Lately our pastoral strategy involves sending Bro. Tom Novak OMI into one of our isolated communities for a time to work with the lay leaders and the community. Bro. Tom, who speaks Cree, instructs drama, has a strong social justice thrust, plays the guitar and is well versed in both theology and ecclesiology. He establishes a rapport with people quickly and seeks to empower the lay leaders especially in the areas of sacramental preparation, faith education, lay presiding and parish administration. Part of the strategy to empower greater leadership is to hold the Christopher Leadership Course during his stay in a particular community. The CLC is a course on effective speaking skills that also seeks to promote community service as well as personal growth. A course was offered in Pukatawagan March 9-13, 2011. To make this course possible, Bro. Tom travelled out on the winter road to The Pas to pick up veteran CLC instructor Ed Mihalicz who drove 700 kilometers from Beauval, Sk., as well as Fr. Vijay OMI who is training as an instructor. A Christopher who had taken the course years earlier in Leaf Rapids helped out with the organization at the back. The group of new Christophers is pictured here with their manuals. The guest speaker at the banquet was Ralph Caribou who had taken the course in 1987 in Grouard, Alberta. It is hoped that these grads will find their way into greater leadership in the community and the church.
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