Announcements for Sunday, May 3 – Fifth Sunday of Easter

* Diocesan prayer – We pray as a diocesan family that leaders of nations will work toward lasting peace and right relationship, and that all people in war-torn countries – especially children and the most vulnerable – will find help and protection.

EARTHCARE Connections (Prayer intentions from Farmland Legacies)

1. Keep safe all farmers and those who work the soil as they plant the seeds for our nourishment. We pray to the Lord.

2. Grant that the efforts of Farmland Legacies to provide food for the hungry may be successful. We pray to the Lord.

New Announcements:

Catholic Education Week will be observed May 10-17 in the eight Catholic school divisions in Saskatchewan, and includes the celebration of World Catholic Education Day which is marked on Ascension Thursday, May 14, 2026. During this week, students and staff of Catholic schools will enjoy many opportunities to recognize and reflect on Catholic Education and this year’s theme “Pilgrims of Hope – On the Path of Holiness.” Daily prayer, scripture sharing, and calls to action will invite all to journey together, recognizing life as a path shaped by faith, community, and a deepening relationship with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Find resources on the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association website https://www.scsba.ca/catholic-education-week/ or find more information on the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) website at https://www.gscs.ca/page/48/catholic-education-week or contact your local Catholic school to learn more about their special activities that week.

Catholic Education: Pilgrims of Hope – On the Path to Holiness

“As God who called you is holy, be holy yourselves.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)

L’éducation catholique: Pèlerins de l’espérance – sur le chemin de la sainteté

« Á l’exemple du Dieu saint qui vous a appelés, devenez saints, vous aussi. » (1 Pierre 1, 15-16).

* Anniversary of Priestly Ordination – St. Paul Co-Cathedral will host a 40^th Anniversary of Ordination Celebration for Fr. Stefano Penna and Fr. Les Paquin on Saturday, May 9. There will be a celebratory Mass at 5 p.m., followed by a catered roast beef dinner and celebration in the Bishop Mahoney hall at St. Paul Co-Cathedral, 720 Spadina Cr. E. Saskatoon. Tickets are $30 each or $100 per family, and children under 5 free. For tickets, call the parish office at (306) 652-0033. If you have photos of Fr. Stefano and Fr. Les from events, sacraments, or daily parish life, please send copies via e-mail to kylesiemens6@gmail.com

* Pancake Breakfast at St. Mary Parish Hall, 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day), after the 10 a.m. Mass.

* Pancake Breakfast at St. Joseph Parish Hall, corner of Broadway Avenue and 8^th Street East in Saskatoon will be. Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 24 (not the corrected date) hosted by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Knights of Columbus Council #11429; tickets: adult/$10; children 5-15 years/ $5; family $35.

* A Multicultural Gospel Music Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 22 at Holy Spirit Parish, 114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon; $10/adult; $5/youth 6-17 years; free/5 years and under. For more information, email Lynn Eremondi at leremondi@rcdos.ca.

Health Advantages to Monitoring Fertility “Menarche to Menopause” is an online opportunity for healthcare professionals seeking to support women who are monitoring their cycle using the Billings Ovulation method while dealing with the physiology and hormonal processes behind the ovulatory cycle, to be presented virtually by Dr. Karen MacDonald, MD, CCFP, EM and Elizabeth Tanguary, RN, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. SK time, June 11 and June 18. Register before June 8 at  https://tinyurl.com/4nkrbyhz  or visit the Woomb Canada website at:  https://woombcanada.wordpress.com/news/

Donations needed: The emergency food pantry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous Catholic Parish in Saskatoon is appealing for donations to assist some of the most vulnerable in our community. Donations of food staples are greatly needed, including powdered milk, peanut butter (small sizes preferred), coffee, tea, canned beans, meat and fish, canned soups and vegetables, pasta sauce, pasta, rice, and ramen noodles. Monetary donations permit the parish to purchase exactly what is needed. Contact Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at (306) 653-4945; the parish office is located at 426 Avenue J South, Saskatoon.

“This is the house that Jack built”: A Nursery Rhyme Metaphysic – All are welcome to Rebuilding Catholic Culture’s 9th Annual Dessert Night and Talk at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1224 12^th Street East, Saskatoon (doors open at 6:30 pm). Dr. Celene Sidloski will give a talk on how a simple nursery rhyme can orient both child and adult toward a Christian vision—one in which man’s proper participation in the order of creation makes possible an assent to the goodness of being and of the truth of all things.  In hearing the old song of the nursery, the heart of the child—and the mind of the adult—is reconciled to God’s providential order and made stalwart for its encounter with life. Talk will be followed by a cheesecake and brownie bar. Free will donations gratefully accepted. Please RSVP attendance: contact Celene Sidloski at (306) 715-1541 or at csidloski@stmcollege.ca.

Previous Announcements:

“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 (May 11 and May 25) at Holy Spirit, 114 Kingsmere Place.

* 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:

• May 6: Martensville – 7 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Martensville
• May 8: Wynyard – time to be announced, held at St. Mary Parish, Wynyard

Watch for additional 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)

* 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.

* 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 May 9 at St. Mary Church, Saskatoon, and to 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.

* The Annual Pro-Life Mother’s Day walk will be held on Sunday May 10, along College Drive from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. between Hospital Drive and Wiggins Avenue. Signs are provided. This is a family friendly event, with free snacks and refreshments also available. For more information, please call Louis at (306) 249-2764.

* Priests’ Pension and Retirement Fund – 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.

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.

* “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:

• 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

* 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.)

OMI Bicentennial celebration May 21 in Alberta – Join in celebrating the Oblate Bicentennial (1826-2026) on 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. 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 in Edmonton, with keynote speaker Fr. Ken Forster, OMI. Tickets $200 each: 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 at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 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. Please register online at: https://form.jotform.com/260254536281253 before May 20, 2026, or 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.)

* “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.

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, 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at Salon A and B of TCU Place.

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 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).

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 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.

Mark your Calendars – “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 – 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

* 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

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.

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.

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, 2^nd 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 relies on 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 is provided. Those interested can contact volunteers@saskhealthauthority.ca for information.

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.

– 30 –