My name is Kate O'Gorman, and I feel very privilege to be joining the Lay Formation family this September."As one of the coordinators of the Lay Formation program, I look forward to working with Mona and journeying with the Lay Formation community who have made the commitment to further develop and enrich their own faith lives."I am excited to begin this new challenge and new life of ministry with the Diocese of Saskatoon.
I come to the Diocese of Saskatoon with a background in Music (B.A., 2000), Education (B.Ed., 2003) and Theology (M.T.S. 2008)."Professionally, I have experience working as a teacher, academic advisor, events planner and program coordinator."For the past five years I have been working in Alberta in the post-secondary and non-profit sectors as a development professional."
Having grown up in Saskatoon, this move is a kind of home-coming for me."I have fond memories of attending George Vanier school, being an alter server at St. Francis Xavier parish and going to the Mendel Art Gallery on Saturday afternoons with my parents and younger brother."As a child I can remember when my own parents were participating in the Lay Formation weekends."
I believe passionately in the formation of the laity - it is integral to building the Kingdom of God."As the Body of Christ, each of us is called to a constant act of becoming, as we move towards holiness."This journey towards Christ is cultivated and nourished through prayer, reflection (or understanding) and community."What a joy and blessing it is to have the Lay Formation Program available to all who thirst.
My own faith formation has been shaped by a number of different experiences."From my earliest experiences with the Redemptorists through the S.E.R.V.E. program; my introduction to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal through the John Paul II Bible School in Radway, Alberta; to my studies at Newman Theological College in Edmonton; my experiences with the L'Arche movement and in my life as a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order. I have been and continue to be moulded by the Potter."I look forward to taking this next step in my own formation and to sharing the journey with those in the Saskatoon and neighbouring Dioceses.
I look forward to connecting with old and new friends, exploring the Meewasin Trail with my bike, and being able to use the term "bunny-hug” again."I guess it's true ...once a Saskatchewanian, always a Saskatchewanian."Thank you for welcoming me home."
