(Updated Aug. 25, 2025)
Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Leader Ministry Education Program participants and leaders at a May 31, 2025 wind-up retreat day of reflection, prayer, and presentation of diplomas to those who completed all eight modules of the online program, including a field study. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined leaders and participants in the diocesan Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Leader Education Program (IPL) at a wind-up retreat day and graduation celebration May 31, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.
The online program has been led by teams of Indigenous and non-Indigenous instructors, modelling respectful and reconciling relationships since it was launched in 2019 as a joint project of the diocese of Saskatoon, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, and St. Thomas More College.
Participants who completed all eight modules of the program (including a field study) to earn a diploma are:
- Chandra Behrenz
- Elaine Callow
- Wendy Dale
- Nicole Gursky
- Margy Hitchcock
- Marilyn Kotylak
- Carmen Lopez Folan
- Marcelle Marion
- Pat Schiller
- Cheryl Unruh
Those present at the retreat day shared reflections and insights about their final projects.
Celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop Mark Hagemoen presiding was also part of the retreat day.
Other presentations included a reflection via Zoom by young adult Maximilian Connelly (an alumnus of St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno, SK) about his experience serving and building relationships in the northern diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, NWT. Participants also attended a session at St. Thomas More College during the retreat day, featuring Deacon Harry Lafond, STM Indigenous Scholar, leading a reflection on truth and reconciliation.
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