By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Just as 2024 was declared a Year of Prayer in preparation for Jubilee 2025, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon adult faith Awaken program presented “Praying as Catholics” on four Tuesdays in January.
At each session, different styles and traditions of prayer were introduced, and those present had an opportunity to experience the prayer form.
Centring Prayer
Adult faith coordinator Astrid Alas introduces Fr. Kevin McGee. (Photo by Sr. Malou Tibayan.)
Diocesan Vicar General and pastor of St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon Fr. Kevin McGee opened the adult faith series on Jan. 9 at the Catholic Pastoral Centre library with a presentation on Centring Prayer exploring the contemplative prayer tradition.
Fr. Kevin McGee presides at a Contemplative Mass at 5 p.m. on the First Friday of each month at St. Mary Catholic Church in Saskatoon, with the next celebration on Friday, March 1. The description of the celebration describes: “The rhythm of the Contemplative Mass is a gentle, steady flow, marked by 20 minutes of silence after communion to allow space for reflection and recognition of the intimate presence of Christ who comes to us through scripture and the Eucharist. Silence in this form of worship can feel uncomfortable or awkward, especially when experienced for the first time. We encourage you to relax and rest in the abiding presence of God.”
An Introduction to Centring Prayer will be held at St. Mary Parish Rectory, 211 Ave O S, Saskatoon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Follow-up sessions to the introduction will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, March 16, and March 23. Cost is $50. To register, contact Marge Copeland at (306) 230-8803 or m.copeland@sasktel.net.
Eucharistic Adoration
Cathedral of the Holy Family rector and pastor Fr. Gerard Cooper explored the theology and history of Eucharistic Adoration at the second session January 16, before presiding at adoration in the cathedral worship space.
Eucharistic adoration is regularly celebrated at a number of Saskatoon parishes: SCHEDULE.
Fr. Gerard Cooper led time in Eucharistic Adoration during the “Praying as Catholics” series. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Praying with Sacred Scripture
Verbum Dei Missionary Sr. Mirasol Abala led the third session on praying with the scriptures on Jan. 23.
She and fellow missionaries, Sr. Malou Tibayan, and Sr. Marta Piano, are providing leadership in a range of ministries in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
Verbum Dei — Latin for the Word of God — expresses total and exclusive dedication to praying, living, and proclaiming the Word of God, “allowing it to transform our life on a daily basis, and teaching others to do the same.”
Sunday scripture reflections for small groups and families to discuss and pray – LINK
Sr. Mirasol Abala of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity led a session on praying with scripture. (Photo by Astrid Alas)
Marian Prayer
Our Lady of Lourdes pastor Fr. Daniel Yasinski led the final session Jan. 30, providing an overview of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of various Marian prayer traditions.
How to pray the rosary – LINK
Fr. Daniel Yasinski led a session on Marian prayer as part of the Awaken adult faith series. (Photo by Sr. Malou Tibayan)
(Photo by Sr. Malou Tibayan)
-30-