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.
