Announcements – Summer Edition JULY 2026

EARTHCARE Connections (Prayer intentions from Farmland Legacies)

July 5 – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

*(Diocesan Prayer)

1. May agricultural communities struggling with climatic conditions worldwide together find wisdom to mitigate the challenges. We pray to the Lord. *(Diocesan Prayer)
2. May we co-operate with the Spirit of the Lord to renew the face of the Earth. We pray to the Lord.

July 12 – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

1. May God’s word sown in each of us urge us to care for the earth, which is home to all. We pray to the Lord.
2. As creation groans, may we recognize the call to stewardship and be guided in our efforts by wisdom and compassion. We pray to the Lord.

July 19 – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

1. May the Spirit of God help us to create a just food system. We pray to the Lord.
2. May we help those organizations like Farmland Legacies which provide food for the needy, especially for the clients of food banks, women’s shelters and soup kitchens. We pray to the Lord.

July 26 – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

1. Give us wisdom to treasure and protect our earthly home. We pray to the Lord.
2. Help us to see the connection between human life and the state of the environment, and work together to protect both. We pray to the Lord.

Summer Announcements:

* Help for Venezuela – Development and Peace-Caritas Canada partner Caritas Venezuela is already providing emergency aid to earthquake survivors, but because of the scale of the disaster, urgent help is needed. Last week’s earthquakes, the worst in over a century, have taken 1,450 lives and left some 50,000 people unaccounted for. The final toll is expected to be much higher. Through its vast network, Caritas Venezuela is working round-the-clock to provide food, water, medicine, hygiene kits, clothing, essential supplies, psychosocial support and pastoral care, prioritizing the elderly, children, pregnant women and persons with disabilities. To facilitate this work, Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada has made an initial allocation of $50,000. Canadians are also being asked to step up to help. Please give generously to assist the Venezuelan people: https://devp.org/en/make-a-donation/ .

* Employment Opportunity – St Augustine Catholic Church, Saskatoon is seeking an outgoing and engaging Part-Time Youth Minister to become part of the parish ministry team. The Youth Minister will provide ministry programs to our parish community’s children, youth, and families. The Youth Minister will be responsible for providing ministry to St Augustine School, Saskatoon. In addition to providing a parish presence in schools the successful applicant will plan, organize and execute regular children and youth events for Kindergarten to Grade 8 in accordance with the parish vision for youth ministry. Application requirements:

• Applicants must provide a cover letter, resumé, and contact information for their pastor and two additional references by email to jfarthing@rcdos.ca.
• Upon receipt, we will send you a job description and a link to an application form.
• Application is considered complete when we receive the completed application form.
• Application deadline is Aug. 1, 2026

For more information contact Jeff Farthing at (306) 373-3453 ext. 2

* World Youth Day Pilgrimage – This is Your Moment: Young adults 18 and up, this is your invitation to something unforgettable. World Youth Day is not just a trip. It is an encounter with Christ, an experience of the universal Church, and a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of thousands of young Catholics from around the world. The World Youth Day 2027 journey is to Seoul, South Korea, from July 29 to Aug. 9. If you are craving purpose, adventure, and a deeper faith, this is for you. Come discover what could be the most powerful experience of your life. The diocese is hosting two info nights to learn everything about the pilgrimage, meet others who are going, and take your first step toward the journey: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon. Bring your questions, bring a friend. Bring your sense of adventure. Ready to find out more? RSVP now to jhickey@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 at Saint Anne Parish, 217 Lenore Drive; at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at St. Philip Neri Parish, 1902 Munroe Avenue South; and at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Holy Spirit, 114 Kingsmere Place.

* Summer Festival of Faith – “You Did It For Me: The Call to Mission Animated by Hospitality” is the theme of the 2026 St. Philip Neri Parish Summer Festival of Faith, taking place in Saskatoon July 8-14. Registration is now open! Presenters include Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, as well as Eric A. Clayton, an award-winning author, storyteller, retreat leader. The festival also includes dynamic sessions with Deb Rolfes, Fr. Kevin McGee, and Sr. Cindy Lewans, PM, as well as engaging music celebrations including Taize Prayer with St. Philip Neri Music Ministry, and the musical talent of Matthew Praksas and Wagner Barbosa in a classical music concert, followed by a wine and cheese social event. Pick and choose your own free sessions and register before the July 6 deadline: find a link to more information, including schedules, speaker profiles, and registration on the parish website: https://stphilipneriparish.ca/.

* Reward Pilgrimage will be held Sunday, July 12 at Holy Rosary Shrine and Church, located three kilometres south of Reward, SK, beginning 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with children’s activities and a family scavenger hunt; 2 p.m. adoration and confession, with Stations of the Cross in the historic church building; 3:15 p.m. praying of the Rosary with Marian hymns; 4:00 p.m. Mass; supper (free-will offering); and 5:30 p.m. casual soccer game. Weekend Mass will also be celebrated at Holy Rosary Church at Reward at 7 p.m. on the following Saturdays: May 30, June 27, July 25, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, and Sept. 5. (Note: there is no evening Mass at St. Peter Church in Unity, SK on those dates.)

* Bus from Saskatoon to the 2026 Reward Pilgrimage: Saturday, July 12, 2026 marks the 94th annual pilgrimage held at the historic Holy Rosary Shrine in Reward, SK. This year thanks to sponsorship by St Paul Co-Cathedral, St Mary Parish Catholic Women’s League, St. Mary Knights of Columbus and Holy Family Cathedral CWL we are able once again to offer a bus pilgrimage to Holy Rosary Shrine on Sunday July 12. The bus will leave St Paul Co-Cathedral at 10 a.m. and have a picnic lunch at the shrine site. Activities at the shrine start at 2 p.m. with Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross in the Church and opportunity for confession, as well as praying of the rosary. Following the procession of parish banners, Mass will be celebrated outdoors. There is a free will supper after Mass and the bus will return home by 9 p.m. The price of the pilgrimage is $30 per person and this includes a picnic lunch. Contact: Sr Peter Mary at (306) 986-3885 or e-mail srpetermary@stpaulcocathedral.ca.

* Mount Carmel Pilgrimage will be held Sunday, July 19 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel located about 4.5 kms north of Carmel, SK (west of Humboldt), starting at 9:30 a.m. with Confessions, 10 a.m. Marian Hymns, Rosary; 10:45 a.m. Mass, Blessings of the Fields, Blessing of the Sick; 12 p.m. lunch (concession available); 1:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross, Adoration; 2:30 p.m. Enrolment of the Scapular; 3:30 p.m. soccer game, and family wiener roast.

* The St. Laurent Pilgrimage will be held July 15-16 at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine east of Duck Lake (or turn at the small statue on Highway 11, north of Saskatoon). There will be nine days (Novena) of Eucharistic celebrations and prayers at the site before the pilgrimage, held at 7 p.m. daily from July 6 to 14, except Sunday, July 12, when Mass will be at 4 p.m. Schedule for the main pilgrimage July 15-16:

Wednesday, July 15 at St. Laurent shrine:

• 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. – St. Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit in the log church;
• 3:30 p.m. – Information session about the future of the site;
• 4 p.m. – Holy Hour with adoration, rosary and prayers, followed by supper;
• 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Sacrament of Reconciliation;
• 7:15 p.m. – Marian devotions;
• 8:30 p.m. – Mass;
• 9:45 p.m. – Torchlight procession from the Grotto to the Log Church for Eucharistic adoration.

Thursday, July 16 at St. Laurent Shrine:

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – St. Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit in the log church;
• 9 a.m. – Mass in Cree with Archbishop Susai Jesu, OMI, of the Archdiocese of Keewatin Le-Pas held at the Imihew Aski Prayer Meadow;
• 9 a.m. – Divine Liturgy in English with Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon at the Grotto;
• 11 a.m. – Mass with Msgr. Maurice Fiolleau, priests and deacons at the Grotto
• 12 p.m. – Lunch
• 2 p.m. – Anointing of the Sick
• 3:15 p.m. – Way of the Cross
• 4 p.m. Information session about the future of the site.

Young Adult Conference in Alberta – Young adults from 18 to 35 years are invited to join the Star of the North Retreat Centre (located in St. Albert, Alberta) and Oblates of Mary Immaculate for a weekend retreat Ever New: Living Mission Through Community. Cost is $200 for the retreat to be held July 16-19 at the Star of the North Retreat Centre, 3A St. Vital Avenue, St. Albert, Alberta. Young adults are welcome to be renewed in Jesus and the Word. Includes a variety of keynotes, discussions, hangouts, good food, activities, field trips, and social gatherings! Register or find information: www.starofthenorth.ca.

* The World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday, July 26. Find Pope Leo’s message for the World Day on the Vatican website at: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/messages/grandparents.html. A pastoral resource kit for parishes and families is also available at: https://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/en/eventi/2026/vi-giornata-mondiale-dei-nonni-e-degli-anziani.html

* St. Philomena Walking Pilgrimage: Registration is now open for the 8th annual Saint Philomena Walking Pilgrimage Aug. 11 to 14, a physical and spiritual journey with daily Mass or Divine Liturgy and prayer. Pilgrims are free to join for a few hours, a day or two, or for all four days. Support vehicles are available to give you a ride back to your car or to the next rest stop. Or do the entire walk – approximately 100 kms, with overnight stops arranged, and your sleeping gear transported for you. Breakfast and supper are provided, and there are rest stops during the day where you will find water, snacks and toilets. This pilgrimage is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Regina, starting Aug. 11 at Saint Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton and ending at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine at Rama, SK. in time for the annual Assumption of Mary pilgrimage.  For more information go to www.stphilomena.ca

* The 81st Rama Pilgrimage will be held Aug. 14-15 at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine at St. Anthony Church, Rama, SK. Schedule: Vigil of Mary’s Assumption Friday, Aug. 14 begins 3 p.m. with Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 4:30 p.m. supper (book by Aug. 1 at 306-593-6120), 6 p.m. Marian hymns and confessions, 8 p.m. Mass, living rosary, candlelight procession, exposition and adoration; Feast of Mary’s Assumption Saturday, Aug. 15 includes 8:30 a.m. morning prayers in Polish; 9 a.m. Mass in Polish; 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite; 11:30 a.m. Mass (English), anointing of the sick, blessing for plenary indulgence, blessing of religious articles; lunch (book by Aug. 1 at 306-593-6120). More information: https://www.ramashrine.ca/.

* Summer Learning Tour – Join St. Mary Parish Truth and Reconciliation Committee Friday, Aug. 21 on a trip to Fort Carlton, SK, to attend the 150^th Commemoration of the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876.  This will be an opportunity to participate in the opening ceremonies, view the Treaty 6 parchment, tour scenic Fort Carlton, and listen to Elders speak about the spirit, intent and responsibilities of the Treaty. Find more information at https://treaty6150.ca,  and/or to car pool, call Bonnie Roberts at (306) 374-9183. Four days of Ceremony, Dialogue, Culture and Gathering, Aug. 20-23, mark the signing at Fort Carlton of Treaty 6 which covers most of the central area of the current provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Treaties in Canada are legally binding agreements between the Crown (government) and Indigenous nations that define ongoing rights, obligations, and relationships. They are fundamental to the Canadian constitution, acting as a foundation for co-existence, land sharing, and reconciliation.

Millennium Cross Pilgrimage: The annual pilgrimage to the 100-foot cross 10 km northeast of Aberdeen, SK. on Highway 41 will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, with guest speaker Fr. Bassim Shoni of Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Parish in Saskatoon, rosary, prayers, reflections, and displays. Bring lawn chairs, umbrellas, insect repellent. Find out more about the Millennium Cross and the annual pilgrimage at: https://millenniumcross.ca/

* An Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Leader Ministry Education Program (IPL) online course from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon presents the next session “Introduction to Reconciliation” beginning Sept. 15 for all those interested in deepening their understanding of the history of Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church as a response to the TRC Calls to Action. Presenters will include Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Indigenous leaders. The course will be held online Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekly until Nov. 10; cost is $200 (bursaries may be available). No prerequisite is required. Find registration, as well as a video overview and participant reflections at rcdos.ca/indigenous-ministry-education

* Retreat Sept. 25 to 27 presented by the Verbum Dei Missionaries – “Put out into deep water” (Luke 5:4): Join Verbum Dei Missionaries Sr. Marta Piano and Sr. Sol Abala for a weekend retreat 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 to the 11:00 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, held at Living Waters Camp on Adamson Lake, north of Saskatoon. Cost is $285 includes accommodations and meals (please bring your own bedsheets/linens, towels, pillows, and toiletries). Register online at: https://forms.gle/PnA1z8erqjrHU3LJ7  Registration fee can be e-transferred to:  verbumdeisk.ca@gmail.com. For more information, call Sr. Marta or Sr. Sol at (306) 659-5843.

* 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).

Encyclical released: Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas” explores the relationship between technology, power, and the human person. Find the encyclical at: https://www.humandevelopment.va/en/magnifica-humanitas/l-enciclica.html.

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, Rubbermaid containers, clocks, sheets, comforters, and towels. Drop off donations at the CWL Clothing Depot, 619 20th Street West, 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. Thank you for your kindness in making a difference for someone in need. For donation inquiries contact Bea at (306) 242-5042.

Faith-Based Advance Care Directive available – One of the most effective ways to counter the narrative of those who encourage medically-provided death — euthanasia / assisted suicide, often euphemistically referred to as “MAiD” — is by completing a Faith-Based Advance Care Directive. Directives are available as a free download from the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) website at https://chassk.ca/faithbasedcare/ , or you may purchase a physical booklet at Universal Church Supplies in Saskatoon. Additionally, there is a video guide to help in completing the directive, posted at: https://youtu.be/BNGgc9ogZ30?si=8T2J7raScCIgaGRR For further information, please contact CHAS Executive Director Peter Oliver at peter@chassk.ca or ethicist, Mary Heilman, at mary@chassk.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/.

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.

Grow Hope Saskatchewan: Generous Saskatchewan farmers donate land and labour to grow crops, with input costs covered by donors from all walks of life – crops are then sold to raise funds to feed the hungry and build food security around the globe through Canadian Foodgrains Bank, with funds matched by the federal government. Learn more at: https://www.growhopesk.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.

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.

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.

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