Roman Catholic Diocese News

Parish Secretary Position in Melfort, SK. – The Our Lady of Consolation Parish invites applications for the position of Parish Secretary to commence in mid-June 2016.  Parish Secretary shall maintain the office and carry out parish duties as required by the Pastor and the Parish Council Chairperson.  For more information, contact Fr. Nick Ferreras at 306-752-5518.  The full description is available at www.padiocese.ca under Employment. 

Prince Albert Catholic Education Foundation Fundraiser “Chase the Ace” – Tickets are $2.00, which can be purchased weekly to have a chance to win 20% of that week’s sales.  Once the name is drawn, a deck of cards is cut and if the Ace of Spades is cut, that winner would take home the jackpot, which grows each week.  There were 100,000 tickets printed.  The draw is held every Monday night in the basement of St. Joseph Parish at 8:00pm. All are welcome to attend. The winner does not have to be in attendance to win. May 23, week 7 winner was Ronald Bird at $136.80.  The growing jackpot is at $1850.40.

June 1, Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide by Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) – It’s Time to Talk… Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide.  The Scriptures teach that life is a precious God-given gift. Our society’s acceptance and potential normalizing of physician-assisted death and euthanasia are worthy of reflection. This presentation will explore the dangers these practices pose to all Canadians, providing participants with the necessary tools to engage in this discussion. Come deepen your understanding of the political situation in Canada, share your stories and questions, and learn more about how you can approach suffering with the compassion of Christ.  Presenter: Mary Deutscher, Ph.D.  The session will be held 7-9:00 pm on Wednesday, June 1 at Mont St. Joseph Home in Prince Albert.  This session is free of charge. Refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by, and for more info, contact the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan at 306-655-5330 or visit www.chassk.ca.

June 12, St. Theresa Shrine in Wakaw – The Jubilee for those who are ill and for persons with disabilities will be celebrated by Bishop Albert Thévenot, M. Afr. at St. Theresa Parish, Shrine of the Little Flower in Wakaw, SK.  At this event Bishop Thévenot will also bless and dedicate Holy Doors of Mercy at 1:45pm, followed by a Eucharistic celebration.  The 92nd annual pilgrimage at St. Theresa Parish in Wakaw will take place on June 12. 

• 8:30am – Registration at 8:30am, followed by the Way of the Cross.
• 9:30am – The first talk by Lisa Anderson is at 9:30am with Lisa Anderson.
• 10:30am – Followed by a second presentation by Bishop Albert Thévenot, M. Afr. at 10:30am. 
• 11:30am – Lunch and Reconciliation begin at 11:30am. 
• 1:00pm – Gathering at the outdoor altar at 1:00pm.
• 1:45pm – Followed by a Devotion, Divine Mercy and procession to the opening of the Holy Doors at 1:45pm. 
• 2:00pm – Eucharistic celebration at 2:00pm, then a Healing service and blessing of religious articles. 
• 3:00pm – At 3:00pm, Fr. Millan Sajonas will speak. 

The day will end with a closing prayer and light meal for departing pilgrims.

Everyone is invited to this special celebration.  All other parishes in the Diocese on this day, there will also be a special blessing for people who are ill and for persons with disabilities.

June 15, PA Catholic Family Services AGM – You are invited to attend the annual general meeting of Catholic Family Services of Prince Albert Inc. It will be held on Wednesday, June 15 at Catholic Family Services office at #300 -1008 on 1st Avenue West at 12:00pm.  Lunch is provided so please RSVP at 922-3202 by June 10.  Agenda items will include reports from the Chairperson, Treasurer, Executive Director, and Nominating Committee. 

June 18, Development and Peace Annual Retreat ‘Laudato Si: Head Knowledge and Heart Response’ will be held at St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish in North Battleford from 10:00am-3:30pm.  Retreat leader is Sr. Judy Schachtel.  It will be an interactive retreat which will guide us through Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, please bring your copy if you have one.  Please bring lawn chairs.  Silver collection taken for lunch.  Development and Peace’s 50th anniversary celebrations begin with a solidarity quilt pilgrimage.  Each diocese is creating a square as it makes its way across Canada. St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish will have the quilt squares from Western Canada on display for the occasion of this retreat. RSVPs are appreciated, however, if you only know last minute, please join in.  Contact Armella Sonntag at asonntag@devp.org or 306-937-7675.  Please spread the word and invite others. 

June 21-24, Ecumenical Studies and Formation, Saskatoon – The 2016 session will run from June 21-24 at Queen’s House or Retreats in Saskatoon.  It is an excellent learning opportunity for those in ecumenical ministries, those planning to work in ecumenical situations and for lay people and clergy who wish to learn more about ecumenical theology.  A brochure, letter of explanation and application on their website outlines the opportunity to attain a Certificate in Ecumenical Studies from St. Andrew’s College and the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism at www.pcecumenism.ca.  This summer, the first class in 2014 will convocate.  Please distribute this information freely and as a whole.  Contact the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism at info@pcecumenism.ca or 306-653-1633.

July 4-8, Prince Albert and area Cat.Chat Vacation Bible School – VBS is coming to Sacred Heart Cathedral from July 4-8. Each day we have fun doing games, crafts, snacks, faith and music from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Kids ages 4 to 12 are invited to join in! If there is an older sibling or friend who wants to join in, they are welcome too! Cost is $25, deadline June 30. Register at: www.padiocese.ca/vbs.  Fill out the registration, take a photo of each page, and email it to one of these contacts:  Jennifer Hettrick at j.hettrick@outlook.com or 306-941-9300, Braden Novak at bvaks11@gmail.com or 306-570-2470, Paula Fournier at paulafournier@hotmail.com or 306-980-8849.  You may also drop it off at any parish or the Diocese office.  See you this summer!!  

July 6, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Laurent Shrine – The shrine grounds open on July 6 – July 14 for Mass and daily Novena prayers.  Masses on weekdays at 7:30pm, Sundays 4:00pm.  Sunday masses are held July 3-September 4 at 4:00pm.  Special celebration dates are July 15, 16, August 15, September 8.  For full mass and schedules, visit www.padiocese.ca/stlaurentshrine or www.stlaurentshrine.com.     

July 29-31, Marriage Enrichment/Encounter Weekend, St. Joseph Parish in Prince Albert – This special weekend is open to couples, an invaluable experience of renewing a marriage relationship and enriches the process of communication between husband and wife.  It is presented in a full weekend detached from the usual everyday distractions. The cost of the weekend is $100 per couple to cover materials and food. Contact the parish for application forms at 306-764-4942.