From January 14 to 16, 2025, the Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre in New Westminster was abuzz with the first Clergy Study Days of 2025 for the Eparchy of New Westminster. This event was a truly successful and meaningful time for prayer, sharing experiences, learning and discussing – all in the interest of enhancing our pastoral ministry.
The first day began with an inspiring address from Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, who reminded all attendees of their calling:
“As spiritual shepherds, we must always remember: we are the ones leading people to encounter God. Our strength lies in our faith, which is manifested by our prayer-life and the love we bring into our communities.” This was spoken in the context of a profound and moving evening of prayer, gratitude and recommitment.
Before the Moleben’ – to the Patron of Parish Priests of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, the priest and martyr Blessed Omelian Kovch, the Bishop blessed all the clergy and presented each with a certificate of gratitude and a commemorative carved pectoral priest’s cross. The certificate (hramota) expressed gratitude on behalf of the Bishop and all the faithful to the priests for their service during the Eparchy’s 50th Anniversary year and, in most cases, for many years prior to that. The specially engraved wooden pectoral crosses commissioned through contacts at the church goods shop in Lviv, Ukraine ‘Tserkovna Kramnytsya na Sviatoyurskiy Hori’ were presented to each priest as a sign of gratitude and as a sign of their ongoing commitment to the Lord and His People. In fact, each of the priests, personally donned the cross himself as a sign of his freely and willingly accepting the cross of his priestly ministry as he did on the day of his ordination.
The second day began with the Divine Liturgy at Holy Eucharist Cathedral. Bishop Michael once again encouraged the clergy: “Each of us is called not only to prayer but also to action. Our parishes are places where people seek God. Let us be the light that helps them find their way.” Our Vice-Chancellor Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk preached a homily.
After breakfast, Fr. Richard Soo, SJ led an inspiring Lectio Divina session according to what he called “the Jesuit way” on the theme, “The Real Me Encounters the Real God.” He emphasized that seeking God is a profound experience that each person must discover in their heart: “The Lord is within you. Simply knowing God is not enough. You must create a connection with Him by building a relationship through prayer, Scripture, and personal experience.”
What followed was a very full day of presentations and discussions. The clergy shared their parish experiences, discussing challenges and successes in catechesis, pastoral work, and youth engagement. Among the presentations were the Eparchial Co-Director of Catechism. Alina Novytska who inspired everyone with her approach to catechesis:
“Children do not always need ready-made answers; they want the opportunity to explore on their own. Give them space for creativity, and they will discover the teachings of the Gospel themselves to stay with them for life.”
Project Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, Iryna Dziobko, gave a report on the first Eparchial Fundraising Gala event that took place in December. In using that event as an example for all parishes she showed how such an event can quicky take shape and be a success for the good of the mission of the Church. Speaking on volunteerism, she highlighted that “Volunteering is a superpower of our Church. It’s not just about helping; it’s about changing lives through our shared efforts.”
The final session on the third day, included a very helpful lecture by Dr. Christina Hantel-Fraser on her finely develop system of conflict resolution. She emphasized the importance of empathy and dialogue in any situation, offering practical strategies for fostering peace and understanding.
At the conclusion of the event, Bishop Michael expressed his gratitude to all participants for their time, inspiring and helpful contributions, and for their dedication: “Your priesthood is a great gift to the Church, to our Eparchy and the people entrusted to your pastoral care. Return to your parishes with renewed strength and ideas to continue the vital mission that the Lord has entrusted to each of us.”
Main Theme: Pilgrims of Hope
Throughout the study days, the clergy explored key topics related to the 2025 Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” children’s catechesis, volunteerism, and new pastoral initiatives. These days of prayer, spiritual enrichment, and fraternal unity reminded everyone that together, we are building the Church of the future. It was great to have several of the clergy staying at the Eparchial Centre, while those who lived nearby drove in each day. Another big plus was that all meals were prepared by renowned local caterer (and parishioner), Olha Hryshko.
Please pray for your priests! They are men who heard a call from the Lord in their hearts and souls and stepped forward to undergo studies and training and, after ordination, serve wherever the Church sees the greatest need.
