Photo Credit Archdiocese of Regina

Cecil Cabahug’s Unyielding Desire To Care For Others Is A Gift From Her Childhood. She Grew Up In The Philippines, Where A Single Mother And Her Grandparents Raised Her With A Deep Faith And Strong Sense Of Fellowship. Her Extended Family Was A Constant In Her Life, Her Family Home Was A Warm Place Full Of The Love Of Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, And Community.

“Growing up, because of our very close family ties, we took care of each other,” says Cecil. “Even neighbours, we would take care of them. It is in my heart that I need to take care of other people.”

It was in part this passion for caregiving which led Cecil to make a big leap. In 2012, she decided to move to Canada on a work visa to financially support to her family back home. Both Cecil and her husband left to work abroad in two different countries, leaving their children with Cecil’s mom.

In June 2012, Cecil arrived in Carlyle to nanny for a young family.

“A good family,” says Cecil. “They treated me as family and introduced me to their friends as a new member of their family.”

This family would grow when Cecil’s husband and two sons would reunite with her after five years apart. The role of nanny was a rewarding one for Cecil, as she loves to be with and teach children. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, Cecil found herself moved to another kind of caregiving.

“When COVID hit, the family and kids all stayed home, so I needed to find another job,” says Cecil.  “I applied in long-term care and got a job as a continuing care assistant.”

While settling into her new role, Cecil also received another call to step up: when the Church of Our Lady in Carlyle was in need of a catechist, Cecil felt moved to keep the program alive.

“When Sister got ill, and no one stepped up, this was my call,” says Cecil. “Maybe the Holy Spirit told me to step up because no one else was going to. Through prayer, I decided.”

Deep down, Cecil knew she had what it takes to deliver the catechism program at her church. The experience took her back to her childhood, where her faith formation found her in a similar role.

“When I was maybe 10 years old, the catechist who taught me encouraged me to join the team,” recalls Cecil. “Being a catechist at an early age, it’s a good memory and good experience. Not every young person can do it, but I was eager to do this as a child. I have a passion to teach catechism.”

Cecil knew she could continue the catechism program in Carlyle, but she also knew she would need help. She reached out to the Archdiocese and shared her desire to keep the catechism program in Carlyle alive. The Archdiocese provided Cecil with all the training and resources she would need.

“There are kids who are willing to serve the church,” says Cecil. “I want to serve, I have the eagerness to teach them more. The Archdiocese can help provide me with the resources I need.”

Your generosity helped give Cecil the opportunity to extend this compassion to the young people of Carlyle as a catechist. Your donations to the Archbishop’s Appeal support Catechetics and other vital programs that uplift rural parishes.

“Young people are the future, and I want to draw them back to the church,” says Cecil. “When people donate to the Archbishop’s Appeal, they can help provide resources for rural churches, and help people like me.”