The Anglican-Roman Catholic Covenant between the Regina Archdiocese and the Diocese of Qu’Appelle signed in 2011 continues to grow activities between the two faith communities. They gathered May 15, Pentecost Sunday, at St. Paul’s Cathedral for a traditional Anglican evensong service with a homily delivered by Archdiocesan Administrator Very Reverend Lorne Crozon and the apostolic blessing performed by Winnipeg Archbishop Emeritus James Weisgerber. Canon Michael Jackson Anglican Co-Chair of the Covenant Implementation Committee opened the service at 7:30 followed by St. Paul’s Cathedral Dean Michael Sinclair who welcomed everyone.

Susan Klein, Roman Catholic Co-Chair of the Covenant Implementation Committee (ARCC) reported on the numerous activities the Covenant participants shared since the last time they met. Among the highlights was Signs of Hope: A conversation on First Nations Ministry, held in the fall of 2015 at St. Paul’s. It attracted Aboriginal and non-Aboriginals who engaged in conversations following presentations by Reverend Dale Gillman and Sister Re-Anne Letourneau.  Dean Sinclair spent a week in Rome attending a Christian Leadership Course at the Anglican Centre, visited Assisi and attended a public audience with Pope Francis. Archdeacon Catherine Harper presented at the Roman Catholic Diaconate program and Canon Jackson is in touch with the Roman Catholic Diaconate programs in Saskatoon and Prince Albert as well as Roman Catholic authors and diaconate leaders in the United States. In addition to those highlights there were several joint parish activities including a joint vacation Bible school, marriage course, Advent and Lenten programs. “Concrete examples of what we are doing together,” said Klein in her report.

The service continued with Roman Catholic and Anglican participants reading the lessons and prayers of the people. The St. Paul’s Choir, led by Bob Nicholls with organist David McIntyre provided the music.

Crozon’s homily focused on the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit is able to put the skin of Jesus Christ on us in order that others can see Jesus through us.” He emphasized that people must wisely use the gifts the Holy Spirit gives because they are signs of hopefulness and faithfulness.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Robert Hardwick, noted that the ancient Augustine Crozier was on loan to Canterbury Cathedral and was prominently on display at the Anglican Primates meeting held earlier this year. “It is symbolic of our shared roots.” He thanked the Catholic Church for what he called its generous gift.

The Service ended with Weisgerber giving the final blessing and, as is customary in both faith communities, Roman Catholic Deacon Joe Lang gave the dismissal.

A reception catered by the St. Paul’s Cathedral Catering Group followed the service. Monies donated at an open offering at the back of St. Paul’s was donated to the people of Fort McMurray.