September 2022

 

The second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30 featured events across the country to honour those who attended residential schools and experienced the loss of language, family connections and culture — as well as those who suffered abuse and those who died there — and to raise awareness about the ongoing inter-generational effects of residential schools, colonization, and racism.

The new federal holiday builds upon “Orange Shirt Day” marked on Sept. 30 in recent years. Wearing orange was prompted by the experience of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, who as a six-year-old arriving at residential school in 1973 had her beloved orange shirt immediately taken away.

Parish hosts afternoon walk

In the diocese of Saskatoon, parishioners from Holy Spirit Catholic Church joined with leaders from Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous parish Sept. 30 for prayer, smudging and a late-afternoon walk through a neighbourhood park, accompanied by pastors Fr. Joseph Salihu and Fr. Graham Hill, CSsR, along with Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

 

CCCB Statement for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – English / French

Reconciliation Saskatoon walk

Earlier in the day, a larger “Rock Your Roots” walk for reconciliation was held, starting after a pancake breakfast at CUMFI, with a sea of orange-clad participants walking together along 20th Street West to the “Where Our Paths Cross” art installation at Reconciliation Circle in Victoria Park. The walk was followed by a program in the park featuring First Nations and Métis cultural performers, musicians and guest speakers.

Rock Your Roots is put on by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City of Saskatoon co-chairs along with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The event, which has seen attendance in the thousands in past years, was first held in 2016. The intent of this event is to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community.

“The significance of a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools; this was often the only time when siblings and cousins of different genders might be reunited,” says Judy Pelly, a Residential School Survivor and member of the Rock Your Roots Walk organizing committee. “It’s meaningful to see Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples come together in this way.”

“This walk is an opportunity to learn about and honour First Nation and Métis residential school survivors,” says Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI). “It’s an inclusive event that welcomes everyone to come out and participate. We look forward to being together.”

“This walk is a symbol of Reconciliation and a commitment to change for the better so that all people can have a good quality of life,” says Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand.

Other events

Special programs were also offered at Wanuskewin Heritage Site that day, and an evening pow-wow was organized by the Saskatoon Tribal Council at SaskTel Centre.

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Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined residents and Knights of Columbus members for celebration of Mass Sept. 24 to mark the 10th anniversary of Columbian Place in Saskatoon.

Located across the street from St. Mary Parish on 20th Street West, Columbian Place is a project of KC Charities, opening in 2012 with support from all levels of government.

The project was a follow-up to the earlier Columbian Manor project that KC Charities built and operates on Louise Street on the east side of the city.

The two locations together provide more than 260 seniors a place to call home, with a range of support, amenities and features.

As well, a new Columbian Village building currently under construction on Louise Street will be part of the same faith-based 55-plus community as the neighbouring Columbian Manor. The new building will feature additions including a fitness centre, beauty salon and a large common area for entertainment and other activities. Columbian Village will also include a new 100-seat chapel.

As a non-profit charitable organization, K.C. Charities Inc. strives to provide “active and healthy aging free from loneliness and boredom, and offer the most affordable supportive living seniors rentals in Saskatchewan. The communities we’ve built are vibrant, welcoming, and safe,” states the KC Charities Housing website. “Although K.C. Charities housing has faith-based Catholic roots, people of many faiths, denominations and backgrounds live in our communities.”

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Priests and deacons from across our diocese gathered Sept. 15 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon for a Clergy Day of Recollection, with guest speaker Archbishop Gérard Pettipas, CSsR of the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan, AB. The day included opportunities for prayer, sacrament and reflection.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen gathered with pastors, parish leaders, and ministry staff Sept. 14, 2022, for an annual Administration Day, held at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, as well as on Zoom.

New staff were introduced, reflections on the recent visit to Canada by Pope Francis and his apology to Canada’s Indigenous peoples for the church’s involvement in Residential Schools, updates related to human resources, safeguarding and the Covenant of Care, administration and ministry were among the topics covered at the day-long meeting. The 2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal was also launched, with the distribution of materials to parishes for the weeks ahead.

Read a full article about Administration Day at Catholic Saskatoon News – LINK

Sr. John Paul Marie of the Trinity (Nicole Mireau) celebrated her Perpetual Vows with the Queenship of Mary Community in Ottawa Aug. 22 — and on Sunday, Sept. 4, family, parishioners and community members gathered with her in Saskatoon for prayers of thanksgiving and blessing at a Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Fr. Gerard Cooper, and Fr. Geoffrey Young.

Accompanied by Sr. Micheline Thibault, canonical novice with the Queenship of Mary Community, the newly-professed Sr. John Paul Marie gathered with family, friends and parishioners from her home parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in Saskatoon who celebrated Sunday Mass with the Cathedral of the Holy Family. Among those present was Sr. John Paul Marie’s sister Sr. April Mireau, PM, who joined with other family members for a Marian hymn at the conclusion of Mass.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen conveyed a blessing upon Sr. John Paul Marie at the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, which was followed by a banquet and program.

The celebration of Sr. John Paul Marie’s perpetual vows Aug. 22 on the Feast of the Queenship of Mary in Ottawa was a joint celebration with Sr. Anna Marie du Sacré Coeur de Jesus (video below).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIDEO – Sr. John Paul Marie of the Trinity & Sr. Anna Marie du Sacré Coeur de Jesus perpetual vows in Ottawa

 

VIDEO – Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated Sept. 4 at Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon

 

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