Christ the King Parish celebrates 100 years

A good turnout of about 160 people turned out on Sunday, Oct. 19th for the 100th anniversary celebration of Christ the King Parish in Shaunavon. 

The special event, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the blessing of the current Christ the King Church and the 70th anniversary of the parish Catholic Women’s League, included a celebration mass, as well as supper program later in the day.

“It’s a testament to the faith and perseverance of the people,” said Christ the King parish priest Fr. John Mock.

“But it’s also a testament to the community,” he added. “There are a lot of small towns in Saskatchewan that aren’t here anymore.”

The mass was led by Archbishop Daniel Bohan of Regina, assisted by Fr. John.

The special occasion also provided an opportunity for the Archbishop to bless the parish’s Ambry, which is used for the storage of the oils used in sacraments.

The Archbishop also blessed the church’s beautiful Stations of the Cross which were carved by Christ the King parishioner and local artist Maurille Hammond. Stations of the Cross (also known as Way of the Cross) refers to a series of artistic representations depicting Christ carrying the cross to his crucifixion. Most Roman Catholic churches contain Stations of the Cross, typically placed at intervals along the side walls of the nave.

Parishioners later gathered in the church hall for an official program and supper.

The program was emceed by Gloria Illerbrun, the Communications Chair of Pastoral Council.

The event included a performance by the Christ the King School Choir, a few short presentations about the history of the church, and guest speakers Roger Paul (Vice-chair of Pastoral Council on behalf of Pastoral and Finance councils), Father John and Archbishop Bohan.

Archbishop Bohan also presented local officials with a framed certificate commemorating Pope Francis’ blessing of the 100th anniversary of Christ the King Church.

A cake cutting ceremony was also held to mark the 100th anniversary of the parish and the 70th anniversary of the CWL was also held.

“It’s nice to be able to get together and celebrate the 100th anniversary,” he added. “But it’s also a celebration of people who have been here as well as to the future and going forward.”

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