Packing List and Things You Need to Know About Coming to Unity 2014

Can it be only 2 days away? Honestly, everyone, I’m kind of freaking out… with excitement! With all the planning the Core Team has been doing since November 2012, we’re in for a great weekend. To help all of you be a little more prepared about attending Unity, here is a packing list and a few things you need to know about Augustana Campus and what will be going on at Unity 2014. If you’ve already registered, you should have received a document containing this information in your confirmation email. If for some reason you didn’t get it, the info is below. NOTE: one thing not listed on the packing list was a new or almost new and clean article of clothing you are willing to donate for the Youth Shelter in Camrose. And on to the info:

I. WHERE TO GO, AND HOW TO GET THERE

Unity 2014 will be taking place at Augustana University in Camrose, Alberta. Transportation will be available for those flying in to Edmonton.

If you are taking any form of transportation other than air or driving directly there – please contact the team at this.is.unity.2014@gmail.com or Taras at 780-236-4614.

Once you arrive at Augustana, head over to the Faith and Life Centre main entrance and you will be greeted by a wonderful hospitality crew, a welcome package, and an amazing group of young adults and spiritual leaders from across the country.

If you are driving, here is a google map link to help with your travels, http://bit.ly/XHWspg

II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ONCE YOU GET THERE

We will have a cash bar (cheap drinks, we promise!) at the Taste of the Eparchies and Zabava. Bring enough cash with you to support your interests! There are no truly convenient ATM’s.

Augustana is a dry campus. Liquor is only permitted in the designated areas and at the designated times.

There is cell phone reception in case you need to make an emergency phone call or if your family needs to get a hold of you from home. There is limited Internet access on site.

There is no need to bring bedding, but please bring your own towel. Showers are divided but they are mainly dorm-style so you may wish to bring shower sandals.

We are trying to make Unity as “green” as possible. If you have a water bottle and/or travel mug – bring them along.

We have a fantastic team on site to accommodate you in every way possible – if you are hot, cold, hungry, confused, or just looking for someone to talk to – they’ll be there!

III. WHAT TO BRING

A packing list for you:

• bug spray and sunscreen
• a blanket or something to sit on for any outdoor sessions
• cash for social events
• a travel mug for hot beverages and water bottle
• ear plugs, if you’re a light sleeper
• casual clothes (for most of the weekend)
• semi-formal clothes (for banquet and dance) – no jeans or T-shirts, please!
• church clothes (for, you guessed it, church!)
• toiletries
• a small flashlight
• a (new or almost new and clean) item of clothing to donate to the youth shelter in Camrose
• shower sandals (optional)
• your provincial health card
• rain gear
• an open mind, an open heart, and a positive attitude ☺

IV. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, August 14^th

4:00pm–Registration
5:30pm–Welcome Dinner
6:45pm–Welcome keynote
7:00pm–Vespers/Opening Ceremonies
8:00pm–Ice Breakers
9:00pm–TBA

Friday, August 15

7:45-8:30am–Breakfast
9:00am–Divine Liturgy
10:30am–Break
11:00am–Keynote #2
11:45am–Break
12:00pm–Lunch
1:30pm–Session 1
2:30pm–Break
2:45pm–Session 2
3:45pm–Break
4:00pm–Bishop’s Panel
5:30pm–Dinner
7:00pm–Akathist
8:30pm–Taste of the Eparchies

Saturday, August 16

7:15am–Optional Divine Liturgy
7:45-9:00am–Breakfast
9:00am–Third Hour
9:15am–Session 3
10:15am–Break
10:30am–Session 4
11:30am–Break
12:00pm–Lunch
1:30pm–Reconciliation Service
4:00pm–Optional Vespers
6:00pm–Banquet
8:00pm–Zabava

Sunday, August 17

7:45-9:00am–Breakfast
10:00am–Divine Liturgy
12:00pm–Lunch and Ending Keynote

V. WORKSHOP CHOICES

There will be 12 phenomenal workshops offered at Unity 2014.

The bad news:  You only get to choose 4.

For each break out session slot there will be several workshops happening at the same time.

Also – session space is limited.  You will be able to sign-up at registration on a first come, first served basis.  Please consider in advance which sessions you would like to attend.  To refresh your memory:

Workshops

Note: All sessions are offered twice, once on Friday and once on Saturday, with the exception of the talks by Srs. Emily and Zoe. Their talks will only be offered on Saturday.

Session 1 on Friday, August 15th at 1:30 pm: (choose one)

1. “Warm Bodies.” What our bodies tell us about what it means to be human. (Debbie Larmour)
-An intro to Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body
*For those who have little to no experience with Theology of the Body

2. “Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match!” (Fr. Mihajlo Planchak)
-Based on Crystalina and Jason Evert’s book How to Find Your Soul-mate Without Losing Your Soul.

3. “I feel the need—the need to read (the Bible)!” How to Read the Bible (Fr. Daniel Wach, OSBM)
-Is it a manual? Storybook? History? Myth? Find out in this session! 

4. “Are you watching closely?” The Beauty of Iconography (Kim Bombak)
-A look at what goes into writing an icon and how we use it to pray and further our faith.

 5. “May the force be with you! And with your spirit! Wait, what? – Divine Liturgy 101” (Jess Lastiwka)

-What really goes on during all those “Lord have mercy”s and signs of the cross? Find out here!

Session 2 on Friday, August 15th at 2:45 pm: (choose one)

6. Les Misérables: What our Bodies Tell us About our Relationship with God (Debbie Larmour)
-A more in depth look at Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body
*For those who desire a deeper look at Theology of the Body

7. “Houston, we have a problem.” (Or do we?): Women Deacons in the Church (Tobias Underwood)
-The history of women deacons in the Ukrainian Catholic Church and what looking at the past means for the future.

8. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding: How to make a marriage work when there is a cultural divide” (Carol and Eric Batty)
-Delve into the life of a couple who’s managed to make it work despite the odds.

9. “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” (Bishop Bryan Bayda)

-The fabric of faith that holds communities together can be seen as a gift for growth. How do we keep our faith and at the same time share it with others who belong to other world religions and faith traditions? What is UNITY after all?

10. “The name’s Francis. Pope Francis.” Get to Know our Beloved Pope. (Bishop David Motiuk)
-The man at the head of the Catholic Church: his past, his present, his future, and what that means for us.

Session 3 on Saturday, August 16th at 9:15 am: (choose one)

 1. “Warm Bodies.” What our bodies tell us about what it means to be human (Debbie Larmour)
-An intro to Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body
*For those who have little to no experience with Theology of the Body

2. “Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match!” (Fr. Mihajlo Planchak)
-Based on Crystalina and Jason Evert’s book How to Find Your Soul-mate Without Losing Your Soul.

3. “I feel the need—the need to read (the Bible)!” How to Read the Bible (Fr. Daniel Wach, OSBM)
-Is it a manual? Storybook? History? Myth? Find out in this session! 

4. “Are you watching closely?” The Beauty of Iconography (Kim Bombak)
-A look at what goes into writing an icon and how we use it to pray and further our faith.

5. “May the force be with you! And with your spirit! Wait, what? – Divine Liturgy 101” (Jess Lastiwka)
-What really goes on during all those “Lord have mercy”s and signs of the cross? Find out here!

6. “Mamma Mia!” Ethical Issues Around Birth (Sr. Zoe Bernatsky)
-Learn about the newest issues surrounding conception and birth thanks to an advanced technological age.

7. Our Christian Vocation: To Boldly Go With God Where We Have Never Gone Before (Sr. Emily Schietzsch)
-Following God can be the most exciting, fulfilling and life-changing adventure imaginable. The trick is to let God take the lead and then, follow him everywhere. Sound easy? This workshop will discuss what it means to follow Christ with everything we have and offer some practical suggestions for how to do so.

Session 4 on Saturday, August 16th at 10:30 am: (choose one)

8. Les Misérables: What our Bodies Tell us About our Relationship with God (Debbie Larmour)
-A more in depth look at Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body
*For those who desire a deeper look at Theology of the Body

9. “Houston, we have a problem.” (Or do we?): Women Deacons in the Church (Tobias Underwood)
-The history of women deacons in the Ukrainian Catholic church and what looking at the past means for the future.

10. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding: How to make a marriage work when there is a cultural divide” (Carol and Eric Batty)
-Delve into the life of a couple who’s managed to make it work despite the odds.

11. “The name’s Francis. Pope Francis.” Get to Know our Beloved Pope. (Bishop David Motiuk)
-The man at the head of the Catholic Church: his past, his present, his future, and what that means for us.

12. “Mamma Mia!” Ethical Issues Around Birth (Sr. Zoe Bernatsky)
-Learn about the newest issues surrounding conception and birth thanks to an advanced technological age.

13. “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” (Bishop Bryan Bayda)

-The fabric of faith that holds communities together can be seen as a gift for growth. How do we keep our faith and at the same time share it with others who belong to other world religions and faith traditions? What is UNITY after all?

14. Our Christian Vocation: To Boldly Go With God Where We Have Never Gone Before (Sr. Emily Schietzsch)
-Following God can be the most exciting, fulfilling and life-changing adventure imaginable. The trick is to let God take the lead and then, follow him everywhere. Sound easy? This workshop will discuss what it means to follow Christ with everything we have and offer some practical suggestions for how to do so.

VI. CONTACT INFORMATION

Here is the contact information for Augustana. In the case of an emergency, please contact Millie directly at (780) 446-1061.

The University of Alberta Augustana Campus
4901 – 46 Avenue
Camrose, Alberta
T4V 2R3

Phone: (780) 679-1100

See you soon!

The Unity 2014 Planning Team

Our Last Supper

With only a week to go until Unity 2014, members of the Core Team and Edmonton Eparchial young adults gathered together for a final grand meeting to touch on some last-minute points before Unity begins. In an alarming coincidence, we realized that there were 13 of us seated around the table… just like Jesus and His 12 Apostles at the Last Supper. Can you guess where Jesus and Judas sit in this picture?

#OneMoreWeek!

Joyanne

Speaker Spotlight: Sr. Emily Shietzsch, SSMI

The Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate are a very important part of Unity; after all, it was Sr. Marie Bielski, SSMI who came up with the idea! As a result, we are so blessed to have some of the SSMI with us for our Unity weekend. One such lady is none other than Sr. Emily Schietzsch.

Sr. Emily will be giving a session on vocations entitled, “Our Christian Vocation: To Boldly Go With God Where We Have Never Gone Before.” Sr. Emily did a session on Vocations in Pinawa in 2012, but her session touched so many hearts that the Core Team knew they just had to have her again for this Unity! I also think this is the point where I’m supposed to mention that Sr. Emily is a minor Trekkie, so that may or may not come up in her session. As for her professional bio, she writes the following:

I was born and raised in Edmonton, AB. I joined the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate in September of 2010 and currently reside in the Provincial House in Toronto. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Theology. I enjoy alpine skiing, walking and serving the disabled, the need and the frail.

A true sister, through and through! I’d love to hear what she has to say about finding our way to what God intends for us, wouldn’t you?

Peace,

Joyanne 😀

Core Team Spotlight: Erin Mayko

Another Core Team Spotlight?! How many people are on this Core Team? Just enough, my friends, just enough. On this episode of the Core Team Spotlight it’s sibling time once again with Beth’s younger sister, Erin Mayko.

Catching up with Erin, we were able to chat a bit about Unity 2014:

So, Erin, Unity’s right around the corner! Remind me and our audience what your position on the Core Team is.
My job on the core team is organizing and implementing the non-liturgical, social elements (mainly the Icebreakers, taste of the Eparchies, and banquet/Zabava). I also help out with the other areas when needed.

So, basically, you’re in charge of fun! What a great role to have. Does this mean that if there aren’t enough party hats, we can complain to you? Just kidding; I know there aren’t any party hats. You’ve been to Pinawa for Unity 2012 and your sister, Beth, also attended Unity 2009 in Ancaster. No doubt this Unity is going to be different than the previous two. What do you think the Edmonton Eparchy has to offer in order to make this Unity awesome?
We have a large youth following in Edmonton/Alberta, so we have the man power to make it awesome.

Strength in numbers. I like it! I’ve asked everyone else this and you’re no exception: what are you most excited about Unity 2014?
I am most looking forward to meeting new people and making more connections with people my age who share my faith.

One last question: if you could convince someone to come to Unity in one sentence, what would you say?
How many people can say they have a group of friends that not only have a mutual passion for The Lord, but are also willing to express it and walk through their faith journey together?

Eh? Pretty great answers! Just another reason to register, register, REGISTER! By August 7! Cheques and credit cards are welcome and don’t forget to email us with any questions you may have by filling out the Contact Form.

God bless!

Joyanne 😀

Speaker Spotlight: Jess Lastiwka

Ever wanted to know more about the Divine Liturgy and what’s really happening during all those “Lord, have mercy”s and signs of the cross? We’ve got just the person to walk you through it: Jess Lastiwka.

Learning more about Jess means understanding the following in her own words:

Jessalyn Lastiwka is a cradle Ukr Cath born and raised in Sherwood Park. She has a love of learning and thus has been going to school, as a teacher or student, for 29 years.   She first obtained a degree in Environmental and Conservational Science and immediately after that lived for one year at “ Welcome Home”, a mission of the Ukr. Catholic Redemptorists in Winnepeg.  Jessalyn met her future husband Father Bohdan Nahachewsky at various youth events during this time. Something had begun between the two of them and she followed him to Ottawa where they both studied Theology. They were quickly convinced of God’s plan for them and were married the next summer. God blessed them with 3 children- Theo, Joseph, and Seraphine. In between being a mom and a seminarian/Deacon/priest’s wife Jess was able to complete a Bachelor of Theology degree in Eastern Christian Studies.

The family was stationed in Lloydminster for the past 10 years. There Jessalyn taught music lessons to young children and subsequently decided to pursue teaching. She completed a Bachelor of Education degree in 2011 and has been teaching elementary school ever since. They moved to Calgary this past summer and are now serving at St Stephen’s Parish.

Whew! Busy lady, indeed! No doubt with all the knowledge she has obtained through her studies and marriage Jess will be able to lead those attending her session into a better understanding of our Divine Liturgy. Another #GreatReason to attend Unity 2014.

God bless,

Joyanne

Core Team Spotlight: Damian Rudiak

Core Team Spotlight time. Who shall it be? My dear baby brother, Damian Rudiak!

To help all you get better acquainted with Damian, I went ahead and interviewed him for just that purpose.

So, Damian, here we are about 2 weeks away from Unity 2014! Let’s start by telling everyone what your position on the Core Team is.
I don’t know what my job is on the Core Team. I give my insight when I feel it applies, which doesn’t happen that often since this is my first Unity. I guess I’m a voice for the people who are new to Unity since I’m new as well.

That’s a very good point, and a really important perspective to have, especially since we hope a lot of new people will attend Unity this August. Going through all this planning, then, what does Unity mean for you?
I spend most of my time talking about God with kids so Unity is a chance for me to talk with people my own age about God and share in our experiences and struggles.

Ah, yes, the joys of being the Assistant Director of Camp Oselia. I’m sure you’ll find no shortage of inspiring conversation at Unity. Speaking of which, what are you most looking forward to during Unity?
I’m excited to spend time with all our guests and really get to know them and just hang out. Oh and talking. I’m really excited to talk.

And people say we aren’t siblings… that gift of gab really does run in the family! But enough about our family. Since you are a newbie to Unity, which, as we’ve already discussed, is an valuable perspective to have on the Core Team, why would you encourage others to come to Unity?
People should come to Unity for the sole purpose of meeting me…obviously. If you’re unsure about your faith or you’re very passionate and want a deeper understanding, why not come to Unity? It is the place you will get your answers which hopefully lead to more questions…and then more answers…and more questions and answers and staying up all night having a discussion about Christ in a non-judgmental environment where everyone understands how you feel and what you’re going through and they just want to support you in the hopes they might find some comfort in sharing God with you.

*Sniff* Wow, I didn’t know my baby bro had it in him! Well, peeps, you heard the man! Get yourselves to Unity. Only 13 days until we begin! Make sure to get your registrations in by August 7 (otherwise you might not have food…).

Peace,

Joyanne 😀

Speaker Spotlight: Bishop Bryan Bayda

Who’s the man of the hour? Why, it’s Bishop Bryan Bayda, of course!

 

We have the pleasure of hosting Saskatchewan’s Bishop Bryan Bayda, who will be participating in the Bishop’s Panel alongside Bishop David Motiuk, as well as leading his session on World Religions. Entitled “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” Bishop Bryan will speak on the sometimes baffling subject of how we as Ukrainian Catholic young adults can interact and learn from our neighbours with different faiths while still keeping and growing in our own faith. As Bishop Bryan puts it, “What is UNITY after all?”

As for the man under the mitre, Bishop Bryan describes himself thus:

Born on his mother’s birthday August 21, 1961 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Bryan became the third of six children that God entrusted to his parents Joseph and Florence Bayda.  He attended Bishop Murray Elementary School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and high school at St. Vladimir’s College Minor Seminary in Roblin, Manitoba. The minor seminary, served by the Ukrainian Catholic Redemptorists, played an important role in nurturing his prayer life, Eastern spirituality and love for the performing arts of his Ukrainian heritage.

His post secondary education includes a 1982 BA from U of Toronto; 1987 M.Div. from U of Toronto St. Michael’s College; 1990 B.Ed. from U of Manitoba; and 1997 Eastern Theology Diploma from Metropolitan Andrew Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies. He professed perpetual vows as a Redemptorist in 1986, was ordained a priest May 30, 1987 and served in parishes, taught high school, did pastoral ministry, played an active role in various church youth activities including retreats, eparchial summer camps, five World Youth Day Pilgrimages and Youth For Christ Rallies.

On May 2, 2008 Pope Benedict XIV appointed him as Bishop of the Eparchy of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for Ukrainian Catholics and he was ordained bishop on June 27, 2008. He currently serves on the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Doctrine Commission and Bishop Bryan still enjoys activities such as scuba diving, playing guitar and card games, and the occasional round of golf.

A pretty cool guy, if I do say so myself. I mean, just check out his shades from the last Unity in Pinawa:

God bless!

Joyanne 😀

P.s. 15 days!!! It’s not too late to register, so don’t delay!

Hey Zabava!

Unity 2014’s zabava on Saturday night promises to be a fantastic time thanks to the music stylings of Edmonton band, Euphoria!

Euphoria is a fusion of Ukrainian pop, rock, and traditional music from Ukraine along with English favorites and is creating a transformational sound in the Ukrainian-Canadian music scene. Created in 2007, Euphoria has become a leader in creating an ultimate experience for clients and guests at weddings, dances, and performances. The band was formed on a foundation of their love for Ukrainian folk music. However with the influence of modern Ukrainian pop, rock, and techno artists from Ukraine, Euphoria has incorporated these genres into a unique sound. Alongside these modern elements of Ukrainian pop-culture, Euphoria’s love for playing traditional polkas, waltzs, and tangos is evident when they perform. In addition to Ukrainian music, the band performs a variety of English pop songs, country songs, and many good ol’ classics. Euphoria is thrilled to perform for you at Unity 2014! Join Euphoria in conversation: visit facebook.com/euphoriaukrainianband, twitter.com/euphoriaukiband, or their website www.euphoriaband.ca.

Just another of many reasons to get in your registration today! Any questions? Fill out our contact form or contact the Chancery Office at (780) 424-5496 during regular office hours.

Peace and God Bless!

Joyanne 😀

Speaker Spotlight: Fr. Stephen Wojcichowsky

Another day, another SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT! Today? Our fearless Keynote Speaker, Fr. Stephen Wojcichowsky (I’m still having trouble spelling his last name).

 

When asked to give us a brief bio, Fr. Stephen sent us the following:

Father Stephen was born and raised in Montreal.

He was educated at the following post-secondary institutions: 

• Loyola of Montreal (B.A. in Political Science; post-B.A. diploma in Theology),
• University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto (M.A. in Theology),
• University of Toronto Faculty of Education (Bachelor of Education), 
• John XXIII Institute of Eastern Christian Studies, Maryknoll Seminary, Fordham, N.Y. (M.A. in Eastern Christian Theology)
• Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario (Certificate in Teacher Librarianship), and
• Saint Paul University, Ottawa (Licentiate in Sacred Theology, Eastern Christian Studies)  

Since 1975, Father Stephen has been a teacher, principal and consultant in the Catholic school systems of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.  He was the Director of Religious Education Services for the Edmonton Catholic School District from 1999 to 2007. Most recently he completed two three-year terms as the Director of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. 

Over this same period, he has been active in parish ministry as a Ukrainian Catholic deacon, assistant priest and pastor in the eparchies of Toronto, New Westminster and Edmonton. Since September 2013, he has been serving the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton as Chancellor and Vicar General.  

 Father Stephen has led retreats, given talks and served on local and national committees in the areas of Catholic Education, Eastern Christian spirituality, ecumenism, the role of the laity, and youth ministry. He has been a lecturer at Concordia College, Edmonton, in the field of Religious Education. He has also lectured at Newman Theological College, Edmonton, in the areas of Religious Education and Eastern Christianity. Most recently he taught several courses at the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute

Father Stephen is married to Maria (née Jakimowicz). Together they have three children and six grandchildren.

Some other fun facts about Fr. Stephen:

He enjoys reading classic mysteries and thrillers, completing cryptic crosswords (his words) and Sudoku, playing folksy 60s/70s music on guitar, wine making (as a disciple of Christ should), and watching movies! He is also an avid fan of the Edmonton Eskimos (boo ya!).

I personally have heard Fr. Stephen speak and I have no doubt his keynote will intrigue, challenge, and inspire. Another great reason to register for Unity today! And while you’re at it, check out the updated Sessions page to educate yourselves on which session you’d like to attend when you’re at Unity.

God bless and tune in next time for another Spotlight!

Joyanne

Hot Tubs

I just have two words for you:

HOT. TUBS.

That is all.

God bless,

Joyanne 😀