Bulletin Reflection
Truth and reconciliation
The Human Cost of Indian Residential Schools
From very early on in the Indian residential school system the underlying philosophy was to, “take the Indian out of the man”.
The assault on Aboriginal identity often began the moment the child took the first step across the threshold of the 
school. Braided hair (which often had spiritual meaning) was cut, home-made clothing was exchanged for a school uniform, Aboriginal names were replaced with Euro-Canadian ones (and a number), and the unrestricted freedom of life in an Aboriginal community was foregone for the regimen of an institution in which every activity from morning to evening was scheduled. Males and females, brothers and sisters were separated and parental visits were discouraged and controlled.
Hastily and cheaply built schools were often found to have poor or non-existent sanitation and ventilation systems. With few infirmaries in which students with contagious diseases could be isolated, epidemics could quickly spread through a school with deadly results. Often parents would not even be informed when a child got sick or even after they had died.
The government mandated that English be the language of instruction. Some missionaries learned Aboriginal languages and provided religious instruction in those languages but in many schools children were punished for speaking in their native tongue. Corporal punishment was rampant. Students were strapped and humiliated, in some schools they were handcuffed, manacled, beaten and locked in cellars and other makeshift jails. Overcrowding and a high student to staff ration meant that even those children who were not subject to physical discipline grew up in an atmosphere of emotional neglect.
While the issue of sexual abuse was largely unreported during the years in which the schools were in operation, over the past 25 years it has become clear that this was a serious problem in some schools.
Many students do have positive memories of their experiences of residential schools and speak positively of the skills they acquired, the recreational and sporting activities and friendships they made. Some students went on to further their studies and develop distinguished careers. But for most students academic success was elusive and they left school as soon as they could. Upon returning home they found themselves isolated from their families and culture. They had lost their language and the skills they needed for living traditional Aboriginal lifestyles. Many found they had not been given the skills needed to prosper in the economy of the growing country. Nor did they have any experience of family life or parenting. This meant that the price paid by that generation would continue to be paid by generations to come.
Bulletin Announcements
Thank You A huge “THANK YOU” from the Prayer Shawl Team to all who donated yarn. We now have a wonderful selection of colors and our bins are almost full. We very much appreciate your generosity.
CWL WIND-UP APPETIZER SOCIAL – June 5th. Everyone bring your favourite appetiser “finger food” and your spouse/friend. Join us for an evening of good food and fun. It starts at 7:00 p.m. See you there. PLEASE NOTE: – There are no CWL Meetings in June, July or August. Mark your calendar as September 30th, 2012 is our Harvest Supper and we will need all your help.
New Security Cameras: Over the past several months St. Mary’s has experienced several serious incidences of vandalism and theft in and around our parish parking lot. For the safety of persons and property we have now installed video monitors overlooking the parking areas north of the Church as well as the alleyway between the Church and Rectory. It is our hope that this will serve primarily as a deterrent to any future mischief and if anything does happen we will be able to have something that we can offer to the police so they can actually do an investigation. Please note however that the security of your belongings begins with you. Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle when you come to Mass and watch your belongings carefully even while you are in Church.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA CELEBRATION – The Saskatoon Portuguese community will be having a mass in honour of Our Lady of Fatima on June 10 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Avenue O and 20th Street. The mass will be followed by a street procession with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. After that, we will have coffee and a light lunch in the hall. We hope you can join us in devotion and prayer to Mary.
Lectors and Ministers of Holy Communion: The new schedules and lists for Lectors and Ministers of Holy Communion are now available in the Sacristy. The schedules cover the period from June 2/3 (Trinity Sunday) to August 25/26 (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time). Lectors and Ministers of Holy Communion are reminded to please contact another minister to take your place if you are unable to attend the assigned Mass. All Lectors and Ministers of Holy Communion, except those who have received the schedules by email, are asked to pick up the new schedules as soon as possible from the Sacristy after Mass. Your willingness to serve in these important liturgical ministries is very much appreciated.
On Sunday, June 24, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools will host a 1911-style Picnic in the Park at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. Everyone is welcome! The picnic will wrap up the school division’s year-long centennial celebrations. The day will start off with Mass at 11:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Holy Family. Picnic activities will begin after Mass, with entertainment and games – both old and new – from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Forestry Farm. Food will be available at 1911 prices – 25 cents for a hamburger and 10 cents each for a hot dog or ice cream Dixie cup. There will be plenty of fun for everyone as we celebrate a century of faith and learning in Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. This event will be held rain or shine – if weather is inclement we will move indoors to St. Joseph High School. If you need a ride there, please leave your name on the sign-up sheet at the back of the church.
A concerned-private-citizen letter has been submitted to His Worship, the Mayor, and City Council of Saskatoon in an attempt to try and save the original St. Mary’s School Building(1913) and Gymnasium from being demolished. A request is being pleadingly made to the City of Saskatoon to reconsider its position and allow this building to be declared a Heritage Building. This issue will be included in the Council Agenda of Monday, May 28, 2012. Moral support can be shown by praying, and/or emailing His Worship, the Mayor, and City Council, and/or being present, if at all possible, at the Council Meeting. Thank you sincerely.
Home Ministry of Care
An Invitation to ALL Ministry of Care Volunteers
Annual Retreat
Wednesday June 6, 2012
10:00am—2:00pm
In the Upper Meeting Room
Presenter: Leah Perreault
Lunch will be provided
RSVP before May 30th to help us know how many to prepare for.
Call Iris Riley.
There is a promise of warm weather which brings us to outdoor activities.
Our shut-ins often don’t even get a taste of the outdoors. If at all possible, please make an effort to spend a little time outdoors with those you visit. That would be a huge treat for them, and a real source of grace.
A huge, grateful thanks for all that you do. May the blessing of compassion be upon you.
Mass Intentions
Monday, May 28 9:00 a.m †Alec Dekovic
Tuesday, May 29 9:00 a.m †The Krieger Family
Wednesday, May 30 9:00 a.m †Terisa Berzolla
7:15 p.m †Terisa Berzolla
Thursday, May 31 9:00 a.m †Alex Lucyshyn
Friday, June 1 9:00 a.m †Natalie Melo & †Joe Moreira
Saturday, June 2 9:00 a.m †Madalena Santomauro
7:00 p.m †Helena Agostinho Sousa
Sunday, June 3 9:00 a.m Julieta Molano
11:00 a.m For the parish
Filed under: Uncategorized | Comments Off
