April 2026

Discussion, listening, networking, and prayer were again part of a 2026 diocesan Spring Congress when it was presented April 18 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Watson, SK.

A team of ministry leaders from the diocesan Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon explored the theme “Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening” during the series, with presentations focusing on listening to the Lord and listening to each other in a synodal spirit — all presented earlier in Saskatoon, and scheduled for later in the spring at Kindersley.

Beginning with presentations on the Synod on Synodality and its implementation, each Congress day continued with speakers reflecting on the impact and the role of listening in evangelization, prayer, ministries, outreach – and even art.

 

At each Congress day, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Elder Diane Anderson, who coordinates Restorative Ministry in the diocese, led the opening prayer in the six directions, introduced by Director of Ministry Services Marilyn Jackson after a Treaty land acknowledgement.

The prayer from World Youth Day in Toronto with St. John Paul II was offered “in the spirit of reconciliation, healing and connection with Indigenous Peoples and in the spirit of the Land Acknowledgement that we just heard,” Jackson said.

Following the prayer, Jackson invited all those present to engage in a listening exercise, in which participants took turns sharing on a range of topics, interests, and concerns.

Message from the bishop

In person at Watson, and on videotape for a later presentation in Kindersley, Bishop Mark Hagemoen offered a reflection on the importance of synodality in the life of the Church.

“Synodality is not new for the Church,” said Hagemoen. “Synodality is how the Church works together as the body of Christ.” It reflects the life and communion of the Trinity, he suggested, adding that it involves “things that we are not very good at as a culture,” including active and authentic listening.

“To be respectful and to listen to each other takes commitment and work,” he said. “It means putting aside our agenda and sometimes our impatience so that we can do a really good job on the listening piece.”

The bishop also stressed the call to “an ongoing conversion of life and heart” and the need for both the ordained and non-ordained to work together in the proclamation of the Gospel and the mission of the Church.

“We are on a boat together,” he said. He quoted a description shared by one of the bishops who participated in the Synod on Synodality sessions at the Vatican: “differentiated apostolic discipleship” summarizing how all are called to share in the life, work, and mission of the Church in various ways and in their own particular vocations.

Introduced by Pope Francis in 2021 and now continuing under Pope Leo, the Synod on Synodality has produced a Final Document after dialogue and input from around the world. Pope Leo has now asked for implementation of the Synod document, and the diocese of Saskatoon is actively working on that, Hagemoen said.

“We now have a small implementation committee … representing very large segments of our diocese, including health care, education, our rural context, (and) our city contexts,” the bishop said, reflecting on next steps. Led by Diocesan Synod Committee Chair Fr. Joseph Salihu, the implementation committee includes Carrie Dornstauder, Renee Cratty, Jacob Powell, and Cameron Choquette.

Hagemoen said that the synodal call to respectful, Spirit-led listening is an antidote to the polarization, division and vitriol of today’s world, so evident online, on social media, and the mainstream media, and experienced even in local contexts. “We live in a culture that tries to build on scandal,” the bishop said.

“Our faith is extremely articulate and very clear about the need for shalom and respect and what peacebuilding means in the world,” he said. “We pray that the call to holiness and righteousness which is given to every one of us continues to inspire us.”

Synodality and why it matters

Sr. Malou Tibayan of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity, who has served on the Diocesan Synod Committee, provided an overview of the Synod on Synodality at Spring Congress sessions.

“Synodality is the walking together of Christians with Christ and towards God’s Kingdom, in union with all humanity. Orientated towards mission, synodality involves gathering at all levels of the Church for mutual listening, dialogue, and community discernment,” said Tibayan, quoting #28 of the Synod of Bishops’ Final Document.

“Synodality is primarily a spiritual disposition,” she continued, citing #43 of the Final Document. “It permeates the daily life of the baptized as well as every aspect of the Church’s mission. …it flows from the action of the Holy Spirit and requires listening to the Word of God, contemplation, silence and conversion of heart.”

Tibayan stressed that synodality “is not a method or a program, rather it is a way of being Church,” pointing to the Synod focus on communion, participation, and mission. “Synodality expresses the Church’s nature as people of God journeying together, gathered by the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit, to proclaim the Gospel.”

“Synodality is already part of the experience of many of our communities, but at the same time (the document) affirms that we are still facing a lot of practical challenges,” she said. The Synod is a call to renewal of the Church, “based upon a shared baptismal identity of the People of God,” Tibayan stressed.

“The Synod Final Document provides guidelines, suggests pathways to follow, practices to implement and horizons to explore, to help us become a missionary synodal Church,” she said. “We are invited to search for concrete ways and opportunities to create spaces to practice mutual listening, dialogue and community discernment, within the context of spiritual conversations.

“As well, a synodal Church is the one that values, promotes and supports formation of all members,” Tibayan said, describing the document’s emphasis on forming people for missionary discipleship. “It requires continuous conversion, that leads the person towards full identification or conformation to Christ.”

Participation and co-responsibility are also highlighted as essential elements, she said, quoting the Final Document: “A wider distribution of tasks and responsibilities and a more courageous discernment of what properly belongs to the ordained ministry and what can and must be delegated to others will enable each ministry to be exercised in a more spiritually sound and pastorally dynamic manner.”

This will have an impact on decision-making processes, consultation, and leadership styles “enabling them to have a more clearly synodal character which will help overcome clericalism (#74),” Tibayan said.

“Other essential elements of a synodal Church highlighted in the synod Final Document are transparency, accountability and evaluation (#95),” she added.

“This does not refer to a series of administrative or procedural requirements rather a fundamental attitude grounded in the Sacred Scriptures,” she said, listing the need to embody qualities of truth, loyalty, clarity, honesty, integrity, and consistency, and reject obscurity, hypocrisy, ambiguity and ulterior motives.

Tibayan added: “Synodality, when lived and practised with humility, enables the Church to be a prophetic voice in today’s world and society marked by a dictatorial model of governance and growing culture of individualism. Synodality can offer a great contribution to the search for answers in building the common good when faced by temptation to resolve conflicts by force rather than dialogue.”

She also summarized “what is being asked of us,” by listing three priorities for the implementation phase in the diocese:

• Become familiar with the Synod Final Document;
• Seek creative ways to promote synodality in the diocese and local parishes;
• Promote a synodal way of decision making.

“You only learn synodality by doing it,” Tibayan urged, quoting Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops. “So, the key word for us during this implementation phase is practice, practice, practice.”

Spiritual conversations

During Congress, Sr. Marta Piano of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity, introduced the Synod’s “Spiritual Conversation Model” as a method for Spirit-led conversations grounded in prayer and active listening – a process which has been used throughout the Synod.

Listening attentively – and with attention to the Holy Spirit– is not easy or automatic, Piano said. “It entails our whole being,” she described, stressing the need to fully pay attention to many elements of what a person is saying: body language, words, meaning – all while suspending our own judgments or responses. “It is not about debating.”

“Sometimes we’re tempted, right? While the other person speaks, you’re already thinking what you’re going to say, how you’re going to say it,” she said. “Listening intentionally and then also speaking intentionally is needed. At the same time, those engaging in such spiritual conversations are also asked to discern personally, but also as a community, what the Holy Spirit is trying to say.”

In the synodal conversation model, the first round of a discussion is listening, without interrupting or commenting on what the others say. “Then we take a moment of silence,” said Piano. “And there you ponder in your heart, what you’ve been listening to, what are your observations, and what did you notice. What are the notable points of consolation and desolation?”

The second round of the conversation is reflective sharing about what was discerned in that moment of silence. “This is the moment to share, to put things in common,” she said. Questions that can help might include: “How was I affected by what I heard? Is there a common thread that I listened to? Is there something missing?”

After another time of silent reflection, there is a third round of speaking and listening, focused on discernment, and the action of the Holy Spirit in the group. “It involves trying to discern what are those common threads that emerge in the conversation? What divergences, what interior movements did we notice?” she said. “We pay attention to what is happening in the other person and in ourselves, and we pay attention to how the Lord is working there, through what we heard.”

Seizing opportunities for evangelization

In his Congress presentation “See and Seize,” diocesan Evangelization and Mission Leader John Hickey emphasized the importance of listening and building relationships as the foundation of sharing faith with others,

Observing that “the harvest is plentiful,” Hickey pointed to studies that showed most committed Catholic Christians do not actively initiate faith sharing, largely because of social considerations such as not wanting to act inappropriately or fear of making someone feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, studies also have shown that some two-thirds of those who say they have no faith, also said that they were open to having spiritual conversations and are spiritually curious.

“A large portion of our people desire to share faith, but don’t know how to start. And yet our audience is saying ‘Please talk about your faith more. We want to know more about it,’” said Hickey.

He provided an overview for spotting opportunities to share faith, and how to seize those opportunities – grounded in intentionality and prayer, and in a context of building trust, forming relationships, and active listening.

“The Holy Spirit is actually on the move right now, and there is  no greater time to get engaged in the mission,” he said, pointing to higher numbers of faith enquirers and adult baptisms in diocese around the world, and the spiritual impact of the upcoming Jubilee 2033, the 2,000th anniversary of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. “I think we’re experiencing a heightened grace of spiritual openness right now,” he said.

As a missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach, Hickey would pray that God would give one opportunity each day to share faith with someone. “After you pray that prayer, expect him to answer it… put on your evangelization glasses,” Hickey urged.

“I want you to know and feel encouraged that there are people in your life that the Holy Spirit is at work in right now, and that the Holy Spirit needs you to co-operate in order to bring the seed of God’s word to them,” he said, suggesting ways to both “see and seize” those opportunities.

Providing a range of examples, Hickey encouraged his listeners to engage in “an intentional way of living your life so that you can have those conversations” and described his own efforts to connect with those he encounters at the gym.

If trust and curiosity is taking root in a friendship, Hickey suggested possible conversation starters. “The first question I always ask is: ‘Did you grow up with any kind of faith? Did you have any kind of spiritual upbringing?’” he said. “They will indicate to you pretty quick whether or not they’re kind of open or closed to the subject. And the way I like to view it is, that’s my warning shot, and then I’m looking for a yellow, red, or green light.”

If interest is there, he said a follow-up question might be “Do you see faith in your future at all?”

From such small conversation starters, deeper sharing and listening can begin to happen, and the Holy Spirit can begin to work – in some cases, the fruits may take years, but to intentionally seek such conversations is key to being a missionary disciple, he said.

Hickey described how one friend felt called to deepen the spiritual conversations he was having with friends at work. A suggestion to invite them to their home for a Bible study brought great fruit: within a few years, members of the group returned to the faith or joined the church, children were baptized, and lives were changed.

Hickey challenged his listeners to take practical next steps as missionary disciples. “Is there someone that you have an established relationship of trust with, that maybe the Holy Spirit is drawing to your attention right now? What is something you can do to stir their curiosity?”

Discernment and mission in parish catechesis

Quin Kleiboer, diocesan coordinator of Rural Catechetics, provided a Congress presentation on discernment and mission in parish catechesis: “Listening to Heaven, Listening to the Room.”

He examined a number of common themes in the Synod Final Document  and the Vatican’s new Directory for Catechesis (2020).

“The first point is baptismal co-responsibility. Every baptized person is a missionary disciple and shares the responsibility for the church’s life and mission. The Vatican Synod report identifies each baptized person being the protagonist of mission,’ he said. For parents, this mission call includes being the primary catechist of their children, as called for in the Directory for Catechesis.

A second commonality is docility to the Holy Spirit, with the Synod emphasizing the importance of being a listening church attentive to the Holy Spirit, and the fact that listening to the Holy Spirit is also essential for effective catechesis, or teaching of the faith.

Lifelong formation is “everywhere” within the Final Document and within the Directory of Catechesis. “So, there is a strong call to move beyond sacrament-only, classroom-based programs, and towards ongoing whole-person formation for adults, family, children and youth.”

A final common theme is “catechesis is at the service of mission,” Kleiboer said. “All catechesis belongs to evangelization and should lead to concrete missionary discipleship, not just a giving of information. The Directory for Catechesis notes: there is no catechesis without evangelization and there is no evangelization without catechesis.”

Kleiboer concluded his presentation with a meditative prayer focused on evangelization and mission.

Other presentations

A short summary of the work of diocesan Chancellor Fr. Darryl Millette was also presented during Congress.

Diocesan Coordinator of Adult Faith, Astrid Alas, who is also an artist and designer, reflected on art and beauty as a bridge to encountering Christ.

She explored a “deeper listening” to the messages inherent in several works of art, stressing that God works through beauty and through the hands of an artist, even if he or she is not always aware of it.

Alas quoted Bishop Robert Baron, saying “Beauty is the arrowhead of evangelization … it pierces the mind, but also the heart.”

Encountering God among the poor

During Spring Congress, Myron Rogal of the diocesan Justice and Peace Office reflected on encountering God amongst the poor, drawing from teachings of the gospel, writings of the saints, and Dilexi Te, the recent papal exhortation from Pope Leo on love for the poor.

Rogal pointed to the scriptures which speak loud and clear about caring for the poor, stressing: “Jesus meant what he said.” In the recent Apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te, Pope Leo wrote that no Christian can regard the poor simply as a societal problem, noted Rogal. “They are part of our family. They are one with us.”

“In other words, responding to poverty as Catholics is not just a characteristic of who we are, but it is indeed a fact that’s baked into our baptismal reality and is a universal vocation,” Rogal said. “Our response does not come from a cold duty to care, but from a burning love, because we desire to love the people who Jesus loves.”

In his exhortation, Pope Leo quotes St. John Chrysostom, one of the Church Fathers, “Affirming with crystal clarity that, if the faithful do not encounter Christ in the poor who stand at the door, they will not be able to worship him even at the altar.”

Pope Leo has good questions to ponder when looking at challenges for those living on the margins, Rogal said, quoting Dilexi Te: “Does this mean that the less gifted are not human beings? Or that the weak do not have the same dignity as ourselves? Are those born with fewer opportunities of lesser value as human beings? Should they limit themselves merely to surviving? The worth of our societies, and our own future, depends on the answers we give to these questions.”

Rogal also provided an overview of statistics about poverty, and reasons for rising rates of houselessness in the province. He noted that the service most accessed by those experiencing houselessness is the public library, where people find resources, internet access, and a safe space; after that would be resources related to food security such as the Friendship Inn or Food Bank, with health care services as number three. “Shelters and warm-up shelters are crucial, but do not serve as large a population,” he noted.

“The good news is that the kingdom of God is amongst us,” Rogal continued, sharing stories of encounter and relationship, in which those in need seek ways to give back, of regaining a sense of the common good and the impact of relationship and care for each other.

He encouraged participants to think about their own parish community, to identify the needs, to pay attention to who is on the margins, and seek to respond in a way that recognizes we all belong to God and to each other.

Inviting parishes to take an inventory of what is needed and what could be done, Rogal added that his office is available to provide information and assistance. “But you also have many good examples amongst you, and in the last three to four years especially, it’s been delightful to see so many parishes across the diocese doing some very, very excellent outreach work and I know that’s the work of the Spirit.”

Connecting and volunteering with local agencies providing outreach and assistance is one response among many, he noted.

“Become an advocate,” Rogal said, urging participants to bring their faith into the public realm. “Listen first. Sometimes this might mean accompanying people or approaching representatives in government, having conversations. Sometimes it’s just a matter of dealing with our systems, helping to access resources that are very complicated, helping people move through those systems.”

“Justice is also a key piece here, and we can’t forget that,’ he added. “I was reminded of that recently watching the Paralympics, and the announcer said that for someone in a wheelchair, a positive attitude will go a long, long way, but if they’re at the bottom of a staircase, it won’t bring them up those stairs.”

“Finally, be humble,” he added, noting that with different circumstances in life, anyone of us could be the person in need. Rely on prayer, hope, and trust in God, and always extend mercy, he added. “All is a gift from God, and God uses what we have. A lot of this is discernment, but it’s not to say that we’re not called to this. Serving those who are on the margins, living in poverty, is not a specific charism, it’s really a vocation that belongs to all of us.”

Accompanying those who are suffering

Jackie Saretsky, diocesan coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy, spoke about the crucial role of listening in accompanying those who are sick or dying. It is the kind of listening called for in the Synod on Synodality, with its focus on “communion, participation, mission.”

“When we enter into a conversation with another, we enter into communion with that person. And we participate in their life, in their journey, or whatever it is that they’re sharing with us. And through that, we learn our mission,” she said, emphasizing the need to hear the emotions and feelings behind the words, part of the art of synodal listening.

She presented various conversation scenarios of encountering someone who is suffering, and how to listen for the deeper meaning or unspoken fears behind a person’s words. “Each of these encounters invites us into a deep vulnerability, places where our presence, listening, and compassion matter more than any answers that we may offer.”

“Accompaniment can be a beautiful and grace-filled experience, one that blesses both the person seeking support and the one who prepares their heart to listen with compassion,” she said “It becomes a shared journey where two people are fully present to one another, discovering moments of connection and joy, even in the midst of struggle. Laughing together, sharing stories, and praying side by side create a sacred space in which trust, hope, and mutual presence can flourish.”

But challenges to accompaniment include the natural temptation to avoid difficult conversations, to run away from a tough situation, “Accompanying another person is not always easy, especially when they are facing a difficult situation,” she said.

“It can feel far simpler to offer a quick, cheerful response and steer the conversation towards something lighter… but genuine accompaniment begins with making space to truly listen, setting aside the urge to fix or reassure, and instead, allowing the other person to be heard in their vulnerability.

For those uncertain about how to respond in such moments, Saretsky pointed to a practical resource developed in collaboration with the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) — a pamphlet entitled Accompaniment Through Illness: A guide to conversations about death and dying (LINK).

“This document was created to teach how not to run away from those conversations. Don’t be afraid to enter into them,” she said. Each section of the resource is grounded in Jesus’ journey towards Calvary, she noted.

“When you think of people who are nearing end of life, they’re on a road to Calvary, right? And where do you see yourself in that helping? Are you Mary, are you Veronica, are you Simon? Or maybe you’re all three,” she said. A section of the resource also address medically-provided death, known as “MAiD.”

“Death and dying are difficult topics, which is why many people avoid speaking about them. Yet those nearing the end of life often want to talk about dying, and it is frequently the listener who hesitates, afraid of causing discomfort,” Saretsky said. “This lack of open conversation leaves many unprepared for what they may face, making them vulnerable, and at times, more inclined to consider options like MAiD.”

Open conversations about death and dying can bring great relief when people are suffering with the unknown, she said.

“God’s mercy and grace remain present for those who are dying, or living with a life-limiting illness,” she stressed. “The sacrament of the sick offers this needed grace, but unfortunately, due to limited catechesis, many Catholics request the sacrament only when death seems imminent, believing it is reserved solely for the final moments of life.”

As a teaching tool, another pamphlet has therefore also been developed to explain the Sacrament of the Sick (LINK), who can receive it, the graces it offers, and how it is celebrated.

Photos – Congress in Watson

 

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This year’s diocesan Divine Mercy celebration in Saskatoon included prayers for peace, offered in solidarity with Pope Leo XIV’s vigil of peace the evening before at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at the annual Divine Mercy prayer service in Saskatoon, which began at 3 p.m., the “Hour of Mercy” on the second Sunday of Easter, April 12, at the Cathedral of the Holy Family.

“As we celebrate this special day, this year, also this weekend we respond to our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV’s call to spend a time in prayer for peace to the Divine Mercy,” said Hagemoen, welcoming hundreds of the faithful gathered for the 2026 event.

“We pray in a very special way in this extraordinary time of great conflict and potential for rising war, that God’s spirit of peace, reconciliation and new vision will come to the minds and hearts of all those who are responsible, and lead our nations on the important pathways to peace, good will, and right relationship,” said the bishop. “We pray O Divine Mercy whose heart and life saved the world, that you would grant this!”

After the proclamation of the Gospel of John for the Second Sunday of Easter by Fr. Joe-Nelo Panino, parochial vicar at Holy Family Cathedral, the bishop offered a reflection about Divine Mercy Sunday established by Saint John Paul II, and the prayers for peace led this year by Pope Leo.

“Inspired by the spiritual visons and mystical experiences of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Sr. Faustina Kowalska, John Paul II established this day highlighting the mercy of God, available to the whole world because of what we celebrate now — the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, following His ultimate act of mercy on the cross,” said Hagemoen.

Quoting St. John Paul II statements about Divine Mercy, the bishop observed: “Divine Mercy Sunday celebrates the love that gives everything: redemption, salvation, sanctification.”

Hagemoen then cited Pope Leo’s call to “implore the Divine Mercy to guide and lead the world in the pathway of peace.”

With difficult issues and mounting conflict and confrontations around the world, Pope Leo had strong words at the April 11 vigil “about the way of mercy and the illogic of conflict,” Hagemoen noted.

“As the Holy Father said: ‘War divides, hope unites. Arrogance tramples upon others, love lifts up. Idolatry blinds, the living God enlightens.’”

The bishop continued quoting the Holy Father’s message at the vigil of peace in Rome: “‘All it takes is a little faith, a mere “crumb” of faith, in order to face this dramatic hour in history together — as humanity and alongside humanity.’

“Pope Leo emphasized that ‘Prayer is not a refuge in which to hide from our responsibilities, nor an anesthetic to numb the pain provoked by so much injustice.’ Rather, it is ‘the most selfless, universal and transformative response to death.’

“‘In prayer our limited human possibilities are joined with the infinite possibilities of God. Thoughts, words and deeds then break the demonic cycle of evil and are placed at the service of the Kingdom of God. A Kingdom in which there is no sword, no drone, no vengeance, no trivialization of evil, no unjust profit, but only dignity, understanding and forgiveness.’”

The Divine Mercy Sunday afternoon service continued with prayers before the Blessed Sacrament on the altar, including the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Divine Mercy Litany, along with praying of the Divine Praises and benediction.

Photos

 

 

 

 

Pope Leo’s Prayer for Peace during Vigil April 11 in Rome:

Lord Jesus,
you conquered death without weapons or violence:
you shattered its power with the strength of peace.
Grant us your peace,
as you did to the women filled with doubt on Easter morning,
as you did to the disciples who were hiding in fear.
Send forth your Spirit,
the breath that gives life and reconciles,
that turns adversaries and enemies into brothers and sisters.
Inspire in us to trust in Mary, your mother,
who stood at the foot of your cross with a broken heart,
firm in the faith that you would rise again.
May the madness of war cease
and the Earth be cared for and cultivated by those who still
know how to bring forth, protect and love life.
Hear us, Lord of life!

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Four Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan and one Diocesan Administrator for the Diocese of Prince Albert met in Saskatoon April 8-9, 2026, to discuss a range of items.

Bishop Michael Smolinski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Diocesan Administrator Msgr. Maurice Fiolleau of the Diocese of Prince Albert, Archbishop Jesu Susai of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, and Archbishop Donald Bolen of the Archdiocese of Saskatoon (above, left to right) meet regularly as a provincial conference of bishops.

The bishops also had a meeting with the Anglican bishops of Saskatchewan: Bishop Helen Kennedy of the Anglican Diocese of Qu’Appelle, Bishop Richard Reed of the Anglican Diocese of Saskatchewan in the north, and Bishop Chad Charles of the Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon (below, left to right)

 

Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated the Good Friday Solemn Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord at the Cathedral of the Holy Family on April 3, 2026.

Find the entire celebration video at: LINK

Schedule for Easter celebrations at parishes across the diocese: rcdos.ca/lent-and-easter

 

Bishop Mark Hagemoen with youth from St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission and the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity on the grounds of the Cathedral of the Holy Family on Good Friday evening: praying the Stations of the Cross. (Facebook photo)

Video of Stations of the Cross on Good Friday evening – LINK 

Pilgrims of all ages and from many backgrounds followed the cross through Saskatoon’s downtown on Good Friday morning, praying and singing together, and recalling the passion and death of Jesus Christ in light of suffering, injustice, and issues in our world today.

The 25th outdoor Way of the Cross organized by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Justice and Peace Office again followed the 14 stations of the scriptural Way of the Cross introduced by St. John Paul II during his pontificate.

The theme of the 2026 event was “One human family,” said organizer Myron Rogal of the diocesan office introducing the annual Good Friday prayer walk.

Representatives of Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous Catholic Parish offered an opening prayer on the steps of the Court of Kings Bench building, with Elder Irene Sharp accepting a gift of tobacco from Rogal and beginning with prayer in her language, alongside Parish Life Director Ferdinand Gomez and parishioner Sandra Harper.

 

The prayer continued:

“Lord, we thank You for the gift of this land— for its beauty, its resources, and the lives it sustains. Grant us hearts of respect, justice, and reconciliation, that we may walk together in truth and charity, honouring the dignity of every person and seeking unity in the Body of Christ… help us to unite our prayers with the suffering of Your Son and Our Lord Jesus Christ, who walked in love, bore injustice, and offered His life for all. May His journey strengthen us to carry our own crosses, to seek healing where there is hurt, and to be instruments of Your peace.”

First station

Solidarity in times of trial was the theme of the reflection on the first station — Jesus on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46) led by Michael and Julie LeBlanc on behalf of Development and Peace – Caritas Canada.

The LeBlancs reflected on the suffering of those in the Amazon rainforest whose communities are being devastated by an 892-km railway from the world’s largest iron-oxide mine.

“They, and all those living in so-called ‘Sacrifice Zones’ in the Global South, are suffering from poverty, climate change, and false solutions while justice sleeps in places of power. Their lives are at stake while we sleep in security.”

Second station

Tyrone McKenzie, Lead Chaplain with the Salvation Army carried the cross to the second station —  Jesus, betrayed by Judas, is arrested (Luke 22:47-48) — leading a reflection about betrayal faced by those stricken by material poverty.

“As the Scripture says, if we have material possessions and see our brother in need, will we open our hearts to them? If not, how can the love of God be in us? This can be seen as betrayal,” McKenzie said.

“At The Salvation Army men’s shelter we see all kinds of poverty. Poverty of resources, relationships, mental and emotional health. This January, one young man lost his mom, his job and his home in the same month, and then lost his cousin to murder just over two weeks ago. Our staff are taking responsibility to provide a wealth of support, encouragement and prayer. Our core values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship guide us in relationship to the poor.”

He prayed: “May we have courage instead of cowardice. May we listen to Your voice and be encouraged in our generosity, devotion, faithfulness, honesty and love. As Isaiah challenges us, may we know what true fasting is – to share our food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and to not hide from relatives who need our help. As Christ has commanded us, may we love our neighbour as ourselves and when we have done it unto the least of these brothers and sisters, be flooded with the truth that we have done it unto You Lord Jesus Christ. May we not close our fists or cross our arms, but may we like Christ on the cross, pour out our lives for those in front of us with hands and arms wide open to the world.”

Third station

Representatives of the Catholic Women’s League led the reflection and prayer at the third station — Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66-71) — focusing on the scourge of human trafficking.

“Jesus was judged and condemned despite having committed no crime. Similarly, individuals affected by human trafficking are often judged by society and blamed for their circumstances. Survivors and their families are frequently viewed as problems rather than people in need of support, while human traffickers often avoid prosecution,” said Donna Aldous, standing with Anne Ashcroft and Val Stone, who are among the CWL members working to raise awareness about human trafficking.

“The Church is called to welcome those who have experienced human trafficking into our hearts, our homes, and our communities, as we would welcome Christ himself. We must also raise our collective voice to ensure there are sufficient resources in our community to provide safe housing, effective programs, and ongoing support.”

Offering meaningful support to victims through advocacy to political represenatives, and providing financial help for organizations delivering frontline services are among the ways to help, said the CWL representatives.

“Open our hearts to provide the love and support to individuals and families experiencing human trafficking. Remind us that You were at times not believed during Your life on this earth. Let us pray for those who face human trafficking today who are also not believed and, as a result, are trapped in their situation.  We pray they receive assistance as they look for it.”

Fourth station

At the fourth station — Peter denies Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) — Charlene Genkens reflected on the call to accompany those who are sick or dying.

The representative of hospital chaplaincy in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon said that “accompaniment and care is a Christ-centred approach where we walk alongside others during times of illness, doubt, and suffering. We provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support to our brothers and sisters in the community.”

She described:: “Daily acts of love are present in time spent in prayer together; being present with the sick; the lonely, those facing medical challenges, walking beside those in palliative care, and visits with the home-bound.”

Fifth station

Krista-Dawn Kimsey, Community Engagement Specialist at The Mustard Seed, led the reflection and prayer at the fifth station — Jesus is judged by Pilate (Luke 23:13-25) — focusing on poverty.

Like Pilate, “we often know what is right but hesitate because we worry about how others will react,” she said. “People experiencing poverty or homelessness are often treated differently depending on who we are with. When we’re surrounded by like-minded people, we act with kindness and courage, showing empathy and generosity. But when we’re alone or with those who don’t share those values, we may ignore the same people we once helped.”

She prayed: “Lord you taught us that you will be found in our cities in the hungry, the thirsty, the naked and those in need of shelter. Help us to serve you and speak about you as you are found in this distressing disguise to others. Give us courage to always align our words and actions with the steadfast mercy you have poured out on us.”

Sixth Station

Hannah Enti-Brown of the diocesan Office of Migration carried the cross to the sixth station — Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns (Luke 22:63-65, John 19:2-3) — where she and other advocates reflected on how newcomers to Canada are seen as outsiders to be mocked.

“As one human family, we are called to recognize Christ in all who are shamed, excluded, or denied their dignity. Jesus knows the pain of humiliation. He stands with those who are mocked at borders, silenced by fear, or looked upon with suspicion instead of compassion. His crown of thorns reminds us that suffering caused by human cruelty still continues in our world. May this station open our eyes and hearts, so that we do not add to the suffering of others, but instead choose welcome, mercy, and justice.”

Seventh station

Lisa Hrycan, the Debt Centre Manager for Christians Against Poverty carried the cross to the seventh station — Jesus takes up the cross, (Mark 15:20).

“At Christians Against Poverty we walk with people who are overwhelmed by debt to find a way forward that is positive for them. We advocate with creditors and support those who are struggling to gain control of their situation and feel confident about managing their money,” she described. “We help carry the burdens and hurts and introduce people to Jesus with our words and actions.”

She then prayed: “Inspire us to act—to share what we have, speak for those unheard, and walk alongside our neighbours with justice and compassion. May we carry this cross not with pity, but with purpose.”

Eighth station

Jayson and Riah Sta Maria of Feast Light Saskatoon led the reflection at the eighth station — Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross, (Luke 23:26).

“Simon of Cyrene did not choose this moment. He was simply passing by when the soldiers pressed him into service, placing the cross on his shoulders. Yet in that unexpected act, he entered a sacred mystery: he shared in the suffering of Christ,” said Riah.

“This is what it means to belong to a spiritual community. It is not built on power or status, but on love that shares burdens. The Church is more than a place to pray—it is a family walking together toward Calvary,” she said.

“When one struggles in faith, others keep the light burning. When someone feels lost, weary, or weak, we offer support, encouragement, and presence. When a burden grows too heavy, we step forward to help carry it. In these acts of compassion, we become like Simon—sharing Christ’s suffering, participating in the redemptive love that transforms pain into hope, and building a community where no one walks alone.”

Ninth station

Members of the Saskatoon African-Canadian Catholic Community carried the cross to the ninth station — Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem, (Luke 23:27-31).

Samuel Obiora Agu led a reflection about extending empathy and solidarity beyond our comfortable circles.

“Jesus invites us to widen our compassion. How do we respond to the vulnerable, the poor, the needy, and new immigrants in our communities? Do we notice them? Do we listen? Do we make space for them to belong?”

He added: “True empathy goes beyond words. It is shown in simple actions—welcoming others, listening with care, sharing what we have, and walking with people in their struggles. Even in His suffering, Jesus cared for others. He calls us to do the same: to see, to care, and to act.”

Tenth station

Heather Peters, Peacebuilding Coordinator with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Saskatchewan carried the cross to the tenth station — Jesus is crucified, (Luke 23:33,47) — where she reflected how domestic violence victims share in the cross of Christ.

“In our work with people who have experienced domestic violence, we sit with women who describe a similar sense of being held down or confined – not always by physical restraint, but by fear, control, financial dependence, and threats that limit every decision. Their worlds grow small as options disappear. What should be ordinary choices – where to go, who to see, what to spend – become calculations of what will cause the least amount of harm,” she said.

“Violence couldn’t erase who Jesus was. Likewise, the women we accompany are not defined by the harm they’ve endured. In the support groups we offer, in the gentle conversations around a circle, we see dignity and strength. We witness courage flourish.”

Eleventh station

Representatives of the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism (PCE) led the reflection and prayer at the eleventh station — Jesus promises his Kingdom to the good thief, (Luke 23:33-34,39-43).

“Nothing can separate us from the love of God: the courageous call to Christian unity,” said PCE Chair Mary Nordick.

“At our baptism we became members of Jesus’ one family. Jesus founded his Church in unity and we in our human pride, ignorance, and sin have fractured that unity over the centuries. Like the Good Thief on the cross, we need to own our wrongdoing and call on our merciful Lord to remember us,” she said.

“Jesus did remember the good thief, and Jesus does remember us. The path He sets before us calls us to come to know our brothers and sisters in Christ, to work with each other wherever possible to counter injustice and relieve suffering, to reconcile past offenses, to learn to dialogue in hope and trust about our differences, and to pray together wherever and whenever possible. We ask Our loving Savior to give us the courage to answer the call to Christian Unity with faith, love, action, and resurrection hope.”

Rev. Sandra Beardsall then prayed: “Lead us in love to encounter our separated sisters and brothers in Christ, recognizing your Presence in each and every one of us and opening our hearts to receive the ecumenical gifts that each denomination has to offer.”

Twelfth Station

“Extending family through the cross” was the theme of the reflection at the twelfth station — Jesus on the cross, his mother and his disciple, (John 19:25b-27) — presented by Lynn Chotowetz Executive Director of Sons & Daughters. The organization mobilizes local church communities to serve and support families caring for children in the child welfare system, including Foster Parents, Kinship Caregivers, and Birth Parents reuniting.

“In our child welfare system, we have 6,000 children who’ve been removed from their homes and 1,600 of them are living in institutions, mostly professional group homes. These children have not been placed in a family because there wasn’t a family open to them. The consequences of a child being excluded from a family are devastating and feed cycles of inter-generational family breakdown and trauma,” he said.

“This is not acceptable. It is not acceptable to God. Psalm 68 tells us that a key piece of God’s work is to set the lonely into families. This is also a key work of the church.”

Thirteenth station

Members of the Saskatoon Knights of Columbus D’Arcy McGee Fourth Degree Assembly carried the cross and stood at attention during a time of silence at the thirteenth station — Jesus dies on the cross, (Luke 23:44-46).

Fourteenth station

Anglican Bishop Chad McCharles and Roman Catholic Bishop Mark Hagemoen carried the cross to the last station — Jesus is placed in the tomb, (Luke 23:50-54).

“Jesus dies as so many before and since, at the hand of others who oppress, exploit, and consume. His suffering is our suffering, for he takes upon himself the suffering of all, and he shares the fate of all humanity, to die and be placed in a cold dark tomb. Christian tradition holds that Jesus’ death was a true death, and that he descends into hell with all the souls of the dead. But in fulfillment of the prophets, he is raised again from the dead, and he breaks the chains of bondage, releasing those enslaved by sin, rescuing those who suffer injustice, restoring all creation, and reconciling all people,” said Bishop McCharles.

 

“So Jesus’ story does not end here, in the tomb of Good Friday. Our story does not end in tragedy and despair. We need not flee like the disciples in fear for the future, because we know as people of faith that Jesus will rise from this tomb, and so we live in faith and hope that we too will rise with Christ on the last day.”

Bishop Hagemoen continued: “Let us pray for all who suffer: for the hungry and the homeless, the deprived and the oppressed, for the sick, the wounded, and the handicapped, for those in loneliness and in fear, for those in confusion, doubt, and despair, for the sorrowful and bereaved, for prisoners, and all at the point of death, that God’s love will comfort and sustain them, and that we may be stirred up to minister to them.”

The two Saskatoon bishops then led all those assembled in praying the Lord’s prayer, before praying a final blessing.

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