By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Priests across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon gathered with Bishop Mark Hagemoen both virtually and in person (with COVID-19 measures in place) for two days of information, reflection, support and prayer Nov. 4-5 during Clergy Study Days.
Clergy met in small groups at host sites in Saskatoon, Kerrobert, Humboldt, and at St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster. Retired clergy were assisted to join individually from care homes, some with loaned devices.
Several items on the Clergy Study Days agenda followed up on presentations provided as part of an earlier live-streamed Congress Days event held Oct. 22-23 in the diocese. The theme of Congress Days came from a the diocesan Pastoral Plan: “Proclaim Christ and God’s Kingdom” and featured a focus on evangelization, proclamation of the kerygma (or basic gospel message), as well as opportunities for prayer and reflection.
Among the speakers at Congress Days who also spoke at Clergy Study Days were André Rengier, co-founder of Catholic Christian Outreach; John Hickey, diocesan Evangelization and Mission Leader; and Deacon Harry Lafond of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in the diocese of Prince Albert.
In speaking to priests across the diocese, Regnier and Hickey addressed the topics of “The New Evangelization: Who are we reaching out to?” and “Evangelization and Conversion,” while Deacon Lafond spoke about “The Church and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.”
Also featured at Clergy Study Days was Dr. Jean-François Gosselin of Saint Paul University, Ottawa, talking on “Recovering Our Soul: A Gift the Present Crisis May Help Bring About,” and presentations by Rev. Stephan Kappler, head of the Ontario-based Southdown Institute about “Clergy Health and Well-Being During COVID-19.”
Other special guests included Scott Irwin and Francis Maza of Emmanuel Care, and Greg Chatlain of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen was the final speaker for the two-day event, which also included prayer and celebration of Mass each day.
Gallery of photos from Clergy Study Days
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