Saskatchewan youth explore what it means to answer their call

Katie Reimer-Wiebe |
Waldheim, Sask.
Participants at Saskatchewan Mennonite Youth Organization's senior high retreat enjoy hot chocolate around the campfire. (Photo by Katie Reimer-Wiebe)

Saskatchewan Mennonite Youth Organization retreats are an annual highlight, and the senior-high retreat held at Shekinah Retreat Centre has been an opportunity for youth to reunite with each other for a long time.

The weekend event has seen some changes over the years, but always includes worship times featuring a speaker and band, outside winter fun, a coffee house, and often cinnamon buns. This year, the youth welcomed back Catherine Richard as the speaker. She has attended retreats in the past as the Saskatchewan admissions counsellor from Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg.

Last fall, she made the decision to call Saskatchewan home, giving her a good perspective to speak on the topic of “Answering your call.” The current CMU admissions counsellor, Alex Tiessen, led the youth in an outdoor curling bonspiel on the pond. A large snowfall that coincided with the youths’ arrival at Shekinah made Jan. 27, 2018, the perfect day to be on the ice and around the outdoor fire with hot chocolate. Being a small group this year gave participants the opportunity to have an intimate weekend of connecting and sharing their stories with one another.

Participants at Saskatchewan Mennonite Youth Organization's senior high retreat enjoy hot chocolate around the campfire. (Photo by Katie Reimer-Wiebe)

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