Representatives from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon — including Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen — recently embarked on a journey to northern Saskatchewan for an annual pilgrimage to Pine Channel.

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen

Pine Channel is located on an island on Lake Athabasca between Fond du Lac and Stony Rapids in the far north of Saskatchewan near the Northwest Territories border.

Pilgrimage participants come from the Athabasca Dene communities throughout the region.  The Pine Channel Pilgrimage was the inspiration of the Bishop Denis Croteau, OMI and the northern Athabasca peoples beginning in 1990. This year marked the 35th milestone year of the gathering.

This was also the first year attended by the new Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas,  Archbishop Susai Jesu, OMI, who invited me up with a small team to join the pilgrimage.

It was great to attend again, and catch up with peoples from my former Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. (The Athabasca region was transferred to the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas in 2017).

The boat ride from Fond du Lac was spectacular. As the Athabasca Lake is very large and often features high winds, we needed to follow the coast to avoid the large lake waves. The wild lake was navigated by the skill of Willie John Mercredi.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a warm welcome from Archbishop Susai and members of the community.

Accompanying me to the Pine Channel Pilgrimage were Verbum Dei Missionaries Sr. Marta Piano, and Sr. Mirasol Abala, and seminarian Huy Le. During our stay, the sisters and Huy prepared some prayer and recreational activities for the young people at the gathering.

Activities during the annual event include Holy Eucharist each day, opportunities for confession; rosary walks, camping, fishing, and other traditional gathering activities

Thursday of the pilgrimage featured the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Over 100 candidates between the ages of 12 and 16 years were confirmed. The candidates were dressed in their finest clothes – despite the fact that we were in a wilderness site.

The celebration featured a spirited homily by the new Archbishop. I had the privilege to con-celebrate and join in conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation.

 

Each day of the pilgrimage had a special theme. During the time we attended and following the confirmations, one theme day was to support all struggling with any kind of addiction – whether personally or in support of a family member or friend.

Another day was devoted to marriages, and featured a blessing on all the husbands and wives in attendance.

On the last evening of the pilgrimage, participants gather for a ‘walk-through’ of the site, praying for all families and community members, and for a safe trip home the next day.

I was again deeply moved by the faith and community of the Athabasca people, and it was such a blessing to be present and to establish friendships. It was also a great experience of Dene culture, featuring hospitality, prayer, the wide-spread use of the Dene language by young people as well as elders, and of course – the beautiful and majestic land of the far north of Saskatchewan.

Photos:

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Sports, games, visiting, and a barbecue feast were again part of an annual summer barbecue for clergy July 7 in the Roman Catholic diocese of Saskatoon.

A game of soccer among priests, youth and volunteers is another regular highlight at the annual event.

 

 

Organized and presented by parishioners from Martensville and Langham, with support from the Knights of Columbus, the day included words of thanks to clergy by MC Kevin Higgins.

Birthdays and anniversaries were also acknowledged during the program – all those being celebrated in the month of July as well as the significant milestones that will be marked throughout 2026.

Priests celebrating milestone anniversaries this year include:

• 15 years – Fr. Geoffrey Young and Fr. Matthew Ramsay (June 10, 2011)
• 20 years – Fr. Peter Olisa (July 15, 2006)
• 25 years – Fr. Michael Magaji (Oct. 20, 2001)
• 25 years –  Fr. Bruce McAllister (Oct. 20, 2001)
• 30 years – Fr. Demetrius Wasylyniuk, OSB (June 29, 1996)
• 40 years – Fr. Les Paquin and Fr. Stefano Penna (May 9, 1986)
• 55 years – Fr. Ron Griffin, CSB (May 9, 1971)
• 60 years – Fr. Bill Stang, OMI (Oct. 20, 1966)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen expressed his appreciation to the clergy for their dedication and service, and also thanked the volunteers, Catholic Pastoral Centre staff, and all those who organize and support the event to foster fraternity and fellowship.

 

 

 

Other photos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bishop Mark Hagemoen provided an update about clergy assignments for the 2026-27 ministry year in a June 17 message to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Message from Bishop Hagemoen – PDF

Parochial Vicar appointed to two parishes

Fr. Jacques Kouadio Kouassi of the Ivory Coast, who has been serving in the Archdiocese of Regina, will begin an appointment as Parochial Vicar at both Saint Anne Parish and Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Francophone Parish in Saskatoon as of Aug. 31, 2026. Fr. Gregory Roth continues as the Pastor of both parishes.

Kouassi is originally from the Diocese of Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, and has a doctoral degree in Moral Theology.

Fr. Prosper Abotsi is concluding his assignment with the diocese effective Aug. 31, after seven years of service. His most recent appointment has been as Parochial Vicar of Saint Anne Parish, Saskatoon, assisting Pastor Fr. Gregory Roth.

“We extend our sincere gratitude for Fr. Prosper’s years of ministry and pastoral care, and we wish him God’s abundant blessings as he moves forward to his next assignment,” the bishop said in his appointment message.

Pastor for the Syro-Malabar community

Fr. John Paleethottathil Kurian concluded his pastoral assignment as Pastor of Christ the King Syro-Malabar Parish in Saskatoon on May 31, and returned to his congregation in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy in Mississauga.

The Syro-Malabar Church is one of 23 Eastern rites in full communion with the Catholic Church. In Saskatoon, the community celebrates liturgies at St. Michael Church in Saskatoon (LINK).

“We thank Fr. John for his faithful service in our diocese, and wish him God’s abundant blessings as he takes on a new assignment,” said Hagemoen.

The bishop welcomed Fr. Sunil Chrusseril Kuriakose to the diocese of Saskatoon to serve as the new Pastor of Christ the King Syro-Malabar Parish in Saskatoon, effective June. 1. He previously served as associate pastor at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Pilgrim Church in Scarborough, ON.

 

Seminarian assignments

Diocesan Seminarian Huy Le will continue his pastoral formation under the guidance of Fr. Matthew Ramsay as he undertakes a pastoral year as part of his candidacy for Holy Orders. After completing a summer mission program in Saskatoon, Le will begin serving at St. Peter Parish, Unity, and St. James Parish, Wilkie, SK, starting in late August.

Le has completed his Bachelor of Theology and Masters of Divinity degrees at Christ the King Seminary, Mission, BC. He entered the seminary following the completion of his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Saskatchewan.

Le and his family have been long-time members of Our Lady of La Vang faith community, Saskatoon.

Diocesan Seminarian Matthew Witzaney will continue his pastoral formation under the guidance of Fr. Gerard Cooper at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, effective immediately.

Witzaney and his family are long-time members of Sacred Heart Parish, Denzil. He entered St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton following the completion of his Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Upon completion of  his pastoral internship year, he will return to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton to complete his Master of Divinity degree.

“Please join in gratitude and prayer as we welcome these new clergy and these seminarians for ministry and service in our diocese,” concluded Hagemoen. “We ask for God’s abundant blessings on them as they fulfill these new assignments.”

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Bishop Mark Hagemoen continues to travel around the diocese to celebrate confirmations, including at St. Theresa Parish in Beechy, SK on June 5.

Other recent confirmation celebrations have included:

• May 20 – Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Martensville, SK, with Bishop Mark Hagemoen (concelebrating Mass with Pastor Fr. Peter Ebidero.)

MARTENSVILLE CONFIRMATION VIDEO:

• May 21 – St. Paul Co-Cathedral, Saskatoon

• May 22 – St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon

• May 23 – Eritrean Catholic Community, Saskatoon

• May 31 – Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Saskatoon

• June 4 – Sacred Heart Parish, Saskatoon

 

 

 

In an age of division, conference looks for common ground through Catholic social teaching

Read article by Paul Schratz of Canadian Catholic News: LINK

 

 

On Sunday, May 31, Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous Parish for celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation during the weekly 1 p.m. Mass held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Saskatoon.

 

Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Pastor Fr. Clement Arthur, and young confirmands from Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous Parish in Saskatoon May 31, 2026. (Submitted photo)

Confirmations continue across the diocese until the end of June, including:

• Sunday, June 21 – Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Community (at St. Peter the Apostle Church, Saskatoon)
• Thursday, June 25 – Sacred Heart Latin Mass Community (at St. Joseph Church, Saskatoon)
• Friday, June 26 – Little Flower Parish, Leader
• Saturday, June 27 – Sacred Heart Parish, Eston
• Saturday, June 27 – St. Joseph Parish, Kindersley
• Sunday, June. 28 – Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Kerrobert

“In the One, we are one” (1 John 1:3-4) was the theme of a Couples for Christ “Mensa Christi” regional treat held May 22-23 in Saskatoon.

The 2026 Central Region Thee Weekend focused on unity — communion with Christ and with each other — and included worship, talks, fellowships, and time for personal encounter with the Lord.

Mass with Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen was celebrated Saturday morning, May 23.

Speakers during the retreat in Saskatoon included Ricky Ysonza, Boboy Santos, Leo Amat, and Michael “Shok” Ariola, who explored the theme in four sessions emphasizing healing, renewal, and belonging in Christ; building a home grounded in love and peace; responding to the call to listen, serve and forgive; and finding true joy in the Lord’s presence.

 

Mass with Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen was celebrated Saturday morning, May 23. Msgr. Don Vito Pavilando, Fr. Joe-Nelo Penino, Fr. Arnold Bolima, and Fr. Clement Arthur of the Diocese of Saskatoon concelebrated Mass with the bishop, along with Fr. George Canto from the Diocese of Prince Albert.

In his homily, Bishop Hagemoen thanked members of Couples for Christ for their witness. While serving as a priest in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, he became aware of the work of Couples for Christ and the various groups associated with it, Hagemoen said.

“I have come to appreciate — and indeed to rely — in my pastoral work as a priest and now as a bishop, on the great faith and missionary zeal of Couples for Christ.” The family-based international Catholic organization is responding to the missionary call to spread the Gospel, Hagemoen affirmed.

“This missionary zeal is very much affected by the need for the Gospel,” he said. “The need is great and the issues that we face in our world … are also great, and we need to witness the light of Christ and illumine our human dignity, to illumine our family and communities.”

Reflecting on the scriptures for the day, the bishop stressed that God created humanity for communion, grounded in the community of the Holy Trinity.

“Thank you for your communion with Christ, and with the Church, and for your communion with your families, and how you support Catholic Christian family life in all your various activities, ” he said, urging: “Continue to carry out those with zeal and with great joyful enthusiasm.”

Photos – May 23 Mass

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Bishop Mark Hagemoen continues the Easter season visiting parishes across the diocese to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with youth, including on May 17 at St. Benedict Parish in St. Benedict, SK

Bishop Mark Hagemoen is pictured with Fr. Benjamin Ezekwudo and youth from St. Benedict Parish in St. Benedict, SK, who celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 17, 2026. (Submitted photo)

The schedule has recently included:

• Sunday, May 17 – St. Benedict Parish in St. Benedict, SK
• Sunday, May 17 – St. Ann Parish in Watrous, SK
• Saturday, May 16 – St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish in Humboldt, SK
• Saturday, May 16 – St. Peter Cathedral Parish in Muenster, SK
• Friday, May 15 – St. Mary Parish in Wynyard, SK
• Sunday, May 10 – St. Bruno Parish in Bruno, SK
• Wednesday, May 6 – Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens in Saskatoon, SK
• Thursday, May 7 – St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, SK
• Sunday, May 3 – Trinité Pastoral Region of Vonda, Prudhomme, St. Denis in Vonda, SK
• Sunday, May 3 – St. Theresa Parish in Rosetown, SK
• Friday, May 1 – Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon, SK
• Wednesday, April 29 – St. Augustine Parish in Saskatoon, SK
• Sunday, April 19 – Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Watson, SK
• Saturday, April 18 – Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon, SK
• Friday, April 17 – Our Lady of Lourdes in Saskatoon, SK

UPCOMING CELEBRATIONS include:

• May 20 – Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Martensville
• May 21 – St. Paul Co-Cathedral Parish, Saskatoon
• May 22 – St. Peter the Apostle Parish and St. John Bosco Parish held at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon
• May 23 – Eritrean Catholic Community held at St. Paul Co-Cathedral, Saskatoon
• May 31 – Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, held at St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon
• June 4 – Sacred Heart Parish, Davidson
• June 5 – St. Theresa Parish, Beechy
• June 21 – Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Catholic Community held at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon
• June 25 – Sacred Heart of Jesus Latin Mass Community held at St. Joseph Parish, Saskatoon
• June 26 – Little Flower Parish, Leader
• June 27 – Sacred Heart Parish, Eston
• June 27 – St. Joseph’s Parish – Kindersley
• June 28 – Dodsland and Kerrobert Pastoral Region held in Kerrobert, SK

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Bishop Mark Hagemoen continues the Easter season visiting parishes across the diocese to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with youth, including on May 15 at St. Mary Parish in Wynyard, SK.

The schedule has also recently included:

• Saturday, May 16 – St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish in Humboldt, SK
• Saturday, May 16 – St. Peter Cathedral Parish in Muenster, SK
• Sunday, May 10 – St. Bruno Parish in Bruno, SK
• Wednesday, May 6 – Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens in Saskatoon, SK
• Thursday, May 7 – St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, SK
• Sunday, May 3 – Trinité Pastoral Region of Vonda, Prudhomme, St. Denis in Vonda, SK
• Sunday, May 3 – St. Theresa Parish in Rosetown, SK
• Friday, May 1 – Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon, SK
• Wednesday, April 29 – St. Augustine Parish in Saskatoon, SK
• Sunday, April 19 – Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Watson, SK
• Saturday, April 18 – Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon, SK
• Friday, April 17 – Our Lady of Lourdes in Saskatoon, SK

Confirmation at St. Mary Parish, Wynyard May 15, 2026. (Submitted photo)

Confirmation at St. Mary Parish, Wynyard May 15, 2026. (Submitted photo)

Confirmation at St. Mary Parish, Wynyard May 15, 2026. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen with pastor Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu and confirmands and their families at St. Mary Parish in Wynyard, SK. (Submitted photo)

Other UPCOMING CELEBRATIONS include:

• May 17 – St. Benedict Parish, St. Benedict, SK
• May 20 – Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Martensville
• May 21 – St. Paul Co-Cathedral Parish, Saskatoon
• May 22 – St. Peter the Apostle Parish and St. John Bosco Parish held at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon
• May 23 – Eritrean Catholic Community held at St. Paul Co-Cathedral, Saskatoon
• May 31 – Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, held at St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon
• June 4 – Sacred Heart Parish, Davidson
• June 5 – St. Theresa Parish, Beechy
• June 21 – Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Catholic Community held at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon
• June 25 – Sacred Heart of Jesus Latin Mass Community held at St. Joseph Parish, Saskatoon
• June 26 – Little Flower Parish, Leader
• June 27 – Sacred Heart Parish, Eston
• June 27 – St. Joseph’s Parish – Kindersley
• June 28 – Dodsland and Kerrobert Pastoral Region held in Kerrobert, SK

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