Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, April 02, 2007

FORT SMITH - The recent community renewal weekend in Fort Smith is being described as a big success.

Rev. Ann Bush of St. John's Anglican Church thought the March 16-18 weekend of special events and activities was wonderful.

"I think it was very healing," Bush said.

The Anglican church and St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral joined forces for concerts, dinners, special church services, and workshops on ethical values, grieving and addictions.

Bishop Denis Croteau of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mackenzie participated in the weekend, and noted it was very well planned by organizers and well attended.

"It was very, very positive," Croteau said. "It built up the spirit of the community."

Hundreds of people participated in the various events.

Bush said the weekend was not just about religion.

"It was to try to engender a spirit of community life in the whole community," she said.

Bush noted the community renewal weekend went so well that many people would like it to become an annual event.