Communique #4 – Community Life
National Chairperson of Community Life Faith Anderson, October 5, 2021.
“… We invite the Indigenous Peoples to journey with us into a new era of reconciliation, helping us in each of our dioceses across the country to prioritize initiatives of healing, to listen to the experience of Indigenous Peoples, especially to the survivors of Indian Residential Schools, and to educate our clergy, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful, on Indigenous cultures and spirituality.” (Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of This Land)
On September 30th, there was an opportunity to participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and wear an orange shirt to recognize and support the survivors of the former residential school system. It is important for members to be informed of the church’s position on this issue. On September 27th, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued a statement in support of healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors by making a nationwide collective financial agreement. The target of $30 million over up to five years will involve all regions across Canada. Parishes across Canada are encouraged to participate. Included in this statement is a link to a national apology on behalf of the Catholic bishops in Canada. The links to the statement and apology can be found on the national website (cwl.ca) and the CCCB website (cccb.ca/media-release/canadian-bishops-announce-30m-national-financial-pledge-to-support-healing-and-reconciliation-initiatives/).
This issue has received nationwide attention, and Catholics are encouraged to make a financial contribution in support of this initiative. As provincial chairpersons, please ensure this message is available to all members through your diocesan counterparts. We can each do our part in the reconciliation process and continue to keep current on the issue. Learn more about the commemorative Survivor’s Flag and its meaningful symbolism, the Bentwood Box and much more on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website at nctr.ca/.
Faith Anderson
National Chairperson of Community Life