Hello Everyone,
Let there be light! Not just a resounding and exciting command in the first few lines of Genesis, but a much-welcome sight in our northern skies as we gradually move out of winter's darker days and begin to get a taste of spring. A recent social media post reminded me late last week that we have collectively made it through the darkest days of the year from November 16 to December 22. They neglected to mention that, much of North America also managed to make it through the coldest days of the year as well!
As we head into this new year, Melissa and I are very much looking forward to the gradual expansion of this vital mental health ministry in our diocese. To this end, we are preparing to attend a National Mental Health Minister's Conference at Mundelein Seminary in Chicago this coming April. We'll be sure to keep you posted on the progress and the fruits of that conference.
Along the lines of expanding access to the spiritual peer support this ministry offers, we're working closely with one of our group members to do just that at a parish in Saskatoon. This will be the first time we've expanded the ministry into a new parish and we're looking forward to collectively learning how best to navigate that process.
Finally, bulletin announcements and posters promoting this ministry have gone out to Archdiocese of Regina parishes. If you don't see one of our posters in your local parish, take a moment to download and print a copy yourself and ask your pastor if it might be added to your parish bulletin board.
Peace and God Bless,
Deacon Eric