Catholic Mission In Canada

It was winter, it was cold, and it was nearing the end of January 2009, when the Emmanuel Process Team came to Cross Lake, Manitoba. Father Bill Stang, O.M.I., and Sister Ethel Detz, O.P., arrived with all their props and baggage along with our own Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie, O.M.I., of Keewatin-Le Pas.  

The team arrived Sunday afternoon in time for Eucharist at 2 p.m. at our Holy Cross Church in the Saggitawak area. They were still energetic and ready for ministry after a five-hour drive from The Pas!  

Archbishop Sylvain presided and shared a homily. Sister Ethel and Father Bill introduced the Emmanuel Process, explained what it was about, and invited the congregation to spread the word and attend.  

I had also been announcing this retreat/renewal event for several Sundays. After Mass, we went to the Otter Nelson River School to set up for the event. The multi-purpose room was reserved for the five-day process because we needed an open space that allowed for movement and group-sharing.  

On Sunday evening, we began the experience. The large room was set up with chairs, an ambo for the Word, processional cross and candles, some banners to seta reflective atmosphere, as well as song books, scribblers and pencils. About 35 people arrived with openness to explore whatever was going to happen.  

Archbishop Sylvain, guitar in hand, opened the session with a half-hour of songs with participant Raymond Robinson. This warmed up hearts and created a setting for the reflection. A procession with the Book of the Scriptures focused our attention on the Word of God, and active listening allowed its message to find a home in our hearts.

Each evening, a saint was presented to whom we could pray to and ask for guidance during our reflection. Our saints were Oblate founder Eugene de Mazenod, O.M.I., Juan Diego, Mary Magdalene, and Paul.  

Archbishop Sylvain gave the opening talk and prepared our hearts and minds for sharing faith life experience in groups.  

Through prayer and reverential rituals, we were invited to reflect on the message of each day. Song and fellowship closed each evening. Each session had a similar format. Father Bill and Sister Ethel took turns to lead the evenings. Sister Ethel presented different images of Jesus while Father Bill demonstrated our need to let go of a sack full of anger and resentment so that healing could happen in our lives.