Kiply Lukan Yaworski

At the invitation of local pastor Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen visited the parish communities of St. Mary, Wynyard; Christ the King, Foam Lake; and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wishart, SK, on the Fourth Sunday of Advent 2022.

Bishop Hagemoen was invited by Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu to celebrate with the parish communities of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wishart (pictured), St. Mary, Wynyard, and Christ the King, Foam Lake. (Submitted photo)

The pastoral visits Dec. 17-18 included celebration of Sunday Mass in each parish, as well as parish and community social gatherings. The bishop also heard more about some of the pastoral challenges facing the Catholic communities.

“The parishioners that make up these Catholic communities are very faithful and supportive,” said Bishop Hagemoen, reflecting on the pastoral visit.

“In spite of that, the shrinking community in Wishart has been struggling with its operation since the pandemic, and has been discerning whether the parish should close,” he said.

Unlike Wynyard and Foam Lake – who have seen their communities stabilize over the last few years – Wishart has been more affected by the shifting demographics that many prairie communities have experienced when population declines and services such as schools and businesses leave the community, the bishop noted.

“The visit was therefore an opportunity to discuss with the parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wishart, about ways to continue to operate, and also – if they ever made the decision to seek “decommissioning” as a parish — about the vision for the community beyond such a decision,” he said.

A meeting with parishioners following Sunday Mass in Wishart featured much discussion and many questions. Following the meeting the community continued their time with the bishop by joining together for a pot-luck lunch.

“My own impression is that the community will take at least the coming New Year to continue to discern next steps and their future,” Hagemoen said. “However, whatever happens – this is a faithful community that will persists in their faith life, and I look forward to working with them in the coming months.”

Community celebration in Wynyard

The visit to St. Mary Parish in Wynyard, SK for Saturday evening Mass on Dec. 17 was followed by a community celebration in the local hall, that included the participation of Filipino Catholic parishioners, and the donation of $700 that they raised in support of the parish at Wynyard .

At a community celebration Dec. 17 a donation of $700 in support of the parish at Wynyard was presented by the Filipino Catholic community to Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu. (Submitted photo)

Filipino Catholic parishioners were among those participating in a community celebration Dec. 17 in Wynyard, SK. (Submitted photo)

History of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wishart:

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Wishart, SK, was built in 1951-54. The present church is the third building to serve the parish community that was founded by Polish settlers who came to the area in 1906. The parish became part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon when diocesan boundaries in Saskatchewan shifted in 1998. (Information from “Building the Church, Living the Gospel” by Margaret Sanche, Photo by Daniel J. Classen)

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The Diocesan Pastoral Council gathered Nov. 30 with Bishop Mark Hagemoen to reflect, report, and plan, meeting both in person at the Catholic Pastoral Centre and via Zoom. The “DPC” is one of the major consultative bodies for Bishop Mark Hagemoen, with representatives from across the diocese from many parishes and partner organizations.

The DPC is presently reviewing the diocesan Pastoral Plan and the recent diocesan Synod on Synodality.

Thanks to all the DPC members for their faithful presence and their input!

Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) members gathered Nov. 30, 2022 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatono News)

Clergy from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon gathered Nov. 14-17 at Elk Ridge near Waskesiu, SK, for prayer, reflection, fraternity and inspiration.

The Clergy Study Days included keynote sessions by Archbishop Emeritus Terrence Prendergast, SJ, speaking on The Call to Community, Accountability and Authentic Witness, as well as addressing the New Evangelization in the Year of Matthew (Year A). Archbishop Prendergast is retired archbishop of Otttawa-Cornwall, and former archbishop of Halifax.

“Supporting our Vocation in a Missionary Climate” was the theme of session presented by Rev. John Lemire of Timmins, ON, president of the Ontario Diocesan Vocation Directors Association, a member of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission for Priests and the President of the Diocesan Vocation Directors of Canada.

Study Days also included a presentation by Msgr. John Renken and David Stack on canonical and civil statutes of incorporated parishes, and a “Bishop’s Forum” with Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

More information about Clergy Study Days speakers: PDF

(Photo by Fr. Darryl Millette)

(Photo by Fr. Darryl Millette)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses priests at Clergy Study Days 2022. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses priests at Clergy Study Days 2022. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. Marvin Lishchynsky thanks Archbishp Prendergast. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. Ralph Kleiter, Fr. Stefano Penna, and Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor (l-r) selecting burger toppings. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen in conversation with guest speaker Fr. John Lemire. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. Kevin McGee with guest speaker Fr. John Lemire. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Vicar General Fr. Kevin McGee. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. John Lemire. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses priests at Clergy Study Days 2022. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Darryl Millette)

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News / Photos by Sr. Malou Tibayan

“Building Faith-Filled Families” was the theme of a workshop Nov. 19, 2022 introducing a new marriage preparation and formation curriculum in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Attended by some 40 participants, including resource couples and clergy, the day-long event held at the Cathedral of the Holy Family offered “practical tools for meaningful discussions and an invitation to become life-long disciples together, united in Christ,” said Marilyn Jackson, diocesan Director of Ministry Services.

The event included a walk-through of the new curriculum, demonstrations of presenting themes, a chance to use the materials, discussion of adult learning principles and creating an environment of  hospitality and safety.

Developed by a diocesan committee established by Bishop Mark Hagemoen, the new curriculum will be used by parishes across the diocese in forming couples who are preparing for marriage. Guests Rachele and Clement Ng were recognized at the workshop for the research that went into the process.

The vision for marriage formation in the diocese “seeks to provide practical tools to raise topics for meaningful  discussion and invite engaged couples into the life of a faith community.”

“Through radical hospitality and the witness of Catholic married couples, engaged couples will be supported in their journey to becoming life-long disciples together, united in Christ.” – Marriage Formation Guidelines 2022

Themes in the new curriculum that were explored during the workshop included Family of Origin and Communication, addressed by speakers Tracy and John Connelly; Communication, Sexuality and Family Planning, presented by Monique and Ryan Leblanc; and Spirituality and Prayer, reflected on by Chantale and Myron Rogal.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen also spoke about the Sacrament of Marriage.

In the bishop’s message included in the guidelines, Hagemoen noted: “I have been hearing from many clergy and laity throughout the diocese – in both our rural and urban parishes – about the need for strong support for couples discerning life-long, Catholic marriage. The diocese of Saskatoon seeks to provide solid theological formation and practical tools to address and raise topics for meaningful teaching and discussion, as we invite engaged couples through their parish faith communities to discern this wonderful, God-given vocation.“

Hagemoen added: “It is our hope that the support we provide to pastors, parishes and marriage formation teams will assist our parishes and pastoral regions in equipping engaged couples to enter into marriage with faithfulness, joy, and hope. As we accompany young couples in their journey towards holy matrimony, let us aim to surround them by our larger circle of family, friends and faith community.”

For more information about marriage preparation in the diocese of Saskatoon, please contact Director of Ministry Services Marilyn Jackson at mjackson@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5836 or visit the website at MARRIAGE PREPARATION INFO.

Photos by Sr. Malou Tibayan, Verbum Dei missionary fraternity:

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The Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan gathered together for meetings during the week of Nov. 7, 2022, connecting with each other and various groups and organizations — both online and in-person at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon.

Pictured (left to right) are: Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert, Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Keewatin-LePas, and Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Saskatoon. Attending via Zoom was Archbishop Lawrence Huculak of Winnipeg, who is presently serving as apostolic administrator of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

On Sunday, Oct. 30, Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated Sunday Eucharist at the Cathedral of the Holy Family: the congregation was joined by participants in the 2022 FacetoFace Ministries United conference.

By Maria Gursky, Face to Face Ministries

FacetoFace Ministries hosted its annual United Conference Oct. 29-30 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, with keynote speaker Sr. Helena Burns of the Daughters of St. Paul breaking open the teachings of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body in an engaging and practical way.

The United Conference hit record-breaking numbers of 394 individuals gathered for a weekend of growing in faith and experiencing community. Highlights included adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praise and worship, the keynote talks by Sr. Burns, and time for fellowship.

FacetoFace Ministries desires that youth across Western Canada find fulfillment in a life in Christ, and strives to provide encounters with Jesus Christ that inspire the response to become saints.

(Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

This year’s United Conference drew youth from the Diocese of Prince George, BC, from Clearwater Academy in Calgary, AB, and from Humboldt Collegiate Institute in Humboldt, SK as well as many more local families from Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary and beyond.

United is a chance for youth to come together from across Canada to be united and supported in living out their faith in today’s world. One participant shared that “it was so reassuring seeing how many people are just like me, a young Catholic looking to find community and learn about the faith.”

Many youth look forward to this annual conference as a chance to reconnect with friends made through other FacetoFace programs such as Ignite summer camps and the online WORD Bible Studies.

For many, the weekend was an enriching faith experience. FacetoFace works to foster encounters with Jesus Christ through offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well as creating a moment of encounter through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Worshipping God in a church with nearly 400 people sharing in Eucharistic Adoration is an incredibly inspiring and encouraging experience. Many participants shared that this time spent with Jesus was the highlight of the weekend.

“At adoration I really felt the love of God touch me and the atmosphere was amazing,” said one participant.

Sr. Helena Burns of the Daughters of St. Paul was the keynote speaker for this year’s United conference. (Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

Sr. Helena Burns gave three keynote sessions about Theology of the Body: an introduction to the teaching, a reflection about how God is the only One who can truly satisfy our desires, and a third talk about the masculine and feminine genius.

Many participants commented that Sr. Helena’s words were encouraging, giving them a new perspective, and deepening their faith. One participant shared: “The talks given set a fire within my heart to live a better life through the teachings of the Catholic Church and Theology of the Body.”

(Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

FacetoFace was blessed to welcome in other local speakers for breakout session talks in the afternoon, including Ken and Janelle Yasinski, Arnel Vicente, Matthew Courchene and Fr. Warren Dungen. The wisdom, encouragement, and practical suggestions shared in the breakout sessions were well received by participants.

The annual United Conference is also an opportunity for collaboration with other youth and young adult programs in our province and beyond, including NET Ministries of Canada, Newman Theological College, and St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission. Having these organizations present at the Conference is beneficial for the youth attending – exposing them to different options available while providing a fantastic advertising opportunity for the organizations!

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided over Sunday mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Family Oct. 30, addressing the United Conference participants who joined the parishioners and encouraging the youth to continue living out their faith.

All glory to God for a successful United Conference!

For more information about the mission and work of FacetoFace Ministries, visit the website at f2f.ca.

Eucharistic Adoration was a high point of the United weekend. (Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

(Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

(Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

(Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

Live-stream video of Sunday Mass with Bishop Hagemoen during United:

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Some 120 alumni and former facilitators and leaders of the diocesan Lay Formation program gathered Oct. 27-28 for one last annual Alumni Fall Gathering at Queen’s House of Retreat and Renewal in Saskatoon — the facility that for so many years was the site of Lay Formation weekends of prayer, learning and community.

Find news article, photos and speaker reflections at: Catholic Saskatoon News

Indigenous Lay Formation Program alumni from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon. (Photo by Lynne Gillies)

The final alumni gathering was a time for connection, grieving, and reflection, including perspectives by founders and former coordinators, volunteers and presenters about the history of the program, its vision and its impact.

Celebrants at Mass: Fr Ivan Nahachewsky, Chancellor of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, Archbishop Murray Chatlain of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-LePas, and Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI. (Photo by Teresa Bodnar-Hiebert)

Guest speaker at the Fall Gathering (in person and on Zoom) was Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, who for many years was one of the celebrated presenters of sessions at the Lay Formation program. The weekend schedule also included a wine and cheese reception Oct. 28 and a closing Mass and banquet Oct. 29.

Lay Formation leaders through the years were honoured at the 2022 Alumni gathering (l-r) Gisele Bauche, Mona Goodman, Sister Bonnie Komarnicki, SSMI, Debbie Ledoux, Louise Gantefoer and Kathy Hitchings. (Photo by Blake Sittler)

St. Michael Church, Burstall, SK (Photo by Daniel J. Classen)

With prayers of thanksgiving and words of farewell, parishioners marked the closing of the Catholic church at Burstall Oct. 9, celebrating Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen and pastor Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi. 

St. Michael parishioners were joined by others from the area at the final Mass, including representatives from Fox Valley, Liebenthal, Leader and Richmound Catholic parishes, as well as representatives of local Lutheran and Evangelical churches.

The closure of the parish comes after a long period of discernment by the community, said Bishop Hagemoen. It is a time of sadness, but also a moment to embrace the challenge of the change and the need to connect with a new community, he noted.

In his homily during the final Mass held on the Thanksgiving weekend, Bishop Hagemoen focussed on the fact that the people of God are the ultimate temple and that they would persist in the visible expression of Catholic life faith and mission in the region.

The bishop also shared expressions of prayers and blessings from the Ursuline sisters of Prelate, from the diocesan Council of Priests , and from neighbouring parish communities who had let him know that they were holding the Catholic community of St. Michael, Burstall in prayer.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Fr. Francis Appia-Kubi celebrate Mass Oct. 9 to mark the closing of St. Michael Church at Burstall.  (Submitted photo)

After Mass, the congregation went to the cemetery shared between the Lutheran and Catholic community, where Bishop Hagemoen blessed the graves. A reception in the church basement followed.

St Michael was officially established as a mission parish of Liebenthal on May 17, 1970, in response to the request of the Catholic community, which had purchased a former Baptist church and adapted it for use in Catholic worship. In the early years, Burstall was served by Oblate priests coming from Liebenthal and Richmound.

In 1977-78, to accommodate the increased numbers of Catholics, the present St. Michael church was developed, under the direction of Fr. Joseph Blatz, OMI, with a basement built first, and then a former Lutheran church at Leader, SK, was moved to Burstall and placed over the waiting basement.

The newly refurbished St. Michael Church was blessed on June 26, 1979 by Bishop Noël Delaquis of Gravelbourg. (St. Michael, Burstall was one of the parishes added to the diocese of Saskatoon in 1998.)

– Information from “Building the Church, Living the Gospel” by Margaret Sanche and Daniel J. Classen, 2013

Prayers of blessing at the parish cemetery. (Submitted photo)

Prayers in the cemetery. (Submitted photo)

Gathering after Mass. (Submitted photo)

Participants in the 2022 Life Chain in Saskatoon Oct. 2. (Submitted photo)

An hour of public witness calling for an end to abortion, Life Chain was again held on the first Sunday of October in communities across Saskatchewan, including in Humboldt, Unity and Saskatoon.

The Saskatoon event was held at the corner of Idylwyld Drie and 22nd Street on the afternoon of Oct. 2, with participants holding sign up as traffic passed by. Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined some 135 participants in peaceful witness.

Life Chain has been organized by Campaign Life Coalition and held simultaneously in communities across the country since 1990.

(Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined participants in the hour of silent witness held Oct. 2 in Saskatoon. (Submitted photo)

(Submitted photo)

(Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined participants in the hour of silent witness held Oct. 2 in Saskatoon. (Submitted photo)

(Submitted photo)

(Submitted photo)

(Submitted photo)

(Submitted photo)