CANORA - After four decades of serving God in East Central Saskatchewan, and 28 years at the STS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canora, a farewell/retirement social was held to pay tribute to Father Joakim Rac at the Ukrainian Catholic Hall in Canora on July 9.
The affection for Father Rac was apparent as approximately 135 supporters filled the Hall for the event, according to Dave Popowich, parish president.
Father Rac led in saying grace before the meal.
Following the meal, Dave Popowich, parish president, led a program as the MC. In addition to paying tribute to Father Rac for his spiritual guidance over the years, memories were shared which were often a reason to smile for those in attendance.
Debbie Dutchak, Canora UCWL co-president, congratulated Father Rac on his retirement.
“We will all miss you as our spiritual leader and provider of all sacraments,” said Dutchak. “You have also been a friend, a confidante, a great source of knowledge, encouragement, and a counselor and teacher to myself personally, but also to my children and grandchildren. There are so many memories to cherish. And we are always thankful for your personal prayers for us.”
Dutchak and Popowich presented Father Rac with a gift of wine, “to celebrate you.”
“You always brought wine for our perogy-making groups to enjoy,” continued Dutchak. “And I have to say, I have never seen a group of aged women enjoy a small glass of wine so much and then giggle like young girls. It’s a small gesture but much appreciated and enjoyed.”
Dutchak went to share the well-known saying that, “Behind most good men is a strong, righteous, good woman. Father, you are very blessed with your wife, Zlatica. She is a gentle lady of caring, compassion, and with such a loving heart. And that’s not just for her own, but for everyone in church, at work, while nursing, and for the entire community.
“She has opened her heart to all, a good friend in every sense of the word. She’s always been a great asset to our UCWL, graciously helping out with all our activities and fundraisers. She’s generous whenever called upon and always encouraging us.
“On a couple of occasions, Father Rac has referred to Zlatica as ‘his boss.’ We would all be so blessed and fortunate to have such a boss like her. She’s a quiet lady, but her smile of greeting speaks volumes.
“We are wishing you both peace, love and much happiness. Take very good care of each other. Zlatica, you can now enjoy not having to share your husband’s time, efforts and commitment to so many other people. God bless you both for many years as you enjoy your golden years of retirement,” said Dutchak.
“We will keep you both in our prayers like the family we all grew into being. Should you find yourself back in the area for whatever reason, I’m sure you will be greeted by hundreds of open doors.”
Zlatica opened her remarks by turning to her husband with the words, “I am proud of you,” and then addressed the entire gathering.
“First, I want to give thanks to God for being present in our lives, and thanks to our children,” she said. “We were blessed to be part of this community. I want to give thanks to all of you for opening up your hearts to us, starting 40 years ago when we first came to this area. You became our family. I wish you strong health and many happy years. Thank you and God bless you all.”
Danny Rakochy, parish vice-president, said, “It’s an honour to be giving the opportunity to say a few words to Father Rac.
“Today brings both sadness and joy for me; sadness in that we are saying goodbye and losing Father Rac and Zlatica from our lives. We have to thank God for blessing our lives with Father Rac and his family for 40 years, considering that we could have had a number of changes in priests during that time. Father Rac dedicated his life to doing God’s work serving the parishes of this and many other surrounding communities. Father Rac also holds many positions in the diocese and attends many meetings throughout the province that contribute to the welfare of the diocese.”
Rakochy said there are also reasons for joy on this special celebration.
“The joy is for having Father Rac and his family in our lives. The joy is for Father Rac and Zlatica on their retirement after many years of selfless dedication and service to parishioners, parishes and the community. They can now spend time for themselves and their growing family.
“God bless you with a very long, happy and healthy retirement. Farewell and our many blessings to you and your family,” concluded Rakochy.
Ernie Kozak was on the parish council when Father Rac first came to Canora.
“Congratulations Father on your 40 years of dedicated and faithful service,” said Kozak. “That’s a remarkable achievement and milestone in your life. Realistically, that’s about 1,920 liturgies in 40 years. Approximately 1,300 of those liturgies were done in our church in 28 years at our parish, and along with the liturgies were many sermons also. Now, how many of those sermons do we remember?
“As a young, ambitious and impressive priest, Father Rac wished to make an everlasting impression on his congregation,” recalled Kozak. “So on one particular Sunday morning, he decided to give his sermon on the harmful effects of alcohol. ‘Alcohol,’ he stated, ‘is a vice that destroys families, leads to financial problems, loss of jobs and other problems, and needs to be addressed.’ For his solution, he suggested everyone present go home after mass and empty their wine, beer and whisky containers; and go and cast the alcohol in the river. After a lengthy pause, he turned to the choir and asked, ‘What hymn should we sing now/?’
With a quick response, Danny (Rakochy) replied ‘Shall We Gather at the River.’”
“Father, we are so grateful for your many years of dedicated service to our church and community,” said Kozak. “Thank you for your prayers, time away from your family, sacrifices, and God-inspiring sermons. Your work and faithfulness are a blessing to us all. That we will miss. Thanks you for being a faithful servant to our parish for so many years.
“Congratulations on your well-earned retirement. Enjoy your new journey of your life and may all your dreams come true,” concluded Kozak.
Father Rac responded to the messages of gratitude and good wishes.
“First I want to give thanks to God for being present in our lives; for his love, protection and guidance,” he said. “I want to give thanks to our children and their spouses, to Mila and Sophie. You are our strength. Thanks to my sister and her family for always being with us. I want to give thanks to all of you for opening your hearts to us.”
Father Rac was in the Vatican Seminary in Rome from 1967 to 1982, and on Oct. 24, 1982 he was ordained, before coming to Canada with his wife Zlatica.
Since arriving in East-Central Saskatchewan, he has served in over 50 parishes across the region, as well as Benito and Swan River in Manitoba. Among his many other accomplishments, Father Rac was a recent recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
“Forty years ago, we were very young,” he recalled. “We left our parents, brother and sisters, friends; we left our shelter and security. It was God’s will for us to stay here. You became our family. I am grateful that He put us in this area among all these beautiful people for 40 years. Thank you for so many beautiful memories and friendships. We will cherish them for all of our lives.
“Now, reflecting on life, I have learned that everything has a reason and everything has a purpose in life… to live and glorify God.
“I wish you strong health and many good years. Thank you and God bless you.”
The program closed with the singing of Many Happy Years in Ukrainian.
