September 2025

Remembering and honouring Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities:

“As we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, I wish to encourage all to take time for prayer, reflection, and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples….”

Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen – (Click here for PDF)

September 29, 2025

The Canadian Catholic Bishops of Canada have elected members of the CCCB Executive Committee and Permanent Council (seated, from left to right): Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Bishop Pierre Goudreault, Archbishop Donald Bolen, Bishop Christian Rodembourg, M.S.A; (standing, first row from left to right): CCCB General Secretary Rev. Jean Vézina, Archbishop Christian Lépine, Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, Cardinal Frank Leo, Archbishop Lawrence Huculak, O.S.B.M., Bishop Daniel Miehm; (standing, back row, from left to right): Archbishop Peter Hundt, Archbishop Murray Chatlain, Bishop Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, O.M.I., Archbishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., Bishop Alain Faubert. (Photo courtesy of the CCCB)

Canada’s Catholic bishops elections held during national Plenary Assembly

Media release from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Plenary Assembly meeting, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) announced the results of its biennial elections for new members of the Executive Committee and Permanent Council.

The new CCCB President is Bishop Pierre Goudreault. He was born in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, on May 27,1963 and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Rouyn-Noranda on May 18,1991. On 8 December 2017, he was appointed Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, Quebec, by Pope Francis. He was ordained to the episcopate and installed as Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière March 10, 2018. He has been a member of the CCCB Executive Committee since 2019.

The new CCCB Vice President is Archbishop Donald Bolen. He was born Feb. 7, 1961 in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, and was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Regina on Oct. 12, 1991. On Dec. 21, 2009, he was appointed Bishop of Saskatoon by Pope Francis.

He was subsequently ordained to the episcopate and installed as Bishop of Saskatoon on March, 25, 2010. On 11 July 2016, he was appointed Archbishop of Regina and was installed on Oct. 14, 2016.

The CCCB also elected two Co-Treasurers: for the English Sector, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Saskatoon (serving his first term); for the French Sector, Bishop Christian Rodembourg, MSA, of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, (serving a second term).

All four members of the Executive Committee are ex officio members of the CCCB Permanent Council.

The following bishops were elected to the Permanent Council as representatives of the four regional episcopal assemblies: Archbishop Peter Hundt of St. John’s (Atlantic Episcopal Assembly); Bishop Alain Faubert of Valleyfield (Assembly of Quebec Catholic Bishops); Bishop Daniel J. Miehm of Peterborough (Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario); and Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Winnipeg (Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops).

To ensure an equal number of Bishops from both the English and French sectors of the CCCB, Archbishop Guy Desrochers, CSsR, and Bishop Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, OMI, were each re-elected as sectorial representative from the French Sector for a second term.

The remaining members of the Permanent Council include four permanent ex officio members: Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada; Cardinal Frank Leo, Archbishop of Toronto; Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal; and Metropolitan Archbishop Lawrence Huculak, OSBM, of Winnipeg for Ukrainian Catholics in Canada.

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Information about the Plenary Assembly:

From Sept. 22 to 26, the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) gathered in Montreal, Quebec, for the annual meeting of the Plenary Assembly.

CCCB President’s Report at the Plenary Assembly Sept. 23 – LINK

This national meeting is always focused on how the Catholic bishops of Canada can serve the Church’s mission at the national level.

Topics covered during the full week of discussion carried out with prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit included:

• Reports – The Bishops received numerous reports on the activities and projects of various CCCB bodies.
• Pastoral Reflection – 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea– In 2025, the Church commemorates the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first Ecumenical Council held in 325 AD. This milestone invites Christians of all traditions – Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant – to reflect on the Council’s enduring legacy, to reaffirm the unity of faith articulated by the Council Fathers, and to recommit to fostering Christian unity today. To mark this occasion during the Plenary Assembly meeting, the Permanent Council invited Fr. Hieromonk Gregory Hrynkiw, Ph.D., a Byzantine-Catholic monk from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, to offer a pastoral reflection on the significance of this historic anniversary.
• Standing Committee for Responsible Ministry and the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons – The Standing Committee for Responsible Ministry led a discussion on its proposed Action Plan to Implement the Recommendations in Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse (2018). Following the plenary meeting, a finalized version of the Action Plan will be sent to all diocesan and eparchial bishops as guidance for improving their safeguarding policies.
• Synod on “Synodality”– Bishop Alain Faubert updated the members on the newly established ad hoc committee on the Implementation of the Synod on Synodality, and outlined how the CCCB can help bishops at the local level during the implementation phase. This session included a presentation re-capping the Synodal Assembly last October, the Final Document released by the Synod and later approved by Pope Francis, the Implementation Phase and its pathways, as well as the committee’s mandate and membership. This was followed by workshops and plenary session for bishops to share reactions and expectations.
• Artificial Intelligence – The Church’s engagement with AI as a moral and social concern has grown in recent years. In January 2025, the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith and for Culture and Education issued Antiqua et Nova, examining AI and human intelligence, and in June, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the Church’s role in guiding ethical reflection on AI. To support bishops in Canada, the Permanent Council invited Fr. Philip M. Larrey, Ph.D., a scholar of philosophy and digital-era ethics, to deliver this year’s keynote address.

Final press conference (video):

Daily video summaries and reflections:

Overview:

A meeting of the Plenary Assembly is a solemn and important event in the life of the Church in Canada because it gathers together all the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), who total 80 bishops of the Latin and Eastern Churches across Canada. The Plenary Assembly of the Conference is its highest instance of authority. Decisions taken by the Plenary Assembly represent the unity of action of all the Catholic bishops of Canada on a national level. Convoked at least once a year, the Plenary Assembly considers a broad range of topics related to the Church’s evangelizing mission, including reports and questions from the Episcopal Commissions and other advisory bodies of the CCCB. The agenda, which is set by the Permanent Council, may also include discussions and pastoral reflections on special topics. Elections are held every two years to appoint members to leadership positions within the Conference.

Video summary of Day 1 – Sept. 22, 2025

ENGLISH – CCCB Plenary Assembly – Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina on national ecumenical strategy, and Archbishop Guy Desrochers of Moncton on this year’s Jubilee Year projects:

FRENCH – Assemblée plénière de la CECC 2025: Mise à jour du 22 septembre

Video summary of  Day 2 – Sept. 23, 2025

ENGLISH – CCCB Plenary Assembly: Bishop Bryan Bayda of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada reflecting on the 1700th Anniversary of the Nicean Creed; and Bishop Joseph Dabrowski of Charlottetownon speaking about the CCCB Family and Life committee report

FRENCH – Assemblée plénière de la CECC 2025: Mise à jour du 23 septembre

Video summary of Day 4 – Sept. 25, 2025

ENGLISH – Bishop Alain Faubert of Valleyfield, Que. reflects on Synodality

FRENCH:  Assemblée plénière de la CECC 2025: Mise à jour du 25 septembre

Video summary of Day 5 – Sept. 26, 2025

ENGLISH – New bishops: Bishop Alan Campeau of Thunder Bay, ON; and Archbishop Charles Duval, CSsR, of Grouard-McLennan, AB

FRENCH: Assemblée plénière de la CECC 2025: Mise à jour du 26 septembre – Mgr. Jean Tailleur évêque auxiliaire à l’archidiocèse de Québec et Mgr. Pierre Charland, OFM, évêque de Baie-Comeau

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Media release from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)

From Sept. 22 to 26, the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will gather in Montreal, Quebec, for the annual meeting of the Plenary Assembly.

This meeting is always focused on how the Catholic bishops of Canada can serve the Church’s mission at the national level.

Topics that to be covered during the full week of discussion carried out with prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit:

• CCCB Elections – 2025 is an election year for the CCCB (elections take place once every two years), which means the bishops will be asked to vote for new Executive Committee members (the President, Vice President, Co-Treasurer for the English Sector, and Co-Treasurer for the French Sector), as well as for members on the Permanent Council which are not ex officio (regional representatives from the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, and Western Episcopal Assemblies, as well as sectoral representatives). All elections will take place by secret vote and the results will be announced at noon on Friday, Sept. 26, when they take effect.
• Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity, Religious Relations with Jews, and Interfaith Dialogues– The Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity, Religious Relations with the Jews, and Interfaith Dialogue, chaired by the Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, will introduce its proposed National Ecumenical Strategy (NES) for possible approval. The NES is the culmination of two years of work responding to the CCCB’s earlier review of the various ecumenical and interfaith dialogues which it sponsors. As part of the plenary proceedings, ecumenical guests present will be invited to provide their comments before a final version of the NES is submitted to the CCCB for approval.
• Pastoral Reflection – 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea– In 2025, the Church commemorates the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first Ecumenical Council held in 325 AD. This milestone invites Christians of all traditions – Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant – to reflect on the Council’s enduring legacy, to reaffirm the unity of faith articulated by the Council Fathers, and to recommit to fostering Christian unity today. To mark this occasion during the Plenary Assembly meeting, the Permanent Council has invited Fr. Hieromonk Gregory Hrynkiw, Ph.D., a Byzantine-Catholic monk from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, to offer a pastoral reflection on the significance of this historic anniversary.
• Standing Committee for Responsible Ministry and the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons – The Standing Committee for Responsible Ministry will lead a discussion on its proposed Action Plan to Implement the Recommendations in Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse (2018). Following the plenary meeting, a finalized version of the Action Plan will be sent to all diocesan and eparchial bishops as guidance for improving their safeguarding policies.
• Synod on “Synodality”– Bishop Alain Faubert will update the members on the newly established ad hoc committee on the Implementation of the Synod on Synodality, and will outline how the CCCB can help bishops at the local level during the implementation phase. This session will include a presentation recapping the Synodal Assembly last October, the Final Document released by the Synod and later approved by Pope Francis, the Implementation Phase and its pathways, as well as the committee’s mandate and membership. This will be followed by workshops and plenary session for bishops to share reactions and expectations.
• Artificial Intelligence – The Church’s engagement with AI as a moral and social concern has grown in recent years. In January 2025, the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith and for Culture and Education issued Antiqua et Nova, examining AI and human intelligence, and in June, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the Church’s role in guiding ethical reflection on AI. To support bishops in Canada, the Permanent Council has invited Fr. Philip M. Larrey, Ph.D., a scholar of philosophy and digital-era ethics, to deliver this year’s keynote address.
• Reports – The Bishops will receive numerous reports on the activities and projects of various CCCB bodies.

As is customary, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, will address the Bishops in his capacity as the Pope’s representative in Canada.

At the close of the Pleanary Assembly Friday, Sept. 26, a press conference will be held at 11:30 a.m. SK time.

Overview:

A meeting of the Plenary Assembly is a solemn and important event in the life of the Church in Canada because it gathers together all the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), who total 80 bishops of the Latin and Eastern Churches across Canada. The Plenary Assembly of the Conference is its highest instance of authority. Decisions taken by the Plenary Assembly represent the unity of action of all the Catholic bishops of Canada on a national level. Convoked at least once a year, the Plenary Assembly considers a broad range of topics related to the Church’s evangelizing mission, including reports and questions from the Episcopal Commissions and other advisory bodies of the CCCB. The agenda, which is set by the Permanent Council, may also include discussions and pastoral reflections on special topics. Elections are held every two years to appoint members to leadership positions within the Conference.

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Bishop Mark Hagemoen visited the newly-opened Cree bilingual Catholic school in Saskatoon on Sept. 19.

The Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) building on 7th Street East opened its doors to students at the start of the 2025-26 school year: LINK to ARTICLE.

GSCS Education Superintendent Kelley Cardinal, Bishop Mark Hagemoenof the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, GSCS Board of Education Chair, and François Rivard, GSCS Director of Education (l-r) on the playground of the new school Sept. 19, 2025. (Submitted photo)

More information from the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools website:

Located at 2010 7th Street East (the former location of St. Charles School, then of Sion Middle School), the new school brings together students in pre-kindergarten to Grade 9 who previously learned in two different Saskatoon locations (McPherson Avenue and Bateman Crescent) to accommodate growth of the Cree language and cultural program.

The exterior of the building features Cree syllabics to encourage language learning and to serve as a form of outreach to, and teaching for, the broader community. Prefabricated modular panels give the “curved” look of the building that is meant to represent the dancing movement of the northern lights.

Extensive consultation with Elders, knowledge keepers, students, families and staff means all aspects of the school are culturally aware. Classroom signs in English and Cree, colour schemes on each of the three floors that represent different natural elements (1st floor: Rock; 2nd floor: Earth; 3rd floor: Human), a bulkhead installation that that depicts the constellations of the night sky during the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876 at Fort Pitt, and artwork throughout the building—including a portrait of the school’s namesake St. Francis of Assisi—demonstrate commitment to treaty education, reclamation of Cree language and culture, and the Catholic faith.

An official opening is planned for October 3. Open houses for the public to see the school and learn more will be planned for the future.

A brief overview of Cree language and cultural education at Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools:

• 2007: language and cultural program begins at St. Frances School on McPherson Avenue
  • Adding one grade per year, the program grew from 40 to over 600 students from over 50 Saskatoon neighbourhoods in 12 years.
• 2016-17: A replacement school became the top priority for the division’s capital plan.
• 2017: The Cree language program received the SSBA’s Premier’s Board of Education Award for ni ahkwatonâmonân: An Indigenous Language Pathway to Improved Student Learning Outcomes at St. Frances Cree Bilingual School.
• 2018: The Bateman Crescent location (former St. Patrick School) was added to host grades 6 – 8 because there was no more space to expand at the McPherson Ave. location.
• 2019: Grade 9 was added at the Bateman Cres. location.
• March 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced planning and design funding for a replacement school.
• Fall 2021: The former Sion Middle School is demolished to prepare for the new school.
• Spring 2022: Design and planning—guided by Elders and informed by students, parents, family members and staff—began.
• June 2023: A construction ceremony and blessing of the land event kicked-off construction.
• December 2024: The new name—awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School—was announced. (Link to ARTICLE)
• September 2, 2025: The new school welcomes students!

Select features of awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School:

• All aspects of the school are culturally-aware through consultation with Elders and knowledge keepers. There was extensive involvement of students, families and staff.
• The modular panel “curved” design is inspired by the northern lights. A “boxy brick” structure was purposefully avoided because it could provoke possible trauma related to residential schools.
• Cree syllabics on the exterior encourage language learning and are a form of outreach to, and teaching for, the broader community.
• The welcoming front entrance faces east, representing creation and a new beginning.
• The Saskatoon Tribal Council 72-space early learning centre is in the east end of the 1st floor.
• The “pod” structure for classroom spaces will encourage collaborative learning.
• Colour schemes and design elements on each floor represent different elements: 1st floor Rock; 2nd Earth; 3rd floor Human.
• A bulkhead installation on the 1st floor contains lights depicting the constellations of the night sky during the signing of Treaty 6, at Fort Pitt, in 1876.
• Beams from St. Charles/Sion Middle School have been repurposed in the new school to honour the history of the school and location.

• The back alley will be used as the bus drop-off and pick-up loop to alleviate traffic congestion on the streets.

Parish representatives, pastors, and ministry leaders from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon gathered Sept. 18 for an annual Administration Day featuring updates, themes, and needed information for the year ahead.

At Administration Day 2025, Bishop Mark Hagemoen provided an overview of the diocesan mission and vision for this year, which continues to reflect that of the diocesan Pastoral Plan: “To Proclaim Christ and God’s Kingdom Today” and “To have the same mind and heart as Christ Jesus” (Phil.2:5).

Bishop Mark Hagemoen reflected on the year ahead at the diocesan Administration Day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The bishop reflected on the past year in the universal Catholic Church — in particular the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday and the election of Pope Leo XIV. In a time of terrible war in many parts of the world, Pope Leo’s opening words: “peace be with all of you” resonate in a particular powerful way, Hagemoen said.

Further to this year’s Jubilee 2025 theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” he noted the diocesan young adult Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome in May, and the local response to summer pilgrimages in our own diocese this year.

As for the year ahead, Bishop Hagemoen stressed that beginning with the first priority of the diocesan plan “to draw people into deeper intimacy with the Lord,” the ministries and programs undertaken by the diocese in 2025-26 will also continue to focus on making every Sunday matter, building and supporting family and community, encouraging all the baptized to embrace their priestly mission, promoting ongoing healing and conversion, and moving from maintenance to mission in everything, including administration.

Other themes this year will include synodality, with the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality underway around the world, including in our diocese, he said, with a local committee chaired by Fr. Joseph Salihu, and plans for further discussion by the Diocesan Pastoral Council and at Clergy Study Days later this fall. Synodality — with its focus on being led by the Holy Spirit on a path of unity, listening, communion, and co-responsibility — has the potential to be an antidote to the terrible divisions, polarization and conflicts in our world,  said Hagemoen, noting that many in our world and in our communities are struggling in today’s tough times.

“The Jubilee Year and the Synod inspire and urge us to move beyond slogans and assumptions, to really being present and in-relationship with one another,” the bishop said, adding that this also continues to resonate with the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation in the diocese and across the country.

READ MORE about MINISTRIES and UPDATES at Administration Day: LINK

Photos:

The 2025 Bishop’s Annual Appeal was discussed at a breakfast meeting before the start of Administration Day Sept. 18. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation Executive Director Raissa Bugyi and Development Manager Andrea Alas (standing, l-r) introduce the 2025 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Fr. Benedict Arakkal is welcomed at the registration desk by Catholic Pastoral Centre staff Jenny Ashok and Riah De Mesa. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Pastors, parish staff and parish leaders were in attendance for the annual Administration Day in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Sept. 18. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Pastors, parish staff and parish leaders were in attendance for the annual Administration Day in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Sept. 18. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Adult Faith Coordinator Astrid Alas stands next to the long table full of materials and resources for parishes across the diocese, which were distributed at Administration Day Sept. 18. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Marilyn Jackson, Director of Ministry Services, spoke about the upcoming ministry year during her presentation at the diocesan Administration Day Sept. 18. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Parish leaders check out the 2025-2026 resource guide about upcoming diocesan events and programs. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Sasktoon News)

Development and Peace-Caritas Canada representatives Bernice Daratha, Norman Lipinski, and Michelle Dinter-Lipinski (l-r) provided information about the fall awareness campaign “Turn Debt into Hope.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Adult Faith Coordinator Astrid Alas and Prison Ministry Coordinator Dianne Anderson (l-r) were among members of the diocesan ministry team to provide updates at the 2025 Administration Day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Pastors, parish staff and leaders, and diocesan ministry staff gathered with Bishop Hagemoen for the annual Administration Day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Pastors, parish staff and parish leaders were in attendance for the annual Administration Day in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Sept. 18. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Pastors, parish staff and parish leaders were in attendance for the annual Administration Day in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Sept. 18. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Administration Day included celebration of Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen presiding. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic, Saskatoon News)

Hospital Chaplain Fr. Benefit Arakkal proclaimed the Gospel during Mass on Administration Day in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic, Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at celebration of the Eucharist on Administration Day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic, Saskatoon News)

Administration Day is an opportunity to share updates and initiatives, and a chance to reconnect with others from across the diocese working to “Proclaim Christ and God’s Kingdom Today.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic, Saskatoon News)

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Left to right: Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Bishop Stephen Hero of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert, Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon and Archbishop Donald Bolen of the Archdiocese of Regina. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Four Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan met together in Saskatoon Sept. 10-11, 2025, meeting with representatives of various groups.

The meeting was held ahead of the national Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops later in the month.

The Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan stand before the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

On Friday, Sept. 5, a new group of participants in the Catholic faith formation program at St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission was welcomed to the Bruno, Saskatchewan St. Therese campus at the former St. Ursuline Convent.“

“What a gift it was to kick start the new year with the celebration of the Eucharist,” said Rachelle Bentler, Apostolic Intern at St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno. 

Both Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon and Bishop Michael Smolinski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon joined St. Bruno Pastor Fr. Pius Schroh and staff and students for the academic year’s opening Mass in the St. Therese Chapel.

St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission opening Mass Sept. 5 celebrants were Bishop Michael Smolinski, Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Fr. Pius Schroh. (Submitted photo)

Recessional procession at the Sept. 5 Mass, led by St. Therese Institute formation program participants who served at the altar. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon and Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon celebrated Eucharist Sept. 5 at St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno, SK. (Submitted photo)

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Catholic Saskatoon News and the Communications Office in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa

Those assembled for the blessing of the new chapel were sprinkled with holy water during the opening of the celebration Sept. 8, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Photos:

The new Divine Mercy Chapel is located between the original seniors’ residence Columbian Manor and the new addition, Columbian Manor, located on Louise Street in southeast Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Celebrants gather at the entrance of the new chapel for the blessing prayers that opened the Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(L-R): Fr. Michel Bedard, Fr. Emile April, Bishp Mark Hagemoen, and Fr. Denis Phaneuf at the start of the celebration to bless the new Divine Mercy Chapel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(L-R): Fr. Michel Bedard, Fr. Emile April, Bishp Mark Hagemoen, and Fr. Denis Phaneuf at the start of the celebration to bless the new Divine Mercy Chapel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Blessing the chapel and all those assembled for Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Hagemoen blesses the new chapel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at the chapel blessing Sept. 8. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Resident Guy Bellevue was MC for the celebration, and proclaimed the First Reading. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Sr. Marlene Aquino, MACE, leads the psalm response. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Fr. Emile April proclaims the gospel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Assisted by Fr. Denis Phaneuf, Bishop Mark Hagemoen blesses the altar of the Divine Mercy Chapel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Celebration of the Eucharist followed the blessing of the altar in the new Divine Mercy Chapel, (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Sophie Lachapelle, Spiritual Care Convener, spoke at the conclusion of Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

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Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Saskatoon opened in July 1965. Today a statue of beloved Polish pope St. John Paul II stands upon the grounds of the church located at Avenue Y and 20th Street in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

The faith of parishioners past and present was highlighted during a 60th anniversary celebration for Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in Saskatoon on Sept. 7, 2025.

The parish was established by Polish Catholics in Saskatoon under the patronage of Our Lady of Czestochowa after the events of the Second World War in the midst of the sufferings under Soviet reign, and has been nurtured and cared for ever since, noted Bishop Mark Hagemoen, who celebrated Eucharist with the community to mark the anniversary. Concelebrants were pastor and diocesan Judicial Vicar Fr. Marvin Lischchynsky, and diocesan Vicar General Fr. Kevin McGee, as well as former parish administrator Fr. Richard Philiposki, SChr., and visitor Fr.  Karol Twarowski, SChr, of Regina.

Readings, prayers, and hymns were offered in Polish during the celebration, along with some English — including proclamation of the Gospel, and the bishop’s homily.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen gave the homily at the anniversary Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Hagemoen spoke about the profound devotion of the Polish people to the Blessed Mother as “Our Lady of Czestochowa” and the images of that icon of the parish patron saint. The scars on the face of the ancient icon are a reflection of all the suffering that Mary endured, “but also how she is in solidarity with the suffering of all of God’s people,” he said.

He also reflected on the witness of St John Henry Newman who will soon be declared a Doctor of the Church, according to a recent announcement by Pope Leo XIV. Cardinal Newman’s pursuit of truth without filters or compromise is an example for all of us, Hagemoen said.

In the midst of changing circumstances — including in times of relative security and prosperity — that search for truth remains paramount. “What is the new kind of faithfulness we are called to live,” challenged Hagemoen, reflecting on the Sunday Gospel in which Jesus call his disciples  “to go all the way… showing us and challenging us, as to what our ultimate goal really is.”

As part of the anniversary celebration, a newly-built altar created by members of the community was dedicated and blessed, followed by celebration of the Eucharistic rite.

History

The diocesan history “Building the Church, Living the Gospel” by diocesan archivist Margaret Sanche records how Mass for Saskatoon Polish Catholics was celebrated once month in various churches beginning in 1950 under the auspices of St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon. In 1964, the Catholic chapel of the RCAF Station in Saskatoon was purchased and moved to the present location at 20th Street West and Avenue Y, with the first Mass in the new chapel celebrated by Fr. Stan Urbanoski at Easter, 1965.

On July 22, 1965, the national parish for Polish-speaking Catholics was officially established under the patronage of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the name given an ancient and revered icon of the Virgin Mary enshrined at the Jasna Gore Monastery in Poland.

Additions and renovations wot the worship space were undertaken by Fr. Joseph Chiefly, OMI, while he served a pastor during the period 1967-1983.

View of the sanctuary from the choir loft. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

In an article about the parish’s 50th anniversary for the Diocesan Newsletter in 2015, Edward Karpinski recorded the history of the parish:

“As survivors of World War II were coming to Canada, the Polish people among them felt a need and desire for a Polish church where language issues would not hold them back in their religious and cultural life. When Polish-speaking priests came to sporadically minister to the people, the desire began to seem achievable. On the inspiration of Father Józef Smyczek, the Polish Catholic Association of Saskatoon was formed.”

“Within weeks $20,000 was raised and permission obtained to build a church. Building committee members were K. Baraniecki, B. Danko, J. and S. Pronkiewicz, P. Sapieha, J. Sławinski, M. Tuczyński and K. Źródłowski. The association purchased a lot,” wrote Karpinski

“A basement was constructed and the wooden church, purchased from the Canadian Air Force, was moved onto the site. Bishop Francis Klein consecrated the church on July 22, 1965, dedicating it to Our Lady of Częstochowa…. This achievement by the 60 families was possible due to the determination, generosity and personal physical work of people who felt a deep need to maintain their faith and to enhance its expression,” he said.

Traditions of the Polish Catholic culture have been preserved and honoured over the past six decades in Saskatoon, including “feast days, days of observance, (and) a rhythm of devotions that bound them to their faith and nourished it,” wrote Karpinski.  “They followed the rhythm of the Church calendar: the Christmas home visits by the pastor, children on a caroling route, the communal Opłatek gathering and meal, the Candle Mass of the Virgin, the blessing of Easter food, the parish patron saint celebrations and festivities.

Among the visitors attending the 60th anniversary celebration were Lech and Grazyna Galezowski of Calgary, authors of “Footsteps of Polish Pioneers on the Canadian Prairies: Exploring Churches and Chapels 1899-1914” and “Footsteps of Polish Settlers in Western Canada.”

Photos:

Bishop Mark Hagemoen arrives for the 60th anniversary celebration Sept. 7, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Entrance procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

A presentation of flowers to Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the beginning of Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

A presentation to Fr. Richard Philiposki, SChr. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

A thank you gift for Fr. Richard Philiposki, SChr. is presented at the beginning of Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Proclamation of the First Reading (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Pastor Fr. Marvin Lishcynsky proclaimed the Gospel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen prepares to bless the new altar before the Eucharistic rite. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen anoints the new altar with Sacred Chrism. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Pastor Fr. Marvin Lishchynsky (left) rubs the Sacred Chrism onto the new altar. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Fr. Kevin McGee, diocesan Vicar General, (left) is assisted in dressing the newly-dedicated altar for celebration of the Eucharist at the parish 60th anniversary Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Members of the choir providing music ministry. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Recessional. (Photo by Kiply Lulan Yaworski)

Recessional. (Photo by Kiply Lulan Yaworski)

The 60th Anniversary celebration at Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Saskatoon Sept. 7 included (l-r): Vicar General Fr. Kevin McGee, former pastor Fr. Richard Philiposki, SChr; Bishop Mark Hagemoenn; pastor Fr. Marvin Lishchynsky; and Fr. Karol Twarowski, SChr, of Regina. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen visits with parishioners after Mass, which was followed by a dinner and a program in the basement hall. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

A dinner was held in the church basement hall after Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lulan Yaworski)

Children of the parish perform traditional dances during the program after the anniversary Mass. (Submitted photo)

The statue of St. John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla) by Bill Epp was placed on the parish grounds to celebrate the 1984 visit of the pontiff to Canada. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.

Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Bishop Michael Smolinski during the entrance procession for the Opening Celebration for Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools staff held Aug. 29, 20255 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Derrick Kunz, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools)

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) teachers, staff members, administrators, and trustees gathered for celebration of the Eucharist and a program of reflection and inspiration Aug. 29, preparing for the start of another school year.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, and Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon presided at the celebration of Mass, joined by a number of priests from both the diocese and the eparchy, as well as a deacon from the eparchy.

Some 200 new teachers were among the 2,ooo-plus staff and other GSCS leaders who filled the Cathedral of the Holy Family to capacity for the annual celebration that included prayer, greetings, and an inspirational keynote speaker.

GSCS staff members respond to the comedic and faith-filled encouragement of keynote speaker Mike Patin at the Opening Day Celebration Aug. 29. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

With 50 schools and over 22,000 students, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) is Saskatchewan’s largest Catholic school division, providing Catholic education from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 in Saskatoon and area, as well as at schools in Biggar, Humboldt, Martensville and Warman, SK.

Band teachers were the MCs for the GSCS Opening Day Celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

A tipi was once again set up on the cathedral grounds for an early-morning pipe ceremony before the start of the day. Representatives of the school division’s music faculty served as MCs for the celebration, and T.J. Warren of the GSCS Treaty, First Nations and Métis Education team presented an honour song to open the program for the day.

T.J. Warren opened the celebration with an honour song. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Choir director was David Snell, with Wendy Dale on piano. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Shelly Lord, Principal of St. Luke School, proclaimed the First Reading. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Psalm cantor was Shaun Basel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, gave the homily at the Opening Day Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

GSCS staff renew their commitment:

Bishop Michael Smolinski and Bishop Mark Hagemoen led the GSCS assembly in a renewal of commitment. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Staff of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools stand during the Mass to renew their commitment. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Prayers of the Faithful in different languages:

Prayers of the Faithful: Chris Otsig (in English). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Prayers of the Faithful: Julia Istifo (in Chaldean). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Prayers of the Faithful: Tetyana Lemon (in Ukrainian). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Prayers of the Faithful: Delores Smallchild (in Nēyihaw). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Prayers of the Faithful: Maegan Urdal (American Sine Languagee)

Prayers of the Faithful: Adele Wotherspoon (in French). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Prayers of the Faithful: Sandra Laliberte (in Michif). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Greetings from leaders:

GSCS board chair Diane Boyko brought words of appreciation, affirmation, and encouragement. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

John McGettigan of the GSCS Foundation, stressed the need to support the organization that supports Catholic education. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Inspirational keynote:

Mike Patin was keynote speaker. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.

Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.