Chemin Neuf seeks new path in St. Boniface

By Lynda G. Pisa

ST. BONIFACE — On April 12 an information session was hosted by Ted and Nancy Wood at the bishop’s residence of the Archdiocese of St. Boniface. The Woods, former pastoral workers in St. Boniface, have returned to Winnipeg to promote the work of Chemin Neuf — new path — a Roman Catholic community with a passion for ecumenism and faith formation. They first learned about the ministry in 2005 and felt drawn to England to explore life with the community. They became members in 2009, pledging a three-year commitment.

Influenced by the charismatic renewal and the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola, the first Chemin Neuf community grew out of a prayer group in Lyons, France in 1973. From the beginning, Chemin Neuf was made up of people from several Christian denominations seeking to fulfil Jesus’ prayer that “they all be one” (Jn 17:21). The charism of Chemin Neuf is the unity of humanity and the church. It invites Christian women, men, couples, families, singles, consecrated celibates and priests, to work for unity in Christ, between races and cultures, rich and poor.

Members may choose a common life, where they live in a communal household or in a neighbourhourhood fraternity where members live in their own homes, sharing a daily life of work and prayer. Their apostolic activities are based on the spiritual life, mission and service. The charism of the community is matched to the needs of the local church. Members are trained for mission and sustained by ongoing formation and renewal.

There are communities in 25 countries across Europe, Canada and Africa. At present, there are over 1,500 members of all ages, races and cultures living together “to bring the good news of the resurrection to humankind. The community’s activities support local parishes and priests in practical ways, including parish work, family pastoral care and student chaplaincy. They also guide couples through a program called CANA, to renew and strengthen marriages and families. There are programs for young people 18 – 30 that provide opportunities for training in evangelization, catechetics and Scripture study, fraternal life and spiritual formation.

The Woods emphasized that there is flexibility within Chemin Neuf, as members choose to live and pray together without giving up their identity, and they remain in communion with their respective churches. They meet regularly to read Scripture, pray and to share eucharist and meals. The community is committed to openness, fraternal obedience, living more simply and sharing material resources.

A Chemin Neuf community takes root only at the invitation of the bishop. The former Archbishop Emeritus of St. Boniface, Emilius Goulet, PSS, began the process, and his successor, Archbishop Albert LeGatt, has invited the Woods to return to Winnipeg to explore the possibilities for Chemin Neuf in the archdiocese. The Woods are currently looking for housing and a student residence for the community.