A Compassionate Healers’ Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Mark Hagemoen at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, live-streamed to pray along live or later at saskatoonmass.com. The Compassionate Healers’ Mass provides an opportunity to pray for all those involved in every level of health care in any setting – including medical professionals, caregivers, administrators, support staff, volunteers, spiritual care providers, parishioners, and family members.
Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen:
To Clergy, Religious, & Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Saskatoon:
On Sunday, February 8 the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon and the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) together celebrate our commitment to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ at the “Compassionate Healers’ Mass” at Holy Family Cathedral.
This celebration is in solidarity with the National Catholic Health Care Week, which is recognized this year from Sunday, February 1 to Sunday, February 8.
Catholic health in our country serves over five million Canadians each year, and employs over 88,000 people. The contribution of Catholic health care is significant in our country, and continues a strong tradition of caring for the sick – a tradition that goes back to the arrival and hard work of the first apostles of Catholic health care in Canada: the many religious men and, in particular, religious women, who established hospitals and care centres, – usually when responding to situations of need and crisis.
Our Catholic faith tradition is directed and inspired by multiple passages from Sacred Scripture regarding care for the sick. For example, in Matthew 14:14 we see how Jesus is constantly moved with compassion to care for persons who are sick. St. Paul directs the early Christian community to, “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2)
Our world of today is in great need of many witnesses to God’s special care and concern for persons who are sick, suffering, and are neglected or even forsaken. Let us reaffirm our commitment to care for those who are sick and suffering in our midst- through our various health care institutions, and in the many environments we find broken humanity calling our for the compassionate healing and care of Christ Jesus. I ask that all of our parishes on this Sunday have some way of praying for the sick, praying for those who care for the sick, and making our own prayerful commitment to provide support to the sick and suffering in our midst.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Mark A. Hagemoen
CHAS Resources for Compassionate Healers’ Mass – PDF
CHAC Resources for National Catholic Health Care Week – LINK
National Catholic Health Care Week is marked Feb. 1 to Feb. 7, 2026, to recognize the mission of Catholic health care organizations across Canada. This year’s focus is on the theme of Open Hearts, Healing, Hope, which invites us to explore how our shared humanity connects us and calls us to build a world where every person belongs, is respected, and can thrive. We celebrate our shared values rooted in Catholic social thought—Human Dignity, Compassion, Community, Participation, and Hope. These values speak across traditions and beliefs, offering a vision of healing that is both deeply personal and profoundly collective. This week, we reflect on what it means to care—not only for others, but for the world we create together. In doing so, we affirm that healing is not only physical recovery, but the ongoing work of restoring wholeness, belonging, and purpose to our lives and our world. In a world marked by division and uncertainty, may we celebrate the strength that comes from walking together and building relationships grounded in respect, compassion, and justice.
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