3rd Annual Kateri Prayer Weekend
Thunderbird Native Friendship Center
Geraldton, Ontario
The Kateri prayer group of Geraldton celebrated their 3rd Annual Prayer Weekend on September 14, 15, 16, 2007. The theme for the weekend was “Listening to the Holy Spirit.”
Friday evening began with introductions by Audrey Fisher as well as opening prayers and a smudging ceremony. The music ministry of Richard Mishake, Stanley Mishake, Roger Desmoulin, George Cooke along with singers; Vivian, Connie McWatch , Pauline Dore and others led us in praise and worship.
Later in the evening Guest Speaker John Corston gave a presentation on the Holy Spirit calling on Him to come and melt us, mold us, fill us and use us. Almost immediately the Spirit of God came upon the people and many were profoundly moved and several were in tears.
The evening closed with more songs of praise and worship. It was really remarkable how everyone in the room was filled with such a tremendous ‘Spirit of Joy’ manifesting it with great exuberance, dancing around the room and rejoicing! This was followed by delicious snacks made by the women of the community.
Saturday morning began with a smudging ceremony by Gregory of Heron Bay, then a presentation on the story of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha by Virginia Corston. During the day several people got up and shared their personal testimonies of how God’s great healing power had changed their lives. Many elders shared on the powerful effect that strong family ties has on each individual in the family and how vital this support is in order for people to experience growth. Many topics were addressed; some shared on the loss of loved ones, on forgiveness, on the need for loving support, etc.
The Saturday evening Healing Service was led by John & Virginia Corston. The music ministry played softly in the background as the people were being ministered to. Everyone received the laying on of hands. During the course of the service there was a powerful inspiration that was acted upon; to rebuke Satan’s hold on native communities by means of alcohol and drugs. Everyone joined in this symbolic action and after there was much praising and thanking God in prayer and song. Those who were in tears began rejoicing, and the music changed to songs of delight at God’s victory over all things! It was most certainly a memorable moment of experiencing God’s Glory for each one of us! By the end of the evening everyone had received individual prayers.
Below: Sunday morning liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Jean Morin of St. John the Baptist Parish, Long Lac.
Below: Though many had to leave Saturday evening some of us gathered for a group picture after mass and a celebration of the wonderful Sunday feast that followed!
Below: Audrey Fisher standing beside the beautiful little Blessed Kateri Shrine. This statue will now go to Long Lac where prayer days are being organized.
We give thanks to Audrey Fisher, Elder Daisy Ishabid, and Andrea Onabigon who organized the entire weekend. A big ‘Thanks’ to all the volunteers; to Gregory and his wife (as well as others) who worked in the kitchen; to those who prepared the meals and to those who set up. We thank Fr. Jean Morin for celebrating Sunday Mass with us. We give thanks to everyone involved and most especially to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for blessing us so abundantly during this Prayer Weekend.
