April 2023

Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with several young candidates April 30 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Saskatoon.

Photos by Maricorn Mangampo, courtesy of Holy Spirit Parish, Saskatoon

 

Confirmation celebrations in the diocese with Bishop Hagemoen in 2023:

• 5 p.m. Saturday, April 15 – St Peter the Apostle, Saskatoon
• 10 a.m. Sunday, April 16 – St Philip Neri, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 – Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25 – St. Patrick, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Sunday, April 30 – Holy Spirit, Saskatoon
• 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7 – Cathedral of the Holy Family, Saskatoon
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13 – St. Mary, Fox Valley
• 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14 – Little Flower, Leader
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 – Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Saturday, May 20 – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Outlook
• 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 21 – St. Theresa, Rosetown
• 5 p.m. Saturday, May 27 – Our Lady of Lourdes, Saskatoon

The diocese of Saskatoon is in the process of transitioning to an older age for the Sacrament of Confirmation, with Bishop Hagemoen moving the normative age from Grade 2 to Grade 6.

“The hope is that the decision to change the Confirmation age will encourage more young people to receive the sacrament at a time in their ongoing faith formation to better strengthen them spiritually and enrich the entire Body of Christ,” says the bishop.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with several young candidates April 25 at St. Patrick Parish in Saskatoon

Confirmation celebrations in the diocese with Bishop Hagemoen in 2023:

• 5 p.m. Saturday, April 15 – St Peter the Apostle, Saskatoon
• 10 a.m. Sunday, April 16 – St Philip Neri, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 – Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25 – St. Patrick, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Sunday, April 30 – Holy Spirit, Saskatoon
• 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7 – Cathedral of the Holy Family, Saskatoon
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13 – St. Mary, Fox Valley
• 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14 – Little Flower, Leader
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 – Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Saturday, May 20 – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Outlook
• 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 21 – St. Theresa, Rosetown
• 5 p.m. Saturday, May 27 – Our Lady of Lourdes, Saskatoon

The diocese of Saskatoon is in the process of transitioning to an older age for the Sacrament of Confirmation, with Bishop Hagemoen moving the normative age from Grade 2 to Grade 6.

“The hope is that the decision to change the Confirmation age will encourage more young people to receive the sacrament at a time in their ongoing faith formation to better strengthen them spiritually and enrich the entire Body of Christ,” says the bishop.

Report submitted by the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus

The Centennial Convention of Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus State Council was held April 21-23 in Prince Albert, SK.

Delegates from across the province fought crazy roads and stormy weather to gather April 21 at Sacred Heart Cathedral for registration, greeted by the State Officers.

Prince Albert Bishop Stephen Hero presided at the opening Mass, along with State Chaplain Fr. Ed Gibney, and many other priests in attendance at the provincial State Convention.

State Deputy Larry Packet thanked the clergy for the Mass and then opened the convention with greetings and an awards ceremony. After the awards were given out under the direction of Program Director Eugene Achtemichuk, Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation President Harvey Granatier Foundation President presented his awards on behalf of the foundation.

State Deputy Larry Packet then gave his address to the delegates on the accomplishments of the Knights of Columbus this year. A lunch included a 100th anniversary cake, served by the State Officers.

Saturday morning, April 22, began with Holy Hour led by State Chaplain Father Ed Gibney, with the convention session held at St. Mary School theatre.

K of C Charitable Foundation President Harvey Granatier led the Foundation Annual General Meeting, attended by all delegates. General Agent Mark Lewans brought greetings on behalf of his agency.

The afternoon session included the election of officers as follows:

• State Deputy Larry Packet,
• State Secretary Marte Nogot,
• State Treasurer Greg Dozorec,
• State Advocate Agnel George,
• State Warden Dale Meier.

Resolutions were passed and delegates for the 141st Supreme Convention in Orlando, Florida Aug. 1-3, 2023 were nominated.

After a day of presentations, planning and brain-storming it was off to the State Banquet and Ball – an evening of fraternity, laughter, fine food and dancing – which featured Supreme Guest Daniel Duchesne of Trois Riviere Quebec as guest speaker.

During the banquet, State Deputy Larry Packet announced the Family of the Year:  Bob and Kathy Rusnak of Yorkton.

Sunday morning started with praying of the Rosary led by State Deputy Larry Packet, followed by the address from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly.

The morning session wrapped up with the State Deputy thanking everyone for coming and presenting the State Officers with their inscribed pillows, matching a centennial quilt made by Judi Packet.

The memorial Mass was led by Bishop Stephen and the Honour Guard was present to offer respect for deceased brother Knights. Lunch followed.

 

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Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated Mass with St. Peter the Apostle Parish April 15, confirming one young candidate.

Other upcoming confirmation celebrations in the diocese include:

• 10 a.m. Sunday, April 16 – St Philip Neri, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 – Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25 – St. Patrick, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Sunday, April 30 – Holy Spirit, Saskatoon
• 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7 – Cathedral of the Holy Family, Saskatoon
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13 – St. Mary, Fox Valley
• 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14 – Little Flower, Leader
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 – Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens, Saskatoon
• 7 p.m. Saturday, May 20 – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Outlook
• 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 21 – St. Theresa, Rosetown
• 5 p.m. Saturday, May 27 – Our Lady of Lourdes, Saskatoon

The diocese of Saskatoon is in the process of transitioning to an older age for the Sacrament of Confirmation, with Bishop Hagemoen moving the normative age from Grade 2 to Grade 6.

“The hope is that the decision to change the Confirmation age will encourage more young people to receive the sacrament at a time in their ongoing faith formation to better strengthen them spiritually and enrich the entire Body of Christ,” says the bishop.

 

 

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

After a three-year hiatus because of pandemic restrictions, the downtown outdoor Good Friday Way of the Cross returned April 7 to Saskatoon.

Pilgrims of all ages and from many backgrounds followed the cross through the downtown, praying and singing as community groups led prayers and reflections at each of the 14 Stations of the scriptural Way of the Cross introduced by St. John Paul II during his pontificate.

Reflections united the passion and death of Jesus Christ to the suffering, injustice and issues in our world today.

At the first station, Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Nadia Stadnyk, justice and peace coordinator at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Dormition of the Mother of God, and Zorianna Maliarchyn, newcomer from Ukraine addressed the question “How can we remain with our new Canadian neighbours in their hour of need.”

 

At the second station, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested, Rick and Jacquie Block, regional representatives for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank reflected on “Betraying those who go hungry and a Christian response.”

 

At the third station, Jesus before the Sanhedrin, Sarah Warman and Kathleen Carter of Servant Partners Canada reflected on “Moving from rejection to welcoming and belonging for those faced with homelessness.”

 

At the fourth station, Peter denies Jesus, Michael and Julie LeBlanc of Development and Peace – Caritas Canada addressed the question: “Do we deny or turn a blind eye to the daily struggles of those in the developing world?”

At the fifth station, Jesus is judged by Pilate, Catholic Women’s League members of the diocesan CWL executive reflected on how “women are handed over every day to be sex trafficked in our society.”

At the sixth station, Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns, Majak Mapaiour, Senos Timon and other representatives of the People Bridge Advocacy (PBA) reflected on “Failing to recognize Christ amongst us can lead to false stories and accusations about our neighbours.”

At the seventh station, Jesus takes up the cross, Climate Justice Saskatoon representative Sr. Sylvia Obrig, NDS, and Marie-Jeanne Will reflected on how “Through the cross of Christ, we are grounded to creation.”

At the eighth station, Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross, Philomena Ojukwu and Peter Oliver of the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan and Tina CLayton of St. Paul’s Hospital Palliative Care team reflected on “Accompanying Christ amongst us through palliative care.”

At the ninth station, Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem, Religion and Culture U of S graduate student Mykan Zlipko reflected on “If Christ can be nailed to a cross, what evils can be committed throguh war, and how can churches build a kingdom of lasting peace here on Earth?”

At the tenth station, Jesus is crucified, Fernando and Jorge Carrillo of St. Mary Parish Hispanic Catholic community reflected on “Innocent Christians as a threat to the state.”

At the eleventh station, Jesus promises his Kingdom to the good thief, Rubina Bhatti of Canadian Aid to Persecuted Christians reflected on “Innocence of persecuted Christians.”

 

At the twelfth station, Jesus on the cross near his mother and his disciple, Executive Director Dee Cook and representatives Anne-Marie Hughes and Maureen Smith-Windsor of Saskatoon Pregnancy Options Centre reflected on “Who is left standing at the side of pregnant women?”

At the thirteenth station, Jesus dies on the cross, representatives of the Knights of Columbus, D’Arcy McGee Fourth Degree Assembly read the scripture and asked the crowd to observe a time of silence.

At the fourteenth station, Jesus is placed in the tomb, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church representatives Deacon Yunan Yalbir and Paul Aziz provided the final reflection and blessing.

Photo Gallery: LINK

 

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On Good Friday evening, Bishop Mark Hagemoen and a team of young adults prayed the Stations of the Cross at the foot of the crucifix set up outdoors at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon:

“With God’s help, strength, and light, we can face and engage our current circumstances; bring hope to bear on futility; courage to bear on human weakness and failing; and light to bear on all darkness.” – Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Easter 2023

• Find a PDF of Bishop Hagemoen’s Easter message: LINK

• Parish Easter weekend schedules: LINK

• Livestream of celebrations in our diocese: LINK

Easter message 2023 – VIDEO

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon

Greetings Clergy, Religious, & People of God of the Diocese of Saskatoon:

Greetings to you all as we approach another Holy Week and Easter Season!

The long days of winter are finally giving way to somewhat warmer and certainly brighter days of Spring – a metaphor for the passage from Holy Week to the Easter event.

This last year has brought to our minds and hearts the awareness of the urgent need for shalom – restoration of right relationship – with God, with one another, with all creation, and within ourselves. As we all know, ultimately only God can give us this. In the words of our Saviour: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled.” [John 14:27]

Our Lenten journey in the wilderness with Jesus always features a renewed sense of vulnerability and brokenness. However, it brings the experience of blessings, much human kindness, and renewal.

In this year’s Lenten message from Pope Francis, he reflects on the Transfiguration passage in the Gospel of Matthew. He describes this event as a unique and profound experience of an extraordinary spiritual encounter with God the Father and His son Jesus Christ on the mountain top. Lent is a time of extraordinary spiritual events and experiences given our spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, sacrifice, and service during the Lenten season. However, the Pope also invites us to go beyond the isolated spiritual experience to everyday life. As he states:

“On hearing the Father’s voice, the disciples “fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and do not be afraid.’ And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone” (Mt 17:6-8). Here is [another] proposal for this Lent: do not take refuge in a religiosity made up of extraordinary events and dramatic experiences, out of fear of facing reality and its daily struggles, its hardships and contradictions. The light that Jesus shows the disciples is an anticipation of Easter glory, and that must be the goal of our own journey, as we follow ‘Him alone.'”

Holy Week and the Easter season renew our awareness that nothing can come between us and the great love of God in Jesus Christ. The combination of desolation and strengthening that we experience in our Lenten journey assists us to live life well by not disengaging or withdrawing from the difficulties and challenges of current affairs.

With God’s help, strength, and light, we can face and engage our current circumstances; bring hope to bear on futility; courage to bear on human weakness and failing; and light to bear on all darkness.

I take this opportunity to thank you all so very much for your support to me, showing what it means to strive to have the same mind and heart as that of Christ Jesus.

May this season of celebrating Good Friday – followed by Easter Sunday – strengthen our resolution and solidarity to live the Paschal Mystery well together … in Our Saviour!

We adore you O Christ and we praise You, for by Your Holy Cross you redeemed and saved the world! In the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

Representatives from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon gathered on the Tuesday of Holy Week April 4 to celebrate an annual Chrism Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the Cathedral of the Holy Family.

The Holy Week celebration features the blessing of the sacred oils by the bishop – the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Sacred Chrism – for use in sacraments in the year ahead. The Chrism Mass is also a celebration marking the anniversary of the establishment of the ministerial priesthood, which includes a re-commitment to priestly service by priests.

Milestone Anniversaries

At a banquet preceding the Chrism Mass, a number of milestone anniversaries of priestly ordination were highlighted by Bishop Hagemoen, including:

• 10 years – Fr. Colin Roy and Fr. Daniel Yasinski,
• 15 years – Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi
• 20 years – Fr. Pius Schroh
• 25 years – Fr. Gerard Cooper, Fr. Andrew Wychucki and Fr. Murray Kuemper
• 35 years – Fr. Gerard Dewan
• 60 years – Fr. Lawrence DeMong, OSB; Fr. Ralph Kleiter; and Bishop Emeritus Gerald Wiesner, OMI
• 65 years – Fr. Albert Ulrich, OMI; and Fr. Bernard de Margerie

 

Bishop Hagemoen’s homily (video):

Chrism Mass 2023 – photo gallery (LINK)

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