SUMMER OF SPIRITUAL GATHERINGS, CHURCH REPAIR, CELBRATING CONFIRMATIONS
The summer here in the Diocese has featured attending the various spiritual gatherings throughout the North, celebrating Confirmations in several communities, and of course – attending to greatly need Church building renovations.
12 students and teachers from KINGS University College, London, Ontario returned to the diocese in July 2016 as part of their Aboriginal inculturation and service-learning program. Father Michael Bechard and “Deacon Dennis” led a fine group of students, who provided various youth and family activities during the week-long pilgrimage. The local Athabasca regional pastor, Fr Cornelius Ngurukwem, SMMM, was also in attendance.
Confirmands at Pine Channel Spiritual Gathering on July 7, 2016.
Zach Fitzmaurice meets new friends!
RUSSELL LAKE SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE, near BEHCHOKHO
The Russell Lake pilgrimage was held on July 9-13. This year, Emeritus Bishop Denis Croteau preached the pilgrimage. The celebration on Sunday July 10 featured a focus on Pope Francis’s message for the Year of Mercy.
St. Michael’s Behchokho Pastor, Fr. Wes Szatanski, OMI – proclaims the Gospel preceding +Emeritus Croteau’s homily.
Feeding the Fire ceremony following the Sunday Eucharist.
CONFIRMATIONS in TSIIGITCHIC
For the first time in 33 years, Holy Heart of Mary church community in Tsiigitchic celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation for 12 Candidates, on Sunday, August 7. Candidates were prepared for their Confirmation by Fr. Jon Hanson, Ray and Therese Steiner, and Thomas Tyrrell.
Confirmands from Holy Heart of Mary, Tsiigitchic, with Pastor, Fr. Jon Hanson, CSSR.
Candidate Joel Arey answers question during homily.
First Communion candidate Austin Vanloon following Mass
CHURCH and MISSION-HOUSE RENOVATIONS
Work continues on the greatly needed renovations. Following completion of the timber bracing in the basement, work has now begun on the exterior,
including the roof and bell-tower.
This Cony fish is as big as a 4 year old kid, as Theresa-Rose proves!
Thomas Tyrrell with Therese, Kathleen, May, Theresa, and Daniel Steiner.
“Wow, still lots of work to do yet! Good thing the view is nice!!” … muses Thomas!
Taking a day in the Richardson Mountains on the Dempster Highway near the NWT- Yukon border.
The pastoral teams throughout the Diocese are very grateful for the hard work and generous service of the many local lay leaders, visiting ‘church workers’ – families and students – as well as other supporters. We appreciate the great energy and enthusiasm, and deep hope and faith that is shared through working and sharing with the people of our faith communities.
We look forward to further opportunities to hear and follow the Holy Spirit blessing on the people of our Diocese.
MAHSI CHO!
Mackenzie-Fort Smith 