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CCO to host two events at WYD in Sydney!
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Posted on
Monday, June 9, 2008
at 12:00 PM EST
CCO is honoured to be hosting two nights of Eucharistic Adoration at WYD 2008 in Sydney, Australia!
Verso L'Alto
Monday, July 14 from 7:00-10:00 pm
St. Mary's Cathedral
Hosted by Catholic Christian Outreach Canada (CCO) and Canadian university students, with a reflection on Blessed Pier Giorgio to be given by Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B.
The Summit
Wednesday, July 16 from 8:00-10:00 pm
St. Brigid's, Miller Point (14 Kent Street, Downtown Sydney)
For more details, visit http://wyd2008.cco.ca.
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Rise Up! 2008 in Toronto!
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Posted on
Thursday, January 24, 2008
at 3:00 PM EST
This year, Rise Up!, CCO’s annual Christmas conference and New Year’s Eve celebration will take place in Toronto, Ontario to mark the movement’s 20th anniversary.
The location of the conference was announced at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel during the most recent Rise Up banquet in Calgary, on the eve of December 31st. Jeff Lockert, CCO President, and CCO’s co-founder, Andre Regnier, came forward as a team to share the exciting news. The 450 participants from 65 universities and colleges cheered at the news.
In light of the movement’s 20th anniversary, CCO is expecting their largest conference yet, with students gathering together for informative workshops, praise and worship music, fellowship, and inspirational keynote speakers.
People planning to attend Rise Up! in Toronto are advised to register well in advance, as the previous conference in Calgary sold out before the late November Early Bird deadline.
More details about the location of the conference, prices for conference packages, workshops, as well as speakers and registration details, will be made available at www.cco.ca/riseup as they are available.
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CCO to EXPAND to QUEEN's UNIVERSITY in KINGSTON
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Posted on
Friday, March 2, 2007
at 09:12 AM EST
CCO’s greatest desire is to reach out to every student in Canada. In September 2007 CCO will be one step closer to reaching that goal. We are pleased to announce that CCO is expanding to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
At the invitation of the late Bishop Meagher, CCO is sending staff members Jeremy Rude and Lee Leonard, as well as an intern (yet to be announced), to begin this pioneering work at Queen’s. Local university chaplain Fr. Raymond De Souza has extended a warm welcome to the ministry and looks forward to a fruitful partnership. "I have long desired CCO's expansion to Queen's, and am delighted that they will have a strong presence here soon. The contemporary university campus is real mission territory, and for that you need trained, enthusiastic, Catholic missionaries. I consider it a blessing to have their help in the work of evangelization at Queen's University."
Jeremy Rude is originally from Vancouver, and has been serving with CCO in Saskatoon for the past three years. “Although leaving the many people of Saskatoon will be difficult,” he commented, “I am eagerly anticipating the expansion of CCO to Queen's University. I will be taking with me great experiences from the U of S that have helped form me to be a leader in my new mission field.”
Jeff Lockert, CCO President, is also enthusiastic about the new mission field. “Kingston is a beautiful city on the St. Lawrence Seaway, and is Canada's oldest English-speaking Roman Catholic Diocese. It was founded on January 27th 1826, by the division of the Archdiocese of Québec, and became an Archdiocese on December 28th 1889. The campus is also historic and boasts of beautiful architecture. It is a picturesque place for young students to learn and a great place for CCO to be offering all students the opportunity to have a renewed relationship with Christ.”
A number of Queen’s students are familiar with CCO and have attended various conferences and retreats over the years. These students will have the opportunity to take leadership on their campus, reaching out to their peers through CCO events and initiatives. Please continue to pray for the staff, students, and all those involved in the CCO expansion to Queen’s.
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Rise Up in Quebec brings Hope to Canada
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Posted on
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
at 01:12 PM EST
This year's annual CCO Rise Up Conference drew more than 400 young adults, representing 43 post secondary institutions, from across Canada to the roots of Canadian Christian faith, Quebec City.
The theme: 'Jesus: Our Heritage and our Hope', brought participants back to the very foundations of our country, founded on Christ. It was a great blessing to have His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet give a presentation entitled 'Founded on Faith, Rooted in the Church' and also celebrate the concluding New Year's Mass. The participants and the Cardinal were greatly encouraged by the time together. Other special guests included Bishop Paul Andre Durocher of Cornwall, Fr. Tom Rosica of Salt and Light Television Network and Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Halifax. Through the presentations, Eucharistic Adoration, praise and worship, confession, Mass and other conference activities the participants were equipped and empowered to tell others that Jesus is still the hope for Canada.
A highlight was the Eucharistic procession on New Year's Eve through Old Quebec City gates to Notre Dame Cathedral. The procession and the conference as a whole was a preparation for the coming 2008 International Eucharistic Congress that will be hosted in Quebec City.
As the conference concluded, it was announced, to great applause, that Rise Up 2007 will be hosted in Calgary, Alberta.
Fr. Raymond De Souza, of the National Post, wrote an article on Rise Up which appeared in the newspaper on Thursday, January 4. Click here: [NATIONAL POST] to view the article.
Or click here: [NEWS] to view the article from the National Post website.
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World Youth Day 2005 Documentary to Air on VisionTV
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Posted on
Monday, March 27, 2006
at 03:53 PM CST
The following press release features 4 members of the CCO delegation to WYD 2005...
________________________________________
Salt + Light TV's It Rocks showcased this first weekend of April
TORONTO, March 23, 2006 - To commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II, VisionTV will present the network premiere of It Rocks! The World Youth Day 2005 Experience. This acclaimed Salt + Light Television production will air five times, uninterrupted and commercial free, during the first weekend of April.
It Rocks follows four young Canadians on their journey to Cologne, Germany, where they join with hundreds of thousands of other young people in the presence of the Pope to find God through prayer, celebration and friendship. World Youth Day is an international gathering of youth started by Pope John Paul II in 1986.
VisionTV's Network Premiere of IT ROCKS The World Youth Day Experience:
Friday March 31st, 2.30 pm ET - 11.30 pm PT
Saturday April 1st, 6.30 pm ET - 3.30 pm PT
Sunday April 2nd, 7.00 am ET - 4.00 am ET
Monday April 3rd, 3.00 pm ET - 12.00 pm PT
Monday April 3rd, 10.30 pm ET - 7.30 pm PT
Said Bill Roberts, President and CEO of VisionTV: "Our channel enjoyed the privilege of providing national television coverage of World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto, and are pleased to see the Youth Day tradition continue. We feel proud to have this opportunity to celebrate an important part of John Paul's spiritual legacy: his outreach to young people around the world."
For more information about It Rocks, The World Youth Day 2005 Experience, log on to www.saltandlighttv.org for insights from It Rocks director Gillian Girodat and a sneak preview of the show.
For visuals or further information about It Rocks :
JASMIN LEMIEUX-LEFEBVRE / CHRISTOPHER KETELAARS
416-971-5353----Cell:416-771-7785/416-892-1729
jll@saltandlighttv.org - cketelaars@saltandlighttv.org
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CCO at the U of S presents... RAISING IT UP! 2006
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Posted on
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
at 02:12 PM CST
Students and staff at the U of S organized an innovative outreach fundraiser on Saturday March 11th. The event was not only an opportunity to be entertained or to "Raise Up" funds, but to also "Raise" our voices and praise to the Lord.
The program consisted of a concert with two local Christian bands: The Local Apostle and Stereotrap, and was capped off with an hour of praise & worship facilitated by local CCO students and alumni.
In between the fantastic music, several students shared testimonies about how God has been working in their lives through their involvement with CCO. As well, a video on some of CCO's national projects, put together by Fr. Tom Rosica and S&L television, was shown to give students and supporters a vision of what CCO has been up to, and how the movement is contributing to the work of evangelization in the Church.
Over 200 students and supporters showed up for the evening of music and praise. A common phrase that was expressed in comment about the evening: "This is awesome!" Usually followed up with: "Will you do it again next year," or "I really needed this!" One of the greatest blessings was seeing all of the new faces out at the event. One student who had never attended a CCO event before couldn't contain her excitement, all she could say was: "This ROCKS!"
Thank-you to everyone who made it out! We hope to see you again next year! All funds raised will go towards CCO's campus outreach at the University of Saskatchewan.
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Fr. Thomas Rosica's Address to CCO Benefactors Banquet, Ottawa
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Posted on
Thursday, March 2, 2006
at 12:40 PM ET
Saturday, February 25, 2006 Your Grace, Archbishop Ventura, Dear Friends of Catholic Christian Outreach, Thank you for your kind invitation to join you this evening in our nation’s capital for this special evening with one of our nation’s greatest programs going for young adults: Catholic Christian Outreach or CCO. Having worked closely with almost every major youth movement in Canada as we prepared for World Youth Day 2002, I saw the real greatness of CCO on a national level. It offers tremendous hope for our future.
In order to understand the significance of CCO on the Canadian scene, let me transport you back in time to another scene that remains indelibly engraved in my memory and heart. It was last April 2005. Hundreds of thousands of young people streaming into St. Peter's Square in Rome…. carrying backpacks, sleeping bags, blankets, water bottles and iPods, and weeping openly before the body of an old man who preached that restraint was more important than pleasure.
And last year on April 8, 2005, millions more young people gathered in churches, halls and schools throughout Canada and across the face of the earth well before the crack of dawn to watch the funeral of someone who told them to serve others before satisfying themselves.
Young people the world over were deeply affected by the death of Pope John Paul II, leaving pastors, pundits and even some parents scratching their heads in confusion. Why would teenagers and young ‘twenty somethings’ feel so close to an old man who told them what to do? This pope set the bar high, and he lived above it. John Paul II was clear and uncompromising in his expectations of young people, but he was neither condescending nor pedantic in his approach. He invested in young people even when that meant sacrificing other things.
When it comes to religion and youth, the equation goes something like the line in "Field of Dreams": If we build it, they will come. If we don't, they will likely go elsewhere. And too often, elsewhere is a dangerous place. John Paul II built something for young people, involved them, and loved them in spite of the outward appearances and more often because of them. As a mainline religious leader who was extremely effective at engaging youth, his example is highly instructive. He was a model of consistency, practicing what he preached in both his personal life and in Vatican policy. He genuinely cared about young people and followed through by focusing time, attention and resources on them. And he entrusted young people with the leadership of the church and the world.
One of the brilliant, visible legacies of John Paul II to Canada and the Canadian Church is Catholic Christian Outreach. Let us consider six key aspects of Pope John Paul’s ministry to and impact on young people. I think you will see how each of these aspects forms the pillars of the methodology and raison d’être of CCO in Canada.
First was the Pope’s repeated message about the radiant splendor of Jesus Christ as the unique Lord and Saviour of all, the Redemptor hominis. In order to be authentic believers, we must have a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Christianity, Catholicism, the Sacraments are not courses, things, ideas, passing fancies, symbols- they are a person and his name is Jesus. Theology alone, trendy pastoral programs and new age, politically correct jargon will not save us. Jesus will. CCO introduces young adults to the radiant splendor and perennial youthfulness of Jesus Christ, the living Lord.
Second was Pope John Paul II’s teaching on human dignity. Life is an extraordinary adventure, a God-given gift to be cherished, treasured, and protected. Is it any surprise that so many hundreds of thousands of young people consider themselves to be explicitly pro-life, while their parents are so whimsical and non-committal to the issues of life and death? In John Paul II's "Culture of Life" we must make room for the stranger and the homeless. We must comfort and care for the sick and dying. We must look after the aged and the abandoned. We must welcome the immigrant. We must defend innocent children waiting to be born. CCO stands for life and gives life to your young people today.
Third, John Paul II helped us to realize that the Church is dying in politically correct places where the Gospel is preached as merely a lifestyle option in a global supermarket of spiritualities without the obligation of belonging to the Church. The Church is thriving where the full Gospel is preached in clarity, charity, piety, and devotion -- in its full integrity. John Paul II told young people that there is every reason for the truth of the Cross to be called the Good News. Young people took these words to heart and have carried the Cross around the world for the past twenty years.
We are unlikely to ever forget the scenes and memories of the World Youth Day Cross on its historic, 43,000-kilometer pilgrimage across our own country in 2001 and 2002. Catholic Christian Outreach was in the vanguard of that great procession across our land, from sea to sea to sea. CCO helped me and helped Canada to bear that cross throughout our land in 2001 and 2002. And now CCO continues to carry the flame of legacy of World Youth Day 2002 to the nation. For CCO, World Youth Day was not the end of the journey, (as it seemed to be for many others in Canada.) WYD was but the beginning of something new. It was truly a “Duc in Altum” moment for you.
Fourth, John Paul II taught us that the adventure of orthodoxy - the challenge of fidelity and integrity, authenticity and solidarity - is what attracts young people today. Young people don't want to live on the surface. In a world that constantly panders to the young, a challenging Church, which combines the truth with charity and pastoral care, is a very attractive proposition. How many times did John Paul II speak to young people reminding them that the family is the privileged place for the humanization of the person and of society, and that the future of the world and of the Church passes through it? CCO is about dynamic orthodoxy- leading young people (and some of us older ones as well) into a church that is, as Pope Benedict said at his installation last year, “alive and young”.
Fifth, John Paul II issued a clarion call to commitment. To his young friends he said: "Many and enticing are the voices that call out to you from all sides: many of these voices speak to you of a joy that can be had with money, success, and power. Mostly they propose a joy that comes with the superficial and fleeting pleasure of the senses." The alternative call was Jesus' siren song. "He calls you to be the salt and light of the world, to live in justice, to become instruments of love and peace." The choice was stark, self-denying, life defining, and irrevocable. It was between, "good and evil, between light and darkness, between life and death." There were no shortcuts or compromises for John Paul II, only clarity. And that is what the young are seeking today, not quick answers but Gospel clarity. CCO is helping young adults to formulate and articulate the great questions of our times. But more than just formulating questions, CCO is offering the answers that are found in our rich ecclesial tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
Sixth point. Pope John Paul II reminded us that the heroes and heroines the world offers to young people today are terribly flawed. They leave us so empty. The world today, and especially young people, have the increasing need of the fascinating lives of the saints. During his Pontificate, Pope John Paul II has certainly helped us to rediscover these heroes and heroines in our tradition- in fact; he has beatified 1338 women and men, and canonized 482 Saints.
Last summer CCO sealed that relationship with the Saints on our historic pilgrimage through Germany and Italy. We developed great new friendships with people like St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Blessed Rupert Mayer, St. Maximilian Kolbe, the White Rose Martyrs, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, St. Gianna Beretta Molla, Blessed John XXIII, Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Francis of Assisi, and of course the Servant of God Karol Wojtyla- a.k.a. John Paul II. With friends like this you really can't go wrong. CCO keeps good company, down here on earth, and up there as well.
Finally, one of the most profound lessons that John Paul II taught us in the twilight of his Pontificate was that everyone must suffer, even the Vicar of Christ. Rather than hide his infirmities, as most public figures do, he let the whole world see what he went through. On Saturday morning April 2, 2005, as he lay dying in his bedroom in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, over 100,000 people were gathered below in St. Peter's Square. More than half of the people were young people. They sang. They prayed. They wept. They had kept two nights of vigil in that blessed place that was home to so many... who can ever forget the opening ceremonies of World Youth Day 2000 when the Pope welcomed 750,000 young people to Rome? You and I stood on the front steps of St. Peter’s Basilica for that unforgettable, moving scene unfolding before our eyes on that hot August day in the Jubilee Year.
On April 2 last year, upstairs on the third floor, his personal secretary, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz held the Pope's hand and they were able to hear the singing in the square. He told the Holy Father- "Listen, they have come in great numbers. They are here for you.” Forcing himself to speak, the Pope uttered slowly: "I have looked for you and now you have come to me. I thank you." These were among the Pope's last recorded words on earth the day that he died, April 2, 2005. What fitting words to describe the centerpiece of his Papacy: young people. And the crown of Pope John Paul II’s career is amoung us in Canada through Catholic Christian Outreach.
Roman Pontiffs don't write autographed letters lightly to various groups throughout the Universal Church. For that reason, the letter sent by Pope John Paul II, personally, to the CCO Christmas Conference in 2002 was of great significance.
The Holy Father wrote:
"At the World Youth Day Prayer Vigil held in Downsview Park on Saturday, the evening of July 27, I called for a new generation of builders to respond to the aspiration of humanity for a civilization of love marked by freedom and peace. Indeed I entrusted this hope of mine specifically to you, my dear young people. As members of the Catholic Christian Outreach you are generously responding to that appeal through your courage to be disciples of Jesus, living the life of the Beatitudes on campuses throughout Canada. In this way, as you strive to be the salt of the earth and light of the world for others, you become shining beacons illuminating the way of the Lord, answering the question that stirs in the hearts of all young people: "to whom shall we go?".
Such words are cause for recommitment, consolation, mission, purpose and deep gratitude on behalf of the thousands of young people who are part of this great movement. And such Papal thoughts should be clear signs to thousands of donors, benefactors, laity, priests and bishops who may be questioning what CCO is all about. Pope John Paul II knew about CCO, blessed its efforts, encouraged its mission, and rejoiced in its existence on the Canadian scene. It is truly an instrument of the New Evangelization in Canada… this dream and hope that was at the heart of the Pontificate of John Paul II: a passion for which he lived and died.
I invite you to support this excellent movement with your prayers and your financial support. It is my hope and dream that this fire will spread across the face of our land, especially in the university chaplaincies of Canada. Now is the time to give witness. Now is the time to set out into the deep. Now is the time to become salt and light in our local churches and on university campuses in Canada.
CCO will not let you down. In fact, these young men and women have been raising our minds, thoughts, and hopes to God in new and remarkable ways. Through your generosity this evening, you will guarantee a bright future for the Church in Canada.
This evening I ask the Servant of God, Pope John Paul II to pray for us and intercede for us, especially for the young people who found in him a father, a grandfather, a teacher and a demanding friend who loved them. When young adults ask today, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”… may they find in our own personal witness and in the joyful witness of Catholic Christian Outreach, a rock, a shelter, a harbor, a home, and a heart.
Thank you.
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CCO Board Announces Move of HQ for August 2006
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Posted on
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
at 08:54 PM ET
November 14, 2005Dear Friends and Supporters, It is with a great sense of pride and gratitude that we, members of the CCO Board of Directors, write to you today. Seventeen years ago, André and Angèle Regnier were led by God to begin a Catholic movement dedicated to evangelization and leadership development on university campuses. From its humble beginnings in Saskatoon, CCO has grown step by step to where now, every semester, it is having a profound impact in the lives of thousands of young people throughout Canada. The strong faith and values of Saskatchewan have given birth to a movement that is changing the world. Today, we would like to share with you another significant step on this journey. After considering the matter for several years, and after much prayerful discussion and discernment, the Board of Directors has decided that CCO will be moving its National Headquarters from Saskatoon to Ottawa in the summer of 2006. It was not a simple or easy decision. Saskatchewan is very near and dear to all involved with CCO. That is why for CCO’s 15th Anniversary, hundreds of students came to Saskatoon for the Rise Up conference. But over the past number of years, CCO has developed a strong national presence and as we look to the future, we anticipate many additional opportunities for CCO to contribute to the Church throughout Canada. After careful analysis, consultation with CCO leaders and staff, as well as prayerful reflection, the Board unanimously felt that moving our headquarters to Ottawa will enable us to better serve our mission and to take the gift of CCO to many others in need of Jesus. This move will not in any way affect our campus work in Saskatchewan - it will simply involve a move of the central administration. We expect that this important transition will present a number of challenges. However, we are strengthened in knowing that we are responding to God’s calling and that we can rely on your continued prayers and support. Sincerely in Christ, Jim Meuse (Ottawa), Board Chair
Jeff Lockert (Saskatoon), President
Larry Ollenberger (Saskatoon)
Sr. Lise Paquette, P.M. (Saskatoon)
Simon Kyne (Vancouver)
Msgr. Gregory Smith (Rome)
Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J. (Halifax)
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CCO Sends Representative to WYD Liturgy Group
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Posted on
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
at 12:44 PM ET
The XX World Youth Day will be taking place this summer in Cologne Germany from August 15 to August 28, 2005. During WYD in 2002 in Toronto, an International Liturgy Group was created to serve in the several liturgical services of the week. The International Liturgy group consists of Youth representing different countries and different movements from around the world. This year, the group includes approximately 150 youth representing 65 different movements and countries. These youth will be asked to serve as lectors, altar-servers, or intercessory readers at the various liturgical events during the week, namely the opening and closing Mass, the Pope’s arrival in Cologne, and the Saturday night Vigil.Because of CCO’s involvement with youth on Canadian university campuses, CCO has received the honour of being invited to send a representative to this year’s International Liturgy Group. Not only is it an honour for CCO to have been asked to participate at World Youth Day in this way, but it is also a great opportunity to learn from other movements worldwide, and to bring hope to countries around the world. CCO is pleased to announce that Michelle Buissé will be representing CCO on the International Liturgy team for World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne Germany. Michelle has just finished her fourth year as a Political Science student at the University of Ottawa and has been involved with CCO in Ottawa for the last few years. She remarked: “I am feel very honoured and blessed to be representing CCO on the International Liturgy Group! I feel as though I will be truly living CCO’s call to have a heart for the World and I am very excited. I hope to spread CCO’s zeal for evangelization to the other youth on the team and bring them hope that a Catholic Revolution is truly possible!”
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Come to CCO's Festival at WYD in Cologne!
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Posted on
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
at 03:32 AM ET
THE SUMMIT - The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life’. (CCC 1324)This August, while at World Youth Day, take some time to come and encounter Christ in the Eucharist. Catholic Christian Outreach, a Canadian university student movement, will be hosting a dynamic evening at WYD Cologne, consisting of praise and worship, a short Gospel talk, drama, adoration and an opportunity to partake in the sacrament of reconciliation. Praise and worship led by Face II Face Ministries Special Guest: Archbishop Terrence Prendergast S.J will preside over adoration. Event Information:
August 17th, 2005 at St. Nikolaus Parish, 256 Berrenrather St., Cologne at 8:00pm
Spread the word! See you there! Directions to the Summit:
From Neumarkt, take line #18 (Brühl/Bonn) or 19 (Klettenberg) until "Arnulfstr." (10-12 minutes).
Walk one block south on Luxemburger until Lotharstr. West on Lotharstr for 2 blocks.
The church is on the corner of Berrenrather St. and Lotharstr. For more information contact Caitlin: 902 877 0992, caitlin.currie@cco.ca We are looking for priests to help with hearing confession this evening.
Please contact Caitlin, if you can help in this way.
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CCO will be attending John Paul II's funeral
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Posted on
Tuesday, April 5, 2005
at 02:39 PM ET
It is a great privilege to share this information with you. CCO will be sending our Founder, André Regnier, to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II this week in Rome. Almost 17 years ago, André and Angele were inspired by John Paul II’s call for the New Evangelization. André and Angele responded to that call by beginning CCO and we are all here as a result of it. As a movement inspired by John Paul II, at this most important moment in the history of the world and the Church, CCO felt that it was important to honour this great leader, as well as to personally experience the events in these days. And miraculously, we were able to secure a ticket using our Aeroplan points, on only 2 days notice! Thus, CCO is sending André, our founder, to Rome to represent CCO: you and I and all the university students who are and have been involved in CCO for the past 17 years. He will be able to share these first-hand experiences with us at our Spring Banquets via telephone and other important CCO gatherings in the future. Our movement will be present in Rome for this very important occasion. Let us hold André in prayer as he leaves on Wednesday at noon and returns on Monday. If you have any special prayer requests to send with him, please email him: andre.regnier@cco.ca. Then, as he prays with the hundreds of thousands of others gathered there, he can offer up intentions for you, your campus, and our movement. Pope John Paul II has meant so much to CCO. He has encouraged us so much, especially with the most recent return of the personally signed copy of the Rise Up Poster. The Pope's last recorded words were given to us yesterday as he lay dying. Having heard the voices of 50,000 young people singing in St. Peter's Square on Friday evening, his secretary told John Paul II that thousands of young people were singing and praying in the square. He uttered these final words: "I sought you out and now you have come to me... I thank you." So it is true with CCO. The Holy Father sought for a movement like ours to spring forth, and now we will go to him and say thank you. Jeff Lockert
CCO President
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JPII's Final Words to the Youth
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Posted on
Monday, April 4, 2005
at 03:45 PM ET
Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B., C.E.O., Salt and Light Catholic Television Network Former National Director and C.E.O., World Youth Day 2002The past week has been filled with memories of the past 26 years of the Pontificate of Pope John Paul II. Somehow the theme of "opening doors" and "crossing thresholds" won't leave me nor will some extraordinary moments in St. Peter's Square. How well I remember that warm night of October 16, 1978. I was a nineteen-year-old university student when the Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church elected Cardinal Karol Wojtyla as the 264th Successor to the Apostle Peter. Something new was happening on the world scene and I can still see that radiant smile and hear that booming voice filling St. Peter's Square. They called to Rome a man from a distant country, a youthful athlete who took the world and the Church by storm. On that first night in 1978, Pope John Paul II stood on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica and opened his arms, his heart and his mind to the world. His refrain would become: "Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!" Who can forget the powerful images of the Holy Father's visit to Canada in 1984? And again in 1987? From Vancouver to Newfoundland, from the First Nations longhouse in Midland to the origins of the Church in Quebec, the Holy Father criss-crossed this vast country from sea to sea to sea.
fulfilling remarkably his role of "Successor of Peter" but even more as "Successor of Paul", taking the Church off the banks of the Tiber River in Rome and bringing it to the farthest corners of the earth. There are few places on this planet that have not been touched by Pope John Paul II. He opened the doors to millions of human hearts, bringing to women and men of every race, nation and culture, a message of hope; a message telling us that human dignity is rooted in the fact that each human being is created in the image and likeness of God. John Paul II enjoyed an incredible popularity with young Catholics. At the World Youth Day in Rome in 2000, he called the young people of the world his "joy and his crown". How can we ever forget the touching scenes of World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto, when this old man, bent with old age and infirmity, haltingly descended the stairs of a plane at Pearson Airport and united people of all races, languages and ways of life? He truly made us discover our youthfulness, generosity and joy as he invited us to become salt and light in a world, a society and a culture that is often devoid of the flavour of the Gospel and the light of Christ. It is said that joy is the perfume that is left behind when God has passed by. I have no doubt in my mind that God visited us through World Youth Day 2002. It's not remarkable that the Pope saw his youthful friends as a metaphor of renewal and hope; what's remarkable is that the young people have also seen and understood themselves that way as well. Very few leaders have ever had such an impact on young people as this leader has had. He opened the doors of his heart to young people and they opened wide the doors of their lives to him. The young people of the Generation of John Paul II love him. There was one more scene in St. Peter's Square that took place this past Friday evening. As tens of thousands of people gathered and kept vigil into the night, their eyes fixed on several windows on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace, Archbishop Angelo Comastri, the Vicar General of Vatican City led the throng in praying the Mysteries of Light of the Rosary. The cameras that panned the crowds revealed people of every colour, race, age. it was truly a universal scene. They were John Paul II's people. As he began the ancient prayers, Archbishop Comastri spoke to the crowd: "Throughout his life, John Paul II opened countless doors to human hearts across the face of the earth. He invited us to open the doors of our hearts to Christ and his Good news." Archbishop Comastri concluded by saying: "Now it is Christ who will open wide his doors to the Pope." What a grand welcome it must have been! The Pope's last recorded words were given to us yesterday as he lay dying. Having heard the voices of 50,000 young people singing in St. Peter's Square on Friday evening, his secretary told John Paul II that thousands of young people were singing and praying in the square. He uttered these final
words: "I sought you out and now you have come to me... I thank you." What fitting words to describe the centerpiece of his Papacy: young people. John Paul II has left his mark not only on Catholics and Christians, but on this world. He will be remembered as one of the great figures of the 20th century, who helped us cross the threshold into the new millennium. May we learn from his steadfastness and courage, his greatness and humanity. May we learn from him how to build bridges and open doors for the people of our time. Toronto Sun Sunday April 3, 2005 p.8
Opening Doors to Hearts
Pope John Paul II [1920-2005]
Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B.
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Papal Nuncio conveys Pope's support for CCO
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Posted on
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
at 07:22 PM ET
Posted on CCN Wire Service
March 15, 2005Papal Nuncio conveys Pope's support for CCO Photos uploaded to CCN web site
By Deborah Gyapong OTTAWA (CCN)-They call themselves the Generation of John Paul II. Young, Catholic, on fire with love for Jesus Christ and the Holy Father, they have committed themselves to the Pope's vision of Christian renewal. You can find them on university campuses across Canada. Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) is a lay movement André and Angèle Regnier founded in Saskatoon in 1988. Since World Youth Day 2002, it has taken off, spreading the joy of Christ wherever they gain a foothold, most recently in Atlantic Canada. "You have a generation of young people that are not only Catholic, but are unable to be silent about their faith," André Regnier says. He says Canadian Catholics have a history of being content with a private faith, but these students "want to be missionary." At a dinner March 11 at the Apostolic Nunciature in Ottawa, home of the ambassador of the Holy See, the Regniers and CCO Ottawa staff shared their personal stories with Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Luigi Ventura and thanked him for the role he's played in providing a link between CCO and the Holy Father. The most recent communication happened after Ventura attended the national CCO Rise Up! Conference 2004 in Toronto from Dec. 28-Jan. 1, 2005. At the conference, leaders asked those present if they were willing to commit themselves to the Pope's "vision of renewal in the Church, especially in Canada." Regnier said that the students were asked to sign a declaration on a poster "only if you're ready to respond to the challenge, to be agents of change." Of the approximately 300 students present, 260 came forward and signed. "To this end we will give ourselves generously and courageously to the work of the New Evangelization," they pledged. Ventura sent the poster to Rome. He said he believed the message would give the Pope hope about the Church in Canada. He sees the movement as a "sign of the Spirit." On Feb. 1, he wrote to CCO President Jeff Lockert: "The Holy Father has responded in turn by signing, in his own hand, a copy of the text and returning it to you as an expression of recognition to the organizers of the initiative and all those who participated." He conveyed the Pope's "heartfelt gratitude" and assurance of his constant prayers and Apostolic blessing to the organization. The letter can be seen at the CCO website: www.cco.ca. On Mar. 11, Ventura said he was heartened by the fact that CCO reflected "the initiative, the active responsibility of the lay people in the life of the Church," yet, despite not being organized by priests or bishops, was faithful to the Church and the Holy Father.
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Rise Up 2004: The Pope responds to CCO!
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Posted on
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
at 02:37 PM ET
On the evening of December 30th, Rise Up 2004 Conference participants were invited to sign a pledge to the Holy Father as a demonstration of their commitment as the ‘John Paul II Generation’. It was a gesture of faith and courage. This pledge was sent to the Pope by Archbishop Luigi Ventura, the Apostolic Nuncio. To view John Paul II's response forwarded to CCO by Archbishop Ventura, click on the following link: http://www.cco.ca/riseup/pope.php.
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CCO Announces Expansion to Halifax
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Posted on
Friday, March 19, 2004
at 01:11 PM ET
SASKATOON (March 19, 2004) - On the feast of Saint Joseph, Patron Saint of Canada, CCO is pleased and proud to announce that they will be expanding their work in eastern Canada. At the invitation of Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J., CCO will be opening a new chapter in the Archdiocese of Halifax, Nova Scotia, this upcoming fall.In his letter of invitation to CCO, Archbishop Prendergast wrote that “over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to come to know more about CCO’s work and believe that it would make a significant contribution in the Archdiocese of Halifax…I believe CCO would be a valuable asset of evangelistic outreach to university students and young adults in Halifax and throughout the Atlantic Region.” This is a timely opportunity for CCO, as its last expansion took place in Vancouver in 1998. It comes on the heels of the Impact Canada mission, taking place in Halifax this summer, CCO’s largest summer project yet, with 57 students. To begin the work in Halifax, CCO will be sending Caitlin Currie and Tanya Van Buggenhout. “We are excited to be able to assist in reaching out to students and young adults in the Archdiocese of Halifax. In the past, many of them have attended CCO Conferences and events and have shown a keen interest in our mission as a movement,” remarked CCO President, Jeff Lockert. “We joyfully look forward to serving in the Archdiocese.” For more information or to contact CCO in Halifax this fall, see www.cco.ca/halifax.
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CCO invited by Vatican to International Youth Forum
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Posted on
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
at 11:19 AM ET
The eighth International Youth Forum organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity will take place from March 31 to April 4, 2004 in Rocca di Papa outside of Rome. The theme will be "Youth and University: witnessing to Christ in the university world." About three hundred young people from all over the globe are expected to attend this meeting, most of them university students representing bishops' conferences and ecclesial movements, associations and communities that are active in the university world internationally. Because of CCO's involvement in university ministry and evangelization in Canada, Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, has invited Catholic Christian Outreach to send a delegate to attend the Forum. This is an exciting and important opportunity to provide input to the Vatican, as well as learn from many other ministries, movements and associations. It is very significant that CCO has been invited to attend this important international event. Many important topics will be discussed over the course of the five days, including: Youth and university today, Studies and life, University and truth, and University and Christian witness. CCO is pleased to announce that Jeremy Rude will be representing CCO at this year's Youth Forum. Jeremy is a fourth year business student at Kwantlen University College and has been involved with CCO in Vancouver for a number of years. CCO has no doubt that he will represent the ministry well.
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![[NATIONAL POST]](http://www.cco.ca/images/NationalPostonRiseUp.jpg){kind=link}