St. Mike’s Lunar New Year celebrations gave students a taste of home. The festivities were organized by St. Mike’s Student Union’s International Outreach Committee and the Office of Campus Ministry and held in the COOP on January 30.
The event brought together those whose traditions include those marking the Lunar New Year while introducing those less familiar with the occasion to the rich cultural celebrations. The experienced and less experienced alike were invited to try Chinese Mongolian calligraphy; Chinese paper cutting; dumpling making; and Jianzi, a traditional Chinese sport similar to hacky sack but instead of a ball uses a weighted shuttlecock.
“Today’s been really nice because I feel like it’s a networking event where you can get to know people from similar cultures,” says Vanecia Lai, a first-year humanities student. She practiced her calligraphy by writing academics, hoping it would bring her fortune in this area in the coming year, while Emrys Chang, a first-year humanities student, wrote puns related to the year of the snake.
“I’m still getting used to life in Canada and today made me feel like I’m back home,” says Sherry Yang, a first-year humanities student who’s celebrating in Canada for the first time. She enjoyed making dumplings because it reminded her of being with family when they would make dumplings together to eat at family reunions.
For Valeria Velazquez, a first-year economics student, writing calligraphy took her back to her childhood when she and her grandfather, who was Chinese, would practice calligraphy in Mexico. “This reminds me of him in a really good way, but we stopped his traditions once he passed away,” she said. “It’s been nice to connect with other people that have similar backgrounds,” she says.
Dia Bulgankhangai is a first-year international student from Mongolia and, as a member of the International Student Union, she helped plan the event. “I was surprised to find out that Mongolia wasn’t the only country that celebrated the Lunar New Year. It’s been very nice getting to know more about Chinese culture and seeing the differences between my culture and Chinese culture. We celebrate quite differently, but we still share some of the same traditions: we have a meal, we see our family and we play games,” she says.
The festivities moved outdoors where participants received a red envelope to wish them good luck and prosperity in the new year and watched a traditional lion dance performed by dancers from the Wushu Project.
“U of T is a big school, and SMC is a big college too, so it’s very easy to feel left out, especially as an international student. I felt welcomed by the SMC community today,” says Dia.
Whether you’re missing your own family traditions or want to learn more about one of the largest cultural practices in Southeast Asia, St. Michael’s students are invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year on campus. The festivities, organized by the St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU) and Office of Campus Ministry, will take place on Thursday, January 30 from 3 – 5 p.m. in the COOP.
“I hope that students who are celebrating Lunar New Year, as well as those who may be less familiar with the traditions, can come together to learn more about a rich culture,” says the event’s organizer, Candy Hua. “My vision for these celebrations is to foster cultural understanding and exchange, welcoming all members of the community to participate and appreciate the diversity that enriches our campus. By engaging in this celebration, I hope we can strengthen ties among students, promote mutual respect, and create lasting memories that celebrate our shared experiences and values.”
Candy is a third-year political science and history student and is an Interfaith Campus Minister and member of the SMCSU’s Spiritual Life Committee. She knows the role of upholding traditions can play in maintaining one’s identity and making them feel at home.
“I recall during my first year in 2022, I was in my dorm at Loretto, watching the celebrations and the lion dance from my window overlooking Brennan Hall. At that time, I hadn’t yet fully come out of my shell, but witnessing the vibrant festivities inspired me to get more involved in the community. This motivation drives me now as I take on the responsibility of organizing this event, eager to contribute to something that brings joy and unity to our campus,” she says.
As part of the celebrations, there will be a lion dance at 4:30 p.m. The lion dance is a vibrant and traditional performance integral to East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures, particularly during celebrations like the Lunar New Year, weddings, birthdays, and grand openings. Characterized by its dynamic movements and elaborate costumes, the dance features two performers who mimic a lion’s behavior, accompanied by rhythmic drumming and traditional instruments. Symbolizing strength, good luck, and the dispelling of evil spirits, the lion dance serves both a celebratory and ritualistic role, inviting prosperity and positivity into homes and businesses.
St. Michael’s festivities will also include a range of cultural and hands-on activities to engage and immerse participants in the Lunar New Year festivities by expressing their creativity and learning about traditional art forms.
Featured activities include:
Chinese Mongolian Calligraphy: This art form allows participants to delve into the beauty of written Chinese characters. By learning calligraphy, attendees not only grasp the techniques of brush strokes but also connect to an ancient tradition that embodies cultural heritage and history. This mindful activity encourages creativity while fostering appreciation for the nuances of the Chinese language.
Chinese Paper Cutting: As a cherished folk art, paper cutting is often adorned with intricate designs symbolizing good fortune and happiness, particularly during the Lunar New Year. This activity presents an opportunity to explore the cultural significance of various motifs while promoting patience and dexterity. Participants will not only create beautiful artworks but also gain insights into the rich traditions that accompany these vibrant celebrations.
Dumpling Making: Dumplings are synonymous with Lunar New Year festivities, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. During this hands-on activity, participants will not only learn how to make these delicious treats, but also appreciate the communal aspect of food during celebrations. This experience highlights the importance of family gatherings in Asian culture and fosters teamwork while creating a tasty connection among participants.
Ping Pong / Jianzi: Incorporating physical activities add an element of fun and social interaction to the event. Jianzi is a traditional Chinese sport where players try to keep a weighted shuttlecock in the air by kicking it and both sports are popular during Lunar New Year celebrations. These games enhance camaraderie and create a lively atmosphere, making the celebration enjoyable for everyone involved.
And spoiler: everyone who attends will receive a red envelope with a surprise inside. This traditional gift symbolizes good luck and prosperity, making it a meaningful token for participants.
Gong hei fat choi!
A deep desire to write and share music brought together students, teachers and liturgical musicians to the Sacred Music Workshop hosted by St. Michael’s College and Emmanuel College on November 30.
Bringing a range musical experience and songwriting styles more than 40 participants gathered in Charbonnel Lounge for a glimpse into the hymn writing process. The workshop was facilitated by Kate Williams of GIA Publications and included a hymn writing session followed by a choral reading. “GIA Publications publishes sacred music with a number of new titles every year. We offer these sessions to introduce our new music. By offering these workshops, the music comes off the page so participants can have an experiential encounter rather than just seeing it on a piece of paper,” said Kate.
As a part of the workshop, participants were invited to submit a text and tune in advance. Each of the submitted works was sung with accompaniment and participants were invited to offer their constructive feedback. The composers introduced their pieces and spoke about their inspirations that ranged from creation and personal experiences to people and Biblical texts.
Aisinn Nowelle graduated from Emmanuel College and has had a piece published previously by GIA Publications. She submitted a new piece titled ‘God is my Shepherd’, dedicated to her pastor in celebration of his retirement, to be workshopped at the session.
“Hymns formed the base of songs that I grew up with and now I feel that with more contemporary songs being written, there’s fewer hymns being written for today’s context. I think it’s nice to have songs that sound like hymns but are fresh and accessible,” she says.
Jim Kuhn is a self-taught songwriter and has been writing songs for his congregation since the 1970s. He came to the workshop to get an outside perspective on his work.
“It’s a bit of a challenge presenting in front of people who have way more music theory knowledge than I do. I wanted to come to figure out if what I’m writing has any relevance. I decided to take the opportunity to get some feedback and see if I’m at least going in the right direction,” he says.
For Jenna Smith, who submitted her piece titled ‘Gently Lead Us’, it was her first time sharing a piece widely.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard this piece live and it was exciting. I’ve learned some things and I’m going to tweak some things for the future, but the experience was very educational and fun,” she says.
Rob Cretney submitted his hymn titled ‘I Am’. Having grown up in a Christian family, he was familiar with hymns, but this was his first time writing one. He is in his final year studying music at Wilfred Laurier University and interested in learning more about the programs at St. Michael’s.
“I’m at the stage where I’m just taking as much feedback as I can and it was super helpful,” he says.
Kate enjoys leading the workshops at St. Michael’s and thanks Christina Labriola, Sonal Castelino and the Campus Ministry team for the hospitality they show GIA Publications each year. “Charbonnel Lounge is the perfect space for this gathering, and I jump at the chance to make some really good music together and get to know everyone in a warm and comfortable setting,” she says.
A day of service brought 90 high school students to St. Mike’s campus to gain an understanding of what it truly means to serve. Grade 11 and 12 students from nine high schools in the Toronto Catholic District School Board answered the call to be a part of the ‘A Catholic Call to Service’. The day, led by the St. Michael’s Campus Ministry team, was designed to show high school students how small acts of service can make a big difference.
“The stops at the Timothy Schultz pieces provided a nice opportunity to reflect on what we’re doing here today,” said Lisa Malcolm, who organized the day through her work at the Catholic Teachers’ Centre at the school board’s Nurturing Our Catholic Communities.
“We had a good response to Let the Oppressed Go Free because there are lot of details that the students were pulling out like a child bride or a child holding a gun. At one point we asked the group, ‘Where are they pointing to?’ And one of the teachers said, ‘Well the government buildings are right there. They are kind of reaching to the government buildings.’ That was interesting for me as it’s like the work is asking ‘What can the government do about these issues?'” said Lydia Dillenbeck, a campus ministry volunteer who is going into her third year with a double major in music and sociology.
The high school students also assembled sandwiches that were packed into paper bags to be distributed to those in need.
“Something I was reflecting on today as I saw teenagers volunteer to come out today was that this wasn’t something I did in high school. Now being in university and being more involved, I’m seeing the value in it. It’s inspiring that these students see the value so early,” said Bridget Bowles, who will be entering her third year and majoring in English with minors in Christianity & Culture and Mediaeval Studies
This week promises the arrival of some very special guests to campus as the University of St. Michael’s College prepares to co-host the Canadian Catholic Campus Ministry (CCCM) conference.
The event—Come Together—will see more than 30 campus ministers from 20 campuses across Canada gather at St. Michael’s from Tues. June 7 to Fri. June 10. It offers participants the chance to have extended discussions with colleagues and other experts on best practices and how to respond to the pastoral issues seen in campus ministry offices across the country.
“I am delighted to be working with my colleagues from across the country on this conference,” says Sonal Castelino, XMCJ, who assumed her post as St. Michael’s Director of Campus Ministry in August of last year. “It is a great opportunity to gather together to reflect, share experiences, and concerns, with each other, in a spirit of trust rooted in prayer, all designed to benefit the students we serve.”
This year’s conference includes workshops by Fr. Philip Shano, SJ, on how to accompany students who identify as LGBTQ+, Elder Dr. Bob Philips on journeying with Indigenous peoples and spiritualities in Canada, Deacon Jim Panchaud on walking with students struggling with mental health, and Sr. Laurence Loubieres, XMJC, on polarization in the universal church.
Digital mindfulness expert and author Christina Crook will facilitate a day on ministering in changing mediums, while Sr. Gill Goulding, CJ, will deliver this year’s Sherlock Lecture. The talk, which is entitled Being a Listening Church: Beyond the Synod on Synodality, is open to the public at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 at 7 p.m. in Rm 400 of Alumni Hall. Sr. Gill will share her thoughts and experiences of the synodal process thus fair, as well as offering some suggestions on how to be a synodal church today. Sr. Gill is a professor of systematic theology at Regis College in Toronto and serves on the theological commission for the synod on new evangelism and synod on synodality.
“I am looking forward to a productive and inspiring week,” says Castelino. “On a personal note, this is a wonderful way to cap off my first year at St. Mike’s.”
August 18, 2021
The University of St. Michael’s College is pleased to announce that Sonal Castelino has been appointed the University’s new Director of Campus Ministry. Castelino began her duties remotely from France in mid-August, and will arrive on campus for the start of the fall semester.
“Sonal is a perfect fit for St. Michael’s as we continue to revitalize our Campus Ministry to reach out to the needs of all students, faculty, staff and alumni,” says University President David Sylvester. “She appreciates how important a time the university years are for spiritual development and she is keen to offer her support and guidance to students of all faiths as they encounter life’s big questions. Though her work will be on the front lines (look for her new office next to the COOP), Sonal will also be a member of the senior leadership team of St. Mike’s, helping to move our community forward on the strategic initiatives identified in St. Mike’s 180. We are delighted she will be working with us.”
It was while a commerce student at the University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus that Castelino first became involved in campus ministry, asking questions about her Catholic faith. As her questions and desire to grow deeper in her faith increased, she enrolled in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at Regis College, also earning a certificate in pastoral competence.
After graduation, she worked at the Newman Centre as Associate Director of Formation, where her duties included creating the Faith and Reason Lecture series and developing a Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult (RCIA) program. The experience helped her establish key connections, including the Archdiocese of Toronto and Canadian Catholic Campus Ministry.
More recently, Castelino worked as the Recruiter and Student Life Coordinator at Regis College, where she created a mentorship program, helped with campus visits, worked with students to form reading groups, and co-handled the College’s social media platforms. She also served as co-Chair of the board of the Jesuit Volunteers. She recently completed her first vows with La Xavière Missionnaire du Christ Jésus.
Describing herself as a “relational” person with an open-door policy, Castelino is keen to work with students who are making the transition from an adolescent approach to faith to a more mature adult faith.
“The university experience is a human experience. I want to create a space where people can name their needs,” she explains. “The experience of encounter is important in my life, and I want to create a space that is inclusive rather than exclusive.”
Castelino envisions many ways to make this happen, ranging from working with MDiv students who are engaged in field placements to broaden the scope of Campus Ministry and earn the practical experience they need for their degrees, to arranging a lecture series based on a dialogue between disciplines, in keeping with St. Michael’s commitment to innovative interdisciplinary academic programming.
Fr. Morgan Rice, CSB, pastor of St. Basil’s Parish and a member of the search committee that selected Castelino, notes that “St. Mike’s has been blessed with contributions from members of various religious communities throughout its long history. Having recently made first vows with La Xavière Missionnaire du Christ Jésus’ Sonal will bring her particular experience of community life and prayer as well as her community’s charism into her ministry at St. Mike’s. I look forward to seeing how the community life of students, faculty, and staff will be enriched as a result.”
Campus Ministry programming at St. Michael’s is funded, in part, by endowments established by the Basilian Fathers of the University of St. Michael’s College and the McGovern family, and by generous donations from alumni and friends.
Good morning everyone and Happy New Year.
I have some great and exciting news to report. We have confirmed the sponsorship of a Syrian family. They are from Lebanon and include a mother, father and 14 year old son. Prior to the Christmas break, I met with officials at the Office of Refugees in the Archdiocese of Toronto, and I am currently in the process of providing the office final documents and paperwork. It has been confirmed that we can receive the family here at St. Mike’s no sooner than next September and most probably no later than next January 2018.
In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with the Syrian Refugee Committee which includes staff, faculty and students from USMC, both graduate and undergraduate divisions, and will at that time review with the members further details about the family regarding their refugee status, their education, family history, personal considerations, etc.
Finally, as we continue to receive more information on their arrival, we will certainly forward it to you. In the meantime, I ask that you kindly and generously include in your daily prayers our family and their safe travels and arrival in the coming year.
Again, thank-you for your continued support and enthusiasm regarding our Syrian Family Sponsorship.
Angelo Minardi,
Director of Campus Ministry