Prince Albert Discernment House an encouraging step

By Madeleine Marchildon

PRINCE ALBERT — “Life is serving others, helping to guide them as we walk together with God. God calls us to be happy and it is by answering God’s call that we will find happiness that witnesses God’s love through our joy in his service,” said Bishop Albert Thévenot, M.Afr., as he blessed the doorway to the new Discernment House for the Diocese of Prince Albert. A crowd of more than 100 sang, “We will serve the Lord.”

On May 29, Thévenot told brother priests, religious, members of the Vocation Commission, CWL, Knights of Columbus and spouses, and diocesan staff that he sees the Discernment House, previously the Prince Albert residence for the Daughters of Providence, as a home where he hopes young people will find happiness and guidance in their walk to Christ, an important step in answering the needs of young people wanting to discern God’s call in their life.

“Christ is here,” stated Thévenot, “and Christ is the person and place to come home to.”

As Thévenot arrived in the diocese in the summer of 2008, he had a dream of having a meeting place where clergy and lay people could gather to pray and reflect, find guidance and strength through retreats, discernment of young adults and even hold adult education sessions.

The Daughters of Providence, in the planning stages of retirement, had been in the process of moving to a place of retirement in Saskatoon. Sister Alice LeStrat said, “Our mission, Bishop Thévenot’s dream and vision, is realized and at the same time, we, the Daughters of Providence continue as a link in the promotion of vocations. We will remain close at heart and prayer to this discernment home. We feel linked to Bishop Thévenot’s mission.”

One retired diocesan priest, Rev. Hervé Vallée, greatly valued the bishop’s message: “We are all given gifts which are meant to be used to help others, not only for ourselves. In today’s world there is need to discern God’s call. There are so many distractions for our young people that they do not hear God’s call. This place gives them the possibility of taking a break from the world around them and consider what God is saying.”

Director of the Discernment House, Rev. Travis Myrheim, said, “I want to thank everyone for coming out to the blessing liturgy and giving us support, love and their desire to help the church, the bishop and vocations.” He also voiced a special thanks to all the people who contributed to the project, either financially or through the donation of labour.

Rev. Sebastian Kunnath (Debden), present at the blessing, commented, “This is an encouraging step in creating future vocation awareness in the diocese.”

Rev. Jim Kaptein (Zenon Park) said, “A Discernment House means we have a presence in Prince Albert so that our vocations can stay in our diocese. Bishop Thévenot comes with new vigour and a new vision for a home for future vocations. Now, young men have a place to stay as they continue with their studies or work while discerning.”

Mathew Derworiz, a seminarian for the Prince Albert diocese, sees the Discernment House as a place of prayer for men considering the priesthood to share conversation with priests and older seminarians and where spiritual guidance is offered in a friendly way through Myrheim.

The Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women’s League both financially helped the project become a reality. Irene Quesnel, a member of the CWL, said, “We were happy to have been asked by Bishop Thévenot to help make a place for young men on their spiritual journey to discern the priesthood or religious life.”

Martin Dolny, an RCMP officer and a member of the Knights of Columbus, summarized by saying, “It’s an accomplishment to be proud of and the result of concerted efforts of many toward a common goal. I believe it will be a very peaceful place of discernment.”

Thévenot sent a letter to all Knights for help with the renovations, which included removing walls, opening up the kitchen, creating meeting rooms and a chapel. The Knights donated the materials, and for some, more than 100 hours labour. Battleford Furniture supplied the furnishings to assemble the Discernment House into a welcoming home.

In the backyard of the Sisters of Presentation, a barbecue supper was offered for those in attendance. As Thévenot cut the cake with the help of Rev. Maurice Fiolleau (vicar-general), Rev. Matthew Nguyen and Rev. Travis Myrheim, he commented, “We are all called to pray for vocations. I believe the Lord is calling young people to the priesthood and religious life. This Discernment House offers them an opportunity to reflect and prayer over their calling.”