By Adrienne Castellon, Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Leader Ministry Education Program

Members of the Indigenous Discernment Circle for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon gathered May 8 for prayer, relationship building, shared stories, and discussion about reconciliation and the future work of the Church.

Participants included Gordon Martell (Discernment Circle Co-Chair), Sandi Harper, Lyndon Linklater, John Merasty, MaryAnne Morrison, Irene Sharp, Delores Smallchild, Myron Rogal, Bishop Mark Hagemoen, and facilitator Adrienne Castellon.

The group also gave thanks for the contributions of Discernment Circle members who were unable to be present for the gathering including Kelley Cardinal, Harry Lafond, Dan Lamoureaux and Carol Zubiak.

The gathering at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon began with an opening smudge and prayer in circle. Cedar, a shell, and salmon from the west coast along with sweetgrass and sage from the prairies symbolized relationship across communities, and commitment to the shared work of reconciliation.

Symbols of healing and reconciliation. (Photo by Adrienne Castellon)

Indigenous Discernment Circle members reflected deeply on their own experiences connected to reconciliation and the Church. Stories shared included experiences of broken trust, abuse, and pain, alongside stories of enduring faith, mercy, and remarkable levels of forgiveness.

There were also expressions of appreciation for the late Pope Francis, who took the Church forward in the great journey of reconciliation.

There was honest acknowledgement about the complexity many Indigenous Catholics continue to experience in relationship with the Church. While many Indigenous Catholics practice their faith, many other Indigenous people are not yet comfortable returning to church.

Members spoke about the importance of parishes becoming places that are welcoming, compassionate, and willing to learn.

The group also affirmed important developments already taking place, including the work of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), the Indigenous Pastoral Lay Leader Ministry Education (IPL) program, and growing opportunities for dialogue, prayer, and relationship-building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Catholics.

There was deep appreciation expressed for spaces where Indigenous spirituality and prayer are welcomed, including gratitude for the participation of Bishop Hagemoen and others in sweats and ceremonies as part of relationship, learning, and reconciliation.

The group also acknowledged that while meaningful truth and reconciliation work is happening within some parishes and ministries, there is much more to be done in many other parishes across our diocese and the larger Church.

Amplifying Indigenous voices, leadership, participation, and guidance within diocesan life were identified as essential parts of the way forward.

There was discussion about the responsibility and challenge Indigenous Catholics carry in maintaining relationships with the Church and passing faith forward to younger generations, even when those relationships are complicated and painful.

Participants reflected on the importance of remaining hopeful and committed to the work of reconciliation, recognizing that it is long-term work — as one participant shared, “the finish line is not soon.”

The gathering closed with a spirit of gratitude, hope, and shared responsibility. Participants encouraged one another to continue finding the good in people, praying together, learning from people’s stories, and strengthening relationships.

The gathering was supported in part through a Louisville Institute Pastoral Study Grant focused on deepening Indigenous–Catholic reconciliation through dialogue, relationship, and formation.

John Merasty and Bishop Mark Hagemoen (Photo by Adrienne Castellon)

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Adrienne Castellon is one of the facilitators of the online Indigenous and Lay Leader Ministry Education Program (IPL) in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: IPL.

Indigenous ministry and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: BAA