Emptied for Christ: Reflections from the North

Editor's note: We're excited once again to share a glimpse into Holy Week ministry in the North! This year, Fr. Kevin Tumback of All Saints Parish in Lethbridge joined Fr. Tim Boyle in serving the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith during Triduum. Dive into Fr. Tim's reflections from Gameti, NWT—a moving witness to lives poured out in service, sacrifice, and love. Enjoy the story and photos from Fr. Tim, and video reels from Fr. Kevin. 

​On Wednesday of Holy Week, I walked into St. Paul’s Church in Gameti, NT, and found the Easter candle still burning after a funeral two weeks earlier. ​I thought of St. Paul’s wish for us..

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness."​

​This year, I found myself wondering — what does it really mean to be emptied? To be spent, burned out, used up?

When Fr. Kevin and I arrived in Yellowknife, Bishop Jon Hansen brought us to visit Jim Lynn in the hospital. His wife, Julia, sat faithfully by his side. Jim had served for many years as a priest before marrying and continuing his ministry as a chaplain in Yellowknife’s jail — a man who has truly emptied himself in service.

On Holy Thursday, I anointed Therese and her husband Louis, who is now diagnosed with terminal cancer. During the service, their children laid hands on them in prayer — a family who has spent their lives loving and serving one another.

Later, I visited Chantel, a young mother who chose life even when she knew her baby would have special needs. Cai, her little one, can now lift his head and eat soft foods. Though Cai’s father is no longer with them, Chantel continues to pour herself out, raising her four children with unwavering strength.

Later that evening we remembered how Christ stooped low to wash our feet.. so  today we  allow our hands to be washed and then washed the hands of one another.. as a reminder to spend ourselves in service of others..​

On Good Friday, the people of Gameti walked through muddy, slushy streets, carrying the cross — another living image of what it means to be emptied in love.

On Easter Sunday we renewed our baptismal promises and welcomed little Cai into the Church — into a life of walking the path of self-giving love. 

Chantel, Cai, and Fr. Tim

On Easter Monday, the community gathered once more — this time to honour Pope Francis, who had passed away. They drummed and sang honour songs, then lined up to strike the old church bell 88 times in his memory — another life fully spent in service of Christ and his people.

What an unforgettable week— a journey into the mystery of being emptied... so that Christ might fill us.
​
"It is accomplished."

Watch Fr. Kevin's reels

During his visit to the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Fr. Kevin shared glimpses of his Holy Week journey in Deline, NWT - Watch his Facebook reels:

• ​Arriving at Deline
• Inside the parish church in Deline
• Good Friday morning in Deline | Good Friday update
• Easter Vigil
• Time to return home