Kiply Lukan Yaworski

With great joy and thanksgiving, hundreds gathered from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Western Canada, and beyond, for the priestly ordination of Fr. Luke Tran Van Tam on Oct. 18, the Feast of his patron saint, Saint Luke the Evangelist.

Before the Ordination Mass began at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, children and youth from Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Catholic Community of Saskatoon brought forward an offering of flowers as a Marian devotion.

The Diocesan Choir – directed by Shaun Bzdel, with Wendy Dale on piano and Ken Neitz on organ – was joined in music ministry by the Vietnamese Catholic Choir of Surrey, B.C., where Fr. Luke would often visit while studying at the nearby Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, B.C.

Special guests at the ordination Mass included Fr. Luke Tran Van Tam’s parents, who travelled from Việt Nam for the celebration, along with other family members.

Seminarians, deacons, and priests from a number of dioceses across Western Canada also attended the ordination Mass, including priests from the dioceses of Vancouver; Edmonton; Calgary; St. Paul, AB; St. Boniface, MB; Mackenzie-Fort Smith, NT; Prince Albert, SK; and Regina.

Fr. Anthony Tien Tran, Pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Surrey, B.C. in the Archdiocese of Vancouver assisted the newly-ordained priest during the Investiture with the Stole and Chausible.

Fr. Luke then knelt before the bishop, who anointed his hands with sacred chrism.

The offertory gifts were brought up by members of Fr. Luke’s family. Presenting the newly-ordained priest with a chalice and paten, the bishop said: “Understand what you will do, imitate what you will hold, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”

The bishop and all the priests then embraced the newly-ordained priest during the “Kiss of Peace.”

The celebration continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist and communion. It concluded with words of thanks from Fr. Luke, and a message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen to the parents of the newly-ordained priest, which was translated into Vietnamese by Fr. Anthony Tien Tran of Surrey, B.C.

“My dear brothers and sisters, God’s mercy to me is great, and this ordination is a manifestation of his grace,” said Fr. Luke, expressing his gratitude to the crowd that filled the cathedral worship space, and to those viewing the live-stream video online, both in English and in Vietnamese.

“Special thanks to Bishop Mark for ordaining me, and for your constant support throughout my journey,” he said, before noting the support of those at Christ the King Seminary and in the diocese and beyond, and all those who have accompanied him on his faith journey. “Your prayers and support have been a source of strength for me…. Words will never be able to express how deeply your kindness has touched my heart.”

“Finally, and most importantly, I would like to offer my deepest gratitude to God for calling and anointing me to be His priest:  Thank you Lord, for your constant presence in my life, for patiently leading me along this path, even when I didn’t fully understand it,” said Fr. Luke.  “You, in Your wisdom, took me far from my home, into a new country, a new culture, and among new people. Through it all You showed me that I was never alone, and that your grace and mercy have always been with me.”

Addressing Fr. Luke’s parents, the bishop said: “I want to thank you both very much for the generous gift of your son to the priesthood. It must be difficult to see a son leave your country, probably mixed blessings but also challenges, and I know you miss him very much.”

The bishop continued: “He is a very faithful man, he is very hard working and he is very determined…. very grateful for the gift of your son; he learned his faith from you, foremost… thank you, thank you, thank you. Your gift is great and we will always remember you in our prayers.”

During the recessional hymn, the bishop knelt to receive a blessing from the newly-ordained priest. Blessings continued at the reception that followed the Mass, as those in attendance also lined up to receive a blessing.

[Fr. Luke Tran Van Tam was born April 30, 1987 in Việt Nam and came to Canada on July 19, 2017 in order to discern the vocation of priesthood for the diocese of Saskatoon. He was accepted as a diocesan seminarian of Saskatoon in July 2018, and studied at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, B.C. until his pastoral year at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, which began in the summer of 2023.]

Gallery of photos:  LINK

 

Live-stream video of Ordination Mass:

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Vocations, and the education of future priests are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.

Provincial and Municipal Elections – LETTER from Bishop Mark Hagemoen (PDF)

Catholic Conscience provincial election platform comparision – LINK

“Voting Like a Catholic” PDF (EN)   /   <<Voter comme un catholique>> PDF (FR)

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon

As we approach the upcoming provincial and civic elections, and as all citizens are called to fulfill their responsibilities to inform themselves of the various issues, I am taking this opportunity to support members of our Catholic communities in their engagement with the electoral process, and encourage all to be informed regarding the major moral and social issues important to Catholics.

While no one political party can be promoted at any Catholic Church, it is certainly appropriate to make available the positions of all political parties to moral and social issues.

To this end, I would strongly promote making available the attached “Voting Like A Catholic” resource from the non-profit and non-partisan organization Catholic Conscience, which reflects on key issues not only for Catholics but for all citizens. It also includes a link to a resource comparing the various political parties’ published platforms with Catholic Social Teaching: https://CatholicConscience.org/Canada/Saskatchewan/2024-provincial-election.

For Catholics, voting is not only a duty but involves ongoing education and formation. A key feature of carrying out one’s duty and responsibility to vote is to exercise and inform one’s conscience. This is particularly important because we are called to be voices that speak to virtue, healing and decency in politics and social engagement. We are also called to be mindful of both personal and community issues and goals – especially in terms of those who are unable to speak for themselves.

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On route to attend meetings in Alberta, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon stopped in at the Calgary Life Chain to stand in solidarity and prayer with those witnessing for the sacredness of life from conception until natural death, calling for an end to abortion.

In the diocese of Saskatoon Life Chain were held in Saskatoon, Humboldt, and Unity, SK.

Submitted photos:

 

Read more about the Called and Gifted workshop in Saskatoon at Catholic Saskatoon News – LINK

The Called and Gifted™ Discernment Process from the Catherine of Siena Institute is designed to help Christians discern the presence of charisms (God’s gifts) in their lives. For more information about the Called and Gifted program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, contact Sr. Malou Tibayan at mtibayan@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5843 or see the pamphlet (PDF).

In the first of three diocesan workshops this fall, 16 participants gathered at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon Oct. 4 and 5 for an introduction to the Called and Gifted™ discernment process.

The process as explained by the Catherine of Siena Institute website is “designed to help Christians discern the presence of charisms in their lives. Charisms, or spiritual gifts, are special abilities given to all Christians by the Holy Spirit to give them power both to represent Christ and to be a channel of God’s goodness for people. Whether extraordinary or ordinary, all charisms ought to be exercised in the service of God.”

The Called and Gifted introductory workshop will also be held this fall in two other locations to provide greater opportunity across the diocese to participate in this life-changing process:

• Oct. 19: St. Theresa Parish, 208 Little Flower Avenue, Rosetown, SK (One day only: 9 a.m. – 5: 30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
• Nov. 8-9: St Augustine Parish, 809 – 10th Street, Humboldt, SK (Two days: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 and 9-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

For more information about the Called and Gifted program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, contact Sr. Malou Tibayan at mtibayan@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5843 or see the pamphlet (PDF).

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined the parish community of Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens in Saskatoon for Sunday Mass Sept. 29, with many events to celebrate, including the feast day of the parish’s patron saints and the installation of Fr. Gregory Roth as pastor.

In addition, the bishop made note of the Catholic Church’s celebration of the World Day for Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 29, and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30.

“We pray for God’s blessing as we support our Indigenous brothers and sisters and all our country on the ongoing task of truth finding and reconciliation and healing,” he said. “It is not a simple task, it doesn’t happen just because we celebrate a national day, it’s a journey.”

• RELATED: Bishop Hagemoen’s message for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
• RELATED: Pope Francis’ message for World Day for Migrants and Refugees

In tying together the various themes for the day in his homily, Hagemoen cited a recent celebration by Canadian Catholic bishops of the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Archdiocese of Quebec, the first Catholic diocese in north America, and the life and service of its first bishop, St. Francois de Laval, patron saint of the Catholic bishops of Canada.

On the eve of the annual Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) in Quebec City, Cardinal Gérald Lacroix of the Archdiocese of Quebec gifted each bishop a replica of the pectoral cross of St. François de Laval, the patron saint of Canadian bishops — Hagemoen noted that the Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens celebration was his first time wearing the cross.

Hagemoen reflected on St. Laval’s ministry to both the newcomers who migrated to Quebec as settlers, and to the Indigenous communities throughout the then-vast territory of the first North American diocese.

“He had a tremendous heart for God’s people,” said Hagemoen. “Bishop Laval went to all the far-flung communities — to settler communities and to Indigenous communities — to draw close and get to know them. And many of the immigrants who came to Canada in those days encountered a lot of challenges, and hardships, and very quickly, the Indigenous People who welcomed them also would encounter unexpected challenges, especially in terms of the new issues brought about by what we now call colonization.”

Hagemoen noted: “The Church always has a preferential option for the poor and the needy, including migrants and refugees, not just because of who they are, but because of who we are… We are people who imitate Christ who has a heart for the stranger, for the person who is travelling, and for the people who need accommodation and support.”

Hagemoen quoted the homily of Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille (Pope Francis’ special envoy to the CCCB celebration of the 350^th anniversary of the first Catholic diocese in North America):

“We must remember that fundamentally the Church’s mission is to be at the service of love, with which God loves the world. … Such a way of living out the mission places the church off-centre, obliging her not to allow herself to be obsessed by a concern for her own survival, but rather to let Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, live within her, who is capable of constantly renewing her, and for whom she is responsible for proclaiming, not so much by dazzling action, but by a presence, a closeness, and attention to everyone, especially the least of these.”

The Canadian martyrs – St. Jean de Brebeuf (1593-1648) and companions – also showed the way, added Hagemoen, noting the Francophone parish’s observation of the patron saints’ Sept. 26 Canadian feast day at the Sunday celebration.

“We focus on their literal martyrdom, which is why Fr. Greg and I wear red today, because they shed their blood in witness for Christ and His love and mercy,” he said.

“They did that as they entered into the cultural situation and the challenges of the two Indigenous groups, the Huron and the Iroquois… but isn’t it the case that, as we live in the world, we can often be brought into situations, even conflicts and certain challenges that seem devastating, and some days, might not even seem to have a solution? However, the mystery of our faith is that through death there is resurrection.”

Pastor’s installation

The bishop then pointed to the ritual for installation of a pastor to be celebrated after the homily: “The reason for this ritual with Fr. Greg in a few moments is to celebrate the liturgical and sacramental priesthood that he gives and presents to this parish community as an ordained ministerial priest, to you, who also share in the priesthood of Christ – called the common priesthood – and there is an intimate, vital relationship there.”

He added: “You and I cannot give, unless we are receiving from the Way, the Truth, and the Life… The purpose, why we gather here every Sunday, is so that we may meet and see, encounter and receive Jesus Christ in his Word and in the Bread of Life so that we can go forward and bring the life and blessing and hope of God to a world that badly needs it”

Hagemoen thanked Roth for hearing and responding to God’s call to be an ordained priest, and the parish community: “for your faith, for supporting him, and for calling him to be the priest that he is called to be.”

The installation prayers led by the bishop reflected prayerfully on the role of the pastor, highlighting the priest’s sacramental ministry through a series of prayers at different spots throughout the church building: the altar, the ambo, the tabernacle, the baptismal font, the entrance of the church, the confessional, and so on.

Fr. Gregory Roth was appointed pastor of Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Parish and nearby Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon earlier this year. Ordained in 2012, he previously served as pastor at St. Peter Parish in Unity and St. Michael Parish in Tramping Lake.

The celebration Sept. 29 concluded with a lunch in the parish hall.

Photos:

 

Live-stream video:

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Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30 – PDF

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Monday, September 30, 2024

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, arrogance, and misuse of 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 love 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 3o, 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 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 Reverend 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 among 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.

+Amen

 

 

 

Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated the annual Academic Mass with the St. Thomas More College community Sept. 18, 2024 joined by Fr. Andre Lalach, Fr. Ron Griffin, CSB, and Fr. Daniel Yasinski.

STM Academic Mass celebrants (l-r) Fr. Andre Lalach, Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Fr. Ron Griffin, CSB, Fr. Daniel Yasinski. (Photo by Paul Sinkwicz, STM)

NEWS ITEM:

Academic Mass celebrates inclusion, community at St. Thomas More College

Bishop Mark Hagemoen gathered with pastors, parish leaders, and diocesan staff for an Administration Day Sept. 12, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, launching a new year of ministry in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

The annual diocesan day again provided updates, information, and resources for parishes and leaders, including an overview of major themes, new programs, and upcoming events.

Administration Day opening

Master of Ceremonies Greg Chatlain, Director of Administration and Finance, noted that the annual day is an opportunity to look back on the last year of ministry, and together prepare for the year ahead.

“This is an opportunity to think about the future and what lies ahead, and what we can do to further our mission together,” Chatlain said. “Really, the main things are about our relationship… an opportunity to touch base again.”

Deacon Luke Tran Van Tam led the opening prayer. Presently serving as a transitional deacon at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, he will be ordained to the priesthood in a diocesan celebration 7 p.m. Friday, Oct, 18 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family – one of the many announcements highlighted at Administration Day.

After a treaty land acknowledgement by Myron Rogal of the Office of Justice and Peace, the program began with the introduction of new clergy and staff serving across the diocese since last year’s Administration Day.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen introduced newly-arrived priests Fr. Arnold Bolima, who is serving as pastor of St. Theresa, Asquith and associate pastor at St. Patrick, Saskatoon; Fr. Joe-Nelo Penino, who is serving as associate pastor at Holy Family Cathedral, Saskatoon; and Fr. Michael Magaji, who is serving as associate pastor at Holy Spirit, Saskatoon.

Other introductions included recently-ordained deacons Luke Tran Van Tam and Nicholas Blom, who are both serving at St. Mary, Saskatoon and new staff members at parishes across the diocese, including:

• Asquith: Rose-Anne Kielo, Parish Life Director
• Humboldt: Michael Selinger, Caretaker/Maintenance
• Martensville: Philip George, Coordinator of Evangelization and Youth Ministry
• Wilkie: Georgine Thomas, Parish Secretary
• Holy Spirit, Saskatoon: Duane Banadyga, Facilities Manager
• Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saskatoon: Ferdinand Gemoh, Parish Life Director; Sandra Harper, Pastoral Associate; and Catherine Laliberte, Parish Bookkeeper
• Our Lady of Lourdes, Saskatoon: Danielle Mase, Administrative Assistant; Ky Buchan, Youth Minister
• St. Augustine, Saskatoon: Aidan Powell, Youth Minister
• St. John Bosco, Saskatoon: Anne LaFleche, Pastoral Associate
• St. Paul Co-Cathedral, Saskatoon: Sr. Peter Mary, Pastoral Associate and Catechis

Staff changes at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon include the appointment of MaryLynn Kemp as Safeguarding Coordinator, Catherine Couture as Executive Assistant to the Bishop/ Coordinator of the Curia, Yvette Reynante as Executive Assistant to the Curia, and Hannah Enti-Brown as Migration Office Coordinator.

The Synod, Jubilee 2025, and the Pastoral Plan

Bishop Hagemoen also led the day’s information sessions with an overview of “extraordinary events” ahead for the universal Church in the year ahead, citing both the concluding session of the Synod on Synodality this October in Rome, and the Jubilee 2025 year announced by Pope Francis, which will run from Christmas Eve 2024 to the Feast of the Epiphany in 2026.

Hagemoen framed his comments through the lens of the diocesan Pastoral Plan, which was updated and renewed last year, reaffirming the diocesan mission “To Proclaim Christ and God’s Kingdom in the World Today.”

“One of the most important things we do in our diocese is draw people into a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ,” Hagemoen said, citing the first of the priorities listed in the Pastoral Plan, which also includes making every Sunday matter, promoting the healing journey in the Lord, building and supporting family and community life, embracing one’s priesthood, and moving from maintenance to mission.

The bishop noted that “making room for the Holy Spirit” is part of actively living out the diocesan priorities – and is also the critical key element of synodality. He also pointed to the theme of Jubilee 2025: “Pilgrims of Hope.”

“Hope never disappoints,” Hagemoen said, adding that the need to build and nurture hope in our world is greater than ever in light of the polarization, wars, and division.

The Jubilee Year will be a time to pause and to renew faith, and a time of prayer, self-examination and penance, with a focus on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the great mercy of God, said the bishop. It is also a time of pilgrimage – which for some, may include going to Rome to celebrate and pray, but which can also involve local pilgrimages, he said.

A diocesan Jubilee Committee led by Fr. David Tumback has been established to “help us celebrate this year well,” Hagemoen added.

The bishop continued his reflection on polarization in the world and in the Church, citing his homily at a recent opening Mass for Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools staff, in which he noted the continuing work to fully embrace the call of the Second Vatican Council to move forward in new ways and in new circumstances – “new in ardour, methods and expression.”

Hagemoen pointed to the discernment process of fifth-century theologian St. Vincent Leriens regarding the legitimate development of doctrine, versus a reversal or change of the teachings of Christ and the Church. “We bring to bear the teachings under new circumstances,” Hagemoen affirmed. “There are also new ways in which we need to proclaim the message because of the culture, and world, and times we live in.”

He thanked all those in the diocese who are undertaking such evangelization, “and doing this very well, and taking it seriously.”

He also addressed practical matters, including the scheduling of his confirmation schedule in the new year.

Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation

RELATED: Bishop’s Annual 2024 launched in diocese

Raissa Bugyi, Executive Director of the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation, which supports the mission of the diocese through fund-raising and stewardship, continued the focus on practical matters with a presentation about planned giving, as well as introducing the 2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

At a Catholic Foundation breakfast meeting earlier in the day for pastors, parish leaders and BAA volunteers, Bugyi provided an overview of this year’s Appeal, resources, promotion, and schedule. The goal for the 2024 Appeal is $1.4 million, needed to fund a range of ministry, catechesis, formation, and outreach programs across the diocese.

The bishop’s delegate for the Annual Appeal, Holy Family Cathedral Rector and Pastor Fr. Gerard Cooper, also spoke at Administration Day about the importance of the BAA (see related article: LINK).

Overview of ministry programs

Marilyn Jackson, Director of Ministry Services for the diocese  introduced the diocesan minisry team of Jackie Saretsky, Hospital Chaplaincy; Myron Rogal, Justice and Peace; Dianne Anderson, Restorative (Prison) Ministry; John Hickey, Evangelization and Mission Leader and co-coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry; Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Formation; as well as the Verbum Dei Missionaries Sr. Marta Piano, Sr. Malou Tibayan, and Sr. Mirasol Abala, who coordinate the Sts. Benedict and Scholastica Formation Program. Sr. Marta Piano is also co-cordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the diocese, and Sr. Malou Tibayan is a co-ordinator of Adult Faith, specializing in the Called and Gifted Program. Jackson herself coordinates Evangelization and Catechesis, and oversees the volunteers that run programs for the Office of Marriage and Family Life.

Fr. Joseph Salihu, pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon spoke about the relationship of parishes and the diocese as a small example of the principle of finding “the universal in the particular, and the particular in the universal.”

Using that analogy, he affirmed the integral inter-connection between the diocese and parishes, saying that “every parish is in 123 Nelson Street (the address of the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon), and the diocese is in every parish.”

He encouraged pastors and parish leaders to provide the diocese with feedback on programs, and the diocese to listen to parishes about what might be lacking in programming or support. “It has to be an interaction, a feedback mechanism.”

Salihu noted: “We have to come to the realization that few parishes in the diocese can design, run and implement all their own programs, because many don’t have the resources to do that.” By combining efforts at a diocesan level, needs can be met at the parish level, he added.

Resource Guide published

Evangelization and Mission Leader John Hickey announced that once again, the diocesan ministry office has published a Resource Guide highlighting programs, ministries, and upcoming events. Copies have been provided to each parish and the guide is available on the diocesan website (LINK to PDF), along with a page of links at rcdos.ca/resource-guide to register for a number of the 2024-25 programs in the diocese

“The spirit of this publication is to share with the whole diocese what is happening in terms of ministry here this year,” Hickey said.

After highlighting the list of upcoming Adult Faith programs and retreats, Hickey called attention to the ongoing diocesan Called and Gifted™ Discernment Process from the Catherine of Siena Institute, which will kick off again this fall with introductory workshops in three locations for Catholics to discern and learn about how to apply their “charisms” (gifts from the Holy Spirit) in their lives.

Called and Gifted Workshops:

• Oct. 4-5 at Holy Family Cathedral, 123 Nelson Road, SASKATOON.
• Oct. 19 at St. Theresa Parish, 208 Little Flower Avenue, ROSETOWN.
• Nov. 8-9 at St Augustine Parish, 809-10th Street, HUMBOLDT.

“This is in order to help grow your parishioners in their ability to figure out where there place is in your parish,” said Hickey about the powerful Called and Gifted process.

The 2024-25 Resource guide also includes information on ministries that exist to support the healing journeys of people in the diocese, again reflecting the diocesan Pastoral Plan.

“I want to draw particular attention to new ministries — Anew: Life After Divorce support group, which was previously known as Transitions, which is a new initiative in order to support those who are going through that tough time in their life (of separation or divorce), as well as Red Bird Ministry, which is for those parents who are struggling with the grief of losing a child,” said Hickey.

Hickey also pointed to a number of Youth and Young Adult Ministry opportunities in the diocese, including Project Timothy, a program that is designed to provide discipleship and leadership formation of young adults, with a goal of then having them become leaders in their parishes.

“We want to really expand representation in the program from across the diocese,” he said, encouraging pastors and parish teams to encourage one or two young adults to join Project Timothy this year. The program runs each year from October to June.

Other youth initiatives are also featured in the Resource Guide he noted, including some put on by the diocese, and others by parishes or other organizations, such as FacetoFace Ministries. “There is a real need to engage the youth,” he said, encouraging parishes to take advantage of what is already being offered, such as the Challenge and Conquest youth groups for Grades 3-12, and the Search Retreat for Grades 9-12 offered twice a year.

He encouraged parishes to let the Catholic Centre know about their upcoming events in the year ahead, and they can be added to the diocesan landing page at rcdos.ca/resource-guide.

New theme for Justice and Peace

Coordinator Myron Rogal announced that the targeted focus of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace this year will be on poverty and the option for the poor and the vulnerable.

“There is a gap there – that gap extends into some areas of mental health, and what I would call reconciliation on the margins: those who have not yet begun their healing journeys, having experienced the inter-generational traumas and harms of residential schools.”

Rogal offered the gathering a “reality check,” noting that the situation in Saskatchewan has worsened, with poverty in the diocese of Saskatoon at unprecedented levels and rising.

“Right now, one in five individuals is at risk of some type of homelessness in the next five years,” he said. “This is really causing a risk to the peace of our nation as well, with a greater divide between the rich and the poor.”

Historically the Catholic Church has always placed significant attention on the care for poor and vulnerable, he said. Church involvement becomes more direct and central when societies become impoverished or the need has risen, as it has in Saskatchewan today.

Responding to poverty is also an opportunity for evangelization, he noted, as both active and fallen-away Catholics step forward with a strong desire to contribute time talent and treasure to care for the poor and vulnerable.

“We are also hearing more and more directly from parishes about the need for support” in responding to poverty in both urban and rural communities, Rogal added, thanking parishes that responded to a recent survey about emergency needs response in their communities.

The discernment and momentum means that some ideas – such as the warm-up shelter that operated at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon last winter – would have been “almost non-negotiable five years ago,” but are now more widely embraced and supported because of the increasing needs, he said, noting this is also true in dioceses across the country facing similar crises.

“The wider community really does have a desire and thirst when entering into partnerships – with dialogue and with respect – there is a desire to come to know the Church and to work alongside the Church.”

He suggested a three-prong approach in moving forward with the new focus, including continued support for parishes wanting to put immediate charity and emergency need responses in place, work on plans for setting up a diocesan St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Mission Centre as a place of faith to come at the issue of poverty as Catholics, and continuing to work for long-term justice advocacy around poverty, housing, and other issues.

Rogal also noted that the non-partisan, non-profit organization Catholic Conscience is again working to create an election guide for the upcoming provincial election in Saskatchewan, showing official party policies alongside Catholic Social Teaching on a range of issues. The resource will hopefully assist Catholics in praying and discerning about how to cast their vote, he said.

Hospital Chaplaincy volunteer training

In another Administration Day session, Jacqueline Saretsky, diocesan coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy described her role, working with full-time hospital chaplain Fr. Benedict Arakkal, with assistance from a number of other priests to meet the growing need for spiritual care for patients in the five hospitals in the city of Saskatoon (including the Children’s Hospital and the Dubé Centre for Mental Health).

“We are there in the hospitals, and we are available to help. We focus on a lot of the out-of-town patients, because chances are they don’t have someone in Saskatoon,” she said, noting that parishes and pastors in the city are encouraged to visit their own parishioners in hospital as well.

Saretsky added that about half of her time is spent on education, particularly in the area of palliative care and end-of-life issues.

One of the primary resources available to parishes is the Horizons of Hope four-module workshop created by the Canadian Catholic bishops, she said. The program is designed to empower and educate parishioners by addressing questions surrounding palliative care, dying, death, suffering, accompaniment, and bereavement in a holistic fashion.

Saretsky said she will teach the Horizons of Hope program, or parishes are easily able to learn how to facilitate it on their own, with support from her office. She urged parishes to use the program to address the many misunderstandings about palliative care and how best to support those who are facing end-of-life.

“It was created as a response to the legalization of euthanasia in Canada, also known as MAiD,” she said. “It is to show Catholics and others the true compassionate response to end-of-life care, which is not euthanization. It is also to encourage attendees to go out and volunteer, to visit people isolated in their homes, those who are sick or in hospital.”

In order to further assist and equip people to undertake that vital work of visiting and accompanying those who are sick or dying, a “Being With” Volunteer Training session will be offered in the diocese on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. “We need parish volunteers more than ever,” stressed Saretsky.

Facilitators for the training day are: Kathy Matusiak, Director of CCC – Compassionate Community Care – a registered charity of health care professionals and volunteers who provide support to vulnerable persons and their families during times of illness and crisis, and Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. Register online (LINK) or contact Saretsky for more information at: (306) 659-5839.

Saretsky also noted that “Hope in Health Care” is a new support group in the diocese of Saskatoon for Catholic health care professionals experiencing moral distress in the workplace, which meets regularly at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon, with support from the Office of Hospital Chaplaincy and the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan.

Nurturing volunteers

Jibsy Ekeng, the diocesan coordinator of Human Resources, presented a session to parish and diocesan leaders on managing volunteers, noting: “Keep them engaged or watch them go.”

Ekeng addressed common challenges around managing volunteers, including recruiting and orientating volunteers, handling disengagement and burnout, and managing conflict.

“We need to take time to support and develop our volunteers so we can keep them connected and motivated to our goals and priorities,” she said.

Key strategies for keeping volunteers engaged include promoting a positive culture, fostering a sense of community, encouraging open communication, and providing clear role descriptions and training, as well as recognizing volunteers and expressing appreciation.

Development and Peace campaign introduced

Development and Peace – Caritas Canada representatives Michelle Dinter-Lipinski and Norman Lipinski spoke to the diocesan Administration Day gathering about this year’s “Reaping Our Rights” campaign from the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada.

The fall awareness campaign currently underway across Canada and the Share Lent fund-raising campaign are both aimed at standing in solidarity with peasants and small-scale farmers around the world. A postcard campaign is advocating for the adoption of strong mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation in Canada.

Resources and more information can be found on the Development and Peace website at: devp.org

Other administration topics

A range of other administration and finance items were also addressed during administration day, including safeguarding, parish annual reports, information about CRA access, insurance, communications, internet and e-mail security, and a number of policy updates.

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Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined with pilgrims Sept. 8, on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for an annual event at the foot of a 100-foot Pro-Life Millllennium Cross north of Aberdeen, SK.

Speakers Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon and Knights of Columbus State Deputy Marte Nogot led the appeal to support and protect the sanctity of life from conception to natural death during the annual pilgrimage to the Millennium Pro-Life Cross.

Despite scorching 30-degree Celsius weather, nearly 100 individuals gathered to pray and reflect on the preciousness of human life. The pilgrimage was a powerful demonstration of unity and strength, made even more special as this year it was celebrated on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary.

The annual pilgrimage also included praying of a “living rosary” with those in attendance standing at each bead of a giant rosary around the cross, which was erected in 2006, replacing an earlier wooden cross. The monument was first envisioned by local farmer Joseph Bayda, Sr. as a witness to the sanctity of life, and originally supported as a millennium project by the Knights of Columbus council of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Saskatoon. Many others have supported the initiative in the years that followed.

Read more on Catholic Saskatoon News:

Pilgrimage to 100-foot Pro-Life Millennium Cross overlooking Saskatchewan fields held Sept. 8