By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Clergy from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon travelled to Elkridge, outside of Prince Albert National Park, for Priests’ Study Days Nov. 4-7, 2019.
Study Days featured a focus on proclaiming Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God, as identified in the new diocesan Pastoral Plan, with keynote speaker Pete Burak of Renewal Ministries. Burak also spoke at a public event Nov. 7 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.
Another emphasis at this year’s Priests’ Study Days was on creating a safeguarding culture in the church, presented by speaker Sr. Nancy Brown of the Sisters of Charity of Halifax, a former director of Covenant House, Vancouver, who presently advises the Archdiocese of Vancouver regarding their safe environment and abuse prevention policies.
“The body of Christ has been broken by the scandal of clerical abuse,” she said. “All members of the community have been affected by this grave injustice. During this time of intense pain and shame, all are called to show compassionate care, listening deeply to the pain, shame, anger, confusion, disbelief and questioning of faith. It is a time to listen unconditionally without judgement, rejecting all cover ups, revealing all secrets, calling perpetrators to accountability and walking with the survivors.”
Other presentations were “Health and Fitness for Clergy” with Jacob Powell, who is a member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskie men’s soccer team; and a nutrition workshop with registered dietician Heather Chrunik of St. Ann’s Senior Citizens Village.
Fellowship, prayer and worship were also part of Study Days.
