Carol Zubiak

When Carol Zubiak first attended St. Patrick's Parish in 1995, it was hard being what she calls "the new kid on the block". It wasn't long before she came upon a brochure for "Foundations of Spiritual Caregiving: A Lay Pastoral Care Training Program". She took the course and the training led her to getting involved in the Ministry of Hospitality. She worked at making the parish welcome area more inviting and encouraged others to come out and join this ministry with the notion that a welcoming, smiling face goes far in moving forward the idea that as part of a parish, you are family and that you are always welcome. For Carol, standing at the door saying we're glad you are here has been a wonderful way to get to know the people in the parish. Carol has been a helping hand to her parish for several years. Her parish provided support for her when she was diagnosed with cancer and she wants to be there for others who need a hug or to hear that Jesus is with us.

In 1998, Carol enrolled in the Lay Formation program through sponsorship from her parish and the Knights of Columbus. After Lay Formation, she found herself involved with Restorative Justice and Justice and Peace, which she continues today. She's not quite sure how she ended up here, but describes it as the Holy Spirit moving her in ways she can't always describe. Carol feels that justice work is being the hands and feet of Jesus. There were times when she felt alone and unwanted and when she thinks of others who are still there, she knows it is not a happy place to be. Joy has replaced these feelings through knowing that God does care. For her, it meant opening herself, being open to the unexpected and always being willing to care.

Since June of 1999, Carol has been involved in the Diocese of Saskatoon because she feels that she is being part of something that is not only nourishing but life giving. She credits the knowledge she has about what happens in the Diocese from working with the Bishop's Annual Appeal. Carol feels very fortunate to be part of the Bishop's Annual Appeal and feels that it is "justice in itself" and that we are all touched in some way by works that come out of this funding.

Through sponsorship from the Diocese, Carol is now taking a new turn by participating in the "Returning to Spirit, Residential School Healing and Reconciliation" program. This too has been life altering for her as she discovers how as people, our past molds us in what we do and how we can move beyond a past that haunts us. Carol credits sponsorship from the Education of Laity Fund for opening new doors which she feels would not have been possible. For her, it is not just about the financial aspect, but the feeling of knowing that someone has faith in her. Carol gets excited and marvels at what has happened from reaching out to be part of this wonderful family in the Diocese of Saskatoon. Carol's hope is that we can all be excited at the possibilities that lay before us if only we are willing to take the risk. It's a risk that can open up doors that are unimaginable!

Get Connected ... For more opportunities for check out lay formation and the Bishop's Annual Appeal or call your Saskatoon parish, or rural parish.The Bishop's Annual Appeal provides funding for the diocesan Lay Formation program and the diocesan Office for Justice and Peace.