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Kiply Lukan Yaworski

Jun 22
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CONFIRMATION 2025 – Bishop Hagemoen confirms youth of LeRoy and Watson parishes

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Pastor Fr. Francis Akomeah, Seminarian John Paul Wasan and catechists with young confirmands from Holy Rosary Parish in LeRoy, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Watson. (Submitted photo)

On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ June 21, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen confirmed youth from Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy, and Sacred Heart Parish, Watson in a celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation held in LeRoy, SK.

Confirmation celebrated at Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy, SK. (Submitted photo)

The bishop was joined by diocesan seminarian John Paul Wasan.

 

Diocesan seminarian John Paul Wasan accompanied the bishop to a number of confirmation celebrations in the diocese this year. (Submitted photo)

 

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Jun 22
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Bishop Hagemoen announces additional clergy appointments and parish re-organization

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

In a follow up message to his June 5 letter, Bishop Mark Hagemoen has released additional information about. pastoral assignments and parish organization in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, specifically affecting parishes in the Wilkie region.

Bishop Hagemoen’s June 18 update – PDF

Bishop Announces First Round of Pastoral Appointments – ARTICLE

Catholic parishes at Handel and Leipzig will now join parishes at Biggar and at Landis under the leadership of pastor Fr. Paul Oshin, whose July 31, 2025 move from the Muesnter-Pilger-Burr cluster to the Biggar-area parishes was announced June 5.

Fr. Paul Oshin was announced as the new pastor of St. Mary Parish (Our Lady of the Assumption) in Handel, SK, and of St. Paschal Parish in Leipzig. He was also previously named as pastor of St. Gabriel, Biggar, and Our Lady of Fatima, Landis.

St. James Parish at Wilkie will now be part of the cluster that includes St. Peter Parish at Unity, SK, and St. Michael Parish at Tramping Lake, with Fr. Matthew Ramsay as pastor. Ramsay will continue as the Dean of the Kerrobert Deanery.

The present pastor of the Wilkie-area parishes, Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC, has been appointed as the new pastor of parishes at Kerrobert, Major, Dodsland, and Luseland. The new appointments take effect July 31.

Fr. Matthew Ramsay will be the new pastor of St. James Parish, Wilkie, while continuing as pastor of both St. Peter, Unity, and St. Michael, Tramping Lake.

“Please join me in praying for all our clergy and their ministries in our diocese,” wrote the bishop. “We ask for God’s continued blessings on them as they move into their new assignments.”

Jun 21
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Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle: the ongoing path of truth and reconciliation

By Enriching faith

On the 10th anniversary of the conclusion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in Canada, a message from the national Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle affirms the work of the TRC, calling for renewed commitment to a path of healing and right relationship.

“As a coalition of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Catholics focused on reconciliation and right relations, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle encourages the Catholic community and all people of good will in Canada to recognize that, while we have all taken many very important steps on a long journey, this is not a time to rest but a time to deepen our commitment,” says the message, which was released as Canada marks the 10th anniversary of the completion of the TRC hearings.

Read the message:

Co-chaired by Indigenous member Tom Dearhouse and Donna Geernaert, SC, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle includes representatives from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council, Development and Peace-Caritas Canada, the Canadian Religious Conference, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Women’s League, and at-large members from First Nation communities, and religious orders.

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Jun 17
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CONFIRMATION 2025: Bishop Hagemoen confirms youth at St. Joseph Parish, Eatonia, SK

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday, June 15, Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined the St. Joseph Parish community at Eatonia, SK. for celebration of the sacrament of confirmation. Earlier in the day, the bishop also confirmed youth at St. Mary Parish, Fox Valley.

The bishop was joined by diocesan seminarian John Paul Wasan.

 

Diocesan seminarian John Paul Wasan, Bishop Mark Hagemoen, and pastor Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi (back, left to right) with the confirmands at St. Joseph Parish, Eatonia, SK. on Sunday, June 15. (Photo by Joanne Stusrud)

(Photo by Joanne Stusrud)

(Photo by Joanne Stusrud)

(Photo by Joanne Stusrud)

(Photo by Joanne Stusrud)

(Photo by Joanne Stusrud)

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

See other confirmation coverage posted at: LINK

Jun 17
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CONFIRMATION 2025: Bishop joins St. Mary Parish in Fox Valley for confirmation celebration June 15

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Confirmation at St. Mary Parish, Fox Valley SK: Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined pastor Fr. Prince Osuwu Sarpong and confirmands for the celebration June 15, 2025 in Fox Valley. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Mary Parish at Fox Valley, SK  on Trinity Sunday, June 15, 2025  to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.

Later in the day, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Joseph Parish in Eatonia, SK.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

See other confirmation coverage posted at: LINK

 

Jun 17
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Impact of IRF grants in our community

By News

The impact of grants from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon on children, on families, and on Indigenous language and culture was recently highlighted at a partnership appreciation event in the diocese of Saskatoon. 

More on Catholic Saskatoon News – Click here for NEWS ARTICLE

At a spring partnership and appreciation event May 23, Indigenous Reconciliation Discernment Circle Co-Chair Gordon Martell described the goals and the process for the diocesan Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

A local Indigenous-led Discernment Circle has distributed IRF grants to a number of projects over the past three years including Indigenous family wellness programming, summer literacy camps for children, a Cree language conference, nutrition support at St. Mary Wellness and Education Centre, a Nîkânîwin Leadership Program for youth, and a learning program for newcomers led by Elders and knowledge keepers at People’s Bridge Advocacy.

The diocese is within $60,000 of reaching its $1.25 commitment towards the five-year $30-million national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) established by the Catholic Bishops of Canada.

Discernment Circle IRF grants awarded so far:

For more information about the diocese’s Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, including application forms for projects and links to donate to the fund, see the website: rcdos.ca/indigenous-reconciliation-fundor contact the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace (306) 659-5841.

Photos from the IRF appreciation event:

Discernment Circle co-chair Kelley Cardinal emceed the afternoon gathering highlighting projects that have been supported through the diocesan Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Discernment Circle member Elder Irene Sharp of Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous Parish in Saskatoon offered a prayer to open and close the event. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Fr. Kevin McGee, Vicar-General for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, brought greetings from Bishop Mark Hagemoen, who was out of the diocese and unable to attend.

Reconciliation supporters gathered May 23 for an afternoon event highlighting the diocesan Indigenous Reconciliation Fund and its impact. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)TRC work of the diocesan Discernment Circle

Discernment Circle co-chair Gordon Martell offered an overview of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund and its goals and administration in the diocese, including the covenant that guides the work of the Discernment Circle overseeing the local efforts.

IRF Discernment Circle co-chair Gordon Martell provided an overview. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Kurt Wintermute Board Chair United Way spoke about IRF support for the Summer Success Literacy Camp: “This is a significant impact on a vitally important part of our community.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Gary Beaudin, Director of Community Impact for the United Way, described the impact of the Summer Success Literacy Camp assisted by a grant from the diocesan IRF: “It really makes a big difference for these kids. And again, affordability is a huge issue.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Myron Rogal, diocesan coordinator of Justice and Peace and an ex-officio member of the Indigenous-led  IRF Discernment Circle and granting committee read a testimony about the YXE Cree Speakers Society conference that has received IRF funding for the past three years “…bringing together Indigenous Leaders, teachers, and advocates from across Cree communities, and aspiring Cree language speakers to learn and network.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBS) Saskatoon Director of Development Kara Lackie described the Nîkânîwin Mentorship Program that received an IRF grant for its work with Indigenous youth ages 8-12, offered in partnership with Indigenous Sport Saskatchewan. “At BBBS we recognize that we operate in a colonial structure, and while continually challenging ourselves to think and re-think systems that we are accustomed to working in , this means asking ourselves uncomfortable questions and being open to change, and remaining accountable to the communities that we serve,” Lackie said. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Moses Ahiabu, Executive Assistant, Peoples Bridge Advocacy, described the series of truth and reconciliation and Indigenous learning events developed with support from the diocesan IRF: “Let us continue working together, grounded in truth, guided by justice, and united in efforts.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Discernment Circle co-chair Kelley Cardinal spoke on behalf of St. Mary Wellness and Education Centre which received an IRF grant for a program focused on food security and nutrition: “If your belly is growling, you can’t focus on learning.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Haven Executive Director Dionne Miazdyck-Shield described the agency’s Indigenous programming, including Traditional Parenting courses and Women’s Empowerment Circles that have been supported by grants from the diocesan IRF Discernment Circle: “It has had such a huge and important impact for so many Indigenous families.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)

 

MC Kelley Cardinal of the diocesan Discernment Circle, and Executive Director of the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation (l-r) during a question and answer session that was part of the partnership appreciation event held May 23 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Donors, partners, volunteers, and supporters of reconciliation and healing gathered for an appreciation event May 23 highlighting the diocesan Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Discernment Circle co-chair Gordon Martell (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

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Jun 15
Love0

CCCB: Call to prayer for peace in the Holy Land and the Middle East during the month of the Sacred Heart

By News

Media release from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Amid the rising tensions and violence in the Middle East, the Catholic faithful in Canada are reminded of the urgent need to pray for peace. During this month—dedicated in the Latin Church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—we have a unique opportunity to seek the Lord’s mercy, healing, and peace for our divided world.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus focuses our attention on the Lord’s inexhaustible love for humanity, and His desire that all be saved. By praying to the Sacred Heart, we turn to the divine source from which all authentic reconciliation springs, and open the channels for it to flow forth in our lives.

The Eastern Catholic Churches observe a different devotion in June, one which is centred on the Apostles Peter and Paul and that concludes with their liturgical feast on June 29. Remembering their witness, which began in Jerusalem and spread forth “into all the earth,” as the Byzantine liturgy puts it, the faithful beg them “to intercede with the Master of all to grant peace to the world and to our souls great mercy.”

Parishes, communities of consecrated and apostolic life, families, movements and associations, and individuals within the Church in Canada are all therefore invited to pray and work for peace by:

  • including suitable intentions in one’s daily prayers
  • reciting a prayer to the Sacred Heart each day during the remainder of June;
  • attending Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction with the Most Blessed Sacrament;
  • reciting a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
  • including appropriate petitions during the Universal Prayer at daily and Sunday Masses this month;
  • attending Mass on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 27th);
  • offering one’s fasting and abstinence, during the Apostles’ Fast, for this particular concern, in the sacrificial spirit of St. Peter and St. Paul;
  • practicing the corporal works of mercy within one’s local community, and donating to reliable charities working in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East.

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Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa

Jun 13
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Bishop Hagemoen leads retreat for clergy of Kamloops diocese

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen was the speaker for a clergy retreat June 9-13 in the Diocese of Kamloops, BC. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon was the featured speaker for a clergy retreat June 9-13 in the Diocese of Kamloops, B.C.

Beginning with evening prayer Monday, June 9, the retreat continued through the week with presentations, and prayer, including celebration of the Eucharist, Adoration, Benediction, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as daily Morning Prayer, Holy Hour, and Night Prayer.

Kamloops Bishop Joseph Phuong Nguyen and Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the Kamloops Clergy Retreat June 9-13, 2025. (Submitted photo)

Jun 08
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Pastoral assignments and clergy updates from Bishop Mark Hagemoen

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog, News

Bishop Mark Hagemoen has announced a number of pastoral assignments and clergy updates in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, with most of the appointments effective July 31, 2025.

“We will announce further appointments and arrival details as soon as these are confirmed,” Hagemoen said in the message sent to parishes, priests, and leaders on June 5.

Bishop Hagemoen’s June 5 Pastoral Assignment Letter – PDF

Currently serving the parishes at Biggar and Landis, Fr. Edward Gibney is appointed Pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish, Saskatoon, as Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, (who has been serving as Parochial Administrator at St. Philip Neri) has concluded his assignment in the diocese.

Fr. Edward Gibney is appointed as pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish, Saskatoon.

Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, is concluding his assignment in the diocese of Saskatoon.

Currently serving the parishes at Muenster, Pilger, and Burr, Fr. Paul Oshin will be the new Pastor at St. Gabriel Parish, Biggar, and Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Landis.

Fr. Paul Oshin is appointed Pastor at St. Gabriel Parish, Biggar and Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Landis.

As part of structural reorganization, Fr. Colin Roy is appointed Pastor of St. Peter Parish, Muenster; St. Scholastica Parish, Burr; and Holy Trinity Parish, Pilger, in addition to continuing in his role as Pastor of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Humboldt.

Fr. Colin Roy is appointed Pastor of parishes at Muenster, Burr, and Pilger, in addition to continuing as Pastor of St. Augustine Parish, Humboldt.

Fr. Colin Roy will be assisted by a priest new to our diocese, Fr. Frank Offin-Sekyere, who is appointed as Parochial Vicar (the proper canonical title for an “associate pastor”) of the four parishes at Humboldt, Muenster, Pilger, and Burr.

Fr. Frank Offin Sekyere will assist Fr. Colin Roy in serving four Humboldt-area parishes.

Currently serving the parish of St. John Bosco in Saskatoon, Fr. Marvin Lishchynsky has been appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Saskatoon.  He will also be reappointed as Judicial Vicar of the diocese for a five-year term.

Fr. Marvin Lishchynsky is appointed pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Saskatoon.

A priest new to our diocese, Fr. Isaac Mensah, is appointed as Pastor of St. John Bosco Parish, Saskatoon  and St. Francis Xavier Parish, Vanscoy, as well as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon, where he will assist St. Mary Pastor, Fr. Kevin McGee.

Fr. Isaac Mensah is appointed Pastor of St. John Bosco Parish, Saskatoon, and St. Francis Xavier Parish, Vanscoy, as well as assisting Pastor Fr. Kevin McGee at St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon.

 

Fr. Richard Philiposki, S.Chr., will conclude his current assignment as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Saskatoon and Parochial Administrator of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Vanscoy.  When in Saskatoon, Philiposki will continue to assist periodically with pastoral work at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Saskatoon.

Fr. Richard Philiposki, S. Chr., is concluding his assignments in the diocese of Saskatoon.

Fr. Arnold Bolima is appointed the Parochial Vicar of St. Mark Parish at Langham, serving with the current Pastor, Fr. Peter Ebidero.  Bolima continues to serve as Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick Parish, Saskatoon, and is also assigned to Catholic school pastoral ministry for the St Patrick Parish region.

 

Fr. Arnold Bolima will assist Pastor Fr. Peter Ebidero at St. Mark Parish, Langham, as well as continuing to serve as Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick, Saskatoon, where he assists Pastor Fr. David Tumback, including with Catholic school ministry in the parish boundaries.

Currently serving the parishes at Willkie, Handel and Leipzig, Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC, is appointed Pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Kerrobert; Our Lady of Grace Parish, Dodsland; St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish, Luseland; and Immaculate Conception Parish, Major.

The bishop noted that information about the pastoral care of St. James Parish, Wilkie; St. Mary Parish, Handel; and St. Paschal Parish, Leipzig will be announced shortly.

Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC, is appointed Pastor of parishes at Kerrobert, Dodsland, Luseland, and Major. Pastoral care of parishes in the Wilkie cluster will be announced at a later date.

 

Recently returned to the diocese of Saskatoon, Fr. Daniel Louh, SMA, will serve as Pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Allan; St. Alphonse Parish, Viscount; and St. Mary Parish, Colonsay. He will also assist with hospital chaplaincy in Saskatoon.

 

Fr. Daniel Louh will serve as Pastor of parishes at Allan, Viscount, and Colonsay, as well as assisting with hospital chaplaincy in Saskatoon.

 

Reorganization of the Pastoral Care of Parishes in Deaneries:

A need for the reorganization and restructuring of some parish clusters has also brought a number of changes in pastoral appointments.

Fr. John Abban-Bonsu is appointed as Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Leroy, as well as continuing as pastor of parishes at Lake Lenore, Annaheim, and St. Gregor.

Fr. John Abban-Bonsu, is appointed as the Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy. He continues to be Pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Lake Lenore; St. Ann Parish, Annaheim; and St. Gregory Parish, St. Gregor.

Fr. Francis Akomeah is appointed Pastor of parishes at Naicam and St. Front, as well as continuing as pastor of parishes at Watson, Quill Lake, and Englefeld.

Fr. Francis Akomeah, is appointed Pastor of St. George Parish, Naicam and St. Front Parish, St. Front, in addition to continuing to serve as Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Watson; St. Catherine Parish, Quill Lake; and Holy Guardian Angels Parish, Englefeld.

Fr. Jerome Ogunleye is appointed Pastor of parishes at Rose Valley, Archerwill, Nobleville, and Perigord, as well as continuing to serve as Pastor at Wadena, Kelvington, Lintlaw, and Fosston.

Fr. Jerome Ogunleye is now the Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Rose Valley, St. Felix Parish, Archerwill; St. Lawrence Parish, Nobleville; and St. Athanasius Parish, Perigord. He will also continue to serve as Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Wadena; St. Joseph Parish, Kelvington; St. Theresa Parish, Lintlaw; and Mary Queen of Poland Parish, Fosston.

Bishop Hagemoen also acknowledged and thanked clergy who are completing their assignments in the diocese of Saskatoon.

In addition to Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, and Fr. Fr. Richard Philiposki, S.Chr., (noted above), other priests leaving the diocese are Fr. Charles Nweze, who has been serving parishes in the Kerrobert area, and who is now joining the Canadian military as chaplain, and Fr. John Ezeoruonye, who has been serving parishes in the St. Front area, and who is returning to the Archdiocese of Onitsha in Nigeria.

 

Fr. Charles Nweze is leaving the diocese to serve as chaplain with the Canadian military.

 

Fr. John Ezeoruonye is returning to the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria.

 

Fr. Luke Tran, who was ordained in October, will be temporarily serving in the Diocese of Calgary for a two-year term.

Fr. Luke Van Tam Tram will begin a two-year assignment in the Diocese of Calgary.

 

“Please join in gratitude and prayer for all of these clergy and their ministries in our diocese,” said the bishop. “We ask for God’s blessings on them as they move forward to new assignments and endeavours.”

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Jun 01
Love0

CONFIRMATION 2025: Bishop confirms youth at St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Habila Musa with confirmands at St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown. (Submitted photos)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Theresa Parish at Rosetown, SK  on Ascension Sunday, June 1, 2025  to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.

The day before on May 31, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Gabriel Parish in Biggar SK.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

See other confirmation coverage posted at: LINK