Sisters of the Presentation of Mary

The Discernment Program being offered in Saskatoon since 1986 came as a result of a General Chapter Option for Vocation Ministry.  We, the Sisters of the Prince Albert Province, felt that we could respond to that call by forming a community with young women and journeying with them as they learned how to lead a fulfilling Christian life in the world.

This ministry would continue the charism and mission handed down to us by our Foundress, Marie Rivier. Sr. Pauline Sevigny and Sr. Lise Paquette were given the task to invite young women to "come and see". Sr. Pauline left her pastoral work in Bellevue and Sr. Lise resigned from teaching so as to be fully present to this endeavor.

Sr. Pauline writes: As I had been a teacher for many years, I realized how difficult it was for young people to choose a way of life amid all the possible choices. I envisaged a Discernment process adapted to their needs and culture, a process that would serve both the Church and hopefully our Congregation.

The program includes principles and ideas from Adult Christian Education, Journaling, and Psychology. It also comprises Spiritual Direction, sharing on the Gospel and a Behavioral Assessment Test (TJTA) when possible. This eight to nine months process for girls is a tool that greatly facilitates a choice of vocation that corresponds to the aspirations and aptitudes of the candidates. The House has a second aim: Christian Living. Girls are invited to learn how to pray the Divine Office, assist at the Eucharistic Celebration and experience Community life while receiving spiritual help.

We have come a long way since the beginnings in 1986.

The three Discernment Weekends which are open to all young adults follow more or less the above pattern in a concise form. During the weekends, the participants delve into their personal history, renew or begin a relationship with Christ.

After 25 years, this program continues helping our young adults to really believe that God loves them. They experience a certain freedom in their lives. They can make better choices. They come to know themselves and trust themselves. It has been a beautiful experience to live, journey and work with hundreds of young adults who come to our house. Many have married, some have joined religious communities and some have gone to the seminary. With Sr. Lise and the Sisters of our Province, I believe that our Congregation, our Church and our world is a better place because of our "Live-In Community Experience" in Saskatoon, SK.