Father Clement Novakowski

Father Clement (Clem) Novakowski, OMI The death of Father Clement (Clem) Novakowski, OMI, occurred at his home at Mazenod Residence, Saskatoon, SK, on November 29, 2009. He was 82 years of age. Father Clem was born on March 14, 1927 in Leipzig, SK, the son of Catherine (Hiebert) and John Novakowski. He entered the novitiate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, at St. Laurent, MB, professing his First Vows on October 17, 1949. After attending St. Charles Scholasticate, Battleford, SK, he was ordained to the ministerial priesthood by Bishop Klein on June 9, 1955. Father Clem was a teacher at St. Thomas College in North Battleford, SK, after his ordination, teaching Latin and Social Studies until he was assigned to parish ministry at St. Mary's Parish in Regina, in 1967. He served as pastor in many parishes and missions: among them Whitelaw, Medicine Hat, and Manning in Alberta, and Makwa, Killally, Southey, Fox Valley, and Kerrobert, in Saskatchewan. After retiring to Mazenod Residence in Saskatoon in 2000, he remained at service to the community and to the Church serving as sacramental minister in the parish at Langham, SK, for several years. Father Clem was known to others as gentle, caring and personable. He made life-long friends through his up-beat attitude and enthusiasm for life. Father Clem is survived by his brother, Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, OMI Lacombe Canada, Saskatchewan District. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Norton of Oshawa, ON; his brother, Raymond (Betty) Novakowski of Kitchener, ON; and numerous nephews and nieces, including Terry Chappell of Saskatoon. He was predeceased by six siblings: sisters, Betty, Marie, Rita, and brothers, Alfred, John and Lou. A Vigil of Prayer will be held on Thursday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Mazenod Residence, 1111 Saskatchewan Crescent West, Saskatoon, SK, Father Sylvester Lewans presiding. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, December 4, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Francis Xavier Church, 222 Willow Street, Saskatoon, SK, Father Lester Kaufmann presiding. Lunch will be served following the funeral. Interment will be at St. Charles Oblate Cemetery in Battleford, SK. Arrangements are entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home, 244-5577.