Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Saskatoon

By Matthew Ramsay

A key moment in my journey to the priesthood was an assignment I received in my first year of theology at Mount Angel Seminary. I was sent to work at a youth prison. The high school age guys I worked with were Catholic but couldn’t get to the Mass offered at the prison. My job was to bring them communion. They had all committed violent crimes and were going to be locked up for a long time. At the same time, they all wanted forgiveness, respect, love, and a fuller life than they had known so far. The days when I met these young men began in the seminary chapel. I would pray over the readings of the day, looking for a message that would speak to their lives in prison. Then I would take a few hosts from the tabernacle and bring them to the prison. After the communion service we would talk, sometimes about forgiveness, redemption, and the struggles to live a Catholic life in prison, other times about baseball.

This ministry has sat with me as an image of what the priesthood is. I was literally bringing Jesus to those young men, and over the year I came to see Jesus in them as well. Walking alone through the prison for the first time was a frightening experience, but it brought me to a lot of grace.

The path to communion in the youth prison began in Humboldt. With a loving Catholic family I attended St. Dominic School and went to Mass at St. Augustine Parish. My faith grew through the parish youth group and retreats at St. Peter’s Monastery. As involved as I was, the priesthood was not even remotely on my mind.

This changed with a conference I attended outside Edmonton the summer before my grade 12 year. A priest challenged us to pray a simple prayer every day: “God help me to know your will and do it in my life.” What he said made sense, and I began to pray. This was a dangerous move. I prayed that prayer every day, and gradually, silently, the thought of priesthood appeared in my mind. I tried to push it away, but I kept on praying, waiting for God to give me another answer. Another answer didn’t come, and the answer I didn’t want got stronger.

God put three important events in my path that helped me accept his call. First was World Youth Day 2000 in Rome. There I learned to love the Mass. We had daily Mass with anywhere from twenty people in a convent chapel to two million people and the Pope in a field outside Rome, and I saw a beauty and power I had never seen before.

Second was the John Paul II Bible School in Radway, Alberta. There I learned to love prayer. This school is now closed, but the year I spent there taught me serious prayer. Prayer became a deep conversation and union with the God who loves me. And this God was still calling me to be a priest.

Third was Behold the Lamb, a traveling missionary team. There I learned to love the people. We worked across Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC, and the Territories, and I saw the difference God makes in people’s lives. If one year helping people discover God was so meaningful, what about a lifetime?

Over these years and in hundreds of ways, God changed my heart. The call to priesthood, which looked impossible, unpleasant, and dull, became exciting, beautiful, and real. Finally, after a few years of university in San Francisco, I entered Mount Angel Seminary for the Diocese of Saskatoon.

My journey to the seminary happened largely outside the diocese, but since entering seminary the diocese has played a much bigger role. I am grateful for the wonderful people I have met throughout the diocese, working in hospitals, schools, parishes, youth programs, CCO, Face to Face, and many other places. The lesson I learned at the youth prison appears again and again. Bringing Jesus to people and finding Jesus in people is the way I want to spend my life.

Halfway through my seminary years I came to a wise old monk very frustrated. I had been working and praying for years, trying to grow into a good priest, but I realized that I didn’t even know what I wanted to grow into. What does it mean to be a priest? The monk sat back, closed his eyes, and gave me an answer: To be a priest is to sacrifice yourself, in union with Christ, for the salvation of souls. I try to do that. When I do, I find that sacrifice is never just sacrifice. Christ’s sacrifice moved to Easter, and any sacrifice I make with Christ moves to its own resurrection. That is to say, I always get back far more than I give.

Looking ahead now to my priestly ordination what I’m most looking forward to is watching people encounter God. This might happen through the Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or other prayers and conversation. However it happens, helping the people loved by God know the God who loves them is an experience worth giving my life for.

By Geoffrey Young

I was born in Saskatoon on October 21, 1985, the third and youngest child of Maureen (Richelhoff) and Jerald Young. Prior to my birth, my family lived and farmed on land near Kerrobert, SK, which is my father’s hometown. My mother’s hometown is Major, SK and she became a teacher.  I have an older brother Tyler (who is married to Odette) and an older sister Natasha (who is married to Shaun Bzdel). We have a close family, in which our Catholic faith has always been a priority. As a young child, I was taught to say prayers before bed and meals, we would go to Mass on Sundays, and I was encouraged as a young child to go to the Rosary club at my elementary school, St. Bernard. My favourite memories include playing hockey and spending my summers at Turtle Lake.

Following my Confirmation I became an altar server at Holy Spirit Parish (Saskatoon) and I continued this up until the time I decided to enter seminary. From an early age, I always respected priests – yet I didn’t understand much about the priesthood.  I graduated from Holy Cross High School in 2003 and although I didn’t know what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I had always been interested in politics, history, and religion. I studied for two years at the U of S, working towards a BA in Political Studies, but around this time I also began reading philosophy and theology, some works by Cardinal Ratzinger and Pope John Paul II.

Up until that point, I do not remember explicitly “thinking about being a priest”. In 2005, with the events surrounding Pope John Paul II’s death, I had an inexpressible conversion.  During that year, I began reengaging with my faith. I remember asking myself “what is it that truly makes me happy in life?”

Looking back now, I can see moments throughout my early life in which I believe God was calling me subtly to the priesthood. But this vocation was most directly inspired by Pope John Paul II. By his witness and faithful priestly life, he showed the depth of his love for Christ and His bride, the Church. As a 19 year old young man with talent, ability to do many things, he found himself in a time of war – a dark time – yet he decided to give his heart totally to Christ, through the hands of Mary. 

One Sunday Mass following Easter 2005, a Gospel was proclaimed about the call of a disciple, who gave his possessions to the poor and followed our Lord. Then when going for communion, I saw the image of one of the Stations in which Christ is condemned by Pontius Pilate. I felt God was calling me to a radical conversion from my much divided heart. But I didn’t know what this meant. After Mass, I don’t know why, I suddenly found myself asking the priest about the vocation. He said that if I desired to find out more, he would set up a meeting with Bishop Albert. 

I didn’t hear back for about a month, which at first I thought was probably for the best; because I hadn’t really thought this out much! Eventually, I met with the Bishop a few times and over the coming few months, with his support, I discerned that I could finish my BA in Seminary while also discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

So I entered seminary, not knowing with any certainty, but trusting that God would continually guide me. In my heart, I believed in the words spoken by Pope Benedict XVI, “Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything.” I simply took it one year at a time, and promised myself not to make a decision during turmoil but to complete the entire year. 

During seminary, I know that I have matured in many areas; most especially in my spiritual life, my love of the Sacraments, knowledge of the faith, and for my love for the People of God. Throughout my future ministry as a priest, I will always centre my life on Christ – truly present in the Eucharist – and on a true devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each year I find myself falling deeper in love with the Church I am called to serve and the sacred priesthood that is still today a gift from Christ to his beloved.  I also find that I am a more joyful and loving person because I have heard that calling that fulfills my deepest longings.  

My ordination to the priesthood will be June 10 in Saskatoon. I find it providential that Pope John Paul II will be beatified May 1, exactly 6 years after I decided to follow his example of priesthood and enter seminary. I know that he will remain to be a holy intercessor in heaven for myself and for all the youth of our Church. 

Pope John Paul II said repeatedly to young people: “You are the hope of the Church and of the world. You are my hope.”

I believe that there are young men called to be priests in each of our parishes.

It is my prayer that our local Church will continue to foster a positive environment promoting vocations to the sacred priesthood. There are amongst us also young those who are called to be religious brothers and sisters; there also are the future married couples and families that will transform the Church and the world. I pray that many will discern their call to all forms of Christian life and love. Such a radical call is indeed counter-cultural; but it is life-giving – one of joy, peace, and fulfillment.

Pray for your priests, love them; and know that God will always remain faithful to his promise spoken through that young prophet Jeremiah:  “I will give you shepherds, after my own heart.”

Hey Everyone!

So we're getting ready for our first ever Diocesan Youth Rally "Momentum" for grades 6-8 on April 30th at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon! Bishop Donald Bolen will be with us to celebrate mass at 5 PM, and our keynote speaker is Michael Chiasson from Calgary (www.allaccessministries.com).

I strongly encourage you to pass this on to your local youth coordinator or volunteer and share this with youth in your church and local schools! The goal is to give youth a day of inspiration while experiencing the church on a larger Diocesan scale. Lets fill the church with hundreds of students! It is my hope that they can be encouraged on their faith journey and an increased desire to serve the world with the gifts God has given them.

This has come out of the need spoken after the reordering of sacraments, and a way to acknowledge and support those youth journeying to reaffirm their faith through the Steps in Faith process. 

Many have asked if High School students can be involved and the answer is YES. We are looking to have a youth conference for high school aged youth next year, but would still like their participation as leaders at Momentum. Therefore we are forming an association of students gr 9-12 called "High School Apostles" going forward. The rally will be the first opportunity for them to serve, grow, and nourish their faith. If you are interested or know someone who wants to become a member please have them contact me! 

So I encourage you to not miss this opportunity and organize a group of youth grades 6-8 with chaperones to come as a step in faith and build "Momentum"!

Check out our Momentum website here for more info and promotional material to use. you can view our first promo video on youtube. You can also register online here and then send in your check and permission form to me or your local youth ministry leader.

God Bless, I hope to hear from you soon!

-Colm

PS - Below is some sample newsletter/bulletin info:

Momentum: “Don’t Stop Believing!”  is a  Catholic youth rally for Grades 6 to 8 students, to be held Saturday, April 30 @ Holy Spirit Parish. Cost is $40, including T-shirt! This day-long rally will feature inspirational talks and music by Michael Chiasson of Calgary, a chance to connect with Bishop Don Bolen, great food, friends and fun! To register a Grade 6 to 8 student for this rally, contact your parish youth leader, or go online at www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/youthministry or contact Diocesan Youth Ministry coordinator Colm Leyne at the Catholic Centre, 242-1500, Ext. 225, e-mail youthmin@saskatoonrcdiocese.com

Good Afternoon!

Just a personal invitation to the ecumenical prayer event detailed below!

So often we gather for a variety of reasons. We gather as family to eat, celebrate birthdays, or spend a Sunday afternoon catching up. As a community we often come together to celebrate our successes (Go riders!), support each other in hard times (poor weather for farmers), and unite as a country with pride such as last year during the Olympics (Go iggy and crosby!)

How often though, do we gather as Christians? Well, every time we attend church sure. Every time we unite ourselves in prayer, sure. But how intentional are we to gather and share with our fellow Christians of other denominations? So often I hear about everything that divides us, when all I can think about is WHO we have in common; GOD - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

So I encourage you this Lenten season to take on the mission of trying to be more intentional in sharing and celebrating your faith with fellow Christians. Perhaps this prayer service may be one way for you to do that. Let us pray that together this Lenten season we can foster Jesus' desire into our reality;

Coming Together: Evangelicals and Catholics Gather to Pray

Join us for a service of prayer with Bishop Don Bolen and Evangelical leaders Tuesday, March 22nd, 7 pm at St. Paul's Cathedral. 

The Word of God will be central in the service with focus on Jesus Christ. A time of fellowship will follow the service.

For further information contact:
Nick Jesson at jesson@ecumenism.net or 652-1595; or 
Rev. Harry Strauss at harry@forestgrovecc.com or 933-2266 (x234).

You are cordially invited to: ‘Mercy within mercy within mercy… A reflection on the Spirituality of Madonna House.”

Mar. 7th 2011 @ St. Anne’s Church, 7:30 p.m

Helen Hodson, a personal friend of our very own Bishop Donald, has been invited by our Chief Shepherd to lead an evening of reflection on the spirituality of Madonna House at St. Anne’s parish on Monday March 7th at 7:30p.m. Madonna House Apostolate is a Catholic community of men, women, and priests, dedicated to loving and serving Jesus Christ in all aspects of everyday life. Helen, who lives a single life consecrated to our Lord, has been a member of Madonna House for over 30 years. As a member of Madonna House she has fulfilled various roles including being a diocesan pastoral center director in England for 7 years. She currently resides in Combermere Ontario where she lives out the Madonna House charism, which is to live the Gospel in the reality of everyday life.

The evening will consist of Helen reflecting on the rich spirituality of Madonna House within the context of her own faith journey. She will also take time to reflect on the ‘Easter icon’ (the descent into Hades) as an icon of mercy.

Please send RSVP to Myron @ vocations@saskatoonrcdiocese.com or 306-931-4700 (Daniel Yasinski) by Friday March 4th. For more information contact seminarian Daniel Yasinski @ 931-4700

See you there! Peace,

Colm