Catholic Mission In Canada

‘My plans and God’s plans were different, but guess who won in the end?’

Working as a travel manager for quite a number of years was a very fulfilling job for me, yet, when God called, I never dreamt that I would say “YES” to religious life and working as a missionary for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada. My plans and God’s plans were different, but guess who won in the end? God is a God of surprises! Life certainly became an adventure when I was called to leave my homeland—Australia, face the unknown path before me, and continually surrender my life into the hands of God.

My community—the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate—and missionary work at the Ukrainian Catholic Religious Education Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, have been a blessing from above.

Leading participants through the Eparchial Lay Formation Program, Catechists Certification Program and Spiritual Direction has been challenging in more ways than one. As a missionary, I may be leading yet united with others as we continue to discover, seek and search for a deeper intimate relationship with Jesus. God is love and I am called by the love of Christ to be His witness, so that not only I but others too may continue to shine from the inside out.

The Ukrainian Catholic Church is called to return to our mystical roots and be grounded in our faith, distinct theology, spirituality, liturgy and law. This is a unique and special time for our Church and the Religious Education Centre plays a major role in this transformation. Our mission encompasses all of Saskatchewan and it is a great joy to share our faith and teach others about the uniqueness of our Byzantine rite.

Preparation for missionary work has meant transformation, letting go of the past and walking in the footsteps of our Lord.

My community has financially supported me in my education. I studied at Sheptytsky Institute in Ottawa and, while pounding the sidewalks of St. Paul University, my relationship with the Trinity deepened in a way that words cannot express. Studies became a head-and-heart experience and, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, I was blessed with a Certificate in Theology of Eastern Studies.

My heart hungered for more and God heard my call and sent me to Regis College in Toronto, where once again I was transformed from the inside out. After four years, I graduated with a Master of Arts in Ministry and Spirituality and a Diploma in Spiritual Direction.

My formation continues as I spend time in prayer, teaching others, and seeking to find God in all things. My goal and vocation is in the hands of God; with an open heart, I follow. Each day I encounter those who seek to find meaning in life and to find God in all things. In a world so broken in many ways, I ask for the grace to see the face of God among those in need.

Sister Marijka Konderewicz, S.S.M.I., is co-director of the Ukrainian Catholic Religious Education Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.