Eparchy valedictorian Doreen Rathgeber of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton, quoted another graduate, Gloria Milos, of Sts. and Sean Buchko of Sts. Peter and Paul parish, both described the two-year lay formation program as a great experience. Kathy Lozinsky, of Sts. Peter and Paul parish, described the experience as a time to move forward, and let the light in each person shine to help others experience God. “God has a plan, and we need to help fulfil that plan.” Diana Chomitzky, of Dormition of the Blessed Mother of God parish in Saskatoon, mentioned how fulfilling the program and celebration were. “I will miss everyone so much—we’ve become a family.” Eparchy valedictorian Doreen Rathgeber of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton, quoted another graduate, Gloria Milos, of Sts. Peter and Paul in Saskatoon: “It isn’t just what I’ve learned in lay formation; it’s what happened to me in the process of learning. It’s as if my inner spirit was awakened in new ways. Now I understand why lay formation is described as being life-transforming.”
In her valedictory address, Rathgeber described the community created through worship, friendship, learning, and social gatherings.
The aims of the lay formation program have been met, Rathgeber said. “I have a better understanding of our liturgy, spirituality and traditions. Personal and liturgical prayer through active participation has been well taught. The call to the baptismal commitment to be ministers of Christ is ever present. We are well prepared to accept all kinds of ministry.”
Although there were differences in the way their Catholicity was expressed, each of the three groups involved in the lay formation program had a rich culture to share with one another, Rathgeber stressed. “The experiences are countless in celebrating our differences yet maintaining our oneness in the belief of the risen Christ,” she noted.
“We love and are proud of our divine liturgy and the beauty of our churches adorned with icons, golden fans and candlesticks. This is so important because we like to worship with all our senses. Seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting intertwined with emotions fills our hearts with the love we feel for God,” she said.
“We’re all correct with our practices, we’re just different—but all are seeking the kingdom of God,” she added. “Through baptism we are called by Christ to serve the poorest of the poor in body and in spirit. The greatest message has been to the call to serve Christ Jesus with a change of heart … and let the Holy Spirit work within us,” she said.
She acknowledged the work and commitment of presenters, facilitators and teachers, and of the lay formation team, which included Sister Bonnie Komarnicki, S.S.M.I., and Sister Marijika Konderewicz, S.S.M.I., as well as Mona Goodman, Ivan and Kathy Hitchings, Vivian Whitehawk , Agnes Pelletier, Irene Sharp, George Rolheiser, Carol Kohnke, Leah Perrault, and Henry Spilchuk.
This year’s Eparchy of Saskatoon lay formation graduates are Sean Buchko, Kathy Lozinsky, Gloria Milos and Joan Thomson of Sts. Peter and Paul, Saskatoon; Diana Chomitzky and Luba Lalach of Dormition of the Blessed Mother of God, Saskatoon; John William Parsons of Holy Eucharist in Cudworth; and Doreen Rathgeber of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic parish in Yorkton.
Andréa Ledding works as a freelance writer with the Communications Office of the Diocese of Saskatoon.
