Announcements for Sunday, April 26, 2026 – Fourth Sunday of Easter (World Day of Prayer for Vocations)
* Diocesan prayer – (World Day of Prayer for Vocations) – We entreat you, O Lord, to raise up from our families many priests and deacons, religious sisters and brothers, who will love you with their whole hearts and will gladly spend their entire lives to make you known and loved by all. We pray for all those who are discerning your call in their lives, O Lord: help them to rest in your promises, knowing you are with them. Bless our diocesan seminarians Huy Le, Mischa Taillon, John Paul Wasan, and Matthew Witzaney, and surround them with your grace and inspiration as they discern their call.
EARTHCARE Connections (Prayer intentions from Farmland Legacies)
- Our earth is the temple God created for us. Let us do our part to preserve the earth’s health. We pray to the Lord.
- Since God lets the sun rise on both the good and the bad, help us not to compare ourselves with others, but to encourage all in the care of creation. We pray to the Lord.
New Announcements:
* World Day of Prayer for Vocations is celebrated on April 26, 2026, Good Shepherd Sunday. “Indeed, a vocation is not a fixed point, but a dynamic process of maturation sustained by intimacy with our Lord. To grow in one’s vocation means being with Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to act in our hearts and in the circumstances of life, and reinterpreting everything in light of this gift.” – Pope Leo XIV. Find Pope Leo’s message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on the Vatican website at: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/messages/vocations/documents/20260316-messaggio-vocazioni.html. Please pray for vocations, and for all those discerning God’s call in their lives. We pray especially our diocesan seminarians: Huy Le, Mischa Taillon, John Paul Wasan, and Matthew Witzaney.
* Secular Institute Vocation Path – Secular Institutes are a consecrated life vocation in the Catholic Church where members take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while living in the world. Members live individually, in small groups or with family, while working at their occupations, acting as a ‘leaven’ to sanctify society from within. For more information, visit the Canadian Conference of Secular Institutes website at www.ccis-ccsi.ca or contact Secular Institute of St. Angela Merici representative Bernice Daratha at bdaratha@gmail.com.
* Priests’ Pension and Retirement Fund – On this Good Shepherd Sunday and World Day of Prayer for Vocations, please consider a gift in support of our priests in their retirement through the Priests’ Pension and Retirement (PP&R) Fund. Retirement years can be difficult for our senior priests. No longer supported by their parish communities, they rely on retirement benefits and their pension from the Priests’ Pension and Retirement Fund for basic needs, such as food, housing, health costs, and transportation. Please, give generously in support of our retired priests. You can find donation materials in your local parish, or make your gift online at https://dscf.ca/priest-pension-fund/ or download the pledge form and mail it to the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation: PP&R, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, S7S 1H1 or call (306) 659-5837.
* March for Life in Regina, Thursday May 7: The March for Life in Regina will start with Mass at 9:00 am at Holy Rosary Cathedral, followed by the Rosary for Life. After the Rosary there will be an Ecumenical prayer service followed by the dedication at the Monument to the Pre-born. At 12:15 pm pilgrims will begin the march to the Legislative Building and the program at the Legislature begins at 1:15 pm. Transportation is available for those unable to walk the two-kilometre distance. Car pool from Saskatoon is being arranged, so if you need a ride to Regina for this pro-life event, please call Louis at: (306) 249-2764. For more information, e-mail: info@saskprolife.com or see the website at www.saskprolife.com.
* ANCHOR presents … The Four Pillars of Contemplative Prayer to be held at Saint Anne Parish, 217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday, May 7, with Fr. Gerard Cooper speaking on the benefits of contemplative prayer as a means of coping and living with a chronic illness diagnosis. What is contemplative prayer? How can contemplative prayer help us in our daily living with chronic illness? How can contemplative prayer help us to support those we love who live with chronic illness? Registration is required. Social distancing will be respected. To register, contact Dietta Todos at durr2todos@gmail.com. ANCHOR is a prayer group ministry for those living with chronic illness and their caregivers that meets monthly from September to June.
* “MAiD Expansion to Mental Illness: What’s at Stake?” All are invited to a province-wide conversation on Canada’s assisted death system and the proposed expansion to permit medically-provided death or “MAiD” for mental health. Canada’s euthanasia / assisted suicide law is changing, and many are not aware of how far it has expanded. Beginning in March 2027, eligibility will include individuals whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. A province-wide tour in May will feature Larry Worthen, Executive Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada, and one of Canada’s leading voices on healthcare ethics, and conscience rights.
- Learn how medically-provided death is evolving in Canada, with real stories from healthcare settings.
- Explore the ethical, medical, and social questions this raises.
- Consider how we support those who are suffering and seeking hope.
Join the conversation across Saskatchewan:
- Saskatoon: 7 p.m., Monday, May 11 at Holy Spirit Parish, 114 Kingsmere Place.
- Prince Albert: 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 12 at Plaza 88
- Yorkton: 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 13 at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre
- Weyburn: 7 p.m., Thursday, May 14 at McKenna Hall
- Moose Jaw: 7 p.m., Friday, May 15 at Hillcrest Apostolic Church
- Regina: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Resurrection Parish (also live-streamed; register to receive a link)..
Free to attend. All are welcome. Learn more about the tour at Hope Does Not Expire website at: https://hopedoesnotexpire.ca/tour. Registration is not required, but is appreciated: https://hopedoesnotexpire.ca/tour#rsvp
NOTE FOR PARISHES: Find posters, slides, bulletin inserts: https://bit.ly/2026tourpromo
OMI Bicentennial celebration May 21 in Alberta – Join in celebrating the Oblate Bicentennial (1826-2026 May 21, on the feast of the order’s founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod. Oblates of Mary Immaculate are part of the roots of faith in the diocese and across western Canada from the mid-19th century on, with many like Grouard, Lacombe, Grandin, Doucet and Scollen leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Church and the society of the Prairie provinces. Oblates of Mary Immaculate are joining with Star of the North Retreat Centre in hosting “Starlight,” a festive gala fund-raising dinner, on Thursday, May 21 at the Italian Cultural Centre 14230-133 Avenue, Edmonton, featuring keynote speaker Fr. Ken Forster, OMI. Tickets are $200 each, available online at: www.starofthenorth.ca/register/browse/programs-2/event/starlight-fest-403 Funds raised will support both the ongoing ministry of the Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert, AB. and construction of a new retreat house in Kisaju, Kenya. Those not able to join in person for this “Living Mission in Community” event, are invited to participate by sending a donation made out to “Star of the North Retreat Centre,” 3A St. Vital Avenue, St. Albert, AB T8N 1K1 or by e-transfer to: accounting@starofthenorth.ca
Diocese of Saskatoon Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) Partnership Appreciation – Come and hear about the impact of the IRF at this afternoon gathering, 3 p.m. Friday, May 22 in the foyer gathering space at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, on the second floor of the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon (corner of Attridge Drive and Forestry Farm Park Drive). Everyone is welcome; refreshments will be served. Register online before May 20 at https://form.jotform.com/260254536281253 For more information, contact Myron Rogal at (306) 659-5841 or mrogal@rcdos.ca. (The diocesan Office of Justice and Peace is supported by the BAA.)
“You Did it for Me” – Festival of Faith 2026: St. Philip Neri Parish in Saskatoon will again present a summertime Festival of Faith July 8-14 with formation, celebration, prayer and community. This year’s theme is “You Did it For Me – the Call to Mission Animated by Hospitality.” Guest speakers include Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, an Oblate priest, theologian, professor, and award-winning author; Eric Clayton, an award-winning writer, speaker, storyteller, and retreat leader; along with Debbie Rolfes, Sr. Cindy Lewans, PM, Fr. Kevin McGee, Matthew Praksas and Wagner Barbosa. All are welcome. Free-will offering.. Pick and choose your sessions when you register at https://stphilipneriparish.ca/.
* Employment opportunity for youth ages 15-30 – St. Volodymyr Villa, a seniors’ residence, has two temporary full-time positions available supported by funding from Canada Summer Jobs. Applicants must be youth between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive). Both positions will run from May to August 2026. We are seeking a Building Maintenance Worker and a Groundskeeper. Knowledge of the safe operation and maintenance of hand/power tools and grounds keeping equipment is required. Please email your resume to st.volodymyr@shaw.cabefore April 30, 2026. For more information, please contact Bob at (306) 374-1988.
* Employment Opportunity – The Ukrainian Catholic Foundation is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Executive Director to provide leadership and operational oversight in support of the Eparchy of Saskatoon’s mission. This is a full-time (30 hours/week) position, based in Saskatoon, which will advance the not-for-profit charitable Foundation’s work in strengthening the spiritual growth, vitality, and well-being of the faithful, parishes, and eparchial organizations in the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon. Key responsibilities include fund-raising, overseeing day-to-day operations, relationship development, and strategic leadership. More information can be found at: https://ucfsask.org/employment-opportunities/. For more information contact: Bob Friesen, Chair, Board of Directors at (639) 318-8250 or Morris Smysnuik, Executive Director at (306) 280-8514. To apply, submit résumé to admin@ucfsask.org.
* Employment Opportunity – Event Facilitator with FacetoFace Ministries (male facilitators, 2 for Saskatoon, 1 for Calgary; male applicants only): FacetoFace Ministries is a professional and vibrant Catholic ministry based out of Saskatoon. This job is a unique opportunity to help grow and develop this ministry alongside a creative and flexible staff. The Event Facilitator is responsible for the content preparation and facilitation of all FacetoFace Ministries events. A significant part of this role involves planning and delivering FacetoFace school retreats in collaboration with another Event Facilitator. Find more information at: https://facetofaceministries.ca/employment/. To apply e-mail a cover letter and resume to Adelaide Quickfall: adelaide.quickfall@f2f.ca
GSCS Retirement Reception – All former and present staff members of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools are invited to attend the Annual Retirement Reception to honour this year’s retirees, to be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at Salon A and B of TCU Place in Saskatoon.
Previous Announcements:
* St. Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit Tour – Join the diocesan Rural Catechesis Office and parishes across our diocese for an evening learning about the first Millennial Saint – St. Carlo Acutis — and his love of the Eucharist. Displays feature some of his work documenting Eucharistic miracles on a website that he created before he died in 2006 at the age of 15 years. Dates and locations for the exhibit include:
- April 27: Leader – 7 p.m. at Little Flower Parish, Leader
- April 30: Unity – 7 p.m. at St. Peter Parish, Unity
- May 1: Viscount – 6:30 p.m. at St. Alphonse Parish, Viscount (note corrected parish name!)
- May 2: Bruno – 3:30 p.m. at St. Bruno Parish, Bruno
- May 6: Martensville – 7 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Martensville
- May 8: Wynyard – tbd at St. Mary Parish, Wynyard
Watch for details at each parish or contact the diocesan Rural Catechesis Coordinator Quin Kleiboer at the Catholic Pastoral Centre: qkleiboer@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5857.. (Rural Catechesis is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal)
* Horizons of Hope workshop about Palliative Care and End-of-Life –will be held over two evenings Monday April 27 and Tuesday April 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Saint Anne Catholic Church, 217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon. To register or for more information, contact Jacqueline Saretsky, diocesan coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy at (306) 659-5839. Our faith in Jesus Christ has much to teach us about living and dying well. Created by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), the Horizons of Hope Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care is designed to help each of us – caregivers, the sick and dying and family members – to find support and concrete assistance. For more information see: https://rcdos.ca/horizons-of-hope.
* Oasis – a diocesan adult faith “Encounter” event – will be held at 7 p.m. April 28 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, including Eucharistic adoration, intercessory prayer, and social time. Oasis centres around Eucharistic Adoration, providing a time for deep reflection and encounter with the Lord, offering peace, healing, and spiritual refreshment. All are welcome to this event (free will donation). Register online at: https://form.jotform.com/SaskatoonDiocese/oasis or for more information call Adult Faith Coordinator Astrid Alas at (306) 659-5851. (Adult Faith is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.)
CWL Social Justice Award – The Saskatchewan Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada has established a Social Justice Award for young women between the ages of 18-35 years. The $1,000 award may be given to one candidate or divided among qualified applicants to finance participation in a reputable social justice activity, either at home or abroad. Application deadline is April 30. Contact Mary Nordick: m.nordick@sasktel.net or (306) 374-5612 for more information.
*The Regional Assembly of Development and Peace-Caritas Canada provides a weekend of reflection and immersion into the world of social justice. The Regional Assembly will be held from 5 p.m. Friday, May 1 to Sunday May 3 at 1 p.m., exploring the theme “On Track for Justice: Pathways to Peace.” This event for DPCC members and supporters includes guest speakers, as well as training, Palestinian land exercise, Sunday liturgy, simulations, and visioning for the future. Held in-person at the Salvation Army Beaver Creek Camp five minutes south of Saskatoon, with remote participation options. Register online at https://forms.office.com/r/cYpPE2DQa1 or contact Michael LeBlanc at mleblanc@devp.org or call Michael at (306) 205-2334 or visit: https://devp.org/en/evenement/saskatchewan-klp-regional-assembly-2026/.
* A Contemplative Mass led by Fr. Kevin McGee will be held 5 p.m. Friday, May 1 at St. Mary’s Parish, 211 Ave. O S. Saskatoon. The rhythm of the Contemplative Mass is a gentle, steady flow, marked by 20 minutes of silence after Communion. It is designated to allow space for reflection and recognition of the intimate presence of Christ who comes to us through Scripture and the Eucharist. Silence in this form of worship can feel uncomfortable or awkward, especially when experienced for the first time. We encourage you to relax and rest in the abiding presence of God.
* An annual diocesan Our Lady of Fatima Feast will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon. The celebration will begin with Mass presided by Fr. Kevin McGee, vicar-general of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Mass will be followed by the traditional outdoor procession with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, as participants pray the rosary and sing together. A potluck gathering will follow the procession, and all are encouraged to bring food to share. Participants are also invited to come dressed in cultural clothing and to bring flags for the procession. Anyone interested in volunteering or providing entertainment for the potluck meal is invited to e-mail jnunes@rcdos.ca.
NOTE: All CWL councils, Knights of Columbus councils, and parishes across the diocese are asked to send representatives to the Our Lady of Fatima celebration, and bring their banners for the procession. Clergy are also invited to concelebrate Holy Eucharist with Fr. McGee at 1 p.m. May 9. Councils and parish representatives only are asked to please confirm attendance by e-mailing Jennifer Nunes jnunes@rcdos.ca.
“Millions of Monicas” prayer group: When women gather to pray, hope is renewed. We pray for our children’s return to the Church. Women meet for one hour of guided prayer, which always includes a Rosary. Millions of Monicas prayer events are held in Saskatoon at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month (May 4) at Saint Anne Parish, 217 Lenore Drive; at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month (May 19) at St. Philip Neri Parish, 1902 Munroe Avenue South; and at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month (April 27 and May 18) at Holy Spirit, 114 Kingsmere Place.
National Family and Life Week – “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20) Christ’s words at the time of his Ascension serve as this year’s theme for National Family and Life Week 2026, May 10-17. Families, parishes and parish groups, ecclesial movements and associations, as well as Catholic schools, are encouraged to take time this week to celebrate their own families, express gratitude, offer forgiveness, or share meaningful moments with loved ones across generations. Find information, including a video and resource toolkit for parishes, families, and groups at: www.cccb.ca/faith-moral-issues/family-and-life/national-family-and-life-week.
Feminine Genius Women’s Breakfast: “Listening as Spiritual Hospitality” is the theme of a diocesan adult faith formation Feminine Genius IV women’s breakfast to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 (doors open at 8 a.m.). Keynote speaker is Sr. Malou Tibayan of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity, who also serves on the Diocesan Synod Committee. Registration is required for this women-only event at: https://form.jotform.com/SaskatoonDiocese/femininegenius2026 or call (306) 659-5843 for information. There will be an opportunity to make a free-will offering at the breakfast. (Adult faith is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.)
“Breakthrough Healing” Workshop will be presented by Patrick and Joy Campbell, founders of the Cross of St Benedict Society and Joyful Hope Ministries. With their unique and effective method of presenting, the Campbells will examine realities of the world that are negatively attacking and affecting families. Through teaching and prayer, they will engage in a process of healing and reconciliation. The workshop will be held May 28 to May 30 at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 222 Willow Street (corner of Melrose Avenue and Hilliard Street), Saskatoon. Cost is $50/adult (18+) or $100/family with children 17 and under. To register or for more information, please contact: Debbie or Kevin Kowalski at (306) 978-3013.
Mark your Calendars – The 2026 Blumenfeld and District Pilgrimage will be held Sunday, June 14 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows and historic Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 16 km south of Leader, SK, and 6.5 km east on Blumenfeld Road. The Blumenfeld heritage site will also be open to visitors Sunday afternoon from July 5 to Aug. 30. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/blumenfeldanddistrictheritagesite/.
The diocesan Sts. Benedict and Scholastica Formation Program is now accepting applications for both men and women candidates for the year 2026-2027. This program aims to form young adult Catholics in pursuing holiness while living in the world. The Sts. Benedict and Scholastica program can serve as a period of vocation preparation for priesthood, religious life, or any form of lay vocation and ministry. It is open to young adults – both women and men, students or working – either for a residential or non-residential program beginning in the fall. The program includes human formation, intellectual formation, and pastoral formation, focused on personal holiness and community life, which includes daily prayer, Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, apostolic work, faith-sharing, faith formation, spiritual direction, silent retreats, and missionary discipleship. For more information contact Sr. Marta Piano at mpiano@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5843, or visit the diocesan website: https://rcdos.ca/sts-benedict-and-scholastica. (Sts. Benedict and Scholastica is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal).
The CWL Clothing Depot in Saskatoon is requesting donations of much-needed items in order to provide affordable good quality household items and clothing to community members with limited funds. Items needed include summer clothing (any age), jeans, kitchenware, cutlery, working toasters, working kettles, working coffee makers, pots and pans, clocks, sheets, comforters, and towels. Drop off donations at the CWL Clothing Depot, 619 20th St. W., Saskatoon (located on lower level of Friendship Inn) — please ring the bell at the back door in the alley of the depot; drop off times are 10:30 a.m. to 3: p.m. Monday-Friday. For donation inquiries contact Bea at (306) 242-5042.
* Employment Opportunity – Office Administrator: The Ukrainian Catholic Foundation is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven part-time (24 hours per week) Office Administrator to support administrative, fundraising, communication and data-management activities of the Foundation. The position is based in Saskatoon with occasional travel within the Eparchy. Find the job posting at https://rcdos.ca/employment or for more information, please call Morris Smysnuik, Executive Director at (306) 280-8514, or submit your resume to admin@ucfsask.org.
* Employment Opportunity – Trinity Manor at Stonebridge in Saskatoon is seeking a part-time (20 hours per week) Spiritual Care Coordinator to support the emotional, spiritual, and pastoral well-being of. residents, families, and staff at Trinity Manor through ensuring the provision of emotional, spiritual and religious support as well as leading and coordinating the community’s spiritual programming and fostering a mission-centred environment rooted in Catholic values. See job posting available at rcdos.ca/employment. Submit resumé and a cover letter to: s.hr@trinitymanor.ca
Pews For Sale: St. Michael Parish in Cudworth, SK has three solid oak pews for sale, $500 each. Each pew is 13 feet long. Contact St. Michael Parish at (306) 256-3218 or email smcudworth@rcdos.ca.
Help Not Harm: No Euthanasia for Mental Illness – Visit the website www.helpnotharmcanada.ca to e-mail your Member of Parliament (MP), asking for their support of Bill C-218 (The Right to Recover Act), which would amend the Criminal Code to prevent assisted suicide/ euthanasia – known as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) — from being provided when mental illness is the sole underlying condition. Without this change, medically-provided euthanasia will be available for those suffering from mental illness alone beginning in March 2027. We are called to offer care, hope, and protection — not death — to those who are suffering and those who are most vulnerable.
Bibles, holy cards, rosaries, crosses – The diocesan Hospital Chaplaincy Office is seeking donations of materials to assist with spiritual care outreach to patients at hospitals in Saskatoon. If you have Bibles, holy cards, rosaries, crosses or other small sacred items that would be appropriate to share with those facing illness, please consider donating them “Attention to Jackie Saretsky, Hospital Chaplaincy” at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 2nd floor of the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, or call (306) 659-5839 for information.
CCO Activate Conference in Vancouver for parish and ministry leaders – Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) is launching its first-ever international gathering of missionary disciples: the Activate Conference. This conference is designed to form and activate leaders for mission within the unique contexts God has entrusted to them—particularly within dioceses and parishes, beyond a campus context. The conference will bring together clergy, diocesan staff, parish leaders, and lay people to be empowered to live the Great Commission, evangelizing the world, one person at a time, held in Vancouver, BC, from May 29 to June 1. Registration is $455. More information and registration can be found at: https://activate26.cco.ca/
New Resource from CHAS – A Guide to Compassionate Conversation: When members of our faith community face life-threatening illness, knowing how to respond can be difficult. To help you offer meaningful support, the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) has released a new brochure: “Accompaniment Through Serious Illness: A Guide to Conversations on Death and Dying.” This guide provides practical tools for navigating these sacred conversations with grace. Download the guide https://chassk.ca/conversation-guide-death-and-dying/.
Pro-life petition – The advocacy group “RightNow” has launched a petition calling on the Prime Minister and Parliament of Canada to pass legislation to protect pre-born children by restricting late-term abortions after 20 weeks (five months) of pregnancy; find the petition online at: https://www.itstartsrightnow.ca/undercover
Impact Report – A 2025 diocesan Impact Report providing an overview of ministries, programs, and annual finances in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon is available online at: https://rcdos.ca/annual-report/
Hospital Volunteer Opportunity: St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon is seeking volunteers to help nurture a welcoming experience by assisting patients, families, and visitors in navigating the hospital and understanding parking procedures. Responsibilities include initiating contact with members of the public, including at-risk individuals, helping to navigate the building and pointing out resources. In-depth orientation and on-going support will be provided. Contact volunteers@saskhealthauthority.ca for info.
Scam Alert – Fraudulent messages continue to circulate via e-mail, as well as via text and message apps, allegedly coming from our priests, bishop, or others in the Catholic community, asking for money, gift cards, or other gifts. DISREGARD all such messages! Do NOT reply or engage with the individuals sending these messages. Do NOT send gift cards, money, or cash transfers if requested to do so over e-mail or via text message.
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