Icon of the Sacred Heart 2017 written by Andre J. Prevost in collaboration with Romeo Crow Chief of Siksika Nation. Used with permission.
No prerequisite is required. Each course is 18 hours including out-of-class time commitment to additional reading and course work. Participants can register for a single course or more – but those who complete all four courses will earn a certificate.
The fee is $200 for each course. Funding assistance and bursaries may be available.
The Indigenous Pastoral & Lay Leader Ministry Education Program includes:
An overview of the features of Indigenous peoples in western Canada, with specific reference to the Saskatchewan context.
An overview of the history and features of contact and relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples with specific reference to the Roman Catholic Church experience.
Creation of a dialogue between Indigenous and Christian world views.
Insight into the history that has shaped the complex nature of the relationships in the present day.
Provide mutual sharing and hope for a respectful and harmonious future as children of God, who together seek beauty and good of all.
Why take the program?
To participate in a concerted effort to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action.
To learn about the history of the interaction between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples including the impact of Roman Catholic missionaries on Indigenous communities.
To discuss areas of culture convergence/divergence.
To further Catholic social and moral teachings.
To support the building of right relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Catholics in Western Canada.
Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen announced the launch of the diocese’s synod implementation phase on Sunday, Nov. 9, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Bascilica.
“Synodality is NOT a program or method, but rather a way of being Church… and therefore it calls us all to conversion because it entails a change of mindset and a way of being Church together.” – Summary about Synod Implementation in the Diocese
The Implementation Phase of the SYNOD on SYNODALITY
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Sunday, Nov. 9
The Celebration of Our Participation in the Life, Passion, Death, & Resurrection of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? – (I Corinthians 3:16)
Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Diocese of Saskatoon:
This year of the Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope has seen the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV. One pope started us on this pilgrimage journey of hope – which also features the call to be a more synodal church. And now Pope Leo has confirmed this call and work. At a recent Jubilee of Synodal Teams, Pope Leo said that synodality will “help the church fulfill its primary role in the world, which is to be missionary, to announce the Gospel, to give witness to the person of Jesus Christ in every part of the world, to the ends of the earth.”
This is, of course the mission of the Church at every level, and in every setting! Synodality is indeed a way of walking our journey of missionary discipleship in unity with Jesus Christ, inspired and led by the Holy Spirit. In this walk, we are inspired by the Synod on Synodality that has listened in the Spirit to the voices of people from around the world over a multi-year process of discernment. The Final Document released by the Synod of Bishops calls for intentional focus and an ongoing journey of conversion to become a more synodal church of communion, participation and mission – and the Holy Father is now asking dioceses around the world to implement this synodal vision.
Thus, I am pleased as your bishop to announced the “implementation phase” of the synodal process for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Our implementation phase will feature the following:
Firstly, we will continue the conversations in the Spirit that have happened to date at the local and diocesan levels about the meaning and practical features of synodality.
Secondly, we will link the implementation features of synodality to our Diocesan Pastoral Plan. We have put a lot of prayer, discernment, and work into this plan – which has been a source of renewal and focus for all of our diocese. However, the pastoral plan can be greatly improved by being infused with the spirit of synodality – just as the Beatitudes (see Mathew 5: 1-16) bring life and character to living out of the Gospel.
Thirdly, as we conclude the Jubilee Year of Hope, we also look to another coming great event: The 2000th anniversary in 2033 of the Resurrection of Christ and the Great Commission. What a remarkable and unprecedented opportunity for the celebration of the very reason for our hope, and the basis for mission. I pray this upcoming time will be a real time of deepening conversion for all of us called to the mission of Jesus Christ to save and bless His people.
Fourthly, this implementation phase is being announced for our diocese on the Feast of the Dedication of John Lateran Basilica – a day when the Church celebrates the great temple and Pope’s cathedral church as the mother church for all the world. It is also a day when we are reminded – as missionary disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ – of His call to us all to be His temples in and for the world. As St. Caesarius of Arles, bishop, states, “…we are to be the true and living temple of God… let the light of good works shine in us … God wishes to enter in to our souls, for He promised: I shall live in them, and I shall walk the corridors of their hearts.”
May our synod implementation plan help each of us to be better temples of the life of God – within ourselves – and for our parishes, diocese and larger communities. May we approach the synod implementation phase not as another task or plan to be accomplished, but as a real time of patient listening to the Holy Spirit, who calls us to a new and greater awareness of not only the goal and destination, but also the journey along the way.
I conclude with this inspiration from St. Mother Teresa – who is a great teacher about the synodal features of empathy and attentive listening: “We are called to be contemplatives in the heart of the world by seeking the face of God in everything, everyone, everywhere, all the time, and His hand in every happening.” (St Teresa of Calcutta)
Sincerely, in Christ,
Most Reverend Mark A. Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon
“A SYNODAL WAY of Proclaiming Christ and God’s Kingdom Today”
Background about the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – November 2025
In communion with the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV and the universal Catholic Church, Bishop Mark Hagemoen is officially launching the implementation phase of our diocese’s synodal journey on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. The guiding document for this phase of the Synod on Synodality is the Final Document from the Second Session of the 16th Assembly( “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission” – FD) along with the supporting document, Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod.
Synodality is NOT a program or method, but rather a way ofbeing Church‘modus vivendi et operandi’ (FD #30) and part of “…her proper identity” ( FD#31), and therefore it calls us all to conversion because it entails a change of mindset and a way of being Church together (FD #33)
In deepening synodality in the life of our diocese, our parishes, and among all the baptized, our diocesan pathway will include:
Continuing to reflect upon – and practice – the Conversations in the Spirit from the synodal listening sessions held throughout our diocese and the whole world during the Synod on Synodality 2021-2024.
Proceeding with the ongoing implementation of our Diocesan Pastoral Plan to “Proclaim Christ and God’s Kingdom Today” by intentionally focusing on our priorities and goals through the lens and practice of synodality.
Finding renewed ways to come together to pray, discern, listen to the Holy Spirit and listen to one another as we seek some practical ways to make the existing programs and structures more synodal in practice and in approach.
“The synodal form of the Church is at the service of its mission, and any change in the life of the Church is intended to make it more capable of proclaiming the Kingdom of God and witnessing to the Gospel of the Lord to the men and women of our time.” – Cardinal Mario Grech, Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod.
The supporting resource Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod provides a framework for our diocese to reflect on and implement pastoral strategies, that emphasize: exploring the Gospel, ways of sharing our faith, and creating more synodal practices. This would include: exploring decision-making and governance structures that focus on the church’s mission; broader sharing of ideas and experiences that emphasize evangelization and mission; pursuing formation in listening and accompaniment; and developing strategies at the parish level that include synodality and listening that enhance and create “communion, participation, and mission.” The process is also supported by a timeline (including an evaluation process) with a view to a larger ecclesial assembly in October 2028.
Key implementation pathways:
Discerning ways of Ministry and Service:
We commit to exploring and developing ways of discernment that contribute to good decision-making, include listening to each other, and working together in parishes and dioceses, grounded in the Word of God and attentive to the Holy Spirit. This includes exploring and developing forms of service and ministry that respond to pastoral needs.
The Focus on Mission:
We will strive to ensure that structural changes help the Church better serve the local context and the world in sharing the Gospel message of hope.
Sharing Ideas:
Parishes will be encouraged to engage with and learn from each other’s challenges and accomplishments through the exchange of ideas, resources, and charisms (gifts of the Holy Spirit).
Impacting and Renewing Personal and Communal Life:
The goal is to undertake concrete developments and changes that affect people’s everyday lives in the parish, rather than only writing theoretical plans. This involves the renewal of parishes in a synodal way, grounded in listening, belonging, and a missionary spirit.
Support and accountability
Participatory Bodies:
Ensuring that the diocesan and parish leadership and ministry bodies are reflecting on their own operating methods, and that these are renewed in a synodal way.
Bishop’s Role:
The diocesan bishop is entrusted with the ecclesial leadership responsibility for initiating, guiding, and concluding the implementation phase within the diocese.
Related Formation and Skills:
Forming people in listening, discernment, and facilitation skills to support ongoing listening and conversation.
Widely Participatory:
Engage with a wide range of people, including those on the margins and those who may not have been fully involved.
Evaluation:
The process is structured to include ‘evaluation assemblies’ at the diocesan level in the first half of 2027, and at the continental level in the first half of 2028.
NOTE: Materials and updates related to the diocese’s implementation phase will be available at: https://rcdos.ca/synod.
Step One of the Called and Gifted™ discernment process from the Catherine of Siena Institute will be offered in Humboldt Jan. 30 and 31, open to parishioners from throughout the deanery or beyond.
The workshop begins 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 and continues 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, held at St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish Hall, 809-10th Street, Humboldt, SK. Cost is $70.
The Introductory Workshop is the first of three steps in the powerful process to discover what gifts or “charisms” that God has given to each individual to build up the kingdom of God. All lay parishioners, priests and religious are invited to begin the journey of discerning the charisms/gifts God has given uniquely to each of us. God has distributed His gifts in accordance with the purpose and plan He has for each one of us to share in the building up of His Kingdom and His people. Whether in our homes, parishes or workplaces, these gifts are indispensable to our accomplishing His purposes!
The Called and Gifted process and other Adult Faith programs in the diocese are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal (LINK).
Hosting Called & Gifted™ at Your Parish
All three parts of the process are necessary for discovering where you are gifted:
STEP 1 – The CALLED & GIFTED™ INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP lays the foundation for the beginning of discernment. During the initial Called & Gifted™ workshop, participants will take the Catholic Spiritual Gifts Inventory.
STEP 2 – The ONE HOUR GIFTS INTERVIEW with a trained interviewer is available in-person or virtually through the Called & Gifted Diocesan team or through the Catherine of Siena Institute.
STEP 3 – DISCERNMENT IN DEPTH is a guided experience of intentional discernment in a small group setting. In four sessions over a period of six to eight weeks, you will develop charism experiments, evaluate your results, and put into practice what you learned about discernment.
The 2025 Bishop’s Annual Appeal was recently launched in parishes throughout the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon in support of a range of ministries, programs, and outreach in parishes, the diocese, and beyond, including vocations, youth ministry, adult faith formation, prison ministry, hospital chaplaincy, refugee sponsorship, grief ministry, marriage and family life, evangelization, catechesis, ecumenism, and more.
More information is available and online giving is available at dscf.ca/baa.
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we embark on this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal, I invite you to take the opportunity to reflect on our theme: “Pilgrims of Hope: Rooted in Prayer and Mission.” These words are grounded in the ancient promise of the prophet Isaiah:
“O Lord, you grant peace to those who are steadfast because of their trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is an eternal rock.” Isaiah 26:3–4
In a world often marked by restlessness and uncertainty, we, the People of God, are called to be pilgrims of hope, anchored not in fleeting comforts but in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. Our journey begins in prayer, where we encounter the peace of Christ. From that place of peace, we encounter God’s hope. And from His hope, we are sent on mission.
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is not simply a fundraiser. It is a communal act of discipleship and a visible expression of our shared mission. Together, through your generous gifts, we sustain the many ministries that serve our youth, care for the vulnerable, accompany those discerning vocations, form lay leaders, and bring the Gospel to life in every corner of our diocese.
None of this is possible without you. Your prayers, your faith, and your witness are essential. Together, let us show the world what it means to be the Church rooted in love, walking together, trusting in the Lord, and offering ourselves in service.
As disciples united in faith and inspired by hope, let us be the example the world needs. May we continue this pilgrimage with firm purpose, allowing our trust in the Lord to guide us, our prayer to sustain us, and our mission to inspire others.
With deep gratitude for your continued generosity and fidelity to the mission of the Church, I assure you of my prayers and blessings.
I conclude with an exhortation from St. Paul to the Romans: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15: 13)
“The Peace of the Risen Christ beckons us to be MISSIONARY DISCIPLES” – Pope Leo XIV.
The 2025 Fall Congress Series includes three sessions open to everyone:
OCT 9 Congress Day – Keynote speaker from “Faith Room” – 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, with Keynote Speaker Jean-Paul de Fleuriot of Faith Room. Cost $25 (includes lunch) – REGISTRATION LINK
OCT 10 Congress Music Ministry Workshop – 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Saint Anne Catholic Church, 217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon, with Cameron Turner and Jean-Paul de Fleuriot. Free-will offering (refreshments will be served). – REGISTRATION LINK
OCT 16 Congress Day Introduction to Intentional Accompaniment – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, presented by Catholic Christian Outreach. Cost $25 (includes lunch) – REGISTRATION LINK
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….”
Dear Clergy, Religious, Parishes, PLDs, Parish Administration and Faithful of the Diocese of Saskatoon:
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.
At this time, we particularly remember and honour Residential School Survivors, and all Indigenous peoples who continue to deal with the legacy of struggle related to the experience of contact with non-indigenous peoples and nations. This day is a call for greater awareness and action – that as we continue to work toward truth and reconciliation, we will acknowledge and strive to overcome the past mistakes and any unworthy misuse of leadership and authority that has so often been part of our shared collective history. This day is also a call to move forward together in greater understanding, pursuing justice and working for a better future for all.
I again renew my pledge that our diocese will continue to walk a path of reconciliation and healing. This is part of our gospel call to reconciliation and solidarity. We strive to walk in empathy and friendship as sisters and brothers, always working for justice, hope and healing. Let us all continue to take concrete steps on this journey.
St. Jerome, whose memorial we also celebrate on September 30, once stated that the gift of the poor widow in the Gospel (see Mk 12:42-44) – was valued not because of its value or ‘weight’, but by the good will with which her offering was made. Sometimes we may be overwhelmed by the difficulty and complexity of the challenge of ‘reconciliation’ – especially as we look at the current state of our world with all of its examples of conflict, polarization and division. However, we pray that our One God, who is Father and Creator of all peoples, will make our hearts true and good, as we seek the healing beyond the hurt, and the shalom – the right relationship beyond any isolation or indifference.
I include below the “Prayer for Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Right-Relationship” authored by the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council in 2023.
Yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Mark A. Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon
Prayer for Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Right-Relationship
Let us pray:
O God, Creator and Father of all, with humility we your children acknowledge the relationship of all living things.
For this we thank you, we praise you and we worship you.
We call on you, Great Mystery, the Word made Flesh
– our teacher, prophet and brother –
to open our hearts to all our brothers and sisters,
and with them to grow in the wisdom, honesty, courage and respectfulness shown in The Sacred Teachings.
Give us the vision and honesty to recognize
that the we are all brothers and sisters of one human family,
created and sustained by the One Creator.
As we deal with many challenges, may we never give way to fear and anger, which can be the source of division and threat amoungst peoples.
We look to how God always gives to us,
as a remedy for sins of prejudice and intolerance.
We see in God the Creator of all things,
One who always provides and is generous
– even given the abuses we have heaped on one another and on the earth.
We see in the Son, Jesus Christ
– the innocent Victim who pours His life blood out from the Cross for all peoples. We see how the Holy Spirit is God’s gift, alive in our world today
– inspiring vision and hope that we can have
the same mind and heart of God!
O Creator, show us the way to healing, forgiveness and reconciliation, and a renewed fellowship.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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)
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)
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