Announcements for Sunday, March 26 – Fifth Sunday of Lent (Solidarity Sunday)

Diocesan Bulletin 2-sided summary PDF

* Diocesan prayer: We pray as a diocesan family for Development and Peace / Caritas Canada, and for their partners around the globe; may their efforts to build a more just world find success, and may they continue to create hope in dark times, with our enthusiastic support.

 

EARTHCARE Connections (Prayer intentions from Farmland Legacies for 5th Sunday of Lent)

  • Help us to treat water with respect, so as to receive life-giving water from Jesus. We pray to the Lord.
  • May the new life developing in Earth’s forests, fields and gardens strengthen our faith in our own renewal. We pray to the Lord.

 

* NOVENA – An invitation to share in the Novena to Blessed Dina Bélanger, “an amazing Mystic, Canada’s ‘Little Flower’” – Novena prayers can be found on the St. Paul Co-Cathedral Parish website at: https://www.stpaulscc.com/2023/03/novena-to-bl-dina-belanger/

 

PRAYERS for SOLIDARITY SUNDAY March 26, 2023 “Create Hope – Stand for the Land” from Development and Peace / Caritas Canada

(Prayers from website: https://www.devp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023_prayers_faithful_EN.pdf):

  • For all the peoples of the Earth, our Common Home, that. they join in caring for your Creation and share the resources they draw from it in a just and equitable manner, we pray to the Lord.
  • For those with political power in every nation, that they serve the helpless, the poor and the common good, we pray to the Lord.
  • For all business leaders around the world, that they have the wisdom to conserve the natural resources and environment of every community, so that all people today and future generations may live with dignity and security, we pray to the Lord.
  • For the Church, that she never ceases to proclaim to the world the Good News of the Gospel, as well as the preferential option for the poor, which springs forth from the deep well of faith in Christ, we pray to the Lord.
  • For the partners of Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, that they may continue, with our support, to build a world of fraternity, solidarity, justice and peace, we pray to the Lord.
  • For the members of our community, that we act in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world to protect the Earth and all of Creation, we pray to the Lord

 

New Announcements

 Solidarity Sunday March 26:

* “Create Hope – Stand for the Land” Share Lent VIDEO Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen is posted on the diocesan website at https://rcdos.ca along with a Share Lent letter of support for Development and Peace-Caritas Canada: https://rcdos.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-02-21-MHagemoen-to-Diocese-Re-Share-Lent-2023.pdf

  • “Celebrating 55 years of Solidarity” – This year Development and Peace-Caritas Canada celebrates the 55th anniversary of its creation by the Catholic Bishops of Canada. Check out the start of Lenten series of memories and reflections on the Catholic Saskatoon News site – including this week’s reflection from Norm Lipinski about responding to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines: .
  • Share Lent 2023 – This year, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada will “Create Hope: Stand for the Land” in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the Global South who are protecting their lands and waters, the environment and human life. Find more info at: devp.org/en/campaign/stand-for-the-land/ (includes a link to resources.) March 25-26 is designated as “Solidarity Sunday” – please give generously to help support the work of Development and Peace – Caritas Canada.

 

Reserve 107 docufilm will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30 at Fr. Paul Donlevy Hall at Saint Anne Catholic Church, 217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon:

Saint Anne Parish TRC invites you to attend a showing of the film Reserve 107, a Saskatchewan documentary exploring how the Young Chippewayan Band, Mennonites and Lutherans worked together to repair the wrongs of the past and begin a journey of reconciliation. The film will be followed by a presentation by a member of the Mennonite Central Committee. All are welcome.

LENTEN MISSION:

* All are invited to a Lenten Mission this week – March 27-30 at 7 p.m. each night; held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 12th Street East and Wiggins Avenue, Saskatoon.

What is a Lenten Mission? A Lenten pastoral mission is held by the Parish as an opportunity for the faithful to set aside specific time to pray, meditate and reflect on the mysteries of our Faith.  Most importantly, the whole community is invited to gather together in a time of spiritual renewal and to grow in our relationship with Christ and one another. The Lenten Mission Catholic Speaker at Our Lady of Lourdes Church is Ken Yasinski; includes musical Adoration. All are welcome to participate in this Lenten Mission – anyone, whether Catholic or not, baptized or not, from throughout our diocese – all are invited to this opportunity to encounter our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lenten Mission Schedule:

  • Monday, March 27 – Opening Talk “What are We Created For?” and Adoration
  • Tuesday, March 28 – Talk “Freedom through Forgiveness” followed by opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation / Confession with priests of the Diocese of Saskatoon
  • Wednesday, March 29 – Talk “Living with an Eternal Perspective” and Adoration
  • Thursday, March 30 – Talk “Now and at the Hour of Death” and Adoration

* Sts. Benedict and Scholastica Formation Open House will be held 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at the Sts. Benedict and Scholastica Formation House, 1136 Temperance Street, Saskatoon. Live in community and study while you discern your life vocation: obtain a degree and formation while you do it. Find out more about the diocesan formation program for young adults, men and women, at the April 15 Open House, which begins with Mass at 9:30 a.m. with Bishop Mark Hagemoen presiding. Please RSVP to Sr. Marta Piano at mpiano@rcdos.ca (306) 370-5951 or Sr. Malou Tibayan at mtibayan@rcdos.ca or (306) 371-7434.

 

* Uniting in Silence  – PLEASE NOTE that the weekly Saturday morning “Uniting in Silence” event at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon has now ended: the planned session Saturday, April 1 has been cancelled.  For more information, please call St. Mary Parish at (306) 244-2983.

 

A Kairos Blanket Exercise will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18 at St. John Catholic School gymnasium, 1205 Avenue N South, Saskatoon. This is an opportunity to broaden our understanding of the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through an interactive program. There is no cost to attend this event. Please call (306) 229-3612 for any additional information.

* Chrism Mass – Representatives from across the diocese will gather with Bishop Mark Hagemoen for the annual Chrism Mass at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon (at the corner of Attridge Drive and Forestry Farm Park Drive). Everyone is welcome to join our diocesan community for this important celebration at the start of Holy Week. The diocesan Chrism Mass will also be live-streamed online at https://saskatoonmass.com and at https://www.youtube.com/user/saskatoondiocese. During the Chrism Mass, the priests of the diocese renew their commitment to priestly ministry. The Oil of the Sick, Oil of the Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism for use in the celebration of sacraments throughout the year are also blessed by Bishop Mark Hagemoen during the annual Chrism Mass:

  • Oil of Catechumens (OC): This oil, sometimes referred to as Oil of Salvation, is used to anoint the catechumens (those who are to be baptized) in preparation for their initiation into the Church. The prayer accompanying this anointing expresses the desire that Christ strengthen the person being anointed. This oil is also used in celebration of the baptism of children. It is a sign of belonging:  marking us as members of the Body of Christ.
  • Oil of the Sick (OS): This oil is used in the Anointing of the Sick. The prayer accompanying this anointing is: “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” This oil is used to bring comfort and support to the sick in their infirmity and to pray for healing. The celebrating of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a ritual moment that makes visible and present to the sick and to the whole community who we are as Church: a community of healing and support.
  • Sacred Chrism (SC): This oil includes a sweet-smelling perfume or balsam, added during the blessing prayers at the Chrism Mass. Sacred Chrism is used at the celebration of baptism, confirmation, the ordination of priests and bishops, and for the dedication of churches and altars. Sacred Chrism is also used in the blessing of bells and sacred vessels. Anointing with this oil signifies abundance of grace and dedicated service to God. The word Christ means “anointed one,” so being anointed with oil is a sign of the special and strengthening presence of Christ, the Anointed One.

 

* Sing with our Diocesan Cathedral Choir for the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 4. Rehearsal is at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family for the Chrism Mass at 7:00 p.m. e-mail saskatoondiochoir@icloud.com for details or to be added to the diocesan choir e-mail list.

 

Vocation to the Priesthood? Discernment Night for Men with talk, discussion, Eucharistic Adoration, and confession will follow the 7 p.m. Mass Thursday, May 4 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 12th St. and Wiggins Avenue, Saskatoon. For more information, please contact Fr. Daniel Yasinski at dyasinski@rcdos.ca or Fr. Colin Roy croy@rcdos.ca

 

Women’s Vocational Discernment Nights are  held regularly for young women who are open to discerning God’s call for their lives through prayer, formation discussion, and Eucharistic Adoration. The next gathering will be an Easter potluck dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 13 at the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary residence, 914 Paton Bay, Saskatoon. To RSVP with what dish you will bring, or for more details, please contact Sr. April Mireau, PM, at: aprilmireau@gmail.com or 306-531-9937 or Sr. Malou Tibayan of the Verbum Dei Sisters at: mtibayan@rcdos.ca or 306-371-7434.

 

* From Mourning to Dawn is a diocesan grief support program for widows and widowers. This eight-week journey of transformation and healing, offers support and encouragement for bereaved spouses, led by those who have also experienced this loss; open to participants who have been widows or widowers from between two months to two years. From Mourning to Dawn will be held 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays at Cathedral of the Holy Family 123 Nelson Drive, Saskatoon starting March 27, the program will also be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Anne Parish, 217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon starting March 29; cost: $35. If interested, contact Dianna Knaus immediately at dknaus@sasktel.net or (306) 382-0535 as the sessions begin this week.

 

* Christopher Leadership Course (CLC) in Effective Public Speaking will be held from March 28 to May 30, with classes at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, held at Saskatoon Community Service Village. This CLC Level 1 ten-week course is based on adult learning principles. “Learn by doing” to realize your leadership talents: organize a talk, read effectively to an audience, speak with an exhibit, introduce and thank speakers, present and accept gifts, give impromptu speeches. Registration: Single: $300 or Couple $515. Contact gnypcomm@sasktel.net or register online at https://clcnational.com/course/saskatoon-saskatchewan-clc1-public-speaking-course-spring-2023/

Teen Aid Saskatoon fund-raising supper “Created for Greatness” will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 30 at Fr. Paul Donlevy Hall at Saint Anne Parish, 217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon, with a live and silent auction and a special feature. To register, please call (306)-373-3645 or for your free ticket go to: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/teen-aid-saskatoon-fundraiser-supper-created-for-greatness-tickets-577521110187?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

Previous Announcements:

* CWL Clothing Depot: Are You Spring Cleaning? Don’t forget the CWL Clothing Depot! The Depot is in need of new and gently-worn clothing, as well as cutlery, pots and pans, blankets, towels , small appliances in good working condition and warm winter coats and jackets (to have on hand for fall). Donations will be gratefully accepted when dropped off at the Depot at 619 20th Street West, Saskatoon. Please use the back door . New drop-off  hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Monday to Friday. Again, we are asking for volunteers to work at the Depot. Call Bea at 306-242-5042 to set up a time. We look forward to meeting you.

 

* St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon CWL Easter Tea and Bake  will be held 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Avenue O and 20th Street West, Saskatoon. Mark your calendars and plan to attend!

* The downtown Outdoor Good Friday Way of the Cross in Saskatoon is back this year. On Good Friday, April 7, pilgrims will have the opportunity to pray and reflect on the scriptural way of the cross written by St. John Paul II, while walking through the streets of downtown Saskatoon. Reflections at each station will be shared by churches and local organizations. The event begins at 10 a.m. and runs until approximately 11:45 a.m. Pilgrims are asked to gather in front of the King’s Bench Courthouse at 520 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon 10 minutes prior to start time. For more information, contact Myron Rogal at (306) 659.5841 or mrogal@rcdos.ca

* What is the Lenten 40? www.lenten40.com –  Lenten 40 is a 40-kilometre run/walk along the river in Saskatoon, right before Holy Week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, April 1, 2023. Meditate on the suffering of Jesus and think of the Via Dolorosa (the path Jesus took on his way to the crucifixion, often translated as “the way of suffering).

  • Who is it for? Anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and go deeper this Lent. Whether you’re an avid runner or have never run before, this is about showing up and giving it all to God. Sign up as a team Team 40k (teams of 2 or teams of 4) or as a solo runner Solo 40k
  • Cost? Individual: $40 / Team of 2: $80 / Team of 4: $150 (not including registration fee).
  • Prayer suggestion: Pray the Rosary on each of the four legs of the Lenten 40: Leg 1 – Joyful Mysteries / Leg 2 – Sorrowful Mysteries / Leg 3 – Luminous Mysteries / Leg 4 – Glorious Mysteries – check the website for more information – lenten40.com
  • Lenten 40 Schedule

Participants will have the opportunity to run the 40 kilometres solo or to register as a team. The race will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 1 at Holy Family Cathedral, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon (corner of Attridge Drive and Forestry Farm Park Drive) and racers must be finished by 5:00 p.m.

  • 8:00 a.m. – Racer check-in and package pickup at Holy Family Cathedral Hall. Please register prior to race day.
  • 9:00 a.m. – Start of Leg 1. Behind the Holy Family Cathedral.
  • 5:00 p.m. – End of race and race cut-off time at Holy Family Cathedral.
  • 5:15 a.m. – Celebration/awards.

 

* MARRIAGE PREPARATION – Catholic Engaged Encounter (CEE)  is an intensive weekend of preparation, in which each couple is offered the time and opportunity to question, examine, and deepen their relationship, share in community and be open to God’s plan. Topics covered during the weekend include; self-awareness, values and ideals, community, sexuality, communication, decision making, Natural Family Planning, vocations, sacraments, prayer and unity. Couples are given opportunities to learn more about one another as they engage in deep and meaningful discussions between themselves, dealing with all aspects of married life. The weekend stay away from the distractions of everyday lives is designed to deepen and enrich relationships with one another, God, the Church and the World. In the diocese of Saskatoon, the Catholic Engaged Encounter weekends are held at St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster, SK, with the next session held April 28-30, 2023. Cost is $480 for the weekend and this includes all meals and accommodations. Find more information or register online at www.ceewest.com or contact Elizabeth and Deryk Meszaros at deryk200@hotmail.com. Weekend organizers are Lynn and Wanda Freistadt: (306) 373-8607.

 

A marriage preparation course called “Christ in the Middle” is offered at St. Paul Co-Cathedral Parish, 720 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon. The next course is offered Tuesday evenings 7-9 pm from April 18 to May 30. For more details and to register please contact Pastoral Associate Angela Penna at (306) 652-0033 or e-mail: apenna@stpaulcocathedral.ca.

 

PLEASE NOTE: The monthly Contemplative Mass at St. Mary Parish will not be held in April as Friday, April 7 is Good Friday. The next Contemplative Mass will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 5.

 

* Lent / Easter upcoming:

Easter Triduum– a number of parishes across the diocese Easter weekend schedules are posted at: https://rcdos.ca/easter-schedule/

Lenten Penitential Services and Opportunities for Confession / Sacrament of Reconciliation: A list of confession opportunities is in the process of being compiled on the diocesan website at: https://rcdos.ca/lent-confession/ or find parish contact information at:

https://rcdos.ca/parishes-mass-times-list/

Upcoming penitential services in Saskatoon include:

  • Our Lady of Lourdes, 1235-12th E. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 (in conjunction with a Parish Mission)
  • Michael and St. Peter the Apostle Parishes – 7 p.m. Wednesday March 29 (held at St. Michael Church, #18-33rd Street East, Saskatoon)
  • Other parishes have a range of opportunities for confessions in Lent – see the website or contact the local parish.

Upcoming penitential services and opportunities for confessions outside Saskatoon include:

 

CAPP-Canada Webinar: Care for the Environment and Human Dignity will be held 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (SK time) Saturday, April 22. Some ecological frameworks, movements and projects appear to be in tension with upholding human dignity, and some human-centred frameworks, movements and projects appear to be in tension with care for the environment. Dr. John Zucchi, professor of history at McGill University and head of the Catholic lay movement Communion & Liberation in Canada, guides us into Laudato si’ and the anthropological dimensions of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment and human dignity which shows that care for human dignity and the environment are not only fully compatible, but also intimately connected. Register online at: https://www.cappcanada.ca/event-details/care-for-the-environment-human-dignity  CAPP Canada is the Canadian wing of a Vatican foundation founded by Pope Saint John Paul II, whose mission is promoting a deeper knowledge and application of Catholic social teaching among lay Catholics.

CAPP-Canada Webinar: Magnanimity: A Virtue for Polarized Times will be held 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (SK time) Saturday, May 27. Magnanimity is the virtue of greatness of heart, the habit of seeing, emphasizing and cultivating the best in ourselves and in others in order to better serve the common good. Alexandre Havard – founder of the Virtuous Leadership System, with more than 20 institutes around the world – will share his compelling vision for living magnanimously, and how it leads us to always see and nourish the inherent dignity and good in others, to cultivate and exercise solidarity, and to uphold subsidiarity – even and especially in contexts of serious disagreement. Register online at https://www.cappcanada.ca/event-details/magnanimity-a-virtue-for-polarized-times. CAPP Canada is the Canadian wing of a Vatican foundation founded by Pope Saint John Paul II, whose mission is promoting a deeper knowledge and application of Catholic social teaching among lay Catholics.

 

Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan – CHAS – 80th Convention will be held from Thursday, Oct. 26 to Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 – Save the date! Title: Holistic Care: Healing Through Stories, Spirit and Song. Location: Queen’s House of Retreat and Renewal, 601 Taylor Street West, Saskatoon, SK. Mark your calendar and watch for details.

 

Saskatchewan March for Life 2023 will be held Thursday, May 11 in Regina. March for Life schedule: Rosary and Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral, 3125-13th Avenue, Regina at 12:30 p.m. May 11; March for Life starting 2:00 p.m. May 11 at Holy Rosary Cathedral with a short program at the Legislature followed by silent witness along Albert Street. Watch for more information about the Convention and AGM to follow later that evening: www.saskprolife.com/ .

 

* Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Leader Ministry Education – Jointly sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, St. Thomas More College, and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, the online Indigenous Pastoral & Lay Leader Ministry Education program is led by teams of Indigenous and non-Indigenous instructors, modelling respectful and reconciling relationships. Course 3: Contemporary Effects of Colonization will be held March 27 to May 23, 2023, offered online from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons. Registration is now open! Cost is $200 per course (some funding assistance available.) There is no-prerequisite required to take Course 3. (However, those who complete all four courses in the program will earn a ministry certificate.) Find more information, participant reflections, and online registration at: rcdos.ca/indigenous-ministry-education

 

* Easter at the Prison – The diocesan office of Restorative Ministry is seeking monetary donations to purchase chocolate Easter bunnies to distribute at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre as a way of sharing the power, love and joy of Christ’s Resurrection with those in prison, letting them know that they are not forgotten. Please drop labelled donations into the parish collection or send to the attention of Dianne Anderson at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, S7S 1H1, or donate online through the “designated ministry” form on the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation website at:  https://dscf.ca/designated-ministry-support/

 

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: April 30. Contact Mary Nordick: m.nordick@sasktel.net  or (306) 374-5612.

 

* St Therese students and staff will again host Spring Courses, and registration is now open for adults and older teens. The week-long certificate courses help build understanding of Catholic teaching, strengthen faith, and enrich life. The courses are taken together with the students enrolled in the faith formation program: experience St. Therese Institute and its life of study, prayer, and companionship. Courses include:

  • Ignatian Discernment (March 27-31)
  • The Apostolate of the Christian Family (March 27-31)
  • Gospel of the Body & The Little Way (Theology of the Body) (April 11-14)
  • Theology of the Laity (April 16-21)
  • Principles of Christian Education (April 16-21)
  • Ecumenical Apologetics (April 24-28)
  • TeenSTAR – Sex Educator Instructor Certification (April 24-28)

Course descriptions and schedule can be found at: www.St-T.ca/SC23. Registration for each course is $170; On-site accommodation and meal packages are available as add-ons. Upon completion, registrants receive a certificate in the respective course. Group discounts for groups of 4 or more. Courses are taught at an adult level, but most courses are also open to older teens.

* Encounter: “Continuing the Walk” a diocesan TRC event will be held 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 22, 2023 at St. Mary Parish, 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon. Join us to hear the story of a Residential School Survivor, followed by an opportunity to explore Economic Reconciliation, driven by the TRC Calls to Action to see a broader economic inclusion – especially increased Indigenous employment – as an essential form of reconciliation.

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/230197442425252 $30/person (includes lunch) Speakers:

  • Anne Lafleur, Residential School Survivor
  • Becky Sasakamoose, Cultural Diversity & Race Relations Coordinator
  • MaryAnne Morrison, Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation
  • KEYNOTE: Milton Tootoosis, BA, PAED (nêhiyaw-pwât – kîskîkomânâ), Co-founder and Chair of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network and Director for the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Inc.

 

For inquiries related to health ethics, please contact the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) ethicist, Dr. Mary Heilman, PhD, at mary.heilman@saskhealthauthority.ca  or (306) 655-5197.

 

Spiritual Care Education course opportunity – CPE Spring Intensive will be offered at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon as a full-time course from May 8 to July 21. CPE (Clinical Psychospiritual Education) is for anyone interested in spiritual care as a career or as a skill set to further their own volunteering, ministry, or profession. CPE is an opportunity to develop self-awareness and listening skills for providing competent emotional, spiritual, and religious support.  Each unit of CPE offers 400 hours of study, including 200 hours of practical experience and 200 hours of supervised, peer-group learning.  Tuition is $1,350, academic transcript available. Contact Julie Bergen, Spiritual Care Specialist, St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon at (306) 655-5827 or Julie.Bergen@saskhealthauthority.ca or find out more at: http://cpe-saskatoon.com/

 

* Rachel’s Vineyard Ministry of SK  – April 21-23 Spring Retreat- Are you hurting because of an abortion? Rachel’s Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer you a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing. The next retreat in Saskatchewan will be held April 21 – 23, 2023 in a location near Saskatoon( privacy of location respected). To register or speak to someone confidentially, contact Elaine (306) 480-8911 or: r.vineyardsk@sasktel.net

 

Fall 2023 Kindergarten Registration for other Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is underway. Children must be five years old on or before Jan. 31, 2024, to start school in September 2023 (for the communities of Martensville, Warman, Biggar and Humboldt, five years old on or before Dec. 31, 2023). Hands-on learning gives children the foundation needed to learn math concepts, build language skills, develop a love of reading and writing, grow in their love of God and neighbour. To learn more or to find a Catholic school near you, visit www.gscs.ca/kindergarten.

 

Catholic TRC Healing Response in support of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund –  The diocesan Discernment Circle has formed a Granting Committee which is now accepting applications for funding of healing and reconciliation projects through the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. Find more information about the process and the Discernment Circle’s vision on the diocesan website at: https://rcdos.ca/indigenous-reconciliation-fund/ or contact Myron Rogal at the Catholic Pastoral Centre mrogal@rcdos.ca or (306) 242-1500. For more info about our diocesan commitment of $250,000 per year over five years to support projects of support and healing for Residential School survivors and their communities, or to make a donation, please see the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation website at: https://dscf.ca/trc/ or (306) 659-5851.

 

Christ the King Camp is a hidden gem on Marean Lake established in 1961 for catechetical youth camps. Today a volunteer group of board members are intent on maintaining the camp as a place for families to strengthen their family bonds and their relationship with God through nature as a site for family celebrations, parish and youth activities, retreats, reunions, workshops or group gatherings. For available dates and more information about the camp and amenities, visit  https://www.christthekingcamp.com or phone (306) 322-2291 or text (306) 322-7694.

 

Seeking ways to help those who are fleeing to Canada from war-torn Ukraine? The Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan was established in 1972 and is the provincial council of the national UCC. The UCC represents and serves nearly 150 cultural and other Ukrainians grassroots organizations throughout the province. UCC Saskatchewan has also been engaged with the settlement of Ukrainians and other newcomers for well over 15 years. To receive updates and/or find out about a range of ways to help, please visit the UCC website: https://www.ucc.sk.ca/ A Prayer for Ukraine:  God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children at risk and in fear that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus the Prince of Peace. Amen. (Prayer from Notre Dame de Sion / Sisters of Our Lady of Sion)  Help for Ukraine – Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) – The Ukrainian bishops of Canada are working together with their churches to join CNEWA’s campaign to provide humanitarian relief in Ukraine: https://cnewa.org/campaigns/ukraine/

 

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. The e-mail addresses typically look like they could be real (using names, titles, etc.). Do NOT send gift cards, money, or cash transfers if requested to do so over e-mail or via text message. If you receive messages asking for help like this from our bishops or priests or other leaders, either contact their offices directly to check whether the messages are authentic, or just ignore. If you are the victim of fraud, contact your local police or RCMP office.

 

Employment Opportunity: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon is seeking a Director of Administration and Finance for the Catholic Pastoral Centre (CPC), 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, to work as a member of the leadership team reporting directly to the bishop. The Director of Administration and Finance is responsible for providing overall strategic leadership, with support from their team members, for the administrative and financial service portfolio, including financial services, human resources, communications, safeguarding, information technology, building and maintenance, and migration services.  Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce or a business – related field: advanced degree in Business Administration would be an asset. The following training and certifications would also be an asset: Chartered Professional Accountants designation (CPA); Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation; Ministry leadership or pastoral theological degree or designation Prior experience (7-10 years) in financial management, human resource management and change management. Prior experience in leading and coaching a diverse group of employees is required. Experience in IT and property/contract management is an asset. The successful candidate will be personally committed to the identity and mission of the Roman Catholic Diocese. The level of compensation and hours of work are under review and all inquiries about the position are welcome.  For info or to apply, contact jekeng@rcdos.ca. A more complete job description can be found at https://rcdos.ca/employment

 

Employment Opportunity: Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association is seeking a part-time Operations Coordinator to work 24 hours a week based in Regina. Find more information at https://rcdos.ca/employment

 

Queen’s House Retreat and Renewal Centre welcomes you!

Queen’s House programming combines in-person and online events using Zoom.

Address: 601 Taylor Street W, Saskatoon; Phone: 306-242-1916;

E-mail: programming@queenshouse.org; Website: https://www.queenshouseorg/

 

Current COVID-19 Guidance: Masks are encouraged but not mandated for our indoor common spaces. Physical distancing and hand sanitizing remain considerations. Monitor your personal health – if you feel ill, please stay home.   We are encouraged that our guests and visitors have completed COVID-19 vaccinations. All our staff are fully COVID vaccinated. We are a scent-free and pineapple-free facility due to a severe allergy.  Thank you for helping us to keep everyone as healthy as possible.

 

Centering Prayer – All are welcome to gather in-person at Queen’s House or virtually on Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. This drop-in gathering includes a 20-minute sit, additional insights regarding contemplation and centering prayer from the great teachers will be part of every evening in the form of video clips, and a time for small group sharing. Register online at https://www.queenshouse.org/programs/ to receive the Zoom invitation/let us know that you will be coming in person or call (306) 242-1916 Extension 222 for further information. There is no fee to attend. Donations to support the ministry of Queen’s House can be made at: https://www.queenshouse.org/donate-today/

 

Springtime Silent Retreat – Create Your Own Retreat – Come for One or Several Days! Retreat availability is 4:00 p.m. Monday April 10 to Sunday April 16 at 2:00 p.m. In the days following Easter, Queen’s House welcomes you to pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy some quiet time for prayer and rest. Come as a commuter, or stay at the retreat centre in one of our small, medium or large-size bedrooms. Enjoy nutritious meals, time to read, pray, and walk. Come for a shorter or longer time – this is sacred time for you to listen to the longings of your soul, and move to a deeper rhythm. Participants will have exclusive use of our Main Chapel and the Chapel Lounge. Commuters will be assigned a small bedroom as a dayroom for rest and relaxation. Meals will be enjoyed in silence. Participants may choose to come together for Morning and Evening Prayers, and a 20-minute Centering Prayer sit will be offered daily. Participants may also choose to meet with a spiritual director during their retreat, to explore the invitations they are hearing and any questions they are holding. If this invitation resonates with you, please call our Program Director, Sarah Donnelly, 306-242-1916 (x226), and she will assist you in creating your own retreat. Registration deadline: April 5.

 

Knights of Columbus Brothers’ Keepers Breakfasts are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Queen’s House, 601 Taylor Street West, Saskatoon, with the next event held Tuesday, April 11. Please contact Brendan Bitz to register your attendance: (306) 242-1916, extension 225.

 

Bereaved Caregivers: Living Through Loss a support group held at Queen’s House – please contact Brenda Gibbs, facilitator, prior to registering: 306-227-7323. Caregivers have often experienced years of anticipatory grief caused by the cumulative losses that occurs when a family is expecting a death. Now the vigil is over, and the final grief can be intense. No one grieves the same and there is no single recipe or formula to grief work. All that is needed is a commitment to do the work and grow in your grief. With grief in your heart, you will never be the same again, yet there is hope in finding meaning and reinvesting in your future. Six Wednesday afternoons, April 12 – May 17, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Fee: $150, with a minimum of 5 and maximum of 7 participants. Registration deadline: April 10. Contact Brenda Gibbs, facilitator: (306) 227-7323.

 

Beautiful Writing: Calligraphy for Beginners workshop will be held 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 14 at Queen’s House, 601 Taylor Street West, Saskatoon. Have you ever been curious as to how a Calligrapher got the letters to look like that? What goes into calligraphy? What makes calligraphy beautiful writing? And maybe the more pressing question, can I do it? This short introduction to Calligraphy is for those of you who have always wanted to try calligraphy or are just curious about how it works. Fee: $60. Registration deadline: April 12. Register online at https://www.queenshouse.org/programs/ or call (306) 242-1916.

 

Soul Music Encore! A Retreat to Reclaim your Creative Power Through Music will be held Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Queen’s House, 601 Taylor Street West, Saskatoon. In Soul Music Encore we will dive into the creative act of responding to and making music with our heart, mind, spirit, voices and body. Using tools such as breath, vocalization, and learning how to harness our memory, we can begin the process of reclaiming our creative capacity regardless of what we do for a living, where we are on our spiritual path, and how we got there. And of course, as part of this one-day journey, we will sing – together, and a lot! This retreat is open to all; participation in past Soul Music: Music for Every Soul retreats or experience with reading or making music of any kind is NOT required. Fee: $75 – includes lunch. Group discounts available – call 306-242-1916 (x226) to learn more. A a maximum of 25 participants. Registration deadline: May 4. Register online at https://www.queenshouse.org/programs/ or call (306) 242-1916.

 

Spiritual direction: If you are interested in having a mentor and companion to accompany you on your spiritual journey contact Sr. Adeline Behm: (306) 242-1916 Extension 228 or e-mail spiritualdirection@queenshouse.org  or visit  https://www.queenshouse.org/spiritual-direction/ to see a list of affiliated spiritual directors. In-person and online meetings are available.

 

Other Announcements (submitted for parish consideration by community groups):

Caregiver Information and Support Centre, a program of the Saskatoon Council on Aging (https://scoa.ca/ ) events about caring for a friend or family member:

  • Caregiver Forum: Hope For the Caregiver – “Strengthening Connections” will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 107 McWillie Ave., Saskatoon. Cost: $20 [includes lunch]. Presenters: Shelly Peacock, RN and PhD – a tool for caregivers caring for people living with dementia. Brenda Gibbs, MCP and CCC, discussing ways to hold onto hope though grief. Live musical entertainment. Call 306-652-2255.

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