By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Relationship, joy and gratitude were features of a program of reflection and inspiration Aug. 31 as Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) teachers, staff members, administrators, and trustees gathered to open a new school year.
“Called and Chosen” was the theme of the celebration, with nearly 3,000 filling the Cathedral of the Holy Family for celebration of the Eucharist, followed by opening addresses from division leaders, and a keynote presentation by David Wells, a former teacher and inspirational speaker from the United Kingdom.
The GSCS opening celebration was held Aug. 31 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Mixed emotions
Speakers acknowledged the mixed emotions experienced by many at the gathering, with the excitement of a new school year tempered by the Aug. 7 suspicious fire that damaged Bethlehem High School in Saskatoon, and the recent death of a well-known GSCS teacher, Kim Cody, whose bereaved husband Jason Cody also teaches in the school division.
In words of welcome before Mass, Coordinator of Learning Services Darcie Lich acknowledged the impact of this loss, saying “our joy is changed, but not erased,” with those gathered both mourning the death of a colleague and surrounding those who loved her with compassion, while also rejoicing in being together and preparing for another year of being called by God to the mission of Catholic education.
The annual gathering was preceded by an early-morning pipe ceremony, and then opened with an honour song by T.J. Warren of the GSCS Treaty, First Nations and Métis team.
Fr. Kevin McGee, Vicar General for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon at the start of the opening Mass for GSCS staff. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“God embraces all of us, wherever we are at,” said Diocesan Vicar General Fr. Kevin McGee, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, bringing greetings on behalf of Bishop Mark Hagemoen, who was away.
Mass was celebrated by priests from both the diocese and the eparchy, led by Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.
“Where are you brittle… Where do you need the reign of the Holy Spirit in your life, which always knows God’s mercy, and always knows God’s healing?” asked McGee during the introductory rites. “We pray down God’s blessing, the blessing of the Holy Spirit, and allow the water of God’s love, of God’s mercy into our lives.”
“Called and chosen”
The school year’s opening theme of “Called and Chosen” echoed in the scripture proclaimed and the hymns sung during the Mass, with homilist Bishop Smolinski, CSsR, reflecting on God’s call to the apostles and the universal call to holiness.
Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon gave the homily at the GSCS opening Mass Aug. 31. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“The theme is an invitation to reflect on God’s call to each one of us and what ministry God was choosing for us in our schools, our parishes, and lives,” said Smolinski.
“With the universal call to holiness, God’s call is for all, and God’s call is for each,” said the bishop, stressing the importance of relationships.
“Whatever God is calling each one of you to, in a very specific way at GSCS, and in your lives, it’s going to involve building relationships – relationships with students, with other staff members, with parents, and administration,” he said, urging all to take time for relationship-building. “It is the most important part of what you do in our schools.”
Bishop Smolinski added: “Relationships are key in living out a call and a choice from God. Relationships are more important than the arena of work and the roles that we play. Let us strive to be in relationship the way Jesus was in relationship, bearing other people’s burdens, caring for the vulnerable, and remaining faithful through difficult times.”
A choir of GSCS staff from across the school division led music ministry during the Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Renewal of commitment
The celebration of Mass included a renewal of commitment by all those assembled for the GSCS opening, led by McGee and Smolinski. Staff and leaders stood and pledged to use their gifts “to serve all students who attend our schools” and to “help them to respond generously to Christ’s call to be his followers.”
Recognizing and nurturing the dignity and unique gifts of each person entrusted to their care and working with fellow staff members “to help all students encounter the enduring and inclusive love of God,” and to “endeavour to be living examples of joy” were among the other promises affirmed by those assembled.
Fr. Kevin McGee and Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, lead a renewal of commitment. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A renewal of commitment was part of the opening Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A renewal of commitment was part of the opening Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Celebration of the Holy Eucharist continued with prayers of the faithful in a number of languages, including English by Bronwynn Cutts of the board office; Chaldean by Klodia Markos of St. Mark Community School; Ukrainian by Davud Rybinski of St. Augustine School in Humboldt; Neyihaw by Falynn Baptiste of the board office; American Sign Language, by Amy Bowman of St. Philip School; French by Carly Normand of École St. Peter School; and Michif by Samson LaMontagne of St. Michael Community School.
Gifts were brought forward by Marcelina Sarzuela, nutrition assistant at awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Frances School, and Melvin Ngo, head caretaker at St. Mary’s Wellness and Education Centre.
Words of gratitude
The program following Mass was emceed by Lich and GSCS religious education consultants Colleen Doepker and Viktoriia Marko.
Program MCs (left to right) Darcie Lich, Viktoriia Marko, and Colleen Doepker. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
GSCS Board Chair Diane Boyko acknowledged and thanked fellow board of education members Tim Jelinski, Bonita Elliott, Kate Day, Owen Fortosky, Michael Raney, Sharon Zakreski-Werbicki, Giovani Yousif, and Florian Possberg, as well as thanking others who assisted with the opening day, and with the recent crisis caused by the fire at Bethlehem high school.
Boyko also expressed her gratitude to all of the teachers and staff members attending the opening day, ready to embark on a new school year.
“As God called Jeremiah, Peter, Andrew, James and John, he has called each and every one of you to be right here, right now, doing what you are meant to do. Thank you for your response to this call,” she said.
GSCS Board Chair Diane Boyko Program MCs (left to right) Darcie Lich, Viktoriia Marko, and Colleen Doepker. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
When the days are difficult and tough challenges arise, it is important to remember the basic call to kindness and to respond as Christ would respond, she said. “Remember that you have been given a unique, and wonderful, wonderful job, a special gift, that allows you to know, to launch, and to serve in a uniquely special way. You are led to be in a place to share their knowledge and love of God, with others, every day.”
Program MCs (left to right) Darcie Lich, Viktoriia Marko, and Colleen Doepker, donned tiaras during the program that followed Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Meaningful relationships
GSCS Director of Education François Rivard also welcomed all to the gathering and another school year, including some 200 new staff members.
“Every day we are called to be witnesses to this mission,” said Rivard. “The witness is not incidental. It shows that God’s presence is alive and active in our call, in our classrooms, and especially in our relationships. At the heart of our work is the call to build authentic and meaningful relationships. The simplicity is that it’s all about relationships.”
GSCS Director of Education François Rivard. Program MCs (left to right) Darcie Lich, Viktoriia Marko, and Colleen Doepker. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Rivard also reflected on recent challenges and loss. “The recent fire at Bethlehem is an emotionally heavy reminder of the importance of relationships. Amid the countless, countless challenges that this presents, Catholic servant leadership and the strength of our relationships have been evident,” Rivard said. “And as mentioned a few times this morning, we also mourn the passing of Kim, our colleague. It is in these times that I feel so blessed to be part of such an amazing, strong, faith family as GSCS.”
Although technology and AI dominate discussion on many fronts, it is human intelligence and relationships “where the rubber hits the road in Catholic education,” he stressed, noting that each person in the room and all of the approximately 23,000 GSCS students each have their own unique story. “Relationships are the centre of these stories at the core of who we are as Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Our story is rooted in the Gospel, and the belief that faith transforms lives,” he said.
“In every single relationship, every encounter — whether a joyful encounter, or a challenging one — when we share our story with authenticity, humility, and hope, we remind our communities that Catholic education is not simply an option. It’s a ministry.”
Presence is vital and irreplaceable, Rivard said, urging all assembled to “slow down” in order to make relationship the centre of their work.
“Efficiency is not synonymous with effective,” he noted. “Catholic education is about relationships. It starts with our relationship with Christ. It’s about encounter. Real people, real places, walking with students and families, in moments of joy, challenge, growth… There is no substitute to replace this sacred human work.”
GSCS Foundation Chair Laurie Karwacki and Executive Director John McGettigan. Program MCs (left to right) Darcie Lich, Viktoriia Marko, and Colleen Doepker. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
GSCS Foundation Chair Laurie Karwacki said the fund-raising organization is there to support the mission of Catholic education and the work of staff in the schools.
“We have your back,” she said, standing with Executive Director John McGettigan. She shared anecdotes about the impact of Catholic schools, and encouraged staff to “tell us your stories, challenges, victories… we want to share what you are: witnesses.”
Joy and authenticity
David Wells presented the keynote address at the GSCS opening celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
At the start of his presentation, keynote speaker David Wells pointed to 1 Thesalonians 5:11 –”Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,” before stressing the importance of joy and of authenticity in following Christ.
“Your primary vocation is to be authentically who you are,” he said, sharing anecdotes and a myriad of humorous examples to bring home his message about joy and authenticity. Citing papal encyclicals and speeches, he noted that the past several popes have shared the message summed up in Pope Francis’ message: “Do not be afraid of holiness.”
“Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self. To depend on God sets us free from every form of enslavement and leads us to recognize our great dignity. “ – Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate 32
“The second thing is that grace builds on nature,” Wells said. “God is not going to call you to something that will make you unhappy.”
He cited the biblical Book of Esther 4:14, observing “You realize your calling in the moment that it’s needed… ‘For such a time as this.’”
“You’re authenticity and your vulnerability is your qualification for your calling,” Wells said. “So, folks, don’t let your joy be stolen…. Hold onto your joy… and people will be attracted to who you are. You’re amazing. Together, you’re breathtaking, and God looks upon us with absolute delight. That’s why we call it good news.”
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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.
Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.