Support for Marriage Vocations: Diocesan Marriage Task Force chairs Two priestly ordinations Phil and Mary Wrubleski are exploring will be celebrated in innovative ways to support marriages. our diocese on June 29. MARRIAGE • Page 21 VOCATIONS • Page 21

Newsletter of the

VDisit us oin tohe web cat: wwew.sasksatoonercdioc eseo.com f S ask•a SPRINtG EoDITIOoN • MnAY 2017 Meeting Pope Francis is highlight of Ad Limina BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI Participating in the Ad Limina visit of Western Saskatchewan Canadian bishops to the Vatican March 27-April 2 was an unexpected blessing, says Diocesan Administrator bishops remain Fr. Kevin McGee. It just happened that the visit coincided with hopeful about TRC McGee’s term as Diocesan Administrator, while the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon awaits a bishop. call for papal visit “It was a very providential moment,” says McGee. “I BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI was privileged and blessed and honoured to attend with Although a papal visit to Canada is by the bishops and archbishops of Western Canada.” no means certain, the Catholic bishops of An Ad Limina visit by a region’s bishops includes a Saskatchewan remain hopeful about a pilgrimage to the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul, recent invitation asking Pope Francis to information sessions with various Vatican departments (Dicasteries), and a meeting with the pope. visit the province to meet with Indigenous “It introduced me to a level of participation in the leaders, elders and residential school church that I am not accustomed to,” said McGee. Even survivors. the simple act of changing into a cassock for the papal Canadian bishops were informed audience marked the uniqueness of the experience. earlier this year that Pope Francis will not “All of us sat down together in a large room where be visiting Canada in 2017, but may Pope Francis invited a very casual, informal consider a visit in 2018 or 2019. conversation,” McGee said. The 2.5-hour talk did have “Pope Francis receives many a moderator, however: the Holy Father asked McGee, invitations, far more than he can accept,” as the youngest in the assembly, to take on that said Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, somewhat daunting role. “but we remain hopeful. Our Indigenous Bishops and archbishops would in turn raise issues brothers and sisters have asked him to of concern, asking Pope Francis for his insights. Topics come to Canada, and we support them in discussed included youth disaffected with faith, the this request.” A papal visit and apology for refugee crisis, and relationships with Indigenous People. Catholic participation in residential Pope Francis returned again and again to the theme schools is one of 94 Truth and of prayer being foundational, said McGee. “And there Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to was an emphasis on listening, of not being afraid to get Action. close to the needs of the people.” Pope Francis also “It is our deepest hope and prayer that spoke of the importance of relationships, of community, this will help to bring healing to some of in fully experiencing the fruits and gifts of the Spirit at the deepest wounds in the Canadian work in us as Church,” he said. Church and society,” said Bolen. “We want Pope Francis greets Diocesan Administrator Fr. Kevin McGee during the Ad McGee said he was struck by Pope Francis’ energy, Limina visit of Western Canadian Bishops to Rome this spring. “It was just a to be a part of the healing and his sense of joy and hospitality, and his attention. wonderful experience to be there and to be in the presence of Pope Francis,” said “There was not a moment when he was distracted or reconciliation process.” McGee, who was able to spend a few personal moments with the pontiff, speaking briefly in Spanish about his recent visit to Argentina (Pope Francis’ homeland). seemed like he needed to be somewhere else. He was • PAPAL VISIT • Page 2 - Photo by Servizio Fotografico de L’Osservatore Romano fully, 100 per cent present with us. He is the real deal.”

GSCS statement about court ruling denying funding for non-Catholic students attending Catholic schools Diane Boyko, Chair of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools sent the following message to the GSCS community about the court ruling in the Theodore School case on April 26, 2017. (At the time of publication there was no official word of an Appeal) On April 20, 2017, Justice Donald Layh ruled on a court case (commonly known as the Theodore case) that the Government of Saskatchewan could no longer fund non-Catholic students attending Catholic schools in Saskatchewan starting June 30, 2018. Holocaust survivor speaks at Cathedral of Holy Family This has raised many questions and created some degree of Students reach out to shake hands with Holocaust Survivor Bill Glied March 17 at the Cathedral of the Holy uncertainty for many students, parents, staff and other members of Family in Saskatoon. When young Bill Glied was taken with his family to Auschwitz, he was close in age to some 2,000 students from area schools who gathered at the Catholic cathedral for the Holocaust education our Catholic school community. program organized by Agudas Congregation Israel Synagogue. Describing his childhood growing up with The two most common questions I hear are: a mom, a dad and a younger sister, Glied connected with his young audience, sharing heart-wrenching • What does this mean for me and my children? and details of his life, including being taken with his family to the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz. His mother and • What can I do? sister were murdered in the gas chambers, while he and his father were sent to Dachau as slave labourers. Although there is no easy answer to the first question, I assure He was the only member of his family to survive, coming to Canada in 1947 as one of 1000 Holocaust you that we remain a welcoming community, and our doors orphans accepted into the country. Heather Fenyes of Congregation Agudas Israel (right) also spoke, noting that the Holocaust did not happen overnight. “It began with dangerous speech, and from small seeds continue to be open to all families who choose a Catholic education it grew to a vast killing machine.” Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky thanked the Catholic diocese and Holy Family for your children. The decision is about funding; it does not state pastor Fr. David Tumback for providing the facility for the education program for the second year. Tumback non-Catholics cannot attend Catholic schools. spoke on behalf of the Catholic community, expressing thanks to Glied for his message: “By retelling this story that Bill told us, we ensure that such a tragedy will never happen again.” See the full article about Bill • DIANE BOYKO MESSAGE ON COURT RULING • Page 2 Glied’s talk, posted at: www.saskatonrcdiocese.com/news - Photo by Kiply Yaworski 2 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • Ministry and mission continue as diocese awaits a new bishop BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI “It gave me some insight into what that process is Friends and colleagues from across the Roman about, and really the seriousness – obviously – that is Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon bid farewell to their applied, and the discernment process of ultimately seventh bishop Oct. 12, 2016 in a celebration that also choosing the one who will be the bishop of a diocese, marked Most Rev. Donald Bolen’s 25th anniversary of and hopefully, soon, a bishop of our diocese,” McGee ordination. Two days later, Bolen was installed as says. “We heard how a diocese needs a bishop -- how a Archbishop of Regina. diocese without a bishop leaves the people somehow Shortly afterward, the diocesan consultors selected orphaned.” former Vicar General Fr. Kevin McGee to serve as That image resonated for McGee, who suggests this Diocesan Administrator until a new bishop is appointed. time of waiting helps us recognize the value and As of press time for this spring edition of the Diocesan importance of having a bishop. Newsletter, the diocese was still waiting for a bishop. “We are a church that expresses itself through the The proclamation of the gospel and the ministry and leadership of a bishop, these shepherds that connect us mission of the church across the diocese continues, but to the universal church. So, not only from the bottom up there is a longing for a shepherd, says McGee. do we feel orphaned, but from the top down we also With the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon still awaiting the During a recent visit to Rome for the Ad Limina visit lose that link,” he says. appointment of a bishop, Bishop Emeritus Gerald Wiesner of Western Canadian bishops and archbishops, a “I think we are at the stage now, at six or seven graciously presided at the annual diocesan celebration of the Dicastery visit to the Congregation of Bishops stands out months of not having a bishop, where that longing is Chrism Mass at the start of Holy Week, April 10, blessing the sacred for McGee – partly because the prefect was McGee’s beginning to express itself with a heightened sense of oils – the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens and the sacred chrism – which were taken back by parish representatives from former seminary rector, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, but also readiness – a deep readiness.” across the diocese to be used in celebration of sacraments in the because discussion about selecting a bishop resonates for McGee asked the faithful to continue to pray for the year ahead. - Photo by Tim Yaworski someone from the diocese of Saskatoon. diocese and our future bishop.

Bishops reflect on invitation; acknowledge complexity of papal calendar (Continued from Page 1) history. We recognize more Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of to make a small number of community as a desirable location openly the good and the negative Saskatoon expressed support for international trips in any given for a papal apology, Gorsalitz The bishops of Saskatchewan parts our Catholic Church has any efforts that will heal families. year, and the world’s needs are added. stress that the principal vision for played in the historical encounter The idea of a visit from Pope many. Nonetheless, even the Beyond a possible papal visit, a visit by Pope Francis would be between the colonizers and those Francis is generating interest and possibility of a papal visit the Catholic dioceses and eparchy to meet with, listen to and address being colonized,” said excitement in the province. necessitates a great deal of in Saskatchewan are continuing to Indigenous people. Archbishop Murray Chatlain of “If it comes about, this would planning,” Bolen said. build relationships and to seek The decision to support a the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le represent the first occasion that Research into what is ways to stand in solidarity with request for Pope Francis to come Pas. the province of Saskatchewan involved, and preliminary Indigenous people, added the “Our fervent prayer is that a would enjoy a papal visit, and conversations with Indigenous archbishop of Regina. to Canada – and the idea that such visit by Pope Francis could particularly from a pope who leaders and with various levels of “It is now an appropriate and a visit might be particularly promote a mature, ongoing speaks in such profound ways to government and civic authorities critical time for renewed appropriate in Saskatchewan – relationship. This visit may act as the needs of the marginalized of have been initiated, said Don commitment for our Church to first arose out of conversations a catalyst to valuing the spiritual our society,” said Fr. Kevin Gorsalitz of the Diocese of work alongside Indigenous with Indigenous leaders in this traditions and culture of our McGee, Diocesan Administrator Saskatoon Catholic Foundation. Peoples in the pursuit of justice province as church leaders Indigenous people along with all for the Roman Catholic Diocese “Building the financial capacity to and well-being. For generations listened to the TRC Calls to the other cultural backgrounds of Saskatoon. host a papal visit is also there have been those who have Action, and sought ways to join that make up our Canadian “The bishops would welcome underway,” he said. built bridges and strengthened First Nations and Métis brothers Catholic population. We have such a visit as an opportunity for Wanuskewin Heritage Park relations, but the Truth and and sisters in the work of healing, things to learn from each other,” Pope Francis to speak words of near Saskatoon – a place that for Reconciliation report rightly reconciliation and relationship- Chatlain said. healing and reconciliation on the past 6,000 years has been rich summons all of us to take building. An encounter between Pope behalf of the Catholic Church to in Indigenous culture, spirituality responsibility for the past and to The TRC Final Report Francis and the Aboriginal and our Indigenous brothers and and history – has been identified work towards a different and released in June 2015 presented Métis people of Canada is of great sisters who have experienced and supported by the Indigenous healthier future,” Bolen said. 94 Calls to Action, including #58, importance to healing deep wounds as a result of for a papal apology on Canadian relationships that were damaged, colonization as well as abuses that soil for Catholic involvement in said Bishop Albert Thévenot of took place in residential schools residential schools and the the diocese of Prince Albert. that were under the direction of spiritual, emotional, physical, and “With good intentions, the Catholic leadership,” he said. sexual abuse of Indigenous Church joined the colonial power “A papal visit would also be a children that happened in while serving the poor. Was this a celebration of our faith, affirming Catholic-run residential schools. contradiction? Many have the various ways we are called to Catholic dioceses and religious suffered and were hurt. Traditions witness to a gospel of love and orders operated some 60 per cent and belief were destroyed. The mercy in our families, society, of the government-mandated consequences are still visible environment and world,” McGee schools that operated in Canada today. Together we must put added. for over a century. before us a plan of action and in The papal invitation must be “We continue to grow in our dialogue with one another,” kept in perspective, and is not a awareness of more of the negative Thévenot said. certainty, cautioned Bolen. pieces of our colonial Canadian Bishop Bryan Bayda of the “The Holy Father is only able History of the Archbishop’s ring At the close of the historic Second Vatican Council, participating GSCS statement about court ruling on Catholic schools bishops were presented with a specially-commissioned pastoral ring (Continued from Page 1) I believe that it is time to help our community featuring images of Peter and Paul and Jesus. One such Vatican II bishop’s ring was presented at that time to the Archbishop of Regina, leaders understand how important Catholic Most Rev. Michael O’Neill — the ring was later worn by Archbishop It is important to note that the decision does not education is and encourage their continued support. Charles Halpin, and was on Archbishop Halpin’s hand when he refute the constitutional rights for separate schools. You can let your elected officials (your MLA, the ordained Donald Bolen to the priesthood on Oct. 12, 1991. Archbishop This court ruling will have no impact on our current Minister of Education Don Morgan, Premier Brad Halpin willed that after his death the ring should go to the next priest plans to open six new schools in September 2017 from the Archdiocese of Regina to be made a bishop — and so it came Wall, and Leader of the NDP Trent Wotherspoon) to Most Rev. James Weisgerber when he was ordained bishop of (four in Saskatoon, one in Warman and one in know you endorse the government’s position and Saskatoon in 1996. The ring went with Weisgerber when he was named Martensville). that you want the government to pursue any measure Archbishop of Winnipeg in 2000. Now retired and living again in Regina, The Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards necessary to continue funding all students who Archbishop Emeritus James Weisgerber (left) presented the ring to Association (SCSBA) has indicated that they are newly-named Archbishop Donald Bolen, another former bishop of choose Catholic education (a list of MLAs is at Saskatoon, on the evening that Bolen was installed as shepherd of the reviewing the details of the ruling and are seriously www.legassembly.sk.ca/mlas ). Archdiocese of Regina on Oct. 14, 2016. And so the historic Vatican II considering an appeal. We hope to hear more on this You can write your own letter or email, or use a ring returned to an Archbishop of Regina, again worn by a priest raised soon. sample letter that we have drafted for your and ordained in the prairie diocese. - Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski On April 24, both Premier Brad Wall and convenience (available at www.gscs.ca ). Education Minister Don Morgan publically stated I thank you for your continued support of With funding from the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, this newsletter their concern over the ruling and their support of Catholic education and ask for your prayers through is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. parental choice. They are considering their legal this difficult situation. (Editor: Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Communications) options that include an appeal and invoking the Sincerely, Diane Boyko notwithstanding clause of the Charter of Rights and Board of Education Chair Phone: (306) 659-5844 (office); or Toll free: 1-877-661-5005; Ext: *844 Freedoms. The government’s position is Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, SK S7S 1H1 encouraging to say the least. And this brings us to [email protected] www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com my answer to “What can I do?” More information at: www.scsba.ca/theodore-case Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 3 Work and ministry at the Catholic Pastoral Centre BY BLAKE SITTLER invite us all to consider Christ’s her so much that when she At the Catholic Centre we DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL SERVICES call for us to offer compassion graduated, we kept her on staff. also work closely with the staff (I have been told by some and forgiveness to the prisoner, Nearly 25 years ago, in June of the Diocese of Saskatoon people that they cannot tell when to visit the sick and to offer 1992, the Canadian Conference Catholic Foundation, the fund- I am joking in my writing so I welcome to the stranger. of Catholic Bishop’s penned, raising and development arm of will put any attempts at humour Some of our offices offer on- “From Pain to Hope” which was the diocese. in brackets.) going faith formation and the report from the ad hoc Don Gorsalitz is the director When I first started working education to parishes. Mona committee on child sexual abuse. of the Catholic Foundation. at St. Patrick’s Parish in Goodman in Lay Formation and That document recommended Cathie Rogers and Cathy Gilje Saskatoon in 1996, my mom Kate O’Gorman in the Justice that all Catholic Bishops of ensure that the Bishop’s Annual could not comprehend what I did and Outreach Year (JOY) of Canada appoint someone to Appeal and other fund-raising as a lay person working in the Formation both create creative oversee accusations of sexual initiatives run smoothly. church ( so to keep it simple, she spaces where all of us can deepen abuse and misconduct. For over Jocelyne Hamoline in the told people I was a deacon. ) My our own faith and have two decades, that role was filled Planned Giving Office, along mother’s heresy aside, many perception-altering experiences by the late Fr. Paul Donlevy. In with support person Helen people still wonder what our role (insert your own soon-to-be- the last five years, I have filled Zimmer, works hard to ensure is here at the Catholic Pastoral legalized marijuana joke here ). this role, which is now called that our diocese and parishes Centre. Here’s how I describe our Director’s Cut Mona and Kate facilitate Diocesan Coordinator of Care. develop a healthy spirit of work and ministry: Blake Sittler programs that are available to In this role, I am responsible stewardship, and they help us The Catholic Pastoral Centre every individual in the diocese for ensuring annual opportunities find the resources needed to assists our bishop, ( when we have — and they are taking for education, speaking at continue our mission. one ), in offering services and Initiation and Catechetics. Some applications for next year’s parishes when invited, and taking I also want to take time to ministries to support the needs of of the offices are umbrella programs today! the calls when they come. Over mention Ashly and Gino Hanns our urban and rural parishes. services that support and Communication in any diocese the next year, we will be who take care of our office space. Some of the offices are promote ministry that is is complicated – it involves renewing our call for fresh (If they ever invite you over to canonically mandated. This happening in some parishes like advocacy, raising awareness, and Criminal Record Checks and we supper – go! Ashly’s cooking is means that they are officially Colm Leyne’s work with the media relations, as well as event will be offering new training for like a five-course tour through deemed necessary by the Code of Youth Ministry and Vocations promotion and coverage. Every our local parish contacts. Mediterranean cuisine and, if Canon Law. These include the Office and Myron Rogal’s work week, there are dozens of events, One of the newest members you are lucky, maybe Gino will Office of the Bishop; the Vicar with Justice and Peace. meetings, or training nights going of our team is Patrick Clarke in play you a tune on his guitar. ) General, Fr. Kevin McGee; the Michelle, Elan, Lynda, Colm on, some organized by the parishes, Human Resources (HR). Anyone I have been to many other Judicial Vicar, Fr. Marvin and Myron offer assistance to all some by the Knights of Columbus, who has ever worked in a dioceses in Canada and visited Lishchynsky: and the Marriage those who respond to the Lord’s CWL or other partner groups, and company with an HR Manager, several of their administrative Tribunal, including our 40-year call to spread the Good News of some by the diocese. Many may think of this person as the offices. I feel very confident in veteran, Donna Rogal; our the God who created us in love. wonderful events take place in individual who hires and fires stating that we have a very strong diocesan ecumenical officer, Some offices provide small rural parishes that we never people, but this is not the fullness and capable staff in our diocesan Nicholas Jesson; the diocesan ministry on behalf of the parishes hear about, and other large of the role. Patrick sees his role office. I continue to invite Chancellor, Fr. Clement Amofah; where no one parish could be diocesan events happen and people as the development of practices anyone who is interested in the our archivist, Margaret Sanche; expected to serve. These say: “I never even heard about it.” that lead to a better work work that we are so blessed to do and finally, the finance particular offices act as a Balancing this barrel of monkeys is environment in both the parish to call me with any questions or department: Tanya Clarke, Kevin doorway for parishes to Kiply Lukan Yaworski. and in our own offices. concerns that you may have Bentler and Denesta Lambert. participate in some of the most Behind every good office is a This includes everything regarding our mandate. Together, these offices are often basic calls from Jesus. cadre of administrative assist- from hiring processes and Our next bishop, whoever he called the Chancery. They are the Here I would highlight ance. At the Catholic Centre this ongoing evaluations to healthier is, is a very lucky man. He will foundation of a diocesan office. Dianne Anderson’s work in includes Brigitte Buehler and ways of handling conflict in the be coming into a diocese that has The ministry offices are prisons through the Restorative Vyenda McLean at reception, as workplace ( luckily, since there is strong leadership at both the called Pastoral Services. I Ministry Office, Jackie well as support provided by Lois never, ever any conflict in the parish and diocesan levels. He manage them in my role as the Saretsky’s work in hospital McKay, Sharon Leyne, Rita church: Patrick often takes well- will be responsible for the care of Director. chaplaincy, and Christine Zyla’s Taylor and, in the Bishop’s deserved naps in the afternoon ). a region filled with people like These offices include those work with refugee sponsorship in Office, Colette Chantler. The practices that are coming you, who consider their Catholic folks who deal directly with the Office of Migration. We also have Christine from this growing field has faith to be at the core of who we parish leadership like Michelle Dianne, Jackie and Christine Schurr coming in once a week – challenged us as a church to be are and I look forward to Sieben, Elan Ehresman, and do not simply do this work in the she used to come in as a student honest and fair and Christian in working with him. Holy Spirit, Lynda Statchuk in Christian name of the diocese — they in a work program and we liked our dealings with each other. we are ready!

Parishes called to form and equip intentional disciples of Jesus Christ BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI and evangelization, becomes the basis for intercessory prayer in the parish, offering Parishes are called to be places of lay calling forth a deeper, life-changing multiple opportunities to encounter Jesus in formation, said Katherine Coolidge of the commitment to living as a disciple of Jesus the midst of the church, and “breaking the Catherine of Sienna Institute, at a diocesan Christ, she said. silence” to encourage and equip Catholics Study Days session offering practical “Institutions do not make disciples. to share both their personal faith story and suggestions for how parishes can create People make disciples.” the Jesus story with others. intentional disciples. Parishes should begin by making Throughout the two days Coolidge The October 2016 session was “part disciples of adults, who will then be key to challenged participants to come up with two,” following on Coolidge’s presentation making disciples of children and youth, she practical ideas for intercessory prayer, at the previous year’s Study Days in the added. opportunities to encounter Jesus and ways Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. At times, a parish’s culture will of encouraging personal faith sharing. Based on two books written by Sherry unintentionally suppress spiritual growth She encouraged participants to identify Weddell – Forming Intentional Disciples: and conversion, she pointed out. “We have concrete actions that would be within reach the Path to Knowing and Following Jesus too often come to accept religious identity (but still a stretch) and sustainable for their and Becoming a Parish of Intentional without personal faith as normal,” she said. own faith community – actions which Disciples – the presentations focused on The consequence is that the graces many would honour the parish’s culture, gifts and providing insights into evangelization and Catholics have received may “bear little traditions, while calling the community to practical suggestions for how parishes can Diocesan Study Days facilitator Katherine fruit” – it is as if we have received a gift mission. encourage deep and authentic encounters Coolidge (left) with Rita Taylor, executive that sits unopened, Coolidge described. Following Study Days Oct. 19-20, with Jesus Christ, with the goal of forming assistant to the pastoral director in the Using examples of personal conversion, 2016, Coolidge also offered a Called and missionary disciples who will, in turn, diocese of Saskatoon. - Photo by Kiply Yaworski parish transformation, and historical Gifted workshop in Saskatoon on Oct. 21, evangelize and nurture other disciples. moments of renewal throughout her designed to help individuals discover God’s Coolidge encouraged participants to Christians are called and equipped to be presentation, Coolidge shared stories and call and to discern their charisms and gifts. wrestle with what the process might look intentional disciples, she said. encouraged participants to visualize steps The theme continued in the diocese like in their own parishes. “We can’t rely on our maintenance to be taken in their own particular ministry with a “Parishes of Discipleship” session Creating a parish culture of discipleship mode any more,” she said. “We are now or parish. Oct. 29, featuring several parish leaders is not a quick fix, but a process of called to mission.” Steps to becoming a parish of sharing insights into various renewal conversion and transformation that can Building a parish as a place of trust, intentional disciples were presented, and programs and initiatives underway across eventually build a faith community where with a culture of spiritual accompaniment included laying a foundation of organized the diocese. 4 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • Agnes Pelletier’s caring service highlighted BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI Friends and colleagues gathered March 2 to honour Agnes Pelletier on her retirement after eight and a half years as the bishop’s assistant in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Since July 2008, Pelletier has served as executive assistant to two bishops and two diocesan administrators: Bishop Albert LeGatt, now Archbishop of St. Boniface; Diocesan Administrator Rev. Ron Beechinor, now retired; With Agnes Pelletier’s recent Bishop Donald Bolen, now retirement, Colette Chantler has Archbishop of Regina; and Rev. now been hired as executive assistant to the bishop. A Kevin McGee, presently serving member of St. Philip Neri parish as Diocesan Administrator as the in Saskatoon, a graduate of Lay diocese again awaits appointment Formation program, and an of a bishop. active member of the Lay Pelletier is known for her Formation Alumni Association, Chantler has served as the calm, gentle presence and spirit of executive assistant to the CEO hospitality, said Blake Sittler, At a retirement celebration March 2, Diocesan Administrator Kevin McGee expressed thanks on behalf of the of Genome Prairie in Saskatoon diocese of Saskatoon to Agnes Pelletier, who has served as executive assistant to the bishop since July 2008. for the past eight years. Director of Pastoral Services - Photo by Tim Yaworski during a brief program at the - Photo by Kiply Yaworski reception held at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. Council of Priests, as Vicar for helping me to grow as a administrative assistant is at the gratitude at the conclusion of the Mona Goodman, coordinator General and now as Diocesan Shepherd for God’s people,” hub of much of that activity – at program. of the diocesan Lay Formation Administrator, McGee also read LeGatt said. the hub of almost everything that “Certainly my life has been a program, spoke about Pelletier’s messages from former Saskatoon Bolen said that working with involves the bishop.” dance with God, and these last 10-plus years of volunteer service bishops LeGatt and Bolen. Pelletier for six and a half years – Bolen cited Pelletier’s eight years with the diocese have on the Lay Formation team, after “Nine years ago you accepted his entire time as bishop of generous service – that so often been an incredible dance… it has her own graduation from the to take on the many Saskatoon – was a great privilege went “above and beyond” – and been such grace and such program in 1994. “We were very responsibilities of being my and a blessing. “Day in and day her deep compassion and commit- blessing.” pleased and blessed to have Agnes Executive Assistant. I am sure out, Agnes and I worked closely ment as a Christian disciple. Pelletier described the as part of Lay Formation,” said you didn’t quite know what that together in navigating the many “Agnes, thanks for being a richness of encountering “the Goodman, recalling how Agnes would all entail. However, you challenges and tasks that came great friend, a great companion in folks” across the diocese during was often the one holding and took on the challenge with across my desk,” he said. “Agnes’ ministry, a great servant of God’s her years of service. rocking infants who accompanied openness and generosity, with competence and conscientious- people,” Bolen wrote. “As Bishop Don and I parents to the program. professionalism, and especially ness was extraordinary, and the Garth Horn presented a poem travelled to confirmations and to Dubbing her “Agnes of God,” with a smile,” wrote LeGatt. whole diocese benefited greatly written by Pelletier (while on a rural parishes where I thought I McGee said there is no way to “It was such a blessing for me from that, in countless ways.” nine-day Ignatian retreat) that he wouldn’t know anyone, there was measure the many lives Pelletier to work together with you for the Bolen said that such impact is put to music: “I felt the grace of (often) a familiar face – someone has touched in her years of benefit of all in the diocese of often hidden. “I think we God when I read it, and when I from Lay Formation – and I just service. Saskatoon,” said the Archbishop underestimate just how much the was inspired to put music to it,” felt at home.” In addition to expressing his of St. Boniface. health of the diocese is affected by said Horn of the song “Come With Pelletier’s retirement, own appreciation for the support “You taught me much and you the hidden work of the women Dance.” Colette Chantler has been hired as Pelletier has provided to him encouraged me even more. Thank and men who make the pastoral “I am truly overwhelmed,” executive assistant to the bishop, during his time as chair of the you from the bottom of my heart centre thrive, and the bishop’s said Pelletier, expressing her effective Feb. 1. HR manager assists with employment matters across the diocese BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI their role as managers of parish make this work. But the managers With true pastoral spirit, “Here is the church, here is the employees. The HR office can need help. All our clergy, our Clarke is eager to focus on the steeple: open the door and see all also assist with nurturing healthy PLDs, all our managers need help “helping tools” he can offer when the people.” relationships with church – especially in navigating the it comes to the selection and With that simple childhood volunteers, notes Clarke. people business.” mentoring of employees across the finger play, Patrick J. Clarke He describes the HR dual role That’s precisely where Clarke diocese, and on minimizing and summarizes why the church needs of either “helping” or “dealing” provides assistance, both in preventing conflict. This includes to address human resources issues with relationships as being on a addressing individual situations a Work Personality Index, the – because the church involves continuum. and working on diocesan policies. Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Model, people. The more time and energy that When it comes to conflict and an Arbinger Institute tool for Wherever there are human is proactively spent “helping” resolution, Clarke will sit with the moving people from an inward to beings serving as managers and things go well in relationships, the parties involved to try and an outward mindset. employees, there will be a need to less time will be spent “dealing” hammer out an agreement or Updating the diocese’s deal with conflict resolution, job with things that go wrong – just as solution. administration manual and various descriptions and employment with any of our other relationships In situations of correction or employment policies is another policies, as well as hiring, firing, in life, Clarke says. discipline, Clarke works with the priority, along with fine-tuning the and everything in between, says Patrick Clarke, Human Resources “When it comes to the employ- manager to ensure there is really a “onboarding” process for new Manager, Diocese of Saskatoon Clarke, who began working as the ment relationship, beginning well problem, whether the planned employees, and continuing to fulltime Human Resources (HR) is really the key,” he adds. correction is appropriate and work on orientation resources for Manager for the Roman Catholic leadership to this new role of Clarifying job descriptions and proportional, and how to craft the new clergy coming to the diocese Diocese of Saskatoon in the fall of assisting the diocese with all finding ways to place “the right message that needs to be delivered from other countries. 2016. matters relating to employment people in the right jobs doing the to an employee – as well as Director of Pastoral Services “We may think that because and employee management. right things” is critical to avoid coaching managers on how to Blake Sittler says Clarke’s role is we are a Church, and we are all Employees of the diocese of conflict down the line. A thorough manage the relationship after the vital in the diocese. “I have seen about love, we don’t have these Saskatoon include anyone hired in orientation and “onboarding” fact. so many good people leave work kinds of problems – but we do,” any of the diocese’s 95 parishes – period of enculturation and As for job termination, there in the church with a black eye, and Clarke told a recent gathering of Parish Life Directors (PLDs), socialization for new employees is are steps Clarke takes to ensure that’s unfortunate,” says Sittler, deanery and diocesan pastoral associates, youth also important, as is ongoing termination is carried out legally, stressing good HR policies can representatives on the former ministers, bookkeepers, secre- training and development, and fairly and respectfully. “As the HR help the church build and sustain Diocesan Pastoral Council, which taries and maintenance personnel regular job reviews. Clear, Manager, my role is an impartial healthy relationships. acts as a consultative body when – as well as those employed in the consistent and effective policies role – I’m not on the side of “Some may fear that HR there is a bishop in place. (The ministries and offices at the and management practices also management and I’m not on the policies will create a corporate- group has continued to meet with Chancery or Catholic Pastoral prevent problems. side of the employee. So, I need to like atmosphere,” Sittler says. diocesan leadership pending the Centre. Priests are not considered “It is incumbent upon provide support to two individuals “But in reality, the policies that Pat appointment of a new bishop.) employees as they are serving by management to make this whole and to one group of people,” he will be developing will lead to Clarke brings his training in virtue of a vocational call, but the thing work. It’s too easy to blame says, listing the manager, the more fairness, more dialogue, business administration (BAC diocesan HR Manager can provide the employees when it isn’t terminated employee and the more ongoing evaluation, and 2016) and his 22 years of assistance with issues affecting working,” Clarke says. “If you surviving staff as those that “need frankly, to better ministry,” Sittler experience in church ministry and clergy as well, and support for manage a staff, it is your job to a listening ear.” said. Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 5

B‘YMKIPLyY L UKCAN YaAWtORhSKI olic Story’ video series launched during Lent A new video series in the Roman “We encounter people daily who may not be ready to Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon features hear about church teaching or theology, but the moment ordinary Catholics sharing faith as inspiration and witness. you begin to share your journey, your life experience – The first installment of the “ My that is when ears open and hearts soften.” - Sharon Leyne Catholic Story ” video series was released to mark the beginning of Lent, reported triumphed over unspeakable tragedy and Leyne stressed the importance of Sharon Leyne, who worked with Fr. Darryl has devoted her life to helping those in building connections to nurture and affirm Millette to produce the videos. prison,” said Leyne. faith. “There is a need now more then ever “The Lenten season was a good time to “Our hope right now is to release a for relationship, to feel connected. It is reflect on our story, why am I Catholic? video for each liturgical season in order to through feeling connected that we feel we How did I get here and how can I share it give people the opportunity to reflect on belong somewhere. By being honest and with those I meet? It is in telling our story their story. I find that in each season, be it opening ourselves up to others, sharing that we can step back and see how God has Lent, Advent, or Ordinary Time, we tend to what we have been through – the good the been working not just in our life but in the view our story with that lens and perhaps bad and the ugly – not only can we church as a whole,” said Leyne. tell it differently.” transform those who can relate, but we “We are not meant to keep our journey Leyne and Millette have personally felt transform ourselves too.” to ourselves, as Christians we are called to the power of the faith stories that they are Choosing to share faith stories through share,” she added. hearing as they interview, videotape and video involved “two film and tech nerds “Sharon and I decided to do the series edit the series. seeing an opportunity to not only get these after our first diocesan Study Days with “The process of interviewing has been stories out there and change lives, and Katherine Coolidge of the Catherine of very uplifting to me, as I hear these stories introduce people to our own church Sienna Institute,” said Millette. “One thing Fr. Darryl Millette works with equipment from people. I feel very privileged to have community, but also to play with some Katherine Coolidge mentioned was the during a recent taping of an interview for a been able to witness and record the three really cool gadgets,” said Leyne, a mother need to ‘break the silence,’ that is, to tell new “My Catholic Story” video series in the interviews we’ve done so far,” said of two who works part time at the Catholic our stories of faith in order to give diocese of Saskatoon. Millette is working Millette. Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon. encouragement and to break the isolation with Sharon Leyne to produce the series, with the first video released in time for Lent. “What started as a fun idea has become “Audio and video along with social that people often feel.” - Photo by Sharon Leyne a form of deeper conversion for me,” said media have been hobbies of mine for a In 2015 and again in 2016, Coolidge Leyne. “I am left in awe and overwhelming while and so it seemed like a natural way to spoke to diocesan leaders in Saskatoon Story” video features an interview with admiration for the people we have share stories from people,” added Millette, about the importance of sharing personal Heather Buchholz, whose experience interviewed so far. It is not easy to bare a diocesan priest who currently serves as faith stories to bring others closer to God attending World Youth Day in Brazil as a your heart in front of a camera, and these pastor of Holy Spirit in Saskatoon. (see article on Page 3 ). non-Catholic prompted a great hunger for people have been so generous in doing so.” More interviews are being planned, he “I have seen first-hand the power that a the Eucharist – a longing that eventually She added: “Each interview has said. “If anyone would like to share their testimony can have on others,” said led her to join the Catholic Church. changed the way I think, the way I feel, the story of faith, they can feel free to contact Leyne. “We encounter people daily who The video interview has been posted on way I act and speak, some in large ways us. I can be reached on Twitter, Facebook, may not be ready to hear about church the diocesan website and has been shared and others in small important ways. Each and Instagram – @frdarryl.” teaching or theology, but the moment you on YouTube and through social media. person has also challenged me to judge less This series is not just about one person’s begin to share your journey, your life Several more “My Catholic Story” and to listen more to everyone I encounter. story, it is an invitation for all to step out in experience; that is when ears open and videos are currently in production. If we were all to take that to heart, how courage to share faith, stressed Leyne. hearts soften.” “We have an interview with a father of different would our community, our Church “Your story may be the one someone The first five-minute “My Catholic four, as well as a woman who has look?” needs to hear.”

NFeor wthe t hiErd cvonsaecuntiveg yeear, lization SummitF orv idoveernioght satcrcoem- amed at Bruno May 12-13 a New Evangelization Summit modations call St. Therese live-streamed host site will be directly at (306) 369-2555 to book available in the Roman Catholic a room/ breakfast for an additional Diocese of Saskatoon. $35 or go to: www.St-T.ca/nes to The 2017 host site is St. book a room. Therese Institute of Faith and outreach, catechesis, teaching, or Those who can only attend the Mission in Bruno, SK., some 90 ministry; to priests and parish life NES on Saturday are asked to also km east of Saskatoon, running directors; and to members of register online for the conference from 7 p.m. Friday, May 12 until Parish Pastoral Councils. and then join the video streaming 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, with Register for the Bruno live- host event at St. Therese Institute an option to attend Saturday only. stream event (cost is $35) online: in Bruno from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The New Evangelization www.NewEvangelization.ca on Saturday, May 13. Summit is a conference hosted in Ottawa and live-streamed to some 40 host sites across North America, making available some of the most dynamic, inspirational speakers in the Catholic Church today. Guest speakers this year include Bishop Robert Barron , Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles and founder of Word on Fire Ministries (which produced the popular Catholicism series); Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT , author of Loved As I Am ; Peter Herbeck , director of Missions for Renewal Ministries – and many others. The vision of the New Evangelization Summit is that the St. John Bosco CWL supports Habitat for Humanity whole Church would be united in Members of the Catholic Women’s League of St. John Bosco parish in the mission of evangelization, and Saskatoon put hammers and saws to work as part of their participation trained to be able to fully live out in a two-day Habitat for Humanity group build April 7-8, at triplexes currently under construction on Slimmon Road in Saskatoon. The local D & P focus at St. Mary’s, Saskatoon their identity as “missionary At St. Mary’s parish in Saskatoon, Agatha Mutongolo, a Grade 11 CWL Council decided to take on this project to expand the work and disciples,” in the words of Pope student at E.D. Feehan high school in Saskatoon, recently gave witness profile of the CWL in the parish and to respond to the St. John Bosco to the support of Development and Peace/Caritas Canada in making Francis. parish mission: “Love God, Love Our Neighbour, Make Disciples.” In The New Evangelization water more accessible in her home country, the Democratic Republic of addition to participating in the build, funds were raised to donate to the Congo. A member of the Development and Peace team at St. Mary’s, Summit offers inspiration to all Habitat for Humanity through a steak supper, with CWL members Agatha walked up the aisle with a water jug on her head at the start of the baptized, but will be of donating desserts for a silent raffle. Women of the parish were recruited Mass on the first Sunday of Lent, and briefly told her story about how particular interest to anyone to work on the build and other members supported the cause by she used to walk for miles to get water and sometimes had to wait until - Photo by Diane Cote involved in pastoral work, preparing and delivering lunch to the work site. midnight to obtain water. - Photo by Reanne Lajeunesse 6 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • Foodgrains Bank learning tour to Lebanon highlights ways in which food assistance by small NGOs is helping to build peace BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI While on a recent Canadian Foodgrains Bank learning tour to Lebanon, Christine Zyla saw first-hand how relationships, community and peace are being strengthened through food assistance. “Sometimes food assistance can be very messy – we’ve seen Saint Kateri Tekakwitha procession that with television coverage of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon held a neighbourhood trucks bringing in food, showing procession of prayer and song with the statue of Saint Kateri a demeaning scrabble by Tekakwitha on April 17, marking her Canadian Feast Day (celebrated desperate people. But it can also Participants in a Canadian Foodgrains Bank learning tour to Lebanon met July 14 in the U.S.). After praying the rosary from Guadalupe House to be very Eucharistic – becoming a with partners from Syria to discuss the need for food security in the region St. Mary’s Church and back, participants gathered for a supper of soup source of community building and the assistance that is being provided, often by small NGOs. and bannock. Born in 1656 in what is now upstate New York, Saint Kateri - Photo submitted by Christine Zyla Tekakwitha became a Christian in spite of hardship and persecution. and social cohesion,” says Zyla. She died at a Jesuit mission near what is now Montreal on April 17, 1680, “Food assistance can bring recognized for her holiness and devotion to Jesus. She is the first deep community connection, Office of Migration in the Roman trying to find ways to cope.” Indigenous woman in North America to be named a saint of the Church. - Photo by Kiply Yaworski relationship-building, peace- Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Even before the most recent building. That is what I saw in which assists parishes, influx of refugees from the Lebanon – food assistance that organizations and small groups conflict in Syria (which is goes way beyond food who are involved in refugee entering its seventh year), assistance.” sponsorship. In addition to Lebanon was already a complex Founded in 1983, Canadian providing information about food mosaic, dealing with sectarian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership assistance programs, the March 8- tensions. And Palestinian of 15 churches and church 20, 2017 Foodgrains learning tour refugees who fled to Lebanon as agencies working together to end to Lebanon brought Zyla new refugees in 1948, are now hosting global hunger. Food assistance insight and understanding into the refugees from Syria.” accounts for 62 per cent of the refugee situation in that country. “It is astounding that things organization’s programs – last Lebanon is host to some 1.5 have remained relatively stable – year Foodgrains provided $26 million refugees from the the work of NGOs (non- million in food assistance in 24 surrounding region – many from government organizations like Blankets for refugees at border countries, as well as $14 million Syria, but also refugees from those working with Canadian Saskatoon volunteers from many faith traditions gathered at Holy in agriculture and livelihood Palestine, some displaced for Foodgrains Bank) is a big reason Family Cathedral (and five other Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith programs in 31 countries. decades. “One in four people in for that stability,” says Zyla. facilities in Saskatoon March 6-10) to create soft, warm fleece blankets A member of the Board of Lebanon is a refugee,” says Zyla. for refugees coming to Manitoba across the Canada-United States Directors of the Canadian “They are dealing with a For more about the Learning border. Volunteers exceeded the goal of creating 50 blankets, said project leader Cecilia Rajanayagam of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Foodgrains Bank for some 10 tremendous number of needy tour, see the full article online at: - Photo by Kiply Yaworski years, Zyla also coordinates the people, and the community is www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news

St. Anne’s parish in Saskatoon hosts treaty elder series, blesses treaty plaque BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI participating First Nations chiefs Indian Residential School operated by a multi-generational A plaque acknowledging Treaty in commemoration of a treaty by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate colonization process of racism and 6 territory and the importance of signing. The plaque at St. Anne’s and the Grey Nuns at Lebret, SK. assimilation that attempted to treaties to all Canadians was also acknowledges Treaty 6, The experience left her angry and eliminate Indigenous languages, blessed Nov. 9, 2016 at St. Anne signed in 1876, which covers a hurt, unable to understand why her cultures, and sacred ceremonies. Roman Catholic Church in territory of some 121,000 acres in mother left her at the residential In the struggle to understand Saskatoon. Alberta and Saskatchewan, school, separated from all but one and find healing, Ruth Cameron Marking the installation of the including Saskatoon. of her brothers and sisters. Later, at said she was greatly helped by her parish’s Treaty 6 plaque, the “Treaties are mutually the age of 14, she struggled to mother who told her to “be proud evening celebration included a beneficial arrangements,” states the integrate into a public school, of who you are – hold your head up blessing by parish priest Fr. plaque inscription. “New-comers eventually finding acceptance high, you have a lot to offer.” A Matthew Ramsay, prayers in Cree to Canada built their society in this through athletics. devout Catholic, her mother taught by Elder Oliver Cameron, and a place where some were looking for Cameron said that over the her the sacredness of being a young talk by Elder Ruth Cameron. political and religious freedoms. years, she has come to understand woman and a mother, the Elder Ruth Cameron (Editor’s note: We are sad to report They and their descendants how her experiences affected her – importance of respecting the earth, that Elder Oliver Cameron died a benefited from the wealth and how the residential school as well as the need to “get along Ruth Cameron said. She has found few months later, on March 29, generated from this land. Today, system and colonization itself has with all kinds of people,” Ruth much in common between First 2017.) there are misconceptions that only impacted lives and communities. Cameron added. Nations spirituality and Christian Designed in consultation with First Nations peoples are part of the “Why are people in crisis?” Learning more about history faith. “We all have the same God. the Office of the Treaty Com- treaties, but in reality, all of us are Ruth Cameron asked, citing and its impact, and about her We are all God’s children,” she missioner, the treaty plaque is treaty people.” poverty and addiction as the fallout culture and spiritual traditions was stressed, describing the beauty of similar to one installed earlier this In her presentation earlier in the of a deeply flawed system. Lives vital to healing, said Cameron. diversity, of people of different year at the Cathedral of the Holy evening, Ruth Cameron described and families were profoundly Traditional teachings have colours, shapes and language. Family in Saskatoon, featuring a her childhood, which from the age damaged by the schools that helped her rediscover the sacred in Find the full story online at: replica of a medal presented to of five involved attending the separated parents and children and herself and in the world around her, www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news

STM Indigenous Spirituality and Reconciliation Advisory Circle installs treaty plaque BY JACQUIE BERG Felix, Sturgeon Lake First Nation; Harry Lafond, Representatives of The Advisory Circle, Chair in Executive Director, Office of the Treaty Commissioner Indigenous Spirituality and Reconciliation hosted the (Co-Chair); Colleen M. Cameron; Gordon Martell, formal installation of a treaty plaque Nov. 30 at St. Thomas Superintendent of Education, Greater Saskatoon Catholic More College in Saskatoon. Schools; Candace Wasacase-Lafferty, Director of The plaque consists of an enlarged replica of the Aboriginal Initiatives, Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student original medal that was presented to participating First Centre; Dr. Terrence Downey, President of St. Thomas Nations at the time of the Treaty 6 signing in 1876, along More College (Co-Chair); Dr. Darrell McLaughlin, with an explanatory text acknowledging Treaty 6 territory Associate Dean, STM; and Gertrude Rompre, STM and proclaiming the importance of treaties to all Director of Mission and Ministry. Canadians. A treaty plaque was formally installed Nov. 30 at St. Thomas More The installation was followed by a public address by The event involved a smudging ceremony and a Liturgy College in Saskatoon. - Photo by Jacquie Berg Phil Fontaine, former National Chief, Assembly of First of the Word that included words of reflection and hope as Nations, on “The Meaning of Reconciliation.” ( A report the medal was unveiled along with the explanatory plaque. Spirituality and Reconciliation members include: Elder about Phil Fontaine’s Nov. 30 talk on reconciliation can be The STM Advisory Circle, Chair in Indigenous A.J. Felix, Sturgeon Lake First Nation; Elder Patricia found on Page 24. ) Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 7 Our Lady of Fatima 100th anniversary celebrated May 13 BY JENNIFER NUNES the Cova de Iria – the lady One hundred years ago, on revealed herself as the Lady of the May 13, 1917, while tending their Most Holy Rosary. flock of sheep in a small Since the apparitions in Portuguese village called Fatima, Fatima, a basilica and chapel in three young shepherd children – honour of Our Lady have been Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta – built and millions of pilgrims were startled by a flash of light from every corner of the globe from the heavens that they visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of 100th Anniversary of believed to be lightning coming Fatima every year. With devoted Appearance of Our Lady of Fatima from a beautiful clear sky. hearts, with the faith in every Schedule of Events in Saskatoon Moments later their fears were prayer said, and with every subdued by the appearance of “a sacrifice made by the pilgrims – 100 years ago Our Lady of Fatima appeared to three lady dressed all in white, more time after time Our Lady has shepherd children in Portugal, asking them to pray the rosary brilliant then the sun, shedding come to the aid of those who ask in devotion to her Immaculate Heart, in reparation for sin, for rays of light, clear and stronger for her intercession. world peace and the salvation of souls. Events to mark this than a crystal glass filled with the One of the most famous 100th anniversary are underway in Saskatoon. most sparkling water, pierced by intercessions attributed to Our Thursday, May 11, 7:00 p.m. – Family Holy Hour with Eucharistic the burning rays of the sun.” Lady of Fatima is the survival of adoration and the sung rosary by “The Little Flowers” at St. Philip Neri Thus began the relationship St. Pope John Paul II after an parish, 1904 Munroe Avenue, Saskatoon. between three small children and assassination attempt on May 13, a beautiful lady from heaven, who 1981 in St. Peter’s Square. Friday, May 12, 7:00 p.m. – The Story of Fatima evening of prayer, had not yet revealed her identity. St. Pope John Paul II believed rosary and a candlelight procession at Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 She would change the lives of not the intercession of Our Lady of Nelson Road, Saskatoon. only these three children but the Fatima saved his life on the day of Saturday, May 13, 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. – Living Fatima Retreat at St. lives and hearts of millions upon the shooting — which was also Paul's Co-Cathedral, 720 Spadina Cr., Saskatoon, with speaker Mark millions including all of Portugal the anniversary of her first Mallett; $15 registration includes catered supper following 5 p.m. Mass. and the hearts and lives of non- apparition in Fatima. Call (306) 652-0033 to register before May 10. believers and popes alike. The bullet that struck St. Pope Saturday, May 13, 2:00 p.m. – A family-friendly event, including This beautiful and tender lady John Paul II was later given to the A young Jennifer Nunes stands with the statue purchased by her Mass with Diocesan Administrator Fr. Kevin McGee at St. Mary’s dressed in white appeared to the sanctuary in Fatima, where it now grandmother Maria Silvina Silveira. Parish , 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon, in honour of the children for six continuous permanently resides within the It eventually found a home at St. anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady in Fatima 100 years Mary’s Parish in Saskatoon, where months – on the 13th day of each crown of the statue of Our Lady ago. Includes Children’s Liturgy during Mass, followed by an month (with the exception of of Fatima. a Mass and procession will be held May 13 to mark the 100th anniver- outdoor procession , and a gathering in St. Mary’s Hall for August when she appeared on the From a very young age, my sary of Our Lady of Fatima’s first refreshments and entertainment . ( Please bring a favourite snack 15th due to the imprisonment of grandmother would repeatedly appearance to three shepherd to share: drop off at St. Mary’s Hall before 2 p.m. Mass. ) these small children by authorities tell me the story of Our Lady of children in Portugal. - Submitted photo who wished to scare them into Fatima. Her devotion and love for denying the visions they had Our Lady of Fatima – along with Silveira, completed a promise she as well, joining the growing for those in most need has only seen). her strong faith that through the had made to Our Lady, purchasing devotion of others across the increased in urgency throughout Each time she came with a intercession of Mary we would be and donating an identical replica globe. the years. new message to share with Lucia cared for by her Son, Our Lord of the Fatima statue to a parish The entire diocese of A number of Saskatoon events Santos (the eldest) and her two Jesus Christ – always beamed here in Saskatoon. Saskatoon is now invited to are planned leading up to the big younger cousins (Jacinta and from the core of her being and Eventually the statue found a celebrate the 100th Anniversary feast on May 13, 2017 (above) . Francisco Marto). During the last was easily contagious. I fell in permanent home at St. Mary’s of the first apparition of Our Lady All are invited to attend and to of the visits, on Oct. 13, 1917, a love with Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Saskatoon. Over the of Fatima. Her messages and pray together in celebration of this reported 80,000 to 100,000 thanks to my grandmother’s faith years the local Portuguese promises are just as important and incredible anniversary. pilgrims witnessed the miracle of and devotion. community in Saskatoon has significant today as they were 100 Volunteers are also needed: the sun, sent so that all may While on pilgrimage to organized a Mass and procession years ago. Our Lady’s plea to pray contact (306) 202-9469 or e-mail believe what the children had seen Fatima, Portugal in 1987 my dear in Honour of Our Lady of Fatima the rosary daily as a weapon [email protected] and heard. During this last visit in grandmother, Maria Silvina every May and often in October against evil and to make sacrifices Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

Shepherd children continue to lead others to faith by their example, courage and humility BY SHARON LEYNE Two of the young Fatima visionaries – Francisco and Jacinta Marto – will Growing up Portuguese I always had a fascination and love for the story of Fatima. be canonized by Pope Francis on May 13, 2017 at a Mass in Fatima. I grew up surrounded by the famous Fatima Francisco died in April 1919 at the age of 10 and Jacinta died in February images and statues, and I walked in a 1920 at the age of 9 years. At their beatification celebration in 2000, Winnipeg procession to honour Our Lady. St. Pope John Paul II recounted the children’s heroic virtue in the face My childhood was steeped in these of suffering, and said: “A woman who gave hospitality to Jacinta in Lisbon, traditions. on hearing the very beautiful and wise advice that the little girl gave, Quite often I found myself dressed as a saint for Halloween while all my other asked who taught it to her. ‘It was Our Lady,’ she replied. Devoting friends got to be ninja turtles – however, I themselves with total generosity to the direction of such a good didn’t mind so much when I got to dress as teacher, Jacinta and Francisco soon reached the heights of perfection.” one of the three young shepherds of Fatima. Fast forward many years later: I finally and I discovered we were expecting our first devotion, courage, and humility of these had the chance to visit the apparition site at child, and after learning more about the shepherds that people began to believe. It Fatima, Portugal, where the Blessed Virgin incredible faith demonstrated through the has been through them that I have come to Mary appeared six times in 1917 to the three suffering of the youngest of the shepherds, love Our Lady even more. children – Lucia Santos, Francisco Marto, we named our daughter Jacinta. I am so excited to celebrate 100 years and Jacinta Marto. After reading more about these three since Mary first began to appear to the three I was so overwhelmed to be walking in children in Lucia’s own words, I found that little shepherds. My hope is that many will the footsteps of these three young children, everyone could learn from them. Yes, take part in the local events being organized Jacinta Leyne dressed as her namesake, praying in their church, and feeling the Fatima was a miracle, and the words Our in our community to mark the centennial, Blessed Jacinta Marto: devotion to Our Lady of Fatima continues in another generation. peace that surrounded the square. Lady spoke were profound and world- and will grow in appreciation and love for - Photo by Sharon Leyne It was on this trip that my husband Colm changing, but it was through the faith, Our Lady of Fatima, and these children. 8 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 •

Inmates at the correctional centre assist at Christmas Mass, celebrated by Diocesan Administrator Fr. Kevin McGee and Fr. Graham Hill, CSsR. - Photo by Dianne Anderson

Restorative Ministry outreach at Saskatoon Correctional Centre A team of volunteers coordin- Prison outreach Christian Initiation ated by Dianne Anderson of the and Catechetics diocesan Restorative Ministry is supported by the is supported by the Office provide outreach, prayer, and programs as part of prison outreach at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre. Highlights of the liturgical year, such as Christmas and the the Good News of Jesus Christ, Wadena Deanery gathering Easter Triduum, are celebrated at and to let the men know they are The diocesan CIC team (Christian Initiation and Catechetics) hosted a “Parishes of Discipleship” Wadena the prison with the help of local not forgotten. The outreach has an Deanery gathering Nov. 15 at St. Mary parish in Wadena, drawing on diocesan Study Days presentations on Forming Intentional Disciples. Turnout included 38 people from across the deanery, representing parishes at priests and volunteers. impact on the men, and for some, Foam Lake, Wynyard, Archerwill, Perigord, Nobleville, Kelvington, Lintlaw, Naicam, and Wadena. A number of With the help of parishioner is part of a healing journey to turn questions were explored by participants, including: Where is your parish going? Who are parish leaders? donations in the diocese, small their lives around, says Anderson. What steps can you take to bring more life to your parish? There will be follow-up with the parishes regarding gifts are given to all the men on For more information about needs, questions, and steps to help achieve some of the identified goals in their parishes. - Photo by Lynda Statchuk the holy days of Christmas and Restorative Ministry or prison Easter as a way to share the joy of outreach contact (306) 659-5845. Diocesan financial statements presented at AGM An Annual General Meeting for the Roman Total support and revenue in the diocese for the Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon was held Feb. 11, fiscal year July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 totalled 2017 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in $4,461,129, while total expenses were $4,397,850, Saskatoon. for a bottom line of $63,279 of revenue over Financial Administrator Tanya Clarke expenses. She also presented information about presented audited financial statements to those the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation, assembled for the AGM, which took place during which in 2015-16 disbursed $1,442,385 in a gathering of deanery and diocesan donations to the diocese of Saskatoon (including representatives who served on the former funds raised through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal) Diocesan Pastoral Council, which acts as a The audited financial statement summary is consultative body when there is a bishop in place. included in an Annual Report published online at: (The group has continued to meet with diocesan www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/newsletters leadership pending the appointment of a new or contact Tanya Clarke at the Catholic Pastoral Volunteers visit men at the Correctional Centre at Christmas and Easter and assist with prison outreach throughout the year: “...I was in prison, and you bishop.) Centre for more information: (306) 242-1500. visited me...” - Matthew 25:36. - Photo by Dianne Anderson

Bishop’s Annual Appeal Allocations in 2016 Note: Each year, BAA funds are allocated over two Catholic Pastoral Centre budget Thank You! years. The difference between the total collected and last year’s allocation is split, Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal is making a difference 50 per cent to the 2015-2016 year, and 50 per cent to the 2016-2017 Budget Year. in the lives of those struggling in difficult circumstances, Aboriginal Parish Ministry $ 77,700 those seeking faith, those searching for “The Face of Mercy ”... Catholic Family Services 50,000 Thanks to the support of donors & volunteers, the 2016 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Christian Initiation and Catechetics 113,400 raised $1,468,836.36, coming within about $31,165 of the $1.5 million goal. Communications 92,800 The Bishop’s Annual Appeal permits our diocesan church to reach out in love Deaf Ministry 6,500 and to build up the church. Thanks to your gifts, our diocesan family is working to Ecumenical Commission 8,900 address the needs of families, to support evangelization initiatives, to engage Education of Laity for Ministry 9,500 youth and young adults, and to bring hope to those who are despairing. As Education of Priests & Future Priests 97,000 Church, we come together in gratitude for all we have, giving our gifts knowing Foundations : Exploring Our Faith / general ministry support 56,700 we are transforming lives – walking with those who are grieving, supporting those who are in hospitals, and loving and caring for those who are the marginalized. Friendship Inn 5,000 Hospital Chaplaincy 92,800 For more information, or to donate, see the website: Interfaith Commission 150 www.dscatholicfoundation.ca/bishops-annual-appeal Lay Formation /Aboriginal Lay Formation 181,200 or contact Cathy Gilje at [email protected] or (306) 659-5851. Liturgy Commission 4,200 2016 BAA Allocations by Type of Ministry: Marriage & Family Life and Ministry Development 13,500 Office for Justice and Peace 55,700 2016 total/percentages Education & Formation $ 457,800 31% Prairie Centre for Ecumenism 20,000 Building up the Church... Pastoral Life $ 73,700 5% Resource Library 7,050 Communications $ 99,850 7% Restorative Ministry (Prison Outreach) 58,900 Reaching out Spiritual Care $ 106,300 7% Vocations 3,400 in Love... Outreach $ 253,800 17% Youth Ministry 66,100 Unity $ 29,050 2%

Parish Sharing Incentive 228,070 Administration $ 224,236 15% BAA administration 224,236 Parish Sharing incentive $ 228,070 15%

TOTAL ALLOCATIONS $ 1,472,806 TOTAL $ 1,472,806 Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 9 Emerge summer camp iBYnKItPLrY oLUKdAN YuAWcORSeKI d in“ Thdesei yoouncg leeadesrs ae re also A week-long summer camp to deepening their relationship with help youth going into Grade 8 or Christ and the Church. They are Grade 9 grow as disciples of deepening their confidence as Christ will be offered this summer leaders and are being equipped as in the Roman Catholic Diocese of the next generation of disciples, Saskatoon. as world changers who will Emerge will be held Aug. 21- encounter Christ, grow in Christ, 25 at the Blackstrap Youth Camp and bring Christ to the world.” facility south of Saskatoon. The vision for Emerge is to “Emerge will invite youth into have youth register and attend in a deeper personal relationship groups from parishes across the with Christ, and give them diocese, enrolling at the camp experiences of church community along with a local youth leader or at an important time in their lives, adult volunteer who will attend as when they are seeking who they a chaperone. are, who they are in Christ, and By registering for Emerge in what they want to do with their groups with local chaperones, lives,” says Colm Leyne, parish leaders, volunteers or Leaders for the new diocesan Emerge camp gathered recently for a training session at the cathedral. The Emerge coordinator of Youth Ministry in parents have an opportunity to be summer camp for students going into Grade 8 or Grade 9 will be held Aug. 21-25. - Photo by Kiply Yaworski the diocese of Saskatoon. energized and to deepen their The scripture theme chosen faith walk as well, notes Leyne. It faith community around an for Emerge, from 1 Peter 2:9, will also strengthen parish unforgettable experience.” reflects that vision: “For you are a connections and local youth Emerge will be an opportunity chosen generation…. of Him who ministry. for youth and their leaders to have called you out of darkness into his “If even two or three youth fun and to experience God and marvelous light.” from a small parish get together God’s creation in a safe, sacred A team of older youth are and enroll with a willing parent and very incarnational way, preparing to lead the Emerge volunteer as chaperone, they will stresses Leyne. camp, already gathering regularly now have others to share this “The church is not called to for enrichment, training and experience with, building stay in the basement, but to go out planning. connections in their own local and evangelize all corners of the earth… including on the beach, in the forest, or under our prairie sky.” Registration material has been sent to parishes, or for more info contact (306) 659-5843 or e-mail [email protected]

Momentum – a youth rally for Grades 6-8 – will be held 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Youth Ministry Saturday, May 27, presented at E.D. Feehan High School in Saskatoon by the diocesan Youth Ministry Office in collaboration with FacetoFace is supported by the Ministries and Pure Witness Ministries. Includes talks, drama, epic games, as well as celebration of Mass at 5 p.m., followed by a family supper and family dance. Cost: $35 (with t-shirt if before May 10); $75 for three or more siblings. Please register with your school or parish youth leader. For more information contact Colm Leyne at (306) 659- 5843 or by e-mail [email protected] Upcoming FacetoFace Retreat Oremus: “Let Us Pray...” in partnership with the Diocese of Saskatoon and Holy Family Cathedral Oremus for young adults (over 19 years) is held 7-11 p.m. on the fourth Friday of every month at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon (in Queen of Peace Chapel). This is a time to be still, Weekend Youth Retreat (Grades 8-12) with an Adult Track pray and intercede for the needs of each other, our community and the world. Includes testimonies and some table sharing, followed by social June 3 - June 4 time of beer, wine, refreshments, cards, board games, etc. The next Holy Family Cathedral, 123 Nelson Rd, Saskatoon, SK Oremus will be held Friday, May 26. For more info, contact Colm Leyne Tentative Schedule: Saturday 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at [email protected] or (306) 659-5843. Cost: $25; Register by contacting Amanda at (306) 659-5804; [email protected]

BYY oKIPuLY LnUKgAN Y AdWOiRsSKI ciples deepen relationship with Jesus Christ at Search Search weekends continue to be offered to youth ages 15 to 18 years in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, coordinated through the Youth Ministry Office. The next Search will be offered in the fall of 2017. An intense weekend of spiritual growth that was revived in the diocese two years ago, Search challenges high-school-aged youth to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and to make a con- scious, adult commitment to their Catholic faith, explains diocesan youth ministry coordinator Colm Leyne, Consisting of talks, music, prayer, spiritual direction, fellow- ship, and sacraments, the live-in weekend encourages youth to “Search for Christian maturity.” Search participants and team members at the October 2016 weekend held at Bishop James Mahoney high school/ St. Anne’s parish: the weekend experience is open to youth ages 15 to 18 from across the diocese. Watch for more information about the next Search in the fall. - Photo by Sharon Leyne Searchers come to know them- selves, others, and God in a more adds, saying that team members top experience, but we’re not just opportunities to connect, and to For more information about loving and personal way, he says. stay connected with the Search going to just say ‘go back to the follow up – and also to serve as Search see the website at: Follow-up is important, he participants. “This is a mountain- valley’,” he said. “There’ll be disciples, in parishes or beyond.” www.saskatoonsearch.ca 10 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 •

BJY KOATE OY’G O RMpAN articipants listoether ngrou pts oto as siest rxefugpees erience of refugees For some newcomers to our seeking safety in our community. increasingly multi-cultural Many dedicated volunteers at the community, their story begins parish level offer their time and with being forced to leave their talent to undertake and to assist country of origin. Participants in with refugee sponsorships. the diocese of Saskatoon’s Justice Volunteer Sheila Flory, co- and Outreach Year (JOY) of chair of the Refugee Committee at Formation immersed themselves St. Philip Neri Parish in in the refugee story Oct. 15, 2016, Saskatoon, facilitated a session spending the day at the Saskatoon for JOY participants, sharing Open Door Society. numerous accounts of the Dana Krushel, Migration and partnerships that occur between Resettlement Coordinator at the parishioners and refugee families. Mennonite Central Committee, “I find working with the refugee led an activity that brought into JOY Formation committee very fulfilling work,” JOY participants Murray Wood, Lori Ethier, Mike Broda, Bonnie Roberts and Marie-Jean Will (in a circle from the left) gather for reflection during an focus what being a displaced Kate O’Gorman said Flory. “We are so blessed, October session focused on the refugee experience. - Photo by Kate O’Gorman person is like. Participants were living in Canada, and I love asked to visit simulation stations, secure safe passage. This giving other people a chance to become participating members of Having arrived only eight months such as border crossings, where simulation offered a glimpse into start a new life in this wonderful an inclusive and diverse community ago, this faith-filled and they were presented with the sorts life as a refugee and set the country.” and country.” optimistic young man now leads a of decisions that many face during foundation for the rest of the day. Learning how to live, settle Cultural Bridging Facilitators full life as a student, employee times of conflict and migration. Through the Office of and thrive in a new home country Roberta Desnomie and Farrukh and community volunteer. Difficult decisions challenged Migration, the Roman Catholic is what all newcomers experience Syeer of the Open Door Society Rehan’s older brother and sister- participants with how to maintain Diocese of Saskatoon operates as once they arrive. The mission of described various ways people from in-law have also been sponsored resources such as food, money a refugee sponsorship agreement Saskatoon’s Open Door Society is differing countries of origin may through the diocese and he is and health while attempting to holder, working with parishes and to “assist newcomers to Canada to communicate (or miscommunicate) anxiously awaiting their arrival. given their cultural and behavioural With hearts and minds moved The Justice and Outreach Year (JOY) of Formation offers experiential learning norms. Inclusivity and integration by the refugee story as it is grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, connecting with community groups and are a large part of the newcomer experienced from various vantage story, participants learned. points, JOY participants walking with those they serve. Themes include: Sharing his own experience as concluded the day with • Human Dignity • Refugees • a refugee from Syria, sponsored celebration of the Eucharist and a • Indigenous Experience • Anti-Poverty • through the diocese of Saskatoon community supper at St. Paul’s and settling into life as a parish, recognizing that “our • International Development, Justice, Peace • newcomer, Jad Rehan gave JOY common story is that we are all • Health and Elder Care • Hunger and Food • participants the gift of his story as loved by God, we are all • Restorative Justice • Youth and Family • Care of the Earth • the day’s final presenter. deserving of safety and there is Rehan showed pictures of his room at the table for all of us.” The diocesan program is presented over 10 weekends, from September to June. hometown in Syria, before and Applications are now being after the bombing which forced taken for JOY starting in Applications are now being taken for September 2017! him and his family to flee. He September 2017. See the website: Find more information at: www.joyformationprogram.com graciously shared what it was like www.joyformationprogram.com for him to be uprooted, displaced or call Kate O’Gorman at (306) or contact Kate O’Gorman at (306) 659-5847. and in need of a safe place to live. 659-5847. Justice and Outreach Year (JOY) of Formation raises challenges BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI not to entertain company that day,” says Participants in a diocesan Justice and O’Gorman. Outreach Year explored the issue of health “We encountered people who were and elder care during their monthly struggling with confusion and anxiety and gathering in February 2017, centred on a we witnessed the tenderness of staff who visit to Samaritan Place, a Catholic long- patiently answered repeat questions and term care facility in Saskatoon’s Stone- gently tried to assuage any fear. We bridge neighbourhood. discovered what is was like to extend The visit to Samaritan Place brought friendship to someone who perhaps forth a range of insights, challenges and couldn’t reciprocate in any obvious way reactions from the 15 program participants, and we were invited to search for the reports Kate O’Gorman, coordinator of the beauty and meaning in simply being Justice and Outreach Year (JOY) of present without expectation or validation.” Formation program. The temptation of any service-focused “One of the principles and strengths of initiative is to busy ourselves with the the JOY program is that we, as a work of “doing,” notes O’Gorman. “We community of people with a deep desire to tend to ‘default’ into helping others by be of service, avail ourselves of the tidying things up, organizing schedules, possibility of being stretched,” she says, performing tasks that might otherwise go noting that participants often have different undone – and while this is certainly a experiences when exploring the various necessary aspect of service to some JOY participants Sr. Marie-Noelle Rondot, SMS, and Denise DeBrou meet with residents at social justice themes that are part of the 10- Samaritan Place in February 2017. - Photo by Kate O’Gorman degree, the more challenging and often the month diocesan program. most needed element is to simply be “Some issues sit more comfortably for present,” she says. one person, while that same topic may working and visiting with people who Samaritan Place operates from – that each A recognition that authentic service prove to be a challenge for someone else. wrestle with dementia, limited mobility and resident is an individual of value and requires an acknowledgment of one’s own There is a fluidity to this tension; it rises declining health. Others felt the tension of dignity, worthy of a home where they can limitations is unfolding as participants and falls for each of us on any given being confronted with infirmity and with receive compassionate assistance and continue to journey through the JOY weekend and to varying degrees,” what may be considered a loss of control,” friendship in maintaining a full and program, says O’Gorman. O’Gorman describes. “As a lay community notes O’Gorman. abundant life, adds O’Gorman. “As “It is much more comfortable to ignore committed to being formed as servant “It was in this very human response of participants of the JOY program, as the elderly and infirm because it permits leaders, we support and carry one another conflicting emotions that we were greeted followers of Christ, and as members of this us to ignore our own fragility,” she says. through these growing pains.” by members of Samaritan’s Leadership humanity, we explored how we are called “To be of service is to set aside our own Some JOY participants were familiar Team and invited to enter an initial process to participate in that offering of friendship.” defensive sense of separateness and open with long-term care facilities such as of prayer and reflection,” she says. JOY participants were invited to meet ourselves to the healing gift of friendship. Samaritan Place, whether through a JOY “We were gracefully directed through and sit with residents of Samaritan Place. We are being stretched, indeed.” community placement (a feature of the an exploration of the parable of the Good “We had lively conversations with O’Gorman added: “And yet, we carry formation program) or other volunteer Samaritan in a way that oriented our minds people who were curious about who we and support one another through this experiences, or because they have and spirits to consider who our neighbour were and we sat with those who preferred ongoing process of outreach growth and personally journeyed with a loved one might be and how we might be called to to be in silence. Some residents enjoyed a justice formation. We continue to learn through long-term care. respond to need with compassion.” good laugh with us while others were and be moulded by the Potter into the “Some of us were quite comfortable This is the philosophy and vision that having a difficult morning and preferred servant-leaders we are called to be.” Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 11 JOY Formation program offers discoveries, insights, surprises BY KATE O’G ORMAN confided that this would be the The Justice and Outreach Year first time they had ever decorated (JOY) of Formation program a Christmas tree. continues to awaken and surprise. We found ourselves entering The program offers 10 easy conversation and being weekends to learn about and invited into relationship. We were explore various social justice offered the gift of vulnerability issues. Participants are offered and were asked, in turn, to see the opportunity to consider how these men and women as friends Catholic Social Teaching and our who had a story to tell. baptismal call to discipleship are As part of our visit we connected to each issue. received a tour, heard the mission There is also an invitation to of the Lighthouse and learned discern how we are all about the issue of poverty as it is individually called by God to experienced by so many in respond to the needs of others. Saskatoon – but, as always, it was Each participant enters the the interaction with people that weekend with an open heart and a became the true gift of that day. deep desire to be of service. Biases began to be revealed Often, through these encounters, for what they were, assumptions we find ourselves humbled, our were called into question, perspectives and worldviews perspectives were invited to be broadened and our hearts broken changed and hearts were open just a little bit wider. This unavoidably opened. was the case in December when Because of our experience we focused our attention on the through the JOY program, we issues of poverty in our city. were awakened to the There is something about unmistakable fingerprint of poverty that can cast a shadow of friendship, love and humanity trepidation and an element of fear present in the people who when it is examined up close. emergency shelter, supportive pricked to the sounds, smells and offering of friendship, some of utilize the resources at The Learning about poverty, listening living and affordable housing for sights around us – waiting for Lighthouse residents began to Lighthouse. to facts and statistics across a men, women and families in instruction. initiate conversation. We discovered that the divide boardroom table, while a Saskatoon. Our main job that afternoon Many shared their story with between us and those who suffer necessary and important part of We had each driven by this was to trim the main hall with us; we learned of one man’s poverty is much less wide than the dialogue, can restrict agency numerous times before – Christmas decorations. Eager to interest in music and his ability to we would like to think and, thus understanding to a sanitized and maybe we’d hurried past as we keep busy, we dutifully got play the piano, another told us our service became one of one-dimensional tableau. went to catch a movie at the started. We hauled large about how he had struggled with mutuality – recognizing and It is far riskier to come face- theatre on the opposite corner or containers of garland and his health – showing us the affirming the dignity of one to-face with the people who live edged by it on our way to dinner ornaments into the main surgical marks left on his body. another and walking together in and wrestle with the effects of somewhere downtown. gathering areas and began to set One woman told us about how our vulnerability and brokenness poverty on a day-to-day basis. We all had a peripheral up trees in and amongst the much she loved the community at without averting our eyes. Seeing, hearing, smelling and awareness of the former hotel that crowd of people who called The the Lighthouse – it was her Find more information about touching poverty begs a now played host to many of Lighthouse home. extended family, while a young the diocesan Justice and Outreach vulnerability that most of us tend Saskatoon’s marginalized, but The Lighthouse clientele is man talked about how he had Year (JOY) of Formation at: to shy away from, myself few of us had ever been inside. diverse: men and women of become homeless in his early www.joyformationprogram.com included. And yet, it is here, Perhaps, like me, some of us had varying ages, races and abilities teens and had not been able to or for more information about within this place of discomfort made a deliberate detour to avoid lounged and visited with one undo the ramifications of that. applying for next year’s JOY and vulnerability, that Jesus calls the man huddled in the corner to another, sharing a laugh or two Some of us were given a program, call Kate O’Gorman at to us. keep warm or avoided eye- while we skirted around them lesson in Tai Chi as someone else (306) 659-5847. The JOY program was contact with the panhandler trying to make ourselves useful. designed to invite us precisely asking for spare change. The first half hour was an into this space of discomfort so By walking directly into The awkward dance of us versus them that we could push past our well- Lighthouse, we were being asked as we considered each other with Friendship Inn volunteers developed biases and begin to see to confront those times when we tentative smiles, keeping an brokenness with resurrection had participated in the denial of acceptable distance. reflect on their experience eyes. “the least of these” – don’t look This could have been the BY HEATHER MACDONALD To enhance the team building Nevertheless, it was with and it’s not there, don’t engage extent of our involvement – a safe Extremely humbling is how aspect they put together groups of nervous apprehension that our and they don’t exist. and non-threatening experience Carleen Frey and Leslie Doka employees who don’t normally JOY community went to visit The Entering the foyer, we that demanded nothing of us describe volunteering at the work together to volunteer at the Lighthouse, a non-profit huddled together unsure of our except our time. But it wasn’t. Saskatoon Friendship Inn. Friendship Inn. organization that offers surroundings – eyes wide, senses One-by-one, in a brave “I think it puts your life into “We’re very proud of our perspective,” says Frey of the culture and the way we function lunch shifts filled by 60 Wright as a team,” says Doka, who sees Construction employees in teams inviting 110 employees to of five or six. “We need to be volunteer or donate food as grateful for what we have. I can opening their eyes to how easy it afford to eat, have housing.” is to give back to the community. “All parents found it very hard The positive response has the to see the children there. It was a two planning to make cold day,” says Doka, adding “my volunteering at the Friendship Inn kids have grown up entitled.” an annual event. Both describe volunteering to The Inn’s Executive Director serve lunch to hungry people at Sandra Stack is grateful for their the Friendship Inn as a enthusiastic assistance. worthwhile experience for them “Every day, hungry children, and their co-workers. youth, adults, seniors and families They’re wondering “why eat as many as 1,000 meals at the didn’t we do this sooner,” given Friendship Inn, thanks to the Wright’s role in building the Inn’s contributions of eager volunteers present home and the positive and generous donors,” says Stack. impact on the employees who Knowing their need has no participated. season, the Inn is now inviting Denzil parish marks 50th anniversary of Development and Peace “I haven’t heard one employee donors to give as little $10 Development and Peace representative for Kerrobert deanery Zena Deibert, parish priest Rev. Binu Rathappillil, who wouldn’t do it again,” says monthly to feed a family, she VC, and Sacred Heart parish Development and Peace representative Marlene Dewald (l-r) stand before a bulletin Frey, the company’s Human says. board at Sacred Heart parish in Denzil, SK., highlighting the mission of Development and Peace and a 50-year timeline of activities and outreach. Parishioners were also invited to become members of Development and Resources Generalist, who For more information about Peace (Caritas Canada), the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada. organized the opportunity with donating or volunteering see the A prayer intention for Development and Peace was part of Sunday Mass, and there was also a presentation Doka, the Wright’s Director of website: www.friendshipinn.ca about the Catholic organization. -Photo submitted by Zena Deibert Construction. or call (306) 242-5122 12 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • Hundreds attend five sessions of a Christian introduction to Islam BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI Foundations A concluding reflection on Christian- is supported by the Islamic relations by Rev. Bernard de Margerie was presented Nov. 15, 2016 at the final session of a five-part series entitled Christian Study of Islam: An Introduction at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. Schindel, MD, a Muslim chaplain at the The last session of the five-week University of Saskatchewan; by scholar, diocesan Foundations: Exploring Our Faith author and Lutheran minister Dr. Roland E. Together program also included insights Miller; and by Dr. Brenda Anderson of from three panelists: Sarah Donnelly, Luther College, Regina. The series also retired Lutheran Bishop Allan Grundahl included a guided visit to the Islamic and Elaine Zakreski. Association of Saskatchewan mosque in Earlier sessions had included Saskatoon. A guided visit to the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan mosque located on Copland Crescent in Saskatoon was part of a diocesan series entitled a Christian Study of Islam: an presentations at the Catholic cathedral by “I want to remind us of a pathway for Christians to approach our Muslim brothers Introduction. During the evening, leaders at the mosque expressed appreciation to the Imam Sheikh Ilyas Sidyot; by Dr. Joel organizers ( l-r) : Fr. Bernard de Margerie, Mohamed Hajinoor, Sr. Phyllis Kapuscinski, NDS, Rev. and sisters and Islam in a way blessed by Colin Clay, Khalil Rehman and Imam Sheikh Ilyas Sidyot. - Photo by Kiply Yaworski God,” said de Margerie, reviewing the goals for the well-attended Christian Study of Islam series. “In mulling this over, praying this over, we also listened to adherents of Islamic faith and we learned a lot – but all of this was introduction.” He acknowledged that not everyone’s questions about Islam were answered by the series, saying: “That is the shortcoming of trying to do too much in five evenings.” Reflecting on the purpose of inter-faith dialogue, de Margerie said that the first call offered to Christians is to seize their own faith and live their commitment to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in a deeper way. “The main reason for Christians to get Lenten series to know and approach people of other Bishop Emeritus Gerald Wiesner, OMI, is religions is to give greater glory to God,” pictured with Rita Taylor, coordinator of he stressed. “We give greater glory to God the diocesan Foundations: Exploring Our when we become aware of – and grateful Faith Together program, which hosted a Vigil held in Saskatoon after shooting at Quebec mosque two-part Lenten series featuring Wiesner for – the grace and good he accomplishes Hundreds gathered Jan. 31 for an outdoor vigil at Saskatoon City Hall in support of those speaking on God’s mercy and also in people of other religions.” killed in a mosque shooting in Quebec, and those affected by a U.S. travel ban on travel forgiveness. Find more about the Found- Find complete coverage of the series on from several Muslim countries.The Catholic bishops of Saskatchewan were among leaders ations series on the diocesan news page the diocesan news page online at: in the community to respond to the shooting at the mosque, sending a message to the at www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news Muslim community Jan. 30 expressing sorrow and solidarity. For more coverage of the vigil - Photo by Rita Taylor. www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news see the web news page: www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news - Photo by Kiply Yaworski Living simply proposed as a way to take environmental action BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI Hrynkow noted that the practical workshops were also centred on a postcard that includes Justice and Peace offered on community gardens, The local Saskatoon group is supported by the market model of endless a pledge to individual climate Churches for Environmental consumption is neither green kitchens, organizing an action, and a call for more far- Action hosted a workshop March sustainable nor fulfilling. “We environmental block party, and reaching national climate policy. 4 at Mayfair United Church, suffocate ourselves in the service handling household waste. The aims are to raise awareness entitled “Drowning? Ways to Live of broken story; we drown in the Myron Rogal of the Justice about climate change, and collect Simply.” stuff we own and hoard.” and Peace Office for the Roman signatures as a demonstration of Christopher Hrynkow of St. offer for Christians who struggle A vision of something better Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon support for increased federal Thomas More College opened the to put their heads above the than what the advertising industry spoke about the Citizens for government action. afternoon event reflecting on torrent of excess consumption that offers will drive transformative Public Justice initiative “Give it Find more on this event online at: Christian ecological ethics and the seeks to drown them, even if it is action, Hrynkow suggested, up for the Earth!” The campaign is www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news call to battle our “addiction to just long enough to hear the voice saying that such a vision could stuff” as a way to care for the of the prophets calling us back to embrace the virtues of hospitality, earth and to live justly with those more nourishing relationships co-living, respect, tolerance and in poverty and on the margins. with God, our self, our neighbour communality, and bring “the joy “There are alternatives on and the rest of creation.” and health benefits that come from simple living.” Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ firmly connects the vision of simple, responsible living to peace. As Pope Francis writes: “Christian spirituality proposes a growth marked by moderation and the capacity to be happy with little. It is a return to that simplicity which allows us to stop and appreciate the small things, to be grateful for the opportunities which life affords us, to be spiritually detached from what we possess, and not to succumb to sadness for what we lack. This implies avoiding the Life Chain in October, March for Life in May Christian imperative for peace dynamic of dominion and the Life Chain 2016 was held Oct. 2 in Saskatoon at the busy corner of Moderator Rev. Colin Clay and panelists Dr. Walter Klaassen, Ruth mere accumulation of pleasures.” Idylwyld and 22nd Street, with participants holding up pro-life Klaassen, and Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina ( l-r ) participated in a (Laudato Si’ #222.) messages and praying for an end to abortion. The annual discussion about why Christians should talk about war and peace Jan. In another session, Saskatoon Saskatchewan March for Life will be held May 11, 2017 with Mass at 20 and 27 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. The City Councilor Mairin Loewen 12:30 p.m. at Christ the King Parish, 3239 Garnet Street, Regina, teachings of Jesus Christ require Christians to pursue peace and non- followed by registration at the Legislative Grounds from 1 to 3 p.m. violence, said the panelists, stressing the need for dialogue. Find more spoke about city of Saskatoon with a program at 2 p.m., followed by witness on Albert Street, Regina news coverage of the event at: www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news initiatives and challenges related from 3 to 4 p.m. Knights of Columbus bus contact is Gerald Wiegers - Photo by Kiply Yaworski to environmental action. Four (306) 342-0033 or Louis Roth (306) 249-2764. - Photo by Tim Yaworski Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 13

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish hosts story-telling workshop

Good Friday Way of the Cross Wyndham Thiessen of L’Arche carries the cross through the rain on Good Friday, during the annual outdoor Way of the Cross in Saskatoon. Some 200 turned out to sing, pray and reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Representatives of various community groups con- nected each of 14 stations to suffering and need in our world today. Themes included the plight of refugees, human trafficking, care of the During a three-day conference hosted by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon, storyteller and theologian sick and dying, the need for clean water, the need for foster parents, Megan McKenna led sessions on the crucial art of storytelling for passing on tradition and faith. Parish leaders respect for life, religious persecution, war/famine in South Sudan, and were among those gathered for the opening session March 31 (left to right): Parish Life Director Debbie Ledoux, reaching out to Indigenous people . Find more coverage of this Justice and facilitator Megan McKenna, Rev. Graham Hill, CSsR, Parish Elder Gayle Weenie, and Deacon Paul Labelle. Peace event at www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news - Photo by Tim Yaworski Stories help communities survive and thrive - McKenna BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI story to renew and transform all around us, including in our information for survival, she including the story of Christ’s “Handing on Tradition, communities was the theme of liturgy, noted McKenna. “Most added. baptism in the Jordan, breaking Sharing Faith” was the theme of a McKenna’s introductory evening of liturgy, the first half, is story Oral storytelling traditions open its imagery and its weekend facilitated in Saskatoon of storytelling March 31 at St. telling, and then the second half bring a person into community message – “you are my child, by story-telling theologian and Mary’s Parish Hall. With flair and is acting out the story of the Last and connection, as opposed to the you are my servant, you are my scripture scholar Megan humour, weaving ancient Supper,” she said. use of technology, which tends to beloved… and I take great McKenna March 31 to April 2. Indigenous stories with discussion Stories remind us of our isolate, McKenna suggested. delight in you.” Presented by Our Lady of and with scripture, McKenna greatest strengths and Telling a story to a group of more “All good stories are told to Guadalupe Parish – which serves explored how stories tell us who weaknesses and our greatest than one person means the story change us, to transform us, to First Nations, Métis, Aboriginal we are and what life means, gifts, and have the power to bring takes on a life of its own in the change things,” she said, and non-Aboriginal people in imparting truths, information and healing, formation and life of that community. stressing that the richness of the Saskatoon’s core neighbourhoods values from generation to transformation. “If you lose your “Stories are the heart of Indigenous stories and world – the three-day focus on generation. stories, you have lost something people. It’s the glue that holds a view are desperately needed in storytelling included an Elders’ “Every group passes on what is core and crucial to who you are.” community together,” she said, the world today. storytelling circle, a session on most crucial through storytelling,” Beginning with a First urging her listeners to go and “We need stories that tell the handing on traditions to the said McKenna. “That is true all Nations tale about a storytelling look for the stories of their truth; stories that tell us how to young, a session for the young on over the world.” However, in stone and the creation of a community, research the tales, stay alive – how to stop the “creating your own story,” as well modern western societies, many storyteller who helps his record the stories of elders, make destruction.” as an introduction to the story of have lost the ability to share community survive and thrive, them your own and share them McKenna also presented a Our Lady of Guadalupe and the through the tradition of oral McKenna summarized: “you with others. “This is a way to parish mission March 25-29 at message contained in her storytelling, she added. must tell the stories, they are as reclaim culture… the stories are St. Mary’s Parish in Saskatoon, miraculous image that appeared Stories cross borders and important as food.” never gone.” exploring three Lenten gospels on the tilma of the Indigenous languages much easier than Stories are also a gift, and for McKenna continued sharing from the gospel of John: the man, St. Juan Diego. people do, and all stories create many cultures were the usual stories with the group, inviting woman at the well, the man born “For Indigenous peoples, communities, McKenna said. way of passing on crucial reaction and discussion – blind and the raising of Lazarus. cultural identity is the foundation “Families have stories, relig- of who we are,” said promotional ious communities have stories, material prepared by Our Lady of parishes have stories, nations Guadalupe parish about the have stories,” she said. “You are Parishes getting to know each other storytelling workshop. “For years known by the stories you tell.” BY TERESA HIEBERT community and many visitors in Several pilgrims from Sask- the Canadian government has “For people who believe in Recently, St. George’s the faith celebration that blended atchewan made a pilgrimage to tried to separate our people from Jesus, who are Catholics, we are Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and tradition and culture. After Mass, Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica our heritage, to separate us from supposed to be telling stories of Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Elders, clergy, parishioners and Shrine in Mexico City in our customs and languages. The resurrection, stories of hope, Catholic Parish have begun visitors shared a traditional feast. February 2017, organized by end result has been a generation stories of life that’s stronger than exploring a relationship together Later on that same day, the Bishop Bryan Bayda, Marlene separated from our culture and death, stories of forgiveness and and are getting to know each Hispanic community of St. Bodnar, and Teresa Hiebert. A from our beliefs, both traditional reconciliation.” other as brothers and sisters in Mary’s Roman Catholic Parish fourth annual pilgrimage is also and Christian.” Although some are no longer Christ. also held their Guadalupe Feast tentatively planned for February Rediscovering the power of telling stories, we still find stories Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Day celebration. 2018. serves First Nations, Métis, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal parishioners in the heart of Saskatoon, based at Guadalupe House, 426 Avenue J South, celebrating Mass at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Parish on Avenue O and 20th Street. The Guadalupe parish community gathered Dec. 11 to celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12) at St. Mary’s, beginning with smudging by community Elders. Fr. Kevin McGee, Diocesan Farewell to Leonard Cohen Administrator, presided at Mass, Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina ( left) returned to Saskatoon Feb. concelebrating with Bishop Bryan 13 for a public conversation with Jewish Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky of Rite of Election 2017 Congregation Agudas Israel about the poetry of the late singer- Bayda, CSsR (Eparchy of Michelle Sieben of the diocesan Christian Initiation and Catechetics songwriter Leonard Cohen, who died Nov. 7, 2016. It was the second Saskatoon) and Fr. Graham Hill, Office (right) looks on as catechumens from across the diocese sign time that the two friends had shared thoughts and insights into the CSsR, assisted by Deacon Paul their names in the Book of the Elect as part of the 2017 Rite of Election Christian and Jewish imagery in Cohen’s work. For news coverage of Labelle. held the first Sunday of Lent at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in the session entitled A Broken and a Holy Hallelujah see the diocesan Saskatoon with Diocesan Administrator Fr. Kevin McGee presiding. website at www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news or find the video on In his homily, McGee thought- Journeying through RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), the the diocese channel at: www.youtube.com/user/saskatoondiocese fully and vibrantly shared the Elect were preparing to be baptized, confirmed and welcomed to the - Photo by Tim Yaworski Guadalupe story with the parish Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. - Photo by Kiply Yaworski 14 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • On Living Through Our Dying A Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan Introduction – “Dying is a part of life” Just as the sun makes its way toward the western horizon every evening and sets into night, every human life makes it way from birth to death. It can be difficult to think about our own dying. Perhaps it is even more challenging to contemplate the death of those we love. While it can be tempting to distance ourselves from death, Pope John Paul II reminds us that “dying is also a part of life.” (Saint Pope John Paul II, Address at the Rennweg Hospice in Vienna, June 21, 1998.) In Canada today, we have become distanced from dying. Life expectancy is considerably longer than it has been at other times in human history, and even in other parts of the world today; we often take health and longevity for granted. Advances in medical knowledge and technology mean that we often live long enough that our children and grandchildren have long since established their own lives when we begin to face our own death. While people used to die at home, primarily cared for by extended family, death is now more commonly experienced in a hospital or other health care setting. While we are grateful to live longer and healthier Diocesan Administrator Fr. Kevin McGee, Bishop Bryan Bayda, Archbishop Murray Chatlain, Bishop Albert Thévenot and lives, we are all still going to die. The experience of Archbishop Donald Bolen (l-r) released three documents on Feb. 11, 2017, World Day of the Sick. - Photo by Kiply Yaworski dying is often a harsh and overwhelming experience. Our fear of death at times leads us to resist or ignore what this to die; and his resurrection gives us the hope that in our fundamental human experience might have to teach us, living and our dying, we are ever in the hands of the about God and about ourselves. Saint Francis, in his living God, who came among us to wipe away our tears. Canticle of the Creatures, dares to call death a sister, part Even where life is difficult, He is with us, inviting us to of the human condition which God has authored and receive and live the gift that we have received. through which God speaks to us. Dying, in the light of God’s gift of life, is a part of our The recent legalization of euthanasia and physician living. Living through death is both our final assisted suicide in Canada adds to our sense that we can responsibility and the last gift we can make of our lives. control the circumstances of our dying in the same way It is something to be experienced and endured, learned that we try to control other aspects of living. It is in this from, and ultimately offered back to God. St. Paul writes context that we feel called to reflect on human dignity in that “If we have died with Christ, we believe that we will the face of human mortality. Our faith invites us to live also live with him” ( Romans 6:8 ). We believe that in and die with trust in the God who gave us breath. We living through our dying, we share an experience with mourn any time a person seeks to end their own life. Our Jesus, who turned his suffering and death into self- calling at this time and in this place is to form ourselves offering which brings redemption. To have faith in Christ well in a Christian understanding of living and dying, so Photo by Roger Lamoyne, Living Lessons is to face death as a part of the great mystery of the gift of that we can witness to the world that there is another way. living, and to participate in God’s redemptive work in this world and the next. 1. To Hear the Good News 2. Living Through Our Suffering and Dying Ecclesiastes offers this advice: “Whatever you do, do Jesus was not a stranger to the brutal physical pain well” ( Ecclesiastes 9:10 ). It is worth reflecting that it is As Christians, we believe that life, despite its limits and intense spiritual suffering that accompanies some possible for us to die well. God does not force us to do and struggles, is a gift of God to us. It is this very life that human dying. We, too, are called to be mindful of just anything; rather, death offers us a final invitation to Jesus himself enters, promising: “I came that they might how hard the work of dying can be. Sometimes, chronic surrender all that we are, to the very last breath, into the have life, and have it abundantly” ( John 10:10 ). In living illness means that our dying is stretched over months or hands of the one who gave us life and promises us eternal and dying among us, he showed us how to live and how years, a steady decline of health and ability that is life. challenging for both the person and their family, friends, and caregivers. In other cases, dying happens too quickly, resulting in a different kind of suffering and grief. The Excerpts from the Introduction to the Saskatchewan Catholic Bishops’ response to Physician journey towards death can be a struggle towards some Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Released on the World Day of the Sick, February 11, 2017 form of acceptance and trust. Jesus himself struggled to make peace with his own impending death. The path is At this critical time of implementation of PAS in our health system, we have felt it appropriate to difficult and we have a responsibility to accompany people through it. And it can be even more painful for publish three new texts, each with a different purpose and audience. family and caregivers to witness the suffering of their loved one than it is for the dying person. Violence, First, we have written a Pastoral Letter on ‘Living Through Our Dying’ (printed on Page 14-15 of this uncontrolled pain, unforgiveness, lack of access to Diocesan Newsletter) , addressed to our brothers and sisters in faith and all people who have the gift necessary supports, fear, and any number of other of life. Our aim with this letter was to initiate a dialogue with our culture, recognizing that many circumstances can make the work of dying feel struggle to see our opposition to PAS as an expression of compassion. We wanted to articulate what completely overwhelming. we stand for (more than what we oppose), to recognize the challenge of placing our trust in God, As Christians, we believe that our freedom, and and to extend the invitation to hope that our faith offers. ultimately our salvation, is linked to God’s loving presence and our response to it in the midst of every reality. It is not always easy to believe this or to feel it, Secondly, we have written a Pastoral Reflection on ‘Jesus: The Word Who is Life’ (Page 15) , which but it is our call, our invitation to seek Him in all things, situates the Paschal Mystery as the foundation of our understanding of the meaning of human even, and maybe especially when we are at the end of our dying. It is intended to be formative catechesis primarily for our own faithful, but it may well be of own capacity. Death confronts our deepest sense of who use to our Christian brothers and sisters as well. we are and what we hope for, and it is the final opportunity for us to embrace the reality that lies before Finally, we have written Pastoral Guidelines, addressed to priests, deacons and the Catholic faithful us. The response to God’s invitation is at once both (Page 16) , intended to give support and guidance to those ministering to people facing the end of deeply personal and profoundly communal. No one can their lives. It was our hope to write guidelines which would equip those in ministry to follow Jesus force another person to embrace, accept or make peace faithfully, while extending his invitation of faith and life to those tempted to choose the with reality. To impose meaning on another person, to not circumstances of their own death. hear another’s pain with empathy, to trivialize or ignore another’s grief: such actions damage our relationships Archbishop Donald J. Bolen , Archdiocese of Regina with each other, distance us from loving like God loves, Bishop Bryan Bayda, Eparchy of Saskatoon and violate the freedom God gives to each person. At the Diocesan Administrator Kevin McGee, Diocese of Saskatoon same time, the end of life decisions of one individual have great impact on that person’s community. When we Archbishop Murray Chatlain Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas suffer with resentment, blame, anger, and despair, we Bishop Albert Thévenot Diocese of Prince Albert plant those seeds in the lives and experiences of others. • LIVING THROUGH OUR DYING • Page 15 Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 15 Jesus: The Word Who is Life A Pastoral Reflection from the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan At each moment, the Word of God sent forth from the Christians, we believe Jesus, who pitched his tent among Father speaks to every human heart. This Word is Jesus us ( John 1:14) , accompanies us at each moment of our Christ whose life and suffering, death and resurrection, living and dying. The writer to the Hebrews says that Jesus reveal the pattern of our own journey back to the Father. tasted death for everyone ( see Hebrews 2:9) . In Jesus we The Father invites us to listen to this Word, the Beloved encounter God’s faithfulness, love and grace that can give (see Luke 9:35; Mark 9:7 ), and to follow him. us hope and courage to endure to the end. The clamour of life filled with its many demands and As we follow Jesus in our own dying we believe that he distractions often prevents us from hearing the voice of the will ultimately lead us through the valley of suffering and Son. Illness, profound suffering and the fear of death are death and carry us home into the bosom of the Father to also moments that make it difficult to attend to the voice of share in the eternal love of their Holy Spirit. Jesus. The recent legalization in Canada of euthanasia and Jesus in our rising physician assisted suicide has introduced intense division Jesus is our resurrection! While we look forward to the and debate that can be unsettling and cause some to feel day when we will participate in the Lord’s resurrection, we confused or uncertain of what voices to trust. We place our believe that we already meet the Risen Lord in our daily trust in the constant teaching of the Church, beginning with life. We encounter him within the community, in our God alone being the author of life and death. family, friends, other pilgrims of faith and those we meet in Beneath the din and noise of life, beneath its waves of our daily journey. Jesus invites us to recognize his presence chaos and conflict, Jesus Christ remains the Word of God in a special way in those who are homeless, poor, spoken into the depths of each heart. By taking on human imprisoned, wounded, afflicted or infirm (see Matthew 25: flesh, Jesus joined us in our living, suffering and dying, and 36- 40) . beyond the door of death will ultimately share his own Our loving relationships with one another affirm that glorified and risen life with us. Jesus is the Word in whom our life is a journey of growing in intimacy with God and we are also named the beloved of God, a daughter or son one another. These relationships blossom when at each of the Father called to proclaim a word of hope in our day. moment we speak our ‘yes’ to God’s will for us, both in times of joy and also in times of great struggle and Jesus in our living eventually in the acceptance of our own dying. We are surrounded by messages that tell us our personal Even where our life journey is difficult, the Lord is with When our capacity to trust and surrender to God is value and worth comes from outward appearances and us, inviting us to give him our struggles, pains and tested by the many challenges we encounter in life, the achievements. We risk feeling inadequate and becoming sufferings and to receive from him in return a share in the belief that we will one day share in the resurrection of discouraged if we sense we fall short of what others gentle yoke of his mercy and love ( see Matthew 11:30 ). Jesus gives us strength to endure. All the while, our Risen consider attractive, successful and healthy. This may lead Lord walks with us and goes before us; our very weakness, some to conclude that their lives have no meaning or Jesus in our dying poverty and misery draw down God’s mercy and worth. In the Gospel of John, however, Jesus proclaims From the cross, Jesus teaches us that death is not an tenderness to comfort and support us. that he is our life (see John 14:6 ) and has come that we ultimate escape or a release from unbearable pain, nor is it might have life and have it abundantly ( see John 10:10 ). To the last gasp of our human existence. Instead he reveals it Conclusion know Jesus is to know the infinite worth of our life! as a moment of profound surrender to the Father and as an May Jesus, in whose death and resurrection we Life is God’s first and foundational gift to us; indeed, entry into eternal life. For this reason, the priest proclaims encounter the merciful face of the Father, grant us the the story of salvation history is the telling of God’s at the Mass of Christian Burial, “Indeed, for your faithful, strength of the Holy Spirit to live our lives with courage unrelenting pursuit to share life with us. It began with the Lord, life is changed not ended” ( Preface I for the Dead, and to face the journey into our own death with eyes of creation story in Genesis when God created humankind in Roman Missal ). faith set on the resurrection. May Mary, our Blessed God’s own image and likeness and called it very good We acknowledge that pain and intolerable suffering is a Mother, through whom the Word of Life came into our (Genesis 1:27 ), and reached its climax when God sent his part of life and will often accompany the dying process. world, keep us close to her Son so that with Jesus and in son, as we hear in the Gospel of John, “For God so loved Jesus is no stranger to the brutal physical pain and intense him, we also may be a word of hope in our world today. spiritual suffering that can accompany dying. As the world that he gave his only son” ( John 3:16 ). - Bishops of Saskatchewan, Feb. 11, 2017 Living Through Our Dying pastoral letter – continued from previous page (Continued from Page 14) the possibility that we have nothing left to tremendously mundane, labour intensive, especially when you reach the limits of lose in trying to express our love, however or wearisome. But the suffering of one is what you can do on your own. Trust with We can also strive to let those dark and imperfectly. Finally, our dying invites us to alleviated when we carry it together ( cf. an open heart that God can bring meaning difficult feelings be transformed into complete the spiritual work of surrender, as Gal. 6:2 ). And it is our privilege to care for out of the suffering you face, and look for acknowledgement, service, humility, and age, illness, decreased ability, and dying one another, even and perhaps especially God’s goodness and new life in every hope. The choice to end one’s life (with or gradually increase our dependency. Aging when this is difficult. situation. without the assistance of others), while often pushes us to let go of the things we Caring for the dying also means caring As salt for the earth and light for the intended to end certain kinds of suffering, once worked so hard to develop and for the caregivers. None of us are world, we can transform personal and is not without consequences for those left strengthen: our homes, our ease of incapable of or exempt from offering this public conversations about death and dying. behind. In accompanying the dying, we do movement, our hearing. At the end, we care in some way. We can provide food or By sharing our perspectives, beliefs and not get to choose how they will face their will be asked to surrender to God our very other necessities, volunteer, advocate for, actions, we can become authentic witnesses own suffering. Still, we can choose how lives. visit with, listen to, and pray for the dying to the gift of living through dying in a we will respond to them. God invites us to The world is in desperate need of our and their caregivers in many and various world that is often afraid of death and choose selflessness, generosity, kindness, witness of living through our dying. So ways. And if, in so doing, we live desperate to control it. God has called us to peace, and love in even the most trying many have forgotten, or never knew, that generously and faithfully now, we will walk through this life together, and this circumstances, and offers us his presence, death could be gift. With God’s grace, and have practiced living the way we hope to includes journeying with people to the end grace, and strength, which we so the prayers and support of others, we can live through dying. of their days on earth. Now more than ever, profoundly need. live through this dying as a gift even as we At the end, our responsibility moves our world needs to know that we will not As we face our own mortality, we are face difficulties we would never have from caring for the dying to accompanying leave them to face their dying alone. invited to do the spiritual work of living chosen. And God, who knows the pain and those who grieve, and lifting the one who May the God who came to earth and through our dying. Such work is what struggle of death ( cf. Heb. 5:8) , will use has died into the tender hands of God, who showed us how to live and die draw near makes dying well possible. And we are not our courage to witness to the value of this in Jesus has revealed to us the power and to us as we walk faithfully in a culture that called to do it alone. As people of faith, we work to the people and the world we leave desire to transform darkness into light and has forgotten how to die well. May we can offer the gift of accompanying and behind. death into life. As community and as receive the courage and strength of the supporting people through the spiritual individuals, we strive to live this well by Spirit that we need to be witnesses to the work of dying, beginning wherever they 3. To Care for the Dying attending to the rituals and rites of death gift of living through dying. And may our are. As people face the end of their lives, and grief with faithfulness and hope; by hearts be fixed on Jesus, who has walked Living through our dying invites three they become increasingly reliant on the praying for those who are meeting God; this path before us to show us the way. key spiritual works: forgiveness, love, and living. They may feel like a burden. While and by receiving the healing of grieving surrender. Facing death can strip away our this is normal, sometimes we are meant to Archbishop Donald J. Bolen well those we have loved. This life is a gift Archdiocese of Regina self-justification, self-righteousness, be in need, on the receiving end, calling that none of us keeps forever, but its end arrogance, pride, and excuses. We long to Bishop Bryan Bayda forth the gifts of our family and those does not make it less a gift. Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon be reconciled, to ask for forgiveness and to around us. There is a beauty in this Diocesan Administrator Kevin McGee, be forgiven. Dying invites us to do the interdependence. In receiving the gift of Conclusion Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon hard work of asking for and receiving being cared for, the dying also give the gift We do not know the day or the hour Archbishop Murray Chatlain forgiveness. In dealing with our need for of allowing others to care. The relationship (cf. Matt. 24:36 ), but we are always Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas forgiveness, we are freed to express love of care, while imbued with deep meaning preparing for our dying by the way that we Bishop Albert Thévenot with a depth and finality that is often and the potential for profound moments of live. Love well and deeply. Choose a life Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert difficult in everyday life. Death presents connection, joy and growth, can also be of service. Rely on God always, and Feb. 11, 2017 16 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • Care for the Dying: Pastoral Guidelines from the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan Dear brother priests, deacons, and humble trust between what is known and Catholic faithful of Saskatchewan, the mystery of the unknown. iii) The freedom and conscience of the person who is dying . Each of We have arrived, with sadness and God’s people has been given the gift of mourning, at a time in our history and our freedom, and even while we hope that country where physician assisted suicide everyone chooses God freely, we must and euthanasia are legal and available never infringe on another’s freedom. In through our health system. For those the very rare circumstances where a among us who minister to people facing sacrament or funeral is denied, it is chronic and terminal illness, this new because that rite would be a violation of context is deeply troubling, and made even that person’s free decision to reject in more painful because as a society we have some measure God’s grace, and therefore not prioritized access to palliative care would not be an honest expression of the with effective pain management for all our Church’s faith. Even in these instances, people. Our Catholic faith is unwavering in the Church never abandons people. Non- its respect for and protection of human life Photo by Roger Lamoyne, Living Lessons sacramental rituals can and should be from conception to natural death. We offered with reverence for freedom and cannot and will not participate in or beautiful gift. We offer these guidelines to 2. To be with God’s people integrity. Ministry also must be offered support euthanasia or physician assisted help our parishes to cultivate a healthy and wherever life leads them. generously to those who surround the suicide, to which we are morally positive attitude towards life, even amidst person making the decision: friends and trials, and to assist our pastoral ministers opposed (cf. Ex. 20:13) . We are called into ministry with family, caregivers, and healthcare and care givers in walking At the heart of our Christian faith is the people as they are, not as we would hope professionals. conviction that God’s love is revealed most compassionately and faithfully amidst them to be. This has always iv) Your action on behalf of the profoundly in the dying and rising of Jesus, painful and complex end of life situations. and ever been the case. In inviting us to whole Church. To be a Christian is to and that in our living and dying, we are Our ministry as Christians is twofold: first, share in his mission, the Risen Lord sends belong to the body of Christ, one part drawn into this paschal mystery, which to proclaim the good news and form us to love His people in the messy and among many members. When we act, we opens onto eternal life. We believe that people in it, and second, to be with God’s difficult circumstances of human life. We necessarily impact our brothers and there is a great dignity in being human, and people wherever life leads them, especially are privileged to be invited into people’s sisters. We encourage our priests and that God, who has authored human life, when they invite us into their journeys. lives; this is holy ground and God those working for the Church in pastoral speaks to us and draws us into communion precedes us there. care who face difficult pastoral decisions with Himself through our living and 1. To proclaim the good news Within the church and outside of it, to please contact your bishop for through our dying. As St. Paul says, “If we and form people in it. some people will consider and are designated resource persons to support live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we In light of our Christian hope, we are considering physician assisted suicide. your discernment around the pastoral die to the Lord” ( Romans 14:8 ). In our asking you to join us in doing formative For any of us who might accompany one approach to those who have raised the Christian lives, we are invited to learn to work in your parishes and communities to of these people, with respect for the roles possibility of physician assisted suicide, live for others and for God, dying to self change the conversation about dying so and respective accountabilities we have as or regarding funeral requests for those (cf. Romans 12:1 ); dying, as a stage of that fewer people will feel that ending their family members, caregivers, spiritual care who have died in this way. You are on the living, is always in the context of the lives is an appropriate option. All providers, or pastors, there are five front lines of the Church’s pastoral redemptive work of God. This more than Christians need to be able to speak about considerations which we would ask you to outreach, and we trust that you will strive anything else shapes our approach to the and witness authentically to the spiritual keep at the forefront of your ministry of to respond to situations which may be end of life. work of living through the painful mystery care. very complex with a deep pastoral Trusting that God is present to and at of dying, for our own sake and for the sake i) The generous and unconditional engagement and a desire to show the face work in every human life, we are called to of the world. That witness is especially love of God. Our ministry is a of God’s mercy. We cannot anticipate all minister generously to all who call on us, needed in a context where many have lost participation in God’s love for His people. of the circumstances you might face, but regardless of their faith, with a bias toward sight of the dignity of human life even We are called to act as witnesses to and we can ensure that you do not face them life and our understanding of it as God’s amidst suffering and dying. bearers of God’s generous love. God is alone. We urge you not to make decisions the author of life and we are its stewards. on these situations without consulting Our bias is toward abundant life, and we those experts in ethics, theology, canon offer sacraments, prayer, visiting, law, and pastoral practice who can help accompaniment in palliative care where you to make decisions in keeping with possible, and many other kinds of support your conscience and the wisdom of the in the service of loving people as God broader Church. loves them. Where people are v) Your own well-being and contemplating decisions we disagree with, conscience . These situations may well depending on your role, you may be able push us as individuals to the edges of our to assist in their discernment, gently and own comfort and/or capacity. Amidst appropriately offering another way of circumstances that are ethically seeing, with hope and trust in God. challenging and potentially ii) The call to walk with the dying . compromising, you also have a duty to A normal reaction for caregivers as we yourself: to violate your own conscience witness the pain and suffering of others is would be both damaging and sinful. For our tendency to try to ‘do’ something to whatever reason, if you are not able to fix it, to make it better. But that is not enter into a situation, there is no shame in always helpful. Often, the most important asking for assistance; indeed it is your thing we can offer is to ‘be’ present and responsibility to do so. accompany them in their darkest hour of In this, as in all things, we bring each their fears, uncertainties, questions, and and every person we serve to the Lord in Finding the Gifts: pain. Serious illness can be excruciating, prayer. Susan was able to “live a good death” thanks to quality and dying can be a prolonged agony. For We mourn every time a person palliative care. Her husband Gordon describes their journey some, the darkest moments may lead contemplates or chooses to end his or her them to contemplate physician assisted own life. We acknowledge and are deeply in the first in a series of “Finding the Gifts” videos. suicide as an option. As people of faith saddened by the burden placed on those Palliative Care, Suicide Prevention, Care for the Elderly and the and hope, this is not something we can asked to collaborate in ending a life. We support nor is it something we can place ourselves and our circumstances L’Arche community are highlighted in videos now available at participate in. What we can offer as humbly in God’s hands; we commit www.findingthegifts.ca Church is our promise to be there; to ourselves to working faithfully to the best remain engaged and in relationship; to of our ability to be artisans of Christ’s Produced by the Saskatchewan Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee help create a space where hope can make healing and agents of the hope and love on the Issue of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, a home amid lingering fears; and to pray He came to bring. As we do so, we ask with funding from the Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation. constantly for the conversion of heart, the intercession of Mary, Mother of Jesus, which we earnestly desire and believe who points us to her son, and shows us For more information contact the diocesan Communications Office possible to the very end. Our role is as how to accompany others by the way she was receptive to Jesus in his living and at (306) 659-5844 or [email protected] one who keeps vigil alongside others in times of joy or sorrow, and stands with kept vigil with him in his dying. Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 17 Provincial workshop addresses issues Fr. Mark Miller, CSsR, a well-known ethicist, and Bishop Noël Simard, a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, were guest speakers at a workshop organized by the bishops of Saskatchewan Dec. 1, 2016: “Pastoral Care in an Era of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia.”

“We have to rediscover the moral wisdom of the Church’s teaching. We have to build up the community and the common good. And we have to base our action on three calls: the call to respect the dignity of human person and the It was a full house at St. Philip Neri March 16 as parish nurses hosted an evening of discussion sanctity of life, the call to foster trust and focused around the documentary The Euthanasia Deception. - Photo by Kiply Yaworski compassion, and the call to promote social justice and good care for all.” - Bishop Noël Simard St. Philip Neri Parish presents film tackling myths about euthanasia BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI at one time or another “I’d rather be dead The harms and dangers of euthanasia than be like you.” She stressed that anyone Bishop Noël Simard and assisted suicide were explored March can join the ranks of the vulnerable 16 at St. Philip Neri parish in Saskatoon. disabled at any time. The event organized by St. Philip parish Mark Pickup, diagnosed in the prime of “We need to stand up for what we believe in; nurses began with the screening of The life with Multiple Sclerosis, said that we need to support our Catholic facilities Euthanasia Deception , an hour-long “quality of life is a moving target”. His in looking after patients.... There are documentary produced by the Euthanasia future brought joys and fulfillment that he two principles that we operate from. Prevention Coalition, examining how could not perceive in the grief and One is that we don’t kill people, euthanasia has gone wrong in Belgium, and suffering he felt at the time of his how legalization of euthanasia and assisted diagnosis, he stressed. but the other one is that suicide threatens vulnerable people. Pickup also pointed to the discrimination we don’t abandon people.” Those in attendance then spent time in that those with disabilities face with the - Fr. Mark Miller, CSsR Fr. Mark Miller, CSsR small group discussion about issues raised legalization of assisted suicide: “Which News coverage of the Dec. 1 presentations by Fr. Mark Miller and in the documentary film. citizens get suicide prevention and which Through interviews with physicians, get assisted suicide? I can tell you who it is: Bishop Noël Simard can be found on the diocesan news page at: health care providers, legal experts, family people like me get assisted suicide; my www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news members and disability advocates, the film healthy neighbour gets suicide prevention. examines three misconceptions around Where is the equality in that?” physician assisted dying: that euthanasia Contrary to the message in the media and assisted suicide are compassionate, and among euthanasia advocates, physician that euthanasia and assisted suicide affect assisted death affects other people, not just only the individual, and that government the individual who requests it. Far from safeguards will protect the vulnerable. being an autonomous decision, euthanasia Stories and examples throughout the impacts family members, care-givers, film brought home how euthanasia offers a physicians and others, the film revealed in false compassion. “She and all the others story after story. deserve more,” said one man whose mother Finally, evidence was presented chose to die by euthanasia, leaving behind showing that safeguards do not work and, a divided family wrestling with the pain of once legalized, the eligibility for her decision. There are other ways to euthanasia and assisted suicide continues relieve pain – and to address the other fears to expand. In Belgium, physicians self- that so often prompt a request for assisted report, and studies have shown that people death, said several of those interviewed for are being euthanized without their consent. the film. Those with psychological suffering or The film pointed out that palliative care depression are among those now being helps people to live their death, without euthanized. Over the years, doctor assisted hastening or prolonging the process. “We death has become a norm of medical Hospice fundraiser don’t help people to die by killing them,” treatment in Belgium, and patients can feel St. Philip Neri parish in Saskatoon held a steak night and silent auction fundraiser Oct. 25 in asserted one palliative care advocate. a pressure to “not be a burden” and that support of a planned residential hospice, raising some $10,000 that was presented to St. The threat to those living with they have a “duty to die.” Paul’s Hospital Foundation CEO Bruce Acton (right) by parish council chair Art Evoy (left) disabilities was demonstrated in the story Economic factors also come into play, and parish nurse Ethna Martin. Still in the planning stages, the scope, vision and opening shared by a Belgian father of a disabled with a push for euthanasia because it is date for the hospice have not yet been finalized. It would be the first residential hospice in the city of Saskatoon. St. Paul’s Hospital manages palliative care across the Saskatoon child, approached by strangers and asked deemed to be cheaper than care. Health Region, and is home to a 12-bed palliative care unit – donations to SPH Palliative Care why he didn’t euthanize her. Powerful statements concluded the and Hospice Services through SPH Foundation support accessibility to palliative care. Amy Hasbrouck, who lives with film, including: “Do I love you enough to - Photo submitted by St. Philip Neri parish blindness, said every disabled person hears care for you?” Provincial funding for spiritual care in hospitals and care homes eliminated BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI funding from foundations or endowments consists of religious support and clients that we see in the health care system The elimination of provincially-funded to fund spiritual and pastoral care beyond denominational care – often involving clergy are people who have no religious spiritual care services in hospitals and care what the province has supported. The or faith communities. “Spiritual care, on the background whatsoever – and although they homes across Saskatchewan will seriously pastoral care provided by clergy, staff and other hand, is more generalized … providing may not understand what spiritual care is all affect patient care and health outcomes, volunteers from faith communities is not emotional and spiritual support for health about, these people have spiritual needs as predicts Simon Lasair of the Canadian funded by the province. The cuts affect the care clients and their families,” he describes. well,” Lasair says. Association for Spiritual Care. professional spiritual care providers and Lasair emphasizes the unique, specialized “There is an increasing body of research As part of the 2017 provincial budget spiritual care departments in hospitals and training that professional spiritual care evidence that having some sort of announced March 22 by Finance Minister some care homes. providers bring to the health care team. professional spiritual care as part of the Kevin Doherty, “pastoral care services” The decision does not take into account Cutting professional spiritual care in delivery of overall medical care actually were eliminated from provincial health the invaluable and unique skills that hospital and long-term care settings will also improves medical outcomes... one of the care funding, amounting to some $1.5 spiritual care providers bring to a health affect the partnership and support that implications of this decision is that there is million annually. care team, says Lasair. spiritual care departments routinely provide actually going to be a greater burden of care The cuts affect spiritual care Stress, fear, and loss are commonly to clergy and faith communities offering upon the system, because there are not departments and personnel funded through experienced by patients, families and staff in pastoral care to members in hospital or care professionals there to provide the emotional the provincial health care system. health care and long-term settings. Spiritual homes, points out Lasair. “Without spiritual and spiritual support needed.” However, since announcing the cuts, the care providers address the spiritual care departments to oversee the Various groups have been in dialogue provincial government has recently re- dimensions of these difficult or life-altering dissemination of information, we are not with government representatives about the instated funding for spiritual care in faith- situations, says Lasair. entirely sure how community clergy are even issue, working to get the funding restored, based long-term care facilities (affiliates). In addition, many don’t understand the going to know if their people are in hospital.” notes Blake Sittler, Director of Pastoral The effect of the cuts varies by institution, distinction between pastoral care and It will also leave many without any form Services. “That includes the Roman Catholic as some faith-based facilities also use spiritual care, Lasair points out. Pastoral care of spiritual care at all. “The majority of Diocese of Saskatoon,” Sittler said. 18 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • Sacred Reflections ecumenical service offers place of comfort and healing for all whose lives have been touched by cancer BY DARLENE POLACHIC professionals, and for the people reaching. Nearly everyone today There are many cancer-based touched by cancer who have gone knows someone who is dealing initiatives, but Holy Spirit Roman before. with cancer. This service is an Catholic Parish and McClure “In the weeks leading up to the opportunity to support one United Church in Saskatoon offer service, we encourage people in another in the larger community.” something unique. Sacred both churches to put the names of Nijhawan says the hospitality Reflections is a special service of people they wish to be prayed for time held afterwards is an prayer for all those affected by in a basket,” Nijhawan says. opportunity for people to make cancer . “During the intercessory prayer connections with one another or The service is organized by time, we will hold those people up with the pastoral associates in the Charlene Nijhawan and Kelly in prayer.” Ministry of Care. Wormbecker, pastoral assistants The reflection part of the “Not everyone wants to do in Ministry of Care at Holy Spirit service involves people sharing that. Some guard their privacy Parish, and Carol Claypool, the stories of cancer. Sometimes it closely and the dimly lit space McClure United Church will be Nijhawan or Wormsbecker during the service makes that coordinator for Sacred reading a story on someone else’s possible,” she adds. Reflections. behalf; other times it will be the “Many people who attend for Charlene Nijhawan and Kelly Wormsbecker (l-r), pastoral assistants in “In Ministry of Care, we deal Ministry of Care at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in Saskatoon, work with people themselves. the first time tell us they didn’t with people all the time who are Carol Claypool, McClure United Church coordinator, to organize an annual “The stories are always a great know what to expect, but they ill with cancer,” Wormsbecker Sacred Reflections prayer evening for all those affected by cancer. encouragement to those cried the whole time, and they says. “We are very much in the - Photo by Darlene Polachic attending,” Wormsbecker says. really needed to do that. Men, front lines and see the need for an “The most common response is who are less likely to talk about event like this.” caregivers, survivors, friends and “Taizé Prayer involves ‘So it’s not just me feeling that.’ their emotions, find the service to The first Sacred Reflections family can come together in a repetitive singing in a meditative People appreciate hearing from have a very comforting was held in 2010 as a joint effort sacred space and let go of some of spirit,” Wormsbecker says. “It is others who have survived cancer atmosphere. They say, ‘I had no of the two churches in response to the burdens they’re carrying. It is meant to show unity, because and can tell them what’s ahead intention of crying, but in the the covenant partnership they for all people affected by cancer, we’re all singing and repeating and how they’ve gotten through moment, the tears just came.’ It is share. It was so well-received, it and all kinds of people come for a the same phrase over and over. with faith, their faith community, very private, very healing.” has become an annual event that variety of reasons. Each year ‘Hear our prayer, Lord, hear our the Word of God, and friends. Service attendance has grown alternates between the two different people attend because of prayer,’ for instance. It is very The service is also an each year, and generally reaches locations. In October 2016, the their own particular needs.” unitive, no text is needed, and we opportunity to give thanks for several hundred. service was held at Holy Spirit. The format of the service can sing in unison or in harmony.” good medical assistance and the “Sacred Reflections is an features sacred reflections on four “Votive candles create subtle medical community. “That’s why “There are many cancer ecumenical evening spent in quiet main themes: courage, hope, lighting and offer an atmosphere we say this service is not just for initiatives,” Nijhawan says, “but reflection, prayer, and the sharing healing and remembrance. for the Taizé Prayer. It is very patients or people with cancer,” this addresses the spiritual aspect of people’s testimonies and stories It integrates Taizé Prayer with comforting.” she says. “It’s for everyone who and we want people to have that of their journey with cancer,” meditation, periods of silence and During the service, has someone in their extended available. It’s a bit of a touchstone Nijhawan says. scripture readings. There is no intercessory prayer is offered for family or relationships with in different stages in the journey “It’s a place where patients, preaching. patients, caregivers, medical cancer, and that’s pretty far- with cancer.”

Catholic parish in Wynyard hosts ecumenical event BY LINDA YASKOWICH large participation by the Filipino World Day of Prayer 2017, members of the congregation, as with materials written by the well as by other parishioners and women of the Philippines, was members of other Wynyard hosted in Wynyard by St. Mary’s churches. Roman Catholic Church. Highlights of the service The World Day of Prayer is an included three local Filipino interdenominational service women telling their stories and organized by the Women’s Inter- describing how they came to be Church Council of Canada and is living in Canada, the national held on the first Friday of March. dress of the Filipinos worn by This year’s service was many to the service, the choir written by the women of the singing the Our Father (Ama A choir of Filipino parishioners participated in the World Day of Prayer service hosted March 3, 2017 at St. Mary’s Philippines, and because St. Namin) in their own language, Catholic Parish in Wynyard, SK. - Photo by Brenda Ackerman Mary’s has a large membership of and an array of Filipino foods to Filipino Catholics, hosting this choose from after the service. World Day of Prayer this year. The World Day of Prayer is a prayer and action for peace and year’s service was a perfect fit for It was heartening to see a large The 2018 service will be hosted global ecumenical movement led justice. More info can be found at: the Wynyard parish. There was a number of people come out to by Wynyard Gospel Church. by Christian women focused on www.worlddayofprayer.net

Program in Ecumenical Studies and Formation will be offered June 20-23 BY DR. D ARREN DAHL , ecumenists and international visiting serving the World Council of Churches as a An information video about the PRAIRIE CENTRE FOR ECUMENISM scholars lead the program. Programme Executive in 2011, with program, and more information is available The Program in Ecumenical Studies and One of the 2017 visiting scholars is Fr. responsibility for Church and Ecumenical on the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism Formation is a three-year accredited Thomas Ryan, a native of Minnesota and a Relations, deepening and strengthening the website at www.pcecumenism.ca or for program developed by the Prairie Centre for member of the Paulist Fathers community fellowship of 348 member churches. more information contact (306) 653-1633 Ecumenism in Saskatoon. of Catholic priests. His ministry has been Klukach’s appointment for a term to the or email: [email protected] Offered annually during the third week marked by three passions: spirituality; International Commission for Anglican- A program “sampler” is also available of June, the 2017 program will be held June Christian unity; and interreligious under- Orthodox Theological Dialogue culminated on the website. The sampler offers an 20-23 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. standing and collaboration. in a consensus document called I n The opportunity to take a small part of the Upon completion of three years, Ryan is currently the director of the Image And Likeness Of God: A Hope-Filled program (sessions from both the participants are awarded a certificate in Paulist North American Office for Anthropology . She is a former ecumenical introductory and advanced units of the Ecumenical Studies and formation from St. Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations in officer for the Anglican Church of Canada, program) for a reduced cost, in order to Andrew’s College and the Prairie Centre for Washington DC, and a former director of and was a member of the Faith and Order determine whether to enrol in the full Ecumenism (PCE). the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism, and of Standing Commission of the World Council program, offered June 20-23 this year. The Program in Ecumenical Studies and Unitas, an ecumenical centre for Christian of Churches (WCC) from 2007 to 2010. She Formation is of particular interest to meditation and spirituality in Montreal, QC. worked on the consensus text – The Church: Prairie Centre for Ecumenism ecumenical officers, those training for He is the author or co-author of 14 books, Towards a Common Vision – adopted by the is supported by the ministry, those engaged in ministry in an and leads retreats internationally. WCC in 2013. She is presently furthering ecumenical setting, and lay people wishing The other 2017 visiting scholar is research on the contemporary ecumenical to increase their knowledge of the Natasha Klukach, a lay theologian of the movement, writing a doctoral dissertation ecumenical movement. Local scholars, Anglican Church of Canada, who began at King’s College, London. Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 19

Challenge and blessing of serving in two northern communities Editor’s Note: Fr. Lawrence DeMong, OSB, agreed in the seeing family gathering on Feb. 22. This came from a conversation with summer of 2016 to go to the Archdiocese of Keewatin- members and even Jonas Bird, a residential school survivor, who, with his LePas to serve at Southend and La Ronge, as part of a mothers of small wife, Virginia, told of how a previous pastor used to pick commitment by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon deceased children on the boys, especially the Aboriginal children. At that to support ministry in the north. helping to pound the point I blurted out, “We need our own TRC!” nails to attach the Jonas immediately took me up on it and, having had BY REV . L AWRENCE DEMONG , OSB rough box lid after the excellent experience of the national TRC led by “Wow!” was the one word that came to my mind as I the coffin was Justice Murray Sinclair in Saskatoon, I contacted him drove up to the rectory in Southend on Aug. 5, 2016, placed inside it. with the question of whether it was realistic to have this almost six months ago. It was the most beautiful spot I have no regrets kind of local gathering. Senator Sinclair was very where I had ever been asked to live. about having supportive, gave us information and suggested that it And as I contrasted other commitments I’ve accepted, volunteered to work must be done in conjunction with local First Nations’ there was almost no struggle to say yes and to follow the in the North as part leaders. Jonas Bird himself worked out the details with call I felt as I sat with the Liebenthal congregation in the of the response by other band leaders for this event. diocese of Saskatoon that Sunday in May of 2016 (when the diocese of The regular pastoral work has been going reasonably the move to the northern parishes was announced). Saskatoon to the well. When Fr. Mark Blom, OMI, came for the funeral of I had already related as pastor to the First Nations critical shortage of the murder victim in Southend, I saw how competent he folks in Cumberland House over a 10-year period and had resources in the was as pastor and evangelizer. Nevertheless, having joked served La Ronge as well for a brief time. But Southend, Keewatin-Le Pas Northern Report with Archbishop Murray Chatlain about my age, I was named for being at the southern tip of Reindeer Lake with Diocese. At one Fr. Lawrence quickly told that I was not the oldest, a rather positive its rectory planted beside what seemed as the jewel of point I actually way, I felt, of telling me to hang in there. Although I find northern Saskatchewan, was totally new. wrote down that I DeMong, OSB myself less efficient in getting things done, I do believe On the right side of the rectory, looking northwest out felt it was the action that the Lord wants me to continue this work and I am into the lake was what seemed like a private beach with of God’s Spirit that got me involved at this point in my quite willing to do so. rocks to the right reflecting the Canadian Shield and to life, that my 53 plus years of priesthood and some 60 Although the First Nations struggles tend to cast a the left a naturally carved slanted rock to protect you for a years of monasticism were perhaps needed preparation for certain shadow over the description I have given here, I swim or sheltering a boat. To the southwest was the this endeavour. would not want to leave the impression that things are community’s launching area for the many leisure and On my first day of involvement as pastor of the La grim. fishing boats with trailers parked along the shore. Ronge community when preparing to celebrate Mass for Our First Nations sisters and brothers have wonderful The people in this northern village, almost all Cree 11 am, I received a call at 9 am that the suicide of a traditions, have great respect for the Elders (giving this speaking, are, like their natural space, beautiful, friendly parishioner had just been discovered. old fellow a distinct advantage!), they laugh easily and and religious. There is poverty, yes, but the band is well On the morning of Jan. 1, 2017, I got the sad New often, they are amazingly welcoming and enjoy moments organized and people have a good support system, a Year’s news in Southend that one of our parishioners had such as Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve by dog team, health centre well staffed and effective in dealing with been murdered, a middle-aged woman, stabbed by a when the folks present persuaded me to sit on his knee. people’s needs. The school, up on the hill, has all the teenage woman, both parishioners. I believe the homily My own private joke was on the feast of St. Lawrence grades, is available 7 days a week and run by the for the day’s feast was able to give some needed help to when the only red vestment I could find was an ancient aboriginal community, reflecting their preferences and the grieving community. “fiddleback.” For most younger Catholics this would be values. Several days later in the midst of preparing for the an item only to be found in a museum. A few weeks later One of the first surprises in Southend was an funeral I asked a reliable woman in the parish, a guidance I did some clean-up in the sacristy and found a somewhat additional symbolic way of dealing with grief at a funeral. counselor at the local school who had told me about her antique but ample red vestment. I have always been impressed with how our First Nations efforts to help this teenager, to come with me, not only to If La Ronge has lots of volunteers to carry out the handle the experience of death, having a wake that lasted find the house, but to guide my feeble efforts to see the pastoral ministry of the parish, Southend needs an extra over 48 hours, not having an undertaker involved at the at mother of the murderer. When we arrived at her house she prayer to find and support the volunteers who are needed. the wake or funeral, lowering the casket into the grave told us how, lying on her couch, she had been crying and But their deep spirituality is already the foundation for an with ropes, shoveling the dirt over the casket themselves, praying that someone would come. enlivened parish life and generous outreach to those in But the additional even more dramatic symbol for me was La Ronge held a local TRC (Truth and Reconciliation) need. De Margerie lecture at STM explores 500th anniversary of Reformation BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI liturgy launched this answered, especially on questions Held annually during the Week The commemoration of 500 commemoration of the 500 years.” of church, ministry, and Eucharist, of Prayer for Christian Unity, the years of the Reformation poses a Worship was jointly led by he said. “The next round of the De Margerie series is sponsored by spiritual and theological challenge Pope Francis and the president of joint commission is addressing the the Roman Catholic Diocese of to Christians, said Rev. Dr. Dirk G. the Lutheran World Federation, question, if we are one in baptism, Saskatoon, the Dubé Chair in Lange in a public lecture presented Bishop Munib A. Younan (who is why aren’t we one at the table?” Catholic Studies at St. Thomas Jan. 26 at St. Thomas More the Lutheran bishop of Jordan and Lange also pointed to the ever- More College, and the Prairie College, part of the De Margerie the Holy Land). The liturgy was relevant question: “As people of Centre for Ecumenism. Series on Christian Reconciliation held at the Lund cathedral – built faith how does our witness today Find more coverage of the and Unity in Saskatoon. as a Catholic cathedral in the 12th continually point to the life, the January Week of Prayer online at: Originally from Winnipeg, century, it became a Lutheran death and resurrection of Jesus?” www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news Lange is an associate dean and cathedral after the Reformation in professor of worship at Luther the 16th century. College in St. Paul Minnesota. He “In this liturgy, both Lutherans is also project officer for the global Rev. Dr. Dirk G. Lange gave the and Catholics gave thanks for the Joint Commemoration of the 2017 De Margerie Lecture. gifts that the Reformation brought Reformation being prepared by the to the church, they lamented and Lutheran World Federation and the saying that Catholics and repented of the division and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Lutherans should “witness violence that ensued, and they Christian Unity, and a Lutheran together to the mercy of God in committed themselves to a member of the International Joint proclamation and service to the common witness and service.” Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue world.” A larger public event at the Commission. The document concludes by Malmö Arena focusing on the The Reformation was an event affirming: “The beginnings of the commitment to common witness that impacted the life of the church Reformation will be rightly and service of Catholics and and the faith of millions, said remembered when Lutherans and Lutherans in a world, wounded Lange, tackling the question of Catholics hear together the gospel and broken by conflict. how the past 500 years might be of Jesus Christ and allow “The origins of this joint celebrated in 2017. themselves to be called anew into commemoration lie in 50 years of Lange pointed to five community with the Lord.” dialogue between Catholics and ecumenical imperatives that Lange also offered reflections Lutherans,” Lange said. The Evangelical-Catholic conversation conclude the anniversary RC- on the events of a Joint celebration’s origins can also be Pastor Harry Strauss (left) of Forest Grove Community Church and Fr. Matthew Ramsay of St. Anne’s Catholic Church spoke about Evangelical Lutheran document From Conflict Commemoration of the traced back to the Joint and Catholic understandings of Mary and the Saints at a public event in to Communion , citing the first all- Reformation held Oct. 31, 2016 in Declaration on the Doctrine of October 2016, one of a series of events held to discuss portions of encompassing imperative that Sweden to open a “year-long vigil” Justification signed by the World “Called to Common Witness” a 2015 joint statement by the local Catholics and Lutherans should leading up to the 500th anniversary Lutheran Federation and the Evangelical Catholic Dialogue. Find an article about the presentation on Mary and the saints online at: www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news always begin from the perspective in October 2017. Catholic Church in 1999. A new Evangelical-Roman Catholic Commission for Common Witness of unity, and all that is held in Rather than being a conference The joint Lutheran-Catholic will be inaugurated at a joint worship service 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 at common, rather than from a point or a symposium, the event featured dialogue continues to work on Holy Family Cathedral in Saskatoon. Everyone is welcome to attend. of view of division, and another common prayer, Lange noted. “A questions that remain to be - Photo by Kiply Yaworski 20 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • Discernment House live-in year enriches faith BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI At Discernment House, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary offer a unique housing and faith experience to young women seeking a place to live while studying or working in Saskatoon. “The living, eating, praying, working, playing together is a mutually enriching experience,” says Sr. Cindy Lewans, PM. “This is all within a home, a house of hospitality.” Sr. Lucie Hamel, PM, adds: “Sharing our home and our lives with young women is a huge blessing for us. Each year, the young women bring a newness to our community life and as we live and pray together, we challenge each other to ever fresher ways of responding to the challenges of living the gospel values.” Located close to the University of Saskatchewan, Discernment House becomes home every fall for a new group of young women who are seeking affordable rent, an experience of community, a homey atmosphere, and opportunities for faith growth through prayer, reflection, spiritual direction and Established in Saskatoon in 1986, Discernment House provides an experience of community, prayer and spiritual growth to young women who come to live with the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. - Photo by Sr. Lucie Hamel, PM service. “Discernment House is first of all a community, companions on the journey of “On my journey with God, which is by Nguyen, is living at Discernment House energized on our spiritual journeys.” faith in Christ,” stresses Lewans. far reinforced by the Sisters of The while she studies English. “I came in Weekend discernment retreats are also “Weekday mornings begin with lauds Presentation of Mary, I find myself September and I’m so happy and regularly offered “to young men and and Mass, shared not only with those who listening to God more,” says Tram, who is comfortable living here at Discernment women who are searching to grow in their live within the house but also people from in her second year at Discernment House. house. We share our lives and work awareness of God’s action in their lives,” the city. We are nourished by the Eucharist “Now I know how to pray with the together everyday,” says Nhi. adds Sr. Vivianne Gareau, PM. For and the community which gathers, and a scriptures. I am starting to have my favorite “When I have some troubles in my life, example, “one retreat gives time and guided bond has grown over the years. Weekly gospels, as I feel like scripture speaks I can share with them. Especially, one of reflection on one’s personal stories, and community meetings give us the chance to directly to me. This is my very new the sisters helps me to study English so how God is calling us to move forward.” pray with the Word, to build community, experience that I never thought I would much. She is always willing to help me Testimonies from weekend participants and offer a chance to help each other, (and) have.” whenever I ask. The food here is so good – illustrate the impact of the discernment to laugh,” she says. Community life at Discernment House I really like the cookies and cakes which retreats. One writes that it was “an Ongoing spiritual direction is also has also made a big difference to Tram. “As the sisters bake. Sometimes we have parties energizing experience of faith and offered to the young women who come to an international student living far away and play games together,” she says. “For community,” while another says “ the live at Discernment House, notes Hamel. from home, the Discernment House is truly me, the highlights are that sisters always retreat showed me where I am at and gave This is “an opportunity to savor one’s my warm shelter, where I have a pray – they care about me and my family.” me a direction forward.” Another states: “I experience of God’s love in a unique way. community living experience. We share our Discernment House is also the location experienced healing and peace.” It is a privileged space for reflection, for thoughts and concerns, enjoy tasty home- for other programs and retreats, including The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary growing in awareness of one’s deeper made meals all together, exchange gifts at Advent and Lenten retreats for groups such are now taking applications to the identity.” She describes spiritual direction Christmas, celebrate Thanksgiving and as Time Out For Moms and for Discernment House live-in program for the as a “path to greater peace and freedom” Easter, tell jokes, have fun, discuss the Presentation of Mary Associates, says fall of 2017. For more information contact: that helps to “carry one’s experience of Gospels, share our living experience with Hamel. “These days offer precious Sr. Lucie Hamel, PM, at (306) 244-0726 or grace, of the divine, into all of life.” God, and pray for people and for one moments away from busy active lives to e-mail [email protected] or see Tram Nguyen, an international student another.” pray, to share with each other, to be the website at www.presentationofmary.ca from Vietnam who is working on her She adds: “Many of my external and masters in Educational Administration, said internal challenges are overcome thanks to she appreciates the spiritual benefits of my strong spirit fostered by prayer life in living with the sisters at Discernment this house.” House. Another student from Vietnam, Nhi

200th Anniversary of Oblates of Mary Immaculate Anniversaries recognized at Denzil Members of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate came forward to add their Couples who celebrated significant wedding anniversaries in 2016 were invited to renew signatures to the order’s founding document as a sign of their ongoing commitment during their commitment during Mass on New Year’s Eve at Sacred Heart Parish in Denzil. Under a 200th anniversary celebration held Oct. 21, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier parish in Saskatoon. the leadership of Rev. Binu Rathappillil, VC, the idea was initiated as a way of celebrating Oblate priests, brothers and associates gathered with colleagues and friends from across family life in conjunction with the Dec. 30 Feast of the Holy Family. Couples who celebrated the diocese for the celebration marking the establishment of the missionary order in 1816 jubilee anniversaries during the year were given corsages and joined the entrance by St. Eugene de Mazenod. Archbishop Donald Bolen presided at Mass, with Rev. Ken procession, renewed their commitment during the celebration, and were presented with a Thorson, OMI, giving the homily. - Photo by Tim Yaworski certificate. - Photo by Michelle Sieben Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 21 Next steps for formation of permanent deacons in diocese now underway BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI details about how permanent deacons are The next steps for the formation of formed and how they function varies from permanent deacons are now underway in diocese to diocese. the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Having the JOY program as a pre- With the decision to begin calling, requisite year reflects a strong diocesan forming and ordaining permanent deacons, focus on service and outreach when it the diocese of Saskatoon joins many other comes to forming permanent deacons, Catholic dioceses across the world in McGee notes. restoring this ancient practice. In 2015, when Saskatoon’s bishop “The permanent diaconate, restored by announced plans to move forward with Edward Gibney Michael Yaremko the Second Vatican Council, in complete both the JOY program and the permanent continuity with ancient tradition and the diaconate in the diocese, he explained how specific decision of the Council of Trent, both answer a profound need for outreach The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon has flourished in these last decades in many and service. parts of the Church — with promising “We situated our discussion in the will gather in joy and thanksgiving for the results, especially for the urgent missionary context of God’s call and our response,” work of new evangelization,” states a 1998 said Saskatoon Bishop Donald Bolen (now Vatican declaration about the Formation of Archbishop of Regina). ORdINATION Of Deacons. “We looked at different models of the Several men are presently discerning a diaconate, and eventually experienced a dwARd IBNEY call to the permanent diaconate in the coming together of minds and hearts, as we E G diocese of Saskatoon. were increasingly drawn towards a vision & Four men presently journeying through of the diaconate that would have as its this year’s diocesan Justice and Outreach primary focus a ministry of outreach which IChAEL AREMkO Year (JOY) of Formation program have summoned the whole Church to reach out M Y expressed interest in the permanent in service and compassion to places of TO ThE SACREd ORdER Of ThE PRIESThOOd diaconate, says Diocesan Administrator Fr. great need,” said Bolen in 2015. Kevin McGee. Running from September to June, JOY The JOY program has been identified as offers once-a-month practical formation 7 p.m., Thursday, June 29, 2017 a pre-requisite for those discerning the and engagement in justice and outreach, Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon diaconate in our diocese, McGee explains. grounded in Catholic Social Teaching. A diaconate formation committee is now Fifteen participants – men and women, lay A reception will follow. Everyone welcome. determining next steps for these potential and religious – are presently taking the candidates in the year ahead. JOY program inaugural year (see Page 19). Please continue to pray for all our seminarians! It is presently envisioned that formation Applications are now underway for for deacons in the diocese of Saskatoon next year’s JOY program. To apply, or for Vocations and will be undertaken on an individual basis, more information, see the JOY website: the Education of tailored to the education and experience of www.joyformationprogram.com or Future Priests each candidate, says McGee. As with other contact Kate O’Gorman at (306) 659-5847; Holy Orders, the discernment process [email protected] is supported by involves both the candidate and the faith Those interested in discerning a call to For more information community. the permanent diaconate in the diocese are about Vocations The permanent diaconate is open to invited to contact Diocesan Administrator married men over 35 years of age, and Fr. Kevin McGee at (306) 659-5824 or contact single men over 25 years of age – but [email protected] the Vocations and Youth Ministry Office (306) 659-5843 Marriage Task Force seeks new ways to strengthwwew.nsas kmatooanrrcdrioicaeseg.coem s BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI on marriage and family life in response to Amoris laetitia is a beautiful document, Phil and Mary Wrubleski are eager to the Extraordinary Synod on the Family. easy to read and filled with insights that bring practical marriage enrichment This spring, the Marriage Task Force deserve to be widely known and discussed, opportunities to couples in the Roman partnered with a number of evangelical say the Wrubleskis. Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Christian churches for a Saskatoon “It is such a pastoral document,” says The Wrubleskis are current chairs of the Marriage Network event. The “ Weekend of Phil. “It is timely and very brave.” It diocesan Marriage Task Force, which over Impact ” conference featured a number of doesn’t shy away from the real challenges the past 15 years has worked to affirm, marriage and parenting workshops by Dave facing families, and it is filled with hope for celebrate and enrich marriage. and Donalyn Currie of Doing Family Right healing and strengthening ordinary family Finding new ways to strengthen Ministries April 27-29 at Circle Drive life, fitting in with Pope Francis’ image of marriages in an era when programs such as Alliance Church. The Christian churches the Church as a field hospital, tending to Marriage Encounter have ebbed is a involved in the Saskatoon Marriage wounds in the world, the couple notes. priority, says Phil. Phil and Mary Wrubleski Network all recognize the importance of “We need to remember how many Diocese of Saskatoon Marriage Task Force Married couples seem to be getting into - Photo by Merv Hey marriage and family life, says Phil. “We people that we meet and talk to have a trouble earlier, adds Mary. “We need have a lot in common.” situation that is real, that is difficult. They something more between Marriage mentor couples for this role, says Phil. The Conference sessions included a day for need to be listened to and loved,” says Mary. Preparation and Retrouvaille (aimed at strength of marriage mentoring is that it is couples married 20-plus years; a second The April 2018 provincial Catholic marriages in crisis).” low-key, relational and grounded in real- day-long marriage-building experience conference on Amoris laetitia, will feature One exciting new idea is marriage life experience, based on the idea that with a special focus on those married less ordinary couples connecting their lived mentoring, in which a younger couple is “most marriages don’t need an overhaul, than 20 years; and a luncheon session for experiences to the document themes and invited to meet monthly with a more just regular tune ups.” clergy and ministry leaders about the issue insights. “Our dream is to get this out to the established mentoring couple in the parish Couples who have weathered of pornography. How to leave a spiritual whole diocese, the whole eparchy,” says Phil. who is trained to engage in helpful difficulties have a lot to offer younger impact on confident children was the topic The Wrubleskis also hope to attract conversations about marriage, life and couples, says Mary. “Phil and I would not for a separate parenting workshop on the other married couples from all areas of the children. still be together, had it not been for the evening of April 28. diocese to participate in the work of the The diocesan task force has been crises we went through together. You Marriage Task Force and move toward connecting with Family Life Canada, develop tools, your marriage gets stronger.” Exploring “Amoris laetitia” putting other ideas into action – including looking into the training required to prepare Sharing insights with younger couples in a Working with Catholic dioceses and digital outreach. social setting can plant seeds and provide eparchies across Saskatchewan, the “We want to offer people something to Marriage and Family Life critical support that helps a marriage grow Wrubleskis are also busy developing a sink their teeth into, to get more things into rather than breaking up. study guide for Amoris laetitia (“The Joy of motion,” says Phil. is supported by In recent years the diocesan Marriage Love”), Pope Francis’ post-Synod apostolic Anyone interested in getting involved in Task Force has led a number of initiatives – exhortation on marriage and family life; the Marriage Task Force is invited to such as marriage enrichment evenings, re- and they are also assisting in planning for a contact Blake Sittler at the Catholic examining marriage preparation materials, provincial Catholic conference on Amoris Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon at (306) 659- and leading local “Lineamenta” discussions laetitia to be held in Saskatoon next spring. 5834 or [email protected] 22 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • Retrouvaille is a lifeline for struggling marriages A few years ago, the marriage of Anastasia Winterhalt and “You don’t have to accept a bad marriage; Anthony McCarthy was at a breaking point. you can change it. This program helped me “I didn’t think I could possibly fix what was broken,” says save the most valuable thing in my life.” Winterhalt. “We had no – Anastasia Winterhalt, Retrouvaille Participant. communication, I was ready to divorce my husband.” everyone who wants a stronger got to the root of things,” he When Anastasia thought all marriage, regardless of religious explains. was lost, her mother suggested affiliation. “It’s given me the confidence she try Retrouvaille. It is based on an intensive to express my emotions with my Lack of communication, weekend experience followed by wife and the rest of my family.” resentment, fighting, and living six follow-up sessions. The main The next Retrouvaille separate lives while married are emphasis of the program is on weekend will be held Sept. 29- just some of the common factors communication and rebuilding Oct. 1, 2017 in Saskatoon . For responsible for the breakdown of relationships. more information, please call many marriages. The reasons are Anthony says Retrouvaille (306) 652-7155 or e-mail: as varied as the couples that take gave him a new language. “I was [email protected] part in Retrouvaille. never much of a talker, especially (Retrouvaille is supported by Anthony McCarthy and Anastasia Winterhalt say Retrouvaille helped to Retrouvaille has Catholic when it came to the hard stuff. the Bishop’s Annual Appeal in the save their marriage. The next Retrouvaille weekend in Saskatoon will be roots but the program is for The program was intense but it diocese of Saskatoon.) held Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 in Saskatoon. More info: www.restoremarriage.ca

Parish Life Directors and Pastors share leadership Pastoral teams from parishes across the diocese that have a Parish Life Director sharing leadership gathered with diocesan Human Resources Manager Patrick J. Clarke (left) for a day of reflection and discernment Jan. Davidson Pastoral Region celebration 19 at Queen’s House. Topics included vocation, communication and pastoral responsibilities. Diocesan Administrator Fr. Kevin McGee officially installed Fr. - Photo by Kiply Yaworski Madonna-Godwin Aghedo, OP, as pastor of parishes at Davidson, Outlook, Kenaston and Elbow at a celebration of the Eucharist at Sacred Heart Parish in Davidson. Find an article about the Jan. 15, 2017 installation online at: www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/news - Photo by Kiply Yaworski

Cana Continues family camp Pastor for Wynyard, Foam Lake and Wishart Families pray vespers at the lake as part of the Cana Continues family The installation of Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu as pastor of St. Mary's, Wynyard, or Christ the King, Foam Lake, camp offered by the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon. and of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wishart was held Sept. 18, 2016, with Diocesan Administrator Fr. Kevin Registration is underway for the Aug. 13-19, 2017 family camp. See the McGee presiding. Pictured at the celebration in Wynyard are (l-r) Brenda Ackerman, Michael Siton, Dale Chubak, website at www.skeparchy.org/flo/ministries/our-cana-camp Lian Principe, Fr. Kevin McGee and Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu. - Submitted photo - Photo by Teresa Bodnar-Hiebert Former convent will become Humboldt assisted-living facility: “The Elizabeth” BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI “When the Sisters left Humboldt, they left behind a With the encouragement of officials, and now The spirit and legacy of the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth is great void that has not been closed thus far, and the incorporated as a non-profit organization, Elizabeth’s Place reflected in a seniors’ housing development planned for the community is struggling with that void,” says Pratchler, Inc. board is fundraising for furnishings, as Stewart order’s former convent in Humboldt, say those who adding that it is now up to the community-at-large to Properties works to renovate the facility, with a hope of initiated the project as a response to a desperate need. respond to needs – such as the desperate lack of affordable opening 39 units in the spring of 2018, says board member Christened “The Elizabeth,” the planned assisted-living housing for seniors who do not need high levels of nursing Cori Norman. facility in the former Elizabethan convent will permit low- care, but who still require some support. “Humboldt can be very proud of the Sisters and their income seniors to live independently, safely and securely, Pratchler describes how in May 2013 a group of local legacy – and this building is a part of their legacy,” Norman with meals provided, and other support available through women met to discuss the struggles of seniors who needed asserts. “They knew that their last gift to the community home care. help with daily needs. “They came up with the idea of could continue their legacy.” For generations, women religious in the region – the having the people who are in the need of help (to) live in Sr. Philomena Dobmeier, OSE, has expressed the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Elizabeth and the Ursulines of the same housing complex and to get their meals order’s support for the project: “In all our dealings we felt Bruno – responded to the needs they saw around them, provided”, while also accessing home care services. the convent should be re-purposed. It was built so well and rallying the wider community to create needed facilities, The vacant convent building was sold to the city of was kept up so well. Senior housing and affordable housing services and outreach, points out Agnes Pratchler, a Humboldt in 2014, after the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth had was something that was very much needed in the city of member of the local committee that is now planning the retired to Saskatoon. “It is a solid brick building and good Humboldt. This would certainly carry on the legacy and convent redevelopment. for many more years,” says Pratchler, describing how charism of the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth who for over 100 For instance, the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth built and committee members met with city of Humboldt officials, years brought quality health care to Humboldt and the operated St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Villa in the Humboldt Housing Authority, the provincial Health surrounding areas,” she says. Humboldt, lobbied the government to provide home care minister, and representatives of the Canada Mortgage and For more information about The Elizabeth, see the nursing, and initiated Meals on Wheels. Housing Corporation about the idea. website at: www.theelizabeth.ca or call: (306) 682-2983. Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 23

BAY KlIPLmY LUKaAN Y AHWORSoKI useTw o oif sthe fosur coere rcesidoents nd L’Arche home in Saskatoon With great joy, L’Arche now living at Alma House are resident Christopher Powell cut former residents of Valley View the ribbon to officially open Alma Centre in Moose Jaw. That House, the second L’Arche home institution is closing, and residents in Saskatoon, during a celebration are gradually being moved into Dec 2 that included residents, residential care. family members and friends, “It is a pleasure to be here board members, and government today, especially to be here for representatives. (core residents) Christopher, Located at 546 Christopher Milton, Adeline and Shaun,” said Lane in southeast Saskatoon, the Social Services Minister Tina newly-renovated Alma House is Beaudry-Mellor. The government home to four core residents and of Saskatchewan provided some four live-in assistants who share $560,000 toward the mortgage of life together in a model pioneered Alma House, as well as some by Jean Vanier some 52 years ago $420,000 in annual operational in France. funding. Today there are over 150 L’Arche Saskatoon also in- A ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 2 marked the official opening of Alma House, L’Arche Saskatoon’s second home L’Arche communities around the cludes Christopher House, which in Saskatoon, with (l-r) L’Arche Saskatoon Chair Myron Rogal, Executive Director Wyndham Thiessen, residents world in 37 different countries, opened in 2008 as a home to four Shaun Becker and Christopher Powell, Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Saskatoon City Councilor including 29 L’Arche communities core residents and four live-in Bev Dubois, and Saskatchewan Education Minister Don Morgan. - Photo by Kiply Yaworski in Canada, noted Executive assistants, as well as providing Director Wyndham Thiessen. vocational support for adults with Education and awareness is another, and that is the beauty, the ‘soul’ in Spanish and ‘on the water’ Historically, L’Arche stood at intellectual disabilities in a work- another part of the L’Arche story, gem of L’Arche.” in Arabic, but it also means the start of the movement to de- shop day program in Saskatoon. Rogal said. “Part of our vision is In closing, Wyndham Thiessen ‘nourishing’ in Latin – if you think institutionalize care for those with “In 2012 we began the to spread this philosophy into explained the evolution and of the term ‘Alma Mater,’ – so the intellectual disabilities, said workshop to facilitate interaction more parts of society.” meaning of the name Alma House, name really grew on us.” Thiessen, describing how the with the wider community. With Rogal explained: “With noting the crab apple tree that Thiessen concluded: “That’s L’Arche vision was born when ministry funding in 2015, that L’Arche we cease to fear our grows in the yard. my hope and that’s my prayer for Jean Vanier welcomed two men workshop was transformed to a limitations, shifting our focus to “One of our assistants who had this home, for Alma House: that who had been living in an full-time program,” said L’Arche our abilities and our gifts. With a Hungarian background said that the people who live here will be institution to come and live with Saskatoon Board Chair Myron L’Arche we have the opportunity to the Hungarian word for apple is nourished – and that those who him. “This (is a) vision of people Rogal. “Our workshop is designed foster deep and meaningful friend- alma. So we started thinking about come and visit, and are part of the with and without disabilities, to meet the needs of individuals, ships, not based on any conditions that word,” Thiessen said. “Alma is life of this home, will be nourished sharing life together, creating particular to their abilities, and or factors. With L’Arche we a word that actually has meanings as well – by the relationships that mutual relationships and friend- aligned with their interests… The practice and live into hope. At its in different languages: it means they build here.” ships, creating a place where workshop encourages expression depth, it is a community where we everyone and their gifts can be through art, music and other can be with one another, where celebrated,” Thiessen explained. media.” we can be ourselves with one School dedicated to Msgr. Len Morand BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI Students filled the gymnasium at Holy Family Catholic School March 23 to celebrate the dedication of their school and its chapel to the late Msgr. Len Morand. Morand died in June 2007, after serving 51 years as a priest in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Holy Family students led a We Day Students from St. Philip Catholic School in Saskatoon were among the Liturgy of the Word to mark the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools participants at this year’s we day dedication. “We pray in March 15 at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon. Saskatchewan students thanksgiving for Monsignor earned a spot in the crowd by engaging in acts of charity, justice and Morand – may the memory of his advocacy at both a local and a global level throughout the year. - Photo submitted by GSCS service to other people be kept,” After a school celebration March 23 to dedicate Holy Family Catholic students prayed. “Keep the School to the late Monsignor Len Morand, teacher Diana Bergermann memory of Monsignor Morand gathered with students around his photo, telling them more about the St. Paul’s gives a gift of learning alive in our school and may the priest who served in the diocese of Saskatoon from some 51 years. BY BRIGID FULLER situation prevented them from - Photo by Kiply Yaworski special plaque that we display in In September St. Paul’s Co- having access to adequate school our chapel be cherished.” Cathedral set out to help students materials. Terry Cratty, who served in also worked with the Catholic song, with signing by school Sign of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Organizers were over- youth ministry at Holy Family board of education. Club members from Grades 1 to 3. Schools with collecting donations whelmed by the generosity and parish when Monsignor Morand “As pastor of Holy Family, After the celebration student of school supplies. love shown by the parish was pastor, shared memories of Monsignor came to all the leaders brought a gift of candy St. Paul’s encouraged the faith community: St. Paul’s Co- his mentor and friend. elementary feeder schools, he around to students in every community to give the gift of Cathedral was able to collect over “Monsignor was the holiest came to all their sporting classroom to mark the special learning to students whose 1,400 school supply items for and the best man that I have ever activities, and most importantly he event. familial, social, or economic children all over the city. known,” Cratty told the children, prayed for all of the students that who listened intently and looked were in the schools, and that was at images in a slide show of something really exciting for you, Morand’s life. because I know right now “Monsignor was originally Monsignor is praying for each one from a small community just of you.” outside of Windsor, Ontario. He Cratty described Morand as a was one of nine children, two girls man of wisdom, of prayer and of and seven boys – six of those boys great love. “Monsignor was a became priests,” Cratty said. good shepherd and he cared for “Since your school is everyone. He founded Guadalupe dedicated to Monsignor, there are House, served in so many parishes some very important things that and in every level of leadership in you should know about him. our diocese,” he said. “Your Youth and Liturgy Firstly there was no greater school is truly blest to be Teams of Grade 6 students from Bishop Roborecki, Mother Teresa and Georges Vanier Catholic schools took advocate for youth in our dedicated to him.” part in this year’s Youth and Liturgy Project, learning more about prayer, scripture, the Eucharist, the liturgical diocese,” said Cratty said of the year, liturgical symbols and different Catholic traditions. Teachers Jana Lalach, Janine Baier and Nicole Gursky The dedication concluded with accompanied youth for the program, which is provided with funding from Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools priest and one-time teacher, who the assembly singing the school (GSCS) foundation, and led by Rachele Ng of GSCS Religious Education Services. - Photo by Kiply Yaworski 24 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • Phil Fontaine reflects on reconciliation at STM event BY MYRON ROGAL the event was an “historic wrong committed. Secondly, there towards Indigenous Peoples. Phil Fontaine spoke on the evening.” Fontaine’s public is the burden of guilt held by the Once harm has been meaning of reconciliation Nov. 30, lecture was hosted by the Chair in institutions that inflicted the harm. recognized and admitted, an act of 2016 at St. Thomas More College Indigenous Spirituality and Healing begins with the reconciliation can begin, he said. in Saskatoon. Reconciliation at St. Thomas More importance of our words in For instance, if we excluded As someone who has devoted College – the first public event admitting liability and taking steps hiring Indigenous people in the his entire life to the endeavor of organized by this new chair. The towards reconciliation. Steps taken past, we can change our policy to perusing reconciliation, Fontaine central attraction of this well towards reconciliation can be begin to reverse that harm. exudes his life’s passion of attended evening was Fontaine measurable. Fontaine gave Another example would be if we building reconciliation across himself, who radiates a presence of examples throughout the evening taught history with a colonizing North America and more both humility and wisdom while for both individual and collective world view we can teach history foundationally, in his own life. walking comfortably in many actions that are leading towards now amongst our leadership with Having served as National divergent circles. healing. an un-colonizing view. Chief of the Assembly of First The message of the evening Words preceding actions are Fontaine cautioned against Nations for three terms, his calling was crystalized in a systematic paramount, he said. The 2008 following words with inaction, and to bring people together in manner where it seems no words Government of Canada’s pointed to the federal govern- understanding and action has been were wasted or used in excess. A Statement of Apology to former ment’s recent decision on pipelines honored with 16 Honorary preamble focused on the necessity students of Indian Residential as an example. Doctorates and a strand of other of recognizing and working into Schools was given as an example Acknowledging that there is Former National Chief Phil Fontaine spoke at STM. achievement awards. our burdens together as peoples. on the collective level. The words much work to be done on the - Photo by Fred Cattroll Dr. Terrence Downey President The first burden requiring of this apology were “genuine, true Indian Act, Fontaine pointed to this of St. Thomas More College said acknowledgment is that of the and full of meaning,” said flawed Act as the only legislation happen for the 150th birthday of Fontaine, who worked relent- directed at a specific race. our country in 2017, encouraging lessly to make that historical action It is vital to together understand his listeners to contact their MPs, possible. Canada for what it was, what it is, the government and opposition Another example took place in who we are now and why we parties about the idea. 2009 when Pope Benedict XVI behaved the way we did, he said. The keynote address ended acknowledged the harm caused by One way of coming to truly with Fontaine highlighting the pain the Residential Schools. Fontaine understand ourselves was present- that all people have suffered and was one of the representatives ed as the “ultimate expression of the desired intention to seek invited to the Vatican for the reconciliation” – fixing our origin amends in restoring relationships meeting with Pope Benedict. story to include the truth of for all people involved and On a personal level Fontaine Indigenous peoples and their impacted by this hurt. shared heartwarming stories about contributions. As the floor opened to Archbishop Emeritus James Canada began as a one-nation questions, Fontaine said it is STM hears ways to welcome Indigenous students St. Thomas More College in Saskatoon has established a faculty-led Weisgerber being adopted into story as presented by the British crucial to build on hope and look to Academic Working Group on Indigenous Engagement which sponsored Fontaine’s family. Empire, he pointed out. In the first stories of success. Examples cited a public forum Jan. 17 entitled, “What should a Catholic college know to Words that are meant demand half of the 20th century, French included increasingly high be truly welcoming to Indigenous peoples?” Panelists Marie Battiste, integrity, which flows into action – nationalists began to question that enrollment of Indigenous students Verna St. Denis, Erica Violet Lee, and John Merasty addressed those and according to Fontaine this story. Canada then evolved into in post-secondary institutions, assembled at STM’s Father O’Donnell auditorium, including youth, students, faculty, staff and community members. The Indigenous action can be measured for having a two-nation story. Now Indigenous representation in many Academics and Elder offered insights and suggestions for initiatives to institutions. In looking at history, that we know that this story is levels of politics, and the over further nurture relationships and understanding, and build a welcoming institutions can examine what they missing a piece, why not enlighten 40,000 businesses in Canada community and positive academic experience for Indigenous students. have done and not done in our way into a three-nation story? owned and managed by - Report by Jacquie Berg, Photo by Miriam Muller committing or enabling harm Fontaine suggested that this could Indigenous individuals.

Reconciliation in the mBY GEiRdTRUDsE RtO MPoRÉ f Irish conflict The conflict in Northern Ireland has been one of contradictory identities based upon, amongst other things, differing political aspirations and religious affiliations, leading to communal identity defining itself along these lines. This has often created an oppositional identity in which the two communities generally classify themselves according to who they are not, Dr. Maria Power rather than who they are. - Submitted photo In Northern Ireland this has resulted in the development of Power is a lecturer in Religion The Annual Newman Retreat was led by Fr. André Lalach of STM campus ministry. - Photo by Michael MacLean boundaries that are challenging and Peace Building at the Institute both psychologically and – during of Irish Studies, University of times of heightened violence and Liverpool. She focused on the Newman retreat presented at St. Peter’s Abbey BY MICHAEL MAC LEAN prayerful approach, while others commented that tension – physically, to cross, guest historical development of local Some 20 twenty students, staff and faculty the best part was the sense of peace. lecturer Dr. Maria Power said at a inter-church peace initiatives in gathered at St. Peter’s Abbey Jan. 27-29 to hear Fr. The Abbey at Muenster, SK, is certainly a presentation Feb. 9 at St. Thomas Northern Ireland, exploring in André Lalach explore “God’s Dream For Us” at place known for its peaceful setting. Retreatants More College. particular the means through this year’s annual Newman Retreat. enjoyed quiet reflection time, walks outside Ecumenical communities in which they challenged accepted Lalach, who serves as a campus minister at St. despite brisk temperatures, and even had a chance Northern Ireland have been at the notions of communal identity. Thomas More College in Saskatoon, examined to feed the chickadees. forefront of challenging notions of Through the work of local biblical dreams and then introduced the idea of Newman Centre has been visiting St. Peter’s oppositional identity and feelings churches, religion has consistently dream analysis. During the retreat, he also Abbey for the annual retreat since the early 1970s. of moral superiority by offering been used as a means of presided over Byzantine prayer services that were Newman Centre is the longest standing participants a “safe space in which reconciliation, long before the new to many retreat participants. Fr. André has Catholic student club at the University of to step out of [their] comfort zone” cease-fires and subsequent been serving at STM since 2006, and also serves Saskatchewan. The Newman office is in STM Rm through which they can get to European peace funding made as pastor at the Ukrainian Catholic parish of the 104, and works closely with STM Campus know something of the beliefs and cross-community work safe and Dormition of the Blessed Mother of God. Ministry. It is an organization dedicated to attitudes of the “other side,” said acceptable, she said. The Newman annual retreat offers three days building Christian community on campus. The Power. The presentation was one of of reflection, relaxation, prayer and process. Newman motto is: “Heart Speaks to Heart”. Through this process, inter- several sponsored in 2016-1017 at Comments from retreatants at the end of the For more information about Newman Centre church groups eventually brought St. Thomas More College through weekend revealed that their experience was and campus ministry at STM see the website: more peaceful relationships to the Leslie and Irene Dubé Chair positive. Some said they appreciated Fr. André’s http://stmcollege.ca/campus-ministry their area. for Catholic Studies. Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 25 Trinity parishes pull together to create Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium for young children BY KIPLY LUKAN YAWORSKI where children are given time to this sacred space,” says Fontaine. “Awe and wonder.” Those are work with material with their little She shared comments from the words that Lisette Fontaine of hands and bodies in mind, parents, including: the Trinity Pastoral Region uses to responding to their deepest needs, • “The atrium gives my child describe the introduction of the and guiding them with the the opportunity to grow in wonder Catechesis of the Good Shepherd essential truths of our faith in an at our faith, to become to Trinity’s three rural parishes. organized environment, where the comfortable with the Liturgy he “Only the Holy Spirit could be catechists ponder alongside each sees at Mass and to make his own behind this,” says Fontaine. “The individual child, and the Holy relationship with God. I series of promptings and gentle Spirit does the rest,” summarizes appreciate the calm peaceful encouragement has led to an Fontaine. environment he is learning in.” amazing community project She strongly believes that the • “We bring our child to the beyond imagining. And it is not Holy Spirit has guided the atrium to become closer with over yet: it has only just begun. “ establishment of CGS in the Jesus and to grow a stronger faith. What began as Fontaine’s Trinity area. To have a feeling of Jesus and the search for more visual aids to “People from all three parishes Holy Spirit within them and to enrich a parish sacramental (and beyond) donated items, gave feel the joy that Jesus brings into preparation program has turned a lot of their time and skill, our lives.” into “an amazing catechesis” for contributed financially and • “I love to send my children 3-6 year old children, she reports. continue to support ongoing work to the atrium because it is a space A presentation introducing the to prepare all the material and in which they spend time with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation for the atrium,” she God and encounter Him at their at a Catholic mothers’ group says. own level. / C’est un espace calme initiated enough interest that a The Trinity Atrium is a sacred et sacré qui permet aux enfants training session for catechists was space where children gather for d’explorer l’amour de Dieu à leur held in January and May 2016. their 90-minute sessions. façon.” Catechesis of the Good Shepherd “By the fall, after much help Specially prepared for small • “I bring my child to Cynthia Foster (front, right) presented information about the from the three communities of children, a CGS atrium features Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Catechesis of the Good Shepherd faith program March 16, during an open house held at St. Francis Xavier parish in Saskatoon. Catechesis Prud’homme, St Denis and child-sized furnishings of low because I love the format. It of the Good Shepherd (CGS) atriums are now in place at St. Francis Vonda, we began our first year in bookshelves housing precious seems to really allow the children and St. Patrick Roman Catholic parishes in Saskatoon and at St. the Trinity Atrium,” says materials, as well as items such as to grow and discover their faith in Philippe de Neri parish in Vonda, as well as at St. Vincent of Lerins Fontaine. Atriums have also been a small baptismal font, altar, their own way, guided by amazing Orthodox Church in Saskatoon. A CGS atrium is a sacred, hands-on space where the Montessori-inspired religious formation program is established at St. Patrick and St. tabernacle and work stations. teachers in such a peaceful offered to children ages 3-6, exploring the mysteries of the Christian Francis Xavier parishes in the city “The atrium is a community atmosphere. Even at such a young faith as revealed in scripture and liturgy. A training session for CGS of Saskatoon, in addition to the project,” adds Fontaine. “From age my child is learning how to be facilitators will be offered May 23-28 at St. Francis parish. For more very first atrium established in the cleaning out a storage room (and silent and listen to the Holy Spirit information contact Cynthia Foster at (306) 955-4854. - Photo by K. Yaworski province at St. Vincent of Lerins other spaces to house what came and encounter Jesus!” Orthodox Church, Saskatoon. out) to laying carpet, taking apart • “I bring my child to the sessions on Saturday mornings, Find more info about CGS at In the Catechesis of the Good old pews for lumber to make the atrium to experience the Lord in a with plans for expansion if www.cgsac.ca or e-mail Linda Shepherd (CGS), an atrium is a furnishings and materials, to unique and calm atmosphere... I enough catechists can be trained, Funk at [email protected] or call sacred, hands-on space created by collecting various household am confident the Lord blesses his says Fontaine. Cynthia Foster at (306) 955-4854 catechists, where the Montessori- items and figures or small statues, time in the atrium with the still Other helpers are also needed about the catechist training being inspired religious formation to sewing and painting, cutting and quiet whispers of the Holy to assist with sessions, she adds. offered in Saskatoon May 23-28. program is offered to children and creating, a lot of work and a Spirit.” “The gift must be shared, as (Diocesan bursaries are available ages 3-6, exploring the mysteries lot of people are involved in And in the words of one of well as the responsibility. And so through the Education of Laity of the Christian faith as revealed setting up an atrium, and ours is the children: “J’aime aller à we seek people to register for Fund, which is supported by the in scripture and liturgy. no exception. It takes a l’atrium parce que Jésus est à training in Saskatoon May 23-28, Bishop’s Annual Appeal.) “What is Catechesis of the community to raise a child, and l’atrium et il aime les enfants.” (I a rare opportunity, and pray that To tour the Trinity Atrium Good Shepherd? Brilliant, Holy- the parishes of Sts Donatien et like going to the atrium because many more will be interested and contact Lisette Fontaine at (306) Spirit inspired, a labour of love, a Rogatien, St Denis and St Jesus is in the atrium and he loves called to become trained 258-2212. “Online videos will journey in faith for all involved, a Philippe-de-Néri are welcoming children.) catechists,” she says. “Let the also help in understanding the gift joy,” lists Fontaine. them lovingly in preparing the Response has been such that children come, and let there be of Catechesis of the Good The Catechesis of the Good space to nourish their faith the Trinity Atrium is hosting two enough catechists to guide them.” Shepherd. Check it out,” she adds. Shepherd (CGS) began in Rome journey.” some 60 years ago, and has spread The response to the program to 37 countries, including Canada itself has been overwhelmingly in the 1980s. positive and joyful. “Parents “CGS is Catholic, yet recognize the gift Catechesis of adaptable for all liturgical the Good Shepherd is to their Christian denominations. It is children, bringing them every Montessori-based faith education, week to spend time with God in FacetoFace presents retreat at Lanigan for area youth BY BONNIE COURCHENE exercise was brought into A confirmation retreat was perspective when Jonathan held April 2 in Lanigan, with explained to the confirmation youth from the eastern part of the candidates that as they continue in diocese, ranging in age from 10 to their lifelong faith journey, they 17 years gathering for the day- will need to work together with Regional retreat at Naicam long event. their peers and many adults. St. Front Pastoral Region hosted a Confirm- Presenter Jonathan Courchene Those in attendance agreed ation / First Communion retreat April 1 at St. George parish in Naicam. Enthusiastic of FacetoFace Ministries kept the that it was wonderful to see such presenter Jon Courchene from FacetoFace youth actively engaged with a an age range of youth together Ministries led a retreat aimed at both children mix of teachings, games and enjoying “God moments” and and their parents. With 36 children ages, 7-11 spiritual reflections. The adults each other. “We are so thankful years, and 37 parents in attendance, he did an amazing job including everyone. The retreat present were also able to for the FacetoFace retreat team in featured interactive songs, demonstrations, a participate in their own spiritual our diocese that meets the needs slide show, games, and an opportunity to reflection exercise. of our youth,” said a member of reflect on which gift of the Holy Spirit each The day took on new meaning the hosting parish. “They are able child wanted to pray for. As part of the retreat everyone also had an opportunity to say/write as the youth were tied hand-to- to present the sacraments in a fun his or her “Yes” to God (right) . hand as they ate their lunch. This loving way.” - Photo by Jennifer Flasko 26 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • Notices & Upcoming Events

“Justification and the Unity of the Churches: A lecture on Evangelical-Catholic relations” - Dr. David Guretzki of Briercrest FBY AuNNnETTdE B-ErNTaLERiser supports work of Serena Seminary will speak Monday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at Forest Grove Community Sixty-eight guests traded Church, 502 Webster St, Saskatoon. A response will be offered by Dr. Brett Salkeld, Theologian, Catholic Archdiocese of Regina. For more information, winter boots for flip-flops, leis contact Nick Jesson at [email protected] or (306) 659-5814. and colourful Hawaiian attire Feb. 4 to support Serena That They May Be One: A Service of Celebration and Commissioning - All are welcome to this inter-church service to launch a new Saskatoon Saskatchewan’s work in teaching Evangelical-Roman Catholic Commission for Common witness at 7 p.m. couples natural family planning, Tuesday, May 16 at Holy Family Cathedral, 123 Nelson Rd, Saskatoon. which in turn improves Preacher is Dr. David Guretzki of Briercrest Seminary; worship leaders are Fr. Kevin McGee (Diocesan Administrator) and Rev. Jakob Palm (Saskatoon marriages. Evangelical Ministers’ Fellowship). For more info contact Nick Jesson at (306) The Hawaiian-themed fund- 659-5814 or by e-mail: [email protected] or e-mail Pastor Harry raiser at St. Anne’s parish hall in Strauss at: [email protected] Saskatoon included an authentic Crack That Catechism! will be held 7 p.m. Thursdays May 25, June 1 and menu, a wine toss, and entertain- June 8 with Andy Korvemaker at St. Michael’s Church, 18 - 33rd St. East, ment that included a photo both Saskatoon. Everyone is invited to one, two or all three sessions. Cost is by nestled in a grove of palm trees, a St. Anne’s parish hall was transformed for a hawaiian themed evening. donation; offered through Foundations: Exploring Our Faith Together . - Photo by Matthew Bentler silent auction “market square,” Youth Minister needed - St. Peter the Apostle and St. Michael parishes in Meewasin Park North in Saskatoon are seeking a full-time Youth Minister to provide ministry to youth and a 50-50 draw. A “hoola hoopster” demonstration rounded Saskatoon. Choose from 1-km, 3- and families of both parish communities. Applicants must have Certificate in km, or 5-km distances (run, walk, Youth Ministry (or equivalent or be currently pursuing it), along with 3-5 years out the evening, and many guests experience. Submit application form, cover letter, resume and pastoral returned home with Hawaiian strollers welcome). reference by e-mail to: [email protected] by June 16. (E-mail To register for the run, visit [email protected] for detailed position overview and application form.) memorabilia: flower hair clips, fruit basket, and great silent www.runningroom.com (“races – Getting married this summer? Last chance this spring to participate in a auction finds. province SK – click date – Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend marriage preparation retreat June 2 Presentations during the register”). Spring is a great time to 4, 2017 near Wolseley, SK. For more information or to register go to to start training! www.ceewest.com or call Stella and Ron Anderson at (306) 596-2951. evening revealed how Serena’s teacher couples are seeing the Serena is a natural family FacetoFace Ministries summer programs: Youth bus trips July 18-26 and planning method that provides a July 27-Aug.1; Ignite youth camps Aug. 7-12 in Saskatchewan and Aug. 20- fruit of their labours. James and 25 in B.C. Find more information at www.f2f.ca Elizabeth Couture taught Andrew safe, healthy, and effective way to achieve or avoid pregnancy, One More Soul presents Matt Fradd on Thursday, Sept. 14 at the and Shancelle Hildebrandt, who Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon. Matt Fradd is a are now a teacher couple, as well without the use of harmful Catholic speaker, author, and founder of the Porn Effect (offering practical as Joey and Mikaelah Paul. The hormones, chemicals or devices. strategies for parents to protect their children from the lies of an over- Serena’s natural family sexualized culture). For more information see: www.omsoul.ca Hildebrandts and the Pauls shared their stories during the evening. planning method keeps track of a Are you hurting because of an abortion? Rachel's Vineyard is a safe Mark your calendars for woman’s naturally occurring place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend signs of fertility and is 99 per cent retreats offer a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment, Serena Saskatchewan’s sixth where women and men can express, release, and reconcile painful post- annual Run for the Family to be effective. Serena is effective for abortion emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing. held on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017 at regular or irregular cycles, and is Next retreat is Oct. 13-15, 2017 . Contact Elaine at (306) 480-8911 or 10 a.m. (note new time) at backed by research, medical [email protected] professionals and organizations. Volunteer couples are trained The annual Serena Run for the locally, and then accredited by Family will be held Sept. 9, 2017. Serena Canada. The national - Photo by Jim McLane team consists of medical advisors and program managers. their values. The first team was Serena was founded in 1955 established in 1962 under the by Gilles and Rita Breault from name Serena. Serena Queen’s House is a home of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) Mission and Ministry. Lachine Quebec, who first Saskatchewan was founded in All are welcome to this shared holy ground where diverse conversations and spiritual reflection can developed the sympto-thermal 1974. be held in a place of warm hospitality. At Queen’s House many expressions of faith and community method for their own needs, but For more information about continue to find a place to share, be strengthened and celebrate their work in the world. soon realized that couples in their Serena see the website at Please consider Queen’s House as a place to meet, plan, retreat, dialogue and learn. community were in need of this www.saskserena.ca or e-mail: same knowledge to plan their [email protected] or text/ call: Visit the website at www.queenshouse.org and like us on Facebook to review programs, event families in a way that respected (306) 934-8223. opportunities and offerings. Consider supporting this ministry in a practical way through fund-raising initiatives. We rely extensively on the support of our patrons and donors to sustain our work. Ongoing events and initiatives include: • Spring Fling : tickets on sale now for draws every day in May. • Oblate Scramble Golf Tournament : registering players, teams and sponsors for June 17. • Bike-A-Thon: accepting pledges now for the Sept. 17, 2017 ride. • Gala Dinner: scheduled for the evening of Nov. 23, 2017. • Continuing Capital Campaign called Kaleidoscope 2 : see www.queenshouse.org for details

To our many patrons and visitors: a humble thank you, and to those who have been away for a while – or who have never had the opportunity to drop in – we look forward to seeing you. On behalf of our beloved Oblates, our Oblate Associates and Board, our community of support and our staff: God bless!

Queen’s House is located at 601 Taylor St. W., Saskatoon. Register at (306) 242-1916 or E-mail: [email protected] For more info see: www.queenshouse.org Upcoming at Queen’s House: Knights of Columbus Brothers’ Eucharistic Adoration in the Summer Stillness Retreat with Fr. Keeper Men’s Breakfast at 7 a.m. Queen’s House Chapel on May 22- Ron Rolhesier, OMI, begins with a May 9, June 13, July 11 . Suggested 23 & June 26-27 (noon Monday to public lecture 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. donation: $10. noon Tuesday) call Sally Danchak Monday, July 10 , “ A Secret Since for more info: (306) (306) 373-2621. the Foundations of the World – the Catholic Women’s League Twilight cross as revealing the basis for trust ”; Retreat 7 p.m. Thursday, May 11 ; Abide in Me: A retreat for clergy, cost $20 or $35 with supper. Retreat presentation on Development & pastors and ministry leaders with 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 11 to July 13 : Peace, 50 Years, followed by a Rev. Paul Matteson, Fr. Kevin McGee “Why Simply Being Good-hearted is social. Suggested donation $5. All and Dianne Mantyka, 4 p.m. to 4 p.m. Not Enough ”; commuter cost $200; CWL members are welcome May 28-29 ; $150 (includes meals). commuter-plus $260; live-in $410. Iconography Retreat with Anna The Book of Exodus with Fr. Paul Triumph: Freedom Through Mycyk and Gisele Bauche 9 a.m. to Fachet, OMI, 10 a.m. to noon, June Healing Retreat is a nine-day Christ- 4 p.m. May 15-19 . Commute $525 7; $15 or $25 including lunch. centered journey of inner healing and (includes lunches). discovery fueled by the transforming Transitions: Your Journey of power of God's merciful love, rooted Spiritual Formation Days - all are Transformation Through Grief in Scripture, tradition and prayer and welcome, $40 per session, 9 a.m. to and Loss with Sarah Donnelly, from anchored by teachings of St. Ignatius 4 p.m. (includes lunch): 7 pm. on June 15 to June 18 at 1 of Loyola and St. Therese of Lisieux. Humboldt CWL 90th Anniversary • First Nations Spirituality with p.m. Grounded in Christian Triumph will be presented by Jerry CORRECTION: Bev Yaeger and Karen Fleischhacker (l-r) cut the cake at Bishop Sylvain Lavoie and Harry spirituality & prayer, this supportive and Donna Kristian July 14-23 at a 90th anniversary celebration for the Catholic Women’s League at St. Lafond May 13 . program offers hope and insights Queen’s House;; Call: (306) 242- Augustine parish in Humboldt June 4, 2016. ( Bev Yaeger was incorrectly • Social Justice and Spirituality into the experience of grieving; $390 1916 or see the triumph website at: identified as Jenny Irwin in the fall 2016 edition of the Diocesan with Bob McKeon June 17 . (includes bedroom and meals). www.triumphretreat.com Newsletter. Apologies for the error! ) - Photo by Kiply Yaworski Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • 27 Pure Witness recruiting missionaries for a year of service BY LAURA RICE family dances, two Adoration well as providing office, Pure Witness Ministries is nights, and a coffee house. rehearsal, and storage space. It winding up its sixth year of The Pure Witness Team has has provided a place of retreat for service within the diocese of also been sharing the gospel staff and team alike as they Saskatoon and across Western message with thousands of youth prepare for events and live this Canada. and families in schools and year set apart for missionary This 2016-17 school year Pure parishes from Manitoba to BC. work. Witness had a team of seven Through talks, testimonies, Pure Witness is currently missionaries who have been games, music, skits, and a special recruiting missionaries, 18 years serving the Church in the New drama presentation featuring the and older, for the 2017-18 year. Evangelization by using gifts and life of Blessed Pier Giorgio This is a call to experience a talents to encourage youth and Frassati, they share the gospel transformational year of radical, families to set Christ at the heart with youth in a relevant way. counter-cultural living, embracing of their lives. A new Pure Witness the three-fold mission of This year, Pure Witness has Praise and worship at a Pure Witness YEP held at the Cathedral of the Holy headquarters and the residence for community living, faith formation held six YEP events and Family in Saskatoon this year. - Photo by Laura Rice our missionaries out at Blackstrap and outreach. For more ReConnect evenings for youth Lake has been one of the greatest information or to apply e-mail and families within the Saskatoon (Martensville), Holy Family to go deeper in their faith and blessings for us this year. The program director Carmen Marcoux: diocese. Different parishes hosted Cathedral, and the final one May their relationship with God. seven team members, along with [email protected] these events, including Our Lady 6 at St. Anne’s parish in ReConnect is held in the evening two staff members, live there in Check the website for more of Lourdes, St. John Bosco, Saskatoon. YEP is an all day after the YEP for the whole family community. The house is large information about Pure Witness: Immaculate Heart of Mary event for youth, Grade 8 and up, and this year has included two enough for times of training as www.purewitness.com

St. Therese Institute celebrates tenth anniversary of faith formation program BY CHRIS O’H ARA relationship with God, being Many have attended St. The 10th anniversary of St. formed in the Catholic faith, and Therese’s various events, retreats Therese Institute of Faith and practicing the spirituality of St. and conferences, while others Mission in Bruno is being Thérèse of Lisieux. The Apostolic from the diocese have either celebrated this year. Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop attended as students, or have Both conferences benefitted school year. Do you know a Since its opening, nearly 200 Luigi Bonazzi will join St. children or family members who the students at St. Therese and young adult (age 18-35 years) alumni have come through St. Therese Saturday, May 20 as have attended. Many have also blessed many guests from the who would benefit from spending Therese, spending a year of their presider at the 2016-17 year-end generously supported our school diocese of Saskatoon and a year at St. Therese Institute lives focusing on developing their Commissioning Mass. through their financial steward- neighbouring diocese who had the learning about the Catholic faith, ship. opportunity to participate. Mark immersing themselves in a life of your calendars for next year’s prayer and discipleship, and Advent/Lent Conferences Advent Conference taking place living in a vibrant Christian Dec. 1-3, 2017, with Bishop Scott community? After hosting a Lenten McCaig. This one-year program is a Conference for a number of years, A concert featuring Joe unique, once-in-a-lifetime this year St. Therese expanded the Zambon will be held at St. opportunity for those who wish to conference series to include one Therese May 6. He travels serve the Church and the New during Advent as well. The extensively across North America Evangelization, and discover their Advent Conference keynote sharing his music. SCMA- mission and purpose. St. Therese speakers were the Sisters of Life, nominated artist and sister duo now offers transfer credits to while the Lenten keynote speaker Jay & Jo also perform May 6. select universities across Canada. was musician and artist Jimmy St. Therese is now accepting Find more information at A number of events at St. Therese Institute are open to the public. for more applications for the 2017-18 www.StTherese.ca information see www.StTherese.ca - Photos by Chris O’Hara Mitchell.

Ministry to Tourism: A Time For Africa 2018 Latin Mass community Africa is Ministry to Tourism’s major destination for 2018, says Fr. Ralph Kleiter. Often a pilgrim journey is connected to holds Quarant’ore in Lent destinations made special because of holy men and BY MARJ KORTE women or religious events, “but a pilgrim journey to Quarant’ore is an Italian word Africa shines a spotlight on Mother Nature and her meaning 40 hours devotion. It is bounty of treasures,” says Kleiter. practiced in the Catholic Church In cooperation with Crystal Cruises and Collette as an exercise of devotion in Vacations, participants will be able to choose between two ways to experience some of the vast African which there is continuous prayer continent in January/February 2018. Each program has distinctive advantages, although before the Blessed Sacrament in Collette’s program – The Plains of Africa, Out of costs do not vary much, he says.“You cannot do Africa solemn exposition, for 40 hours. Nairobi – will have a strong emphasis on safaris, for the same price of many other destinations such as This devotion originated from featuring up to 13 game drives and visits to different in Europe. The distance, park fees and the small the 40 hours that Jesus passed in African communities. Crystal Cruises’ From Cape Town numbers that most of Africa is only currently able to the tomb: in some countries, the to Mauritius (15 Days) will enable participants to handle is reflective in the costs,” says Kleiter. Blessed Sacrament is still buried experience South African ports along the shores of the “The main barriers to extensive travel experiences in a kind of sepulchre on Good Indian Ocean. There are ample opportunities for shore is not necessarily money,” he adds. “More significant Friday, and solemnly taken out of excursions (even overnight) with classic game drives is one’s health and ability to be away from home for it on Easter Sunday in the very to view wildlife that will enhance the African 15 or more days.” exposure. Space is still available and there are early booking early morning. Kleiter states that no trip to Africa would be savings. For details contact Fr. Ralph Kleiter at (306) This 40 hours of devotion was complete without getting up close to wildlife where 244-3747; or e-mail [email protected] held from 8 p.m. Sunday, March they live and feed. “Both programs will enable the 12 to 12:00 pm Tuesday, March search for the elusive ‘big five’ – the African lion, Ministry to Tourism 2017 Programs 14 at Our Lady of Czestochowa leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo.” Ministry • Pilgrim Journey to Prague and Poland : parish in Saskatoon, with to Tourism offers options to experience Africa on an Aug. 28-Sept. 11, 2017. members of the Sacred Heart of extended land safari experience in Kenya or to do so • Holy Land Pilgrim Journey: Ministry to Jesus Latin Mass community from the Crystal Symphony as it begins the first segment of its 2018 World Cruise. Tourism’s 24th exclusive design featuring participating as a way to Israel and Jordan (with option to visit Rome) strengthen their Lenten journey. People who travel are often keenly concerned Eucharistic adoration for 40 hours. about helping the developing world, notes Kleiter. is currently available. The Latin Mass is celebrated - Photo by Marj Korte Complimenting each program will be the opportunity For details contact Fr. Ralph Kleiter at every Sunday morning at 9:00 to visit projects benefiting the future of Africans, as (306) 244-3747 or e-mail: [email protected] a.m. at Our Lady of Czestochowa celebrant. All are welcome. For part of exclusive special features arranged by Ministry or visit www.pilgrimjourneys.ca parish, 301 Avenue Y South. Fr. more info, see the website: to Tourism. Andrew Wychucki is the current www.saskatoonlatinmass.com 28 • Diocese of Saskatoon Newsletter • May 2017 • For 30 years, Lay Formation has nurtured, inspired and empowered Christian disciples across the diocese BY LAY FORMATION TEAM • Lay Formation began in the diocese in the fall of 1987 – the first Launched in the fall of 1987, Lay Formation is supported by the missioning of graduates was in June 1989. Some 900 people have the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon’s Lay Formation completed the program (Lay Formation Alumni Association). program was part of the diocesan • Lay Formation is a two-year program, meeting for a full weekend response to St. Pope John Paul’s once a month, from September through June. request that the formation of lay people should be among the “Lay Formation was • La y Formation is a live-in experience which takes place at priorities of every diocese Queen’s House of Retreat and Renewal in Saskatoon. (Christifideles Laici, 57). a respectful, safe, • There are three streams of Lay Formation journeying together: Lay Formation was established and prayerful place Diocesan, Eparchial, and Aboriginal. to help adult Catholics fulfill their baptismal commitment to the to ‘incubate’ in God’s • The purpose of Lay Formation is to prepare adult Catholics to live fully their baptismal commitment to serve the mission & ministry of Jesus. mission and ministry of Jesus presence, to find through a process of formation and • The three key elements of Lay Formation are faith education, faith education. The program was Jesus and follow prayer, and community life. created to help lay people to “put the path I am on the mind and heart of Jesus Applications are now being taken for September 2017! Christ.” being called to live.” Some 900 people have Contact Mona Goodman (306) 659-5847 or [email protected] graduated from the program over Coordinator - Lay Formation graduate www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/layformation Mona Goodman the past three decades. The program is two years in forms and the varied and rich ways gifts of the experience. Finally, and duration, with participants meeting of prayer that are part of the perhaps most importantly, Lay one weekend a month for ten Catholic tradition – including Formation graduates say the prayer months from September to June. centering prayer, Taizé prayer, and the spirituality that they Queen’s House of Retreat and Aboriginal prayer, the rosary, encounter together in this program Renewal provides a beautiful praying with icons, and praying has deepened their relationship setting for the participants. with scripture as well as with God. Lay Formation As a live-in program, Lay Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, transforms lives. Formation costs are higher than and Thomistic prayer traditions. Here are a few comments: some programs. But in the words of long-time presenter, Rev. Ron “Lay Formation was a Alumni Association profound, awesome experience Rolheiser, OMI: A strong Alumni Association “This is one of the few that will resonate in me for the has grown out of the Lay rest of my life. The program programs that recognizes the Formation program and graduates importance of community and influenced my family are found in all areas of parish and relationships, friendships, and prayer as integral pieces of the Lay Formation began in 1987 Fr. Gerald Wiesner, OMI, presiding diocesan life. overall formation process, and under the leadership of Bishop at an early Lay Formation mission- ministry for the better.” James Mahoney. It was a response ing: along with Sr. Cecile Fahl, Some of the areas in which Lay that has been its strength.” to St. Pope John Paul II’s request SMS, Fr. Don Hamel and Gisele Formation graduates provide “I loved every aspect of Lay As Rolheiser notes: “By asking to make the formation of lay people Bauche, he helped plan and launch ministry include parish pastoral Formation . What surprised me people to live together, share meals a priority in every diocese. the Lay Formation program in the leadership teams, diocesan was the wide variety of pertinent - File photo diocese of Saskatoon. - File photo together and pray together one commissions and advisory groups, topics and activities. The calibre weekend out of every month, the model of the shared diocesan- stages of faith, adult learning RCIA, youth ministry, religious of speakers was impressive!” Lay Formation program becomes eparchial program, Lay Formation education, pastoral visiting, care of styles, collaborative ministry, and “It has been a blessing to meet more than simply a workshop or an was expanded to include an the sick and dying, preparation of spiritual direction. and spend time with people in in-service, it becomes a journey Aboriginal Stream in fall 2007. liturgy, funeral vigils, inner city community who share a common that fosters deep spiritual Roman Catholics – Aboriginal ministry, restorative justice, Enrich desire to grow in their personal transformation.” and non-Aboriginal – as well as marriage preparation and marriage Lay Formation provides an faith journey, free from judgment.” Lay Formation is funded Ukrainian Catholics, now study enrichment. primarily through the Bishop’s enriching experience of Christian common topics together while also “Profound revelation and Annual Appeal and participant community as Catholics of many meeting as separate streams to What do graduates say? understanding of being ‘God’s fees, usually shared equally backgrounds journey together, explore faith and spirituality in the Graduates repeatedly express Beloved’ – chosen, blessed, and between the participant and their praying, learning and sharing life. context of their own traditions and a profound sense of gratitude for broken to be given. This was parish. Small Christian Community cultures. Lay Formation, describing how it foundational for me.” Through the years, the prayer is part of the Lay Formation Bishops of Prince Albert gave them a renewed confidence in emphasis of Lay Formation has experience Keewatin-LePas and Saskatoon their faith, and brought about a Apply today remained solidly on formation work together to provide the deeper Christian commitment. Applications are now being rather than specific ministry Deepen program for Aboriginal Catholics Graduates describe a new and taken for all three streams of training. Deepening a relationship with in each of their three dioceses. deeper understanding of their Lay Formation – Diocesan, This “formation focus” God through prayer is an essential Catholic faith. Aboriginal and Eparchial – for enriches the faith of all participants component of Lay Formation. Graduates add that they value the two-year program starting in who come to the program, while Awaken Participants engage in daily the Christian community they September 2017. still providing the impetus to move personal prayer and have many Highly qualified presenters encounter at Lay Formation. The For more information, contact on to more in-depth ministry opportunities for communal prayer from Saskatoon and across Canada deep friendships that are formed Mona Goodman at (306) 659-5846 training for those who desire it. on the weekends. Participants bring a broad spectrum of are among of the most precious [email protected] theological thought to the learning gather for the Liturgy of the Hours Other streams component of Lay Formation. in the morning and in the evening, Areas of study include and the liturgical seasons are In the fall of 1999, participants scripture, theology, morality, celebrated with special liturgies on from the Ukrainian Catholic liturgy, spirituality, justice and Saturday evenings. The Lay Eparchy of Saskatoon joined with peace, as well as Church history, Formation weekend concludes participants from the Roman Vatican II, Christology, with celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon in ecclesiology, sacraments, Church Eucharist/Divine Liturgy on the first experience of a shared traditions, ecumenism, Catechism Sunday afternoon. formation program. of the Catholic Church, Catholic Participants prepare and Roman Catholic and Ukrainian social teaching, Canon Law and provide the lay liturgical ministries Catholic perspectives were woven Mary. for Eucharist, and lead the Liturgy together into a program that Lay Formation streams also of the Hours and other prayer celebrates the gift of diversity explore Aboriginal spirituality, the services. In addition, participants which enriches our common medicine wheel, Aboriginal are empowered to facilitate Small Alumni reflection day Catholic faith. This is the only Christian Community prayer Lay Formation Alumni greet members of STR8UP: 10,000 Little Steps to worldview/treaties, the healing Healing Inc. during an alumni reflection day held Oct. 15, 2016 at the shared formation program of East journey, images of God, groups. Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. STR8UP helps men and and West in the world. contemporary spirituality, spiritual Lay Formation introduces women leave behind the violence and despair of a gang lifestyle. Based on the success and the pastoral care, youth ministry, participants to various prayer - Photo by Wayne Kzyzyk