History and Archival Collections

The Ukrainian Catholic Religious Education Centre: A Short History

In 1983, Sr. Christine returned from her studies, resuming her position as Director. Sr. Carmela remained the Assistant Director until 1985 when she left Winnipeg to pursue a Master’s degree in spirituality. Cheryl Zinyk, who was working with youth, joined the staff, temporarily replacing Sr. Carmela. In 1986 when Sr. Christine took a teaching position in Saskatchewan, Sr. Carmela was appointed Director. Sr. Patricia Lacey, SSMI, served as Assistant Director from 1986-1990. In 1987, with Sr. Marie Shewchuk, SSMI, Sr. Patricia co-authored a manual for catechists, Journey of Faith, a resource book for the celebration of the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine.

In 1989 on behalf of the Canadian Ukrainian Catholic Bishops, Metropolitan Maxim Hermaniuk requested through Provincial Superior Sr. Ambrose Stachiw, SSMI, that the Sisters Servants produce a catechetical programme for children preparing for the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Sr. Carmela played a significant part in formulating the programme We Are Children of Light, piloting it in the Archeparchy, finalizing, publishing and promoting it. The programme, published in Ukrainian and English editions, consisted of a teacher’s guide, children’s workbook and an audio cassette of original religious songs. Currently it is used in most Ukrainian Catholic parishes and in schools world-wide.

Over the years many lay persons worked with the Sisters to develop and promote the UCREC. All were valuable; most were volunteers. For instance, Helena and Michael Chuckree volunteered for a number of years as liaisons between the Centre and rural catechists in the Dauphin Deanery. Sandra Dobson and Olga Twerdun served as team members in the faith formation of adults. Joe Kulyk volunteered as computer consultant, Norm Dobson as financial accountant; Gwen Pich volunteered in the Prison Ministry Programme. Heather Rutley served as financial advisor and as recording secretary during the annual meetings. Mary Gural worked with both Sr. Hilary and Sr. Carmela in the Prison Ministry Programme, and during the annual meetings, filled the role of recording secretary, as had her predecessor, Jean Solylo.

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