By Fr. Steve Morrisey, C.Ss.R.
Twenty-five years ago, as my initial formation was beginning to take place, I met an amazing IHM Sister. She possessed many qualities and she had many lines to describe her life experiences and to teach life lessons. One of her often repeated and familiar phrases stayed near the forefront of my imagination. She would often say; “We are all connected.” Over the years since novitiate, and the many places I have called home since the early 1990’s, I have found Sister’s words coming back into my consciousness. These few words and the above photo shows how we are all connected.
St. Mary’s Parish in Saskatoon, SK takes on many and varied pastoral responsibilities. Grade schools and high schools as well as university retreats. These activities and many others represent some of our ministry. We are blessed to offer ministry in English, French, Spanish and even a little Cree. We are blessed to meet students, youth and their parents from a wide variety of ethnic and financial backgrounds. Now, more than ever, we come in contact with people who call Africa home.
Last year, a parishioner came to me and asked, “…if we are able in any way, to share our wealth. In particular the request was for vestments, either Altar Server robes or extra vestments that are not being used every day.” The members of our community and some very dedicated volunteers found exactly what was being requested of us. The picture shows a parishioner of St. Mary’s and a community in Africa that holds us in prayer. We are all connected. Pope Francis encouraged all of us to do something, not to simply have couch or sofa type spiritualities – we need to be there for each other. This picture shows how we are held in prayer by others.
