Faith blossoms over 90 years

Edson's Sacred Heart parish encourages lay leadership

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Edson

The Nov. 10 service marked the parish's 90th anniversary.

The immediate past pastor before he was assigned to St. Alphonsus in Edmonton, Baska urged the people to be more vigilant in faith and hope. "We are not to rest on our laurels now that we have reached 90 years as a parish."

To illustrate his message he used three objects in his homily - an aspergillum, a cross and the oil of Chrism.

With the aspergillum (a cylindrical metal used by priests in blessing the people with holy water), Baska reminded the people of their baptismal promises.

The aspergillum he used was a gift given to Father George Gunnip on the occasion of his 20th anniversary as pastor of the parish.

Baska found this aspergillum in the sacristy of St. Alphonsus and decided, now that Gunnip has died, to bring it back to Sacred Heart where it belongs.

With the cross, Baska reminded them of the most famous sign of Christianity while with the oil of Chrism he told the people, "Do not let the wick of your faith dry out, or the oil run dry."

For many people, Baska's gesture of returning the aspergillum to the community was touching.

Gemma Christie said, "I hope we can use it again."

Janet Murry, who did not know Gunnip said, "A lot of people talk about Father Gunnip and I think it is very special that Father Patrick gave that to us. There is one tangible thing that we can connect about this priest now."

Being part of this parish is essential for Murry and her family. "God is central to our family and this church is like a second home for my family, " she said.

"My children are very comfortable in this church and in this community. I hope this parish continues to grow as a family."

The Mass was presided over by Father Ferdinand Sablan, the new pastor, with five other priests concelebrating.

The parish was established in 1912 but had its beginnings in 1910 when Father Beaudry came to Edson and saw the growing community.

Beaudry established the first church and remained serving in the area until 1914. In 1913 Oblate Father Louis Culerier came as assistant pastor. He was instrumental in the establishment of Edson General Hospital. Later this hospital was re-named St. John's Hospital with the Sisters of Service of Canada running it.

In its 90 years, the parish has been served by 23 priests, as well as pastors and visiting priests.

"God is central to our family and this church is like a second home for my family." - Janet Murry

More than two years ago, its 48-year old building, which was the second church they built, was renovated and a chapel for the Blessed Sacrament was built.

Aline Andre, parish office manager said, "It's a very emotional celebration a very moving experience. It brought back memories."

Spruce Grove's Tony and Ann Bawol, were parishioner of Sacred Heart for 26 years. They came back to celebrate with their friends and old home parish.

"It's part of our home. Our children were baptized and confirmed here. I belonged to the CWL and did a lot of things helping in the parish," Ann told the WCR.

Tony, who was an active K of C member added, "It was hard to leave, but it's nice to come back to visit."

Sablan, the new pastor, was awed by the spirit of the people in the parish.

"It's quite amazing that although I am new, the people helped me become part of its present and somehow connected with the past of this parish.

The past and the future are all connected and made alive in the present because of our common faith in God, said Sablan.

"I just hope that I can continue the tradition that was started by my predecessors. We have this vision-mission statement to be a vibrant, caring community helping other people to become closer to God and I hope that becomes a reality."

For him, the work is more on continuing to build up the community because the parish now has beautiful facilities.

Years ago, the parish had only a handful of people involved in ministry, with the bulk of the workload falling on the back of the priest. Today, most active parishioners play a role in the life of the parish and many attend the Formation for Pastoral Services Program at Newman College.

Sacred Heart has 400 active families out of a total of 654. About 80 parishioners are involved in ministries ranging from sacramental preparation, pastoral care, liturgical arts and environment and social justice. It also has a youth group, music ministry, CWL and K of C.

Theresa Hiatt, 15, was one of the youth from the parish who attended the World Youth Day in Toronto. She was asked to carry the WYD flag during the procession for the anniversary Mass. "The people are very thoughtful and they help you out a lot," she said. "Seeing everyone worshipping together and celebrating our faith means a lot for me."

Long time parishioner Frank Bochek, has been in this parish since day one. The highlight of the celebration for him was seeing the priests who served there in the past and his old friends.

"These people have been helpful in my own faith journey. Their friendship showed the love of God."

A celebration dinner concluded the evening, followed by a concert with Mark Mallett.

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