On October 18 and 19, 2024, the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton hosted its 41st Annual Eparchial Convention, drawing participants from parishes across Alberta. The convention welcomed representatives of the Knights of Columbus, the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League, the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, and youth groups from Edmonton-area parishes for two days of prayer, fellowship, and a renewed focus on the Eparchy’s future.

The event began on Friday evening with a Moleben service followed by a communal dinner. Bishop David Motiuk delivered an inspiring keynote address, centered around the theme of “walking together.” This message of unity and collective growth was the foundation of the weekend’s discussions and activities, reflecting the Eparchy’s dedication to moving forward as a community united in faith.

A central moment of the convention was a presentation by Amanda Lutes, Youth Minister for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton. Lutes delivered a powerful talk on “Youth and the Future of the Church,” stressing the importance of listening to young people so they can play their role in shaping the Church’s future. Sixteen youth representatives participated in this year’s convention, demonstrating their commitment to building a vibrant Church for the next generation.

Fostering Parish Engagement and Growth

In addition to spiritual enrichment, the convention served as an opportunity to strengthen the engagement of parish leaders and representatives through a series of presentations by staff of the Eparchial Pastoral Centre. One of the key objectives of the convention was to keep attendees informed about the latest developments within the Eparchy, to motivate their ongoing involvement, and to encourage a shared vision for the growth and improvement of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Alberta.

During these sessions, Pastoral Council representatives received updates on critical topics such as:

• Communications: Strategies for enhancing both internal and external communications, including improvements in digital outreach to parishioners and communities at large. Plans for further integrating social media and the Eparchy website were discussed to create a more connected and informed parish community.
• Finances: Presenters offered a transparent overview of the Eparchy’s financial health, including the responsible stewardship of resources and fundraising initiatives. They outlined steps for future sustainability and growth, focusing on parish-level fundraising and collaborative efforts to meet financial goals.
• Safe Environments: Ensuring safe and welcoming environments within our parishes continues to be a priority. Updates were given on new policies and protocols to create safer spaces for worship, especially for youth and vulnerable parishioners. These efforts included training initiatives for parish staff and volunteers.
• Campaigns and Programs: One of the highlights was an update on the “Image to Likeness” curriculum program, which fosters deeper engagement with faith through education in schools, home school programs, and Sunday schools. The program aims to help teachers and students grow in their relationship with Christ while understanding the unique gifts and traditions of the Eastern Catholic Churches.
• Other upcoming events and campaigns were also introduced, aimed at revitalizing community involvement and participation across all age groups.

The presentations provided an opportunity to reflect on the Eparchy’s progress while presenting a clear roadmap for future development. The goal was not only to inform but to inspire attendees to take an active role in parish life, contributing to the growth and vitality of the Church. The convention encouraged parish leaders to take these updates back to their communities and spark a renewed sense of purpose and engagement among all parishioners.

Celebrating Service and Community

The event also included specialized meetings of the various participating organizations. The Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League’s gathering included a thought-provoking talk by Deacon Cyril Kennedy, who offered insights on how to speak to family and friends about Jesus Christ in today’s world. Meanwhile, the youth participants spent a morning serving residents at the Ronald McDonald House, learning firsthand the importance of community outreach and charity.

Saturday evening brought the entire convention together again for a banquet, where Dr. Michelle Hladunewich spoke about her work with the Canada Ukraine Surgical Aid Program. This touching address reflected the broader theme of service and solidarity, reinforcing the importance of supporting one another both locally and internationally.

Looking Ahead

The 41st Annual Eparchial Convention was a testament to the strength and dedication of our parish leaders, parish organizations, and faithful across Alberta. The event served not only as a moment of reflection but also as a call to action for everyone involved, to continue building our Eparchy, ensuring that the Church remains a vibrant source of faith and community, a witness to Jesus Christ in our world today.

As the Eparchy of Edmonton looks ahead, it is with gratitude for the commitment of all who participated and a renewed sense of purpose for the future. We look forward to the next Eparchial Convention in two years, as we continue to walk together in faith and service to God and his Church.