SASKATOON, Sask. (CCN) — An Encounter evening of prayer, reflection, adoration, and celebration was offered as an oasis of peace and inspiration to conclude the ministry year programming offered through the Adult Faith Office in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
Appropriately named “Oasis,” the event held April 28 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family began with welcoming words from Adult Faith Coordinator Astrid Alas, who described the event as a time to rest and be renewed in the presence of the Lord.
She also encouraged all those present to come forward for intersessory prayer, with prayer teams on hand throughout the worship space, and opportunities to come forward for prayer offered by Holy Family Pastor Fr. Gerard Cooper and Parochial Vicar Fr. Joe-Nelo Panino.
“Dedicated to all adult faith formation participants in our diocese, Oasis is a time to gather, share in the fruits of faith, and draw closer to God together,” Alas described.
In a brief reflection before placing the Blessed Sacrament on the altar for a time of Eucharistic Adoration, Fr. Gerard Cooper spoke about the great gift of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the opportunity to reflect more deeply on the message of Easter.
“This is a season of great joy, a great time to take to heart the love of God, the peace of God,” he said.
After focusing for 40 days on Lent, it is good to take time during the 50 days of the Easter season to consider what will be “our Easter program” going forward, Cooper added. “Take time to reflect on our plan to grow in our spiritual life … take time to pray and to listen.”
