The Festival of Faith at St. Philip Neri Parish in Saskatoon July 9-15 began with celebration of the Eucharist, with Bishop Mark Hagemoen presiding. The bishop thanked St, Philip Neri Parish for offering the summertime faith enrichment to the Catholic community, noting that it continues the long-time tradition of the now-closed Queen’s House Retreat Centre. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“Sent to Bring Good News to the Poor: Called to Mission Animated by Hope” was the theme of a Festival of Faith held July 9-15 at St. Philip Neri Parish in Saskatoon during this Jubilee Year of Hope.
The parish launched the seven-day Festival of Faith July 9 with an opening Mass at which Bishop Mark Hagemoen expressed his appreciation to the local parish for hosting the event one year after the closing of Queen’s House of Retreats, continuing a local tradition of offering a time of spiritual refreshment and renewal in the summer months.
Parish volunteers, leaders, and pastor Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, planned and hosted the time of “community building, faith learning, prayer and faith celebration, socializing and entertainment.”
Festival of Faith program:
Faith enrichment sessions grounded in scripture during the parish event included “Women in Scripture: Preparing the Way and Witnessing to the Resurrection” presented by Deb Rolfes on July 10; as well as a day focused on prayer July 11 that included an introduction to — and experience of — two kinds of prayer: scripture-based Lectio Divina presented by Fr. Doug Jeffrey, and contemplative Centring Prayer presented by Fr. Kevin McGee; and later in the evening, a time of Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.
On Saturday, July 12, Sr. Cindy Lewans presented “Let it be done unto me” — a reflection on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s trust in God’s love, followed by “Mary: A celebration in song” led by choir members from the parish.
Participants heard presentations on scripture and prayer exploring the Festival of Faith theme “Sent to Bring Good News to the Poor – A Call to Mission Animated by Hope.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Festival of Faith continued with weekend Mass celebrated at the parish 5 p.m. Saturday, July 12 and 7 p.m. Sunday, July 13.
Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI — who for many years provided summer retreat sessions at Queen’s House in Saskatoon — was the featured speaker July 13-15 on the theme “Called to Mission.”
A classical concert with Matthew Praksas on piano and Wagner Barbosa on violin, was held the evening of July 14, followed by a reception.
St. Philip Neri pastor Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, offered words of welcome to open the parish’s summertime Festival of Faith July 9 with celebration of the Eucharist with the bishop. The Festival of Faith was held as Fr. Doug Jeffrey prepared to retire at the end of the month. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Opening Mass:
St. Philip Neri pastor, Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, welcomed those assembled for the opening Mass July 9, pointing to both the parish mission of “Joyfully Building Up The Church,” and the diocesan statement that “In All Things We Are Rooted in Christ in His Desire to Bring God To All Peoples.” Jeffrey added that in this Jubilee Year of Hope we are especially “Sent to Bring Good News to the Poor,” which is the theme of the July 9-15 Festival of Faith, and its focus on mission grounded in the hope of the gospel.
In his homily, Bishop Hagemoen reflected on the issue of growth, healing, and change in our lives, a theme addressed by St. John Henry Newman. “It happens to us all – change, growth, and the journey continues,” the bishop said.
The temptation to indifference — which Pope Francis said is the opposite of love — comes in the midst of much conflict and suffering in the world, Hagemoen said. “And so we don’t engage, we stop caring – why care? Because it hurts too much, or it is too disappointing, or every time we seem to move forward, instead we move backward?” However, as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called not to indifference, but to love, and to proclaiming God’s good news to the poor, he said.
“The Jubilee Year of Hope is a response,” he added. “Hope is not just an attitude, it is a commitment, because God has shown us that commitment. We would not be here if it was not for the life, suffering, and death of Christ. God has come into our midst…. We need to point consistently to the central way of the Incarnation — not the way of fighting fire with fire, not the way of indifference where we disengage, but by responding with the way of God… Let’s start small with our own hearts,” the bishop urged.
RELATED: Read more about the Festival of Faith on the Catholic Saskatoon News site – ARTICLE
Opening Mass for the Festival of Faith July 9 — prayer, presentations, reflections, music, and fellowship continued in the days that followed, and are set to conclude July 15. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Parishioners lead music ministry for the opening Mass of the seven-day Festival of Faith held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
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