Thursday September 22, 2009

Good morning.  As I write to you this morning I am filled with gratitude and humility for the wonderful start to our newly formed school year.  This week we celebrated our first liturgy as a school community and the Holy Spirit was present in our midst.  This was evident in all the staff and students who prepared for the celebration of the Eucharist.  The readings were proclaimed with great joy and the celebration was both significant and prayerful. 

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Fr. Papais, Pastor of St. Patrick's Church, for celebrating Mass with us.  We consider him our school Pastor and welcome him always in our community.  A special thank-you also to our beloved Fr. Norm Roberts, Theology teacher here at Ambrozic.  His presence and celebration of the Eucharist was a great witness to our staff and students of the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit that is present in our community.  His laughter, wisdom, and joy is a gift to our school which is beyond measure and words. 

Finally, I look forward to continue working and praying together with you.  This is not always an easy task, but with a consistent prayer life and serving the needs of those less vulnerable in our community, we can be certain of God's Grace and strength in all that we encounter and do.  Let us continue in both joy and peace to be witnesses of God's presence in our Catholic community. 

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Mr. Minardi, Chaplain

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Friday January 22, 2010

As we draw to a close the inaugural first semester here at Cardinal Ambrozic, we are filled with immense joy and gratitude.  We celebrate the fact that we did it!!!  Our first semester was a huge success and our gifts and talents as a school community are emerging at an incredible pace.  Liturgically, we celebrated many eucharistic celebrations, assemblies, prayer services, Remembrance Day, etc., but most notable of all was our response to the Haiti earthquake. 

As a community of faith, we responded with the collection of $1500!!!  Amazing, given that we only have 323 students enrolled.  Also, we collected over 400 items of soap, shampoo, and candles that we will be much needed in Haiti.  Finally, we had a very moving prayer service for all the Haitian people just yesterday in the chapel during lunch and the response was awesome.  Many students and staff attended and not only did we pray for the Haitian people, but we recognized and honored every Canadian who died in Haiti by reading out their names and lighting a candle in their memory. 

In conclusion, I pray for continued solidarity among all members of our school community and the world at large.  May God continue to bless each and every one of us and especially bless, protect, and guide the people of Haiti to his outpouring of love, mercy, and grace.   Amen. 

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Mr. Minardi, Chaplain

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Thursday February 4, 2010

Good morning everyone.  I have attached for you a copy of our first Riverhawk Chaplaincy Newsletter.  Inside you will find important dates and various reflections on the different liturgical seasons of the Church as well as stories and successes in chaplaincy.  I continue to pray for each and every one of you as we continue to be the hands and feet of Christ.  May God bless you! 

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Mr. Minardi, Chaplain

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Wednesday February 17, 2010

Good morning. Today, as a Catholic community of believers, we begin our Lenten journey of faith. As you know, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the most sacred season of the Church’s liturgical calendar. It is during this time that we prepare for the greatest and joyful day in the Catholic Church- Resurrection Sunday. Today, we mark our foreheads with ashes to remind us of our love for God and our desire to turn away from all evil and sin and to remain trustworthy of God’s mercy and healing. 

Over the next 40 days we are invited to travel along with Jesus in the desert. We especially focus on prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. At the same time, let us not forget how important all of these practices are, but at the same time Lent speaks greater of a season of personal spiritual growth and conversion of our hearts. This means that God is urging us today to enter into a more meaningful relationship with him and to also strengthen our existing understanding of him. Today we are challenged to choose life over death, meaning that we always value and respect each human life no matter what the circumstance or struggle. We are challenged to live with joy and thanksgiving everyday, praising God for his everlasting love and presence, and that we choose to love those who have hurt us or perhaps even trampled upon our very own dignity. Therefore, in order to stay true to our personal spiritual growth during this time of Lent, we must first learn to recognize God’s love for us and to manifest that love through our choice to say yes to God and in doing so, always choosing good over evil and love over hate, and hope over despair. However we prepare, what is important is that we know that God loves us and that he desires to be in relationship with him.   

Finally, remember that with God what is important is how you choose to live in relationship with him starting today. Do not allow you heart to be burdened by past experiences, rather step aside and allow the voice of God to penetrate through your heart. Let God enter into your life so that you can experience his true healing and compassion. 

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Mr. Minardi, Chaplain

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Thursday April 1, 2010

Today, we will spend 40 minutes together reflecting on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ through the eyes of our humanity. We enter into this mystery accompanied by Christ Himself as we share in the carrying of our own crosses this morning. Although the crosses we carry do not always mirror the same cross that led to the crucifixion of Jesus, the meaning and suffering that our crosses bear do take on the same desolation, loneliness, violence, and fear. Yet, we are certain because of the resurrection that Christ hears our cries that long for joy, peace, and love. 

As we contemplate and meditate upon the Paschal mystery this morning, let us not forget the events that took place centuries ago. The Passion of Christ is not an isolated event. It is repeated in the life of each and every one of us daily. We see this especially in those who suffer, in those who are oppressed and abandoned, the lonely, the elderly, all prisoners, and in the victims of injustice and violence. We are constantly surrounded by this, but the ultimate victory of Christ overwhelms and conquers every evil that we encounter. Therefore, in seeking a true genuine and authentic conversion to Christ, we can therefore experience His divine mercy and love.   

Finally, in a very unique way today, Christ invites each and every one of us to share in his passion, death, and resurrection, so that this message may reach all people throughout the whole world. Whether this message is passed on by word of mouth, through the witness of one’s life, or through the Incarnation, of Jesus made human. it is destined to be proclaimed throughout space and time in order to reach all of humanity.   

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Mr. Minardi, Chaplain

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Monday April 26, 2010

Good morning Cardinal Ambrozic Catholic Secondary School.  This morning I speak to you with a heavy heart.  I do so because of the most recent media reports of the continued sex scandals that are revealed throughout the world in the Catholic Church.  Most notably, I am deeply saddened to hear that more and more is being revealed to the world through the media instead of the Church herself.  Why is it that the Church has not come forward in the first place to bring reconciliation to a broken world and its victims.  A lot has been said and revealed in recent weeks regarding the Catholic Church's response, but does it stop there?  How much more can practicing Catholics endure when it comes to the recent scandals?  Rest assured that I will continue to be fervent in my daily prayer life as well as in my participation in the sacramental life of the Church, most notably the Eucharist and reconciliation, nevertheless, my heart is troubled.  I would like to end this blog with a scriptural passage taken from Luke 11: 28-30 that can give hope to all burdened Catholics as well as all the victims affected by this sex abuse scandal. 

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Angelo Minardi, Chaplain

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Friday June 4, 2010

Good morning Cardinal Ambrozic.  We are quickly approaching the end of our school year and much is yet to take place.  We still have our EQAO Math tests next week, followed by our CBT (culminating tasks) assignments that are due, our year end Staff Mass and Family Mass on June 11 and finally, our final exams!!  Who said having a new school with only 300 students way easy??  This year has been extremely busy, exciting, at times challenging, but most importantly successful!!  All our teachers, administration, including secretaries, custodial staff, and students have contributed to the overall success of our school year.  Yes, we are not perfect, but we ultimately ensured that all students succeeded in all their endeavors and initiatives.  

I want to wish everyone continued success in their school year and best wishes for a restful and peaceful summer break.  Also, I will especially pray for our teachers who are the first role models for our students in our school, that they will be nourished over the summer break and enjoy the well deserved quiet, rest, and peace that comes from their hard work and vocation of teaching.  Finally, may Mother Mary, our humble and courageous role model, instill in our hearts hope, love, and charity for one another and for all we encounter.  May God bless you all and remember always to be "God's Hands" in our world.  See you in September.   

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Angelo Minardi, Chaplain

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Sunday August 29, 2010

Welcome back everyone.  Okay, maybe a week early but nonetheless a welcome back to all students and teachers as we plan for another successful year at Cardinal Ambrozic Catholic Secondary School.  This year promises to be better than last.  Really....just watch.  We are adding 27 more teachers to our school and an additional 300 students which now brings our total to just over 650 students in grades 9 and 10.  Our programs, sports, extra-curricular, social justice, leadership initiatives, etc. will continue to grow in success and also add to an already busy schedule.  Our administration will add a vice-principal which I am sure that our students will be most impressed and favorable of.....maybe I am too optimistic, but again, it will add to a competent and great leader in our principal Mr. Lariviere.  In summary, a great year ahead filled with great hope and anticipation of bigger and greater things.  See you in a couple of weeks. 

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Angelo Minardi, Chaplain

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Friday September 2, 2010

A reflection of the theme of "Laying Foundations" for our school community

As we begin our 2nd year together as a Catholic school community, we recognize that we are still very young- only 1 year old and we are looking to all of our teachers, especially our new staff to contribute with your gifts and talents to the newly formed school community.  We have much work to do and we need everyone to contribute.  You are here because you were chosen among many to help build up this newly formed school community.  Let's get started. 

How does this new time together connect to our faith? to our Catholic story?  How do we find meaning in laying foundations in our school community from the holy Scriptures?  In our readings today at our morning prayer gathering, we are reminded by Isaiah that we have been called, like Jesus, "to bring good news to the oppressed; to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to prisoners; to comfort all who mourn". Jesus provides us our true calling of sharing in the everlasting covenant of love that God shares with all of humanity and thus we must as a foundation make this visible and present to our students.

In the gospel of Luke we are reminded that in order to live a truly humble life, we must always know who we are and never extend far beyond what we are capable of and to always act within our limits. We are told in our faith that God reveals his secrets to the humble, therefore let us be humble so that we can mirror Jesus' true wisdom and loving spirit.

Finally, St. Paul reminds us, especially in his work in Corinth where the church was new or not yet existing- he says; "that those who build on the foundation must take care how they do so. It is not a matter of putting into the building just whatever one wants. Sometimes the builder's poor work is responsible for the fall of the building. One must be careful to build properly -- i.e. to teach the truth and do so diligently." (2 Tim. 4:2-5).  What is the truth that Paul speaks of?  What is this foundation?  It is Jesus Christ.  St. Paul states without possible equivocation, that there can be no other foundation. Not the Pope, the hierarchical make-up, the laws of the Church, but rather Jesus. This is the foundation upon which we must teach our students, relate to one another, and build upon beginning today and into the future.   By doing this though, this does not guarantee that the school/ our community will not be tested or encounter numerous temptations and hardships. Some will accept it, some will not.  Ssome will flourish, others will fall, but we take comfort in knowing that if we are diligent in our work of teaching, then our good works will not be done in vain, rather become firmly entrenched in our community.

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Angelo Minardi, Chaplain

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Thursday September 16, 2010

A reflection on our Opening School Liturgy

When we gather for Mass, have you ever asked yourself; “Why are we here? Why is it that we are gathering as a community? Who are we here with?"  These are questions that are quite often for Catholics taken for granted, that is, it is in many ways unimaginable to accept the fact and reality that we are here to meet God and to share in His divinity and to ultimately eat of his body. Yet every day Catholics around the world gather with joy and gratitude to worship and we sing and pray and praise Jesus with our whole hearts, our minds focused only on Him. 

But it wasn’t like that this morning or was it? Like me, I was preoccupied with setting up the Mass, preparing the altar, making sure the bread and wince was set-up, etc. How about you? Were you talking with the person next to you or behind you? Perhaps you were maybe even staring blankly at the floor or the wall…smiling or waving at someone a few rows away…shuffling along as though you just didn't care for much of the morning?  

I know I am guilty of pretty much everything I just asked you when I am at Mass- paying attention to my daughter, keeping her interested in something i.e. reading a book, giving her a snack, I feel tired. I think of my day ahead, my schedule, chores around the house, etc.  Yet in all of this, Jesus is whispering to me, wanting my full attention, wanting the full attention of everyone gathered. He continuously touches our hearts wanting very much just to be noticed. It is the truth. Jesus does not want to use us or take advantage of us, he simply wants us to know that he loves us unconditionally and he wants all we have right here right now. If we try to reason all of this I think our minds are probably not capable to process this reality, but our hearts, our souls, the silent voice of truth that resides in each of every one of us that is where Jesus is calling us today. 

Can you imagine what would happen if we would only listen and believe?

Let us therefore ask the Holy Spirit to penetrate our hearts with the belief that we are loved and that it is in this community gathering that Jesus calls us to renewal and conversion of heart and mind.  Amen.   

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Angelo Minardi, Chaplain

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Thursday October 14, 2010

On August 5, 2010, a mine caved in on 33 Chilean workers. They were all initially believed to be dead but rescue teams found the men 17 days after the collapse with a hole the was drilled below the earth's surface that was the size of a grapefruit.  This tiny hole then became the vehicle that provided daily to the workers hydration gels, water and food to keep them alive during the time it would take to determine how, if even possible, to get them out of a 2000 foot hole. 

Their story of survival captured global attention. Some 1,500 journalists were at the mine to report on the rescue operation, which was broadcast live around the world, including dramatic live images of the miners hugging rescuers who traveled down the shaft to their refuge deep in the mine.

In an extraordinary and never seen before manner, all of Chile's 33 trapped miners were rescued as well as the 6 rescue workers who risked their very own lives to go down into the mine in order to help free the workers. This is a story of survival and the human desire and will to survive at all costs and to never give up. Many called this a miracle, nothing short and nothing less. In fact, one of the workers mentioned to everyone when he was rescued that "while he was down in the mine both God and the devil were there with him and the others. A fight broke out between God and the devil and God won. God then took him by the hand, along with the other miners and brought them to the very spot where a hole was drilled big enough to rescue them". At that moment, all workers were assured of their survival because God was with them. 

Celebrations erupted across the country accompanied by many tears of joy. Chilean flags were everywhere, including in the metal shaft that brought up the miners and chants of the Chilean national anthem could be heard throughout the whole rescue ordeal and throughout the night. 

As a community of faith, let us work towards and follow the example of the faith of these 33 Chilean men as well as the Chilean people. Let us be assured of our faith and trust in a God who saves and who is truly alive and among us. Let me remind you that God chose us, we did not choose him and as evident in Chile, God is present and full of mercy and compassion towards all people, but most especially he reminds us of His everlasting and unceasing covenant with the oppressed, the poor, those with no or little dignity and all workers. May God bless Chile and all of us as we continue to journey in both faith and hope for a world where good, love, and joy reign. Amen. 

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Angelo Minardi, Chaplain

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Monday November 1, 2010

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July 13, 2011

Good evening everyone.  By now most of you know that I will be on an unpaid leave of absence effective September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012.  The reason for this is quite simple.  Both my wife and I have decided to raise our children on our own.  This will include having one of us home over the next few years, but the 3 years so far have been everything we imagined and more.  It has truly been a gift for both my wife and I to be able to have this opportunity to raise our children.  I want to extend my best wishes and prayers to all staff and students at CA as they continue to build upon the foundation laid in the first 2 years and grow towards building tradtions also.  May God protect you, bless you, and grant you the continued wisdom and courage to proclaim to all who enter the school doors of CA that Jesus is Lord.  Amen. 

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Mr. Minardi, Chaplain

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August 28, 2011

This morning I was informed by the Archdiocese of Toronto and a family member of Cardinal Ambrozic of the passing late last night of His Eminence Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic.  Having been provided the gift of opening the doors to Cardinal Ambrozic Catholic Secondary School in Brampton back in September 2009 has allowed our school to inform ourselves more deeply on the life of Cardinal Ambrozic.  A man of poignant words and character.  Not afraid to speak about the issues that were in the minds of many and that triggered a passionate response by many in society at large and within the Catholic Church community.  Although his physical presence was at times daunting and maybe even intimidating, he was very gentle and soft spoken.  He had a keen interest in the needs of the poor and refugees.  He was a man of justice and of the Lord.  A faithful servant of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Toronto and the Holy See.  He will be forever remembered in our hearts and prayers. 

Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.  And let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace.  Amen.   

Celebrating Youth in Christ,

Mr. Minardi, Chaplain

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