Toronto Pilgrims arrive down under
MELBOURNE, Australia - Many pilgrims from across the Archdiocese of Toronto didn't anticipate the long length of time that it would take to get to Melbourne. But after nearly 21 hours spent sleeping and worrying about our backs breaking, we arrived safe and sound early yesterday morning.
Canadians visit Kiwis
AUCKLAND, NZ - Ottawa and Winnipeg pilgrims - including Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, priests, and deacons - arrived at St. Thomas More parish in Auckland, New Zealand for a welcoming breakfast at 7:30 a.m., shortly after roughly 20 hours in the air. Pilgrims were assigned to their host families and spent most of the morning with them.
From 11 a.m. to 12:24 p.m., pilgrims (yes, even the archbishop) cut bamboo sticks and planted trees. We were free to explore the city of Auckland all afternoon.
Pope e-mails 30,000 from WYD
{mosimage}Pope Benedict XVI sent an e-mail to more than 30,000 people registered with the World Youth Day (WYD) official networking site, inviting them to pray for the young people of France. The Pope was to visit France Sept. 12-15.
The web site, www.Xt3.com, was designed to help WYD pilgrims stay in touch through online discussions while also providing a means to search for Catholic events worldwide, post and share photos with other users. Anyone can sign up to the web site regardless of having attended WYD in Sydney, Australia, or not.
Introducing our newest YSN team
“I think young Catholics need to be aware of, supported in dealing with, and educated about the issues that affect our church and our world,” said Jessica Williams, our newest Albertan correspondent in Calgary.
Learning the tools of the trade
The third annual Student Journalism Conference and Workshop will take place Nov. 29 at Brebeuf College School, 211 Steeles Ave. E. It will feature keynote speaker Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B., along with a group of professional journalists to offer training in all aspects of publishing a newspaper.
Christmas gift ideas
Deacon starts campus Catholic chaplaincy
Letterio single-handedly started up a chaplaincy from scratch at Durham College at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) this past fall.
Ecumenism contest winners take home iPods
The Grade 11 student at St. Augustine Catholic High School in Markham, Ont., was one of more than 70 high school students between the ages of 14 and 18 who competed by submitting a 500-word essay on ecumenism.
Teopoli camp seeking counsellors
The camp offers swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, sports, music, culture, drama, theology, daily Holy Mass and rosary.
Xt3 brings Lenten comedy relief
Members of Xt3.com will be able to access a daily calendar that will include “daily readings, podcasts and music to give inspiration — and some laughter — during the 40 days of Lent,” according to a press release from the site.