Watson & Area Catholic Parishes

Experience the most vivid Catechism ever created.

Location: Holy Guardian Angels Parish basement, Englefeld

Join those journeying through the RCIA to watch and discuss this ground breaking, 10-part DVD series about the Catholic faith!  Creator and host Fr. Robert Barron illuminates what Catholics believe and why, while immersing you in the art, architecture, literature, music, and all the riches of the Catholic tradition.

Dates and times for all episodes:

(May be subject to change – please watch here for the latest information. All events are in the basement of Holy Guardian Angels Parish, Englefeld.)

• Episode 1 – Amazed and Afraid: The Revelation of God Become Human – Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 @ 7pm
• Episode 2 – Happy Are We: The Teachings of Jesus – Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 @ 7pm
• Episode 3 – The Ineffable Mystery of God – TBA
• Episode 4 – Mary, the Mother of God - Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013
• Episode 5 – Peter, Paul, and the Missionary Adventure - TBA
• Episode 6 – The Mystical Union of Christ and the Church - Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013
• Episode 7 – The Mystery of the Liturgy and the Eucharist - Wednesday, Mar. 13, 2013
• Episode 8 – The Communion of Saints – TBA
• Episode 9 – Prayer and the Life of the Spirit - TBA
• Episode 10 – World Without End: The Last Things - TBA

Trailer:

Diocese expresses appreciation to Holy Father

Feb. 11, 2013 - Upon hearing the news this morning about the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon issued the following statement:

“The faithful of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon join the entire Church in expressing our deep gratitude for the many gifts that Pope Benedict XVI has brought to us over the years. We pray that the Holy Father will enjoy many years of rest and good health after stepping down from office February 28, 2013. We also pray for the whole Church as she chooses Pope Benedict’s successor, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

Statements from Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus

Here are some of the statements given from Benedict XVI in his final weeks as Pope. They are well worth reading!

• Full statement announcing Benedict XVI’s resignation as Pope (Feb. 11, 2013)
• Benedict’s last Wednesday General Audience (Feb. 27, 2013) – this is a GREAT read!
• Benedict’s last audience address given to the Cardinals present (Feb. 28, 2013)

And, of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t include his last message sent on Twitter:

• @Pontifex: “Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives.”

Some reflections

• Click here to listen to reflections from Fr. Darryl, Jane, and Andy over at Hot Cup of Ministry. (MP3)
• Bishop Don Bolen offers his thoughtful, personal reflections. (PDF)
• Fr. Matthew Ramsay, pastor of the Kerrobert area parishes, had his reflection published in the Globe and Mail.  It is exceedingly beautiful: read it here!
• Also check out this reflection from Sarah Dickmeyer, published by the CBC.  (Sarah was also the source of the wonderful Pope Benedict photo seen above.)

Moving forward from here

This is the first time in almost 600 years that a Pope has resigned (Pope Gregory XII resigned in 1415).

• The now Pope emeritus, Benedict XVI, who turns 86 in April, has resigned in an amazing act of deep humility after a great deal of discernment. His resignation became effective on Feb. 28, 2013 at 1pm CST.
• The cardinals who are under 80 years of age have elected a new Holy Father! Pope Francis from Argentina is now our Pope!
• Approximately two months after his resignation, Benedict will be living a former convent inside the Vatican. He is currently spending this time at Castel Gandolfo, the papal vacation home.
• More details about his name and titles can be found at the Vatican News Service website.

Read some FAQs about the Pope’s resignation (ZENIT).

Here is a nifty graphical view of the conclave: Vatican Insider.

And check out this video from Busted Halo about how a papal election (a “conclave”) works:

What can we all do?

Pray! And don’t worry – the Holy Spirit continues to work in and through the Church!

Lent is a time for us to concentrate on our faith life through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Therefore, this is a great time to offer our acts of piety for Pope Benedict and for his successor.

I call upon all of us in the parishes of Watson, Englefeld, St. Gregor, and Quill Lake to offer special prayers for Pope Benedict, for the college of cardinals who will elect a new pope, and for his eventual successor.

- Fr. Darryl