CFSU(E) -
Specialists - Chaplain
SHAPE
CFPO 5048 7010 Casteau, Belgium
International Pilgrimage to Lourdes 20 - 24 May 2010
General Welcome Message
Charities and Donations
Recommended Reading Books
Religious Services, Education and Programs
Social Services
The chaplains in Europe cover three major geographic areas where Canadian Forces member, working with NATO or in exchange positions, work and live with their families. These areas are the United Kingdom (link); South and Western Europe (France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal) (Home) and North and Eastern Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Turkey) (link). Please feel free to browse each of these pages to learn more about who we are and what programs are available that might assist you in your spiritual journey or what referrals we can make so that you may have life in abundance.
The SHAPE based chaplain serves the Canadian community in Belgium, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain. With such a geographically vast area there is a huge reliance on you, the CF members and family members of CF personnel, to contact her should you desire her services. Various agencies below may also be able to assist you where ever you are posted. May your posting in Europe be filled with God's richest blessings and may your eyes be opened to see and appreciate them all!
Charities and Donations
If you wish to make a tax deductible donation back to Canada then one way to do this would be through the Canadian chaplains. Donations can be made through Roman Catholic or the Protestant chapel communities - Ottawa (NDHQ) and Trenton respectively - who handle donations that come in from Europe and provide the tax receipts at the end of the year.
Your money goes to the following worthwhile projects:
Wider Mission Partners -
Wider Missions refers to the procedure through which our Protestant chapels participate together in mission work throughout Canada and around the world. These are the projects that have received the endorsement of the Protestant Chapel Stewardship Committee for 2003 and, combined with local mission projects chosen by individual chapels, provide the framework for our chapel families to proclaim God’s presence and love in tangible ways. These projects are managed by the CF Chapels via the Stewardship Conference held in Ottawa each year. The Stewardship Committee is comprised of the Principal Chaplain (P), chaplains representing each of the denominations and lay members from a select number of chapels. At each annual meeting, reports are received from the charities/mission partners and decisions are made to amend or accept the projects that will be supported. It is then left up to each chapel to decide to what level each of our communities will support each of these charities.
CHURCH MISSIONSMonies allocated to Church Missions are divided among denominations who have sponsored chaplains of their denominations to serve in the Regular Forces. The donations are divided among the churches based on the percentage of membership in the CF. During 2002, the goal was to have donations be divided with 38% going to the Anglican Church, 36% to the United Church, 6% to Presbyterians, 5% to the Lutherans, 5% to the Baptists, and 10% to the Other Protestant Denominations. These national churches would then direct the funds as they required. In 2001 the CF Protestant chapels donated $11,315.28 in this way.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity is an independent, non-profit Christian housing program dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing by building homes in partnership with families in need. Homeowners contribute hundreds of hours of “sweat equity’ to the construction and then repay a long term no interest mortgage. In 2001 the CF Protestant chapels donated $4,761.97 in support of this ministry.
THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
The Emergency Relief Fund provides resources for the Chaplain General to assist others around the world in times of tragedy. Support is normally provided through the international ecumenical agency, Action by Churches Together. In 2001 the CF Protestant chapels donated $16,161.06, and $20,000 was forwarded to assist the USA Red Cross after 9/11 ($5K), and earthquake victims in El Salvador ($5K) and India ($10K).
CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND
This “wider” mission fund is actually an in house fund for CF chapels. It is used to support Christian development. For example it has been used to help fund travel for Guild members, and offset costs of Vacation Bible Schools. Chapels can apply for assistance to help to fund unique Christian development ventures, or send laity to conferences and workshops of benefit to the community. In 2001 the CF Protestant chapels donated $5,353.20 in this way, and $2065.00 was used to aid our chapel communities.
CANADIAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
The Canadian Council of Churches is the “United Nations” of the Christian faith in Canada. They are an administrative group that helps churches sort out the problems of ecumenism and work together. They sponsor events like the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and have oversight of inter-church ministries such as prison ministry and military chaplaincy. In 2001 the CF Protestant chapels donated $8,763.19 to the Canadian Council of Churches.
THE ATLANTIC MINISTRY OF THE DEAF
The Atlantic Ministry of the Deaf is a small ministry based in Halifax providing resources, including worship services and summer camp for deaf persons in eastern Canada. This ministry also produces baptism and confirmation material for deaf persons, provides counseling and assists as an advocate for the hearing impaired in dealings with governments and other agencies. In 2001 our chapels donated $7,631.19 in this way.
VELLORE/LUDHIANIA
The Vellore-Ludhiana Christian teaching hospitals are located in India, Vellore in the south and Ludhiana in the Punjab. Support is provided to assist in the work of these hospitals, especially in support of Mobile Clinics that serve the rural communities in the region. Chapels and particularly the Chapel Guilds have long supported this work. In 2001 the CF Protestant chapels donated $10,709.19 to these hospitals.
OPERATON EYESIGHT UNIVERSAL
Operation Eyesight Universal (OEU) operates literally to restore the eyesight of children and adults. It is primarily active in the Indian subcontinent. Each operation funded by our chapels is recorded on a card which is returned to the chapels. OEU also teaches young mothers to grow small gardens that will provide the vitamins necessary for healthy optical development. In 2001CF Chapels helped 700 to have sight restored through a donation of $ 14,314.69.
THE CANADIAN BIBLE SOCIETY
This group is very well known in Canada. The Canadian Bible Society (CBS) donates bibles through many agencies in Canada. Every soldier going through recruit school is issued a bible from the CBS. Every soldier heading off to Bosnia was offered a New Testament and Psalms. Gospels are readily made available at Cadet Camps each summer. The CBS also works in translation of the bible into many of the world’s languages. In 2001 the CF Protestant chapels donated $7,705.69 to this work.
The Stephen Lewis Foundation for HIV/Aids
The Stephen Lewis Foundation helps to ease the pain of HIV/AIDS in Africa at the grassroots level. It provides care to women who are ill and struggling to survive; assists orphans and other AIDS affected children; supports heroic grandmothers who almost single-handedly care for their orphaned grandchildren; and supports associations and people living with HIV/AIDS
Many very worthwhile Roman Catholic contributions are either pre-set by Rome or part of a yearly budget (see list below).
As well the Military Bishop, Bishop Donald Thériault, makes special donations as crises occur in our world. In recent years tens of thousands were given for Tsunami relief, New Orleans Hurricane relief, Earthquake relief in many countries etc
Regular contributions
- Development & Peace
- Pope's Pastoral works.
- Evangelization of Nations
- Needs of the Canadian Church
- Holy Land
- St-Martin of Tours Fund
- Student assistance fund
- Yearly contribution to The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Contributions to The Ontario Catholic Bishops
- Contributions to The Quebec Catholic Bishops
- The Vocation fund
The Chapters-Indigo site and the Novalis site have countless books on grief, religion, spirituality, parenting... in both English and French. Enjoy!
What follows is a long list of books on grief and life beyond this life. Grief is such an important topic and one that will touch us all in some way in our life time. Some books are religious. Some are more secular. Some are Christian, some Buddhist, others might be considered 'new age'. I have read some but not most.
www.chapters.indigo.ca 
www.novalis.ca
You can go to the chapters site for descriptions and to order books. Also Chapters has over a thousand hits when you type in the word "grief".
Prier au temps de deuilGoupe Fleurus, Editions du Chalet, Paris
ISBN 2-7023-0517-2
My Friend is Dying: Prayers and Reflections
Mary E. Latela
Ligouri Publications
ISBN 0-89243-517-8
When Your Spouse Dies: A Concise and Practical Sourse of Help and Advice
Cathleen L. Curry
Ave Maria Press
ISBN 0-87793-416-9
Grandir: Aimer, perdre et grandir
Jean Monbourquette
ISBN: 2890886549
Coping When Your Spouse Dies
Medard Laz
Liguori Publications
ISBN 0-7648-0226-7
Life After Loss
Raymond Moody Jr and Dianne Arcangel
ISBN: 0-0625-1730-9
Mars and Venus Starting Over
John Gray
ISBN: 0-0609-3027-6
When God Winks
Squire Rushnell
ISBN: 074367078
The Holy Bible
Any edition/translation
We Don't Die
George Anderson
ISBN: 0425114511
The Power of Now
Eckhart Tolle
ISBN: 0968236405
A New Earth
Eckhart Tolle
ISBN: 0525948023
Freedom from the Known
J. Krishnamurti
ISBN: 0060648082
Total Freedom
J. Krishnamurti
ISBN: 0060648805
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
Sogyal Rinpoche
ISBN: 0062508342
Advice on Dying and Living Better
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
ISBN: 0743463021
Daily Advice from the Heart
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
ISBN: 000714797X
Beyond Belief, the Secret Gospels of Thomas
Elaine Pagels
ISBN: 0375501568
A New Christianity For A New World
John Shelby Spong
ISBN: 0060670630
Soul Traveller
Albert Taylor
ISBN: 0525944478
All There Is
Tony Parsons
ISBN: 0953303225
Religion/Spirituality
Find below a small list of useful books on Religion and Spituality. Book store sites have an inexhaustible number of books under these topics. Enjoy!
Trop tard?: L'avenir de l'Église d'ici
Normand Provencher
Novalis
ISBN: 2-89507-347-3
Comment Pardonner? : Pardonner pour guérir, guérir pour pardonner
Jean Monbourquette
Novalis/Bayard
ISBN: 2-89507-145-4 (Novalis)
ISBN: 2-22743-905-X (Bayard Éditions)
The Battle for God: A History of Fundamentalism
Karen Armstrong
ISBN: 0345391691
Questions de Vie: le livre de la vie Chrétienne des jeunes
Droguet & Ardant
ISBN: 2914580126
The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories
Zonder kidz
ISBN: 0310926106
In Search of Belief
Joan Chittister
0764803379
God Knows Marriage Isn't Always Easy:12 Ways to Add Zest
Maureen Rogers Law and Lanny Law
ISBN: 1893732290
Religious Services, Education, and Programs
French Religious Services
French language services, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox etc are available throughout Belgium. If a church that suits your needs is not available in your neighbourhood it is usually as easy to find as googling the key words. Seek and you shall find...the spiritual nourishment we all need.
English Religious Services
The SHAPE chapel is active and offers a great variety of Christian English language Sunday services:
Roman Catholic Eucharist at 0900 (with child care for children 0-3 yrs and "children's liturgy" for children 3-6 years)
Anglican Eucharist at 1015
Protestant Evangelical Service at 1130
Religious Services Beyond Belgium
In many other countries (Italy, Spain, France and Portugal), English language church services may be available within the Ex Pat communities or on local American Bases. If you are having problems locating these please contact me at mackinnon.cc@forces.gc.ca and I will see if I can get more information for you.
SHAPE Chapel Programmes
RC Sacramental Preparation (Children and adults)
For information on English language Roman Catholic sacramental preparation such as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) for adults wishing to become Roman Catholic or wishing to complete their sacraments in the Church there will be an RCIA program starting this Fall run out of the SHAPE chapel. Contact Ms Caroline Charron at X 6019 AND contact Padre MacKinnon at 6030 (or +32 (0) 65 44 6030).
For information on English language sacramental preparation for children i.e. First communion, First Penance, and Confirmation classes, please contact the RC chapel office at 5606 or talk with the RC priest on Sundays after the 0900 Eucharist.
Information on French language preparations can be obtained from your local church.
Groups and Programs
An Anglican Ladies Fellowship Group meets most Mondays from 1330 - 1530hrs in the Chapel Centre Annex.
ALPHA course: Alpha (a word taken from the first letter of the Greek alphabet and symbolically representing Christ who is our beginning and our end - Omega) is a light hearted approach to informing people about the Christian Faith. This 10 week program combines fellowship over a meal, information, and discussions making for a most enjoyable learning experience. An ALPHA program is planned for early November and will be run out of the Anglican chapel office at SHAPE. For more information please contact Ms Nikki Paterson at SHAPE local 5693 or by calling +32 (0) 65 44 5693.
Protestant Ladies of the Chapel (PWOC) meet on Thursday mornings from 0930-1200 for Bible study, fellowship, friendship, and goodies. All women are welcome.
Protestant Men of the Chapel (PMOC) meet for breakfast, encouragement, fellowship and spiritual growth on Tuesday mornings at 0630.
The Adult Praise Choir meet on Thursdays at 1800hrs. Singers and instrumentalists welcome.
The Children's Choir meet Thursday at 1530. Bring your voice and come have some fun in song.
Club Beyond is an ecumenical program offering a dynamic way for youth to come together, grow in faith, have fun, and minister to those in need. Last year 'Club Beyond' members went to Poland to perform various service projects such as house and playground repairs for families in need. For more info check out the Web site www.mcym.org or contact the Protestant chapel secretary at SHAPE local 6006 (or +32 65 (0) 44 6066).
Sunday School (Protestant) start date is 10 Sept 2006 for children aged 4 to teens ages 17. It runs from 1000 to 11000 hrs each Sunday. Contact Jennifer Headley through the Protestant chapel office at 6066.
Roman Catholic Religious Education and Sacramental preparation for children from pre-school through high school from 1030-1130 each Sunday after Mass. Contact the RC chapel secretary at 6019 (or +32 65 (0) 44 6019).
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a week of fun for children during the summer months. This is a variation on other summer camps in that it includes Bible stories and songs of praise. This summer the camp is scheduled to run from 29 July to 3 Aug. For more information or to confirm these dates please contact the chapel secretaries at 6019 or 6066.
Social Services : SHAPE-Based
Alcoholics Anonymous
Meetings are held at the SHAPE chapel on:
Tuesdays at 1200 (open mtg)
Wednesdays at 1900 (closed mtg)
Fridays at 1930 (closed mtg)
Sundays at 1900 (open mtg)
Social workers and counsellors (SHAPE) (English language and bilingual)
Ms Sandra Ward - Family Advocacy program counsellor 5007
Ms Stacey Ezekwe - Marriage and family therapists: 5640
Mr John Paul Blanchard - Chief of Social work services: 5639
Mrs Louise Kelley (Bilingual) Adolescent alcohol and substance abuse counsellor: 6048
Social Services : Belgium-Based
Family Life Consultants - a non accredited English speaking group of counsellors who serve the SHAPE and Brussels area.
at SHAPE (0)497 40 4482
at Chièvres (0)498 76 9096
at NATO (0) 497 65 3738
Social Services : Belgium and Beyond
Canadian Social Worker
Capt Bernard Pépin (bilingual)
at +49-2451-993405
or for local referrals call the Cnd medical clinic at 5959
Pastoral Care, Emergency Care and Referrals
Padre Catherine MacKinnon (Bilingual)
Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal
+32 (0) 65 44 6030
Padre Jim Hardwick (English)
Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Turkey
+49 (0) 2451-63 2229
Padre Maude Parsons-Hörst (English)
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1494-79 5781
Member Assistance Program
(MAP) 00 800 268 77088
or collect at (613) 941-5842
Below is a list of counsellors that MAP have on their network overseas. Note that if counselling services are requested in an area where they do not have a counsellor, MAP will either seek out a counsellor in the area that suits the need of the case and/or provide telephone counselling to the individual.
1. Female Counsellor (Phd – Psy)
Languages : English, French
Brussels, Belgium
Individual, couple and family counselling
2. Female Counsellor (MA Psy)
Languages: English, French
10 minutes from Shape, Belgium
Individual, family counselling, marital, working with children, child abuse, and mediation
3. Male Counsellor (Phd –Psy)
Utrecht, Netherlands and Casteau Belgium
Language: English
Individual child, adolescent, adult, family and marital psychotherapy, psychodiagnostic evaluations, drug abuse, and clinical supervision
4. Female Counsellor (B.A.S.M.T. Accred.)
Cumbria, England and Lancaster, England
Language: English
Individual, couple and family counselling, relationship and sexuality issues, personnal growth and development, support group for women, post abortion counselling, bereavement and loss
5. Female Counsellor (MSW)
Swindon, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Language: English
Individual, Couple, family, group and career counselling, parenting, critical incident debriefing, depression, anxiety related problems, eating disorders, relationships, career and personal development issues, post traumatic stress, school related problems, abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual), and transitions
6. Male Counsellor
Ulverston, Cumbria, Barrow Inverness, England
Language: English
Individual, couple and family counselling
7. Female Counsellor
Ulverston, Cumbria, Barrow Inverness, England
Language: English
Individual, couple and family counselling
8. Female Counsellor (M Psy)
Cumbria, England
Language: English
Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) addictions, anger management, anxiety, burnout, career, adult, couples, elderly, family, parental, and crisis counselling
9. Female Counsellor (MSW) Am Fahrenbuel, Germany
Language: English Abuse, addictions, sexual counselling, children, family, marital, and violence counselling
