Enhancing parish hospitality, evangelization, formation and outreach were highlighted by Fr. Simon Lobo, CC, and Fr. Isaac Longworth, CC, of St. Benedict Parish in Halifax, NS, during the diocese of Saskatoon’s annual Spring Congress held March 12 and 13 in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
Spring Congress 2024 focused on the theme “Making Every Sunday Matter” as one of the priorities of the recently-updated diocesan Pastoral Plan, continuing a commitment to explore and deepen Pastoral Plan goals during Congress events for pastors, parish and ministry leaders, and all interested parishioners.
Spring Congress keynote speaker Fr. Simon Lobo, CC, of St. Benedict Parish, Halifax, NS. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
At Spring Congress, Lobo and Longworth focused in particular on “three Hs” — hospitality, hymns, and homilies. Prayer ministry was also modelled at Congress during an evening Encounter event of reflection, Eucharistic adoration, and prayer for specific needs of those in attendance.
The speakers emphasized the importance of hospitality, welcoming and belonging as vital steps in becoming a missionary parish, focused on evangelization.
Discussion by parish leaders during the diocesan Spring Congress 2024 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Congress photos – LINK to Gallery
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