Media release from the Office of Justice and Peace, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
On a recent cold and snowy morning in Saskatoon, a room at the Cathedral of the Holy Family filled up with participants gathered to pray, listen, learn, share, reflect, and discern what it means for Catholics to serve.
The workshop was organized by the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace, with coordinator Myron Rogal opening up the Feb. 1 event with an introduction.
Through a humorous video, Rogal pointed to the reality that sometimes good intentions to “help” can lead to harmful impacts. Rogal then drew from Catholic Social Teaching to share that caring for the poor and vulnerable calls forth four steps: to listen to the poor; receive from them; be vulnerable with them; and together seek to end injustices. To summarize, the words of Pope Saint John Paul II were echoed that “we are all really responsible for all.”
The morning featured a guest presentation from Mildred Moy, who is the president of Catholic Street Missionaries in Vancouver.
Moy spent several days in the diocese, visiting St Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno and St. Thomas More College in Saskatoon to promote Hope on the Horizon, which is a unique summer outreach live-in experience for young adults.
At the Feb. 1 workshop, she joyfully shared many stories from her 20-plus years of street ministry that was preceded by a career as a high paid IT consultant.
Participants were deeply moved by her testimony that included the insight that everyone on the street is someone’s relative and that at times we may be called to become the family of those who are abandoned.
Many stories reflected on the power of prayer when in relationship with those whom we might fear. Moy shared that we receive love from the poor and that street ministry can assist in healing the parts of ourselves that we hate.
Tips around safety, insights into power imbalances, and ways of overcoming our own fears and pitfalls were shared, with Moy saying that these elements are all part of ministering. In conclusion, she shared how street ministry has allowed her to grow in the theological virtues and that we are all responsible as Christians for living out Matthew 25 (“whatsoever you do …”).
Participants said the presentations brought hope and inspiration. (Photo by Myron Rogal, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Katelyn Sigglekow who was employed by Servant Partners and who intentionally discerned a call to live with and serve with the poor, offered a fun and interactive presentation focussed on being positioned to receive gifts.
Siglekow emphasized that we all have something to contribute, and we all miss out when we become hard-hearted and refuse to receive gifts and blessings from those on the margins.
Through a workshop exercise, participants quickly learned that there can be many barriers that prevent people on the margins from sharing their own gifts. One of those barriers which also wounds the Body of Christ can be an attitude that “I don’t need you to give your gift, I’ll get it myself.”
One participant reflected that the Church and its members are perfectly positioned to safeguard the dignity of vulnerable people.
Another barrier can be to run from the discomfort of relationship, when many may say “we love the poor,” yet few know their names. As a way forward, participants were invited to come alongside of the poor; discerning where God already is at work, then discerning where we can join in.
David Claire, Salvation Army Housing Services Manager, offered insights into partnerships as well as practical strategies. ( Photo by Myron Rogal, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The final presentation of the day offered by David Claire, Housing Services Manager at the Salvation Army, focused on partnerships, community need, and resources. Rogal commented that this presentation drew out answers to questions that many participants were afraid to – or did not know how to – ask.
Contemporary examples were brought forward on how to partner when values do not fully align. Claire spoke to the advantages of partnership and how it can serve to extend the reach of the volunteer or organization.
In a reflection piece, the cost of serving and the necessity of self-care were shared — not as a deterrent from serving, but as means to serve more effectively.
Participants were engaged with Claire’s outline of both communication strategies and how to minister when encountering common mental health experiences.
A workshop participant thanked Claire for creating hope through his sharing.
Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen expressed his gratitude for the partnership with the Salvation Army in relation to the St. Mary Parish Warmup Centre and encouraged further partnerships. The bishop also reflected on the Beatitudes as a motivator for service and spoke to the significance of the Feb 1 Catholic Approach to Outreach event.
The event concluded with some guided reflection questions and sharing of upcoming volunteer opportunities. Participants were left with tools for discernment and new possibilities for networking.
One participant summarized: “Both of us truly enjoyed the presentations and the day. It enabled us to challenge our fears on service of others.”
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Justice and Peace, Communications, and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.