November 2022

Clergy from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon gathered Nov. 14-17 at Elk Ridge near Waskesiu, SK, for prayer, reflection, fraternity and inspiration.

The Clergy Study Days included keynote sessions by Archbishop Emeritus Terrence Prendergast, SJ, speaking on The Call to Community, Accountability and Authentic Witness, as well as addressing the New Evangelization in the Year of Matthew (Year A). Archbishop Prendergast is retired archbishop of Otttawa-Cornwall, and former archbishop of Halifax.

“Supporting our Vocation in a Missionary Climate” was the theme of session presented by Rev. John Lemire of Timmins, ON, president of the Ontario Diocesan Vocation Directors Association, a member of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission for Priests and the President of the Diocesan Vocation Directors of Canada.

Study Days also included a presentation by Msgr. John Renken and David Stack on canonical and civil statutes of incorporated parishes, and a “Bishop’s Forum” with Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

More information about Clergy Study Days speakers: PDF

(Photo by Fr. Darryl Millette)

(Photo by Fr. Darryl Millette)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses priests at Clergy Study Days 2022. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses priests at Clergy Study Days 2022. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. Marvin Lishchynsky thanks Archbishp Prendergast. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. Ralph Kleiter, Fr. Stefano Penna, and Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor (l-r) selecting burger toppings. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen in conversation with guest speaker Fr. John Lemire. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. Kevin McGee with guest speaker Fr. John Lemire. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Vicar General Fr. Kevin McGee. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. John Lemire. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses priests at Clergy Study Days 2022. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Darryl Millette)

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News / Photos by Sr. Malou Tibayan

“Building Faith-Filled Families” was the theme of a workshop Nov. 19, 2022 introducing a new marriage preparation and formation curriculum in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Attended by some 40 participants, including resource couples and clergy, the day-long event held at the Cathedral of the Holy Family offered “practical tools for meaningful discussions and an invitation to become life-long disciples together, united in Christ,” said Marilyn Jackson, diocesan Director of Ministry Services.

The event included a walk-through of the new curriculum, demonstrations of presenting themes, a chance to use the materials, discussion of adult learning principles and creating an environment of  hospitality and safety.

Developed by a diocesan committee established by Bishop Mark Hagemoen, the new curriculum will be used by parishes across the diocese in forming couples who are preparing for marriage. Guests Rachele and Clement Ng were recognized at the workshop for the research that went into the process.

The vision for marriage formation in the diocese “seeks to provide practical tools to raise topics for meaningful  discussion and invite engaged couples into the life of a faith community.”

“Through radical hospitality and the witness of Catholic married couples, engaged couples will be supported in their journey to becoming life-long disciples together, united in Christ.” – Marriage Formation Guidelines 2022

Themes in the new curriculum that were explored during the workshop included Family of Origin and Communication, addressed by speakers Tracy and John Connelly; Communication, Sexuality and Family Planning, presented by Monique and Ryan Leblanc; and Spirituality and Prayer, reflected on by Chantale and Myron Rogal.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen also spoke about the Sacrament of Marriage.

In the bishop’s message included in the guidelines, Hagemoen noted: “I have been hearing from many clergy and laity throughout the diocese – in both our rural and urban parishes – about the need for strong support for couples discerning life-long, Catholic marriage. The diocese of Saskatoon seeks to provide solid theological formation and practical tools to address and raise topics for meaningful teaching and discussion, as we invite engaged couples through their parish faith communities to discern this wonderful, God-given vocation.“

Hagemoen added: “It is our hope that the support we provide to pastors, parishes and marriage formation teams will assist our parishes and pastoral regions in equipping engaged couples to enter into marriage with faithfulness, joy, and hope. As we accompany young couples in their journey towards holy matrimony, let us aim to surround them by our larger circle of family, friends and faith community.”

For more information about marriage preparation in the diocese of Saskatoon, please contact Director of Ministry Services Marilyn Jackson at mjackson@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5836 or visit the website at MARRIAGE PREPARATION INFO.

Photos by Sr. Malou Tibayan, Verbum Dei missionary fraternity:

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The Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan gathered together for meetings during the week of Nov. 7, 2022, connecting with each other and various groups and organizations — both online and in-person at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon.

Pictured (left to right) are: Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert, Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Keewatin-LePas, and Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Saskatoon. Attending via Zoom was Archbishop Lawrence Huculak of Winnipeg, who is presently serving as apostolic administrator of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)