By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

An Encounter evening of prayer, reflection, adoration, and celebration was offered as an oasis of peace and inspiration to conclude the ministry year programming offered through the Adult Faith Office in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Appropriately named “Oasis,” the event held April 28 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family began with welcoming words from Adult Faith Coordinator Astrid Alas, who described the event as a time to rest and be renewed in the presence of the Lord.

Astrid Alas, diocesan Adult Faith Coordinator, welcomed those assembled for Oasis April 28. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

She also encouraged all those present to come forward for intersessory prayer, with prayer teams on hand throughout the worship space, and opportunities to come forward for prayer offered by Holy Family Pastor Fr. Gerard Cooper and Parochial Vicar Fr. Joe-Nelo Panino.

“Dedicated to all adult faith formation participants in our diocese, Oasis is a time to gather, share in the fruits of faith, and draw closer to God together,” Alas described.

In a brief reflection before placing the Blessed Sacrament on the altar for a time of Eucharistic Adoration, Fr. Gerard Cooper spoke about the great gift of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the opportunity to reflect more deeply on the message of Easter.

Fr. Gerard Cooper, pastor of the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, offered a reflection. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

“This is a season of great joy, a great time to take to heart the love of God, the peace of God,” he said.

After focusing for 40 days on Lent, it is good to take time during the 50 days of the Easter season to consider what will be “our Easter program” going forward, Cooper added. “Take time to reflect on our plan to grow in our spiritual life … take time to pray and to listen.”

Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Coordinator)

Music during Eucharistic adoration at Oasis was provided by Matthew Marcoux. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Intercessory prayer was part of Oasis 2026. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Intercessory prayer was part of Oasis 2026. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Oasis participants come forward for prayer. (Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Coordinator)

Oasis participants come forward for prayer. (Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Coordinator)

Adult faith in 2025-26

The 2025-26 adult faith ministry years has included a fall Awaken series focused on the Creed, presented in October, with sessions presented by Fr. Joe-Nelo Panino, Fr. Gerard Cooper, Sr. Marta Piano, and Sr. Mirasol Abala of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity.

Early in the new year, the winter Awaken series explored “The Art of Listening,” with presentations by Marilyn Jackson, Sr. Marta Piano, Fr. Daniel Yasinski, and Fr. Joseph Salihu.

Other adult faith Encounter events have included an Advent retreat entitled “Rejoice” presented by the Verbum Dei Missionaries – Sr. Malou Tibayan, Sr. Sol Abala, and Sr. Marta Piano.

A Lenten retreat exploring the theme “Man of Sorrows / Tree of Life” was presented by Sisters of the Presentation of Mary — Sr. Cindy Lewans, Sr. Lucie Hamel, and Sr. Emma Rousseau, with time for prayer and celebration of the Eucharist.

In addition, the diocesan Office of Adult Faith continued to coordinate the Called and Gifted process developed by the Catherine of Siena Institute to help Christians discern the charisms or spiritual gifts that they have been given to build up the Kingdom of God, with introductory workshops and follow-up sessions offered at St. Patrick Parish in Saskatoon, St. Mary Parish in Macklin, and the Trinité pastoral region of St. Denis, Vonda and Prud’homme.

For more information about adult faith in the diocese of Saskatoon, contact Adult Faith Coordinator Astrid Alas at (306) 659-5858 or amalas@rcdos.ca.

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

Adult Faith, Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.