Catholic Mission In Canada

The church building of Our Lady of the Smile was built by the late Oblate missionary Father Jules St. Pierre in 1953. I live in a trailer just behind the church. There is a lake nearby and I enjoy fishing from the shore. I am usually successful in landing a two-pound Northern Pike within 15 minutes. In another 15 minutes, I can be enjoying a fresh pan-fried fillet.

The church seats about 75 people. It is filled to capacity for an occasional wedding or at Christmas. At other times of the year for Sunday liturgies, about10-20 people attend. These liturgies are mostly lay-led, and once every month or two, Father Nestor Gregoire, O.M.I., from Meadow Lake, an hour’s drive south, celebrates Mass here.

After the liturgy, people gather in the trailer for coffee, soup, and a visit. Since late September2008, we’ve been celebrating Sunday liturgies in the trailer because the old oil furnace in the church needs repairs. Thanks to funding from Catholic Missions In Canada, we have $5,000budgeted for a propane furnace to be installed this year.

Weekdays often have a pattern to them.

Mornings are usually quiet—a good time for personal prayer and getting ready for the day. The school bus drives by as do a few vehicles carrying people to their workplace. Late mornings often include a phone call to one of the locals and sometimes a visit to their home.

Early afternoons usually include a visit to the school (Grades 1 to 12) where I am currently taking an Algebra class to upgrade my math skills. It’s a good time to connect with the teachers and students.

Just recently, some of the junior high and senior girls asked if I would help coach their hockey team. I help when I can.

Late afternoons usually include a home visit such as bringing Communion to a shut-in elder or praying with a family. Some late afternoons a few kids in the area come to the trailer for something to do. Most of them come from single-parent homes. These kids enjoy listening to a Bible story, drawing a picture, or even doing schoolwork like spelling and arithmetic.

Evenings are usually the time for sitting down with a family who wants baptism for their children. Currently, five families are engaged, to some extent, in catechism for baptism preparation. On Wednesday evenings, about five to eight people come to the trailer to pray the Rosary and then participate in a 45-minute introduction to the Bible program.

I have been parish administrator here for six years now.

I’ve learned a few things about the people. I believe they sense that I’m comfortable to be with them. Those who have embraced the faith are very generous with their time and contributions. The church isn’t full, yet the Kingdom of God is here. Five people are learning and leading lay-led Sunday liturgies. This ministry is very rewarding for me. What a blessing!

Kurt Stang is pastoral administrator at Our Lady of the Smile church inWaterhen Lake in the Diocese ofPrince Albert, Saskatchewan.