In
response to requests for more information, this letter aims to
provide more information on the Indian Residential School Settlement
Agreement (IRSSA), its impact on our archdiocese and the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission
(TRC) which is part of that agreement. Read
More
Church wants
to be part of recovering native identity
Written by Michael Swan, The
Catholic Register Monday, 04 July 2011 09:01
INUVIK, N.W.T. - The Church in the north can help native people recover their languages and cultural identity, but it won't be easy, said Oblate Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie at the conclusion of four days of testimony about the damage residential schools did to native families, communities and culture. Justice Murray Sinclair, chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada with a five-year mandate to investigate the history of the schools, wrapped up the TRC's Northern National Event in Inuvik July 1 with a warning to aboriginal participants in the Commission's hearings that they will have to take responsibility for the future of native culture.
For many of the people recovering from abuse at the schools there has been a rediscovery of faith that begins with recovery from alcohol abuse with a 12-step program, followed by embracing native spirituality and finally a discovery of an authentic Catholic identity. Read More
Archbishop
begins an online monthly journal
Don’t miss reading the
Archbishop’s monthly journal / blog of his travels and
celebrations throughout the month.
In his last entry, he notes, the month of July began with a retreat, in his journal he shares his experiences there, where he’s pleasantly surprised to hear that both Rohr and Keating consider the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, to be in essence a step-by-step description of our spiritual journey. Then he’s off to several pilgrimages including one on Lake Athabasca, which is hosted by the Dené people where he’s struck by the strong Dené Catholic religious traditions such as the rosary, processions and endless mass intentions. He notes, “While these intentions might not be considered liturgical by many, at a deeper level I began to appreciate how these strong traditions involved the youth, which gave the people identity and provided a connection with their ancestors that was a source of strength for them.” From there he was off to Colebay for a celebration of the sacraments of initiation at the outdoor grotto, then to Beauval for a blessing of tabernacle, to followed by a Cree mass and pipe ceremony at the St. Laurent Pilgrimage near Duck Lake.
The last event for the month of July was the Lac St. Anne Pilgrimage, where Fr. Susai, a priest from India, who in a short 9 months has begun to master the Cree language, presiding and preaching in Cree. The event included, a grand entry with a drum, and the presence of chiefs who took time out from their AFN elections in Calgary to come to the celebration.
The month ended with a birthday celebration for Fr. Bill who turned 70 this year, and some time at Clearwater Lake where he enjoyed the use of his kayak and sail board.
It was a world wind month indeed. You’ll have to read the blog to find out the details. You are also welcome to post a comment or question. Enjoy. Archbishop's Journal
Youth Spiritual Walk
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Here is a shot of the group involved in the sacraments of initiation in La Loche on Sunday June 29th, 2008. There were 104 confirmed and of that number, about 25 of them made their First Communion so the whole group is now fully initiated in the life of the Church. They followed the Journey of Faith program with some of the parents participating over the last 8 months. Fr. John Zunti OMI is the pastor; the catechist was Jackie Lemaigre along with a team of volunteers. |
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Sr. Margaret Sadler sej Pastoral Minister in Lynn Lake |
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine
129th Annual Pilgrimage
St. Laurent, SK. (via Duck Lake, SK)
The 2008 Pilgrimage will take place July 15th, 16th, August 15th and September 8th at St. Laurent. The theme this year is "God's Healing and Care through Mary". Mass and Daily Novena Prayers start Sunday, July 6th and end Monday, July 14th. Sunday mass will be held at 4:00 p.m., and weekday mass will be held at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please contact the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Duck Lake, SK at 306-467-2003.
Pilgrimage Schedule:
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