Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined in the annual United Conference presented Oct. 26-27, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.

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An evening of reflection on the life and holiness of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) was held Oct. 25 in the Queen of Peace Chapel at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. “To the Heights” focused on the life and example of the young 20th-century lay Dominican who died nearly 100 years ago at the age of 24.

Young adult and vocation ministry leaders in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon organized the event in collaboration with the cathedral, hosting guest speaker Fr. David Bellusci, OP, of Vancouver, who has written a book about the young Italian Catholic who is on the road to being proclaimed a saint of the church.

“It was a life-giving experience to be part of this event,” said Sr. Marta Piano of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity.

“Fr. David Bellusci brought us ‘To the Heights!’ Through the virtuous life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati we were drawn to awe of the extraordinary in the ordinary, to the sense of beauty and righteousness, and to be inspired to engage generously. As Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati would say: ‘so that the radiant dawn may break in which all nations recognize that Jesus Christ as King.'”

Blessed Frassati, one of the patrons of the 2023 World Youth Day held in Portugal, was concerned about helping the poor in the slums of Turin, the needy students in Berlin, but especially in contributing to world peace. His spiritual maturity was expressed by making sacrifices.

Blessed Frassati’s phrase, Verso l’Alto, “To the Summit,” expresses his journey ascending towards God. His life of virtue, love and sacrifice prompted St. John Paul II to refer to him as a “man of the eight beatitudes.”

The biography written by Bellusci, entitled Pier Giorgio Frassati: Truth, Love, and Sacrifice draws from letters and witness accounts, showing the young man’s increasing engagement with the world around him, shaped by his spiritual life.

Bellusci brought a second-class relic of Blessed Frassati to the Saskatoon event, which included prayer, a talk, and a time for questions.

 

RELATED:

Upcoming vocation event: a “Come and See” morning for young women 18-28 years of age, about the Sts. Benedict and Scholastica formation program in the diocese of Saskatoon will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; register before Nov. 28 by calling Sr. Sol Abala at (639) 470-8333.

Diocesan World Youth Day will be marked on the Solemnity of Christ the King, Sunday, Nov. 24, with 6:30 p.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, followed by testimony from young adults. All are welcome.

Photos:

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – rcdos.ca.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Vocations, Communications, and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.

The 2024 CHAS convention “Awaking Dignity: Relationship at the Heart of Care” was held Oct. 22 and 23 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, including an evening of reflection and prayer open to the public.

Panelists Amanda Achtman, Dr. Leonie Herx, MD, PhD, FCPC (PC), and Dr. Mary Heilman, PhD, spoke during the evening event, entitled
“From Death into Life: Finding Reasons for Our Hope.”

Convention keynote speakers included palliative care physician Herx who presented “You Matter – Enhancing Dignity & Human Flourishing through Palliative Care“, theologian and author Dr. Josephine Lombardi, PhD, who spoke on “Redemptive Suffering,” as well as on “Spiritual First Aid” and Sr. Cindy Lewans of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, MTS, MRE, BEd., who presented “Our True Identity and Dementia.”

Breakout sessions during the convention included: “It Starts with Me: Grassroots Participation in Palliative Care” with C. Philomena Ojukwu, Anna Maria Buhr, Jacqueline Saretsky, and Dr. Mary Heilman and Mental Health Ministry: Fostering Communities of Hope with Myron Rogal, Dr. Christine Taylor, Deacon Eric Gurash, and Fr. Andre Lalach.

Saskatchewan Bishops attending various sessions throughout the convention included Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Prince Albert Bishop Stephen Hero, Regina Archbishop Donald Bolen, and Bishop Michael Smolenski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.

The convention also included prayer, AGM, a blessing of the board of directors, and the presentation of awards to Dr. Bruce Berscheid who was recognized with the CHAS Mission Award for outstanding service and his decades of commitment to Catholic health care, and to Barb Berscheid who received the Moola-Freer Award which honours those who serve with compassion in palliative care, for her many years supporting and volunteering at the St. Paul’s Hospital palliative care unit.

CHAS Award Recipients 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Gallery – LINK

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Fr. Matthew Ramsay was appointed pastor of St. Michael Parish, Tramping Lake, SK, and St. Peter Parish, Unity, SK, earlier this summer, with the appointment marked by special prayers of installation led by Bishop Mark Hagemoen on World Mission Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.

The bishop endeavours to celebrate the optional liturgy during Sunday Mass at parishes across the diocese who have recently welcomed a new pastor.

The installation prayers led by the bishop reflect prayerfully on the role of the pastor, highlighting the priest’s sacramental ministry through a series of prayers at different spots throughout the church building: the altar, the ambo, the tabernacle, the baptismal font, the entrance of the church, the confessional, and so on.

Installation prayers at Tramping Lake:

(Photos at St. Michael Parish, Tramping Lake, SK by Rose Simon)

 

 

 

 

 

Installation prayers at Unity:

(Photos at St. Peter Parish, Unity, SK, by Karen McCubbing)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – rcdos.ca. Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.

 

With great joy and thanksgiving, hundreds gathered from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Western Canada, and beyond, for the priestly ordination of Fr. Luke Tran Van Tam on Oct. 18, the Feast of his patron saint, Saint Luke the Evangelist.

Before the Ordination Mass began at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, children and youth from Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Catholic Community of Saskatoon brought forward an offering of flowers as a Marian devotion.

The Diocesan Choir – directed by Shaun Bzdel, with Wendy Dale on piano and Ken Neitz on organ – was joined in music ministry by the Vietnamese Catholic Choir of Surrey, B.C., where Fr. Luke would often visit while studying at the nearby Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, B.C.

Special guests at the ordination Mass included Fr. Luke Tran Van Tam’s parents, who travelled from Việt Nam for the celebration, along with other family members.

Seminarians, deacons, and priests from a number of dioceses across Western Canada also attended the ordination Mass, including priests from the dioceses of Vancouver; Edmonton; Calgary; St. Paul, AB; St. Boniface, MB; Mackenzie-Fort Smith, NT; Prince Albert, SK; and Regina.

Fr. Anthony Tien Tran, Pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Surrey, B.C. in the Archdiocese of Vancouver assisted the newly-ordained priest during the Investiture with the Stole and Chausible.

Fr. Luke then knelt before the bishop, who anointed his hands with sacred chrism.

The offertory gifts were brought up by members of Fr. Luke’s family. Presenting the newly-ordained priest with a chalice and paten, the bishop said: “Understand what you will do, imitate what you will hold, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”

The bishop and all the priests then embraced the newly-ordained priest during the “Kiss of Peace.”

The celebration continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist and communion. It concluded with words of thanks from Fr. Luke, and a message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen to the parents of the newly-ordained priest, which was translated into Vietnamese by Fr. Anthony Tien Tran of Surrey, B.C.

“My dear brothers and sisters, God’s mercy to me is great, and this ordination is a manifestation of his grace,” said Fr. Luke, expressing his gratitude to the crowd that filled the cathedral worship space, and to those viewing the live-stream video online, both in English and in Vietnamese.

“Special thanks to Bishop Mark for ordaining me, and for your constant support throughout my journey,” he said, before noting the support of those at Christ the King Seminary and in the diocese and beyond, and all those who have accompanied him on his faith journey. “Your prayers and support have been a source of strength for me…. Words will never be able to express how deeply your kindness has touched my heart.”

“Finally, and most importantly, I would like to offer my deepest gratitude to God for calling and anointing me to be His priest:  Thank you Lord, for your constant presence in my life, for patiently leading me along this path, even when I didn’t fully understand it,” said Fr. Luke.  “You, in Your wisdom, took me far from my home, into a new country, a new culture, and among new people. Through it all You showed me that I was never alone, and that your grace and mercy have always been with me.”

Addressing Fr. Luke’s parents, the bishop said: “I want to thank you both very much for the generous gift of your son to the priesthood. It must be difficult to see a son leave your country, probably mixed blessings but also challenges, and I know you miss him very much.”

The bishop continued: “He is a very faithful man, he is very hard working and he is very determined…. very grateful for the gift of your son; he learned his faith from you, foremost… thank you, thank you, thank you. Your gift is great and we will always remember you in our prayers.”

During the recessional hymn, the bishop knelt to receive a blessing from the newly-ordained priest. Blessings continued at the reception that followed the Mass, as those in attendance also lined up to receive a blessing.

[Fr. Luke Tran Van Tam was born April 30, 1987 in Việt Nam and came to Canada on July 19, 2017 in order to discern the vocation of priesthood for the diocese of Saskatoon. He was accepted as a diocesan seminarian of Saskatoon in July 2018, and studied at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, B.C. until his pastoral year at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, which began in the summer of 2023.]

Gallery of photos:  LINK

 

Live-stream video of Ordination Mass:

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Vocations, and the education of future priests are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.

Provincial and Municipal Elections – LETTER from Bishop Mark Hagemoen (PDF)

Catholic Conscience provincial election platform comparision – LINK

“Voting Like a Catholic” PDF (EN)   /   <<Voter comme un catholique>> PDF (FR)

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon

As we approach the upcoming provincial and civic elections, and as all citizens are called to fulfill their responsibilities to inform themselves of the various issues, I am taking this opportunity to support members of our Catholic communities in their engagement with the electoral process, and encourage all to be informed regarding the major moral and social issues important to Catholics.

While no one political party can be promoted at any Catholic Church, it is certainly appropriate to make available the positions of all political parties to moral and social issues.

To this end, I would strongly promote making available the attached “Voting Like A Catholic” resource from the non-profit and non-partisan organization Catholic Conscience, which reflects on key issues not only for Catholics but for all citizens. It also includes a link to a resource comparing the various political parties’ published platforms with Catholic Social Teaching: https://CatholicConscience.org/Canada/Saskatchewan/2024-provincial-election.

For Catholics, voting is not only a duty but involves ongoing education and formation. A key feature of carrying out one’s duty and responsibility to vote is to exercise and inform one’s conscience. This is particularly important because we are called to be voices that speak to virtue, healing and decency in politics and social engagement. We are also called to be mindful of both personal and community issues and goals – especially in terms of those who are unable to speak for themselves.

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On route to attend meetings in Alberta, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon stopped in at the Calgary Life Chain to stand in solidarity and prayer with those witnessing for the sacredness of life from conception until natural death, calling for an end to abortion.

In the diocese of Saskatoon Life Chain were held in Saskatoon, Humboldt, and Unity, SK.

Submitted photos:

 

Read more about the Called and Gifted workshop in Saskatoon at Catholic Saskatoon News – LINK

The Called and Gifted™ Discernment Process from the Catherine of Siena Institute is designed to help Christians discern the presence of charisms (God’s gifts) in their lives. For more information about the Called and Gifted program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, contact Sr. Malou Tibayan at mtibayan@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5843 or see the pamphlet (PDF).

In the first of three diocesan workshops this fall, 16 participants gathered at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon Oct. 4 and 5 for an introduction to the Called and Gifted™ discernment process.

The process as explained by the Catherine of Siena Institute website is “designed to help Christians discern the presence of charisms in their lives. Charisms, or spiritual gifts, are special abilities given to all Christians by the Holy Spirit to give them power both to represent Christ and to be a channel of God’s goodness for people. Whether extraordinary or ordinary, all charisms ought to be exercised in the service of God.”

The Called and Gifted introductory workshop will also be held this fall in two other locations to provide greater opportunity across the diocese to participate in this life-changing process:

• Oct. 19: St. Theresa Parish, 208 Little Flower Avenue, Rosetown, SK (One day only: 9 a.m. – 5: 30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19:  LINK to register.
• Nov. 8-9: St Augustine Parish, 809 – 10th Street, Humboldt, SK (Two days: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 and 9-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 – LINK to register.

For more information about the Called and Gifted program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, contact Sr. Malou Tibayan at mtibayan@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5843 or see the pamphlet (PDF).

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined the parish community of Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens in Saskatoon for Sunday Mass Sept. 29, with many events to celebrate, including the feast day of the parish’s patron saints and the installation of Fr. Gregory Roth as pastor.

In addition, the bishop made note of the Catholic Church’s celebration of the World Day for Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 29, and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30.

“We pray for God’s blessing as we support our Indigenous brothers and sisters and all our country on the ongoing task of truth finding and reconciliation and healing,” he said. “It is not a simple task, it doesn’t happen just because we celebrate a national day, it’s a journey.”

• RELATED: Bishop Hagemoen’s message for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
• RELATED: Pope Francis’ message for World Day for Migrants and Refugees

In tying together the various themes for the day in his homily, Hagemoen cited a recent celebration by Canadian Catholic bishops of the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Archdiocese of Quebec, the first Catholic diocese in north America, and the life and service of its first bishop, St. Francois de Laval, patron saint of the Catholic bishops of Canada.

On the eve of the annual Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) in Quebec City, Cardinal Gérald Lacroix of the Archdiocese of Quebec gifted each bishop a replica of the pectoral cross of St. François de Laval, the patron saint of Canadian bishops — Hagemoen noted that the Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens celebration was his first time wearing the cross.

Hagemoen reflected on St. Laval’s ministry to both the newcomers who migrated to Quebec as settlers, and to the Indigenous communities throughout the then-vast territory of the first North American diocese.

“He had a tremendous heart for God’s people,” said Hagemoen. “Bishop Laval went to all the far-flung communities — to settler communities and to Indigenous communities — to draw close and get to know them. And many of the immigrants who came to Canada in those days encountered a lot of challenges, and hardships, and very quickly, the Indigenous People who welcomed them also would encounter unexpected challenges, especially in terms of the new issues brought about by what we now call colonization.”

Hagemoen noted: “The Church always has a preferential option for the poor and the needy, including migrants and refugees, not just because of who they are, but because of who we are… We are people who imitate Christ who has a heart for the stranger, for the person who is travelling, and for the people who need accommodation and support.”

Hagemoen quoted the homily of Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille (Pope Francis’ special envoy to the CCCB celebration of the 350^th anniversary of the first Catholic diocese in North America):

“We must remember that fundamentally the Church’s mission is to be at the service of love, with which God loves the world. … Such a way of living out the mission places the church off-centre, obliging her not to allow herself to be obsessed by a concern for her own survival, but rather to let Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, live within her, who is capable of constantly renewing her, and for whom she is responsible for proclaiming, not so much by dazzling action, but by a presence, a closeness, and attention to everyone, especially the least of these.”

The Canadian martyrs – St. Jean de Brebeuf (1593-1648) and companions – also showed the way, added Hagemoen, noting the Francophone parish’s observation of the patron saints’ Sept. 26 Canadian feast day at the Sunday celebration.

“We focus on their literal martyrdom, which is why Fr. Greg and I wear red today, because they shed their blood in witness for Christ and His love and mercy,” he said.

“They did that as they entered into the cultural situation and the challenges of the two Indigenous groups, the Huron and the Iroquois… but isn’t it the case that, as we live in the world, we can often be brought into situations, even conflicts and certain challenges that seem devastating, and some days, might not even seem to have a solution? However, the mystery of our faith is that through death there is resurrection.”

Pastor’s installation

The bishop then pointed to the ritual for installation of a pastor to be celebrated after the homily: “The reason for this ritual with Fr. Greg in a few moments is to celebrate the liturgical and sacramental priesthood that he gives and presents to this parish community as an ordained ministerial priest, to you, who also share in the priesthood of Christ – called the common priesthood – and there is an intimate, vital relationship there.”

He added: “You and I cannot give, unless we are receiving from the Way, the Truth, and the Life… The purpose, why we gather here every Sunday, is so that we may meet and see, encounter and receive Jesus Christ in his Word and in the Bread of Life so that we can go forward and bring the life and blessing and hope of God to a world that badly needs it”

Hagemoen thanked Roth for hearing and responding to God’s call to be an ordained priest, and the parish community: “for your faith, for supporting him, and for calling him to be the priest that he is called to be.”

The installation prayers led by the bishop reflected prayerfully on the role of the pastor, highlighting the priest’s sacramental ministry through a series of prayers at different spots throughout the church building: the altar, the ambo, the tabernacle, the baptismal font, the entrance of the church, the confessional, and so on.

Fr. Gregory Roth was appointed pastor of Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Parish and nearby Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon earlier this year. Ordained in 2012, he previously served as pastor at St. Peter Parish in Unity and St. Michael Parish in Tramping Lake.

The celebration Sept. 29 concluded with a lunch in the parish hall.

Photos:

 

Live-stream video:

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Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30 – PDF

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Monday, September 30, 2024

Dear Clergy, Religious, Parishes, PLDs, Parish Administration and Faithful of the Diocese of Saskatoon:

As we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, I wish to encourage all to take time for prayer, reflection, and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples.

At this time, we particularly remember and honour Residential School Survivors, and all Indigenous Peoples who continue to deal with the legacy of struggle related to the experience of contact with non-Indigenous peoples and nations. This day is a call for greater awareness and action – that as we continue to work toward truth and reconciliation, we will acknowledge and strive to overcome the past mistakes, arrogance, and misuse of authority that has so often been part of our shared collective history. This day is also a call to move forward together in greater understanding, pursuing justice, and working for a better future for all.

I again renew my pledge that our diocese will continue to walk a path of reconciliation and healing. This is part of our gospel call to reconciliation and solidarity. We strive to walk in love and friendship as sisters and brothers, always working for justice, hope and healing. Let us all continue to take concrete steps on this journey.

St Jerome, whose memorial we also celebrate on September 3o, once stated that the gift of the poor widow in the Gospel (see Mk 12:42-44) – was valued not because of its value or ‘weight’, but by the good will with which her offering was made. Sometimes we may be overwhelmed by the difficulty and complexity of the challenge of ‘reconciliation’ – especially as we look at the current state of our world with all of its examples of conflict and division. However, we pray that our One God, who is Father and Creator of all peoples, will make our hearts true and good, as we seek the healing beyond the hurt, and the shalom – the right relationship beyond any isolation or indifference.

I include below the “Prayer for Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Right-Relationship” authored by the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council in 2023.

Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Mark A. Hagemoen

Bishop of Saskatoon 

Prayer for Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Right-Relationship 

Let us pray:

O God, Creator and Father of all, with humility we your children acknowledge the relationship of all living things. For this we thank you, we praise you and we worship you.

We call on you, Great Mystery, the Word made Flesh – our teacher, prophet and brother – to open our hearts to all our brothers and sisters, and with them to grow in the wisdom, honesty, courage and respectfulness shown in The Sacred Teachings.

Give us the vision and honesty to recognize that the we are all brothers and sisters of one human family, created and sustained by the One Creator. As we deal with many challenges, may we never give way to fear and anger, which can be the source of division and threat among peoples.

We look to how God always gives to us, as a remedy for sins of prejudice and intolerance. We see in God the Creator of all things, One who always provides and is generous – even given the abuses we have heaped on one another and on the earth.

We see in the Son, Jesus Christ – the innocent Victim who pours His life blood out from the cross for all peoples.  We see how the Holy Spirit is God’s gift, alive in our world today – inspiring vision and hope that we can have the same mind and heart of God!

O Creator, show us the way to healing, forgiveness and reconciliation, and a renewed fellowship.

+Amen