and between our parish communities. Now we can consolidate our commitments and achievements. We can look forward to the progress of our Regional Evangelization Project with confidence.

There is an important question for all parishes within our region to contemplate. The question is: “Do we adequately understand the social teaching of the Church?” We are a learning community, and we have to plan a strategy for embracing all our brothers and sisters through social action and charity, a strategy that defends human dignity and fosters unity.

A common orientation for our whole Region can be achieved when we seek a common ground as we focus our priorities. This common orientation will be appropriated by each member of the parishes as we plan our short and long-term pastoral activities in fulfilling our Evangelization mission in the Church.

In the Anglophone Region of the Diocese of St. Jean-Longueuil, the common orientation is derived from the elements defined in this document, namely, Evangelization, Youth, Social Justice, Vocations and Spirituality.

| Parish Mission | |The Evangelization and Pastoral Animation Project for the Anglophone Region | |Regional Evangelization Project for the Anglophone Region |