Vivian Whitehawk
Beginning last fall, a new stream of Lay Formation was introduced in Saskatoon, focusing on the Catholic faith as lived out within aboriginal traditions and culture.
A joint project of three Roman Catholic dioceses—Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Keewatin-Le Pas—the aboriginal stream will be offered as part of the two-year Lay Formation program at Queen’s House of Retreats. With the first of the monthly Lay Formation weekends opening at Queen’s House last September, three groups will now be journeying together—a Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon stream, a Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatchewan stream, and the new inter-diocesan aboriginal stream.
Vivian Whitehawk has been hired by the three dioceses to coordinate the new stream.
The unique new program will fill a great need for aboriginal people to deepen their Catholic faith within their own cultural framework, said Verna Vandale, parish life director at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish.
“It is going to give our people a stronger sense of belonging,” said Vandale, a member of the planning committee and a graduate of the diocesan Lay Formation program. “I think it will empower the people to nurture their spirituality—both in the context of their aboriginal culture but also as Catholics.”
Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioner Gayle Weenie stressed that the program is not radical or controversial, but explores the Catholic faith as it is lived out within aboriginal culture. “We are following the ways of the Church, while incorporating elements of First Nations spirituality,” she said. Weenie described how this approach provides a lot of help and healing for people who often feel marginalized. “It is okay to worship in your own way,” she said.
The aboriginal stream will also reflect the diversity within the native community itself, said Vandale, including Saulteaux, Dene and Cree traditions. “As we go through this spiritual formation, aboriginal people will be introduced or reintroduced into these different cultures
and different ways.”
“Not all First Nations people understand their own spirituality,” agreed Weenie. “This will provide an opportunity to better understand where they are coming from, who they are, and where they are going.”
The Roman Catholic, Ukrainian Catholic and aboriginal stream begun in September will follow a model established when the “eastern” and “western” streams started to be offered together: participants work as a group some of the time, and delve into their own traditions separately at other times.
Saskatoon Bishop Albert LeGatt said the program will help answer a common need within the three participating dioceses. “It is a powerful statement about the place and the need for First Nations people within our Church,” said Bishop LeGatt. “It reflects the strength of their own communities and of the many gifts they offer to the larger community.”
As well as providing aboriginal people with a chance to grow in understanding of their Catholic faith, enriched by the values of their own culture and spirituality, the new program will help foster leadership within that community, said Bishop LeGatt. “We have witnessed how the experience of lay formation can empower and inspire individuals in living out their faith. That is the great hope we have for this new stream as well.”
It is an exciting time for the Lay Formation team, added Saskatoon diocesan coordinator Kathy Hitchings.
“We have already experienced a shared program with the Ukrainian Catholic eparchy, and have seen how successful, dynamic and enriching that has been for all those concerned—this new stream promises to be just as enriching,” said Hitchings.
“This new stream is growing out of the particular needs of First Nations people for faith formation,” she said. “It also meets our sincere desire to walk together as Catholic people.”
Some 600 people of all ages, backgrounds, experiences and culture have graduated from Lay Formation since its inception 20 years ago. The Lay Formation program is one of the ministries supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal and Catholic Missions In Canada.
Gathering for one weekend every month from September to June over two years, participants in the formation program spend time deepening their prayer lives, sharing their faith experiences, and learning more about the Catholic faith. Subjects addressed throughout the two-year process include Scripture, the Trinity, Christology, the sacraments, justice and peace, moral theology, liturgy, prayer, different styles of spirituality, ecumenism, interfaith relations, and Church history.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Lay Formation program can contact Vivian Whitehawk, Donna Donaldson or Kathy Hitchings at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon: (306) 242-1500, or toll free: 1 (877) 661-5005.
(Kiply Lukan Yaworski is communications director of the Diocese of Saskatoon in Saskatchewan.)
