Enthusiasm!

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Enthusiasm!

The past few weeks there have been several visiting Canon Lawyers taking summer sessions at Université Saint Paul (Ottawa) who have crossed the street to pray and celebrate with us at Canadian Martyrs, and I’ve heard a number of very positive comments—especially about the multitude of children and their enthusiasm. The Sunday choir, children’s liturgy, Lord’s Prayer and even the mayhem of our ‘world-famous’ percussion group tickled their fancy. I’m delighted! I just wish they could be around to get to experience the enthusiasm of the rest of our community….

I once heard a statement: “Jesus played with the children and taught the adults; we tend to do it the other way around.” But I get the sense that we’ve got our priorities pretty well aligned. Seeing parents committed to being an integral part of their children’s sacramental preparation inspires me, but even more, as I participate in a number of our adult-oriented programs, I’m convinced that our priorities are sound.

We’ve got a nice group gathering to study another of Pope Francis’ encyclicals, this time focusing on Laudato Si and our relationship with the environment. Our liturgical teams recently had a ‘pro’ come in to give us a workshop on music in our worship; we’re looking forward to another session in the fall, this time on children’s liturgy. Scripture study sessions continue annually, and, of course, our ever popular monthly ‘Lunch and Learn’ gatherings continue to attract diverse presenters with interesting topics and an equally diverse group of adult learners. I’m particularly looking forward to sessions on the biblical, historical, liturgical and practical issues related to our celebrations of Sunday Mass, to begin on Thursdays in September—our great presenter is also part of the faculty at Université Saint Paul. We’re absolutely blessed to have this great Oblate resource across the street!

In January 2006 I started a new and challenging chapter in my life, that of serving the community as Provincial Treasurer. After exactly 12 years I’ve now been given the opportunity to return to parochial ministry, at Canadian Martyrs,  a relatively small city parish with a decidedly relaxed and welcoming feel, not unlike the spirit I recall from the missions I knew in my 20 years in the Yukon.

Recent meeting of the General Finance Committee in Rome, taken on the roof of the Oblate General House (note the dome of St. Peter’s in the background) Front L-R: Peter Foley (Assistant Treasurer General, Rome); Damianus Johanes (Indonesia), Adam Szul (Madagascar) Rear L-R: Chris Pulchny (Mississauga, Canada); Tim Coonen (Ottawa, Canada); Marc Dessureault (Treasurer General, Rome)

While the worldwide Oblate community continues to call me away for roughly four weeks a year for international finance meetings (that’s the price I pay for having experience as a treasurer…),  I always look forward to returning to this vibrant and enthusiastic church family. And I remain grateful to the Oblate community for giving me these opportunities to serve the Kingdom of God in such different but rewarding ways.

By Tim Coonen, OMI