archdiocese celebrating the year of faith · moosomin; nokomis, strasbourgh and govan; estevan, and...

ARCHBISHOP’S 2013 LEVEE

The reception line included: Development Director, Christina Attard; Financial Officer, Rev. Deacon Barry Wood; Chancellor, Rev. Tonny Dizy, Vicar General, Rev. Lorne Crozon, Archbishop Daniel Bohan and guest.

Renovations to Holy Rosary Cathedral forced a venue change for the Archbishop’s 2013 New Year’s Levee to Holy Child Parish. Members of the Knights of Columbus including Dale Scrivens, Papal Knight of the Order of Pope St. Sylvester, and Jean Mahoney, Dame Commander of St. Gregory the Great, greeted well wishers and introduced them to Archbishop Daniel Bohan. The crew at Holy Child had to overcome a two-hour power outage that struck while the Archbishop was saying Mass. There are few windows in the church and the Archbishop had to read with the aid of a flashlight. The hall crew also had food in the oven but everything came together at the right time and the levee went as scheduled.

ARCHDIOCESE CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF FAITH

Pope Benedict XVI is now in possession of the Archdiocesan’s Year of Faith Card and with that, said Regina Archbishop Daniel Bohan, anyone who uses the card is united with the Pope.

The occasion was an October 17 audience with the Holy Father that followed his weekly general audience when bishops who are present have an opportunity to personally meet with him. "I showed the Holy Father our Year of Faith card and explained that it would be given to every person in our diocese and to every child in our Catholic schools. I asked him if he would kindly accept it so that the people in the Archdiocese of Regina would know that they are directly and personally united in prayer with the Holy Father when they use the card in observance of the Year of Faith. He smiled and graciously took the card."

The Year of Faith prayer card is pocket size 5 X 3 that contains on one side “I Know in Whom I Believe,” the Year of Faith logo. The other side is the Apostles’ Creed which states what Roman Catholics and most Christians believe.

The Regina Archdiocese began a program of distributing the cards through the churches and all Catholic schools

in the Archdiocese and is encouraging everyone to recite the Creed as part of their morning daily prayer. The Year of Faith celebrations in the Regina Archdiocese officially got under way in an October 11, 2012 special prayer service held at Holy Rosary Cathedral. The liturgy for the service was written by Archdiocesan Director of Liturgy Reverend Ron Andree. Reverend Andree also produced a special booklet which contains several suggestions for liturgy

or special services to celebrate the Year of Faith in churches and schools.

Pope Benedict promulgated the Year of Faith in an effort to revitalize a church whose adherents are more and more being influenced by a secular society. “It often happens that Christians are more concerned for the social, cultural and political consequences of their commitment, continuing to think of the faith as a self-evident presupposition for life in society. In reality, not only can this presupposition no longer be taken for granted, but it is often openly denied,” said the Holy Father in Porta Fidei (door of faith) which accompanied the announcement of Year of Faith.

The year is also the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II and the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and was thought to be a good year to “shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ,” said Porta Fidei.

Volume 13 Number 3 wiNter 2013

the arch, wiNter 2013

Meeting the Miracle Boy

REVEREND MICHAEL SEIFERLINGReverend Michael Seiferling OFM, died January 3, 2013, a few months short of what would have been his 75th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. He lived the last few years of his life at St. Michael’s Retreat House, Lumsden. He celebrated 100 years of life on September 3, 2012.

Sieferling was one of 16 children born to Paul and Anna Seiferling of Sedley, Saskatchewan. Five, including Michael, entered religious life, two became Franciscan Friars, one a diocesan priest and two sisters joined the Loretto Sisters.

After completing elementary school, he attended St. Anthony’s College, Edmonton, the year the college opened in 1925 where he was taught by Franciscans. He was the first graduate of St. Anthony’s to be ordained a priest. He joined the Order August 12, 1930, in Sherbrooke, Quebec, made his solemn profession as a Franciscan Friar, August 19, 1934 and four years later, May 22, 1938 was ordained a priest. He would have celebrated 75 years of ordination in May, 2013.

Almost immediately after ordination he joined his old high school, St. Anthony’s College, Edmonton, as a professor. He also taught at St. Bernadine’s College, Montreal and the Franciscan College, Trois Rivieres, Quebec. He then switched to pastoral ministry and served as a pastor in New Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. In 1964 began serving as chaplain at the Belmont Correctional Centre, Edmonton and later at Spy Hill Gaol, near Cochrane, Alberta. He retired from active ministry in 1975.

He was predeceased by six brothers and two sisters and is survived by two sisters, Sister Herman (Teresa) and Sister Louisa (Barbara), Father Canisius (Anton), Felicia Klein, Anastasia Mallendine, Pauline McInnis and Mary Wade.

A Mass of Resurrection was held January 7, 2013 at St. Michael’s Retreat House, Lumsden, and internment in a Regina cemetery.

REVEREND DAVID BANGAby Father Rick Janisse (’75) Diocese of London, ON

Father David Banga was born on a farm near Stockholm, SK on November 11, 1943, one of six children. He completed his primary and secondary education in Stockholm, then moved on to Muenster, SK completing his first year of university. After spending one year as a Benedictine Monk at the Monastery and went on to St. Peter’s Seminary in London, ON to begin his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Regina at his home parish of St. Elizabeth, in Stockholm, on May 21, 1972.

His priestly assignments included: Kipling, Kennedy, Wawota; Moosomin; Nokomis, Strasbourgh and Govan; Estevan, and Carlyle from where he retired September 23, 2012. He was the director of the Kenosee Boys and Girls camp for the past 39 years. He built the Mother Theresa Centre and it was on this property that he built his retirement home which he affectionately call “the shack.”

David had a great love for Blessed Mother Teresa and the members of her Missionaries of Charity. He had met Mother Teresa four times and returned to India to minister to the poorest of the poor and work with the members of her community on many occasions. On this last trip to India he witnessed the progress of his life-long dream: the boarding school he was having built in Kharsala, West Bengal, India.

We mourn his sudden and unexpected death on Friday, December 14, 2012 but are comforted to know that he was doing what he loved — ministering to the poorest of the poor.

David was buried on the property of the school that he was having built on Sunday, December 16, 2012. May he rest in peace.

Messages of condolence may be sent to David’s sister: Mrs. Marilyn Wallis, 111 Revel Crescent, Enderby, BC V0E 1V1.

Jake Finkbonner was close to death in 2006 after flesh-eating bacteria infected him through a cut on his lip. His cure from the infection was deemed medically inexplicable by the Vatican, the "miracle" needed to propel a 17th-century Native American, Kateri Tekakwitha, on to sainthood. Jake is fully convinced, as is the church, that the prayers his family and community offered to Kateri, including the placement of a relic of the soon-to-be saint on Jake's leg, were responsible for his survival.

Archbishop Bohan and Fr. Danillo Rafael had the opportunity to meet Jake and his parents twice. The first time was as they travelled to Rome and stopped at a roadside service station where the bus carrying the Finkbonner family was also stopped.

This is a photo of Jake and his parents taken the second time they met at a reception held by Anne Leahy, the Canadian Ambassador to the Vatican, at the North American Pontifical College in Rome following St. Kateri’s canonization ceremony.


SISTER ALICE VANDENDRIESSCHES i s t e r A l i c e Vandendriessche, Sister of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM) died November 23 at 99 years of age. She was a member of the religious order for 79 years including 42 years as a teacher. She spent 14 years in Brandon, Ste Rose du Lac and St. Eustache, Manitoba and the remaining 38 years of her teaching career in

Regina at St. Mary’s School, Sacred Heart Academy and Miller Catholic High School. She continued her education while teaching and received a B.A. from the University of Ottawa and a B.Ed. from the University of Manitoba as well several certificates in specialized areas.

Sister Alice was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan June 24, 1913 and lived her early life on the family farm near Weyburn. She received her early education at Little Rock School near the farm and moved to Weyburn where she completed high school.

She joined the RNDMs in 1933 and took the name of Sister Mary St. Jude after a year at what was then called the Normal School for teaching and taught for a year before joining the Sisters. She taught most subjects but in later years specialized in Home Economics. She retired in 1975 and took on household duties including book keeping and gardening and found the time to write a history of the RNDMs in Canada from 1898-1948. Following retirement she lived in Winnipeg, Lebret and eventually Regina, always engaged in gardening of vegetables and flowers. She came to the Sisters Residence in Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home in 2001 and the last four years of her life was in nursing care.

Sister Winnifred Brown in her eulogy described Sister Alice as a patient and caring teacher. “Students, fellow teachers and school superintendents mention the friendly and relaxed atmosphere in her classrooms and how clear and thorough was her teaching. Some former students told me how much they loved her and more than one said “she was the best teacher I ever had.”

Sister Alice was the third of six girls born in the family and Sister Brown told how Alice was keenly aware that her father wanted a boy, so she decided to be a boy. She donned coveralls and called herself Jack. To her and her father’s delight Joseph Edmond was born sometime later.

Sister Alice was predeceased by her parents, three sisters and Joseph. She is survived by her sisters Blanche Keating, Doris Vandendriessche and cousin Reverend Arthur Vandendriessche. Funeral Mass was celebrated November 27 in Santa Maria Chapel with Monsignor Ken Miller as celebrant followed by internment in Riverside Memorial Park.

REVEREND RICHARD LARIVIERE A fall and broken hip led to the November 30 death of Reverend R i c h a r d L a r i v i e r e . Reverend Lariviere had slipped and fallen the day previous in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan and was transported to Moose Jaw where he was scheduled for surgery but died two hours before scheduled surgery to repair the broken hip.

Reverend Lariviere was born September 24, 1921 in Gravelbourg where he received most of his education. He worked on the family farm with his father until 1949 when he entered the St. Boniface, Manitoba seminary to begin studies to the priesthood. Following ordination he returned to what was then the Gravelbourg Diocese and served in parishes there until his retirement.

He loved working with youth and it was through his efforts that Camp Lemieux was established south of Swift Current. “He worked a lot with kids in trouble,” said his nephew Alain Clermont, Regina. “He would often meet with the judge the night before a court appearance and work something out so the kid didn’t have to appear in court.” Archdiocesan Vicar General Reverend Lorne Crozon remembers that Reverend Lariviere loved to camp and owned an Airstream trailer.

Retired former Gravelbourg Bishop Noel Delaquis remembers him as a man who loved being a priest. “He was always enthusiastic about his ministry to his people.” He also had a fondness for horses, said the Bishop. “I remember he had a small place when he was at Coderre and there were always two or three horses behind his place.”

Prayers were held December 6 at Our Lady of Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg and the funeral Mass was held the next day celebrated by Archdiocesan Vicar General, Very Reverend Lorne Crozon.

Reverend Lariviere was pre-deceased by his parents, four sisters, one brother and is survived by one sister, Juliette Beauchamp of Swift Current, Saskatchewan.

World Catholic Congress on Rural Life

Arnold (Chair of the Regina Archdiocesan Pastoral Council)and Joan Petracek attended the World Catholic Conference on Rural Life, held June 24-27 in Rome, Italy. The Petraceks operate a farm just south of Esterhazy. This was the 4th meeting of the Congress (the last occurred in 1962) concerned with rural life and more specifically food security and womens’ rights. The Petraceks represented the Regina Archdiocese, and Arden and Sherry Lee Andreas represented the Diocese of Saskatoon. The four were the only Canadian representatives.


CAMPION COLLEGE HONOURS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI.

Ken MacKay, Dr. June Zimmer, Dr. Blair Stonechild.

Two Campion High School graduates and a graduate of Campion at the University of Regina received Alumni of Distinction Awards at the College’s annual recognition event held October 26. Dr. Blair Stonechild, a professor at the First Nations University of Canada, Dr. June Zimmer a research scientist with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region/College of Medicine, and Regina distinguished lawyer Ken MacKay all said they were honoured to be so recognized by their alma mater.

“It was probably one of the most special honours that I have received because of the community and the organization that was giving it to me,” said June Zimmer in an interview. She is founder of Girls in the Game, a program that uses sport training to teach confidence and goal setting in young girls. She was recognized as Woman in Sport by Sasksport and “One to Watch” by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport. She is a graduate of Campion College at the University of Regina.

Blair Stonechild graduated from Campion High School and went on to become an internationally recognized researcher of Indigenous Studies and Indigenous post-secondary education. He also has been recognized for his work on land claims and higher education and his book The New Buffalo: The Struggle for Post Secondary Education is considered one of the leading texts in the field. “I was very honoured, thankful and appreciative of receiving it,” said Stonechild in an interview. “It’s a good feeling to know that your efforts have been recognized.”

Ken MacKay graduated from Campion High School and obtained his law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1967. He began his law career by articling with McDougall Ready (now McDougall Gauley) in Regina. After completing his articling he joined the public prosecutions branch of the Government of Saskatchewan Department of Justice and spent 30 years in government service.”I was a bit overwhelmed. It is a such a great honour. The other two awardees really are people of distinction so I was really in good company.” He now serves as Vice Chair of the Saskatchewan Review Board. He has also had a notable career in amateur theatre as an actor and administrator and continues to sing in Holy Rosary Cathedral Choir.

Archbishop Bohan Appointed to Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue

It’s not often one receives a personal letter from the Vatican Secretary of State so Archbishop Daniel Bohan was understandably surprised when he opened his mail on October 27. He was informed that Pope Benedict XVI had appointed him to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. “I was surprised and pleased, of course,” said the Archbishop in an interview. “I’ve been involved in ecumenical work for a long time and have enjoyed being on the Canadian Conference of Bishops Commission for Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialogue so I was very honoured to have received the appointment.”

He wasn’t sure how much of a time commitment is involved but he doesn’t expect it to be too onerous along with his usual duties as Archbishop of Regina. “The Council meets about every two or three years,” he said, and he has yet to receive additional information. The Council has a staff who carry out the day-to-day operations and the meetings of the full council membership will set the direction for the staff. “I think it is a probably a particularly important organization in the Vatican, in the Curia due to the strong presence of the Muslim people throughout the world. There is a growing awareness among all religions of the importance of somehow drawing together to know each other better and to respect each others beliefs and try to present some sort of a common face to the world.”

Archbishop Bohan said Muslim extremism has certainly captured the attention and made a very negative impression on the world but he does not believe those actions are representative of the average Muslim believer. “People are essentially spiritual. People have a desire to understand the role of God in their lives, and any major religion will have that focus; along with the reality of God comes the question of the meaning of human life and humanity and morality, and all major religions seek that in a sincere and honest way.” For that reason he believes there is common ground among all religions to get together and try to grow in awareness of the other religions and what it is they truly believe for the betterment of the world.

The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue was established in 1964 by Pope Paul VI as the Secretariat for Non-Christians. The current name was adopted in 1988. It is comprised of about 30 Cardinals and Bishops from all over the world. Its goal is to promote mutual understanding, respect and collaboration between Catholics and followers of other religious traditions. There is within it a special commission for relations with Muslims with its own structure.


ARCHBISHOP’S ANNIVERSARY FUND RAISER

Archbishop Daniel Bohan said foreign priests are welcome in the Regina archdiocese and “we are grateful for them.” He was speaking November 8 at the first fund raising dinner for the education of priests. This event also celebrated two of the archbishop’s anniversaries: the 45th anniversary of his ordination, and his birthday.

The Archbishop was the principal celebrant at a Mass that preceded the dinner. It was concelebrated with Saskatoon Bishop Don Bolen, Archdiocesan Vicar General Reverend Lorne Crozon, and about 40 priests who came from all areas of the archdiocese.

He expressed appreciation for all those who attended the Mass but in his homily he said the only true focus is Christ Jesus. “My vocation, your vocation (gesturing to the priests) and your vocation (gesturing to the congregation) is to love the Lord. It is the most important commandment.” He said it had taken him 45 years to learn the profoundness of that. “I am overwhelmingly grateful to God for allowing me to grow.”

Following the Mass, Archbishop Bohan was feted at a banquet with speakers, the Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons and Saskatoon Bishop Don Bolen. Scheer said he was playing hooky from the House of Commons, but “church comes first.” “He is a strong and Catholic voice,” said Scheer referring to Archbishop Bohan. He left immediately after his brief remarks, presumably to catch a flight and return to his duties as Speaker of the House.

Bishop Don Bolen spoke of how common it is for people to “mess up our names. We often get identified as Daniel Bolen and Don Bohan.” Bishop Bolen said he googled November 8, the Archbishop’s birth date, and joked that no famous people were born on that date. He also described a strange coincidence associated with Archbishop Bohan’s appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto. He was in a London, England tavern called the Mitre when he was informed the Papal Nuncio was looking for him and would call him the next day. The mitre, for the uninitiated, is the peaked headdress worn by bishops for certain ceremonial occasions in several Christian faith traditions. “We gather tonight to celebrate faithfulness to the Lord and priestly service,” said Bishop Bolen. “We are grateful for God’s faithfulness to you and grateful that God gives you to us.” Archbishop Bohan thanked the approximately 160 people for their attendance and reminded them that the money raised is for the education of priests. “We spend about a half million a year on seminarians,” he said. The archdiocese has seven seminarians in various stages toward the priesthood, all but one from “warm countries. We are grateful for foreign priests. They guarantee the future of our church in the priesthood.”

THANKSGIVING MASS FOR ST. KATERI

Celebrated in Cree, English and French, a well-attended January 8 Mass of Thanksgiving for the Canonization of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, at St. Cecilia’s Parish, was a colourful blend of Roman Catholic and Cree traditions and cultures.

It began with children in pow wow regalia leading the opening procession to the beat of drums performed by the Littletent Family of Regina. Upon reaching the Sanctuary, Elder Robert Bellegarde performed a smudging on Archbishop Daniel Bohan and others involved in the Mass. Smudging was used instead of incense before the Gospel Reading, and again when the gifts were brought by the children dancing to the accompanying drum beats, the jingling from the dresses resembling the sounds of Christmas bells.

Archbishop Bohan welcomed everyone to “this special evening celebrating a gift to our Church and First Nations.” Some prayers were recited in French and English and responses were said or chanted in Cree. Sister ReAnne Letourneau pm, engaged in Urban Native Ministry, led the Cree responses.

The Archbishop said in his homily that we have much in common with St. Kateri who lived in an environment hostile to her beliefs. “Our contemporary culture is full of voices which tell us that faith is outdated and not useful,” said Bohan. “All of this has created what the Holy Father has described as a ‘crisis of faith’ in our people.”

A bone relic of St. Kateri obtained by the late Archbishop Charles Halpin was displayed during the service. Archbishop Bohan used the relic at the end of Mass in a special blessing of the people.

“I found it a very moving experience,” said Reverend Derek Nicholls, Assistant Anglican priest from neighbouring St. James Anglican Parish. Nicholls ministered for four years in Yukon where he had First Nations people as parishioners. This was the first time he experienced a commemoration of a Canonization. “I found it very moving and as a non-Catholic very interesting,” he said later. He also found it very interesting in the variety of people who attended: a multicultural mix of races.

A reception followed the service included an explanation of the importance of the drum in Native culture and a round dance. The food featured several forms of bannock, fruit and dainties.


SANTA MARIA CHANGES HANDS

Terry Cooney, Chair of the Catholic Health Ministry of Saskatchewan, and Archbishop Daniel Bohan sign the papers as ownership and sponsorship of the Santa Maria Senior Citizens’ Home changed Monday, November 19 but that’s all that changed. No money was exchanged, there are no staff changes, and the Board of Directors remains intact. Ownership was simply transferred from the Regina Archdiocese to the Catholic Health Ministry of Saskatchewan, also known as the Saskatchewan Catholic Health Corporation, which is owned and under the sponsorship of the Saskatchewan Bishops: Daniel Bohan, Regina; Don Bolen, Saskatoon; Eparchy Bishop Bryan Bayda, Saskatoon; and Albert Thevenot of Prince Albert.

Catholic Health Ministry of Saskatchewan CEO Scott Irwin said the change was made to bring it under the ministry’s umbrella. “We have the expertise and governance for health facilities and deal with all the issues involved with that which is something a diocese or in this case an archdiocese normally does not do.”

The process for the change began 18 months ago with the establishment of an interim board. That board under chair Joan Pratchler was officially sworn in by Terry Cooney during a special liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Daniel Bohan with Monsignor Ken Miller and Reverend Ken Koep. Archbishop Bohan in a brief homily said there is a growing awareness of the quality of Catholic health care. “It enables us to give to all who come to our health facilities something special and unique; an atmosphere of peace, dignity and love based on faith in Jesus Christ.”

Santa Maria was established by the Regina Archdiocese in the early 1960s by Archbishop M.C. O’Neil. The Knights of Columbus raised the necessary funds, the Archbishop asked the Sisters of St. Joseph of Pembroke to take over ownership and operation, and in 1968 the first residents moved in. Ownership was transferred to the Regina Archdiocese in 1986 and that same year the decision was made to expand. Two years later a new wing was completed with 48 additional rooms, a new chapel, administration, pastoral care offices and a craft and activities room.

The Catholic Health Ministry of Saskatchewan began in 1997 as the Catholic Health Council in an effort to continue Catholic health care in the wake of Catholic facilities being sold/taken over by the provincial government. The SCHC was established in 2000; it now owns 12 facilities.

CATHOLICS CALL HOME PROJECTChurch attendance in most Christian denominations continues to fall. In the Roman Catholic Faith the percentage of church attendance is around 20%. Those figures are used by most church authorities but they can vary widely in some locales.

“Catholics Call Home” was initiated by the Regina joint East-West Deanery under Deanery Chair Carol Schimnosky of Regina’s Holy Rosary Cathedral. It is an attempt to reach non church going Catholics, inviting them to take another look at their faith and to Call Home. It is a project that fits well under the Pastoral Plan established in 2008 to energize and re-vitalize the Archdiocesan Church.

“We distributed 81,000 brochures in the Regina East-West Deanery,” said Schimnosky. The brochure listed a series of meetings to be held in deanery churches to discuss three issues that seem to be most often quoted by those not attending church: Do I really need Mass and the Sacraments; marriage issues; and update on Catholic practices.

The sessions were held in 10 parishes, the first at Christ the King Parish, and the last at St. Mary’s Parish. Attendance ranged from 30-50 with the exception of Ste. Jean Baptiste where just three showed up and 10 at St. Agnes, Pilot Butte. Presentations were made by different people. A priest was present in each session either to give a presentation or answer questions.

Reverend Ron Andree talked about the importance of the Mass and sacraments in his October 30 presentation at Holy Trinity. He gave a history of Salvation and said God created us to live with Him. “Christ left us the Mass and the sacraments as the means to achieve that.” He then reviewed the sacraments, their use and meaning.

Reverend Louis Abello talked about the Christian-Judeo history and sacredness of marriage dating to Genesis. His presentation at St. Agnes Parish described the conditions required for a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church and dispensations that in some situations can be obtained in order for the church to recognise the marriage as valid.

Schimnosky said open dialogue within the Catholic Church is not common. “Catholics Call Home is an opportunity to ask questions and an opportunity for all Catholics to strengthen their faith.”

The project was financed with $10,000.00 from the Annual Appeal ($5,000.00 for each deanery), $6,000.00 from the Catholic Womens’ League and Knights of Columbus and donations from a few parishes. Schimnosky said there is a $3,000.00 debt but she hopes donations will cover it.

T h e d e a n e r y i s n o w considering how to follow up what has been done.


CWL DIOCESAN WOMEN ON THE GOby Yvonne Kruzeniski, Diocesan Communication Chair

Chantal Devine and Marge Appell have very busy schedules in their respective roles as Diocesan President and Vice-President. Besides planning meetings and keeping in touch with executives of CWL councils on local, diocesan and provincial levels, there are many events that see them travelling to various places in the diocese. Following are some of the events that have kept and continue to keep them busy.

Chantal attended the Canada Day Mass at Blessed Sacrament parish in Regina where Archbishop Bohan was the celebrant. Both Chantal and Marge attended the four- day National Convention in Edmonton in mid-August. On September 16, Chantal attended and brought greetings to the Esterhazy regional mini convention held at the historical St Andrews Church near Wapella. On the same evening she brought greetings to St Cecilia’s Council in Regina on their 65th anniversary. Marge attended Campion College opening Mass and awards ceremony September 16 and presented the Diocesan CWL scholarship to first year student Anna Currie of Regina. She extended wishes to St. Anne’s Parish in Regina on their 50th anniversary celebration on October 14. Both will attend the Regina Regional meeting October 25th at Holy Child Parish. Chantal will attend the Catholic Health Association Conference in Regina November 2-4. She will attend the Weyburn Regional workshop “Catch the Fire” in Vibank October 27.The Provincial CWL workshop is being held November 9-10 at St. Michael’s Retreat Centre in Lumsden. Chantal and Marge will attend along with Diocesan and Provincial Executive. Marge Appel is one of the trained presenters of the multi-media workshop “Catch the Fire”, a program designed to promote leadership within CWL councils.

As indicated, these are women on the go, working to implement the CWL mission of calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God.

St. Gerard’s CWL, Yorkton Supports The Community

In response to the need for toys for the Salvation Army Christmas Hamper program, the St. Gerard CWL Council spearheaded a parish-wide toy drive. At their recent “Ladies of the Parish Christmas Banquet” CWL President Dolores Spreitzer makes the presentation to Major Linda Mailman of

the Salvation Army.

Yvonne Turgeon of the St. Gerard Catholic Women’s League Council presents C h a r l e n e M a l a y n e y, Palliative Care Coordinator and Margare t Fenske, Volunteer with the Palliative Care Program (Sunrise H e a l t h R e g i o n ) w i t h

“comfort cushions” to be used by palliative care patients within the region. Comfort cushions help to ease pain and discomfort by

preventing hips, elbows, ankles, etc. from rubbing on linens.

SASKATCHEWAN CWL PRESIDENT TILLEY AESSIE PRESENTS PREMIER BRAD WALL WITH BIRD HOUSE.

Saskatchewan CWL President Tilley Aessie presented Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall with a bird house constructed as a replica log cabin. She had written the Premier on behalf of CWL thanking him and the government for their support of Habitat for Humanity. She was, in turn, invited to the Legislature Building in Regina to meet the premier and decided to present him with the bird house symbolic of Habitat for Humanity and perhaps as a stable in which the Christ Child was born. She began quoting Luke 9, 57-58 as part of her presentation and half way through the premier joined her and completed the quote. “He’s a very spiritual man,” said the CWL President. The presentation was made in the Office of the Premier. Aessie was accompanied by CWL Resolutions Chair Margaret Schwab. The Honourable Gordon Wayant, MLA, Saskatoon Northwest and Saskatchewan Attorney General was also present. Aessie resides in the Saskatoon Northwest Constituency.

Chantal DevineMarge Appell

The Saskatchewan Catholic Women’s League Report


WHO GOES TO A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR... IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FOR YOU?

Life questions that are often asked and statements often heard are:

• So where is God in all of this?

• Does God really call me to do something special in this world?

• Why does this “thing” keep coming back again and again?

• I was really moved by scripture while reading or while in church. It sure would be good to talk to someone about it.

• I would like to have a prayer life but I don’t even know how to go about it, or, my prayer life has become dry and I think I need a change.

• I would like to learn more about scripture but when I open the bible to read it, it hardly makes sense to me.

• I’m really struggling in my faith life (for one reason or another) and don’t know where to go or who to talk to.

• God has been so good to me and I would really like to deepen my relationship with God.

If you or someone you know has ever had any of these questions or comments Spiritual Direction is for you

and/or for them. Spiritual Direction helps put meaning back into life when all seems dry and distant. To be able to talk to someone – to lay it all out on the table – to move ahead in an environment that is open to receive and confidential can bring deep healing and depth in one’s life. To be able to share ones spiritual journey and lived experience as joint partners helps to bring wholeness and joy. Those who have been trained to journey with others in Spiritual Direction have been taught to be open instruments of God’s love; to receive whatever one brings to Spiritual Direction, and then to respond , through active listening with compassion, to trust in the insight given in any session, and send the person away with books, readings, new inspiration and a sense of being unconditionally loved so they can continue their journey to grow in closer relationship with God.

Spiritual Direction is this and so much more.

If you think Spiritual Direction is for you or for someone you love, please see the Spiritual Direction link on the Archdiocese of Regina website at http://www.archregina.sk.ca/spiritual-direction. Or call Karen Ziegler 789-0238 or Marlene Miller 586-0640.

Remember it is important that you and

your Spiritual Director are suitable for each other. If not, all Spiritual Directors know that there is total freedom on the part of both in changing Spiritual Directors. Spiritual Directors are trained to do what is best for the person wanting to deepen their relationship with God.

Currently there are 20 trained Spiritual Directors ministering to people in the Archdiocese of Regina (two are associates from other denominations-Anglican and United Church). Among them are a Priest, Sisters and Lay Men and Women.

If you are in a rural area, who are those that you would go to and trust with your life story? Who in your community would you suggest to take a Spiritual Directors training program if it were offered?

This person would be known to be spiritual with a regular prayer life, a good listener, and confidential and compassionate.

Please email those names and phone numbers to:

Marlene Miller at [email protected] or call 586-0640

Sr. Claire Himbeault at [email protected] or call 352-6981

VISITATION HOUSE CHRISTMAS PARTYIt was a great day for more than 90 women and children who attended Visitation House annual Christmas party and lunch, December 18. Volunteers served up the traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings and several choices of desert all of it donated. Donations also filled the back room with gifts for everyone especially the children. Santa Claus made an appearance handing out candy before the gift packages were distributed. Each guest also received a new pillow and pillow case when they left the party. Visitation House is a drop-in-centre for women. Supported by the Regina Archdiocese and donations, the centre is located in a brick building just off Regina’s downtown core. It caters to and provides some services for low income women.

DINE BY DESIGN FUNDRAISER

Proceeds go to Cuernavaca Project 2013

Christ the King Parish Hall

Sunday February 3rd at 5 p.m.

Meal provided by Fireside Bistro

Tickets $35

For tickets

Call Annette Polasek@ 586-2630 or

Joan Rink @ 584-7598


ST. MICHAEL’S WINTER SOLSTICE

“CoNtEmplAtIvE lIStENING” A FormAtion ProgrAm For the ministry oF sPirituAl Direction

Facilitated by Members of the Spiritual Directors Group of the Archdiocese of Regina

September 2013 to June 2015 at St. Michael’s Retreat House, Lumsden, pRoGRAm GoAlS

▪ To invite participants to a journey for personal spiritual growth and renewal

▪ To introduce participants to the theory and practice of spiritual direction

▪ To provide supervision as participants practise and refine skills in the art of spiritual direction

▪ To provide a prayerful learning community for the participants while developing their gifts and deepening their capacity for contemplative listening

▪ To engage participants in the ongoing process of discernment of their call to the ministry of spiritual direction

pRoGRAm CompoNENtS

▪ Twenty modules: Four retreats (First year: Orientation retreat; end of year discernment retreat; Second year: practicum retreat; commissioning retreat). Sixteen weekends (group sharing, input

sessions, and community prayer).

▪ Short reflection papers once a month

▪ On-going spiritual direction and supervision

CANDIDAtE pRE-REqUISItES

▪ Mature Christian adult who is seriously committed to an ongoing prayer life, to ministry and to growing in one’s spiritual journey.

▪ A sense of call to the ministry of Spiritual Direction

▪ Past experience of spiritual direction. Has been seeing a spiritual director for at least six months prior to the beginning the program

▪ Able to give a full commitment to the two-year program

CoSt oF pRoGRAm

$4,000 - for two years. This covers accommodations and meals for retreats and weekends. A non-refundable deposit of $350 is required by August 1, 2013.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL KAREN ZIEGLER 789-0238 OR MARLENE MILLER 586-0640.

G h o s t l y i m a g e s surround a roaring b o n f i r e n e a r S t . M ichae l ’s Re t rea t Ministries as about 75 people gathered for the annual Winter Solstice Celebration.

The Solstice marks the end of declining daylight and the beginning of increasing dayl ight and has a long history of celebrations dating to ancient times. This year’s theme for the 13th annual celebration was Music for the Long Winter’s Night.

People began gathering at 15:00 with children going to the craft tables and adults meeting and greeting. The celebration began at 16:00 with prayers and reflections on themes

of Comfort ing and Calming, Teaching and Inspiring, Mourning and Sustaining, Celebrating and Marking. That was fo l lowed wi th singing, the lighting of the Solstice Fire, and Vince Murphy telling the Solstice story while sitting by the fireplace.

Song for a Winter’s Night was performed by Ron, Kate and Joel Blechinger. Reverend Catherine Harper gave a Solstice Blessing,

and all then processed to the Labyrinth where the bonfire was lit. Poems were read, songs sung, and a new fireworks display was produced by U of R student Spencer Walker. The evening ended with St. Michael’s home-made soup and biscuits.


MOTHER TERESA MIDDLE SCHOOL FETES DONORS

Students and staff at the Mother Teresa Middle School left l i t t le doubt that the school is faith based when they hosted a December 4 luncheon to honour and thank the donors who make the school possible.

About 50 people attended the luncheon, prepared by students aided by staff and served by the 33 students. Dressed in their school un i forms, the s tudents weaved in and around the

tables expertly carrying trays of soup, sandwiches and desserts offered to the donors. The guests were either donors themselves or represented firms who donated, time, money, or expertise to the school.

The luncheon began with a prayer and ended with students handing out miniature lights representing the light of Christ, light of the world to each guest while verbally thanking them for their support. Two students alternately read a brief story about Christmas and the birth of the Christ Child, with the student body lining the walls in the darkened room holding the little lights.

Principal Curtis Kleisinger opened the luncheon by thanking everyone for coming and exclaiming “you are an incredible gift to us.” He also described the school’s summer activities in between courses offered by the students. They travelled in July to Cochrane, AB, site of the Mount St. Francis Retreat House and toured the Calgary and the surrounding area. In August they attended leadership classes at the University of Regina and toured the University. “The visit encouraged the students to think about university in their future,” said Kleisinger.

The students do get a summer break but it is brief compared to the approximately six weeks in regular schools. The school operates at different hours as well with a breakfast program at 07:30 and the day ends usually at 17:30. Students also have access to an advisor who follows their school careers through high school and even into post-secondary institutions.

Paul Hill, who along with his wife Carol, brought the school to Regina following a visit with the late Mother Teresa in India, is now chair of the board. He briefly recounted the story of meeting with Mother Teresa who encouraged them and others to use their wealth for the good of their local community. The Hills, while visiting in California, heard about the 65 Jesuit-supported Nativity Miguel Network of schools in the U.S. and brought the concept to Regina. The school opened September with Grade six students and now has 33 students in Grades six and seven. Recruiting for 2012 will begin in January, said Kleisinger.

In a brief address, Paul Hill said 100% of the Grade Six students returned for the Grade Seven class and attendance is at 97%.

Paul Hill, and his wife Carol, brought the school to Regina

CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARDS AND CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION

HOLD JOINT CONFERENCE. It is the first time that the Catholic ministries of teaching and healing came together for joint convention, and according to Archbishop Daniel Bohan, it is appropriate. “Jesus was teacher and healer and it is appropriate that we come together to celebrate our Catholicity,” he said in opening the November 3-5 convention. The Saskatchewan Catholic School Board Association (SCSBA) has members from each of the province’s Catholic School Districts, and the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) membership comes from the 14 Catholic health and care giving institutions as well as individual memberships.

The idea for a joint convention was hatched about two years ago and came from a meeting of each organization’s executive Directors, Ken Loehndorf of the SCSBA and Sandra Kary of CHAS. The idea was taken to their respective boards and both agreed with the idea.

Each organization held their own annual meeting over lunch on Saturday and there were several plenary sessions in which everyone got together to hear the keynote speakers. Jesse Manibusan led the Youth Day on November 2 and opened the first plenary with his usual wit, music and humour interspersed with his message of love and the uniqueness of the Catholic Faith. Breakout sessions on various topics for each organization were held after lunch, and David Wells finished off the afternoon as the second key note speaker. He also spoke briefly Sunday morning after a Mass con-celebrated by Archbishop Bohan and Prince Albert Bishop Albert Thevenot.

Manibusan is a much-sought-after inspirational speaker/entertainer from California who works extensively with youth. Wells is from Devon, England where he is Director of the Vicariate for Formation in the Plymouth Diocese. Wells’ humorous presentation looked at modern culture and encouraged his audience, assuring them they don’t give themselves enough credit for what they do in education and health care. Manibusan’s presentation was similar to what he did with the youth gathering the day previous, focusing on the love of Christ and the uniqueness of the Catholic faith.

CHAS held two breakout sessions: Reverend Mark Miller said Catholics in health and education ministries convey something special based in Christ, and Sister Sarah Quackenbush of the Sisters of St. Joseph told her session that declining populations of religious orders that pioneered health care meant new leaders in the Catholic community need to blaze new trails. Miller is a renowned health ethicist, and Quackenbush delivers Catholic health care leadership programs for the Catholic Health Corporation of Ontario.

The SCSBA provided eight workshops presented by different school divisions with topics ranging from enhancing, practicing and living the Catholic faith, faith development, leadership, ethics, and athletics.

SCSBA President Thomas Fortosky and CHAS President Christopher Boychuk said response to the joint convention was positive. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we did this again in two or three years,” said Fortosky.


How Shall I Make

A Return to the Lord?

Choosing to make a gift beyond your lifetime through a bequest for our Church is a profound way to express your gratitude for God’s many gifts to His people.

Please contact us for free, confidential and no-obligation information about creating a charitable bequest for your Catholic parish or Archdiocese.

Archdiocese of Regina Christina Attard, Development Director

(306) 352 1651 www.archregina.sk.ca/giving

(Psalm 116:12)

ECUMENICAL ART RETREATby Debbie Hayward

Back by popular demand, the St. Gerard’s ecumenical committee in Yorkton held their second Ecumenical Art Retreat on Saturday, November 17, 2012 in St. Gerard’s Parish Complex. In spite of a very busy day in the city of Yorkton, five churches were represented, including one artist from Holy Family Cathedral in Saskatoon. The day began with a meditation by Keith Hayward of St. Gerard’s, and Bible reading by Debbie Hayward of St. Gerard’s; then everyone began creating!

The theme was “God’s Gifts To Us”, and each artist brought their own supplies to work on the project of their choice. Midway through the morning, we had a meditation with original poems by Joyce Bagley of Holy Trinity Anglican church. All artists brough a bag lunch, and over lunch Judy Niebergall from St. Paul’s Lutheran church shared an idea that perhaps we could somehow turn our art into a project, such as building a well in Africa. Perhaps an art sale? Enthusiasm was high, and prayers and discussion will continue as we try to formulate this great idea into a workable project.

The afternoon session continued with more enthusiastic creation, and another wonderful meditation from Joyce that consisted of explaining the meaning of prayer flags; everyone was given a length of wide satin ribbon to write down what they are thankful for, and their prayerful wish, and we made our own prayer flag banner on display in the lobby of St. Gerard’s.

The retreat ended with a show and tell of all our creations, which included: painting, needlework Christmas ornaments (by our own Fr. Francis Hengen from St. Gerard’s), photography, even felting a beautiful wall hanging.

The day was a wonderful retreat, not only for the time that it afforded each artist to focus on the theme in their own lives, but also for the great fellowship. Everyone was very supportive of each artist, and as the day ended, everyone asked when the next art retreat would be! It was a joy to have such a terrific group of artists working together, including three generations of one family: mother, daughter, and new baby that arrived just in October! (In fact, this baby was an in utero participant at our first art retreat in April!)

The ecumenical team at St. Gerard’s thanks everyone for attending, and we look forward to getting together again soon!

ST. MICHAEL’S FUND RAISER BREAKFAST

The second major snowstorm of the season impacted on the turnout for the annual St. Michael’s Retreat House fund raising breakfast on November 22 at Resurrection Parish Hall. The previous day’s rain combined with an overnight snow dump of close to 20 centimetres turned most streets into skating rinks. The result was fewer than 100 managed to get to the parish hall located on a side street. Several arrived well after breakfast but the kitchen staff managed to find some food for them. The ice on the uphill road behind St. Michael’s, the only access, prevented anyone from getting up the hill until later in the day. St. Michael’s is located near Lumsden in the Qu’Appelle Valley about 30-kilometres North West of Regina. Guest speaker Rand Teed who lives in Craven, not far from Lumsden, was able to make his way into the city and spoke about his work as an internationally certified prevention specialist in drug and alcohol education and prevention.

Teed taught for 30 years in the Regina Roman Catholic School District during which he became involved in dealing with “at risk” high school children. He retired in 2001 but was asked to continue his work with the at risk students most of whose problems were related to drug and alcohol. He began a weekly optional drug class program in each of four Regina Catholic high schools, that attracts from 30-50 students in each school.

The fund raising breakfast was the 10th annual with all funds going directly to retreat house programs. St. Michael’s is owned by the Franciscans but managed by an ecumenical board with representatives from the Anglican, Evangelical Lutheran and Roman Catholic Faiths. Lutheran pastor Reverend David Kaiser is the current chair of the board. The fund-raisers are organized by a group of lay people known as the Friends of St. Michael’s. This year’s breakfast is expected to add about $2,500.00 to retreat house programs.


MTMS GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST

This was not your ordinary fund raising event. It was staged by Mother Teresa Middle School Grade Seven students for the local Regent Place Library branch. “The library had no books with references to their (students) culture. So a group approached the library and asked if they would purchase some relevant books if they raised the funds. The library, of course, enthusiastically said yes,” said school Principal Curtis Kleisinger.

The school had obtained library cards for each student and while they had access to the library in St. Michael’s Community School which houses the Mother Teresa Middle School, they preferred the larger resources at Regent Place Library. “It’s within walking distance from the school,” said Kleisinger, “and they enjoy going there.

The students kicked around several ideas, then came up with the idea of involving parents, relatives and volunteers in a gingerbread house decorating contest. The students approached Superstore, WalMart and Crocus and Ivy who donated the necessary materials and charged each decorating team $20.00 to take part. December 19, all gathered in the large classroom in which tables had been set up each with two naked gingerbread houses and bowls of decorating material. Teacher intern Jordan Carr assisted by several students laid out the rules and with 30 minutes to complete their project the race was on.

Students roamed between the tables selling home made cookies, hot chocolate and extra decorating supplies. Then a group of Grade Seven students determined that the best decorated gingerbread house was put together by Maurice Laprairie, Norma Quarani and Kristel Kriel.

Carr then auctioned off each gingerbread house with bids ranging from $5.00 to $50.00. When the evening was done the students had raised $1,219.21 for the Regent Place Library Branch. “The kids are so excited,” said Kleisinger. “They can hardly wait to get a giant cheque made and present it to the library sometime after Christmas.”

Mother Teresa Middle School is patterned after the Jesuit Native Miguel Middle Schools in the U.S. and designed to give disadvantaged children a leg up. It is the only such school in Canada. The schools operate at a different schedule beginning at 07:30 and usually ending at 17:30. Students are also required to come up with projects that “give back” to their community.

The winners!

MUSKEG LAKE COUSINS HONOUR BAND MEMBER WHO DIED IN BATTLE

Ortona, Italy, is a picturesque village on Italy’s Adriatic Coast. It was here, December 1943, that Canadians fought and won in one of the toughest battles of WWII. And it was here, in Ortona, December 7, 1943 that a 20-year-old residential school runaway died for his country.

“When I heard of the Pilgrimage to Rome for the canonization of St. Kateri, I thought to myself, this is it, I’m going to go to Ortona.” Carol Lafond’s father passed through Ortona about a month after the battle that claimed the life of his Muskeg Lake band mate Private Joseph Okemasis. “Dad didn’t talk much about the war,” said Carol, “but he did talk about what he saw in Ortona.” Okemasis was the last in his family line and Carol said she wanted to go and see where her father had been and to pay honour to Okemasis.

She recruited her cousin, Melody Lafond, who had previously travelled to Italy, and the two determined that after the pilgrimage to Rome for the Canonization of now Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, they’d figure out how to get to Ortona. “Like how hard could it be,” she laughed. So October 23, when the rest of the pilgrimage group left for home, she and Melody left for Ortona. It took a train ride, a bus ride and walking several kilometres before they found the cemetery.

“It was a day I will never forget. It was warm, the sky was blue and the graves were all lined up shining in the sun.” They entered a small chapel and found a map listing the names of those buried there and the location. “Melody located the grave very quickly and we stood there. We looked around. We were very quiet. It was very hard. How do you let them know that we honour them?” she said with emotion. “

They laid a Canadian flag on Okemasis’ grave along with a Muskeg Lake flag. Melody brought a cross she fashioned from sticks on Muskeg Lake which they placed on the stone along with Canadian and Muskeg Lake lapel pins. They also placed, some tobacco given her by her Uncle Harry Lafond, sweet grass and soil from Muskeg Lake.

Muskeg Lake is about an hour north of Saskatoon. Carol said the reserve had a large number of volunteers in both world wars.

The pilgrimage to Rome included a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in which Regina Archbishop Daniel Bohan and three other Regina Archdiocese priests celebrated Mass. “That day was the ninth anniversary of my father’s passing and I dedicated that Mass to my father.”


ST. LUKE SCHOOL DEDICATES ROOM TO ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA

St. Luke Alternative School dedicated its Faith and Culture room in honour of St. Kateri Tekakwitha in a brief November 8 ceremony. It’s another in a series of events honouring the Lily of the Mohawks as she is known, following her October 21 canonization by Pope Benedict XVI.

“We converted this room to a Faith and Culture Room about a year ago,” said school principal Kevin Kleisinger, “and we thought it appropriate to dedicate it to Saint Kateri.” Kleisinger said the room is designed to be a learning experience as well as a cultural room. Prior to its conversion the old classroom was a multi purpose room used for small gatherings, art work and other activities.

Joanne Landry, the Regina Roman Catholic School District’s First Nations and Metis Coordinator, gave a brief history of Saint Kateri prior to the room’s blessing.

The dedication involved two traditional services: A Blessing conducted by Reverend John Weckend and a First Nations prayer chanted in Cree by Elder Mike Pinay. Art teacher Patty Roche and Grade 12 student Remy MacLean unveiled a stained glass window which will be placed in the door. MacLean with another Grade 12 student, Britany Kuhns aided by Roche constructed the window in three weeks.

Students and staff provided tea, two types of bannock and Tarte Sucre (sugar pie in small tarts) refreshments following the ceremony.

Two programs are underway to ensure/enhance Catholic teachings within Saskatchewan Catholic schools. The newest is Pedagogy and Catholic Schools, a five Saturdays post graduate course spread over three months to be offered by Campion College University of Regina beginning January 2013. The other, an initiative of the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association (SCSBA), began in 2008 but this year is undergoing changes. Called ‘Revealing Christ in All We Teach’, it is designed to ‘permeate’ Catholic teachings throughout the curriculum. “As Catholic schools we want to strive to create a learning environment in which the uniqueness of our faith is expressed in all that we do,” said Darrell Zaba, Director of Education for Christ the Teacher Catholic School Division, Yorkton, Saskatchewan and Chair of the SCSBA Permeation Committee.

Zaba described the program as a bank of resources written and updated each year by volunteer teachers. Resources are added or changed whenever a new curriculum for course subjects is developed by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. “We’re working on the development on health and science permeation resources from Grades 1-5 right now,” said Zaba. “The main focus in the early years were focussed on Grades 6,7,8 and 9 and for the last couple of years the focus is switching to high school and the final project writing will occur in the 2014-2015 school year.” At that point, Zaba said, resources will be available for all subjects in all grades.

The Pedagogy and Catholic Schools course will begin in January and will offer five “intense” Saturdays in a three month period, said Reverend Frank Obrigewitsch, S.J. Dean of Campion College. The program was developed in

cooperation with the Regina Catholic School Board and the University of Regina Faculty of Education. It’s recognized as a post graduate course and provides three credit hours towards a Masters Degree in Education. Each of the five Saturdays will explore a specific subject beginning with the history of the church in pedagogy to looking at the model of Native Miguel schools.

Religious Education Coordinator for the Regina Catholic School Board, Miles Myers was also involved in the development of the program. “It’s all about the Catholic way of teaching,” said Myers. “It’s geared primarily for teachers,” said Myers. He said more and more teachers want to obtain a Masters Degree, and this course can be counted towards that degree. “And the great thing is that they’re coming from a Catholic perspective.”

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PROMOTE CATHOLIC TEACHINGS


ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA CONVENT BLESSED

The two Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (SIHM) have a new home freshly blessed by Regina Archbishop Daniel Bohan. Sisters Esberta Pugong and Corazon Sanchez actually moved into their new convent, located in the former rectory of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, in October but the blessing couldn’t be arranged until December 30. The Sisters previously resided in the old rectory of St. Charles but that Church is scheduled to be sold sometime in 2013.

The former Holy Cross Rectory has come full circle. It began in 1959 as a residence for the pastor, became office space in 1990 after the parish decided to purchase a condo behind the church to give the pastor some privacy, morphed into meeting rooms and now once again serves as a residence. Pastoral Council Chair Ruth Robillard said the only cost for transforming the area was moving the furniture and appliances from St. Charles to Holy Cross. “Everything else was done by volunteer labour,” said Robillard. “St. Charles parish was good to us donating furniture and appliances.”

Because of their Indigenous background in Philippines and their work with the Regina Urban Native Ministry, the Sisters chose to name their new convent after the recently canonized St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

The Sisters, at the invitation of Archbishop Daniel Bohan, arrived in Regina in 2008. “I am grateful for their presence here,” said the Archbishop, “We have two wonderful people in these two women. God has blessed us and I thank God for them.”

Holy Rosary Cathedral to Close for RenovationsHoly Rosary Cathedral began a year-long centennial celebration by initiating renovations and closing the church for about six months. The closure allows for a $500,000.00 renovation that will be completed by May in plenty of time to celebrate the Cathedral’s actual centennial day November 24, 2013. Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral Auditorium until the renovations are done.

The last Mass in the church was celebrated November 10 but the official kick off for the centennial was held the week previous. “We started off with a grand entrance (at the November 3 11:00 Mass) at our celebration,” said Centennial Chair Joan Pratchler. “We brought some artefacts back: the altar bell, the incense tree, a painting of the cathedral, the original paten and chalice that Bishop Mathieu (the first Bishop) used. We expect to bring in some of the former priests and Rectors to come celebrate some Masses, there will be some music celebrations, different concerts once the renovations are finished.” There will be picnics in the summer and a legacy will be left of specially commissioned music for some of the Mass parts that will be played for the first time November 24, 2013.

The renovations are long overdue. Cracks in the walls and ceilings are obvious, most damaged from a leaky roof that

was repaired during the summer. “We are going to bring some scaffolding and clean the walls and the ceiling of the cathedral,” said Rector Reverend Lorne Crozon. “Once that is done we’ll do some re-plastering and repair the broken glass and once that is done we’re hoping to paint.” It’s a renovation project and not a restoration. The frescos that once decorated the ceiling will not be restored. “I’m afraid that would be a little difficult because that’s been covered over by paint, and I’ve been told that some of those frescos were damaged by plaster falling away from them, so I don’t know if we’re going to have a chance to get those back.”

The first Mass was celebrated November 24, 1913 and since then there have been several renovations. The most notable following a 1976 fire that destroyed most of the south end of the church and cost about $440,000.00. Another renovation was completed in 1992 but a dollar figure for that was not available. Reverend Crozon said most of the repair costs will be covered by insurance but the parish will put in about $165,000.00. “We haven’t done any real fund raising other than special collections for the building. We are relying on the generosity of the parishioners to care for the building,” said Crozon.

YOUTH DAY PRECEDES JOINT CHAS AND SCSBA

CONVENTION About 150 high school students from around Saskatchewan and their teachers and chaperones braved stormy weather and enjoyed an inspirational day with motivational speaker and entertainer Jesse Manibusan. Manibusan engaged

the young people with humour, music and interactive activities. His performance on the theme “Youth: the Church of Today” had some participants on stage doing actions to his music. One song in particular, Yes Lord, Yes Lord, in several different languages, had the young people up and moving. In between all of this was the message, God is good all the time and everywhere; they are loved by God and Catholics have a new way to live their lives.

The sessions were held in the Regina Inn but the group walked gingerly on slippery sidewalks about three blocks to Blessed Sacrament Church where Reverend Stephen Bill celebrated Mass. His homily began with some true and false questions about the nature of Jesus but he slipped in a couple of questions about the Toronto Maple Leafs and with a giant squirt gun drenched those who dared to disagree with him that the team was the greatest in the NHL. His message, however, was serious. “We cannot be separated from God,” he said. “We don’t cease to exist at death. Eternal life is an awesome gift from God.”


ECOLE ST. MARY STUDENTS RECEIVE PHILANTHROPISTS AWARD

S t L o u i s P a r i s h i n Mossbank hosted a Nativity Showcase for their whole community on Nov 18th. A committee of seven dedicated young ladies came together to organize this first time event with a goal to collect and display 75 nativity sets. The sets were all on loan from family, friends and coworkers. The response from the Mossbank communi ty was phenomenal and sets started pouring in.

When the doors opened on the showcase, the final count on display was 145 nativity sets ranging from traditional to a rubber ducky set, wall hangings and quilts depicting the Holy Family, even hand carved and one of a kind homemade sets. Many of these heirlooms had unique and special stories on cards beside them for visitors to appreciate. Sets were on loan from as far away as Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Gravelbourg and Assiniboia. A very special nativity set of freshly poured beeswax from their bee farm was donated by Jennifer and Jordan Proctor of Langham, Sask and given away as a door prize: it was won by Julie Gosling of Mossbank.

The very old and heavy nativity figurines from St Louis church held a place of distinction in the hall, and everyone was surprised to learn the history/mystery behind this treasured set. St Louis parish has never had a resident priest and has always relied on visiting priests from the local area including Assiniboia, Gravelbourg and Coderre. In the 1940’s the nativity figurines turned up in the church; they were obviously a used set from another parish who must have been discarding them, as pieces were missing (there is only one king) and they

Gerone Dimalanta Gr. 6 and Anna Schneider Gr. 7 accept the award.

were showing signs of wear and paint chips. It is assumed a visiting priest must have salvaged them and gave them a new home in Mossbank, but exactly where they came from remains a mystery. Many of the visitors to the showcase were in awe of the set, the intricate details, the barefoot figurines, and the delicately hand painted face of Baby Jesus with outstretched arms.

The dress up corner at the showcase was a huge hit with the kids. Costumes and props allowed the children to dress up as any of the nativity characters, including a sheep, and get their picture taken. It was a very special way to remind the kids of the “real reason for the season”. Everyone enjoyed the sounds of season with pianist Leanne Mann of Gravelbourg providing background music. Apple cider and fellowship rounded out the day.

The organizing committee was completely overwhelmed with the vast array of Nativity Scenes and the number of people who came out to see the display from as far away as Saskatoon, Estevan and Dysart. The Mossbank community

MOSSBANK NATIVITY SHOWCASE A BIG HIT

Ecole St . Mary is a F r e n c h I m m e r s i o n Elementary Community School located in a low-to middle income area of the city but the children managed to raise more than $18,000 with their annual penny drive over three years, al l of i t donated to the Neo-Natal Units of Regina hospitals. That effort prompted the Hospitals of Regina Foundation to nominate the school for “The Award of Outstanding Youth Philanthropists” from the

Association of Fund Raising Professionals which was presented to the school at a special ceremony at Regina Queensbury Centre, November 15, National Philanthropy Day. “We are very proud of them,” said school principal Sharlene Holliday. The children gather the pennies as part of their Advent recognition. “It’s about being good servants of Christ,” said Holliday. Director of Education for the Regina Roman Catholic School Division, Rob Currie, also recognized the school’s efforts. “We encourage all our students to demonstrate Christ-like behaviour.”

Holliday said three years ago some families of children in the school had preemie babies experiencing some difficulty so the children decided they wanted the money to go the neo-natal units in the hospitals. The program is organized and run by the Grade seven and eight classes but the whole school participates.


RIFFLE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOOD DRIVE TOPS IN CANADA Riffle Catholic High School teacher Darryl Kissick lost his bushy beard in a great cause: the high school collected 12,375 lbs of food for the Regina Food Bank, the highest total of any Canadian School and because the students surpassed their goal of 10,000 lbs, his beard was taken off by a professional barber. “It was a good cause but I felt like a different person.” Kissick said he had the beard for five years but shaved it off two years ago when he completed his teaching internship at Riffle. “Both times I did it for the students.” Craig Zamonsky of Ragged Barbers donated his time and the barber’s chair. He is one of a very few who still use a straight razor. Most of the beard came off with an electric clipper, and the stubble came off with Zamonsky’s deft use of the straight razor.

The food drive was part of the Farm Credit Corporation’s (FCC) Drive Away Hunger campaign. Janet Cook, FCC’s Manager of Community Investment, congratulated the students. “There were 300 Canadian schools involved in the food drive, most of them elementary schools.” According to the FCC Regina Office, 36 schools in Regina took part including five high schools; O’Neil, Leboldus and Riffle Catholic High Schools, Luther College and Winston Knoll Public High School. Together they collected 38,236 lbs. Cook said the national food drive collected about 3-million lbs and the average per school was 2,800 lbs. Cook told the students gathered for an assembly that while it sounds like a lot of

food it would only last until about the end of January 2013.

The school promised the top three classrooms a magic show and created a competition. The top classroom was a Christian Ethics class taught by School Chaplain Pat Roth. They collected 1,459 lbs. Second place collected 1, 114 lbs and third place collected 688 lbs. The school also collected about $1,000.00 cash. The food drive took place in October. Cook asked the students to challenge other high schools in next year’s food drive. Roth said he and FCC are trying to put something together to encourage other Regina high schools to get involved in next year’s campaign.

My Generation Youth RallyMy Generation is an annual youth rally put on by the Archdiocese of Regina Young Adult Leadership Team in association with the Knights of Columbus and the Regina Catholic School Division.This generation has much to offer the world! The My Generation Youth Rally is one action-packed weekend! You will enjoy amazing speakers, music and celebrations.You can choose from a wide variety of break-out sessions that will appeal to artists and athletes and everything in between! We invite you to take this opportunity to connect with other young Catholics as you evaluate your priorities and evaluate those things in your life that really matter. It will be a weekend to remember! We promise!Targeted towards students in grades 8-12, we aim to create a safe and inviting environment where youth are able to both explore and deepen their faith. With guest speakers, live music, great food, and an evening dance, it’s guaranteed you’ll have a great time!

To Register, visit www.mygenrally.ca or contact the Archdiocesan Office for a registration form.

To check out the coming events in the Archdiocese of Regina visit the

calendar on our website.

http://archregina.sk.ca/calendar

archdiocese celebrating the year of faith · moosomin; nokomis, strasbourgh and govan; estevan, and...

Documents