Feb 25

Diocesan Prayer Service for Victims / Survivors of Abuse

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

All are welcome to join Bishop Mark Hagemoen at this diocesan prayer service at 7 p.m. Friday, March 14, to pray together for healing, strength and compassion for all victims and survivors of abuse, and for greater awareness, understanding, and protection in our communities.

The diocesan Way of the Cross and Candle-lighting Prayer Service for Victims / Survivors of Abuse will be held at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road (corner of Attridge Drive and Forestry Farm Park Drive), Saskatoon.

RESOURCES

Bishop’s Memo about the Vigil on Mar 14 – PDF

Vigil Event guide for Parishes – PDF

Vigil Prayer Booklet – PDF

Way of the Cross – Vigil for Victims and Survivors of Abuse – PDF

Feb 22

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Bishop Hagemoen offers prayer to open Human Trafficking Awareness Day flag raising

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Saint Anne Catholic Women’s League Human Trafficking Committee co-Chairs Anne Ashcroft and Donna Aldous carry the “Stop Human Trafficking” banner from the flag-raising ceremony at Saskatoon City Hall Feb. 22, 2025, to the Parktown Hotel for a round table discussion about the realities of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, and practical ways to address the issue. (Photo by Kiply Lulan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The Saint Anne Parish Catholic Women’s League (CWL) council and the Saskatoon Salvation Army joined together for an event to mark National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, with a flag-raising at Saskatoon City Hall, and a walk to Parktown Hotel for a program of information, strategies, and encouragement for ending the scourge of human slavery and sexual exploitation in our communities and our world.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon opened the event with a prayer:

Loving God, Creator, Father of all: We seek your divine protection for all who are exploited and enslaved; for those forced into labor, trafficked into slavery of any kind, and denied freedom.

We beseech you to release them from their chains. Grant them protection, safety, and empowerment. Restore their dignity and provide them a new beginning. Show us how we might end exploitation by addressing its causes. Help us reach out in support of victims and survivors of human trafficking. Make us instruments of your spirit for their liberation.

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, be our protector, strength, and guide. Grant us the courage, the fortitude, and ability to fight to end the scourge of human trafficking.

For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit – God, forever and ever. Amen

President of the Diocese of Saskatoon CWL Council Marion Laroque and Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen follow the Stop Human Trafficking banner after a flag-raising at Saskatoon City Hall. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Flag-Raising Followed by Round Table Discussion

Dignitaries brought greetings and information presentations to the discussion event held after the flag-raising at Saskatoon City Hall, including representatives of government, police services, and the Salvation Army.

Procession from Saskatoon City Square to a public discussion about human trafficking held at the nearby Parktown Hotel in Saskatoon Feb. 22. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Martensville-Blairmore MLA Jamie Martens, Diocesan CWL President Marion Laroque, and Saint Anne CWL council human trafficking committee co-chairs Anne Ashcroft and Donna Aldous stand before an IWIN display ,which was set up at a Human Trafficking Awareness Day public event in Saskatoon Feb. 22. IWIN is a Calgary-based organization that prepares back-packs with emergency supplies for those escaping human trafficking, including in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Anne Ashcroft, co-chair of the Saint Anne Catholic Women’s League human trafficking committee was MC for the round table discussion held Feb. 22 at the Parktown Hotel in Saskatoon to mark National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Martensville-Blairmore MLA Jamie Martens (left) who serves as provincial government secretary, makes a presentation to Marion Laroque, President of the Saskatoon Diocesan Catholic Women’s League. This year, the government of Saskatchewan joined the federal and civic levels of government in declaring Feb. 22 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Saskatoon Southeast MLA Brittney Senger spoke about the need to increase government response to human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and violence against women. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Captain Derek Kerr, Executive Director of the Salvation Army at the Human Trafficking Awareness Day event Feb. 22. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Representatives of the human trafficking unit of the Saskatoon Police Service were on hand for the event on Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiplly Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Stephen Morgan, of the Salvation Army’s Correctional and Justice Services moderated the round table discussions that followed the flag-raising and march on Human Trafficking Awareness Day Feb. 22 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski Catholic Saskatoon News)

Members of the Catholic Women’s League and other leaders in the community came together to reflect on ways to stop the scourge of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Round table discussions about how to raise awareness and address the scourge of human trafficking were held in Saskatoon Feb. 22. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Feb 22

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Bishop’s Message – Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope”

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog, Enriching faith

Bishop Mark Hagemoen has written a message to the faithful of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon about the Jubilee Year, and the diocesan Jubilee Committee Chair Fr. David Tumback has provided background information explaining Jubilee Indulgences, including the conditions to obtain an Indulgence, and sacred sites that have been identified in the diocese of Saskatoon for pilgrimage visits during Jubilee 2024.

“The discipline of the Jubilee offers a year-long opportunity for personal as well as communal growth, healing, and renewal.” – Bishop Mark Hagemoen

Bishop Hagemoen’s Jubilee Message – PDF

Indulgences and Sacred Sites – INFO

More information about Jubilee 2025 – LINK

Message from the Bishop:

To the Clergy, Religious, & Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Saskatoon:

Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I write you as we embark on the Jubilee Year of Hope – a time of grace and renewal for our diocese and beyond. It has been the tradition since the year 1300 AD for popes to proclaim specific years as a “Jubilee Year.” This Jubilee time offers an important opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and each other. Well aware of the tumult and anxiety experienced by our brothers and sisters throughout the world at this time, Pope Francis encourages us to be “pilgrims of hope” on our journey to our Father’s House (see John 14:2).

The idea of a Jubilee time comes from the Old Testament and was known as a year of the Lord’s favour. A Jubilee year was a time for renewal and new beginnings: people’s debts were cancelled; property was returned to its original owners; the land was to “lie fallow” as crops were not sown so the land could “rest.” It was also a time of forgiveness and healing: prisoners and slaves were set free; and land was given to those who had no place of their own to live and work.

When Jesus Christ announced His mission, He quoted the prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 61: 1-2) to indicate the He had come to bring Jubilee:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to the captives; recovery of sight for the blind and to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4:18-19)

As at the time of this proclamation by the Lord – we too have our eyes fixed on Christ as we look to His message and way through the challenges and trials of our time.

The discipline of the Jubilee offers a year-long opportunity for personal as well as communal growth, healing, and renewal. This discipline features the following:

Daily prayer with the Lord – the way we begin “putting on Christ” again. (see Romans 13:12);
Weekly Sunday Mass, and also taking the opportunity to attend a week-day Mass;
Monthly confession – as the Jubilee time focusses on receiving the MERCY of Jesus Christ;
Receiving the Jubilee Indulgence (in conjunction with confession);
Acts of charity and service: ways by which we live and sow Hope;
A pilgrimage to one or several sites in our diocese, or at the Vatican.

The recent Synod invites us to think of ourselves in new ways as disciples of Jesus, and of our parishes as faith communities carrying on His ongoing mission for the world. We continue to live in an anxious and broken world that cries out to hear and realize the Good News of salvation that Jesus Christ brings us.

Each of us plays a role in God’s plan to save and heal the world. In fact – the secret to the joy and hope for our lives – this side of heaven – is to say “YES” to giving ourselves to His plan and call for our lives to be God’s hope for the world.

Let us find His Heart, His strength and courage, and His grace to live and love as He does. May Mary our Mother – in this Jubilee year – show us the way to the Sacred Heart of her Son, Jesus Christ.

Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Mark A. Hagemoen

Feb 20

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Prayers for Pope Francis – bishop’s message

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen sent a message Feb. 20, 2025, calling for prayers for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who has been in hospital in Rome since Feb. 14.

To the Clergy, Religious, & Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Saskatoon:

At this time let us join together in prayer for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he faces challenges with his health. May the Lord grant him strength, healing, and the comfort of our prayers.

I invite our parishes, religious communities, and families to offer special prayers for the Holy Father. Let us remember him in the Holy Eucharist, in our Rosaries and prayers, and in personal and communal devotion.

We make our prayers with Mary our Mother and Hope for the Sick, as we pray that God restores Pope Francis to full health so that he may continue to shepherd the Church with wisdom and love.

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God, eternal health of believers,

Who willed that our infirmities

Be borne by your Only-Begotten Son for our salvation,

Listen in kindness to our prayers

For your servant Francis, our Pope and Shepherd:

Grant him, we implore you, your merciful help,

So that he may be restored to your Church in good health,

Ever ready to serve the flock you have entrusted to his care.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

Who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. AMEN

Sincerely in Christ,

Bishop Mark A. Hagemoen

Feb 14

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Spring Congress – Promoting and Celebrating Excellent Liturgy

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski News

A diocesan Spring Congress will be held March 12-13 focused on the diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of “Making Every Sunday Matter – Celebrating Excellent Liturgy.”
The Spring Congress in Saskatoon will feature a day for clergy 9 am to 3:30 pm March 12, and a public day 11 am to 4:30 pm March 13 for clergy, staff, parish ministry leaders, and all those interested.

Both days will open with a video presentation by Abbott Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, entitled “Source and Summit.” Abbott Driscoll speaks about the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life and as the wellspring of evangelization.

A free evening session focusing on “Liturgical and Sacramental Ministries and Music and Singing at the Liturgy” has been added on Thursday, March 13, to make it more convenient for the laity who may be involved in these parish ministries.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen says: “In these sessions, we will review and highlight sections of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and introduce and review related local diocesan liturgical and sacramental directives re: the Sacred Liturgy and Sacraments. We will discuss related issues of the Pastoral Plan: ‘Make Every Sunday Matter.’ ”

The Introduction to the GIRM tells us: “When he was about to celebrate with his disciples the Passover meal in which he instituted the sacrifice of his Body and Blood, Christ the Lord gave instructions that a large, furnished upper room should be prepared (Lk 22:12). The Church has always regarded this command as applying also to herself when she gives directions about the preparation of people’s hearts and minds and of the places, rites, and texts for the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist. The current norms, prescribed in keeping with the will of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, and the new Missal that the Church of the Roman Rite is to use from now on in the celebration of Mass are also evidence of the great concern of the Church, of her faith, and of her unchanged love for the great mystery of the Eucharist. They likewise bear witness to the Church’s continuous and unbroken tradition, irrespective of the introduction of certain new features.” – (GIRM, #1)

Feb 09

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Bishop celebrates “Compassionate Healers’ Mass” at conclusion of National Catholic Health Care Week

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated Holy Eucharist at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon Feb. 9, which was marked as the annual diocesan Compassionate Healers’ Mass.

Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen about the Compassionate Healers’ Mass: PDF

Bishop’s Homily Feb. 9:

Compassionate Healers’ Mass – Background:

An initiative of the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan, the Compassionate Healers’ Mass is held in dioceses across the province to acknowledge and bless those who journey with the vulnerable, sick and dying, who are the hands and heart of Jesus offering hope in our common pilgrimage of healing and conversion. We pray for all who provide any care and/or support to health care in our communities, including those who:

• Support ailing loved ones in their own home,

• Volunteer in our care facilities,

• Serve as nurses, doctors and care aids,

• Offer spiritual care, and social support,

• Work as administrators or building managers,

• Provide technical support and food services,

• Respond to the needs of the poor,

• Visit the lonely,

• Extend support and counsel to the addicted,

• Attend to the wounds of victims of crime,

• And walk with Christ in the person of the prisoner.

DIOCESAN PRAYER:

Loving God, we pray for all who serve in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ and ask Your blessing for the healers among us. May their strength and devotion be renewed for the unique work of compassion to which they are called. Renew in them wisdom and skill; sympathy and patience; strength and courage; and keep them strong in Your service. May Your light shine through all of our days and deeds, so that Your healing will may prevail, to the glory and praise of Your name.

(Prayer adapted from CHAS resources for National Catholic Health Care Week 2024)

Message from Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHASsk.ca):

NOTE: The World Day of the Sick is marked on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Feb. 11. Find the message from Pope Francis for the 33rd annual World Day of the Sick on the Vatican website: LINK.

Feb 09

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“Surrender” Lenten Retreat March 15

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski News

Enter more deeply into the Lenten season of purification and enlightenment through this one-day Encounter adult faith retreat, to be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, held at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon and led by cathedral rector Fr. Gerard Cooper.

Register online at: Jotform LINK or contact Adult Faith Coordinator Astrid Alas at (306) 659-5858 for more information.

Cost is $30 (includes lunch).

“Surrender” invites participants to embark on a profound Lenten journey of letting go and trusting in God’s will. This retreat focuses on the theme of surrender, encouraging attendees to release their burdens, fears, and doubts as they draw closer to the heart of Christ. Through powerful teachings, prayerful reflection, and worship, “Surrender” provides a sacred space for individuals to encounter God’s grace in a transformative way. This retreat offers an opportunity to deepen your faith, and prepare your heart for the joy of Easter.

Feb 07

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Bishop joins STM students for Mass during Catholic Students’ Week

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated Mass at the St. Thomas More (STM) College Chapel on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 as part of celebrations for Catholic Students’ Week Feb. 3-9.

Other events at STM during Catholic Students’ Week included Eucharistic Adoration, a Newman Retreat Day, an Indigenous storytelling event, Rosary, and Pizza after 5 pm Sunday Mass. (Read more about events at STM during Catholic Students’ Week: LINK)

(Photos by Michael MacLean, STM Campus Ministry)

Feb 05

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World Day of Consecrated Life

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Representatives of a number of religious orders prepare to process into Mass on the World Day of Consecrated Life Feb. 2 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photos by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)

The World Day of Consecrated Life was celebrated Feb. 2 in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, with consecrated lay and religious sisters gathering to renew their vows during Mass on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Feb. 2 with Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the Cathedral of the Holy Family.

Also known as Candlemas, the celebration included a special prayer of blessing at the beginning of Mass, with those assembled holding lit candles, a symbol of Christ, the Light of the World. After the homily, the lay and religious sisters who were present renewed their vows.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen thanked all those in consecrated life, who have taken vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. He also listed the religious orders of women and men who serve in the diocese. (Video of Bishop Hagemoen’s homily, below)

Photos from the Mass:

Bishop Hagemoen began Mass at the entrance of the cathedral, as all assembled lit candles to begin Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Feb. 2, which is marked as the World Day of Consecrated Life. (Photos by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Vocation discernment opportunities:

At the conclusion of Mass, Sr. April Mireau of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary spoke about an upcoming discernment weekend for women Feb. 14-17 at Mary’s House.

Sr. April Mireau, PM

Sr. Marta Piano of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity also spoke about the diocesan Sts. Benedict & Scholastica Formation Program for young women and men discerning their vocation.

Sr. Marta Piano of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity

Fellowship after Mass:

A social gathering was held in the hall after Mass, hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

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Feb 03

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Celebration of 90th birthday of Msgr. Raymond Senger

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

A 90th birthday celebration was held Feb. 2, 2025 for Msgr. Raymond Senger at St. Ann’s Home in Saskatoon.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen was one of those who attended the “come and go” tea that Sunday afternoon to pray for God’s blessings and wish a happy birthday to Msgr. Senger, who was ordained in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon nearly 60 years ago, on June 5, 1965.

Monsignor Raymond Senger celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

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Diocesan Prayer Service for Victims / Survivors of Abuse

Bishop Hagemoen offers prayer to open Human Trafficking Awareness Day flag raising

Flag-Raising Followed by Round Table Discussion

Bishop’s Message – Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope”

Message from the Bishop:

Prayers for Pope Francis – bishop’s message

Spring Congress – Promoting and Celebrating Excellent Liturgy