At the diocesan Rite of Election Feb. 26, 2023, Bishop Mark Hagemoen welcomed and blessed catechumens from across the diocese who are journeying toward the initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist.
At the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent, Bishop Mark Hagemoen holds up the Book of the Elect after catechumens from across the diocese signed their names, as part of their journey to receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Affirmed by their parishes and by their sponsors, the catechumens wrote their names in the Book of the Elect, and entered another stage of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). The newly-elect now begin a “season of purification and enlighten during Lent,” before celebrating the sacraments at Easter.
During the afternooon celebration at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, Bishop Hagemoen also welcomed and blessed candidates — already baptized Christians who are preparing to be received into the Catholic Church.
The Rite of Election included celebration of Sunday Eucharist for the First Sunday of Lent. In attendance were a number of priests from parishes that are preparing catechumens and candidates to receive sacraments at Easter, as well as sponsors, family members and parishioners from the 13 parishes participating in this year’s celebration.
Rite of Election 2023 (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses the catechumens and candidates during the diocesan Rite of Election 2023 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Already-baptized candidates journeying toward full initiation in the Catholic Church were also blessed by Bishop Mark Hagemoen during the celebration of the Rite of Election Feb. 26. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Rite of Election 2023 (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
The diocesan choir with participants from across the diocese provided music ministry for the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The diocesan choir with participants from across the diocese provided music ministry for the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Rite of Election 2023 MC Erin Gratton of Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen blesses the catechumens who will be baptized at Easter across the diocese. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Catechumens signed the Book of the Elect near the baptismal font at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon during Rite of Election 2023. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Signing the Book of the Elect during Rite of Election 2023. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Signing the Book of the Elect during Rite of Election 2023. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Signing the Book of the Elect during Rite of Election 2023. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Rite of Election 2023 (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Celebrating the Eucharist as part of the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A diocesan prayer service was held on the First Friday of Lent at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon to pray for victims and survivors of abuse. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
A candlelight prayer service was held on the First Friday of Lent in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon to pray for all victims and survivors of abuse, establishing what will become an annual event.
The candlelight prayer service at the Cathedral of the Holy Family included the Stations of the Cross, with reflections from the perspective of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and prayers at each of the 14 stations by Bishop Mark Hagemoen that included praying for all victims and survivors of abuse.
A time of Eucharistic Adoration followed, with those in attendance invited to bring up candles an to offer prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. As well, the bishop anointed all who came forward to receive the sacrament of healing during the time of Adoration.
“We dedicate these prayers for any victims or survivors of abuse anywhere in the world and those who have dealt with this, and those who are continuing to deal with this,” said the bishop at the start of the service.
“We pray that the church and our world will be healed of any threat to human dignity, and that this Lenten season will be a time when we can walk with the Lord to realize that dignity more fully.”
“We are doing this in solidarity with other dioceses throughout the world,” noted Bishop Hagemoen. “This was a commitment form our Safeguarding Committee and our College of Consultors here in the diocese.”
Prayer for Healing for Victims / Survivors of Abuse concluding the Saskatoon prayer service:
“God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave Your only Son to save us by the blood of His cross. Gentle Jesus, Shepherd of Peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with ope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cuase, enlightened by your truth. Holy Spirit, Comforter of hearts, heal Your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labours. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.” – www.USCCB.org
“We dedicate these prayers for any victims or survivors of abuse anywhere in the world and those who have dealt with this, and those who are continuing to deal with this,” said the bishop at the start of the service.
“We pray that the church and our world will be healed of any threat to human dignity, and that this Lenten season will be a time when we can walk with the Lord to realize that dignity more fully,” said Bishop Hagemoen.
“We are doing this in solidarity with other dioceses throughout the world,” noted Bishop Hagemoen. “This was a commitment form our Safeguarding Committee and our College of Consultors here in the diocese.”
Fr. Gerard Cooper carried the cross during the Stations of the Cross Feb. 24, part of a candlelight prayer service for victims and survivors of abuse in our world. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Fr. Geoffrey Young, diocesan Director of Liturgy, and Sr. Mirasol Abala of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity were among the leaders at the prayer service Feb. 24 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Participants brought candles before the Blessed Sacrament during a time of Eucharistic Adoration that was part of the Feb. 24 prayer service for victims and survivors of abuse. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
In a recent Share Lent video message, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon urges support for Development and Peace-Caritas Canada, and reflects on this year’s theme “Create Hope: Stand for the Land.”
You can make a difference in our world by giving to the Share Lent parish collection in your parish or online – Giving LINK – or call toll-free: 1-888-234-8533.
The March 26, 2023 Solidarity Sunday, Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada’s Stand for the Land campaign invites you to give generously and thanks you warmly for your generosity. Your donation transforms the lives of some of our most vulnerable sisters and brothers across the world. Our solidarity rests on your generosity.
“The support we receive from Development and Peace has been very important for me. It allowed me to find myself, to live again.” — Raquel Soto, participant in the documentary film-making school of the Asociación Campesina de Antioquia (ACA, Peasant Association of Antioquia)
Members of the Catholic Women’s League from Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon raise a flag at Saskatoon CIty Hall Feb. 22 for “Human Trafficking Awareness Day.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
During a sunny, cold noon-hour ceremony Feb. 22, 2023, members of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada (CWL) raised a flag at Saskatoon City Hall as part of also raising awareness about human trafficking. Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemeon provided the opening prayer during the short program.
Saskatoon city council had earlier declared Feb. 22 as “Human Trafficking Awareness Day” in the commnity and approved the flag-raising ceremony, prompted by a request from the CWL Council at Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon to highlight the scourge of modern day slavery that exists both in local communities and around the world, including the sexual exploitation of women and vulnerable youth.
Co-chairs of Saint Anne CWL’s Human Trafficking Awareness Project – Anne Ashcroft and Donna Aldous – were among the speakers during the outdoor program, with Ashcroft serving as M.C. and Aldous offering closing remarks.
Anne Ashcroft, Co-Chair of Saint Anne CWL’s Human Trafficking Awareness Project was MC for the program held on a bitterly cold day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
“Thank you for coming out this afternoon to bring awareness to this horrific social injustice,” said Ashcroft. “It is our belief that awareness of this terrible crime will lead to action. It is our hope that this action will be to stop human trafficking, or at least to improve the lives of people affected by this horrible crime.”
“The goal is for every enslaved person to return to being a free agent of his or her own life,” stated an information pamphlet distributed by CWL members to those gathered in Saskatoon City Square outside city hall, with the pamphlets also carrying blue lapel ribbons to wear in honour and memory of survivors and victims of human trafficking.
“The blue ribbon represents the sadness of those who are trafficked while reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell human beings,” explained Ashcroft, urging those present to share pamphlets and information about modern forms of slavery with others.
“Even here in Saskatoon we have young women and girls, young men and boys who are at risk of being trafficked,” she said, sharing examples of heart-breaking situations of trafficking and exploitation. “As a concerned mother and grandmother, I recognize that action needs to be taken, sooner rather than later. Awareness is the first step.”
CWL members from several area councils were among those in attendance at the flag-raising event. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Before the flag was raised to officially mark the awareness day, CWL member Pamela Yaremko led singing of the national anthem, and Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon offered a prayer to open a short program of guest speakers.
“These are difficult issues and we must confront them,” said Bishop Hagemoen, thanking CWL members and the many other Christian and not-for-profit, community-based organizations who are working to raise awareness and provide help to victims and survivors of modern forms of slavery.
In his prayer, Hagemoen asked God to protect victims and restore their dignity and freedom. “We beseech You to release them from their chains. Grant them protection and safety. Enable them to find their voice in life, with the help of others: all who care.”
He continued: “Show us how we might end exploitation by addressing its causes. May we be brave and bold in facing these causes, whatever and wherever they may be… Help us to reach out to support victims and survivors of human trafficking. Make us instruments of your Spirit for their liberation.”
Left to right: CWL member Anne Ashcroft welcomed Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen, who offered an opening prayer. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Ashley Peter, Program Coordinator of Hope Restored Canada’s Saskatoon house, described how the eight-bed safe house – the only one of its kind in Western Canada — provides help to survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
“I am a Cree Métis woman from northern Saskatchewan, and from the time I was conceived, from the time my daughters and nieces were conceived, we had a statistic placed on our heads,” Peter said. “As an Indigenous woman, I know my sisters make up four per cent of Canada’s population and we are 20 times more likely to be murdered and to go missing; we are 40 times more likely to experience intimate partner violence; and we are ten times more likely to commit suicide than any other race in Canada.”
She stressed that human trafficking and sexual exploitation “is not an Indigenous issue; it is a people issue – and something that happens right here in Saskatoon, in every part of the city.”
Ashley Peter, Program Coordinator of Hope Restored Canada’s Saskatoon house, described how the eight-bed safe house – the only one of its kind in Western Canada — provides help to survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Peter noted that the estimated annual profit from a single trafficked person is around $300,000 a year – and that most traffickers have multiple victims.
“At Hope Restored, our vision is to transform and support the lives of sexually exploited and trafficked individuals and youth in Saskatchewan,” she said. “We are also passionate about providing awareness and education to the community,” she said.
“As an agency we see first-hand the devastation this issue causes in people’s lives.”
Since November 2019, Hope Restored’s program has been able to support “50-plus people” through the safe house as well as through day programming and outreach, both for those escaping enslavement, and for those still being exploited.
Peter thanked the CWL for raising awareness and for their projects to provide curated backpacks of necessities that “make a huge difference when an individual is fleeing for their life with nothing but the clothes on their back.”
City Councillor Randy Donauer brought greetings from the mayor and council. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatono News)
City Councillor Randy Donauer brought greetings from Mayor Charlie Clark and Saskatoon City Council, officially declaring Feb. 22 as “Human Trafficking Awareness Day” in Saskatoon.
“Our goal today is to bring awareness to human trafficking and to condemn this. It is a shame that in a city like Saskatoon in the nation of Canada that we’re still dealing with this, but it is something that many people are completely unaware of, something which is happening every day in our community,” Donauer said.
Deputy Police Chief Mitch Yuzdepski spoke on behalf of Saskatoon Police Service, confirming statistics that show Saskatchewan had the fifth highest rate of human trafficking in the country in 2020, and that 93 per cent of human trafficking victims in Canada are Canadian.
“I think for a lot of the public, (there is a perception that) this is an international problem, and it is – but it is also a local problem, a Canadian problem,” said Yuzdepski. He thanked the provincial government, which has increased capacity to investigate human trafficking in Saskatchewan, through a dedicated response team.
“We know that there are many victims in this thriving industry, many survivors,” he said, giving a “shout out” of thanks to community partners such as Hope Restored Canada and Egadz , who work with victims and survivors in the community, as well as commending the Saint Anne CWL council for drawing attention to the issue.
CWL members raise the flag at Saskatoon City Hall Feb. 22 for “Human Trafficking Awareness Day.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
After members of the council raised the “Stop Human Trafficking” flag, CWL member Pamela Yaremko offered a prayer asking for the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of human trafficking victims and survivors. The saint is a “shining ray of hope and an inspirational demonstration of how a victim can recover from her trauma and be whole again,” said Yaremko.
CWL member Donna Aldous concluded the program with a call to action, urging those present to continue to raise awareanss and find ways to end human trafficking. “Knowing about this will create passion and the will to do something about it… we have to, we absolutely have to.”
Related resources:
The Canadian Centre to end Human Trafficking – LINK
Government of Saskatchewan Protection from Human Trafficking Act – LINK
“Working Towards Freedom” study guide– LINK (The diocese of Saskatoon has joined with the dioceses of Victoria and Vancouver to produce a new resource about the scourge of human trafficking: rcdos.ca/human-trafficking)
CWL member Pamela Yaremko offered a prayer, asking for the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of human trafficking victims and survivors. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen annoints the new stone altar at our Lady of Lourdes Parish with Sacred Chrism. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Saskatoon welcomed Bishop Mark Hagemoen for a joyful celebration Feb. 12 to mark the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the dedication of a new altar in the recently-renovated sanctuary of the church adjacent to Bishop Murray High School on 12th Street East in Saskatoon.
“This is a beautiful, sacred kind of oasis,” Bishop Mark Hagemoen said of the new sanctuary. “This extraordinary effort at beautifying it — I am very grateful for the gifts that have been brought to bear, many gifts in the community, and also the support. It is a beautiful, sacred, holy place.”
Homily by Bishop Hagemeon:
The celebration coincided with the 165th anniversary of the first appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous at at Massabielle in Lourdes, France on Feb. 11, 1858. This year is also the 60th anniversary of the original blessing of Our Lady of Lourdes in 1963 by Saskatoon Bishop Francis Klein, first designated as a chapel, before officially becoming a parish in 1965.
The new altar was anointed with Sacred Chrism oil and blessed by Bishop Mark Hagemoen during the celebration of Mass Feb. 12 — part of an extensive four-year redesign and renovation of the parish sanctuary, that included the work of local artists working in stone and wood.
At the conclusion of the celebration, Our Lady of Lourdes pastor Fr. Geoffrey Young thanked parishioners for their “support and love” over the past four years since planning and discussions for the beautification project first started.
“In a special way we thank our chief mason, Derek Boldt,” he said. Young noted that some of the stone in the new altar came from St. Peter Cathedral in Muenster, which was then re-worked and integrated into an entirely new creation through the grace of Boldt’s gifts, with the help of stoneworker Brian Cey. The team created all the extensive stonework in the new sanctuary.
Young also thanked Darren Molnar who carved the wooden ambo, tabernacle and crucifix for the sanctuary, and all others who brought gifts and talents to the project: “You’ve done something beautiful for God.”
The pastor of the parish noted that during the last apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes to St. Bernadette, Our Lady told her to “go to the priest and tell him to build a chapel worthy of my honour.” “…. And that is what we have done,” said Fr. Geoffrey Young.
A community breakfast followed the celebration of Eucharist.
The blessing of candles began the Saskatoon celebration Feb. 2 for the World Day of Consecrated Life, marked each year on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
The World Day of Consecrated Life was marked Feb. 2, 2023 in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon with a celebration at the Cathedral of the Holy Family.
Beginning with an hour of adoration to pray for women and men in consecrated life and for vocations, the event included Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen.
Saint John Paul II instituted the day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life in 1997, setting the celebration on The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple. The Feb. 2 celebration is also known as Candlemas; a day on which candles are traditionally blessed, symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world – so too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ in our world.
During the Feb. 2 celebration, those assembled held lit candles blessed by Bishop Hagemoen. As well, the religious and consecrated women present at the Mass stood to renew their commitment, affirming their resolution to persevere in consecrated life, to follow Christ in th spirit of the Gospel, and to be “a faithful witness to God’s love and a convincing sign of the Kingdom of Heaven.”
In his homily Bishop Hagemoen reflected on how consecrated women and men are called to be “transfigured” as a “concrete example and experience of what it means to follow Christ” and of “God’s consistent and unwavering love for all people.”
Addressing all those consecrated religious women and men that have served in the diocese and beyond, he expressed his gratitude for their call and their witness: “Thank you, thank you, thankyou.”
The celebration of Mass was also live-streamed, and was followed by a lunch in the cathedral hall.
By Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
The day of prayer for Reverence for Life will be celebrated in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon on Sunday, January 29, 2023, providing our faith communities with an opportunity for prayers, reflection and discussion about the value of the precious gift of human life.
2022 featured a year when we continued to struggle with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the terrible war in Ukraine. I continue to hear from many that the events of the last few years have highlighted both the fragility and strength of human life. It is in these times that we continue to struggle with care of the vulnerable, and especially with protection and care for the unborn and critically ill in our communities.
SINS AGAINST HUMAN LIFE CONTRIBUTE to an UNCARING and UTILITARIAN CULTURE
Canada continues to deal with the tragic repercussions of removing abortion from the Criminal Code. We now mark the 35th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada decision in the Morgentaler case on January 28, 1988, which removed all remaining restrictions on abortion in Canada. Incredibly applauded by many in our society, this moment in our nation’s history holds within it the tragic reality of millions of lost lives.
Victims of abortion include the unborn children who are killed, but also the mothers, fathers and families left wounded after an abortion. The community is also weakened and damaged as the weakest and most vulnerable among us are not valued and protected.
As the Canadian government continues to seek to expand access to doctor-assisted suicide – also known as “Medical Aid in Dying” or “MAiD” – the words of the Holy Father only a few years ago continue to ring prophetic:
“The victims of this [throwaway] culture are precisely the weakest and most fragile human beings – the unborn, the poorest, the sick and elderly, the seriously handicapped, etc. – who are in danger of being ‘thrown away’, expelled from a system that must be efficient at all costs.”
During the Papal visit to Canada on his Penitential Pilgrimage for healing and reconciliation in July, Pope Francis called on all Canadians and people of good will to dream and work for a future that is able to see the God-given dignity of all peoples, and gain inspiration from Indigenous people’s cherishing of the relationship between elders and youth. On the feast day of Saints Joachim and Ann, he implored these saints to help us treasure the presence of our elders in order to create a better future:
“…a future in which the elderly are not cast aside because, from a ‘practical’ standpoint, they are ‘no longer useful’. A future that does not judge the value of people simply by what they can produce. A future that is not indifferent to the need of the aged to be cared for and listened to. A future in which the history of violence and marginalization suffered by our Indigenous brothers and sisters is never repeated. That future is possible if, with God’s help, we do not sever the bond that joins us with those who have gone before us, and if we foster dialogue with those who will come after us. Young and old, grandparents and grandchildren, all together. Let us move forward together, and together, let us dream.” (See +Francis’s presentation at Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, July 26, 2022.)
This statement reminds me of the Pope’s call several years ago to continue the steady work to turn our culture from one of convenience and short-sightedness, to a cultural movement that seeks – through good-will and honest reflection – the realization of a truly human culture. (+Francis’s speech to Dignitatis Humanae Institute Dec. 7, 2013)
INCOMPATIBILITY of CARE FOR CREATION with ABORTION and EUTHENASIA
Pope Francis highlights that respect for creation and human dignity are issues that are only realized together. As he states:
“Since everything is interrelated, concern for the protection of nature is also incompatible with the justification of abortion… How can we genuinely teach the importance of concern for other vulnerable beings, however troublesome or inconvenient they may be, if we fail to protect a human embryo, even when its presence is uncomfortable and creates difficulties?” (see Laudato Si, #120)
The Gospel’s moral and social teaching calls on all people of good will to bring to bear intellectual, social, and political consciousness on the inconsistency that is affecting the well- being and flourishing of human cultures throughout our world. As Pope Francis states:
“It is necessary to raise awareness and form the lay faithful, in whatever state, especially those engaged in the field of politics, so that they may think in accord with the Gospel and the social doctrine of the Church and act consistently by dialoguing and collaborating with those who, in sincerity and intellectual honesty, share – if not the faith – at least a similar vision of mankind and society and its ethical consequences. (+Francis’s speech to Dignitatis Humanae Institute Dec. 7, 2013)
Indeed, this effort is at the service of every person on the planet! If we do not engage in calling each other to a greater and fuller humanity, we should then not be surprised at the larger deterioration of a culture of human care and respect.
The LOSS of HEART
Current advances in science, genetics and embryology clearly show the distinct humanity of each unborn child, which comes into existence at conception. Each new, distinct human person shares the fundamental human right to life that we as Canadians celebrate and support on so many other fronts.
Failing to recognize that right has left our country damaged – not only in the missing and lost lives of millions of unborn children – but is removing ‘the heart’ from our society. Devaluing human life at any age or stage has inexorably led to the legalization and growing acceptance in our country of euthanasia and assisted suicide: our lives seem to cease to have meaning and value as we face the fear of not being ‘useful’, or that we are a ‘problem’ to those on whom we rely for care.
The loss of heart is also the root cause of so many other evils in our midst, including: discrimination, injustice and racism, violence, poverty and hunger, debilitating addiction. It also contributes to the problem of indifference towards those outside my own immediate circle of concern. The recovery of heart will be a very important feature in the coming times – as we work towards the goals of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous and all peoples. The recovery of heart must also contribute to finding true and lasting pathways for a true peace – not a superficial peace that removes us from caring for and being engaged with one another.
Sisters and brothers, let us respond to loss of heart by holding steady to the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: the Sacred Heart for our world. Let us join in our common prayer for Reverence for Life on January 29, and throughout this year. Sisters and brothers, we again pray that as a people and nation we may re-discover our heart!
______________________________________
“Nazareth” – painting by Michael O’Brien: used with permission on the Reverence for Life prayer card, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
Prayer:
Almighty God, giver of all that is good, we thank you for the precious gift of human life: For life in the womb, coming from your creative power, For the life of children, making us glad with their freshness and promise, For the life of young people, hoping for a better world, For the life of people who are disabled, teaching us that every life has value, For the life of the elderly, witnessing to the ageless values of patience and wisdom.
Like Blessed Mary, may we always say “yes” to Your gift. Help us to realize the sacredness of human life and to respect and cherish it from conception to its natural end.
And bring us at last, O Father, to the fullness of eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN
Prière
Dieu Tout-Puissant, donateur de tout ce qui est bon, nous te remercions pour le don précieux de la vie humaine:
Pour la vie dans le sein maternel, provenant de ton pouvoir créatif, Pour la vie des enfants, nous rendant heureux de leur fraîcheur et de leur promesse, Pour la vie des jeunes, espérant pour un monde formidable, Pour la vie des personnes qui sont handicapées, nous apprenant que toute vie a de la valeur, Pour la vie des personnes âgées, témoignant des valeurs intemporelles de patience et de sagesse.
Comme la bienheureuse Marie, puissions-nous toujours dire “oui” à Ton don.
Aide-nous à réaliser le caractère sacré de la vie humaine, à la respecter et à la chérir de la conception à sa fin naturelle. Et amène-nous enfin, ô Père, à la plénitude de la vie éternelle en Jésus-Christ notre Seigneur
A joyful celebration of shared faith, reflection on sins of division, and affirmation of unity concluded the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan. 25, 2023 in Saskatoon.
The Wednesday evening ecumenical service at Holy Spirit Catholic Church wound up a week-long program that saw a return of in-person gatherings as well as online offerings Jan. 18-25, exploring the 2023 theme “Do good, seek justice” (Isaiah 1:17) from the Minnesota Council of Churches.
The closing celebration in Saskatoon began with words of welcome from Fr. Joseph Salihu, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, and from Mary Nordick, Chair of the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism board of directors. “Ecumenism is not just one week,” she said. “It is an ongoing movement, guided by the Holy Spirit, and prayer is its foundation.”
Prayer leaders Fafali Ahianhonu of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and Cathryn Wood of St. Stephen Anglican Church then offered the call to gather, saying: “By the waters of baptism, we have become members of the Body of Christ, yet our sins have caused pain and trauma to each other. We have failed to do good. We have not sought justice in the face of grave oppression, nor heeded God’s command to care for the widow and orphan. As we gather, let us reflect on our actions and inactions, and learn to do good and seek justice.”
The service continued with an invitation to confession and prayers for forgiveness, grounded in scripture. “As we have been washed clean in the living waters of baptism, forgive us anew and reconcile us to one another and to creation,” prayed the leaders.
Susan Burns of Holy Spirit Parish proclaimed a reading from Ephesians 2:13-21, and Rev. Ron McConnell of the United Church of Canada led the Psalm 42 response. Bishop Mark Hagemoen proclaimed the gospel from Matthew 25:31-40 – “Whatsoever you did for the least of these, you did for me.”
Other readers included Joanne Steckler, Carol Pek and Melissa Schubert of Holy Spirit Parish, and Carol Claypool and Sharon Weins of McClure United Church, which shares a covenant relationship with Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Rev. Dr. Ali Tote of the Saskatchewan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) gave the homily during the ecumenical service held Jan. 25 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church to conclude the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Saskatoon. (Photos by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
In the homily, Rev. Dr. Ali Tote of the Saskatchewan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) reflected how our intentional effort to “do good and seek justice” is the important first step, even when our hopes to “do good” fall short. He shared his own struggles, coming to Canada from Cameroon to live and work in a L’Arche community. “I thought I came to do good,” he said, but was dismayed by failures and inadequacy, before ultimately finding strength and comfort from the prayers and acceptance of those he came to help.
Tote led the assembly in a refrain of “Yet we are the people of reconciliation,” in response to a litany of examples of division, racism, oppression, hurt and failure — such as the treatment of Indigenous Peoples and the tragedy of Residential Schools involving Christians and churches.
In the midst of these failures, God continues to “bless our desire to be willing to do good and seek justice,” he said, pointing to the hope of conversion, reconciliation and unity and urging his listeners to “take heart” and continue the journey. “Be renewed in your commitment to labour and do good.”
The service continued with a ritual action of “stones and stories” introduced by Holy Spirit parishioner Cam Choquette. Guests representing many nations and cultures came forward to share where they come from and to place a stone in front of the altar. All those assembled were then invited to also place a stone, representing “the struggles and triumphs, the hopes and dreams that your ancestors knew; the lived stories embedded in your culture and history.”
During the ecumenical service Jan. 25 to conclude the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Saskatoon, representatives with roots in many nations and cultures came forward to place a stone at the front of the altar in recognition of the “beauty in our diversity and in our God-given birthright of unity.” The service at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon concluded a week of in-person and online events. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“We are all part of one bigger story on earth,” said Choquette.
Together the assembly offered a prayer of renewed commitment: “Let us stand courageously against all abuse of power — where women, children, ethnic and religious minorities, and all others who are rendered vulnerable for some particular reason, are treated as less than equal in dignity. Let us stand for the deepest dignity of all human beings. Let us strive always to elevate others and work with one heart towards unity. Let us know and strengthen the bonds of our unity as Christians, that we may be a beacon of hope and a light on the hill for the world.”
Bishop Mark Hagemoen gave the final blessing, noting that the closing celebration fell upon the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul — a reminder of the constant call to conversion. “We go forward knowing that we are people humble before God and one another, and that we will find our common strength and source in Him.”
Other events during WPCU 2023
Earlier in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Prairie Centre for Ecumenism in Saskatoon and the Regina Council of Churches once again offered an eight-day online Bible study, with each day led by a different Christian leader from across Saskatchewan.
Speakers for the Bible study included Rev. Brody Albers, Anglican, Christopher Lake; Rev. Dr. Kathleen James-Cavan, United Church, Saskatoon; Major Al Hoeft, Salvation Army, Regina; Pastor Rachel Wallace, Mennonite, Eigenheim; Deacon Harry Lafond, Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert; Dave Feick, Micah Mission, Saskatoon, Rev. Keitha Ogbogu, Free Methodist, Calgary and Rev. Dr. Ali Tote, ELCIC, Saskatoon
A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity youth event was also presented by the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism working in partnership with some of the Saskatoon downtown churches, starting with supper, followed by a presentation on Restorative Justice from Dave Feick, Executive Director of the Micah Mission in Saskatoon.
Queen’s House of Retreat and Renewal in Saskatoon again hosted an ecumenical prayer service during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held Jan. 19 and followed by a lunch.
The De Margerie Series for Christian Reconciliation and Unity featured two lectures — one in Regina and one in Saskatoon and both available online. The series guest speaker was the Anglican Bishop of Quebec, Bishop Bruce Myers, OGS, speaking on “Ecumenical Log Drivers: Forming Agents of Reconciliation for Church and World.”
The De Margerie Series is named in honour of Fr. Bernard de Margerie, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon who has dedicated his life in ministry to the promotion of Christian unity. In this 10th year of the series, the annual event was expanded to offer lectures in both Regina and Saskatoon under the sponsorship of the Leslie and Irene Dubé Chair for Catholic Studies at St. Thomas More College, the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism, the Archdiocese of Regina, and Campion College.
Bishop Myers was also the speaker at two morning workshops held at St. Stephen Anglican Church in Saskatoon presented by the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism – one Jan. 20 for clergy and leaders entitled “Ministering Ecumenically In Our Congregations,” and the second on Jan. 21 “Living Into The Unity We Seek”, which was open to all.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen met with representatives of Development and Peace / Caritas Canada on Jan. 25 for updates about local parish and deanery initiatives and about the new national five-year theme of “Create Hope,” as well as plans for Share Lent and a year-long focus on “Standing Up For the Land.”
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1: 76-79)
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This New Testament passage from St. Luke continues to inspire and encourage me. It is known as the Canticle of Zechariah, or “The Benedictus” – the great prayer of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist.
Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke this great prophecy about the coming of the Messiah for the world. However, the Messiah would not only provide ‘blessing’ and ‘deliverance’ in ways that merely satisfied people’s sense and longing for what it meant to be safe, secure, and prosperous – but would call for a fundamental change that would affect our very being: our mind, heart, and human condition. With the coming of this Messiah, we would move from merely being blessed and cared for, to being called to share in the life and way of God!
This conversion is so fundamental and so essential, that I find that no Christmas is the same. Each year we are called deeper into the meaning of this mystery, into such a salvific transformation. Christmas is a time when we recall God’s intervention into the state of affairs of all humanity. Despite the challenges and crises that the world experiences … God comes to us! And God comes not only to us, but in us and with us. As St. Irenaeus reflects, “God is man’s glory. Man is the vessel which receives God’s action and all His wisdom and power.”
I continue to be amazed, comforted, and challenged by how God deals with us – all of us. God invites us to respond in some small, faithful way to the absolute plentitude we receive from Him, the Absolute Giver. Although we can ‘give back’ or ‘pay forward’ a very small fraction of what God gives to us and the world – God does not measure or give back according to our limited desire or capacity. God is the Absolute Lover and Giver. As St. John says, “God is Love, and those who abide in Love, abide in God, and God in them.” (I John 4:16)
During these past few years and persisting into our current time, there is much fear and anxiety in the world. The Covid 19 pandemic, economic uncertainties, and the terrible war in Ukraine are among the major events that are so affecting us today.
As we struggle to make sense of such disappointment and crises for our communities and world, we can wonder, “Where is our Saviour? Why do good and innocent people continue to struggle with such things?”
Pope Francis recently reflected on John the Baptist’s imprisonment near the end of his life as he announced the coming of the Lord Jesus. As Pope Francis states, “John is in prison, and this, as well as being a physical place, makes us think of the inner situation he is experiencing: in prison there is darkness, there is no possibility of seeing clearly and seeing beyond it.” The Pope notes that in John’s case, it is as if he is no longer able to see in Jesus the awaited Messiah, and out of doubt sends his disciples to verify it. Pope Francis continues:
“It surprises us that this should happen to John, the one who had baptized Jesus in the Jordan and had indicated him to his disciples as the Lamb of God (cf. Jn 1:29). But this means that even the greatest believer goes through the tunnel of doubt. And this is not a bad thing; on the contrary, sometimes it is essential for spiritual growth: it helps us understand that God is always greater than we imagine Him to be.” (Pope Francis, Angelus, December 11, 2022)
Ah, the lingering plague of doubt and fear! These sneak up on us, and take their toll on our trust and abandonment to the providence of God.
Let us remember that the first letter of John mentioned above goes on to contrast fear versus love: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:18-19)
The realization of the meaning of Christmas must challenge and stretch us in new and greater ways – including our awareness of the care of our brother and sister – let alone the many who are “the stranger.” In Jesus Christ, our previously limited notions of what constitutes community and brotherhood are changed, because of what follows upon the birth of Christ the Saviour – namely the Paschal Mystery, which features an epic and unprecedented personal sacrifice for all men and women of every creed, language, and nation by the One who draws all humanity to a new heaven and a new earth: the Kingdom of God.
Nativity pageant at Holy Spirit Parish, Saskatoon. (Photo by T. Yaworski)
So, amidst our frustrations, regrets, and disappointments, CHRISTMAS COMES! Thank God, Christmas just… comes! O come, O Come, Emmanuel. Whether we are ready or not… whether we can celebrate as usual or not… whether we can gather with many or with only a very few… whether we come off a year feeling profoundly blessed or really broken… Christmas comes! GOD IS with us in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. GOD IS loving us, caring for us, holding us.
I recall last year Pope Francis warned against the “senseless notion” that the world can go back to what it was, relying on “…false securities, habits and projects that aim exclusively at pursuing wealth and personal interests, while failing to respond to global injustice, the cry of the poor and the precarious health of our planet.” (Pope Francis address to ecumenical delegation, June 28, 2021)
One way in which we have all been challenged this past year is regarding the approach we take – and our Church takes – to evangelization and spreading the faith. This past summer during Pope Francis’s visit to Canada, at Sacred Heart Church in Edmonton he reflected on two contrasting approaches to evangelization, with very different ways of expressing power and authority.
Pope Francis pointed to the lasting pain created when Christians and religious institutions are not careful about how they represent the faith of Christ to others – in particular, imposing our version of the faith through our own limited cultural models. Imposing versus proposing the Gospel can have terrible repercussions. This is not God’s way. By contrast, God loves, liberates, and leaves us free:
Pope Francis at Lac Ste Anne pilgrimage in July 2022. (Photo by M. Swan, CCN)
“One cannot proclaim God in a way contrary to God himself. And yet, how many times has this happened in history! While God presents himself simply and quietly, we always have the temptation to impose him, and to impose ourselves in his name. It is the worldly temptation to make him come down from the cross and show himself with power…. Brothers and sisters, in the name of Jesus, may this never happen again in the Church. May Jesus be preached as he desires, in freedom and charity. In every crucified person whom we meet, may we see not a problem to be solved, but a brother or sister to be loved, the flesh of Christ to be loved.” (Pope Francis at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, July 25, 2022)
I pray that we will always proclaim by our life and words – the true God because we are striving to know Him and to be created in Christ’s image.
Thus, as we approach another Christmas, we need to be open to ongoing growth and healing. There are many things that do need to change in our lives. The need for change and ongoing conversion – first and foremost in terms of our own minds and hearts – is absolutely crucial. As Pope Francis states:
“Everything depends on our ability to see the need for a change of heart, attitudes and lifestyles … (and watch for) …human weakness, the proclivity to selfishness that is part of what the Christian tradition refers to as concupiscence”: the human inclination to be concerned only with myself, my group, my own petty interests.” (Fratelli Tutti #166)
I very much appreciate the Holy Father’s emphasis on the priority of forgiveness, mercy and reconciliation. The mercy and forgiving love of God for the world is why Jesus comes at Christmas. As the Pope states: “…Those who truly forgive do not forget. Instead, they choose not to yield to the same destructive force that caused them so much suffering.” (Fratelli Tutti #252) There may be much to be angry about, however, left alone, our anger will consume and destroy us.
O how the world needs to choose another way – the way demonstrated in the life and way of Jesus Christ. Taking the path of Christ also means that we must continue to grow in our commitment and ability to listen, communicate and seek healthy relationship with one another – key themes as the Church continues to engage in the Synod on Synodality in the coming New Year.
May our celebration of Christmas seek Christ’s merciful and redeeming way. Let us ask ourselves:
How is God calling me to be more fully human, fully alive in my life right now?
Do I give the Christ permission to take my heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh?
In what way is this Christmas different for me, in terms of what God wants me to see, to change, to heal and forgive, to live and do differently?
AND …with whom am I called to forgiveness, reconciliation and healing?
Let us be awake and watchful at this Christmas time when God comes to us!
Other events during WPCU 2023
Pope Francis recently reflected on John the Baptist’s imprisonment near the end of his life as he announced the coming of the Lord Jesus. As Pope Francis states, “John is in prison, and this, as well as being a physical place, makes us think of the inner situation he is experiencing: in prison there is darkness, there is no possibility of seeing clearly and seeing beyond it.” The Pope notes that in John’s case, it is as if he is no longer able to see in Jesus the awaited Messiah, and out of doubt sends his disciples to verify it. Pope Francis continues:
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