Kiply Lukan Yaworski

Parish hall is open daily again this winter for men without shelter

 

With prayer, song, and reflections, an overnight warm-up location at St. Mary Catholic Church in Saskatoon was blessed Nov. 1 in preparation for a third year providing warmth, safety, and dignity to men experiencing homelessness.

During the opening, Elder Irene Sharp of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish smudged the space that will welcome hundreds in from the cold as of Nov. 3, 2025. Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen blessed the hall and led prayers for all those who will be sheltered, and for all those providing outreach. 

The overnight warm-up location is operated through a partnership between St. Mary Catholic Parish and The Salvation Army, with meals provided by The Friendship Inn. The location operates in collaboration with all levels of government, city emergency services, community agencies, and security partners, with support from the wider community, donors and volunteers.

This year the warm-up location will open in the church hall at 6:00 p.m. each night —  earlier than in past years — with Friendship Inn providing both supper and breakfast to those seeking shelter.

This season also marks the first winter operating under the newly-established Mission & Outreach Office at St. Mary Parish, created to strengthen outreach and expand capacity to serve vulnerable neighbours with increased coordination, collaboration, and compassion.

Community support has already been incredible, says Mission and Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Nunes, with residents, churches, and schools donating winter essentials, hygiene items, and funds to sustain the program.

“This warm-up location stands as a sign of compassion and community partnership,” says Nunes. “We are committed to ensuring that those who have nowhere to go on cold nights find warmth, dignity, and care. With the support of our partners, volunteers, parishes, schools, and donors, we are honoured to welcome and serve our brothers once again this winter.”

Blessing held ahead of site opening

Myron Rogal, coordinator of Justice and Peace in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon began by introducing Elder Irene Sharp who offered a smudge “to begin in a good way to bless this space,” he said. A brief liturgy was then held, which included scripture reading from Matthew 25, prayers, and hymns led by a choir of parishioners from St. Mary Parish and beyond.

After the opening hymn “The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor,” St. Mary pastor Fr. Kevin McGee welcomed all those assembled for the blessing ceremony, including dignitaries, partners, and elected officials. Also present for the opening were parishioners from around the city and representatives of many other groups and organizations, including the Catholic school division, St. Paul’s Hospital, St. Thomas More College, Development and Peace, the Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Women’s League.

“Thank you for being here, in whatever capacity, whatever group or organization or partner that you represent: it is a blessing that you are here,” McGee said.

“This is our third year at St. Mary’s that we are opening our hall as a warm-up location for our brothers and sisters who have found a place of refuge and safety here,” he said, expressing appreciation for the partnerships that have permitted the hours to be extended this year, noting in particular the Salvation Army who partners with the parish in operating the location, and Friendship Inn which will provide meals.

McGee recalled the words of Pope Francis in the 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii gaudium that “even in a stable, Mary was able to provide a home for her child Jesus.”

“We too can provide a sense of security — perhaps, in a sense, a home — a place of welcome. And what is our motivation? It is love; to once again be that presence of Christ in the world and to welcome the most vulnerable in our society,” said McGee. “We begin in prayer, hearing from our partners, and we do it together.”

The new St, Mary Coordinator of Mission and Outreach, Jennifer Nunes, shared her testimony about walking with her life-long parish through the at-times difficult discernment about whether to open the church hall as a winter warm-up location, the emotional conversations with parishioners, and then the talks with her own children — who inspired her to embrace the call to help their neighbours in need.

“We are meant to be the face of Christ to others, and to see the face of Christ in others,” she said, relating how her family reached out to help and then to encounter those taking shelter in the hall, and stressing the importance of building relationships grounded in humble listening, and in dignity, compassion, and hope.

 

 

“Together in this mission we are partners, giving voice to those who feel voiceless,” she said to those gathered for the hall blessing. “We are building partnerships and bridges with other amazing agencies that are already working the front lines and together we are the body of Christ. Change begins when we stop asking what will it cost us, and start asking: what will it cost if we do nothing?”

Bishop Mark Hagemoen offered prayers, saying: “we come together to bless this place; it is already a blessed and holy place, but in a very special way we dedicate and ask God’s blessing as it continues to receive the people who are in need of care and shelter and protection.”

In his reflection, the bishop expressed thanks to civic leaders and levels of government that are making the overnight location possible, and in particular he thanked the Salvation Army for their leadership and partnership in the project. “We could not do this without you,” he said.

He also acknowledged the support of Friendship Inn, nearby St. Paul’s Hospital, and emergency services, in particular the Saskatoon Fire Department. “I thank them all for their partnership, their service and their expertise,” he said.

The bishop cited Pope Leo’s first apostolic exhortation  Dilexi te, which focuses on care of the poor, and which echoes a statement by St. John Chrysostom that “if the faithful do not encounter Christ in the poor who stand at the door, they will not be able to worship him even at the altar.”

Hagemoen noted: “In the spirit of this message, ignorance of the poor is ignorance of Christ.” adding that we must “name and claim that we are all poor before the Lord… walking in the way of service to others is the way in which we acknowledge and help our own poverty… we see the need and we are called to respond.”

The bishop then blessed the hall with holy water and incense, and all those assembled took part in a candle-lighting ceremony with the flame of a central “candle of hope” passed from person-to-person to light up the dark hall.

 

After the prayer service a number of other leaders also offered brief reflections, expressing appreciation for the community partnerships that support the overnight location, as well as hope for finding more ways to assist those in the community experiencing homelessness and poverty.

“I just want to say how grateful we are to St. Mary’s for the partnership that allows us to operate the warming centre in this room. Sadly, it is incredibly needed,” said Gordon Taylor of the Salvation Army.

“We need to do better as a city at having longer-term plans to help people who are without proper housing,” he said. “But we are thankful that for this winter, for the third year in a row we have the opportunity to serve the men who are in need of a place for the night in the cold weather.”

“We are thankful for all our partnerships,” Taylor stressed, noting a new partnership this year with Saskatchewan Trades and Skills, which has “done an incredible job of recruiting and training a lot of the staff that will work here. That is a new thing, and we are really, really grateful for that.”

There are a lot of challenges in the world, he noted, with many suffering in our own community every day. “When we think of all the issues that relate to poverty and homelessness it can be overwhelming when we try to win that battle. The focus should be on each little piece that we can do, that we can achieve along the way. And one victory that we can achieve this winter is that no one would freeze on the streets overnight because they have nowhere to go.”

Work is underway to open a location for women as well, he said. The St. Mary Parish Hall location will be for men only for the second year.

Sandra Kary, CEO of Saskatoon Friendship Inn, noted that when the overnight shelter opened in the church hall three years ago, those staying overnight would leave the warm-up location in the morning and go over to the Friendship Inn for breakfast, which would open early to accommodate them. The following year, breakfast was delivered to the men at the hall — and this year, the delivery will include supper each evening, and breakfast in the morning.

“We all know that food is more than nourishment, and (bringing the food to the hall) actually provided a calmness and a stability, and you know that food makes you feel like you are at home, and you belong and there is friendship,” she noted.  “We are just honoured to be a part of this work.”

Kary noted that outreach to those at the overnight warm-up location is an extension of the Friendship Inn mission “to be a community without hunger, a people with hope.”

“So as we join with you and our community to serve our neighbours in need, this is a way that we get to extend our mission as well,” she said. “You have to know that our head chef says that when she cooks, she is cooking for kings and queens. So there is love in our food and we bring it to those who are in need and we extend love along with it.”

MLA Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Advanced Education brought greetings from the provincial government, acknowledging other elected officials also present, including April ChiefCalf, MLA for Saskatoon-Westview, and Saskatoon City Councillor for Ward 2 Senos Timon.

“This centre continues to serve as a warm, welcoming space for those in need in our community,” Cheveldayoff noted, thanking all those involved in making this possible. “You are providing dignity, hope and connection,” he said. “You are creating a place where people can find support, compassion and opportunity to take steps toward a better future.”

“Our government recognizes that homelessness is a complex issue and we are committed to working closely with community organizations, Indigenous partners and municipalities to respond to local needs,” he said, citing initiatives related to increasing supported housing, emergency shelter spaces, and services that improve coordination and safety, including funding to support drop-in spaces.

 

 

Jennifer Nunes concluded the program with final words of thanks. “To all who have linked arms in compassion: thank you. We are not competitors — we are collaborators in mercy and we are stronger together. We may not change the system overnight, but we can light a fire of hope that sets change in motion.”

 

Nunes noted that donations are being accepted by St. Mary Mission and Outreach Ministry to help meet needs of those served at the overnight location, and she expressed her thanks to the local Catholic schools that recently delivered “literally truck loads” of items to the Mission and Outreach ministry office ( Read more – LINK).

“I truly believe that by making our children aware and moved by compassion today, then the future generations will do better than we did,” she said.

“Don’t be people of words, be people of action. Don’t wait for someone else, be the someone… don’t speak it: do it. Christ never said ‘watch and wait,’ he said ‘go!'”

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the coordinator of communications for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa

 

 

 

Healing power of a listening presence

 

Belonging, inclusion, and community health

Awards presented

 

 

 

 

An Enculturation Week for international “Fidei Donum” clergy who have recently arrived to serve in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon was held Oct. 6 to 10, providing orientation and welcome, including information about life in Canada, and an overview of diocesan structures, ministry, safeguarding, truth and reconciliation, as well as community services and supports.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen welcomed the priests and their mentors on Day 1, expressing his thanks for responding to the call to serve the People of God in the diocese, and offering an overview of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan and its goal to “Proclaim Christ and the Kingdom of God Today” through several key priorities.

In addition to presentations by a range of guest speakers, the week also included tours, social gatherings, prayer, and participation in a diocesan Fall Congress Oct. 9 focused on accompaniment and mission.

Newly-arrived priests also spent time with host families, sharing meals and building connections.

The title “Fidei Donum” or “the Gift of Faith” hearkens back to a 1957 encyclical of Pope Pius XII seeking the cooperation of diocesan bishops to send priests to mission lands. The most-recent arrivals of missionary priests to the diocese of Saskatoon include priests from Nigeria, Ghana, and Eritrea.

Recently-arrived priests participating in the 2025 Enculturation Week are:

• Michael Magaji, who is serving as parochial vicar (associate pastor) at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon;
• Isaac Atta Mensah, who is serving as pastor at St. John Bosco Parish in Saskatoon and St. Francis Xavier Parish in Vanscoy, as well as parochial vicar (associate pastor) at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon;
• Frank Offin-Sekyere, who is serving as parochial vicar (associate pastor) at St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt; St. Peter Parish in Muenster, Holy Trinity Parish in Pilger; and St. Scholastica in Burr;
• Tekie Kidane Michael, who is serving the Saskatoon Eritrean Catholic community from St. Paul Co-Cathedral in Saskatoon.

Culture Night

A “Culture Night” Oct. 8 was hosted by the Eritrean Catholic community, with traditional food and demonstrations of prayer in song, dance, and drumming.

Master of Ceremonies Kevin Higgins introduced the four new priests, Bishop Mark Hagemoen brought words of appreciation on behalf of the diocese, and members of the Eritrean community also brought messages of gratitude and joy.

Community member Tsega Kibreab introduced the coffee ceremony that was part of the evening, explaining that it is “a sign of love, peace, and togetherness” in Eritrean culture.

“We prepare and offer coffee at every important moment – during marriages, feasts, and family gatherings, and even in times of sorrow — to comfort one another, to celebrate blessings, and to strengthen our unity,” she said. “It brings us joy after a long day of hard work in the fields or daily life, and reminds us that we are one family. Today, as we celebrate our Cultural Day, we offer this traditional coffee ceremony as a symbol of our gratitude and unity. It expresses our joy of being part of the Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, where our culture, faith, and traditions are respected and welcomed.”

The ceremony also expresses the joy of welcoming the four recently-arrived priests to the community, she added. “Thank you for saying “yes” to serve our community with love and faith.”

In response, Fr. Isaac Atta Mensah spoke on behalf of the priests, saying “we have found more than a diocese to work with, we have found a home.”

 

 

Members of this year’s Enculturation Week committee included Fr. Peter Ebidero, the Bishop’s Delegate for Fidei Donum priests and pastor of parishes at Martensville and Langham; Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu, pastor at Wynyard, Wishart, Foam Lake, and Lanigan; Fr. Benjamin Ezekwudo, pastor at Cudworth, Middle Lake, and St. Benedict; Keith Schwark, Obiora Agu, Michelle Calanday, Vanessa Nyssen, Tirhas Gibremariam, Mark Kornder, and Matthew Courchene, Parish Life Director at St. John Bosco, Saskatoon, as well Rita Flamen Jarett and Riah de Mesa of the Catholic Pastoral Centre administration team.

Photo gallery – Enculturation Week 2025

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presentation:

Wanuskewin tour:

Culture Night hosted by the Eritrean Catholic community:

Fall Congress Day:

Mass with Bishop:

Live-stream video of Oct. 10 Mass

Visit to Western Development Museum:

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Bishop Mark Hagemoen was in attendance during the 2025 United youth conference onference presented by FacetoFace Ministries Oct. 25-26, 2025 in Saskatoon — including presiding at Eucharistic Adoration Saturday night and Mass Sunday morning.

FacetoFace Ministries’ United 2025: Inspiring young saints in the making

By Adelaide Quickfall, United Conference Director, Face to Face Ministries

FacetoFace Ministries states on its website “we believe every youth deserves the opportunity to become a saint.” This declaration came alive Oct. 25–26 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, which buzzed with energy as hundreds of young people, chaperones, clergy, and team members gathered for the United Conference in Saskatoon.

Over two days, the cathedral became a vibrant hub of faith, friendship, and encounter, as youth from across Western Canada joined the FacetoFace team for an experience of worship, community, and personal growth.

United is held to bring young people together, reveal the beauty of a life centred on Christ, and inspire youth to live that life with courage and joy. Laughter, worship, and prayer wove naturally through games, creative activities, and quiet reflection.

Chris O’Hara returned as keynote speaker for the first time since 2018. Drawing on the lives of recently-canonized saints St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis, he reminded youth that sainthood is a real call, blending joy and sacrifice.

Reflecting on Jesus’ healing of the blind man, O’Hara encouraged participants to identify areas of spiritual blindness and embrace healing, showing that holiness grows in ordinary choices and everyday acts of love.

A highlight of United 2025 was the new Faith IRL (In Real Life) Panel, where youth shaped the discussion with their own questions. Panelists Mary Schiestel, Keelin Kennedy, Jonny Lashyn, and Chris O’Hara shared personal stories and practical advice about keeping Jesus at the center of school, friendships, and life decisions—helping participants take ownership of their faith.

Another crowd favourite were action-based breakout sessions, where learning and doing came together in creative ways inspired by the saints, led by Jacob Powell, Paul Bentler, Nick Pierlot, and Jillian Butler.

Catholic organizations from across Canada—including NET Ministries, St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission, EWTN, St. Mary’s University, and Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College—attended the youth conference to connect with students and share their programs.

United also introduced the Habit Hangout, a cozy space where youth met the Sisters of the Presentation and the Seeds of the Word community, played games, asked questions, and discovered that exploring a religious vocation can be approachable and inspiring.

Meals reflected the strong community partnerships FacetoFace continues to cultivate. Students from St. Therese Institute ran the kitchen with care, Saturday’s supper was catered by David’s Lounge, and the Knights of Columbus provided Sunday’s pancake breakfast—a partnership deeply valued by the ministry.

At the heart of United, the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament drew hundreds into reverent worship on Saturday evening, leading then into the lively United Coffeehouse, full of music, conversation, and laughter. The weekend concluded Sunday after Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Hagemoen, and two sessions filled with praise, reflection, and joyful celebration.

From spirited games to moments of deep prayer, United 2025 showed the Church’s youth alive in faith. The call to strive for sainthood echoed through every talk, activity, and encounter—reminding participants that holiness is possible and that walking the journey together makes it even more joyful.

For more information on upcoming FacetoFace events, visit facetofaceministries.ca. Registration for Ignite 2026 summer camps opens in the ew year.

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“The peace of the Risen Christ beckons us to be missionary disciples.” – Pope Leo XIV

 

 

[The following article about Fall Congress 2025 is part of a “Fuel-Up Friday” series in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, which was also published on Catholic Saskatoon News]

The “why” and the “how” of becoming intentional disciples

By Myron Rogal, Office of Justice and Peace

Fall Congress 2025 brought together the why and how of the universal calling of becoming intentional disciples who are sent forth on mission.

Keynote speaker Jean-Paul de Fleuriot challenged us to lead through mission, to become outposts of mission in our communities, and to focus on accompanying those who would never otherwise step foot in a Catholic Church.

In particular, I was struck by his reflection that “God’s plan is not for us to huddle in our church, but to go out.”

Jean-Paul offered rich stories of how he and his family have essentially both risked and gained it all in order to accompany those on the margins towards the light of Christ.

Stories are at the heart of accompaniment, as we were reminded, this is the medium that Jesus used most, and that in a world where people demand immediate, direct answers to questions, Jesus rarely did so.  Jean-Paul described that “stories help people see themselves as active participants and not bystanders.”

As Coordinator of Justice and Peace in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, I frequently reflect on areas that I can move away from the outside crowd and into a relationship with those who suffer. Even though it is easy for me to hang out in the comfort of the crowd, that this is not what I am called to.

We  were challenged to remember that “we carry the church wherever we go” and to not “be a spectator of injustice but a participant in God’s story of redemption.”

“Our mission field is the human heart” – Jean-Paul de Fleuriot

Fall Congress participant from IHMP, Martensville: “Jean-Paul de Fleuriot shared with us how he and his wife have given their lives to be missionary disciples and he shared many stories of his lived experiences. They live in the poorest of poor neighbourhoods amongst drug dealers, prostitutes, and biker gangs in British Columbia. Their home is open to all without judgment. Amazing thing have happened just by opening up their hearts and allowing people to tell their story… ” (Excerpt from Fuel-Up Friday)

 

Introduction to Intentional Accompaniment from CCO

In part two of Congress Oct. 16, Christy Dupuis and John Hickey reminded us that the Holy Spirit is very much alive, that “the Lord is already calling people but the fruit only comes when we are prepared to receive them.”

Both John and Christy challenged me to be on the lookout for the work of the Spirit where we may not expect it.

Listening is a necessary skill to recognize the Spirit: instead of thinking “what do I need to say in this conversation?” I need to shift my attitude to a holy curiosity and wonder “what is God up to in this person?”

Overall both Congress Day presentations confirmed that to have an expectation that people will come to us to become missionary disciples is a limited vision of what it means to be a Christian witness — and provides very poor yields. In contrast, the unique missionary style of Jean-Paul de Fleuriot and the many missionaries of Catholic Christian Outreach remind us that  “the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few.”

And there is no greater adventure story in this life than to become a missionary disciple in full thrust!

“A common thread ran through both days of the Congress Series: ‘who am I called to invest in?‘ Jean-Paul spoke about ministering to the person in front of you, while Christy encouraged us to radically commit to the ‘few’ in order to reach the many.” – Marilyn Jackson, Director of Ministry Services, Fuel-Up Friday

Fall Congress Series – Photo Gallery:

The Fall Congress Series in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon included guest speaker Jean-Paul de Fleuriot of “Faith Room” on Oct. 9, a “Heart of Worship” music workshop led by Cameron Turner on Oct. 10, and an “Introduction to Intentional Accompaniment” with Catholic Christian Outreach leaders Christy Dupuis and John Hickey on Oct. 16.

Oct 9 – Missionary Discipleship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct. 10 – “Heart of Worship” music workshop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct. 16 – “Intentional Accompaniment”

 

 

 

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Diocesan Congress, Adult Faith, Justice and Peace, Communications, and Catholic Saskatoon News are all supported by donations to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.

 

Our Lady of Lourdes parishioners gathered in thanksgiving to celebrate the parish’s 60th anniversary during the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass Sept. 28, followed by a potluck barbecue lunch.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated Holy Eucharist with Our Lady of Lourdes pastor Fr. Daniel Yasinski and former pastor Fr. Geoffrey Young to mark the occasion.

By Danielle Mase, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

During the celebration, members of Knights of Columbus council #11888 Mary Mother of the Church, presented a plaque honouring pastors and parish life directors who have served Our Lady of Lourdes from its designation as a parish in 1965 to the present day. The plaque was created by local Catholic artisan Alex Florizone of Ministro Woodworking.

In his homily, Bishop Mark Hagemoen provided a short synopsis of the history of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, describing the situation in the early 1960s on the east central side of Saskatoon, when a construction boom brought a huge increase to the parishioner base served by St. Josephs Parish on 8th Street and Broadway Avenue.

To meet the growing need, in 1963 “the Chapel of Ease” or “Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel” was built and blessed by Bishop Francis Klein to be served by St. Joseph Parish priests.  Very quickly it was determined that, because of the fast-growing community, the “chapel” needed to become a fully-fledged parish. Therefore, on Sept. 18, 1965, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish was formed, with Fr. Donald Mcintosh, OMI, installed by Bishop Klein as the first priest of the new parish.

Through the years, many pastors have served the community, as well as Bishop Murray Catholic School, which is attached to the church. Fr. Donald McIntosh, Fr. Desmond Leeper, Fr. Leonard Morand, Fr. Michael Koch and Fr. Clair Watrin served consecutively from 1965 to 1993.

In 1993 it was determined that Our Lady of Lourdes Parish would no longer have a resident priest. Sr. Julianna Heisler, NDS, was asked to serve as Parish Life Director,  a role she filled for 19 years. During this time a number of priests provided the parish with access to a rich sacramental life, including Fr. Ralph Kleiter, Fr. Gerard Dewan, Fr. Marc Mireau, Fr. Ron Beechinor, Fr. Michel Bedard, and Fr. Les Paquin, who served consecutively until 2012.

In 2012 then Bishop Donald Bolen determined that Our Lady of Lourdes would once again have a full-time pastor. Since then the community has been served by Fr. Phong Pham from 2012-2019, Fr. Geoffrey Young from 2019-2023 and currently Fr. Daniel Yasinksi since 2023.

Located near the University of Saskatchewan at the corner of 12th Street East and Wiggins Avenue, Our Lady of Lourdes has parishioners attending from across the city and surrounding area, with all welcome to join the community to pray and worship our Lord Jesus Christ, under the mantle of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Filled with young families, seniors and many newcomers to Canada, the parish has a vibrant liturgical, spiritual, and social life. There are opportunities for young families with youth ministry, sacramental and catechesis preparation, for young adults with faith formation and discernment programs, in addition to adult faith formation and weekly faith studies.

Weekday masses are held Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday through Friday at 8 a.m., and weekend Mass is held Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Eucharistic adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are celebrated Thursday nights at 7 p.m., and confession is also available 20 minutes before every weekday Mass and 45 minutes before every weekend Mass. For more information, visit the parish website at www.ourladyoflourdessaskatoon.com

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As abortions and euthanasia deaths rise to record levels across Canada, Catholics were among those witnessing to their pro-life convictions at Life Chain events from coast to coast, including in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Hour-long public witness took place in Humboldt, Unity, and Saskatoon again this year on Life Chain Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. In Saskatoon,

During Life Chain 2025 at the corner of Idylwyld Drive and 22nd Street in Saskatoon, a diverse group of participants of all ages provided public witness for protection of life and an end to abortion.

Those in attendance included families, Knights of Columbus members and leaders such as KC Culture of Life Chair Louis Roth and State Deputy Marte Clemente Nogot, as well as representatives of the Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association, and Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

“Being pro-life means embracing a holistic vision that supports life-affirming choices and safeguards the most vulnerable. Together, we can co-create a world where every human life flourishes,” said State Deputy Nogot on a Facebook post about the event, calling for pro-life advocates to “join forces to uplift the inherent value of every human life, from the first spark to the final breath.”

Saskatoon’s bishop joined the Life Chain for the last half hour, having just returned from a trip to the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan for the installation of new Archbishop Charles Duvall, CSsR and the farewell to Archbishop Gerald Pettipas, CSsR, who ordained Hagemoen as a bishop in Yellowknife in 2013.

“At this very busy intersection, I encountered many dedicated persons witnessing to the Dignity of Human Life, who were expressing that abortion is wrong and a problem for our world, and that children and family life are a blessing for the human community,” said Hagemoen.

The B.C. Catholic recently reported that abortions in Canada continue to climb, reaching 101,533 in 2023 — the highest number ever recorded nationally. At the same time, euthanasia deaths rose to 15,343 nationwide, 4.7 per cent of all deaths, also a record high.

 

“As I spoke with some of those present for the prayerful and respectful witness, cars would drive by – some supportive of the message being represented, and some not supportive,” he said. “Perhaps the most disturbing for me was a young women who drove by very angry, yelling obscenities at those witnessing, and expressing herself in a very demeaning and destructive way. The most uplifting moment for me, however, was the response – one of respect and calm, which featured even a few waves by those giving witness.”

The bishop added: “I must say that it was good for my spirit to see such a witness of respect and ‘love in action.’ I am grateful for the privilege of lending support in some small way to those gathered.”

Life Chain began in Yuba City, California, USA, in 1987. Campaign Life introduced the event to Canada three years later. For more information see Campaign Life Coalition’s website: https://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/life-chain.

Pro-life witness in Saskatoon continues with Forty Hours for Life held 9 a.m. to noon weekdays at the corner of 7th Avenue and Queen Street in Saskatoon, organized by Campaign Life Coalition, with signs provided for this time of prayer and witness. (Those who can help with a one-hour time slot can contact: campaignlifesk@gmail.com.)

RELATED: Catholic Register article about Life Chain in Calgary – LINK

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The 2025 Bishop’s Annual Appeal was recently launched in parishes throughout the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon in support of a range of ministries, programs, and outreach in parishes, the diocese, and beyond, including vocations, youth ministry, adult faith formation, prison ministry, hospital chaplaincy, refugee sponsorship, grief ministry, marriage and family life, evangelization, catechesis, ecumenism, and more.

More information is available and online giving is available at dscf.ca/baa.

Bishop’s Message – PDF (English) / PDF (French)  / Other languages (LINK)

Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we embark on this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal, I invite you to take the opportunity to reflect on our theme: “Pilgrims of Hope: Rooted in Prayer and Mission.” These words are grounded in the ancient promise of the prophet Isaiah:

“O Lord, you grant peace to those who are steadfast because of their trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is an eternal rock.” Isaiah 26:3–4

In a world often marked by restlessness and uncertainty, we, the People of God, are called to be pilgrims of hope, anchored not in fleeting comforts but in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. Our journey begins in prayer, where we encounter the peace of Christ. From that place of peace, we encounter God’s hope. And from His hope, we are sent on mission.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is not simply a fundraiser. It is a communal act of discipleship and a visible expression of our shared mission. Together, through your generous gifts, we sustain the many ministries that serve our youth, care for the vulnerable, accompany those discerning vocations, form lay leaders, and bring the Gospel to life in every corner of our diocese.

None of this is possible without you. Your prayers, your faith, and your witness are essential. Together, let us show the world what it means to be the Church rooted in love, walking together, trusting in the Lord, and offering ourselves in service.

As disciples united in faith and inspired by hope, let us be the example the world needs. May we continue this pilgrimage with firm purpose, allowing our trust in the Lord to guide us, our prayer to sustain us, and our mission to inspire others.

With deep gratitude for your continued generosity and fidelity to the mission of the Church, I assure you of my prayers and blessings.

I conclude with an exhortation from St. Paul to the Romans: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15: 13)

RELATED: BAA 2025 Brochure – PDF (English)

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Remembering and honouring Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities:

“As we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, I wish to encourage all to take time for prayer, reflection, and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples….”

Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen – (Click here for PDF)

September 29, 2025