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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Bishop Murray Chatlain recently returned from Bishop school in Rome where he trained with 103 new bishops from around the world.

European-based in the not-too-distant past, the Roman Catholic church has since become a lot more global, Chatlain said. India, Africa, Oceana and Nicaragua were among the places other bishops-in-training came from.

Bishop Murray Chatlain recently returned from Rome, where he attended training for new bishops. He said the Catholic church needs more aboriginal leaders. - Jason Emiry/NNSL photo

He was inspired by the experience and realized the church faces many serious issues in the world. One bishop from Nicaragua told a story about being wounded by some Sandanistas. Their vehicle was mistaken for another government vehicle and was shot up.

"It was really inspiring," said Chatlain. "It was also humbling with some of the political strife that some of the bishops and churches have to deal with. In many of the places there is a lot more violence and political strife that is part of the daily lives."

Even though the church is global, bishops share some of the same worries, he said.

"All bishops are worried about priests," said Chatlain. "Where do we find priests? How do we have good priests?

"Also the finances. We're kind of the ones who are trying to keep dioceses financially healthy. That is a challenge all of the time."

He said there is a need for aboriginal leaders in the church. In past there were 60 priests, 48 brothers and 112 sisters working in the NWT running schools, hospitals and churches. There was not a lot of room for aboriginal people to become leaders. Now there are only eight priests and 20 sisters in the diocese.

Chatlain said he is happy to see many people involved in liturgies, funerals and other church activities and said people will receive a higher calling to become leaders in the church.

"It happens when people are participating in their prayer spiritual life," said Chatlain. "They receive a call from God often to share what they are receiving with other people and to help make a difference."

Chatlain says these people can play large roles and make a difference in the lives of people in their communities.

"Everybody who is living in our communities knows that there are tremendous struggles with addictions and violence," said Chatlain. "Our young people are really looking for support and guidance and encouragement. Part of our church is trying to encourage our young people to find a healthy way to not give up and find ways to be really grounded and connected with the creator, with Jesus, with the Holy Spirit in a way that really helps them practically."