Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada is delighted to announce the appointment of Carl Hétu as its executive director. Hétu was picked from a field of strong candidates and appointed unanimously by the national council for a five-year term beginning February 14, 2022.
Hétu brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. Since 2004, he has been the Canadian director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), which supports Catholic charities in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and India.
Hétu helped reorganize CNEWA’s headquarter operations and shifted its focus to longer-term programs. He rallied continual support from Canadians for the organization’s causes and philanthropic priorities. He also travelled extensively in Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt, Russia, Ukraine and India and regularly commented in the media and public forums on issues affecting these countries.
From 1990 to 2004, Hétu worked at Development and Peace as an animator serving various regions in Ontario. In that role, he recruited, trained, coordinated, mobilized and inspired diocesan members and cultivated relationships with clergy across the province. He also led members on a solidarity trip to Peru and represented Development and Peace on a fact-finding mission to Colombia.
Over the years, Hétu has acquired an intimate understanding not only of the complex, interconnected issues of poverty, inequity, war and vulnerability to disasters in the Global South but also of the role that international solidarity and grassroots action can play in empowering marginalized communities.
“Welcome back, Carl. We’re elated at the thought of working by your side again,” said Brenda Arakaza, president of Development and Peace. “We know your deep commitment to justice and solidarity and are confident in what lies ahead. We can be sure of leaving a positive, long-lasting impact, both materially and spiritually, on people around the world and in Canada.”
Echoing her sentiments, Hétu said, “Like thousands of our members and donors, I believe in Development and Peace’s mission. We stand united, as one human family, inspired by the Gospel and guided by Pope Francis to accompany the most vulnerable and mistreated persons at the peripheries of our planet. We won’t rest until dignity and peace are afforded to all.”
On the occasion of May 1st, International Workers’ Day and the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the Quebec Assembly of Catholic Bishops invites Christian communities to pay attention to the current food crisis, to analyze the situation in the light of the Gospel, and to consider various courses of action to ensure that everyone has enough to eat.
In his video message for the annual campaign to support parishes (tithing), Bishop Paul-André Durocher reminds us how parishes are vibrant and dynamic, as well as places where the wealth, talents and gifts of all can be shared. "Following Jesus' example, everyone can make a difference in their community by sharing their time, talents and treasures."
How I wish I could experience Easter without having to endure Good Friday!
How pleasant it would be to lose weight without dieting or exercising, to master an art without practising for hours, or to succeed in a project without devoting so much energy and resources to it! It would be wonderful to be loved without having to give of myself to another, to be forgiven without having to ask for forgiveness, to be reconciled without having to overcome my pride.
The CCCB Ad hoc Committee for the Preparation for the Jubilee 2025 is hosting a two-part series titled, “A Great Symphony of Prayer” which will enable the faithful one meaningful way to participate in the Year of Prayer which was announced by Pope Francis on 21 January 2024.
The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, in collaboration with the National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie, launches the 2024 video series titled Journey Through Lent. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, 14 February 2024, and for each Sunday in Lent, up to and including Palm Sunday, a video will be uploaded to the CCCB website featuring pastoral reflections based on the Readings for the Sunday Eucharistic Celebration. Geared to individuals, families, and communities, this series is meant to offer spiritual inspiration and guidance on how to prepare well for the Easter season.
Share Lent is an annual highlight for Development and Peace.
It is when the bishops of Canada encourage the faithful to give to Development and Peace, especially through the collection on Solidarity Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Lent...
Earlier this year, the Vatican published Pope Francis’ message for the 32nd World Day of the Sick, celebrated each year on February 11. The Holy Father’s message for this year is entitled: “It is not good that man should be alone” – Caring for the sick by caring for relationships. Echoing the Holy Father’s message, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) renews its commitment to prayer and accompaniment of the sick. Pope Francis reminds us of the fundamental importance of human relationships in the process of healing and comforting the sick.
Yesterday, on the liturgical memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, and with the approval of the Permanent Council, the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) releases its Pastoral Letter on the use of social media titled: “Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious.”
The 2024 edition of the Week of the Word of God will take place from 19 to 28 January 2024, under the theme: "Never seen anything like it! This week is grafted onto Sunday of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis.
The theme proposed this year, is inspired by the finale of the story of the paralysed man forgiven and healed. "We have never seen anything like it" (Mk 2:12). A varied programme will allow us to enter into the amazement and wonder that God's work brings to our lives.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Advent with the Most Rev. Bishop Jon Hansen, CSsR, Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Advent 2023.
A joint initiative of the National Liturgy Office, the Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis...