Bishop Hagemoen among leaders at Breathe Catholic marriage conference in Saskatoon

A Breathe Catholic marriage conference was held March 8-9, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family – the third time the event has been held in Saskatoon.

Eighty-eight couples participated in the conference – 54 married couples, and 34 engaged couples. The conference included presentations, prayer, and time for couples to reflect.

Coordinated by Gerald and Denis Montpetit of Cat.Chat Productions, a Catholic ministry to children and families based in Bruno, SK, the Breathe conference also featured other speakers and leaders, including John and Tracy Connelly, Rita Taylor, Brett and Andrea Powell, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen, and Fr. Gerard Cooper, rector of Holy Family Cathedral.

“Couples experienced seven engaging sessions from speakers who were open, and honest with their personal stories,” said Denise Montpetit. “The couples were given practical tools designed to help build unity, rediscover joy, experience peace in their marriage.”

She noted that the Breathe event includes a “great mix”  of visuals, video clips, guidebook activities, as well as meaningful conversations and activities for each individual couple to undertake together.

A highlight was to see couples experience memorable surprise moments planned throughout the weekend, she said. It was also a highlight “witnessing so many couples of all ages participate in the Sacraments of Mass and Reconciliation, as well as receiving individual blessings from Bishop Mark and Fr. Gerard Cooper. “

She also shared comments from couples who attended, including:

• “This conference breathed so much life into our marriage.”
• “We are so grateful! It helped us to reset and relax in our engagement.”
• “With 35 years of marriage under our belt, this weekend was a real game changer for the both of us.”
• “I enjoyed getting to spend time with my wife and discovering practical ways to improve myself in our marriage.”
• “All in all, I feel blessed that my husband and I came to this conference. We’ve been married almost 43 years but there’s always room to grow in marriage.”

-30-