Sacraments of Initiation, Ile-a-la-Crosse, Sk May 25th, 2010

This picture was taken by Tina Schwartz. Ile-a-la-Crosse is one of the many communities that are participating in a new initiative to restore the order of sacraments to their original order of baptism, confirmation and then Eucharist. A specialness about this community is the ability of the catechists to carry on and put on the preparatory retreat without me, as I had to stay in Saskatoon for a dental emergency. Everything was set to go for the celebration when I arrived a few hours before, and for that i am grateful.



Louis and Dorothy Dubrule as always provided great hospitality and supper upon my arrival in the community. Dorothy is the contact person with the archdiocese and Louis serves on the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Here they are pictured with their daughter Charlene, husband Patrick Ratt and son Brian.



After the celebration, folks made their way to the Friendship Center for fellowship, visiting and some good food courtesy of the parents.



Catechists Rose Raymond, Dorothy Dubrule and her dauther Charlene Ratt. They certainly deserve to be congratulated and thanked for the dedicated ministry they are doing with the youth of the parish in preparing the for the sacraments of initiation.



Fr. Wendelin Rolheiser OMI, pastor of Ile-a-la-Crosse St. John the Baptist Parish, with parishioners Mikaela and her mother Erin Desjarlais.


Gerry and Jeannie Lavoie from Amyot Lake. Gerry is a former principal of Valleyview School in Beauval, a distant cousin and also an author.


Marie Favel, who was one of the catechists, with Elizabeth Bouvier who at one time was a counselor at the rehab center who taught me a lot in my early years of addictions awareness work.


Folks enjoying a moment of relaxed fellowship after the celebration.


Leon and Brenda Gardiner and family enjoy the reception after the celebration.


Three young candidates and friends pose for a picture on their big day.