A day of joy at the lake for Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens parishioners

A few of the parishioners from Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Francophone Catholic Parish who shared a memorable day at the lake Aug. 24. For some, it was their first chance to get out of the city to enjoy an experience of community in the natural surroundings of a nearby provincial park. (Photo by Dennis Will, Saints-Martyrs, Canadiens)

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

A memorable day of joy and celebration at a Saskatchewan lake was recently organized by volunteers from Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Parish in Saskatoon.

The summer day trip provided an opportunity to enjoy nature and the outdoors together as a community — including for those without resources to undertake such an outing on their own, said volunteer Dennis Will, who coordinated the event along with parishioners Dénis Tassiako and Marie-Jeanne Will.

“The screams of joy when we picked kids up from their homes for the day’s event was heart warming to say the least,” said Dennis Will. The event at the Prairie provincial park included lunch, games and visiting, and supper.

About 75 parishioners — children and adults — were part of the Francophone Catholic parish day-long event, he said, noting there was excellent participation from everyone who attended.

“The parishioners spent some time singing and dancing.  It was great.  Strangers came to watch and listen, even though they didn’t understand the language. They could feel the happiness in the voices,” he said. “One song and dance was very moving.  The French title is «je suis dans la joie» (my heart is filled with joy)…  Everyone’s heart was filled with joy.”

“Everyone commented on how meaningful the day and fellowship was to them.  One woman I spoke to had tears running down her cheeks as she talked about how meaningful it had been to her.  Everyone is already talking about next year.”

Video – «je suis dans la joie»

Photo gallery:

Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Francophone Parish outing at Pike Lake including food, fellowship, and fun. (Photo by Dennis Will)

 

A berbecue was part of the day. (Photo by Dennis Will)

 

Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Francophone Parish outing at Pike Lake including food, fellowship, and fun. (Photo by Dennis Will)

 

Organizers of the event were parishioners Dénis Tassiako, Marie-Jeanne Will, and Dennis Will. (Submitted photo)

 

There were many smiles during the day of joy and relaxation. (Photo by Dennis WIll)

 

(Photo by Dennis Will)

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca