Fall 2016 – Winter 2017 in the Diocese of Mackenzie

The Fall began with the gathering of the Diocesan Clergy, Religious, and Lay Leadership for our Fall Study Days, which this year featured focus on the Truth and Reconciliation “Calls to Action.” Various regions of our Diocese reflected on pastoral priorities that addressed these, and planned how these would be approached in the various communities in these regions.

The beginning of freeze-up at Trapper’s Lake near our Retreat Center.

Following the September 2016 CCCB Fall Plenary in Cornwall, Ontario, Bishop Mark visited St. Michael’s High School in Stratford as part of a Catholic Missions in Canada Catholic High School awareness project.

Pastoral visits to the north Tlicho

October 2016 featured visits to the Tlicho communities of Whati and Gameti. The weekend visits included community meetings with members of the communities, as well as celebration of Holy Eucharist.

Meeting and Sunday service with the NORTHERN RANGERS outside of Gameti

Visit by CARNEY High School in Coquitlam, B.C. October 2016

Teachers Reg and Laura Clichos led a team of grade 11 and 12 students for a service learning trip, which included visits to Yellowknife, Ndilo, Dettah, and Bechokho.

Gym night with youth of Dettah.

Carney Team gathers for Dinner at Trapper’s with Rene Fumoleau

Fall Visit to Fort Good Hope – Celebration of CONFIRMATIONS!

Mackenzie River Freeze-Up on Banks of Fort Good Hope Mission House

Confirmands and Sponsors – October 2016

Rectory in Norman Wells moved behind St. Anthony’s Church Spring to Fall 2016.

In early November the Colville Lake community gathered for the Funeral of the revered elder, Marie Kochon. The community mourned a woman who had a colossal spiritual impact on all of the community. The funeral was one of the most moving I have ever celebrated!! The people say that the blessings of Marie’s life are only beginning to be felt by all of the members of the community.

Visit to Deline to Celebrate and Pray for New Self-Government

Visit to Deline in November 2016 to celebrate and pray for the recent achievement of Deline Self-Government and to pray with elders, self-government leadership team, and members of the community.

Members of the Yellowknife Catholic School Board attending the Alberta-NWT-Yukon Catholic Schools Trustees meeting in Edmonton, November 2016.

New SACRED HEART CHURCH in Fort Simpson – DECHO Region

Foundation work on new Church site began in early September 2016.

New Sacred Heart Church during construction – November 2016.

Old Bell Tower on Sacred Heart Church site.

Fall season also featured completion of newly-erected yellow cedar log tee-pee mega-structure over papal site where Saint John Paull II celebrated Mass in 1987.

Blessing on the New Bechkoho YOUTH CENTER – November 26, 2016

After many years of work and waiting, the Tlicho community celebrated the completion of the new youth sports and recreation facility. The center promises to provide children and youth the opportunity for various sports and physical activities, as well as provide a center for other community, social, and service opportunities.

Chief Daniel Clifford and Michele Rabesca address the assembly for the official blessing and opening, followed by a drum prayer.

Sunday Banquet following Sunday Mass on the weekend of the Opening.

Visit with Myra and Eric Hagemoen (parents), and brother Dan with wife Lori, at a 25th Wedding Anniversary celebration in December 2016.

Sr. Celestine Giertych, CSSF and Sr. Margaret M. Padilla, CSSF, members of the Felician Religious Sister Leadership Team visit in December 2016. The team came to visit our Felician Sisters working in our Diocese: Sister Celeste Goulet in Tulita, Sahtu Region; and Sr. Mary Lee Przybylski in Yellowknife.

Road to Fort Liard & Nahanni Butte to celebrate Christmas 2016

Peter Dai Nguyen, having returned for the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission for Christmas break, joined Bishop Mark on the road trip to the western Decho to celebrate the Christmas season. The trip featured the ‘capture’ of road chickens, which were the main course the Christmas Eve evening meal.