Life among First Nations people
Sister Dianne Lajeunesse, P.M., is shown gardening with children at Sacred Heart mission in Big River First Nation Reserve (formerly Whitefish), one hour north of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
Every morning, we, two Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, wake up in a small residence on the Big River First Nation Reserve (formerly Whitefish), one hour north of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Since 1989, on the invitation of the then Chief and Council, we live and minister here among the people.
We begin each day with prayer, both private and communal, aware of being a presence in the name of Jesus. A very short walk leads us to the Sacred Heart Church. So far, we are responsible for services offered there and for all maintenance needs. We greatly appreciate the space, the enhanced beauty, heating and lighting, largely made possible through Catholic Missions In Canada grants. Without their help, we would not be able to tend to the upkeep of our church.
Our parish priest serves four different parishes but we do have him every Sunday and for sacramental services. Our service is to respond joyfully to many requests for baptism and marriage preparation, instruction for First Communion and Confirmation, as well as visits to bless homes, pray with people, attend wake services, funerals, and family celebrations. We also encourage ecumenical gatherings within our church building and in services initiated by the First Nations themselves.
Our deep concern is to arouse awareness of the need for leadership in continuing services without the sisters. This includes formation in areas of parish council responsibilities, training in liturgical and sacramental service preparation, music and singing, not to mention training as caretakers for building and yard as well.
A way to make people feel welcome to our residence here is to offer use of the telephone. We use this opportunity to visit and be present to their joys and concerns. In summer, children come to seed, weed and later harvest their own part of our fenced garden— fenced because of very frequent visits by wild horses, cattle and dogs.
We feel respected and protected and do learn a lot from our First Nations brothers and sisters: simplicity of life, humour, respect for tradition and their elders.
We greatly enjoy the beauties of nature here, next to a lake, with an abundance of trees, birds, wild flowers, even squirrel sounds and the sight of many - too many - gophers!
Sister Diane Lajeunesse, P.M., and Sister Yvette Perreault, P.M., serve Sacred Heart Church mission in Big River First Nation Reserve (formerly Whitefish), in the Diocese of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
