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Kiply Lukan Yaworski

Jun 15
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CCCB: Call to prayer for peace in the Holy Land and the Middle East during the month of the Sacred Heart

By News

Media release from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Amid the rising tensions and violence in the Middle East, the Catholic faithful in Canada are reminded of the urgent need to pray for peace. During this month—dedicated in the Latin Church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—we have a unique opportunity to seek the Lord’s mercy, healing, and peace for our divided world.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus focuses our attention on the Lord’s inexhaustible love for humanity, and His desire that all be saved. By praying to the Sacred Heart, we turn to the divine source from which all authentic reconciliation springs, and open the channels for it to flow forth in our lives.

The Eastern Catholic Churches observe a different devotion in June, one which is centred on the Apostles Peter and Paul and that concludes with their liturgical feast on June 29. Remembering their witness, which began in Jerusalem and spread forth “into all the earth,” as the Byzantine liturgy puts it, the faithful beg them “to intercede with the Master of all to grant peace to the world and to our souls great mercy.”

Parishes, communities of consecrated and apostolic life, families, movements and associations, and individuals within the Church in Canada are all therefore invited to pray and work for peace by:

  • including suitable intentions in one’s daily prayers
  • reciting a prayer to the Sacred Heart each day during the remainder of June;
  • attending Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction with the Most Blessed Sacrament;
  • reciting a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
  • including appropriate petitions during the Universal Prayer at daily and Sunday Masses this month;
  • attending Mass on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 27th);
  • offering one’s fasting and abstinence, during the Apostles’ Fast, for this particular concern, in the sacrificial spirit of St. Peter and St. Paul;
  • practicing the corporal works of mercy within one’s local community, and donating to reliable charities working in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East.

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Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa

Jun 13
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Bishop Hagemoen leads retreat for clergy of Kamloops diocese

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen was the speaker for a clergy retreat June 9-13 in the Diocese of Kamloops, BC. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon was the featured speaker for a clergy retreat June 9-13 in the Diocese of Kamloops, B.C.

Beginning with evening prayer Monday, June 9, the retreat continued through the week with presentations, and prayer, including celebration of the Eucharist, Adoration, Benediction, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as daily Morning Prayer, Holy Hour, and Night Prayer.

Kamloops Bishop Joseph Phuong Nguyen and Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the Kamloops Clergy Retreat June 9-13, 2025. (Submitted photo)

Jun 08
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Pastoral assignments and clergy updates from Bishop Mark Hagemoen

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog, News

Bishop Mark Hagemoen has announced a number of pastoral assignments and clergy updates in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, with most of the appointments effective July 31, 2025.

“We will announce further appointments and arrival details as soon as these are confirmed,” Hagemoen said in the message sent to parishes, priests, and leaders on June 5.

Bishop Hagemoen’s June 5 Pastoral Assignment Letter – PDF

Currently serving the parishes at Biggar and Landis, Fr. Edward Gibney is appointed Pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish, Saskatoon, as Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, (who has been serving as Parochial Administrator at St. Philip Neri) has concluded his assignment in the diocese.

Fr. Edward Gibney is appointed as pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish, Saskatoon.

Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, is concluding his assignment in the diocese of Saskatoon.

Currently serving the parishes at Muenster, Pilger, and Burr, Fr. Paul Oshin will be the new Pastor at St. Gabriel Parish, Biggar, and Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Landis.

Fr. Paul Oshin is appointed Pastor at St. Gabriel Parish, Biggar and Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Landis.

As part of structural reorganization, Fr. Colin Roy is appointed Pastor of St. Peter Parish, Muenster; St. Scholastica Parish, Burr; and Holy Trinity Parish, Pilger, in addition to continuing in his role as Pastor of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Humboldt.

Fr. Colin Roy is appointed Pastor of parishes at Muenster, Burr, and Pilger, in addition to continuing as Pastor of St. Augustine Parish, Humboldt.

Fr. Colin Roy will be assisted by a priest new to our diocese, Fr. Frank Offin-Sekyere, who is appointed as Parochial Vicar (the proper canonical title for an “associate pastor”) of the four parishes at Humboldt, Muenster, Pilger, and Burr.

Fr. Frank Offin Sekyere will assist Fr. Colin Roy in serving four Humboldt-area parishes.

Currently serving the parish of St. John Bosco in Saskatoon, Fr. Marvin Lishchynsky has been appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Saskatoon.  He will also be reappointed as Judicial Vicar of the diocese for a five-year term.

Fr. Marvin Lishchynsky is appointed pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Saskatoon.

A priest new to our diocese, Fr. Isaac Mensah, is appointed as Pastor of St. John Bosco Parish, Saskatoon  and St. Francis Xavier Parish, Vanscoy, as well as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon, where he will assist St. Mary Pastor, Fr. Kevin McGee.

Fr. Isaac Mensah is appointed Pastor of St. John Bosco Parish, Saskatoon, and St. Francis Xavier Parish, Vanscoy, as well as assisting Pastor Fr. Kevin McGee at St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon.

 

Fr. Richard Philiposki, S.Chr., will conclude his current assignment as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Saskatoon and Parochial Administrator of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Vanscoy.  When in Saskatoon, Philiposki will continue to assist periodically with pastoral work at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Saskatoon.

Fr. Richard Philiposki, S. Chr., is concluding his assignments in the diocese of Saskatoon.

Fr. Arnold Bolima is appointed the Parochial Vicar of St. Mark Parish at Langham, serving with the current Pastor, Fr. Peter Ebidero.  Bolima continues to serve as Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick Parish, Saskatoon, and is also assigned to Catholic school pastoral ministry for the St Patrick Parish region.

 

Fr. Arnold Bolima will assist Pastor Fr. Peter Ebidero at St. Mark Parish, Langham, as well as continuing to serve as Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick, Saskatoon, where he assists Pastor Fr. David Tumback, including with Catholic school ministry in the parish boundaries.

Currently serving the parishes at Willkie, Handel and Leipzig, Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC, is appointed Pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Kerrobert; Our Lady of Grace Parish, Dodsland; St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish, Luseland; and Immaculate Conception Parish, Major.

The bishop noted that information about the pastoral care of St. James Parish, Wilkie; St. Mary Parish, Handel; and St. Paschal Parish, Leipzig will be announced shortly.

Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC, is appointed Pastor of parishes at Kerrobert, Dodsland, Luseland, and Major. Pastoral care of parishes in the Wilkie cluster will be announced at a later date.

 

Recently returned to the diocese of Saskatoon, Fr. Daniel Louh, SMA, will serve as Pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Allan; St. Alphonse Parish, Viscount; and St. Mary Parish, Colonsay. He will also assist with hospital chaplaincy in Saskatoon.

 

Fr. Daniel Louh will serve as Pastor of parishes at Allan, Viscount, and Colonsay, as well as assisting with hospital chaplaincy in Saskatoon.

 

Reorganization of the Pastoral Care of Parishes in Deaneries:

A need for the reorganization and restructuring of some parish clusters has also brought a number of changes in pastoral appointments.

Fr. John Abban-Bonsu is appointed as Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Leroy, as well as continuing as pastor of parishes at Lake Lenore, Annaheim, and St. Gregor.

Fr. John Abban-Bonsu, is appointed as the Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy. He continues to be Pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Lake Lenore; St. Ann Parish, Annaheim; and St. Gregory Parish, St. Gregor.

Fr. Francis Akomeah is appointed Pastor of parishes at Naicam and St. Front, as well as continuing as pastor of parishes at Watson, Quill Lake, and Englefeld.

Fr. Francis Akomeah, is appointed Pastor of St. George Parish, Naicam and St. Front Parish, St. Front, in addition to continuing to serve as Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Watson; St. Catherine Parish, Quill Lake; and Holy Guardian Angels Parish, Englefeld.

Fr. Jerome Ogunleye is appointed Pastor of parishes at Rose Valley, Archerwill, Nobleville, and Perigord, as well as continuing to serve as Pastor at Wadena, Kelvington, Lintlaw, and Fosston.

Fr. Jerome Ogunleye is now the Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Rose Valley, St. Felix Parish, Archerwill; St. Lawrence Parish, Nobleville; and St. Athanasius Parish, Perigord. He will also continue to serve as Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Wadena; St. Joseph Parish, Kelvington; St. Theresa Parish, Lintlaw; and Mary Queen of Poland Parish, Fosston.

Bishop Hagemoen also acknowledged and thanked clergy who are completing their assignments in the diocese of Saskatoon.

In addition to Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, and Fr. Fr. Richard Philiposki, S.Chr., (noted above), other priests leaving the diocese are Fr. Charles Nweze, who has been serving parishes in the Kerrobert area, and who is now joining the Canadian military as chaplain, and Fr. John Ezeoruonye, who has been serving parishes in the St. Front area, and who is returning to the Archdiocese of Onitsha in Nigeria.

 

Fr. Charles Nweze is leaving the diocese to serve as chaplain with the Canadian military.

 

Fr. John Ezeoruonye is returning to the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria.

 

Fr. Luke Tran, who was ordained in October, will be temporarily serving in the Diocese of Calgary for a two-year term.

Fr. Luke Van Tam Tram will begin a two-year assignment in the Diocese of Calgary.

 

“Please join in gratitude and prayer for all of these clergy and their ministries in our diocese,” said the bishop. “We ask for God’s blessings on them as they move forward to new assignments and endeavours.”

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Jun 01
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CONFIRMATION 2025: Bishop confirms youth at St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Habila Musa with confirmands at St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown. (Submitted photos)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Theresa Parish at Rosetown, SK  on Ascension Sunday, June 1, 2025  to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.

The day before on May 31, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Gabriel Parish in Biggar SK.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

See other confirmation coverage posted at: LINK

May 31
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CONFIRMATION 2025: Bishop confirms youth at St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Fr. Luke Tran, Bishop Mark Hageemoen, pastor Fr. Kevin McGee, and Deacon Nicholas Blom (l-r) with confirmands at St. Mary, Saskatoon on May. 29. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon on Ascension Thursday, May 29, to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

See other confirmation coverage posted at: LINK

(Submitted photos)

May 29
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Bishop Hagemoen joins installation celebration for Archbishop Smith in Vancouver

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Some of the more than 20 bishops in attendance listen as Archbishop Smith delivers his first homily as the Archbishop of Vancouver. (Photo by Nicholas Elbers, The B.C. Catholic, CCN)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen was one of a number of bishops who travelled to Vancouver for the installation of Archbishop Richard Smith May 23. The former archbishop of Edmonton who was appointed by the late Pope Francis after the retirement of Vancouver Archbishop Michael Miller.

Read more about the installation of Vancouver’s new archbishop –ARTICLE 

Also attending were Canada’s Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, Cardinal Gerald Lacroix, the Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada and Calgary Bishop William McGrattan, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB).

May 25
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CONFIRMATION 2025: Bishop confirms youth at St. Mary Parish, Lanigan, SK

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu with confirmands at St. Mary Parish, Lanigan. (Photos b y Traci Bell)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Mary Parish at Lanigan, SK  on Sunday, May 25, 2025  to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.

Later in the day May 25, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Mary Parish in Wynyard, SK.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

See other confirmation coverage posted at: LINK

 

(Photo by Traci Bell)

(Photo by Traci Bell)

(Photo by Traci Bell)

(Photo by Traci Bell)

(Photo by Traci Bell)

(Photo by Traci Bell)

(Photo by Traci Bell)

(Photo by Traci Bell)

(Photo by Traci Bell)

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May 22
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Catholic Education Week 2025: “Pilgrims of Hope”

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

A message released by the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan for Catholic Education Week May 25 to 31 reflects on the impact of Catholic education on students, families, communities, and the world.

“In joy and thanksgiving, we, the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan, invite you to join us in recognizing the gift and the impact of Catholic education as we mark World Catholic Education Day on May 29, 2025, and celebrate Catholic Education Week in our province,” says the message signed by Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon,  Bishop Michael Smolinksi of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert, and Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina.

“May Catholic education continue to model Christ: ‘… the Way, the Truth and the Life.’ (John 14:16)” states the bishops’ message, inviting the faithful to “pray in thanksgiving for the continuing existence and protection of publicly-funded Catholic education in Saskatchewan, and for hope and perseverance for educators, students and families.”

Across the globe, the World Day of Catholic Education is marked on Ascension Thursday, which this year falls on Thursday, May 29, 2005. And each year, in conjunction with World Catholic Education Day, the Catholic school divisions in Saskatchewan engage in a week-long celebration of the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic education. This year’s theme for Catholic Education Week is “Pilgrims of Hope” echoing the theme of the Jubilee Year proclaimed in 2025.

The five sub-themes for Catholic Education Week: Pilgrims of Hope are:

  • By honouring human dignity / Honorent la dignité humaine
  • By caring for creation / Prennent soin de la création
  • By responding to the poverties in our world / Luttent contre les pauvretés
  • By serving in solidarity / Servant en solidarité
  • By living as peacemakers / Vivent en artisans de paix

“Hope – one of the three theological virtues – is grounded in our Easter faith in Jesus’ resurrection and renewal; this is what enables us to be builders, dreamers and leaders in Jesus’ name.” – Catholic Education Week resources

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May 21
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CONFIRMATION 2025: Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrates confirmation with youth at Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and other leaders with the confirmands from the Cathedral of the Holy Family, where Confirmation was celebrated on May 21. (Submitted photo)

 

On May 21, 2025, Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation with a large group of children and youth.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

See other confirmation coverage posted at: LINK

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May 21
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Confirmation celebrated in parishes across the diocese

By Enriching faith

Updated June 26, 2025

Starting the week after Easter, Bishop Mark Hagemoen has been travelling from parish to parish, joining communities for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation with youth.

Related: Confirmation retreats held in six locations – ARTICLE

The confirmation season started with a celebration at Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon on April 29, continued April 30 at St. Augustine Parish, Saskatoon, May 6 at St. Patrick, Saskatoon; and May 7 at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Clement Arthur with confirmands at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon. (Photo by Monica Aspiazu)

Confirmations at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon were held over two evenings — May 8 and May 9.

On Sunday, May 11, Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Anthony Parish at Lake Lenore, to celebrate confirmation with youth of that parish, located in the Humboldt deanery.

Earlier in the day on May 11, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt, and the evening before on May 10, the bishop celebrated confirmation at St. Bruno Parish in Bruno.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu with confirmands at St. Anthony Parish, Lake Lenore, SK. (Submitted photo)

On Friday, May 16, the bishop celebrated confirmation with youth at St. Michael Parish, Cudworth.

Confirmations were celebrated Saturday, May 17 at St. Peter Parish, Unity, SK, an on Sunday, May 18 at St. Mary Parish, Macklin, and then at Immaculate Conception Parish, Major, SK.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Charles Nweze with confirmands at Immaculate Conception Parish, Major, SK. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Matthew Ramsay with confirmands from St. Michael Parish, Tramping Lake, and St. Peter Parish, Unity, on May 17, 2025) (Photo by Aleah Anseth – www.altestudios.ca)

Bishop Hagemoen addresses confirmands during the celebration in Unity, SK. (Photo by Aleah Anseth – www.altestudios.ca)

 

The bishop celebrated confirmation with youth at Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Parish in Saskatoon May 20 and with a large group at the Cathedral of the Holy Family on May 21.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and other leaders with the confirmands from the Cathedral of the Holy Family, where Confirmation was celebrated on May 21. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Mary Parish at Lanigan, SK  on Sunday, May 25 to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu with confirmands at St. Mary Parish, Lanigan. (Photo b y Traci Bell)

Confirmands after the celebration May 25 at St. Mary Parish, Lanigan. (Photo by Traci Bell)

Later in the day May 25, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Mary Parish in Wynyard, SK.

Bishop Hagemoen celebrated confirmation at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon on Ascension Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Fr. Luke Tran, Bishop Mark Hageemoen, pastor Fr. Kevin McGee, and Deacon Nicholas Blom (l-r) with confirmands at St. Mary, Saskatoon on May. 29. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Hagemoen gives the homily durijng confirmation Mass at St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon May 29. (Submitted photo)

 

Bishop Hagemoen celebrated the sacrament of confirmation with youth from St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown on June 1. The evening before, he celebrated confirmation in a celebration at St. Gabriel, Biggar.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Habila Musa with confirmands at St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown. (Submitted photos)

 

The bishop joined the parish communities of St Philippe Néri, Vonda; St. Denis, St. Denis; and Sts. Donatien & Rogatien, Prud’homme, for celebration of confirmation with youth June 3 in Vonda.

On June 5, Bishop Hagemoen confirmed youth from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon, in a celebration held at St. Mary Catholic Church.

Bishop Hagemoen celebrated the sacrament of confirmation with youth at St. Mary Parish in Fox Valley, SK, on Sunday, June 15, before travelling to St. Joseph Parish in Eatonia, SK, to confirm youth of that community as well.

Confirmation at St. Mary Parish, Fox Valley SK: Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined pastor Fr. Prince Osuwu Sarpong and confirmands for the celebration June 15, 2025 in Fox Valley. (Submitted photo)

Diocesan seminarian John Paul Wasan, Bishop Mark Hagemoen, and pastor Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi (back, left to right) with the confirmands at St. Joseph Parish, Eatonia, SK. on Sunday, June 15. (Photo by Joanne Stusrud)

 

Bishop Hagemoen celebrated confirmation with youth of Sacred Heart Parish, Watson, and Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy, in a celebration June 21 at LeRoy, SK.

BIshop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Francis Akomeah with young confirmands from Holy Rosary Parish in LeRoy, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Watson. (Submitted photo)

Confirmation celebrated at Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy, SK. (Submitted photo)

 

On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ June 22, 2025, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined Christ the King Parish at Rose Valley, SK for celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Later the same day he also celebrated confirmation at St. Theresa Parish, Lintlaw, SK.

Seminarian John Paul Wasan joined the bishop at the celebrations in the Wadena deanery.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Pastor Fr. John Ezeoruonye, and Seminarian John Paul Wasan with young confirmands at Christ the King Parish in Rose Valley, SK. June 22, 2025. (Submitted photo)

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

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