ARTICLES

Retreat centres acclimatize to new normal

By Quinton Amundson, THE CATHOLIC REGISTER

Through prayers and dreams, Angie Carboni has counted on God to help her navigate through the six months since COVID-19 emerged in Canada.

The executive director and founder of the St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre in Toronto — a non-profit and non-denominational organization for children, youth and adults with developmental and/or physical challenges — was stirred by the Lord to make a difficult decision in the middle of March.

PROFILE: St. Bernadette’s Resource Family Centre (D’arcy McGee)

“Our main goal is to spread the love and grace of God to our campers,” commented Angie Carboni, St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre founder.

The St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre was founded based on the values of Christian charities in 1991 by Angie Carboni. As a faith-based, diverse organization, they specialize in programs which enlighten the lives and develop the skills and potential of their campers and various participants. Their required age range varies from as young as 2 years of age to 12 years old. They not only run a daycare facility but also a summer camp for 4-12 year old children.

A very good reason to give and give

By Sean Delaney, EMERY VILLAGE VOICE

Walk a mile in someone’s shoes, and you will understand their trials, their hardships and their life.

Help them to find and make those shoes. Adjust them so they fit, and lend a hand while they walk, and you will make their life better.

That’s the story behind St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre, and the Our Lady of Gratitude gift shop.

The resource centre began in 1990, or at least the agency behind it, with founder Angie Carboni using her social work experience to conduct a needs assessment of families with physically and/or developmentally challenged children.

“The results of the needs assessment survey clearly demonstrated the need for ongoing parent relief for these families and thus prompted the development of our current services,” the organizations website states.

Community fighting to keep Marian shrine alive

By Jean Ko Din, THE CATHOLIC REGISTER

TORONTO – The community at the Marian Shrine of Gratitude in Toronto is growing in strength and numbers despite a looming closure.

More than 5,000 signatories have petitioned to keep the shrine and the nearby Ukrainian Basilian Monastery open after hearing in early June that the lease on the property, which expires in 2019, will not be extended.

“This summer, with the possibility of this place being closed down, it brought more people than any year ever,” said Angela Carboni, executive director of St. Jude’s Academy of the Arts, which is located on the same property.

“We didn’t imagine this place would be closing because it kept growing. The rosary processions, the retreats, devotional prayers….”

The plan to sell the property in northwest Toronto came after two of the three Ukrainian Basilian Fathers living at the monastery were transferred to hospital this year and the remaining father was transferred. The only priest now living in the monastery, Basilian Monastery provincial superior Fr. Gabriel Haber, was unavailable for comment.

Catholic musician inspires devotion to the Immaculate Heart with new children’s song

Jean Mondoro, LIFE SITE NEWS

LifeSiteNews — On July 13, 1917, Our Lady appeared to three children in Fatima, saying, “God desires to establish devotion to my Immaculate Heart in the world.” Today the Children of the Eucharist are continuing to spread that devotion through a special song.

The missionary group has teamed with Catholic singer-songwriter Anna Nuzzo, who has composed music for a prayer entitled “Children Entrustment to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” Inspired by the message of Fatima, the prayer was written in a simple and approachable style so that children can grow in holiness through the Blessed Virgin.