Meeting with Villagers Media, Ottawa, Dec. 13, 2010

Each summer the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs (SCAA) of the Assembly of Western Catholic bishops puts on a Directions for Aboriginal Ministry in St. Albert for both aboriginal and non-aboriginal people involved in the Church. The theme was First Nations Spirituality - Gift to the Church, and was focused on the Medicine Wheel as a catechetical and healing tool. Sr Eva Solomon csj, who heads up what is called the Building Bridges project, coordinated the session along with a team of other involved people.

This year Villagers Media of Toronto filmed the session and are producing a series of catechetical video modules centered on the Medicine Wheel complete with Study Guides, Lesson Plans and Resource materials, based on their filming.

The realization that the work of Villagers connected with the aims of the CCEPIRSS board (Corporation of Catholic Entities party to the Indian Residential School agreement) led to a meeting of Villagers, + Sylvain Lavoie OMI and Sr. Eva with Gerry Kelly, consultant to the board.

The umbrella concept for this meeting was the awareness that the Canadian public is not so much not interested in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission now traveling the country, but actually actually staying away because it is a court issued process cast in a victim/perpetrator framework the leaves no room at the table for the ordinary person who doesn't identify with either of those two criteria. There is a need for a more holistic model for healing the hurts of residential school. The work of Villagers was seen as a positive move towards realizing that goal and so a meeting was set up to explore their work and discuss possible ways of funding that work.

Picture here are Dawn Deme and Darren of Villagers, Daryold Winkler of Kateri Ministries in Ottawa, + Sylvain Lavoie OMI, chair of SCAA, Gerry Kelly, consultant to CCEPIRSS and Sr. Eva, director of Building Bridges project. They are viewing the first module of the planned series and delighted with what they are seeing.

You can check the Villagers website www.villagersmedia.com for more information on them and on this project.

Emmanuel Process, Pelican Narrows, December 2010

From Sunday evening, Dec. 5th, to Thursday evening, Dec. 9th, the Emmanuel Process team of Sr. Ethel Detz OP, Fr. Bill Stang OMI and Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie OMI, offered sessions to a crowd of participants that grew from a dozen the first night to around 40 the last three nights. Each session had a particular theme: Setting out into the deep; Who is Jesus for me?, Forgiveness, healing and reconciliation, The Holy Spirit and the Church, and Where do we go from here?
The sessions involved singing, visiting, a teaching on a saint, prayer, scripture, a teaching on the theme for that session, small and large group sharing, a ritual and homework. The Tuesday night session on forgiveness and reconciliation was particularly moving, with participants genuinely entering into the process, working on their issues, growing in the ability to forgive life's hurts, let go and move on. Here Fr. Bill speaks about the spiritual burden that so many carry around like a bag of garbage, urging us all to take a risk, deal with the burden, learn to forgive, apologize and be reconcilied with one another. There was healing that was happening even as he spoke. The Spirit of Jesus was truly present with us all through the sessions.





Each session begins with a procession with the Word of God, a proclamation of a scripture passage and the enthronement of the Bible. Here Sr. Ethel Detz OP proclaims the word with the help of two candle holders.





An important part of the process is the opportunity to share in small groups after each presentation. Here Fr. Susai, the pastor, shares with his group.





Each night we were blessed by the presence of several youth who participated very well and hopefully benefited from this unique experience.






Following the small group sharing, participants are invited to share their thoughts and feelings with the larger group. Here Elie Sewap shares his wisdom and experience with the others.

Each night a ritual took place to help participants integrate and celebrate what they learned and experienced during that session. The Wednesday night session focused on gifts and talents that each was given by our creator God. They then placed a slip of paper with a gift written on it on a flip chart. Here Valerie Morin places her gift on the flipchart, to be followed by all the rest.

Each night the session ended with the Our Father, a song, warm fuzzies, lunch and fellowship. Pictured here are about a third of the participants.

Sacraments of Initiation, Pelican Narrows

On December 5th, the second Sunday of Advent, Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie OMI presided over the sacraments of initation for around 80 eager candidates. Pictured here are most of the group of candidates who were confirmed, with many of them also receiving Holy Communion for the first time.

Fr. Susai Jesus OMI with his helpers has been working hard for the past two months preparing these candidates. He is implementing the new policy of restoring the order of sacraments that many dioceses in Canada are now doing. This practice puts the sacrament of confirmation after baptism, as the completion of baptism, and before First Communion, which then becomes the final and ultimate sacrament of initation. The theology behind this teaching is that confirmation is primarily a free gift of grace to help one grow in the faith, rather than a sacrament of maturity for service as was the case in the past.

Pictured here are a group of elders, catechists and helpers who assisted in preparing the young people for their big day (L-R: Suzette & elie Sewap, Sylvia Morin, Frances McCallum, Cecilia Dorion, Angela Ballantyne, Marilyn Merasty with Fr. Susai Jesus OMI)

Installation of Fr. Gaspar Savarimuthu, Nov. 28, 2010

Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie OMI came to La Loche to install Fr. Gaspar Savarimuthu as the new pastor of Our Lady of the Visitation parish La Loche and Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Turnor Lake, replacing Fr. John Zunti OMI who has been assigned to Patuanak.

Fr. Gaspar is a diocesan priest from India who has been in Canada for six months. He spent a few months in orientation and acculturation and served in St. Theresa Point for the summer. May God's blessing be with you, Fr. Gaspar, as you begin your ministry in this new appointment.

Youth Development Workshop, Turnor Lake, Nov 27, 2010

The workshop covered topics such as being human, self esteem, spirituality and the 12 Step healing journey. This was the beginning of Addictions Awareness week for Turnor Lake. A group of dedicated adults gave much needed support to Lorraine Sylvester who organized the workshop and invited Archbishop Sylvain to be the resource person.


The participants standing for a moment of prayer before the meal.

The group enjoyed a lot of activities including line dancing. Lorraine Sylvester who organized the workshop is on the left.

Archbishop Sylvain presenting information on addictions awareness.

Three of the younger enthusiastice participants in the workshop.

Emmanuel Process, Ile-a-la-Crosse, Nov. 21-25, 2010

Sr. Ethel Detz proclaims the Word of God with the help of two candle bearers. The Word of God is central to the Emmanuel Process.








Each session finished with a ritual to help integrate the content of the evening.

A group of elders share their experience and wisdom, adding to the event.

35th Anniversary CLC Seminar, Nov. 12-14th, 2010

Thirty five years ago, the Christopher Leadership Course was introduced into northern Saskatchewan and our archdiocese by Gerry Vermette, Paul Boudreau and then Fr. Sylvain Lavoie OMI, It spread like wild fire and has been given to over 630 participants since then. The course is an effective speaking course that helps people grow personally, overcome shyness, gain confidence and promote community service and development.

Pictured here, from L to R starting in the back row (clockwise) are: Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie OMI (Seminar Instructor) ; Troy Paul, Sr. Andrea Dumont CSJ; Betty Landego; Sr. Bernadine Fetter OSU; Angie & Ed Mihalicz (Seminar Instructors); Antoinette Lafleur; Bro, Tom Novak OMI and Fr. Arokia Vijay OMI.

The Christopher motto is that it is better to light one candle than curse the darkness, and that is what each Christopher tries to do.

The participants were put into teams to prepare lesson plans and deliver the lesson to the group. Here are Sr. Bernadine, Sr. Andrea, Troy, Instructor Ed and Betty. The hope is that courses can now be offered both in Saskatchewan and Manitoba in our archdiocese.

Celebration for St. Andre Bissette, Oct 30

A busload of bishops were able to travel to Montreal after the plenary in Cornwal to participate in the celebration for the canonization of Bro. Andre Bissette, a humble prayerful man considered a great healer. Buses drove us right onto the playing field. Cardinal Turcotte of Montreal told the crowd that God uses saints to speak to us today, and that everyone seems to know about Bro. Andre. Here a relic of the saith is brought forward for display. Usually it is only rock stars and sports heros who fill this stadium. What a statement about the man himself this celebration was.

Here we see the main altar, the introductory rites, and the crowd in the Olympic Stadium that numbered around 50,000.

CCCB Plenary, Oct 25-29, 2010 Cornwall, ON

This was my sixth plenary since becoming archbishop. It is a fraternal gathering of the nation's Catholic bishops for input, discussion and mutual support. We learned from Sr. Nuella Kenny that we had unfinished business in terms of the sexual abuse crisis, in that there was a need to go beyond apologies and protocol to addressing the underlying causes for this recent crisis.

Cardinal-elect Ravasi also gave us an in depth and spirited presentation on faith, culture and evangelization. The important role of CCODP was affirmed, as was the importance of life and family, with a committee in place to collaborate with COLF (the Catholic Orgainization on Life and the Family).

Pictured here are Msgr. Patrick Power, General Secretary; Bishop PIerre Morissette, President and Archbishop Richard Smith, Vice-President.

Arrival of a new priest, Sept 30 2010

Fr. Arokia Vijay, OMI, has been sent to us from the new India province. He is 32 years old and is presently participating in a period of orientation and acculturation with the Lacombe Oblates as well as the archdiocese.

Confirmation at Nelson House Oct 16-17, 2010

The hall in the sister's house was packed after the ceremony, as everyone enjoyed the hospitality provided by Sr. Susan and Sr. Ellen.



All but one of the candidates took in a retreat given by + Sylvain Lavoie and Sr. Susan Gardiner, with support from Sr. Ellen and Agnes Linklater, in preparation for the confirmation itself. The retreat used power point projection to focus on self esteem, who is Jesus, forgiveness, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Sr. Susan had prepared gift bags with momentos of each of the gifts that the participants received. The teachings were followed by singing and energizers that everyone enjoyed. The pariticipants all had the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with Bishop Sylvain, as well as write a letter to the bishop. One young lady who accompanied her friends enjoyed the retreat so much that she decided to prepare for her first communion. and that is how the Catholic Christian faith community is growing in Nelson House.



The group of 12 newlyh confirmed apostles is pictured here. They all took a new confirmation name to emphasize the newness of life in Christ that they have been given by this sacrament.

Problems blogging

For some time now, the computer would allow only one picture to be posted for a blog. The problem is being worked on and may be resolved. Thank you for your patience. + Sylvain

Youth Development Workshop Patuanak Sk Oct 10-11, 2010

The team members for the workshop are pictured here, as well as Fr. John Zunti OMI, the new pastor who was installed the same weekend, and Sr. Bernadine Fetter OSU who is exploring ministry in our archdiocese. Darlene George, the Health Worker who organizd the conference, is on the far right.

Most of the participants who participated in the workshop are pictured here at the awards banquet. Two older youth who also shared their stories were from Beauval. The workshop was organized by Darlene George with a team of elders, chaperones, go-fer and cooks. Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie OMI presented sessions on Self Esteem, Addictions Awareness, the 12 Step Program and Human Sexuality as the resource person.

TRC National Event, Winnipeg, June 16 - 19, 2010

Sacraments of Initiation, Cross Lake, June 13, 2010

The group of newly initiated candidates are pictured here with Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie OMI



Some of the participants in the ceremony who came to pray for the newly initiated.



Half of the folks that gathered for the celebration including the music ministry.

Sr. Carmen and I were able to visit some of the elders in the community during my short stay there.

Emmanuel Process Lynn Lake June 6-10 2010

A unique part of the Emmanuel Process in Lynn Lake was a presentation by a group of Cree singers led by Helen Dumas. This was their first public appearance and was very much appreciated by the participants.


Daylight did a bit of drumming on her own as her contribution to the evening.




The week began with the confirmation of two candidates who were unable to be at the last initiation event in Lynn Lake, Rebecca Colombe and Donalda Sinclair.



Sr. Margaret calls all the children up at the end of the liturgy to work with them briefly as a children's catechesis that also holds the attention of the adults at the liturgy. This is a unique initiative that flows out of Sr. Maragret's creativity.




About half of the participants in the Emmanuel Process are pictured here listening to the presentation attentively.



Small group sharing is an important part of the Emmanuel process. Here Jennifer Pinto shares with other participants.



On the last day, the team visited Pat Campbell's home at Birrs Lake and enjoyed a meal. Here they are pictured with Neil and their son David.



Sr. Margaret Sadler, pastoral minister extraordinaire, wrapped up the sharing on the last night of the Emmanuel Process. She was delighted that this long anticipated event had actually taken place in her beloved community of Lynn Lake.

Visit to Pukatawagan May 29-30th, 2010

I went to Pukatawagan for the weekend because Father Pietro Bignami OMI, the pastor, has had two strokes while in Winnipeg visiting his doctor that left him with slurred speech, very weak, partially paralyzed and somewhat confused. We are not sure that he will be able to recover enough to return to Pukatawagan even for a last visit. He is now at the Riverview Health Center, 1 Morley Ave, (204) 478-6203, and would certainly appreciate a visit from anyone when they are in Winnipeg.


One of the firs things that happend on the visit was a meeting with some of the leaders (flora Grieves and Mary Ann Dumas) and elders pictured here who were both concerned about Fr. Pietro, but also with what will be happening in his absence. They are willing to pick up the ministry load but were looking forward to a break over the summer with Fr. present in the community as he promised, from all the ministry there were doing all winter in his absence, Now we will have to struggle to find a replacement priest. This highlights the need to call forth vocations to priesthood and religious life from our own families and communities.



I was able to start up the mission truck, even with a very low battery, and drive around the community, visiting a bit with people walking down the street, like those pictured here.


These are some of the young people who attended church on Sunday and helped out with the serving. Their help and presence is greatly appreciated and bodes well for the future of the Church in Pukatawagan.


One of the ministries that is faithfully carried out by Miles is ringing the bell to summon everyone to the celebration of the Eucharist.



The music ministry during mass is pictured here, adding a real feeling of celebration to the mass.



A special feature of the life of the Church in Pukatawagan is the very active and lively music ministry that was practiciing Saturday evening when I arrived, and who practice again in the sacristy just before the celebration begins.



On Sunday after the celebration of the Eucharist, I was invited to the home of Angus and Pelagie Linklater where I celebrated the sacrament of reconciliation with Pelagie who can no longer come to mass, anointed her and gave her communion within a mini-celebration with her family, and enjoyed a great meal of pickeral after.


A young couple preparing to get married. Thank God we were able to find the papers and put things in order for their wedding on June 18th.



This young couple, very much in love, is also planning to get married later in the summer, and we were able to locate their paper work as well.



Upon arrival in Pukatawagan, Valerie Whyte asked me to visit Hyacinthe, her uncle, as he wanted to be anointed and to receive communion. Our mini-celebration in his house began with singing in Cree, which he loves to so. he is 93 years old and after the celebration, told his niece in Cree that now he was ready to go!



Ron Dumas generously gave me a ride to and from the airport and shared a bit about his work in the community and at the airport, as I left to return home to The Pas after a very busy but enjoyable 24 hours in Pukatawagan.