SINGULAR VISION the Founding of the Catholic Church Extension Society of Canada 1908 to 1915

The compelling story of the founding of one of Canada s key Catholic institutions.

The Catholic Church Extension Society of Canada, now called Catholic Missions in Canada, had its beginnings in 1908 during the settling of the Canadian West. Over a century later, the Society's early history is explored in this dynamic narrative by renowned Church historian, Michael Power.

Mining many primary sources including letters, telegrams and detailed meeting minutes, Power brings to life the fascinating cast of characters who were involved from the start. Father Alfred Burke, the fiery founding president, was a key driving force the one with the singular vision to take the idea of sharing the Word of God across our vast country as it was being settled. His fearless approach ensured things were done, but he also proved to be a lightning rod for controversy. Both because of and in spite of Burke, the Society has survived and thrived up unto this day.

Michael Power, MA, MLS, is a well-known Church historian with an MA and an MLS from the University of Windsor. He lives in Welland, Ontario and is the author of numerous articles and 16 books including Servants of All: A History of the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Toronto 1972-2007 (Novalis 2009).