Joyful songs rang out Aug. 30 as Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) teachers, staff members, administrators, and trustees gathered for celebration of the Eucharist and a program of reflection and inspiration to launch another academic year.

With 50 schools and over 22,000 students, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) is Saskatchewan’s largest Catholic school division, providing Catholic education from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 in Saskatoon and area, as well as in Biggar, Humboldt, Martensville and Warman, SK.

Some 2,000 participants filled the worship space and the overflow area at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon for Mass, a program, and a keynote address by singer, composer, storyteller, and psalmist ValLimar Jansen, who had the whole assembly on their feet, singing along during her presentation.

A tipi was once again set up on the cathedral grounds for an early-morning pipe ceremony before the start of the day. Learning & Student Services Coordinators Cari Anning and Rosalie Roesch were MCs for the Opening Celebration, using some of their classroom techniques to engage the crowd. T.J. Warren of the GSCS Treaty, First Nations and Métis Education team also came forward to offer a drum song.

Celebration of the Eucharist

“Salt of the Earth, Light of the World,” taken from Matthew 5:13-16 was the theme for the opening of the 2024-25 school year. It was also the Gospel proclaimed at Mass by Deacon Paul Labelle of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon and Vicar-General Fr. Ivan Nahachewsky of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon (representing eparchial Bishop Michael Smolinski, who was unable to attend) presided at the celebration of the Eucharist, and led a “renewal of commitment” by members of the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools family. They were joined for the celebration of Mass by other priests from across the diocese and eparchy of Saskatoon.

In his homily, the bishop noted that the 2024-25 school year will include the start of a Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis for 2025, marking the 60th anniversary of the closing of Vatican II, the fruits of which are still unfolding in the Church.

Hagemoen referenced the theme of “Salt of the Earth, Light of the World,” and reflected on the ongoing challenge of continuing the two imperatives of the Second Vatican Council: “Ressourcement” (going back to the sources — including sacred scripture and the foundational teachings of the Church)  and “Aggiornamento” (finding new ways to proclaim the Gospel in today’s world), which he summarized as “looking back for the sake of moving forward.”

The bishop also pointed to the discernment process of fifth-century theologian St. Vincent Leriens regarding the authentic advance of doctrine, versus a reversal or change of the teachings of Christ and the Church. It is an ongoing challenge for everyone in the Church, including teachers who must grapple with a range of issues, he said.

Hagemoen noted that the theme of Jubilee 2025 is Pilgrims of Hope. “You mediate meaning and hope in a very powerful way for young people,” he told the assembly. “Let us look for that hope and be that hope in the world.”

Readings during Mass were proclaimed in Ukrainian, French, and English, with Prayers of the Faithful also presented by representatives of a number of schools in a range of languages: English, Chaldean, Ukrainian, Nẽyihaw, American Sign Language, French, and Michif.

Photos from Mass:

 

Read more on Catholic Saskatoon News:

 

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools launches new school year with Mass and program at cathedral

Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB, of St. Peter’s Benedictine Abbey, Muenster, SK, died Aug. 14, 2024 on the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the age of 79 years. He died in Humboldt Hospital after a battle with cancer.

A prayer vigil was held Aug. 19 at St. Peter Cathedral, Muenster, and the Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug. 20 at St. Augustine Parish, 809 – 10th Street, Humboldt. Interment followed Aug. 20 at St. Peter’s Abbey Cemetery.

St. Peter’s Abbey – Remembering Abbot Peter Novecosky (LINK)

Abbot Peter Novecosky’s faith and witness recalled at Aug. 20 funeral at St. Augustine Parish, Humboldt

“Be faithful.”

That was the simple response of Abbot Peter Novecosky on the day before he died, when Archbishop Donald Bolen asked him if he had a final word to leave his brother monks at St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster.

Presiding at the late Abbot’s funeral, Bolen said that at this point it was not easy for Novecosky to respond –“speaking was hard” – therefore, the words that were spoken were both intentional and reflective.

“The word he spoke to us – ‘be faithful’ – is a word for us to hold. For the Lord has been very faithful to our brother, has been faithful to the Abbey, has been faithful to our communities, has been faithful to each of us.”

Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB, died on the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug. 14, 2024 at the age of 79 years.

At the funeral Mass Aug.  20 at St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt, SK, Bolen welcomed Novecosky’s sisters and family members, monks and other religious, priests and bishops, friends and parishioners, and invited them to a prayerful reflection about God’s action in the life of Abbot Peter Novecosky and in the lives of those around him.

“Abbot Peter is so woven into the life of this community of Humboldt, this region: especially the Catholic community of this region,” noted Bolen.

The youngest of eight children of Martin and Elizabeth Novecosky, Abbot Peter was given the name Wilfred when he was born April 27, 1945 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Humboldt. Growing up in a farming family, he attended Willow Ridge School and St. Scholastica Catholic Church in the Burr district south of Humboldt. He attended high school and first year university at nearby St. Peter’s College in Muenster, which was operated by the Benedictine monastery.

At the age of 18, Novecosky asked to join the monastery, making his vows as a monk in 1964. “Like the apostle Peter, our Peter too had a change of name,” said Bolen. “He was given the name Peter. And like the apostle, he heard himself being called: he followed.”

Bolen noted that joining the Benedictines in the 1960s meant that Novecosky studied and entered monastic life at a turbulent time. “We see something of that sustaining and stabilizing faith from his monastic life, in the midst of many transitions.”

Twenty-two of Novecosky’s classmates at St. John’s Abbey in the United States eventually left monastic life  – but the three from St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster all persevered, which was a point of some pride, said Bolen.

After his ordination in 1970, Novecosky’s first assignment was as a teacher and prefect at St. Peter’s College. When the boarding school closed in 1972 he was “off to the printing press, to formation work, to hospitality work, to the work of serving as prior, “ listed Bolen.

Then in 1990, following the resignation of Abbot Jerome Weber, OSB, Novecosky was elected Abbot of the monastery and Abbot-Ordinary of St. Peter’s Abbacy (Nullius), which looked after parishes throughout the region.

“As Abbot, his life expanded – expanded beyond the local community, beyond the Abbey. As Ordinary of the Abbacy, we see something of the way in which sometimes in the life of discipleship the Lord leads us into an expansive place, and then sometimes leads us into places of diminishment. Abbot Peter experienced both,” said Bolen.

“He became a member of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops; he was asked to serve on national committees. He became the national spiritual director for the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, who by coincidence gathered in Saskatoon just a week ago, and prayed for him,” said Bolen. “He took part in abbots’ meetings in the United States and in Rome, visited Brazil when the mission was taking place there. He took part in the Ad Limina visits to Rome with the western Bishops.”

“Starting in 1992 he took on the job which he carried until the end,” as secretary for the Association of Western Canadian bishops. “Whenever we met, he met with us. He took copious notes. He provided all kinds of administrative responsibilities,” Bolen described.  “He was enormously appreciated by brother bishops in the West and the North. It is not surprising that we have many bishops here today, including bishops who have travelled a very long way to be here.”

Novecosky’s responsibilities and involvements at a wider level were also reflected in his work at the Prairie Messenger, the weekly Catholic newspaper published by the Abbey, “which helped to shape the horizons of our faith in this province at this time of transition,” said Bolen. He was the last editor of the Catholic newspaper, which closed down in April 2018.

“Abbot Peter was above all a monk. He was deeply committed to the monastic life, its rhythm of work and prayer – ora et labora – its striving for God in all things,” said Bolen. As a leader, Novecosky “let the rhythms of monastic life mould him, and bring stability, even in the midst of great change or tension.”

In 1998 another challenge came for the Abbey when it ceased to be a territorial Abbacy. “Parishes in the region, including this one, which had been served by monks were now incorporated into the diocese of Saskatoon,” said Bolen.

St. Peter’s Abbey remains “written into the life of faith for the people of this region,” the archbishop said. “Your relationship with the Abbey is part of your parishes, part of what it is to be Catholic…. The monastery has shaped so many of us and has had such a foundational and good influence. Abbot Peter was very much a part of that.”

Bolen continued: “He chose as his personal motto as Abbot ‘My heart is ready, O God.’ It is another version of Mary’s Fiat – ‘let it be done unto me according to your will’ –  ‘My heart is ready, O God’ — ready for whatever life brings, ready to serve.”

“Abbot Peter’s death is a cause for grief, it is a loss for the monastery, it is a loss for the family, and it also signals a change which has been happening in our communities. It symbolically speaks of changing foundations of the Church here on the Prairies,” Bolen said.  However, in the context of the Paschal Mystery of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, “the Lord calls us not to despair – God is up to something bigger. There are times of growth, there are times of letting go… Now let us hear the Lord say to Abbot Peter: ‘Peter Wilfred, come, follow me.’”

Before leading the final prayer of commendation at the conclusion of the funeral Mass, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen described being “the last bishop of Saskatoon to experience Abbot Peter’s tremendous pastoral help and wisdom.” He added: “We benefited greatly from his wisdom, his pastoral insight, he was on our diocesan College of Consultors, he served on the Council of Priests, and in many other ways he made a considerable impact” in the province, throughout Western Canada and beyond.

Related: Obituary – Abbot Peter Novecosky LINK

Related: Live-stream from Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel LINK

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Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined former parishioners, families and visitors Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, for celebration of Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, located 12 kilometres east of Smuts, SK.

Now closed, the church building was constructed more than a century ago, in 1919. The annual summer Mass at the rural church is a homecoming for many, and includes the blessing of graves in the cemetery.

RELATED: 100th anniversary of parish church in 2019 – LINK

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National CWL President Shari Guinta, CWL member Magdelina Bernier, and Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen (l-r) at the closing banquet of the National Convention of the CWL in Saskatoon: The national president presented a 70-year membership pin to Magdelina, who joined the Catholic Women’s League in 1955, as a member of the St. Louis, SK, council, and later was a member of Sacred Heart Parish CWL council in Prince Albert. Now living in Saskatoon, she attended the banquet with her daughter Janice Bernier, who joined the CWL 50 years ago, and also received a membership pin from Guinta. Magdelina’s mother Caroline Yungwirth, and her grandmother Katherine Reding were also CWL members. The banquet included a reunion with Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen, whose late mother, Almyra (nee Longworth) Hagemoen of Crystal Springs, SK, attended school with Magdelina and was the maid of honour at her wedding. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The opening celebration for the 104th annual National Convention of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada was held Aug. 11 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, ahead of celebration of Sunday evening Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

The official opening ceremony for the 104th National Convention Aug. 11, 2024, began with a flag processional featuring members of the national executive bringing up the Canadian, provincial, and CWL flags to place behind the altar at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.

Delegates were welcomed by Saskatchewan Provincial CWL President Helen Kayfish on behalf of the 98 CWL councils across the province.

Saskatchewan Provincial CWL Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Francis Hengen and National Spiritual Advisor Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, also brought greetings at the opening celebration.

Describing himself as “blessed among women,” Lobsinger said that serving as a bridge between the League and the bishops of Canada is an honoured role.

“Today more than ever, we as Catholics need to be on the same page; we need to be working together,” Lobsinger said. “Part of my role is to bring together the women of the League and the bishops of Canada in this amazing task of proclaiming this wonderful gift we have of our Catholic faith.”

MLA Lisa Lambert, Saskatoon City Councillor Bev Dubois, Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus State Deputy Marte Nogot, and National CWL President Shari Guinta also spoke, welcoming delegates and affirming the work of the League.

Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at the opening Mass, celebrating with several other bishops, including Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert, Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal, as well as Spiritual Advisors Lobsinger (Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton) and Hengen, and a number of other priests and spiritual advisors, including cathedral Rector Fr. Gerard Cooper and Associate Pastor Fr. Joe-Nelo Penino.

In his homily, Hagemoen pointed to scriptural and personal journeys — including his own recent participation in the gruelling Canadian Death Race — that serve as a metaphor of Christian life, with mountain-top experiences as well as an a relentless up and down grind, when at times there seems to be no energy left to go on.

“But God is with us,” Hagemoen said, pointing to the exhausted prophet Elijah’s meal in the desert in the reading from 1 Kings as a foreshadowing of how we are fed in the celebration of the Eucharist, where “we come to hear the Word of God and feed on the Bread of Life, so that we meet the Lord and, furthermore, that we can be imitators of God.”

He noted that the CWL, with all the Church, is “called to serve the reality of unity and human fraternity,” starting with the basics of kindness and tenderheartedness, and of caring for others.

“Catholic Women’s League — thank you, thank you, thank you for the mission and the apostolate that you fulfill. You are imitators of God. Your faithful and tremendous support of the Holy Father and the Church nationally and locally is greatly needed and appreciated,” Hagemoen said.

“Thank you for the way you relate faith to service in so many ways, bringing your voice to bear on difficult issues for our culture and country: caring for our common home, speaking our faith to family values and priorities, bringing awareness regarding issues of the day that are a struggle for people — such as mental illness or human trafficking… and other key issues that impact health, economics and social issues.”

He concluded: “Thank you for being women who call us to right relationship. I and my brother bishops rely and depend on you , as do our clergy and frankly all our Church.”

 

 

Development and Peace – Caritas Canada representatives with several bishops after the opening Mass for the CWL national convention (l-r): Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Brenda Arakaza, Regina Archbishop Donald Bolen, Hamilton Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Lobsinger (National CWL Spiritual Advisor), Taisha Toupin, Prince Albert Bishop Stephen Hero, Montreal Archbishop Christian Lépine, and Joan Gauthier. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Hagemoen also con-celebrated the closing Mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Saskatoon, with presider Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, as well as Archbishop Albert LeGatt, Fr. Frances Hengen, and Holy Spirit pastor Fr. Joseph Salihu on the final day of the convention Aug. 14.

Fr. Joseph Salihu, Bishop Mark Hagmeon, and Archbishop Albert leGatt at the CWL national convention closing Mass Aug. 14 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

News article about CWL convention:

CWL 2024 – Catholic Women’s League of Canada 104th National Convention held in Saskatoon

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Saskatoon and Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert Aug. 9 welcomed leaders of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, who have arrived in Saskatoon for meetings ahead of a three-day national convention that will bring hundreds of League members from across the nation to the prairie city on the South Saskatchewan River.

Catholic Women’s League president Shari Guinta and her national executive – which includes provincial representatives (and a Military Ordinariate) – are working with local organizers to prepare for the Aug. 11-14 annual meeting of the Catholic women’s organization, founded in 1920. Today the League has nearly 60,000 members across Canada.

A bishops’ Mass and dinner Aug. 9 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon was one of the events organized before the convention, featuring welcoming words from Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon and Bishop Stephen Hero of the Diocese of Prince Albert. CWL councils from their two dioceses are hosting the national convention, coinciding this year with the 100th anniversary of the League’s establishment in the Diocese of Prince Albert in 1924.

Bishops Hagemoen and Hero were joined by CWL National Spiritual Advisor Bishop Wayne Lobsinger (Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton), Saskatchewan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. Francis Hengen, and Holy Family Associate Pastor Fr. Joe-Nelo Penino for the celebration of Mass in the cathedral’s Queen of Peace Chapel.

“The Church in Canada has always needed the Catholic Women’s League — and needs it now perhaps more than ever,” said Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

In the homily, Bishop Stephen Hero thanked organizers on behalf of the bishops of Saskatchewan and also expressed his admiration for the Catholic Women’s League of Canada who for more than a century has “been forming disciples of Jesus and working precisely and concretely on many of the burdens and evils” facing today’s world.

“You have been working on issues with faith, hope and love, with courage and in practical ways in our communities, keeping them in the minds and hearts of politicians and other groups, and supporting projects that work for a more Christ-like world,” said Hero.

The convention proper gets underway after an opening Mass Aug. 11, with keynote speakers and breakout presentations – including sessions related to the three pillars of the CWL — faith, service and social justice. The annual League gathering will also include reports, updates, resolutions and other business, as well as meetings of various national and provincial groups, evening banquets and other social events and tours, exploring what Saskatoon has to offer.

Photos:

 

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca. The Communications Office is supported by donations to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf,ca/baa

 

 

 

 

During celebration of Mass on the Feast of St. Dominic Aug. 8, 2024, Bishop Mark Hagemoen accepted diocesan seminarian Huy Le as a candidate for Holy Orders for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

The celebration marked the formal acceptance by the bishop and the Catholic community of Le’s commitment to pursue ordination, continuing his path of formation, study and discernment as he prepares to enter his third year of Theology at Christ the King Seminary in Mission, B.C. this fall.

Diocesan Co-Director of Vocations Fr. Colin Roy called Le forward to declare his resolve before the bishop to complete the preparation needed to undertake ministry of Holy Orders in the Church, promising to “form mind and heart” in a way that will enable him “to faithfully serve Christ the Lord and His Body the Church.”

Homily:

This is a significant moment on the journey of vocational discernment, said Hagemoen, addressing Le during the homily.

“God has bestowed you with many gifts that would seem very well suited to the priesthood,” said the bishop. “But ultimately your whole journey to the priesthood, as you know, is not about you, it is about God, and it is about what God wants to do in your life. And, of course, your happiness, your fulfillment in life – as for all of us – comes from fulfilling God’s plan and doing God’s will. That is still unfolding.”

The bishop noted that Le is “putting his hand to the plough,” echoing the proclamation of the Gospel from Luke 9. “That doesn’t mean that discernment is not still an issue, however, we rely now less on our own inspiration and ability, we rely on God’s grace,” Hagemoen said urging Le to “rely on the call before you, to be God’s priest… rely on the call to preach, by word and life, his way and kingdom..  rely on Him to be your model of what it really means to care for God’s devoted people.”

The bishop concluded with words of encouragement: “May this day mark an important day on a very significant journey. Please rely on our prayers and our support, and on the ongoing formation that comes to you through our diocese and of course through the seminary. Please know that the People of God are also your formators – and they continue to show through their faith, their love and their service to the Church in living of their vocation, how you are called to do the same in your God-given vocation.”

About the candidate:

Born in Vietnam in 1999, Le moved to Canada in 2011 with his family – his father (who died in 2019), his mother and younger sister. His paternal grandmother, uncles, cousins and other relatives are also living in Saskatoon.

Le has been actively involved in the Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Catholic Community, as an altar server and youth leader. He studied at the University of Saskatchewan and St Thomas More College in Saskatoon from 2017 to 2022, finishing undergraduate and philosophy pre-requisites. In 2021-2022, Le was part of the Sts. Benedict and Scholastica diocesan spiritual and human formation program in Saskatoon.

From May to August, Le has been serving at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, preparing to continue his studies in September at the seminary in Mission, B.C.

Asked about his vocation, Huy Le cited the Prayer of the Chalice: “Father, to You I raise my whole being, a vessel emptied of self.”

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Vocations, Education of Future Priests, and Communications are among the ministries supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Find out more or donate online: BAA website

 

The 2024 Great Canadian Death Race held Aug. 4-5, marks the fourth run that the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon have promoted in support of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, beginning with the “Beaver Flat 50” in 2021 and continuing with the Death Race in 2022 and  again in 2023.

Support Bishop Hagemoen’s fund-raising efforts for the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund by going to the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation website:  dscf.ca/annual-bishops-race.

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon

Grande Cache, AB – This year’s race Aug. 4-5 was an experience of adventure, challenge, and fraternity. The two teams – Memento Mori and Bros & Bishops – finished their respective leg segments with respectable times.

 

Momento Mori finished 45 minutes earlier than Bros & Bishops, with the final time of completion at 1:12 a.m.  The Racers faced different circumstances and challenges on the 118-km course.

On leg 1, Ryan Mallet encountered a debilitating knee injury. However, he worked through it to the end of his portion of the run – faithfully accompanied and supported by Luc Montpetit.

Leg 2 (Kieran Gillespie and Bishop Hagemoen) turned out to be very difficult. It was almost 30 kilometres, and climbed both Mt. Grande and Mt. Flood. The climbing and descending was relentless and steep, and as the day went on, the heat became a factor. Nonetheless, Kieran Gillespie had one of the leading times in the race for the leg. I struggled –especially with the heat – but completed the leg.

Leg 3 featured the combined efforts of Bishop Gary Franken and Ronan Gillespie. Bishop Gary started his leg mid-afternoon, and carried out a steady and respectable pace. Ronan Gillespie gained 40 minutes on the pace, and was in the top three fastest for Leg 3.

Leg 4 featured the climb up Mt. Hamel, and the long steady run-out from that summit. Jerome Montpetit accomplished this leg with a very respectable time, and was hardly winded at the finish. He even found time to send inspiring vista scenes via text on route.

Raphael Pelletier also accomplished a very good time on Leg 4, and indicated that the experience of the Mt. Hamel challenge was “incredibly crazy.”

The final leg was completed by Alex Pulvermacher and Max Connelly. The early experience of the initial climbs seemed ominous to both – especially when viewed at the end of the day in the dark. However, both described the journey – a long climb through the wilderness at night back into Grande Cache – was surprisingly peaceful and an experience of austerity and detachment.

Alex Pulvermacher arrived into Grande Cache with a strong and steady pace at about 12:45 a.m.

After completing his leg, Max Connelly stated, “the run was one of the most enriching experiences I have had, especially running in the dark and trusting in God’s care and providence.”

Upon receiving our team medals at 1:15 a.m., and coming back together for badly needed late-night nourishment – the teams awoke the next day and celebrated Sunday Mass with the Holy Cross Parish community in Grande Cache.

The community was very hospitable, and the pastor, Rev. Antony Narisetty, SAC, very welcoming and affirming of his experience of the team of bishops and young men during their stay at the church. However, we felt so blessed by the experience of being able to stay in a Catholic parish setting, with regular access to the church, and the ability to use the kitchen and other hall facilities for preparing and sharing meals, and for rest. And boy, did these young men eat!!!

 

One fact that was discovered later was that, for a portion of Bishop Gary’s leg (which he did with Ronan Gillespie) he was actually in his home diocese of St. Paul, Alberta! This diocese has a boundary that extends west to the Alberta – BC border. Bishop Gary’s leg went to the northern-most section of the race course, and he later checked the boundaries and discovered he had for a time been in his own diocese!

Gee, the extent a bishop goes to be present to the remotest areas of his diocese!

Meeting with President of  Aseniwuche Winewak

Another feature of the trip was meeting David MacPhee, President of Aseniwuche Winewak First Nation at Suza Creek. Bishop Gary and I enjoyed a good sharing with Chief David, followed by lunch.

One of the significant observations by Aseniwuche President MacPhee was about support by the Church for Indigenous communities. He stated that the efforts should continue to focus on the “head” AND the “heart.”

He indicated that communities appreciate and need the support of clergy and lay missionaries with both good teaching about the bible and faith, but this also needs to be coupled with programs that help people deal with their personal struggles, and support healing and personal growth.

Presient MacPhee stated that focusing only on ‘teaching’ can leave people wanting to achieve the goals of our faith, but this is unattainable without attending to necessary personal pain and hurt from challenging life experiences and circumstances. However, prioritizing only personal growth and healing can leave people in the difficulty of move beyond one’s self-focus to the greater calls to truth and meaning found together in community and illuminated by Christ’s life and teaching.

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Efforts for Indigenous Reconciliation Fund

This year’s race was a challenging and rich experience, that will continue to motivate and challenge for the next stage of all our journeys.

I also pray that the dedication of my efforts for the race for our diocese’s Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) will continue to support our common awareness and efforts at healing and reconciliation – which is greatly needed in our dioceses, our country and our world today.

RELATED: Reflection by Bishop Hagemoen before the Race and Profiles of Runners – Article

CONTRIBUTE to the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund – LINK

Photo Gallery:  LINK

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Reflection on relay race in support of the reconciliation fund

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon

“Walking together is not easy, but it is possible.”

I understand that Pope Francis wrote this statement in French in a visitor’s comments book as he departed from the National Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupre in Quebec on July 28, 2022. This statement has haunted me for the last two years and reminds me of the importance of the journey – the pilgrimage together.

In my second “Death (…to Life!) Race” in Grande Cache, AB during my time serving in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, I have the privilege of running this year with another brother bishop who I have known for many years, along with eight young men who are faith-filled and wanting to be led and challenged by the Lord as He reveals to them His will for their lives.

Bishop Gary Franken and these eight young men have all demonstrated what it means to be generous and selfless on the journey, and to engage the pilgrimage journey with trust and openness to the God who reveals His desire for our lives, and His vision of hope for our world.

This year, I again dedicate my efforts to supporting the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund for our diocese in support of projects for reconciliation and healing.

In his homily at the Holy Mass for Reconciliation at St. Anne de Beaupre National Shrine in 2022, the Holy Father encouraged us in this this difficult and important journey together. Pope Francis stated:

“When confronted with failure in life, nothing could be worse than fleeing in order to avoid it. It is a temptation that comes from the enemy, who threatens our spiritual journey and that of the Church, for he wants us to think that all our failures are now irreversible. He wants to paralyze us with grief and remorse, to convince us that nothing else can be done, that it is hopeless to try to find a way to start over.

“The Gospel shows us, however, that it is in precisely such situations of disappointment and grief – when we are appalled by the violence of evil and shame for our sins, when the living waters of our lives are dried up by sin and failure, when we are stripped of everything and seem to have nothing left – that the Lord comes to meet us and walks at our side.” (– Pope Francis, National Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupré
Thursday, 28 July 2022)

May we not only remain dedicated to the ongoing journey of reconciliation and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous brothers and sisters, but may we open to be stretched and challenged about our own views and attitudes as we forge a new future together, admittedly in difficult current times for our world.

I recently heard from a group of Indigenous Catholic leaders that we pursue truth alongside of other virtues, including respect, humility, courage, honesty, compassion, wisdom, and a love that seeks shalom – peace and right relationship. These are challenging goals that relate to and depend on each other. They are especially important as we seek an unknown future together.

Brothers and Sisters, I invite your support for the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund for our diocese. Most of all, I ask for your prayers and your spiritual support of this call to commit to walk with Our Lord. The “race” can at times be beautiful and easy – and at many times, it can be very difficult and may even seem impossible. But with Our Lord …all things are possible! (see Matthew 19:26)

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Background:

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon and Bishop Gary Franken of the Diocese of St. Paul, Alberta will tackle the gruelling “Canadian Death Race” Aug. 3-4, running in support of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF). They are joining eight young men from both of their dioceses on two relay teams. The “Canadian Death Race” features a 118-km course beginning and ending on a 4,200-foot plateau, passing over three mountain summits, with over 17,000 feet of elevation.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and a team known as “4 Bros and a Bishop” first ran the course as a “Run for Reconciliation” in August 2022. This year’s “Bros and Bishop” team is also joined by a five-member “Momento Mori” team, led by Bishop Gary Franken of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Paul, AB. (Find profiles of the runners, below.)

The 2024 race marks the fourth run that the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation and the diocese have promoted in support of the reconciliation fund, beginning with the “Beaver Flat 50” in 2021.

Support Bishop Hagemoen’s fund-raising efforts for the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund on the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation website: dscf.ca/annual-bishops-race.

Profiles of the runners

BROS & BISHOPS Team

Ryan Mallett – Leg 1:  “This past spring I just finished two years of formation at St. Therese institute in Bruno, SK, and am now living and working in Lloydminster AB.  I am passionate for all things fitness and all things faith. I am very excited for the chance to run-trek with an amazing group of Catholic men, including two beloved bishops, in The Great Canadian Death (…to Life) Race in the mountains of Grande Cache!  Given the name of the race, and the terrain of the course, I am grateful for two team members that can readily administer the last rites!”

Bishop Mark Hagemoen – Leg 2:  “I serve as the Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatoon, and this will be my sixth Death (…to Life…) Race. It’s a real honour for me to run with my brother bishop, Gary Franken (he is 1 year younger than me!), and with the other young men from both of our dioceses. This run also represents the long, adventurous, arduous journey of reconciliation and healing, which features much needed mercy and persistence.”

Ronan Gillespie – Leg 3:  “I an 20 years old and I currently living with my family in Crescent Beach BC, finishing high school, and working at a local restaurant. After this summer I’m hoping to attend the Saint Therese Institute in Bruno, SK. When I was asked by my older brother (Kieran Gillespie) to partake in the Death Race, I accepted immediately, hoping that an early commitment would give me extra time to train. Unfortunately I procrastinated training, although picking up recently. The race will be a great challenge, but united by faith I am certain that our two teams will overcome any difficulties.”     

Raphael Pelletier – Leg 4:  “Hello! My name is Raphael Pelletier. I am 22 years old and I am from a small town called Legal, an hour north of Edmonton. I come from a family of six. I am the oldest of two brothers, Justin and Isaac, and a sister, Julia. I am a second-year student at the University of Saskatchewan here in Saskatoon and I also play on the men’s Huskie hockey team. I was able to take part in the Death Race two years ago with Bishop Mark, Luc, Jerome and Dom Montpetit, and Jacob Powell. It was an incredible experience and I am really looking forward to the physical challenge ahead and also to create memories and to grow closer as brothers!”

Maximilian Connelly  – Leg 5:  “I am 22 years old, and will be doing a third-year Apostolic Internship at St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission.  I have been running for a year and feel very blessed to be taking on my biggest challenge yet in the Canadian Death Race!”

MOMENTO MORI Team

Luc Montpetit – Leg 1:  “I’m 20 years old and from small town Bruno, SK, but now live here in Saskatoon. This will be my second trip for this race. My first year didn’t quite go as expected as I didn’t get to run because of an injury but I’m back at it this year!”

Kieran Gillespie  Leg 2:  “I’m 23 years old and the eldest of five – my brother Ronan is doing the Death Race alongside me. I’m from the West Coast of BC, and I’ve always loved hiking camping, and being in the mountains. After serving and working for NET Ministries of Canada for four years, I most recently experienced a deeply transformative year at St. Therese Institute (alongside some of these other amazing guys!) I’m looking forward to taking on the Great Canadian Death Race with my brothers in Christ this year, it’s a real special opportunity.”

Bishop Gary Franken – Leg 3:  “I have served as the Bishop of St. Paul’s Diocese, Alberta, for the last one and a half years.  I am originally from the Vancouver area, and served as a priest for the Archdiocese of Vancouver for about 33 years before being appointed to St. Paul’s. This will be my second Death Race – having run it about 18 years ago. I have always enjoyed hiking in the mountains, not just for the physical experience, but also for the beauty and the contemplation. I am hoping that experience and some more wisdom will compensate for my years (I am 61).”

Jerome Monpetit – Leg 4: “I am 23 years old, and this will be my second ‘Death (…to Life…) Race.’ I am currently studying Philosophy through Holy Apostles College and Seminary while living a life of prayers and service. I continue to discern priesthood and religious life as I seek to know and do God’s will.”

Alex Pulvermacher – Leg 5: “I grew up in Bruno, SK, and have been living in Saskatoon since 2016, when I moved to pursue and engineering degree at the U of S. Since then I have made Saskatoon home and am working as a civil engineer-in-training. As a teenager, I spent a lot of time in the outdoors, jogging, cycling, hunting, and going on hikes, which led me to fall in love with God through the beauty that I encountered in my wanderings. I was honoured to accept the invitation to join the team of incredible men on this race, and to do a hard thing for the glory of God.”

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The annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was held once again on July 21, 2024, with Bishop Mark Hagemoen and priests from throughout the area celebrating Sunday Mass on the hillside beneath the statue of Mary holding the child Jesus.

For more than a century, pilgrims from the St. Peter’s Abbey area and beyond have climbed the hill at Mount Carmel,  north of the hamlet of Carmel, SK, to ask for the intercession of Our Lady, to pray for good weather and a bountiful harvest, and to celebrate the Eucharist under prairie skies.

The program again included Marian hymns, praying of the Rosary, celebration of Sunday Eucharist, blessing of the fields, blessing of the sick, Eucharistic adoration, lunch, and an opportunity to pray the Stations of the Cross around the base of the sacred hill.

By Jon Perez, Canadian Catholic News

Turning to Mary

Norman Duerr of St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt welcomed pilgrims to the annual Mount Carmel Pilgrimage July 21, 2024 recalling the time when Venerable Fr. Patrick Peyton, more popularly known as the “Rosary Priest” stood on the ground of Mount Carmel hill, emphasizing the importance of our devotion to Mary.

Duerr  was among the estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people who gathered in 1948 to hear the simple message delivered by the Irish priest promoting the rosary as a powerful prayer and devotion by Catholics to Our Lady.

“He [Peyton] stood on this spot and spoke simply but eloquently of his love and devotion to Mary. As a little boy, I was here. I was deeply touched by his words. It was simple but eloquent,” Duerr told the nearly 500 pilgrims who visited the shrine for the 2024 pilgrimage.

“He repeated: ‘Go to Mary. Pray to Mary. She knows you and she loves you.’ …Today, I invite you to join us in making this a special plea to Mary, the Queen of Peace, for peace in the troubled times in which we live.”

Duerr noted that St. Pope Paul VI made a similar plea for peace and the prevention of war in 1965 when he spoke at the United Nations as the Vietnam War was raging on. Pope Francis has repeatedly called on leaders to work together to end violent conflicts around the world.

“Pope Francis said: ‘Peace is never made with weapons but with outstretched arms and open hearts.’ Yet, the nations of the world today continue to spend on military weapons 40 times the amount of money that is given to education and health care combined,” Duerr said. “War rages on in places like Ukraine and Gaza. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—Conquest, War, Famine and Death—in the book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, continue to ride.”

He then shared Pope Francis’ short prayer for peace: “Lord, come to our aid. Grant us peace. Teach us peace. Guide our steps on the way to peace. Mary, Queen of Peace, come to our aid.”

“I would like to make that special prayer today and ask you to join me in that prayer,” Duerr said.

Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen

Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen, began his homily in front of the altar, holding his crozier (bishop’s staff) , emphasizing Jesus’s role in the Gospel as the Good Shepherd, who is always there to lead and to care for His flock.

“The genius of the Good Shepherd, who goes forward, is that he does not go too far. Because we know that when our leaders get too far from the people, they are ineffective. So, Jesus is always the one who is in front of us, but he is with us,” said Hagemoen.

He added that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, inspires His people, priests, and bishops to commit themselves to pastoral care, seeking out those who fall behind or are experiencing difficulty and crises.

Hagemoen said every baptized and confirmed Catholic is also called to the shepherding role of Christ, recalling the words in the Rites of the Sacrament of Confirmation: “As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of His body sharing everlasting life.”

Everyone must renew their commitment to be shepherds and missionaries with Jesus Christ, said the bishop.

“The way of the missionary always points to the Good Shepherd and the way of the mission is the way of the Church. The way of a missionary points to God. The minister of God knows that you and I have the privilege and duty to point to God by life and word. The missionary lives in that mystery and draws his or her life from that mystery. The missionary seeks God everywhere and in everyone,” said Hagemoen.

“The missionary walks with others – not too far ahead and typically among them… The missionary is a humble servant, not one with all the plans and answers all the time….relying on God’s mystery.”

During the pilgrimage, the bishop thanked the Benedictines of St. Peter’s Abbey, who for more than 100 years have cared for the Mount Carmel pilgrimage site established in the former St. Peter’s Abbacy. Hagemoen also asked for continuing prayers for Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB, who is in hospital, and who sent his prayers and greetings to those attending the 2024 Mount Carmel Pilgrimage.

Video – highlights of pilgrimage and bishop’s homily:

Photo gallery: LINK

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Jon Perez is a parishioner at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.

Event marking sale of OMI retreat house after 66 years in Saskatoon focuses on gratitude

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

A bittersweet celebration marked by mixed emotions of gratitude and grief was held July 18 at Queen’s House of Retreat and Renewal in Saskatoon, as hundreds gathered in person and online to mark the closing of the facility after 66 years of providing a spiritual oasis on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.

“As I pondered this day, the history of Queen’s House and the role it has played in the Church and beyond, the closure of ministry offered in and through this sacred place, the countless feelings we have around its closing – and as I pondered the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – I was reminded that God is right here, right now, God is present in our hurt and in our hope, in our joy and in our sadness, in our achievements and in our incompleteness, in our passion and in our discouragement, in our betrayal, and in our faithfulness,” said homilist Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, at the Mass that opened the farewell celebration.

“This moment is an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the missionary Church, where our hungers, our deepest longings, and God’s grace meet and embrace, where death and resurrection offer both pain and possibility.”

Decision to sell

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate built and opened the retreat house dedicated to Mary Queen of Heaven in 1958. OMI Lacombe Canada made the decision last year to close Queen’s House and sell the property.

In a June 7, 2024 update letter to the community about the sale, OMI Lacombe Provincial Fr. Ken Thorson said that the difficult decision to close two retreat centres – Queen’s House in Saskatoon and Galilee Mission Centre in Anprior, ON – followed an extensive period of discernment. “It was made in the context of several challenges to our retreat house ministry, including declining financial independence and the evolving needs and priorities of the Oblate community,” wrote Thorson.

Queen’s House will close its doors July 31, 2024, and the property (including the former site of the demolished Mazenod House) is expected to be handed over to new owners RIVA Developments of Saskatoon Sept. 1.

“The company (RIVA Developments) has expressed its desire to honour the Oblate legacy of service to those in need,” Thorson said in his June update letter. “It has partnered with Integrated Health Services of Saskatoon, which will operate a family treatment centre in the existing Queen’s House facility,” wrote Thorson.

“We understand that RIVA intends to start construction on a new development in 2025 or 2026, and the plan will be phased to ensure that the treatment services provided in the existing facility will be transitioned into a new purpose-built space.”

Farewell celebration

The farewell celebration followed an annual Summer Stillness Retreat, which has been offered at Queen’s House for many years by Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI. This year’s theme was entering into the paschal mystery of death, Resurrection, grieving, Ascension and Pentecost.

Gratitude was the prevailing theme of the July 18 farewell event, which opened with the Eucharist concelebrated by Fr. Ken Thorson, OMI, Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Saskatoon, Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, and Fr. Joseph Jacek, OMI.

“Thank you for the love you have for this place, for what you have given to support this place in so many ways,” said OMI Provincial Thorson in his opening remarks to all those assembled to bid farewell to the beloved facility.

“We come in a sense to say goodbye, but also, and I think more importantly because that is what Eucharist is all about, is to give thanks – to give thanks for the ways in which  God has blessed the city, the province and beyond by the ministry of Queen’s House,” Thorson said.

Homily

In his homily, Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, said: “As this chapter of our ministry comes to a close, it is a time to rest, to appreciate, to ponder, to give thanks, to treasure and to let go.”

“Now is not the time to think about tomorrow, to organize and to plan. It is rather a time to sit around the fire, to talk, to tell stories, to tease, and to enjoy what we have today…. We cannot repeat what we have done, this season has come and gone. What we can do is listen to our God, and to the People of God, and wait for the ‘new’ that will emerge,” Jeffrey said.

Prayers of the Faithful

Sr. Anne Lewans, OSU, led intercessory prayers at Mass, which included: “Generous God, we thank you for the gift of Queen’s House: this place of community, learning, prayer and exploration. We pray for those who are grieving the loss of this holy place. We pray for ourselves and for each other, that we will continue our journey in new ways, asking that your Spirit inspire us and give us courage and hope.”

Supper

Mass was followed by a barbecue supper provided by Queen’s House staff with help from members of the Knights of Columbus manning the grill, an evening program of speakers, and a final reception.

 

 

Program

MCs Brendan Bitz, Director of Queen’s House, and Deb Rolfes, Queen’s House Advisory Board member, expressed gratitude to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, to board members, staff, presenters, volunteers, and all those who have supported the ministry and outreach of Queen’s House as a place of welcome, nourishment, and peace.

Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, who has been “preaching and teaching” at Queen’s House for some 50 years, was introduced as a representative of the many presenters, facilitators and retreat leaders who have served at the facility. He offered “four thank you’s and a metaphor” to those assembled for the Queen’s House farewell.

Rolheiser’s first “thank you” was to Queen’s House founder, the late Fr. Edward Lequiea, OMI, who established the building in 1957, and was Queen’s House Director from 1958-1968 and then again from 1974 to 1978.

“Ed had the vision, and they said he was crazy. He built this place, and he built it in midst of garbage dump,” said Rolheiser, noting that Lequia and the Oblates were firmly supported by Saskatoon Bishop Francis Klein in their efforts to establish the retreat centre “He gave 25 years of his life here. Without him, we wouldn’t be here.”

Secondly, Rolheiser thanked Fr. Glenn Zimmer, OMI, who served as director of Queen’s House from 1981 to 1995.  “Glenn Zimmer came in and he gave it a new vision, for a new generation, and he radically re-did the building, put the buildings up that we are using today. He started wonderful new programs, including Summer Stillness, which we just finished. Without Glenn we wouldn’t be here either,” he said.

“Thirdly, I want to thank the diocese of Saskatoon, beginning with Bishop Klein,” Rolheiser said. “We have had wonderful support from all the bishops since.”

“Lastly I want to thank the building… I want to thank Queen’s House,” he said. “Several hundred thousand people have gone through these doors…which included my mother and father, all of my siblings, many of your mothers and fathers and siblings, and so on. Hundreds of Lay Formation people went through here… several thousand Summer Stillness people have gone through here. Queen’s House has done its work.”

For his metaphor, Rolheiser reflected on the blood and water that poured from the side of Jesus after he died on the cross.  “They pierced his side with the lance, and blood and water flowed out – new life and new cleansing and new nurturing came out of his dead body. That is an important faith metaphor. Queen’s House gave a lot of people sustenance when it was alive. It is going to continue: blood and water will continue to flow from this place, from its dead body, grace will be poured out.”

Queen’s House Advisory Board Chair Adele Longstaff was introduced as representing “the many people who have from day one – the volunteers and staff – believed deeply in the ministry and have been deeply committed to the ideals of hospitality” at Queen’s House.

Longstaff noted that the advisory board has been operating since 2005 and has served as a conduit between the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the staff of Queen’s House and those who came to the retreat house for renewal.

“Like Queen’s House, the board has always been ecumenical, as has the staff,” she noted. “Many of the people who have served and currently serve on the board were brought into this ministry because of their own personal positive and often life-changing experiences that happened here at Queen’s House.”

Longstaff asked all past and present board members and volunteers to stand and be acknowledged. “In my experience, the volunteers and board members offered their service as a labour of love.”

She concluded: “On behalf of the board, I leave you with only three messages: thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Queen’s House director Bitz noted that the retreat Centre has served the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon through the appointment of six bishops, beginning with Bishop Francis Klein, introducing Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen to speak on behalf of the diocese.

“I would like to thank the Oblates for the decades of oversight and ministry at Queen’s House, along with the staff and other leadership… (and the) many religious women as well, who staffed, volunteered, presented, and were part of the ministry of life here,” said Bishop Mark Hagemoen

“The retreat centre has blessed and affected so many lives and organizations, and not just those of the Catholic faith, (but also) other faith communities, and the entire civic community,” Hagemoen said, noting the Queen’s House features of “the quiet, the Shalom – which isn’t just peace – and the beauty, let alone the ministry of hospitality and the many other components and wonderful programs, and the opportunity to carry out ministerial work. Queen’s House has fostered an environment of faith and spirituality that promotes so many important features of ministry today.”

The bishop concluded by stressing “the mission continues.”

Sr. Leona Meier of the Sisters of Mission Service also spoke, representing the many “dedicated and eloquent” religious women who have ministered at Queen’s House, providing a “bedrock of quality and consistency and reliability and faithfulness, wisdom and generosity,” said Bitz.

Sr. Leona Meier, SMS, was a member of the staff when Queen’s House first opened. “I feel a bit like a midwife or grandmother as my involvement began before they gave birth,” she said, recalling how several of those in the novitiate in 1957 came to Queen’s House to sew nametags onto ribbons and to wash windows and “do whatever else needed doing, in order to get a new home spick and span prior to opening.”

When Queen’s House opened in 1958, she was one of many sisters who helped in the kitchen. “Most of our cooking began from scratch. Imagine: you have a recipe for dessert which says ‘Serves 6”, but you are cooking for 30 to 70 ..that was a gymnastics in math.”

“Fr. Ed Loquiea was our director and what a great organizer. In the beginning we would have one retreat a weekend, and we had girls come to serve the meals for the retreat, plus preparing the tables for the next meal, Once our mid-week retreats were introduced, it was often the janitor June McLeod and myself that did the serving. There was silence during the meals with appropriate music, except for the last meal when there was some talking, Sometimes we would receive notes of thanksgiving left on the table – always appreciated, never expected.”

“Queen’s House has been a place that has renewed people in mind, body, soul and spirit. During these years, many sisters from various communities have offered their services in a variety of fields. From volunteering to offering programs, courses, such as Faith Story, Mystics, Laudato Si’, Spiritual Direction, facilitating retreats and much more…. I believe we can all say we are grateful for the opportunity (and that) we have been able to share our gifts, time and talent these precious years.”

Bishop Jakob Palm of Holy Covenant Evangelical Church spoke as an ecumenical representative of the “wide and deep faith community that has called Queen’s House home.”

“There still exist places on this good Earth, set apart for the human person to be what she is called to be – a personal being, living in personal, loving relationships with other persons. To exist not only as individual unity, not only as conformity, but as community, communion,” said Palm. “Queen’s House – its people and its space – is such a place of existence. A sacred place where you and I could come together to see each other.”

While the building has helped, communion does not start with buildings, he stressed. “Queen’s House and the space it holds is in the heart of the people.”

“Relationships require space in our heart for each other. To me, the witness of Queen’s House is that every time I come here I am reminded to keep space – sacred, sheltered, and protected space – for the other person in my heart. For the person I love, for the person I don’t agree with, for the person I don’t yet know, for the person I don’t understand, and for the person I have a hard time loving,” he said.

“We don’t know what will happen with these buildings and the things built. But as we bid farewell to this season, we welcome a new one. I am grateful, thankful, for all the people I have met here, for this place reminding us to keep sacred space in our heart for each other, for each other’s churches, for each other’s world perspective – and I encourage you to continue in this way as we go on this journey together.”

OMI Lacombe Provincial Fr. Ken Thorson, OMI, opened his reflection by reading a list of a few of the ministries and programs and groups that have called Queen’s House home over the years.

“As we face the closure of this centre, remember the countless lives that have been touched and transformed by the love and grace that they found here, in the people and in the stillness and in the liturgies and in the retreats and in the meetings,” said Thorson. “Though the doors may close, the spirit of hospitality and renewal will continue to live on our hearts, and will continue to extend from the people who have worked here, volunteered here, prayed here… will continue to extend beyond this place, beyond this time… (they) are seeds that will live on and grow in ways that we can’t know.”

He added:; “I want to give thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers and patrons who poured their hearts into making this house a home for all who entered. We grieve the closure of this place, but we also celebrate the holy encounters, the sacred encounters, the growth that took place within these walls.”

Thorson also thanked “all of those people, laity, religious communities, the diocese, who invested their treasure – this is not an Oblate venture alone.”

“Today has been a time of celebration, it has been a time of thanksgiving, it is also a time of lament. It is also a time for us to be thankful to God ultimately. Thankful to God for the opportunity to be a part of the ministry of this place for however long we have been a part of it. We celebrate the profound impact of Queen’s House on our lives and on the wider community of Saskatoon, the Christian community and beyond.”

Thorson concluded:  “May we continue to offer a gentle and humble spirit to all we meet, just as Christ calls us to, and let us trust in God’s plan, knowing that new beginnings often arise from what seems like an end. In this moment of transition let’s pray for guidance and strength trusting that God’s love and grace will continue to lead us.”

Photo gallery: LINK

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