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Kiply Lukan Yaworski

May 12
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Catholic Education Week: “Pilgrims of Hope On the Path of Holiness”

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog, News

A message from the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan for Catholic Education Week 2026: PDF

Catholic Education Week will be observed May 10-17 in the eight Catholic school divisions in Saskatchewan, and includes the celebration of World Catholic Education Day which is marked on Ascension Thursday, May 14, 2026.

During this week, students and staff of Catholic schools will enjoy many opportunities to recognize and reflect on Catholic Education and this year’s theme “Pilgrims of Hope On the Path of Holiness.” Daily prayer, scripture sharing, and calls to action will invite all to journey together, recognizing life as a path shaped by faith, community, and a deepening relationship with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Find resources and information on the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools website at www.gscs.ca/catholic-education-week or contact your local Catholic school to learn more about their special activities that week.

Message from the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan

Message for Catholic Education Week May 10-17, 2026 – PDF

In great appreciation for the legacy of mission of Catholic Education, we the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan invite you to join us in recognizing the gift and the impact of Catholic education as we celebrate Catholic Education Week in our province from May 10 to May 17.

This year’s theme is “Catholic Education: Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness.” Building on last year’s “Jubilee of Hope,” this year we focus on the call to personal holiness that is achieved through ordinary, faithful daily life. This year’s reflections are also inspired by the canonization of St. Carlo Acutis, and the 2022 Pastoral Letter to Young People by the Catholic Bishops of Canada.

Pilgrims of Hope is a theme taken from the Jubilee Year of Hope that we observed in 2025. It invites us to celebrate how Catholic Education is at the service of hope in so many ways. As the late Pope Francis stated, hope is a gift from God and a task for all Christians. It is a “…light in the night” as the world struggles with seeking truth, understanding, mutual respect, and true peace.

Five key themes will be explored in our schools this week to help us to understand how we can be pilgrims of hope through Catholic education.

Peace Be With You

On Monday, May 11, we celebrate the theme Peace Be With You. St. Carlos Acutis’s famous statement: “To always be united with Jesus, this is my life plan” reminds us about our need to be united with Christ in all things. In this way Jesus Christ brings us true peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:27)

Pope Leo XIV reminds us that peace is all encompassing, and not the mere absence of hostility and conflict, leaving tensions between peoples unaddressed. Rather, “…Peace is first and foremost an active and demanding gift. It engages and challenges each of us, regardless of our cultural background or religious affiliation, demanding, first of all, that we work on ourselves … [to] eliminate pride and vindictiveness.” Peace seeks “the purification of the heart necessary for building peaceful relationships.” [Pope Leo XIV, Address to the Diplomatic Corps of the Holy See, Friday May 16, 2025]

God loves you

            On Tuesday, May 12, we reflect on the theme: God loves you. This may sound like a simple and obvious theme. Yet, we continue to experience so many ways in which people fail to see and receive God’s tremendous love.

During Pope Leo’s recent trip to Africa, while visiting Bata Prison in Equatorial Guinea, the Holy Father reminds us about this underlying theme of our faith. As he states: “No one is excluded from God’s love… [despite] pasts, mistakes, and sufferings …[every person remains] precious.” Jesus shows us, “…the power of love to change even the hardest of hearts.” [Pope Leo XIV, “Visit to Bata Prison, Apostolic Journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola & Equatorial Guinea”, April 22, 2026.]

Catholic educators are inspired and sustained by this most essential feature of God – His love is manifest in His Mercy. During his pontificate, Pope Francis stressed that mercy is not simply one of God’s many attributes, it is the feature through which we understand everything about God.

God Saves You

            On Wednesday, May 13 we explore celebrate the theme God saves you! This theme builds on the previous day’ s theme, emphasizing the life and ministry of Jesus Christ – God’s intervention in our lives in time and history, which has brought needed conversion, healing, and new life to all peoples of our world.

Pope Francis stated that “God saves us, then by making Himself little, near and real …Those who accept His offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness, and loneliness.”[Pope Leo XIV, Mass at Jasna Gora Shrine on the 1,050th anniversary of the baptism of Poland, Krakow, Poland, July 28, 2016]

In this sense, Catholic education seeks excellence inspired by the close connection, the modelling, and the relationships of teachers with students. This mentoring for excellence involves learning, healing, and growth in such a way that all impediments to human flourishing are overcome.

Excellence also inspires young people to bring to bear all their God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. As our students grow as disciples of the Lord, they are inspired and equipped to humbly serve God’s work to make the world a better place and seek our ultimate destiny.

The Holy Spirit lives in you

            On Thursday May 14 we focus on the theme The Holy Spirit lives in you. The Holy Spirit – proceeding from the Father and the Son – brings us into a living loving communion with the Triune God, empowering a life of unity, love and solidarity with others.

Pope Francis frequently emphasized the importance of living in solidarity with our brothers and sisters, and most particularly with the poor and marginalized. Solidarity is more than individual acts of kindness. It is a way of thinking and living that prioritizes the needs of the community over individual desires. Solidarity is a matter of charity that seeks compassion and justice. It often requires a shift in our own perspective. [Message of Pope Francis re: “Globalize solidarity and not indifference,” March 4, 2023 and  Pope Francis, Message for World Day of the Poor, June 14, 2022] 

Catholic schools teach and celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit to value each human person as precious to God and having inherent dignity. A key biblical passage that affirms this theme is in John’s Gospel, where Jesus teaches: “Love one another as I have love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life… I give you these commands so that you may love one another.” (see John 15:12; 17)

Together on the Journey

            Finally, on Friday May 15 we reflect on Together on the Journey. As we celebrate this year’s theme “Pilgrims of Hope: On The Path to Holiness”, we emphasize that for people of faith, the virtue of Hope is not a passive issue. It is supported and enriched as we are strengthened by one another in community. To be a pilgrim of hope is to seek, encourage and foster a virtue that calls forth a vision and response – by Catholic educators, by members of the Church, by families, and the larger community – a vision that trusts in the redemption of all in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Such a call also reflects how the ministry of Jesus Christ emphasizes the problem and reality of poverty in our world, and the importance of compassion, care, and support for those in need. Jesus’ teachings and actions highlight the Kingdom of God as a place where all will be blessed – especially the poor: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.” (see Luke 6:20).

Encouraging reflection on the Church’s social doctrine, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes, “Give voice to the poor, … (as we) participate actively and creatively – together with the People of God, in this time of great social upheaval, through attentive listening and open dialogue to all.”[Pope Leo XIV, Message to members of the “Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice” Foundation, May 17, 2025]

            The journey of Jesus Christ– through His life and ministry of teaching and service, through His passion and death on the cross, and through His resurrection to new life which overcomes any obstacle between God and His people – provides the pattern for hope for Catholic education and formation.

We join together in giving thanks to God for the gift of Catholic education and its unique contribution in our province and our communities. We pray in thanksgiving for the continuing existence and protection of publicly-funded Catholic education in Saskatchewan, and for hope and perseverance for educators, students and families.

            May Catholic education continue to model Christ: “… the Way, the Truth and the Life.” (John 14:16) May it help all to develop the head and the heart so that we may “prepare [our] minds for action; discipline [ourselves]; set all [our] hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring to [us] when he is revealed.” (see 1 Peter 1:13) 

            Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina

Most Rev. Susai Jesu, Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas

Most Rev. Mark Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon

Most Rev. Michael Smolinski, CSsR, Eparch of Saskatoon

Very Rev. Maurice Fiolleau, Administrator of Prince Albert

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Catholic Saskatoon News is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: dscf.ca/baa

May 12
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Sts. Benedict and Scholastica Formation Program accepting applications

By Enriching faith

Sts. Benedict & Scholastica Formation Program is a diocesan discernment and formation opportunity for both men and women who are pursuing holiness while living in the world. For some it can be a pathway of discernment for ordained ministry, religious life, or professional lay ecclesial ministry.

Applications are now being accepted for fall 2026. For more information contact Sr. Marta Piano at (306) 659-5843 or mpiano@rcdos.ca

Sts. Benedict and Scholastica Brochure – PDF

The Sts. Benedict and Scholastica program is open to young adults – both women and men, students or working – either for a residential or non-residential program beginning in the fall.

The Sts. Benedict and Scholastica program includes human formation, intellectual formation, and pastoral formation, focused on personal holiness and community life.

Key Features of the Rule of Life:

• DAILY PRAYER
• MASS AND LITURGY OF THE HOURS
• APOSTOLIC WORK
• WEEKLY FAITH SHARING GROUP
• WEEKLY FORMATION SESSIONS
• SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
• WEEKLY & MONTHLY SILENT RETREATS
• MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP PLAN
• COMMUNITY LIFE
• CHRISTIAN HOLINESS

Video introduction:

Apr 30
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Women’s Breakfast May 13: Feminine Genius 4 – “Listening as Spiritual Hospitality”

By Enriching faith

 Sr. Malou Tibayan of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity will speak on “Listening as Spiritual Hospitality” at the diocesan adult faith formation fourth annual Feminine Genius women’s breakfast to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 (doors open at 8 a.m.) at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon.

Registration is required for this women-only event at:  https://form.jotform.com/SaskatoonDiocese/femininegenius2026  or call (306) 659-5843 for information. There will be an opportunity to make a free-will offering at the breakfast.

(Adult faith is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.)

Apr 22
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Upcoming Saskatchewan speaker tour addresses “MAiD Expansion to Mental Illness: What’s at Stake?”

By News

A province-wide tour in May — including 7 pm Monday May 11 at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon — will feature Larry Worthen, Executive Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada, and one of Canada’s leading voices on healthcare ethics, and conscience rights. All are invited to this free event to:

  • Learn how medically-provided death is evolving in Canada, with real stories from healthcare settings.
  • Explore the ethical, medical, and social questions this raises.
  • Consider how we support those who are suffering and seeking hope.

“Canada’s MAiD Expansion to Mental Illness: What’s at Stake? speaking tour –WEBSITE

The upcoming expansion of medically-provided death — “Medical Assistance in Dying” (“MAiD”) — in 2027 will include mental illness as a sole underlying condition qualifying a patient for euthanasia / assisted suicide.

It’s a significant change, and one that raises important questions many have not yet had the opportunity to fully understand or discuss.

This May, communities across Saskatchewan are being invited into a thoughtful conversation on medically-provided death (“MAiD”) and what this expansion could mean.

One thing continues to stand out. Behind the policies and headlines are real people, real experiences, and often, real gaps in support.

Across Canada, over eight million people live with a disability, and nearly half report at least one unmet healthcare need. In Saskatchewan, that number is even higher, with close to 30% of people identifying as having a disability.

Many of the most commonly-reported reasons for requesting medically-provided death are not only physical. They include things like isolation, loneliness, and the feeling of being a burden.

These are deeply human experiences.

They invite us to pause and ask a deeper question: What does it look like to truly support someone in moments of vulnerability? Should death be considered a treatment option?

This is the kind of conversation that the organizers of the Hope Does Not Expire event are hoping to create space for across Saskatchewan.

Throughout the tour, Deacon Larry Worthen will share insights from his work with physicians and healthcare teams across Canada, along with real-world perspectives on how medically-provided euthanasia (“MAiD”) is evolving, and what it means for individuals, families, and communities.

Each evening is designed to be accessible and welcoming, with time to listen, learn, and ask questions.

Join the conversation across Saskatchewan:

  • May 11 — Saskatoon, 7 p.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, 114 Kingsmere Place
  • May 12 — Prince Albert, 7 p.m. at Plaza 88
  • May 13 — Yorkton, 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre
  • May 14 — Weyburn, 7 p.m. at McKenna Hall
  • May 15 — Moose Jaw, 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Apostalic Church
  • May 16 — Regina, 1 p.m. at Resurrection Parish (also live-streamed – RSVP for the link.)

(The “MAiD Expansion to Mental Illness: What’s at Stake?” speaking tour is a free public information event, open to everyone. Registration is encouraged, but no required.)

Reserve a spot on the speaking tour- RSVP: LINK to REGISTER

Facebook event – www.facebook.com/share/1CJgk4dt7y

RELATED – “Euthanasia can allow structural coercive forces to push people toward death” (EPC post)

RELATED – “Help Not Harm” advocacy campaign launched to oppose MAiD expansion for mental illness (Article)

About the speaker

Guest speaker Deacon Larry Worthen is one of Canada’s leading voices on healthcare ethics, conscience rights, and medically-provided death (“MAiD”). Since 2012, Worthen has served as Executive Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada (CMDA), an ecumenical organization representing more than 1,600 Christian physicians and dentists across Canada. The association exists to help healthcare professionals integrate the gospel and professional practice.

A graduate of Dalhousie Law School in Nova Scotia, Worthen’s career has also included leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector and service with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice. He is also a trained facilitator, adult educator, and mediator, and an ordained deacon in the Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth.

“Hope Does Not Expire” is co-sponsored by the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada, the Archdiocese of Regina, Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association, the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus, and Campaign Life Coalition.

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Apr 12
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Bishop Hagemoen leads prayers for peace at diocesan Divine Mercy celebration in Saskatoon

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

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.

Eucharistic adoration, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Litany, scripture, and prayers for peace were part of the diocesan Divine Mercy Sunday celebration led by Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the Cathedral of the Holy Family April 12 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

“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!”

Divine Mercy Sunday included Eucharistic adoration, praying of the Divine Praises, and benediction, as well as the Divine Mercy chaplet and litany. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

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.’”

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at the diocesan Divine Mercy celebration April 12, 2026 in Saskatoon, praying in solidarity with Pope Leo for peace in our world. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

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

The Easter candle and the Divine Mercy image frame Bishop Mark Hagemoen as he offers prayers for peace during the Divine Mercy celebration on the second Sunday of Easter April 12. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

 

Divine Mercy Sunday included Eucharistic adoration, praying of the Divine Praises, and benediction, as well as the Divine Mercy chaplet and litany. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Divine Mercy Sunday included Eucharistic adoration, praying of the Divine Praises, and benediction, as well as the Divine Mercy chaplet and litany. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

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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Apr 10
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Bishop Hagemoen calls for prayers of solidarity with Pope Leo XIV’s Vigil for Peace April 11

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen

Download PDF of Message – LINK

Dear Pastors, Parish Life Directors, and Parishes:

In his  “Urbi et Orbi” message on Easter Sunday  our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV reflected on the victory of Christ over death and darkness, and issued a powerful message calling for peace. He also said: “I invite everyone to join me in a prayer vigil for peace that we will celebrate here in Saint Peter’s Basilica next Saturday, April 11.”

In solidarity with the Holy Father’s invitation – and because of the ongoing scourge of war happening in the Middle East, Ukraine, and in so many other parts of our world – I ask that all parishes in the diocese add special prayer intentions for peace in the Prayers of the Faithful this weekend April 11-12.  I will also include prayers for peace as part of our diocesan Divine Mercy celebration at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.

Finally, I would ask all of the faithful to hold this special intention in personal prayer during this extraordinary time in our world.

Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. Mark A. Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon

Apr 09
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Saskatchewan bishops meet in Saskatoon

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

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)