Friday 26 December 2014

Yukon Christmas Mass

 
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-Burwash Landing Yukon
 
Tim and I were both thrilled when we were told by a new acquaintance  of mine that there would be a Christmas Mass held at the Catholic Church in Burwash Landing.
I have been in this church many times, as it is open to the public in the summer as a museum. It has an attached little school room and then a Priest living quarters, all which have long ago been abandoned.
However, once a year they hold a Christmas Mass in the building.
Interior-Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
 
Here is Tim with Charlie before the service.
The black Propane Heater is set up ahead of time to warm the building, but must be shut off before the services as the fumes are so strong.
The heater in the corner is broken. Since this church no longer receives funds from the hierarchy it will remain so. There was an electric heater (the white one on the left of this photo) but it still didn't keep my toes from feeling frozen, even in my Sorels!
The temperature outside that night was -26.5C.
 
After the forty minute service, we were invited next door to the caretaker's residence for fellowship and snacks. It was so kind of them, and we enjoyed visiting with them and hearing Andre' and Charlie talk about their many trapping experiences from a lifetime of living here in the Yukon Territory.
The caretakers name is Andre, he is a French fellow who still has a very strong, beautiful accent. His wife, Aggie, is a lovely Christian woman who drives the local school bus.
 
Andre' doesn't actually live in the home in the Winter as he is also a caretaker for a gold mine that is about 20 minutes west of their home. The owners of the mine find it more economical to pay someone to stay on site while they are away than to risk their property being vandalised or their equipment stolen.
As for regular church services, the Priest comes to Burwash Landing once a month. These services are held in the caretaker's home. They have a little nook off of the living room with an alter and long folding doors to open when they have services, then close at all other times when there's not.
There where only eight of us who attended the Mass; Tim and I, Charlie and Cecile, Andre' and Aggie, the Priest and his driver, Frank.
 
Side view-Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
 
I can honestly say that I'm thankful for this new way of celebrating Christmas. Although it is not the one I would have chosen for myself, I'm so happy that I now have had this experience to remember for a lifetime and to share with my grandchildren.
 
Again, God has shown me that He is with us no matter where we may wander!
 
~Kimberly~
 





20 comments:

  1. It sounds very intimate Kimberly. Although the service was small, it is always good to find fellowship and a place to celebrate and commemorate the birth of our Lord. I am so glad you were able to do so! Merry Christmas :>)

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  2. What a unique experience! That little church is pretty and quaint. I'm glad you had such a nice place to worship.

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  3. Wow that sound straight out of "Little House on the Prairie" days. What an adventure. So glad you were able to attend a small Christmas service.

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  4. Kimberly, to share, celebrate, sing a hymn and pray together, bless you for sharing this with us. Burwash Landing, such a small place, according to Google, but beautiful, and I can tell the folks there are so friendly, enjoy your time in the Yukon, and for you and Tim, and your family, Christmas and new Year Greetings, health, happiness, with love and hugs, Jean.

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  5. This brought tears to my eyes as I know how you will cherish the memory of that special service at Christmas for a long time. The lights on the porch of the log building make it a joyful sight to see. God is good! Blessings to you my friend.

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  6. This is so special. Thank you for sharing. I am off to share with my boys. They will find this fascinating. God is Good!! Amen!

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  7. Lovely little place ! Glad you enjoyed it regardless of the cold ! Thanks for sharing , Have a good weekend !

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  8. What a wonderful experience and one you'll never forget! I loved reading about it and seeing your photos. Happy holidays my friend! Hugs, Diane

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  9. I think it sounds lovely. It really is a quaint church. I am so glad you got to go to church.

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  10. Kimberly,

    What a beautiful little church. I bet Mass was wonderful. Stay warm, don't work to hard, and enjoy the snow.

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  11. What a lovely post Kimberly. Yes, God is always with us. It reminds me of a verse from the Bible that says, where two or more of you are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst. So, it doesn't matter how large or small a gathering may be, He is there.

    What a wonderful, loving experience you had.

    Have a great 2015 ~ FlowerLady

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  12. What a lovely church and as another commenter said...an intimate way to celebrate Christmas and isn't that what God wants? For all of us to get closer to him and to each other. Thank you for sharing and I love the picture of the church lit with Christmas lights and snow all around. I hope your toes warmed up!

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  13. It sounds lovely and I can imagine how much it meant to you. Truly an experience that will linger long in memory.

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  14. I enjoyed reading your post and seeing that folks are coming together, even in the snowy cold northern Yukon. Matthew 18:20
    “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
    Happy New Year.
    Connie :)

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  15. I can't imagine a sweeter, more meaningful way to celebrate the holiday Kimberly!

    Thank you for stopping by and commenting today. I'm not able to spend much time on line so forgive me if I don't visit as much but my thoughts are with you during this special time of year.

    (((Hugs)))

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  16. What a quaint place for you to be able to attend your church services. Wanted to wish you a very Happy New Year!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  17. So lovely, such a special evening. Happy New Year, Francine.

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  18. What a unique experience. It's been a long time since I have been out in below zero weather..I bet it was COLD!! That is a pretty little church. I'm glad someone is trying to take care of it.

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  19. 'Where two or the are gathered together in my name...'. Lovely way to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We have -25.5 degrees here too, at times, but in Fahrenheit. Now I have to go look it up to see what our equivalent is in degrees F. :-)

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  20. unique Christmas indeed..very cold one too! You are so right these experiences like this will indeed be a wonderful memory to share year after year! So glad God is with us all,,

    Hugs

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All of your comments are read and much appreciated.
You are dear and lovely friends!