Novice Investiture — May 16, 2014 — by Michael Cunningham
The interprovincial novitiate community located in Toronto gathered together this day in the Novitiate house chapel with solidarity of purpose. The assembled men took one step closer to becoming full fledged members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, by receiving the Redemptorist habit. In a ceremony known as Investiture, the aforementioned men took on the external garb of the Redemptorist Missionary. Next step? Temporary profession in the months to follow. Please keep these men in your prayers.
Perpetual Help TV Devotions — Freddy Medina
On May 27th, I had the opportunity to talk about what is the role of Mary in my life for the Perpetual Help Devotions for Vision TV. I was a bit nervous because I had never done anything like this before and it was my first time sharing so publicly in another language that is not my own. Because of my fear, I was wishing that my name was not on the list of the novices who volunteered previously to stand in front of the camera. The day of the talk I was kind of scared not because of the camera, but 
because I was afraid of my Mexican accent, but Fr. Doug CSsR encouraged me, saying that not only Canadians watch the devotions on TV, but many other people who can identify with me. In the end it was a wonderful experience to share my faith, to share part of my spirituality, and part of my growing love and trust in my Mother Mary. I believe that Mary was with me every step of the way.
Meeting S.E.R.V.E. Volunteers – Garvey Blanc
The S.E.R.V.E. Programme continues to be an opportunity for young men and women to deepen their Christian Faith through fostering a sense of mission, service, prayer, spirituality and community in the tradition and charism of the Redemptorists. This year the novitiate class had the opportunity of meeting the S.E.R.V.E volunteers and had the chance to share a meal with them at Redeemer House on McCaul Street. This was a very special opportunity to sit down and get to know each of the volunteers, one that the novices enjoyed very much.
This group of young people are vibrant and energetic, alive in their sense of service. This year’s group of volunteers come from many different backgrounds and varied communities from around the GTA to even as far as Saskatoon. They are all on different paths in their lives but share a common sense of service and community. Meeting with these young people gives hope to us as future missionaries that there are still workers available for the Lord’s vineyard. They were open and welcoming and displayed genuine warmth. The volunteers shared about their experience of the program so far and how they came into contact with S.E.R.V.E. We continue to pray for these young people that this time spent in community will be fruitful to them in their faith journey and they in turn will live up to their baptismal call in whatever field they may venture into, to be disciples on mission, gifted and called.
Vows Retreat at Manresa Retreat Centre—Chung Tran
Request to readers of Community Connections from the Novices:
It is the end of May and Spring is nowhere to be found; so brace yourself, Summer is coming. However, it also means that the novices are going to have a retreat at Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre in Pickering. It is eight days of silent retreat for the novices starting on Friday, May 31st. This retreat is a time for us to refresh and revitalize, to take time for prayer, contemplation, and a time to deepen our vocation before we profess our vows publicly. It is important for our spiritual experiences and growth by experiencing God’s presence and love in our journey. This silent retreat is also a time for us to leave behind the usual distractions, a time which allows relaxation, inner peace, and deepening our vocation. It would be a great blessing if all of you would keep us in your daily prayers.
