Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Saskatoon

So with the coming of may, comes the time for evaluating, planning, and budgeting... and dreaming? On monday our staff got to have our own personal retreat which was wonderful. Often times in life, in many ways, we all give of ourselves but take little time to receive and just keep going on empty. We focused on the fundamentals of our christian faith of contemplation, call to communion with one another, and mission. It truly was a great day to recharge, fill up the spiritual gas tank and be renewed in energy and passion.

One of the key messages from the last keynote was on dreams. The idea being that often the inspirations of the Holy Spirit given to us in the inner desires of our heart, is not meant for us alone. Often we squash a dream because we can't see ourselves achieving it, but what if it was for another - or for someone to help you complete? To give respect to God I think we need to be fair and share our dreams, speak up, and take courage knowing that the Lord says, "my ways higher than your ways" (Isaiah 55:9).

So I thought to myself, what do you want to see from the YMO office next year? What are your dreams for the Diocese? It is not that I have found millions of dollars but before I begin leading our team into praying and discerning our priorities in the coming years, I'm curious what you think the Diocesan youth and young adults NEED, and what are your DREAMS for them.

Going forth the desire is to have a Youth Ministry Office that is relevant, effective, and cutting edge in equipping others to help respond to the needs of the Church in the 3rd millennium. As it is not ministry if it is not needs based... after all, Jesus didn't die for us because we were saints...yet...

What do you see as concerning needs among yourselves and the youth in your family, community, school/college, parish? How can the YMO better serve the Body of Christ? We cannot do everything, but we can do something well.

So DARE to DREAM, and better yet, DARE TO SHARE! Dream BIG and share with us by messaging me on facebook, commenting below or email youthmin@saskatoonrcdiocese.com. There is always going for coffee, I especially love coffee with a newborn taking all his sleep! This only works when your voice is heard. So speak up!

Peace to you all,

-Colm

This is Sr. Evelyn coming to you from the Discernment House. We are trying something new, and are having a Personal History Discernment weekend in May this year. For those of you who have had difficulty getting to the other ones between assignments, papers, exams, etc perhaps this one might work. If you have already made this retreat please feel free to pass it on to anyone you know who may be interested or might find this helpful. 

The Personal History weekend is a great opportunity to look at your own personal life; your relationships with yourself, others, the Church and God, the events etc which have fashioned you into who you are today. Through a process of journaling you will come to discern how God is calling you in your faith journey with Him. It is a great weekend to bring together all your life experiences and look at how you can move forward with it into the future. If you are trying to discover how God has always been a part of your life and how he is calling you to respond to His Will at this time I encourage you to come to this weekend. 


Here is the specific info. 
When: Friday, May 14th (beginning at 7:00 pm) to Sunday, May 16th (ending with noon meal.) 
Where: 851 University Drive, Saskatoon 
Cost: Recommended offering $40.00 (This includes accommodations, meals, and retreat) 
Please invite any friends you think may be interested. 

It would be greatly appreciated if you could respond to this email whether or not you are able to come, as I will be following up those I have not heard from with a phone call. Hope you can make it! It is always a great time! 

If you have any questions we can be reached at 244-0726 Sr. Evelyn/Sr. Mary Jane. If there is no answer just leave a message and one of us will get back to you asap. 

P.S. Goodluck with exams/work and have a blessed Easter season! 

Peace in Christ,

-Sr. Evelyn 


Check out our exciting website at http://www.presentationofmary.ca 

This is Sr. Evelyn coming to you from the Discernment House.

Some of you asked about the long silence but due to Sr. Mary Jane's profession we did not have a Discernment weekend in the fall. But we are ready to go with the coming of the New Year. Our first one will be the Personal History weekend January 15th to 17th,2010. For many at the beginning of the term is a less heavy time so hopefully it will work for those of you who are interested. Some of you already have an idea what the weekends are about and others not so I'll give you a bit more info.

The Personal History weekend is a great opportunity to look at your own personal life; your relationships with yourself, others, the Church and God, the events etc which have fashioned you into who you are today. Through a process of journaling you will come to discern how God is calling you in your faith journey with Him. It is a great weekend to bring together all your life experiences and look at how you can move forward with it into the future responding to the Will of God. If you are trying to discover how God has always been a part of your life and how he is calling you forward at this time I encourage you to come to this weekend.

I know it is a bit early but we are trying to catch people before they leave for Christmas holidays as the weekend comes up quick in January. We'll be confirming in January if you are not sure yet.

Here is the specific info:
When: Friday Jan 15th @ 7:00 pm to Sunday Jan 17th (ending with noon meal.)
Where: 851 University Drive, Saskatoon
Cost: Recommended offering $40.00 (This includes accommodations, meals, and retreat)

Please invite any friends you think may be interested.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could RSVP by emailing me at discernmenthouse@lycos.com. Hope you can make it! It is always a great time!

If you have any questions we can be reached at 244-0726 Sr. Evelyn/Sr. Mary Jane. If there is no answer just leave a message and one of us will get back to you asap.

P.S. Have a blessed Advent and Holy Christmas!

Peace in Christ, Sr. Evelyn

Check out our exciting website at http://www.presentationofmary.ca