Nearly 200 guests gathered in faith and fellowship for the 16th Annual Bishop’s Gala on Thursday, December 4, at the Chateau Louis Conference Centre in Edmonton. Bishop David welcomed clergy, religious, lay faithful, and friends of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton for an evening of prayerful reflection, community, and support for a new pastoral initiative.

Always Our Parishioners: Caring for the Sick and Dying

This year’s Gala highlighted Bishop David’s new pastoral initiative, “Always Our Parishioners: Caring for the Sick and Dying.” The initiative invites every parish to renew its commitment to visiting and accompanying those who are sick, isolated, or nearing the end of life, ensuring that no one is forgotten in their time of suffering.

Guests viewed a special video in which Bishop David explained the vision of this ministry, followed by reflections from Deacon Peter Pitchko, who shared his experiences this summer visiting the elderly and sick in hospitals through a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. Their testimonies underlined the deep spiritual, emotional, and human value of compassionate presence at the bedside, rooted in the Gospel call to love and mercy.

An Evening of Generosity and Joy

Through the generosity of attendees and benefactors, nearly $80,000 was raised to support eparchial initiatives, especially enabling parishes to develop teams and resources for the pastoral care of the sick and dying.

Boyd Leader guided the evening as master of ceremonies, helping create a joyful and welcoming atmosphere. Guests enjoyed a festive meal and raffle draws, and enthusiastically participated in both silent and live auctions featuring Oilers tickets, art pieces, jewellery, golf for six, a Kimberley condo stay for ten, cooking lessons with Bishop David, and more. A special highlight of the live auction was an original painting, created in real time during the evening and donated by artist Katherine Tilbury.

Gratitude to Organizations and Sponsors

The Eparchy extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended, including representatives from the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association, Edmonton Catholic Schools, Newman Theological College, the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, the Knights of Columbus, the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (UCWLC), parish communities, Holy Spirit Seminary, St. Joseph’s College, Catholic Social Services, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council, the Ukrainian National Federation, the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, and the Bishop Budka Charitable Society. Their presence witnessed to a shared commitment to the dignity of every person and the mission of the Church.

One Faith, One Mission

Beyond fundraising, the Gala was a joyful gathering of people from many organizations and walks of life, united by one faith in God and one shared goal: to support our Eparchy and its mission of pastoral care. Guests spent the evening reconnecting with friends, meeting new faces, and deepening their sense of common purpose in service to the sick, the vulnerable, and all parishioners entrusted to the Church.

Sponsors

Sincere appreciation is also offered to the many sponsors whose support made the evening possible.
Sponsors for this year’s Gala included generous support at every level. At the Platinum level were Nelson Granite, the Owerko Family Foundation, and St Stephen Protomartyr Parish in Calgary. Gold‑level sponsors were Biondan North America Inc., Bishop David Motiuk, Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre, Europa Memorial Ltd., Kingston Ross Pasnak LLP, and Park Memorial Funeral Home. Silver‑level support came from Anna Fialka, Bar D Building Contractors Ltd., Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God Parish (Edmonton), Greg and Laurie Yuzwa, Gregory Warwa (Royal LePage Noralta), Harmony Senior Citizens Society, Michael Sorochuk, and Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Krakow. Bronze‑level donors included Dean Sarnecki, Elaine Stayura, Linden Predy, Ernest and Mary Ann Phillips, Florence Woywitka, Helen Sirman, Neil Koziak, Orest & Linda Gowda, Maria Shysh, Mary Tymko, Mike Yakymyshyn, Phyllis Kobitowich, Morris and Vera Chichak, Rev. Athanasius McVay, Sylvia Wengryn, Taras Podilsky, Teresa Zolner, the UCWLC at St Basil Parish, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parishes in Radway and Star, Descent of the Holy Spirit Parishes in Lloydminster and Waskatenau, Holy Trinity Parish in Leduc, Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Edmonton, St Demetro Parish in Hilliard, and St Vladimir Parish in Edmonton.

Silent auction donors included Andrew and Oksana Tarnawsky, ten anonymous donors, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Calgary, Callingwood Safeway, Camrose and District Parishes, Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre, Columbia Awards, Daryl and Mel Leiding, Duke Warwa, the Edmonton Catholic School Division Board of Trustees, Ernest Oginsky, Gerald and Carol Draganiuk, Holy Cross Parish (Edmonton), Irene Pryma, Iris Kirschner, Iryna Laschuk, the Knights of Columbus Fr. Hannas Council, the Kyrzyk family, Leduc Co‑op, Lesia Lesoway, Marjorie Wright, Mary Anne Pshyk, Michael Savaryn and Ustyna Stefanchuk, Mike and Sharon Sheptak, Park Memorial Funeral Home, Ron and Donna Pierce, Sheproc Interiors Ltd., Sorrentino’s Little Italy, St. Josaphat Cathedral, St. Vladimir Parishes in Edmonton and Red Deer, Sylvia Kuyzyk, the UCWLC Dormition Parish, Ustinia Skicova, Virginia Sharek, and Wilhauk Beef Jerky in Leduc. Live auction donors were Alex Schabel, Bishop David Motiuk, Ed Koshka, Katherine Tilbury, and Rig Hand Distillery, with special gratitude extended once more to Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre for its ongoing hospitality and sponsorship.

Mark your calendars and save the date:
The 17th Annual Bishop’s Gala will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2026