ENCOUNTER 2008

The Gathering of Clergy and Religious of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada

To the Reverend Clergy, Monastics, Religious Sisters, Seminarians and Clergy Wives of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada:

Christ is among us!

Dearly Beloved in Christ!

In 2005, we, the bishops and clergy, together with the monastics, religious sisters, seminarians and clergy wives gathered together in Winnipeg, to pray and discern about our vocation in the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada. Even though for many years our laity have met regularly through Eparchial Congresses and National Conventions, this was the first time in the history of our Church in Canada that such a gathering was held for the clergy and religious. Much hope was expressed and many ideas were shared. Most importantly there was common consensus that such gatherings should continue in order to better serve our Church in Canada and its many needs.

With this letter we wish to confirm that the next such gathering will take place on 26-28 May 2008, in Edmonton, AB. Continuing in the spirit of the last gathering, the theme of Encounter 2008 is: EVANGELIZATION THROUGH CATECHESIS.

Catechesis is a basic means of evangelization. It is important not only for the preparation of children for the reception of the Holy Mysteries, but for all age levels, including adults, for whom there is especially a need for faith formation programs. Evangelization was the major theme of the recent Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church held in Philadelphia 26 September - 6 October 2007. The bishops of our Church will continue to reflect on this theme at the 2008 Synod. Thus our Encounter 2008 will be of special significance to the bishops in preparation for the next Synod.

To prepare for this theme the chancellors have been working with the eparchial catechetical departments to develop the spiritual and pastoral wealth of this topic. Specific information about travel and lodging can be obtained from your eparchial chancellor. This event is considered as part of the faith formation and ongoing education for all participants and its financing should be considered on the same level as a spiritual retreat. We ask for your prayers for the success of Encounter 2008 and encourage the pastors to share this information with their parishioners, asking as well for their prayers and financial support.

May the Holy Spirit guide us with His gifts of Wisdom and Perseverance as we journey together towards Encounter 2008.

Sincerely in Christ Jesus:

+ Lawrence Huculak OSBM, Metropolitan Archbishop of Winnipeg
+ Michael Bzdel CSSR, Archbishop Emeritus of Winnipeg
+ Michael Wiwchar CSSR, Eparchial Bishop of Saskatoon
+ Severian Yakymyshyn OSBM, Bishop Emeritus of New Westminster
+ Cornelius Pasichny OSBM, Bishop Emeritus of Toronto
+ David Motiuk, Eparchial Bishop of Edmonton
+ Stephen Chmilar, Eparchial Bishop of Toronto
+ Kenneth Nowakowski, Eparchial Bishop of New Westminster

18/31 October 2007
Feast of St. Luke, the Evangelist