Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined other Catholic bishops from across Western Canada for an annual retreat of the regional assembly of Catholic Bishops Jan. 7 to 11, 2025, held this year at Mission, B.C. The Association of Western Catholic Bishops (AWCB) is one of the four regional assemblies of Catholic bishops in Canada .
Bishop Mark Hagemoen (back row, third from left) joined other Catholic bishops from dioceses and parches across Western Canada for an annual retreat Jan. 7-11, 2025 in Mission, B.C. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Vancouver)
Prayers for the launch of Jubilee 2025 were offered in dioceses across the world on the Feast of the Holy Family, including in Saskatoon, where Bishop Mark Hagemoen inaugurated the year-long spiritual pilgrimage during celebration of the Eucharist Dec. 28 at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at the rite of opening of the Jubilee Year Dec. 28 at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon. The rite was also celebrated at both the Cathedral of the Holy Family and St. Paul Co-Cathedral Dec. 29, led by cathedral rectors, Fr. Gerard Cooper and Fr. Stefano Penna, respectively. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon, News)
In a gathering at the entrance of the church at the start of Mass, Bishop Hagemoen proclaimed: “In fellowship with the universal Church, as we celebrate the love of the Father that reveals itself in the flesh of the Word made man and in the sign of the cross, anchor of salvation, we solemnly open the Jubilee Year for the Church of the diocese of Saskatoon.”
The bishop continued: “This rite is for us the prelude to a rich experience of grace and mercy; we are ready always to respond to whoever asks the reason for the hope that is in us, especially in this time of war and disorder. May Christ, our peace and our hope, be our companion on the journey in this year of grace and consolation. May the Holy Spirit, who today begins this work both in us and with us, bring it to completion in the day of Christ Jesus.”
The proclamation was followed by scripture and prayers, reading of excerpts from the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee Year, veneration of the processional cross, the blessing of holy water at the baptismal font, and a procession into the sanctuary for the beginning of Mass, including the singing of the official Jubilee 2025 hymn.
The rite was also celebrated at both the Cathedral of the Holy Family and St. Paul Co-Cathedral on Sunday, Dec. 29, led respectively by the cathedral rectors, Fr. Gerard Cooper and Fr. Stefano Penna.
Homily
In his homily at Holy Spirit Church, Bishop Mark Hagemoen described how a Jubilee Year is traditionally celebrated every 25 years by the Church, and reflected on Pope Francis’ declaration of the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
The Holy Father is extremely concerned about obstacles to hope in our time, Hagemoen noted. “Not just obstacles that are theoretical – real obstacles. There are too many wars in the world… the majority of people on the planet Earth are dealing with some sort of significant conflict, or major inadequacy to their thriving as human beings.”
The bishop quoted Pope Francis’ call to the faithful to be Pilgrims of Hope: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
The Holy Father also said with the opening of one of the Holy Doors in Rome: “Each of us is called to enter into the mystery of God’s great grace. This is a time when the door of hope has opened wide on the world. This is a time when God says to each one: ‘There is hope – to you and for you.'”
Hagemoen continued, quoting Pope Francis: “The Jubilee Year should be a time of every individual, and all peoples and all nations to become together as Pilgrims of Hope, to silence the sounds of arms , and overcome divisions.”
This is a hope firmly grounded in our Saviour Jesus Christ and our faith, stressed Hagemeon, and is not a “pipe dream.”
“This is the One who gives His life absolutely, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, when He did not have to — because every human person is dearly loved and He goes all the way in dealing with any obstacle that comes between us and God. Indeed the genius of our Catholic Christian faith finds its source and summit in Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.”
The Feast of the Holy Family is an “amazing time to celebrate the Jubilee Year,” the bishop added. “Let us be thankful for our families, the first place where we learn about out humanity.”
Pilgrimage
In practical terms, the Jubilee Year goes for the whole year, and will include opportunities for spiritual growth and nourishment. “In the diocese of Saskatoon I am pleased to announce that we have a special time of pilgrimage, of opportunity to visit holy places, and to reflect on acting like the Lord, putting on Christ in our love and service to others, through the works of mercy and penance.”
Highlights include pilgrimages — “every one of us is on a pilgrimage journey,” noted Hagemoen, regardless of our ability to physically travel.
However, this will be a year with a particular focus on making pilgrimage visits to local sacred sites within the boundaries of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, which include the diocesan cathedrals and St. Peter’s Abbey at Muenster.
“We are also very blessed within the diocese of Saskatoon to actually have historical pilgrimage sites… the schedules will be known in the coming moths,” he said, listing the annual pilgrimages to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine west of Humboldt, to Holy Rosary Shrine at Reward, to Our Lady of Sorrows Shrine and Sts. Peter and Paul Church at Blumenfeld, to St. Anthony Church at Grosswerder, and to the eparchial shrines of Our Lady of Sorrows near Cudworth, and the Millennium Pro-Life Crossnear Aberdeen. In addition, there are other annual pilgrimages to nearby sacred sites in the diocese of Prince Albert including the shrine at St. Laurent, and in the archdiocese of Regina, including the shrine at Rama.
Works of mercy and penance
“I conclude (by) reflecting on the works of mercy and penance,” Hagemoen said. “These are exercises and disciplines that come from the Church’s teaching, about how we are called to imitate the Lord in the little things: feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, burying the dead, giving counsel to those who are doubtful or anxious, comfort to the afflicted, visiting those who are dealing with incarceration, or who are very limited in their movement, clothing the naked, praying for th living and the dead, bearing patiently with those who do us ill. I am sure on that list there are some that jump to mind right away!”
He also noted the special teaching on the availability of the mercy of Indulgence, sharing the words of Pope Francis about this spiritual teaching from the Jubilee of Mercy in 2015.
“Pope Francis underlined how the Indulgence acquired ‘an even more important meaning’ in that context, since God’s mercy becomes the indulgence on the part of the Father who, through the Bride of Christ, his Church, reaches and blesses sinners and frees them from every residue left by sin. Similarly, Pope Francis now declares that the gift of indulgences as a way of discovering the unlimited nature of God’s mercy,” said Hagemoen.
He continued, quoting Pope Francis: “Not by chance, for the ancients, the terms ‘mercy’ and ‘indulgence’
were interchangeable, as expressions of the fullness of God’s forgiveness, which knows no bounds.” The Holy Father concludes: “The Indulgence, therefore, is a Jubilee grace.”
“So our exercises of visiting holy sites, the works of mercy, and also taking advantage of opportunities for penance… is an opportunity to experience and receive the Jubilee grace of God’s mercy,” said Hagemoen, thanking the rectors of the cathedral and pastors at all parishes in the diocese for participating in the launch of the Jubilee Year.
Video of opening rite and bishop’s homily:
Photos:
Preparing for the celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon, News)
The rite of opening of the Jubilee Year began at the entrance of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon, News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at the rite of opening of the Jubilee Year Dec. 28 at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon, News)
Reading of the Papal Bull of Indiction for Jubilee 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Hagemoen leads the opening rite for the Jubilee Year during the Dec. 28 celebration of the Eucharist at Holy Spirit Church in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Hagemoen venerates the cross before leading the assembly into the sanctuary for celebration of Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Blessing the waters of the baptismal font before the penitential sprinkling rite. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Processing into the sanctuary as part of the opening rite for the Jubilee 2025 Year of Hope. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Jubilee Prayer
Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.
Recognize how to effectively catechize in a way that advances the Church’s primary mission to evangelize — all are welcome to attend “Developing Disciples of Christ,” a free catechist workshop Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom.
This event will use recordings from the diocesan Fall Congress 2024, featuring Julianne Stanz.
Faith Formation is the responsibility of the whole parish so gather your fellow parishioners and join in this opportunity. Anyone who was not able to attend Fall Congress in October will have the opportunity to view the recording and participate in a group discussion. Even those who attended Congress may want to review the materials again. Additional worksheets will be provided to anyone who registers for this workshop.
The Called & Gifted™ Discernment Process from the Catherine of Siena Institute is offered in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Called & Gifted™ diocesan brochure: PDF
An Introductory Workshop is the first of three steps in the process. 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.
For more information, contact Sr. Malou Tibayan at (306) 371-7434.
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.
A Remembrance Mass will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, at St. Patrick Parish, 3339 Centennial Crescent, Saskatoon for parents, grandparents, family members and friends of those who have lost a child from pregnancy through adulthood.
Families are asked to bring a photo or other remembrance of their child with them.
This event is hosted by Redbird Ministries in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Chapter leaders are Monique and Ryan Leblanc (306) 850-1596; westcoastleblancs@gmail.com.
In the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Bishop Mark Hagemoen will celebrate a special Mass for the World Day of Youth at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, starting with a procession with the Diocesan World Youth Day Cross, with Mass followed by testimonies by young adults and a social gathering.
Everyone is welcome, with a special invitation to young adults 18 to 35 years to come and “Rejoice in Hope!” (Youth Ministry and Vocations are supported by gifts to the BAA.)
The Solemnity of Christ the King, which concludes the Church Year, has been designated as a World Youth Day celebration in dioceses around the world.
Pope Francis writes about the World Day of Youth: “Last year we set out on the path of hope towards the Great Jubilee by reflecting on Saint Paul’s words, “Rejoice in hope” (Rom 12:12). In order to prepare ourselves for the Jubilee pilgrimage of 2025, this year we can take inspiration from the prophet Isaiah, who says: “Those who hope in the Lord… will run and not be weary” (Is 40:31).”
Sharing memories and words of farewell, parishioners past and present marked the closing of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Lancer, SK, on Nov. 17, 2024.
Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at Mass for the decommissioning of the Sacred Heart parish, along with pastor Fr. Prince Sarpong, who also serves at Leader, Fox Valley, Liebenthal, and Richmound parishes.
(Photo by Crystal Bosch)
As with the closing of another parish in the area two years ago – St. Michael Parish in Burstall, SK – the closing of the Lancer church comes after a long period of careful, prayerful discernment by parishioners, said Bishop Hagemoen.
He delivered a message of gratitude for the history and faith nurtured at Sacred Heart parish over the years, and reflected on the ongoing call to live and worship as the People of God – God’s ultimate temple.
Hagemoen acknowledged the sadness of bidding farewell to a beloved building and the challenges of living through a time of transition for the faith community, which will now involve celebrating and building deeper connections with surrounding parishes in the region.
Generations of parishioners have celebrated countless baptisms, marriages, funerals and the sacraments of the church in the parish, which began as an Oblate parish mission in 1913, before the first church was built in 1918, with the present building constructed in 1963.
The Lancer parish was served by the Oblates of St. Mary’s Province for many years, and was part of the former Gravelbourg diocese until 1998, when it was incorporated into the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
(Photo by Crystal Bosch)
Parish history
Following Mass, Sacred Heart parishioner Paulette Andreas presented a brief history of the parish beginning with its earliest days as part of a new settlement.
“From time-to-time, a travelling missionary from the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation would celebrate Mass in different homes in the area, and eventually the Abbey Hotel became available for Sunday Mass. All the while, Lancer was being established as a mission church,” she described.
“In 1918, a few Catholic settlers decided it was time to build a church. It was a 26-foot by 44-foot, simply-made and modest building of worship, ready to serve the people of the Lancer area,” she said, relating some of the changes and transitions experienced over the generations of parish life.
“It wasn’t until 1930 that Lancer had a resident priest often staying in private homes. Eventually a private house was purchased and used as a rectory until 1950, at which time a modest, full-basement rectory was built at the total cost of $4,000. Today it serves as a family home.”
As the population grew and finances improved, the basement to the church built in 1918 was excavated and an extension was added. “Improvements continued as the congregation grew.”
In 1963, that original 1918 structure was moved to Cabri, SK, where it still serves as the church building for St. Joseph Parish in the Archdiocese of Regina.
Construction of the present Sacred Heart church building was overseen by Fr. Alexander Shahun, OMI, with the new church building blessed on Sept. 29, 1963.
Acknowledging the many priests that served at Sacred Heart Parish over the years, she reflected on the many celebrations, sacraments, and events that have been held there – “too many to count.”
She made note of the work of organizations that have also been a big part of parish life over the years, including the Knights of Columbus, which was introduced to Lancer in 1947, when it became a sub-council first of Swift Current and then of the Prelate council. John Andreas was the first Grand Knight at Lancer. “Then in October 1972, Lancer Council #6330 was formed. Jack Tuchsherer became the first Grand Knight of the newly-formed council.”
The local Knights of Columbus council organized many events to raise funds for causes they supported locally, nationally and internationally. Their service over the years included helping at the Lancer rodeo, hosting ball tournaments, golf tournaments, crib tournaments, skidoo rallies, weekly bingos and an annual turkey bingo.
“Some of their most recent annual events were Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast and spearheading and working at the Chokecherry Festival pancake breakfast, at which some of these men still serve today.”
The Catholic Women’s League was established in Lancer in 1954. “Before that, the women’s organization of the church were called the ‘Catholic Ladies’ Aide.’ Those pioneer women were not only homemakers in their own homes, they took on the duty of being homemakers of the Church,” Andreas described. Their service included cleaning, decorating, laundry, and providing vestments and altar serving gowns. Rosella Hubert was the first president of the local CWL once they joined the national organization.
Over the years, the women went on to serve other local and national organizations and causes, she added. “They were often out canvassing or fundraising to supply the necessities of others. For example, back in the day, 20 pounds of white cloth was purchased and sent to Tanzania for bandages in a leper colony. They supported the education of priests and sent Catholic reading material to India,” Andreas listed.
CWL members would canvas for organizations such as the CNIB or the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society, and would respond to other requests for help.
With the local United Church women’s group also canvassing for some of the same causes, the Lancer CWL council joined with them to form the “Combined Appeal Donor’s Choice,” which has since become a successful community endeavour, Andreas said.
Over the years the two women’s organizations also worked jointly on many local events including the World Day of Prayer, Solidarity Sunday, a graduation service for Grade 12 students, and an interfaith service at the Lancer Chokecherry Festival.
Other efforts of the CWL have included an annual Spring Ham and Perogy Supper, a bake sale complimenting the Knights of Columbus turkey bingo, and the publication of three cookbooks of collected recipes from the community.
“So many faithful parishioners contributed and shared their talents for the betterment of our parish,” added Andreas, pointing in particular to music ministry in the parish. “We had the best music anywhere — that we witnessed today,” she said.
(Photo by Crystal Bosch)
Parish vocations
Paulette Andreas concluded by recalling proud moments for the parish, when former members answered the call to serve God and God’s people in the wider Church.
On Feb. 17, 1977, Lancer parishioner Louis Andreas made his sacred vows to join the Oblates of Mary Immaculate as a consecrated religious brother. “He was lovingly known to everyone as Brother Louis.” He died in 2018 at the age of 70 years.
“Another member of our Sacred Heart family is Deacon David Hagel,” she added. He currently serves in Cabri, Gull Lake and Swift Current in the Archdiocese of Regina
In closing, Andreas thanked all those who joined the community for the closing Mass. “Although our hearts are heavy, we appreciate you coming out to join us today and to share with us memories of our beloved Church and its history in the Lancer area.”
Red Wednesday is an international day of prayer, action, and awareness about the persecution of Christians around the world. In Saskatoon, a one-hour ecumenical prayer service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon.
Local Christian leaders will be present to pray and reflect during the service, which will be followed by refreshments. Everyone is welcome. The event is co-hosted with Holy Covenant Evangelical Orthodox Church.
If you have questions, please contact Myron Rogal in the Diocesan Office of Justice and Peace at mrogal@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5841.
Background: Be RED, Wear RED, Light RED:
Holy Covenant Evangelical Orthodox Church in Saskatoon was bathed in red light last year on Red Wednesday, 2023. This year’s Saskatoon ecumenical service will be held at 5:30 pm Red Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Saskatoon. All are welcome to take this opportunity to learn more and to pray for persecuted Christians across the globe. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
With the establishment of Red Wednesday, the international Catholic aid organization Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has drawn attention to the fate of millions of persecuted, oppressed, and threatened Christians worldwide.
Since Red Wednesday was established, in many countries around the world, cathedrals, churches, monasteries, monuments, and public buildings are illuminated in blood red around this day.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) supports over 5,000 projects every year in around 140 countries, helping Christians to live their faith in situations where they are oppressed or lack the necessary means to cover their pastoral needs.
ENKINDLE – A diocesan Adult Faith Formation “Encounter” event to enter more fully into the season of Advent will be held 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon.
Presented by sisters of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity who are serving in our diocese, the Enkindle Advent Retreat will feature prayer and reflection to assist participants in spiritually preparing for Christmas.
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