By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Information, inspiration, fellowship, and renewal were features of an annual Priest Study Days gathering Nov. 13-16, 2023 for clergy from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
Priest Study Days 2023 was held Nov. 13-16 at Elk Ridge. (Submitted photo)
Some 45 priests gathered with Bishop Mark Hagemoen for a program that included an opening session featuring a presentation by Cardinal Thomas Collins, about “how to be refreshed spiritually amid the stresses of ministry.” In his online presentation Cardinal Collins’ took his theme from Isaiah 12:3 “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
Coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Jackie Saretsky (front, left) was one of the speakers addressing the topic of medically-provided death during Priest Study Days. (Submitted photo)
Dr. Mary Heiilman, St. Paul’s Hospital / CHAS ethicist, spoke at Priest Study Days. (Submitted photo)
Study Days continued with reflections on medically-provided euthanasia in Canada – known as Medical Assistance in Dying or MAiD. Speakers included Hazel Markwell — who gave a a presentation on current statutes and pastoral response by clergy — as well as St. Paul’s Hospital/CHAS Ethicist Mary Heilman and diocesan Hospital Chaplaincy Coordinator Jacqueline Saretsky.
Tom Hickey, a superintendent with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, spoke about clergy support for Catholic schools, while diocesan Director of Administration and Finance Greg Chatlain spoke about “Supporting Pastoral Action with Good Administration.”
Health and wellness sessions were presented by Dr. Eran Talitman and Rev. Dr. Innocent Okozi.
Prayer, fellowship, and meals together were also part of the annual event.
(Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the commiunications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca)
