In a message released April 15, Bishop Mark Hagemoen wrote to clergy, religious, and laity of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, saying “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.”
All citizens are called to fulfill their responsibilities to inform themselves of the various issues, Hagemoen wrote, pointing to the non-partisan materials prepared by the non-profit organization Catholic Conscience, including a“Voting Like A Catholic” summary, and a resource comparing the various political parties’ published platforms with Catholic Social Teaching.
“For Catholics, voting is not only a duty but involves ongoing education and formation,” Hagemoen stressed.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
Once again, representatives from across the diocese of Saskatoon — clergy, consecrated religious, and laity — joined Bishop Mark Hagemoen during Holy Week for the annual Chrism Mass, celebrating the institution of the ministerial priesthood and blessing the sacred oils to be used in sacraments in the year ahead.
At a traditional diocesan dinner for priests and parish representatives before the Chrism Mass, appreciation was expressed for the witness and service of priests in the diocese.
“Thank you to all of our priests for your ‘yes!'” said Sr. April Mireau of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, who emceed the dinner program. “We could not live our faith without you… we could not receive our beloved Jesus without you. We do love you, and support you and we pray for you.”
Sr. April Mireau of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary was MC at the dinner held before the Chrism Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen also expressed gratitude during the dinner program April 15 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.
“This is a time we can gather in a small way — and I know it is a very small fraction of the people that are a part of what happens in parish communities. I want to recognize you and thank you,” said Bishop Hagemoen, also extending thanks to those in attendance representing deaneries and regions, the diocesan Pastoral Centre, and those who are part of health care and educational ministries across the diocese.
“Let us pray that during this Jubilee Year of Hope… that we will really think about where we are called by the power of the Holy Spirit to be the gift of hope to others.”
Milestone anniversaries of ordination that will be celebrated in 2025 were also acknowledged during the annual Chrism Mass dinner:
10 years – Fr. Prince Sarpong; Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor; Fr. Cosmas Epifano, OSB
15 years – Fr. Benjamin Ezekwudo; Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu
20 years – Fr. Bassim Shoni; Fr. Paul Oshin
25 years – Fr. Jerome Ogunleye
30 years – Fr. David Tumback;, Fr. Rheal Bussiere
35 years – Bishop Mark Hagemoen
50 years – Msgr. Don Vito Pavilando; Fr. Ken Beck
60 years – Fr. Paul Fachet, OMI; Msgr. Raymond Senger; Fr. Denis Phaneuf
The bishop concluded with words to all the priests in the diocese: “Thank you brothers for your faithfulness to the priesthood, for making available the presence and the blessing of Christ to your people. And I know that the priests would say thank you to the People of God — thank you for your generous support and for your faithfulness, and for calling us, calling each other to the fullness of God’s plan for our lives and our vocations, at least this side of heaven.”
Chrism Mass
The joyful celebration of the Chrism Mass that followed included a re-commitment to priestly ministry by the priests led by Bishop Mark Hagemoen.
Priests from across the diocese renewed their priestly commitment during the Chrism Mass April 15 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Oils were then brought forward for blessing by Jaqueline Saretsky and Fr. Benedict Arakal who provide hospital chaplaincy in the diocese of Saskatoon (Oil of the Sick); by Dustin Weger, who is preparing to receive initiation sacraments in the Easter season and catechist Erin Gratton of Holy Spirit parish in Saskatoon (Oil of the Catechumens); and Fr. Colin Roy, Co-Director of Vocations in the diocese and pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt and Fr. Luke Tam Van Tran, most-recently ordained diocesan priest and associate pastor of St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon.
Oil bearers at the Chrism Mass celebration included Dustin Weger, Erin Gratton, Fr. Colin Roy, and Fr. Luke Tam Van Tran (l-r), as well as Jaqueline Saretsky and Fr. Benedict Arakal (not pictured). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Music ministry for the diocesan celebration was provided by a choir that included representation from a number of parishes, both urban and rural.
Permanent deacons Paul Labelle, Nicholas Blom, and Donat Davatz (l-r) prepare for the Chrism Mass entrance procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Chrism Mass entrance procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Chrism Mass entrance procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Chrism Mass entrance procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Chrism Mass entrance procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A diocesan choir with representatives from a number of parishes across the diocese led the music ministry. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Priests from across the diocese at the Chrism Mass, April 15 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The penitential rite at Chrism Mass, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Leslie Bautista proclaimed the first reading at the Chrism Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Aaron Pangilinan who serves as director of the St. Cecilia Choir, was part of the diocesan choir for the Chrism Mass, and led the assembly in the Psalm. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Victor Granger proclaims the second reading. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at the Chrism Mass April 15 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Deacon Nicholas Blom, who was ordained a permanent deacon for the diocese of Saskatoon in 2024, prepares to proclaim the Gospel at the annual Chrism Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Deacon Nicholas Blom of St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon, proclaimed the Gospel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
In his homily, Bishop Mark Hagemoen wished his brother priests a “happy birthday” during the Chrism Mass celebration commemorating the institution of the priesthood. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Priests from across the diocese renewed their priestly commitment during the Chrism Mass April 15 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Hagemoen leads priests in a renewal of their commitment. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Hagemoen leads priests in a renewal of their commitment. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Diocesan coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy Jacqueline Saretsky and Chaplain Fr. Benedict Arakal brought forward the oil to be blessed as the Oil of the Sick. Bishop Hagemoen leads priests in a renewal of their commitment. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The oil to be blessed as Sacred Chrism (used at the celebration of baptism, confirmation, ordinations, and for the dedication of churches and altars) was brought forward by (l-r) Fr. Colin Roy, pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt and diocesan Co-director of Vocations, and recently-ordained diocesan priest Fr. Luke Tam Van Tran, associate pastor at St. Mary parish, Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Oil bearers at the Chrism Mass celebration included Dustin Weger, Erin Gratton, Fr. Colin Roy, and Fr. Luke Tam Van Tran (l-r), as well as Jaqueline Saretsky and Fr. Benedict Arakal (not pictured). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Hagemoen accepts the oil to be blessed as the Oil of Catechumens from oil bearers Dustin Weger and Erin Gratton. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Hagemoen accepts the oil to be blessed as the Oil of Catechumens from oil bearers Dustin Weger and Erin Gratton. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Hagemoen accepts the oil to be blessed as Sacred Chrism, brought forward by oil bearers Fr. Luke Tam Van Tran and Fr. Colin Roy. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
At the annual diocesan Chrism Mass April 15 in Saskatoon, Bishop Mark Hagemoen blessed the sacred oils to be used in sacraments throughout the year in parishes across the diocese. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen blessed the sacred oils to be used in sacraments throughout the year in parishes across the diocese. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen blessed the sacred oils to be used in sacraments throughout the year in parishes across the diocese. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen stirs balsam perfume into the oil to be blessed as Sacred Chrism during the diocesan Chrism Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Priests in attendance at the diocesan Chrism Mass stretched forth their hands to join Bishop Mark Hagemoen in blessing of the Sacred Chrism, which is used at the celebration of baptism, confirmation, ordinations, and for the dedication of churches and altars. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Priests in attendance at the diocesan Chrism Mass stretched forth their hands to join Bishop Mark Hagemoen in blessing of the Sacred Chrism, which is used at the celebration of baptism, confirmation, ordinations, and for the dedication of churches and altars. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The blessed oils — including those prepared for distribution throughout the diocese of Saskatoon — were placed near the altar. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A diocesan choir with representatives from a number of parishes across the diocese provided music ministry, led by Michael Rainey and Wendy Dale. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Marty family of St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown, SK, brought forward the gifts for the Eucharistic celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Marty family of St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown, SK, brought forward the gifts for the Eucharistic celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Marty family of St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown, SK, brought forward the gifts for the Eucharistic celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The blessed oils — including those prepared for distribution throughout the diocese of Saskatoon — were placed near the altar. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Deacon Donat Davatz of St. Paul Co-Cathedral and Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the altar during the 2025 Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A diocesan choir with representatives from a number of parishes across the diocese led the music ministry. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Priests from across the diocese attended the Chrism Mass April 15 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Deacon Donat Davatz of St. Paul Co-Cathedral, Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Fr. Daniel Yasinski (l-r) at the altar during the 2025 Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Representatives from across the diocese traditionally gather with the clergy for the Chrism Mass in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Deacon Donat Davatz of St. Paul Co-Cathedral, Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Fr. Daniel Yasinski (l-r) at the altar during the 2025 Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Representatives from across the diocese traditionally gather with the clergy for the Chrism Mass in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Priests from across the diocese join Bishop Mark Hagemoen around the altar during the diocesan Chrism Mass April 15 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Representatives from across the diocese traditionally gather with the clergy for the Chrism Mass in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Chrism Mass concluded with a blessing from Bishop Mark Hagemoen for all in attendance. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
At the conclusion of Mass, priests gathered around the bishop, showing appreciation with song and applause. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Parish Life Director Ferdinand Gemoh of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and Fr. Clement Arthur, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Michael, and St. Peter the Apostle parishes in Saskatoon, picked up the newly-blessed oils following the diocesan Chrism Mass April 15. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Video of Chrism Mass homily:
Chrism banquet photos:
Catholic Pastoral Centre staff and volunteers welcomed arrivals at the annual Chrism Mass dinner. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Volunteers assisted with registration and welcoming arrivals to the Chrism Mass celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Parish representatives from across the diocese again gathered with clergy and Bishop Hagemoen for a dinner before the annual Chrism Mass, held April 15 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Parish representatives from across the diocese again gathered with clergy and Bishop Hagemoen for a dinner before the annual Chrism Mass, held April 15 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu, pastor of parishes at Foam Lake, Lanigan, Wishart, and Wynyard stands with a table of his parishioners at the Chrism Mass dinner. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Parish representatives from across the diocese again gathered with clergy and Bishop Hagemoen for a dinner before the annual Chrism Mass, held April 15 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Volunteers from the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women’s League provided help during the Chrism Mass celebration, including at the dinner before and at the reception following Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Traditionally in the diocese of Saskatoon, clergy and parish representatives who will take back the sacred oils blessed at the diocesan Chrism Mass share a dinner beforehand. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Parish representatives from across the diocese again gathered with clergy and Bishop Hagemoen for a dinner before the annual Chrism Mass, held April 15 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi, pastor of parishes at Kindersley, Marengo, Eston, and Eatonia, with Rita Flaman Jarrett of the Catholic Pastoral Centre at the Chrism Mass dinner. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Fr. Habila Musa, pastor of parishes at Rosetown, Beechy, and Elrose, with the Marty family of St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown, who brought up the gifts during the celebration of the Chrism Mass April 15 in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Dessert table at the Chrism Mass dinner. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
From left to right: Fr. John Ezeoruonye, (pastor of parishes at St. Front, Naicam, Rose Valley, Archerwill, and Nobleville); Fr. Jerome Ogunleye (pastor of parishes at Wadena, Kelvington, Lintlaw, Perigord, and Fosston); and Fr. Paul Oshin (pastor of parishes at Burr, Muenster and Pilger) during the annual Chrism Mass dinner in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
During a dinner before the Chrism Mass April 15, Bishop Mark Hagemoen acknowledged priests marking milestone anniversaries in 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Fr. Gerard Cooper, pastor and rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Family, provides information about celebration of the Chrism Mass following the dinner. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
During the annual Chrism Mass dinner, Bishop Mark Hagemoen congratulated Fr. Denis Phaneuf, who this year celebrates his 60th anniversary of ordination (an anniversary come and go tea for Fr. Phaneuf is planned for June 8 at the new Columbian Village residence in Saskatoon). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen (left) and Fr. Hoang Nguyen (right) with Msgr. Raymond Senger, who this year will celebrate 60 years as a priest — one of the milestone anniversaries acknowledged during an annual Chrism Mass dinner April 15 in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen greets Msgr. Raymond Senger, who this year will mark his 60th anniversary of ordination. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
This year more “spiritual athletes” than ever rose to the challenge of the Lenten 40 relay run on a sunny Saturday before Holy Week, with 110 participants in 28 teams of 2-4 runners tackling four legs of a 41.9-km course through Saskatoon.
Encouraged to connect their physical exertion and sufferings to a reflection on the cross of Jesus Christ, the runners were again encouraged to combine the physical with the spiritual.
The run began and ended under the cross raised on the grounds of the Cathedral of the Holy Family in the days before Holy Week — and was preceded and followed by prayer, including of Stations of the Cross and Eucharistic adoration the night before, and an early morning Mass on the morning of the relay run.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen — who himself participated in the run — blessed participants before the start of the first leg of the relay, reminding them that Lenten 40 is a pilgrimage and not a race.
Following the 2025 run, Dominic Montpetit, one of the Lenten 40 founders and organizers, said the event is blessed by a great team of volunteers and the support of the bishop.
“It’s been really cool to see the Lenten 40 kilometre run grow every year,” Montpetit said. “I’m excited to see what God has in store for next year and pray that we can continue to bless others through this event and help them enter into Holy Week remembering the passion of our Lord and the way of suffering.”
Photos:
Those who registered early enough received a Lenten 40 package. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Lenten 40 participants from Holy Cross Catholic High School in Saskatoon included both staff and students. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Denise Montpetit (right) is interviewed before the race by a Lenten 40 social media volunteer (see @Lenten_40 on Instagram). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Lenten 40 participant and spiritual leader, Bishop Mark Hagemoen. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen speaks to participants. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Organizing committee member Dominic Montpetit and Bishop Mark Hagemoen address the participants before the relay run. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Dominic Montpetit, one of the Lenten 40 organizers, and Bishop Mark Hagemoen during an opening prayer of blessing on the morning of the relay run April 12 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Dominic Montpetit had the blessed crosses to runners of the first leg, to carry and then to pass on during the 41.9 km relay. (Photo by KIply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Starting line: Lenten 40 – April 13, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Starting line: Lenten 40 – April 13, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Starting line: Lenten 40 – April 13, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Starting line: Lenten 40 – April 13, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
First leg of the Lenten 40 – April 13, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Lenten 40 – April 13, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Lenten 40 – April 13, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The annual crucifix-raising work crew once again joined Bishop Mark Hagemoen on the grounds of the Cathedral of the Holy Family to set up the outdoor cross. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Once again a crucifix was raised on the grounds of the Cathedral of the Holy Family in preparation for Holy Week in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined the annual work crew to raise the cross on Friday, April 11.
A Lenten 40 relay runwill start and end at the foot of this cross on Saturday, April 12 after runners travel four legs of a 41.9 km pilgrimage course through Saskatoon’s river valley, going past St. Paul Co-Cathedral downtown before returning to the foot of the cross to conclude the event combining the physical and the spiritual.
Participants gather for prayer with Bishop Mark Hagemoen before the event – for Stations of the Cross and a time of Eucharistic Adoration at the Cathedral of the Holy Family starting at 7 p.m. Friday, April 11 and for Holy Mass before the run itself at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, April 12. All are welcome to both of these pre-run prayer events.
Slide show:
History of outdoor cross on cathedral grounds
The outdoor crucifix was first raised on the cathedral grounds during the pandemic, giving the faithful a way to venerate the cross on Good Friday 2020, when churches were closed. Since then it has become an annual tradition to raise the cross on the grounds for Holy Week and the Easter Triduum.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen will also lead Stations of the Cross at the foot of the outdoor crucifix on Good Friday evening 7 p.m. April 18, with a group of youth enacting the stations.
Archbishop Murray Chatlain, the new Archbishop of Winnipeg, presides at the celebration of the Eucharist, with bishops from across the country, including Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen (back) at the installation Mass April 4 in Winnipeg. (Screen capture image from livestream video, Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen was among the bishops from across Canada who attended the installation Mass for Archbishop Murray Chatlain April 4, 2025 as the eighth bishop of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg.
Archbishop Chatlain takes over from retiring Archbishop Emeritus Richard Gagnon, who was appointed to the Winnipeg archdiocese in 2013.
Born and raised in Saskatoon, Chatlain was ordained a priest for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon in 1987, and served in several parishes in the diocese before focusing on pastoral care in northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. His commitment to linguistic and cultural immersion led him to study the Dene language at La Loche, SK, from 2000 to 2001 .and to serve as pastor in several northern communities
On June 23, 2007, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of MacKenzie-Fort Smith and was ordained as a bishop Sept. 14, 2007. A year later, on May 12, 2008, he became the Titular Bishop of MacKenzie-Fort Smith. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the pastoral outreach to Indigenous communities in the north. On Dec. 6, 2012, he was appointed Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas, serving the faithful of northern Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan.
Archbishop Chatlain has also served in various leadership roles within the Canadian Church. From 2008 to 2014, he served as a representative on the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council, addressing the pastoral needs of Indigenous communities.
Archbishop Murray Chatlain, is the newly-installed shepherd of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Winston Wuttunee, from the Nêhiyawêwin Nation and a member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, performed a sweetgrass smudging ceremony, followed by drumming and an honour song. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Archbishop Chatlain’s mother Kathleen Chatlain of Saskatoon brings forward the gifts at the installation Mass April 4. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Archbishop Chatlain’s brother and sister bring up gifts at the Offertory. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Archbishop Chatlain with his mother Kathleen Chatlain of Saskatoon during the gift procession. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Archbishop Murray Chatlain’s brother Greg Chatlain of Saskatoon was one of the family members who brought up gifts during the Mass. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Archbishop Murray Chatlain with his mother and siblings. (Submitted photo)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen (right) greets participants and leaders during a day-long Called and Gifted™ introductory workshop held March 22 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Sr. Malou TIbayan, VDMF)
The largest Called and Gifted™ introductory workshop yet to be held in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon was offered March 22, 2025, hosted by the Cathedral of the Holy Family Parish, and open to participants from other parishes in the diocese and beyond.
There were 25 new participants, and three who were auditing the workshop ahead of taking team training in April, reported diocesan Called and Gifted™ Coordinator Sr. Malou Tibayan of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity.
The latest Saskatoon workshop was led by ten local Called and Gifted™ leaders — including those who were part of a mission trip in January to introduce Called and Gifted to Catholics in the Philippines.
Participants explored various charisms (gifts from God given to each baptized person) and learned more about how charisms build up the Church. Leaders then assisted each participant to enter into a personal discernment about their own individual gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Overview of the Called and Gifted™ process from the Catherine of Siena Institute:
STEP 1 – The CALLED & GIFTED™ INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP lays the foundation for the beginning of discernment. During the initial Called & Gifted™ workshop, participants will take the Catholic Spiritual Gifts Inventory.
STEP 2 – The ONE HOUR GIFTS INTERVIEW with a trained interviewer is available in-person or virtually through the Called & Gifted Diocesan team or through the Catherine of Siena Institute.
STEP 3 – DISCERNMENT IN DEPTH is a guided experience of intentional discernment in a small group setting. In four sessions over a period of six to eight weeks, you will develop charism experiments, evaluate your results, and put into practice what you learned about discernment.
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).
Called and Gifted™ workshop participants and leaders March 22, 2025. (Submitted photo)
The Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan have released “Dying with Hope: Living and Walking Together” — a pastoral letter about euthanasia. The pastoral letter was released on March 25, 2025, the Solemnity of the Annunciation. NEWS ARTICLE – Catholic Saskatoon News LINK
On February 6, 2017, the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan wrote a pastoral letter titled “On Living through our Dying”. In it, we addressed the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide, euphemistically known as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). The message of “On Living through our Dying” holds even greater significance today as the practice of medically assisted death continues to grow and expand in our country.
We begin this new pastoral letter by repeating the same invitation we offered eight years ago:
“Our faith invites us to live and die with trust in the God who gave us breath. We mourn any time a person seeks to end their own life. Our calling at this time and in this place is to form ourselves well in a Christian understanding of living and dying, so that we can witness to the world that there is another way.”
The Church’s teaching across the whole breadth of issues touching on human life is consistent and credible. Too often, her stance against the intentional taking of an innocent human life is heard as a “no.” But in saying “no” to assisted suicide, the Church is saying “yes” to accompaniment; “yes” to community; “yes” to solidarity with the suffering; and “yes” to caring for those who need it most. Indeed, it is because of these commitments that we can confidently reject acts that fail to recognize the dignity of each human person.
We Begin by Listening
Many of you have been touched, as we have, by the experience of losing family, friends and community members to assisted suicide. Responses to these situations have been as intense as they are varied. We have heard descriptions of feeling shut out of end-of-life decision making and guilt over not being able to prevent a medically administered death.
Genuine empathy and the influence of romanticized accounts of assisted suicide in the media lead many individuals to sympathize with those who choose a medically administered death. Above all, we hear and appreciate your profound anger and sadness when supporters of assisted suicide portray the Christian gift of accompaniment to natural death as merciless, even cruel. It is still common to encounter the objection that a rejection of assisted death implies an insistence on using every possible means to prolong life, despite burden or cost. The Catholic Church does not insist on this. There comes a time to accept death graciously. That is far different from willfully causing it.
We recognize that our healthcare system is also struggling. Strained caregivers sometimes feel that death would be preferable to providing inadequate care. As a result, they may offer assisted suicide as a solution to the heart-wrenching suffering that they find themselves unable to relieve. Assisted suicide is also actively promoted by the health care system as a favoured option. Medically administered death is readily accessible and, in some cases, is provided within twenty-four hours of an assessment, whereas support for chronic pain management, daily living, and palliative care can take weeks or months to access.
As Catholic Bishops, we think it is very important that we as Church listen to and also speak on behalf of the vulnerable. Increasingly, vulnerable people are being forced into terrible choices by a system that offers aid in dying but fails by not always offering aid in living. We are called to speak on behalf of faithful health care workers, heirs of a long and proud tradition of compassion and care in our province, who seek the support and resources to provide dignified, life-affirming care. Finally, as Church we are called to give voice to the Word spoken by God, the Lord and giver of life, defender of the weak and the oppressed, who calls us to “never tire in firmly speaking out in defense of life.” (St. John Paul II, Address to Visiting Bishops, 3 February 2001)
Christian Hope
Christians are uniquely qualified to imbue the experience of suffering and dying with hope. This is so because we have come to believe and trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ’s victory over death makes us a people of hope. In this world, we strive to be faith-filled disciples of Christ, who is the guarantor of our hope.
At this moment in our history, we wish to repeat the words of Christ: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid” (Mat 14:27). This is the repeated message of the Scriptures. Consider young David as he faces Goliath (1 Sam 17), Moses and the Israelites as they trek through the wilderness (Ex 14 – 40), the woman healed after being crippled for many years (Luke 13:10-17) or the man lame from birth who finds healing at the Beautiful Gate after so much struggle (Acts 3). Life confronts us with many difficult circumstances, but we are assured of God’s unwavering love and guidance illuminating our path: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Our longstanding Catholic commitment to healthcare encourages us to confront the current challenges head-on. We support a vision of healthcare as medical assistance in living and assert that the genuine autonomy of vulnerable persons requires uncompromising support for them and their families to live fruitful lives. We do well to ask: Where is our constitutional right to suitable housing, aid for disabled persons and palliative care? Why is a “constitutional right” to death at the forefront of discussion about care for the elderly? What meaning does “autonomy” have when death is offered while support in living is withheld? In such a context, “choice” is not experienced as freedom, but as a threat.
Christian communities are called to challenge this false notion of autonomy and bear witness to the intrinsic value of those who are dying or living with chronic illness. Our hope is manifest in concrete actions. Every kindness, smile, word of encouragement or difficult administrative decision that testifies to our hope is an embrace, wrapping vulnerable people in the warmth of our love.
Action
Given the challenges that we face today, there are three practical things we encourage you to do:
First, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has developed an excellent program called Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care. This program promotes and assists us in understanding what is involved in living and dying well. Supporting and participating in this program expresses our hope.
Second, entering into conversations about dying can help us to overcome our fear of death. Accordingly, we invite you to fill out aFaith Based Advanced Care Directive. This directive is available from the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan. It will help to inform your family, friends, health care professionals, and appointed proxy/proxies about your treatment wishes when you lack the capacity to make health care decisions.
Finally, commit yourself to accompanying vulnerable individuals as they navigate our healthcare system, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Increasingly, medical personnel are suggesting the idea of a medically administered death to those who are vulnerable because of a serious diagnosis. Often the patient will acquiesce with devastating consequences. Supporting individuals as they consider complex healthcare decisions or receive care is a gift to both the individual who is seeking care and the person who faithfully stands with them.
Walking Faithfully
In conclusion we want to recall again the message of our pastoral letter “Living through our Dying”:
“… God has called us to walk through this life together, and this includes journeying with people to the end of their days on earth. Now more than ever, our world needs to know that we will not leave them to face their dying alone.
“May the God who came to earth and showed us how to live and die draw near to us as we walk faithfully in a culture that has forgotten how to die well. May we receivethe courage and strength of the Spirit that we need to be witnesses to the gift of living through dying. And may our hearts be fixed on Jesus, who has walked this path before us to show us the way.”
Given on March 25, 2025, the Solemnity of the Annunciation.
Most Rev. Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina
Most Rev. Murray Chatlain, Apostolic Administrator Keewatin-Le Pas
Most Rev. Mark Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon
Most Rev. Stephen A. Hero, Bishop of Prince Albert
Most Rev. Michael Smolinski, CSsR, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saskatoon
Bishop Mark Hagemoen has written a message about “Turn Debt into Hope” Share Lent 2025.
“If we really wish to prepare a path to peace in our world, we must commit ourselves to remedying the remote causes of injustice, settling unjust and unpayable debts.” – Spes Non Confundit, 16
The theme of this year’s Share Lent campaign is Turn Debt into Hope. This inspires and challenges us to reflect on God’s call to us all to live the way of righteousness by how we care for one another, and especially the poorest and most unfortunate in our global human communities.
The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent is from St. John the Evangelist. Jesus responds to the intention of the scribes and Pharisees to carry out a severe and final punishment for the sinful acts of a woman. Jesus’s famous response – “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone.” All God’s people need His mercy, forgiveness, and help. We are also reminded in the First Reading by the Prophet Isaiah, “I am about to do a new thing: I will give drink to my chosen people.” The prophet is addressing God’s promise to deliver Israel from exile to a new exodus to freedom and new life.
This Lent we can support the Share Lent 2025 appeal by holding in our hearts and prayers those peoples who strive to make progress and break free from historical and current economic burdens that weigh heavy on their ability to move forward. In particular, we hold in prayer our sisters and brothers in the Global South who face insurmountable debt for which they are not responsible
I join with my brother bishops in Canada by asking the following:
Encouraging the parishes of our diocese to give generously to Share Lent;
Signing the global petition calling for the cancellation of unjust debts, a reform of the international financial system, and the creation of a comprehensive debt framework within the United Nations.
Through this campaign may we show forth the compassion and justice of Our Lord through our acts of awareness, engagement and solidarity.
I appreciate Bishop William McGrattan’s (CCCB President) recent citing of Pope Francis’s reminder to us all:
“If we really wish to prepare a path to peace in our world, let us commit ourselves to remedying the remote causes of injustice, settling unjust and unpayable debts, and feeding the hungry.”
Let us support the Turn Debt into Hope appeal by a renewed commitment to have the same mind and heart as Christ Jesus – who holds in His Sacred Heart all peoples of our world.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops again designates the Fifth Sunday of Lent as Solidarity Sunday when our annual Share Lent collection will be taken up. On Sunday, April 6, I ask you to please be generous in donating to Development and Peace / Caritas Canada.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Mark A. Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon
On March 10, 2025, members of the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) expressed their grave concern regarding two recommendations made by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance within Report 21: Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Budget.
These recommendations (#429 and #430), if adopted, would be profoundly detrimental to Canada’s charitable sector, because they would:
Revoke the charitable status of “anti-abortion organizations” (#429);
Amend the Income Tax Act such that “the advancement of religion” would no longer qualify as a legitimate purpose for granting charitable status. (#430)
After consulting widely, including with experts in charity law, the members of the Permanent Council sent a letter to the Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance, defending the value and role of faith-based charities for Canadian society, as well as the unfairness of targeting pro-life organizations.
They urged the government to abandon the two recommendations and to conduct comprehensive consultations within the charitable sector before embarking on any legislative changes that could threaten the viability of charitable organizations and adversely affect the millions of Canadians who depend on them for essential services and support.
To The Honourable Dominic Leblanc, P.C., M.P., Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs
Dear Minister,
As members of the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), we wish to express our grave concerns regarding the proposed legislative changes to the eligibility criteria for charitable status, recommended by the Standing Committee on Finance (“Committee”) in its Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Budget (“Report”). In particular, we wish to highlight the Report’s Recommendations 429 and 430, which would have severe and wide-ranging consequences on the charitable sector, including the millions of Canadians who rely on the targeted organizations for services and support.
The Catholic charitable sector in Canada, anchored by dioceses and parishes across the country, includes a wide range of community services and ministries, including foodbanks, soup kitchens, refugee resettlement programs, climate and social justice programs, daycares and schools, hospitals, long-term care homes and palliative care centres, to name but a few examples. These compassionate, purpose-driven, and accessible Catholic services are available to all Canadians, regardless of religious affiliation; these charities meet essential and sometimes complex social needs within communities nationwide. A recent study found that the cost of replacing the services offered by faith congregations in Canada is $16.5 billion. Simply put, places of worship provide benefits to society that radiate far beyond their congregations. For “every dollar that a congregation spends, the local community receives an average of $3.39 in economic benefit.”
The very existence of the kinds of Catholic charitable organizations and services listed above would be threatened by the implementation of Recommendations 429 and 430, which propose respectively to amend the Income Tax Act by no longer providing charitable status to “anti-abortion rganizations” (cf. #429) and by removing “the privileged status of ‘advancement of religion’ as a charitable purpose” (cf. #430).
Recommendation 429 is open to broad interpretation and targets a subgroup within the charitable sector. It risks granting preferential treatment to organizations that align with a sitting government’s agenda rather than basing charitable status on established legal principles. Although the inspiration for this proposed policy is not explicit, it appears to be informed by the government’s intention to revoke the charitable status of “anti-abortion organizations that provide dishonest counselling.” Putting aside the questionable nature of the claim against so-called “anti-abortion organizations,” we have no objection to the necessity of transparency and accountability within the charitable sector. However, such requirements should not negatively prejudice charitable organizations that operate on the basis of valid moral positions which may diverge from those of a sitting government at any point in time.
Recommendation 430 threatens the very future of Canada’s entire charitable sector, as 40% of all charitable organizations in Canada are faith based. To deprive faith-based organizations of charitable status would decrease donations, causing their revenue to dwindle, thus crippling their ability to continue inspiring, operating, and maintaining essential social services that benefit the wider community. Since the late 19th century, advancing religion has been recognized as a charitable purpose in Canada, along with the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, and other purposes beneficial to the community.
Given the fundamental and contributing role of religious charities in Canadian society, we urge the government to abandon Recommendations 429 and 430. Indeed, we ask the government to avoid any legislative changes that would disproportionately target, destabilize, or harm faith-based organizations, inadvertently affecting the millions of Canadians who benefit from their initiatives. Recommendations 429 and 430 were advanced by the Committee without meaningful public consultation with the charitable sector. Any changes to the Income Tax Act affecting faith-based charities must involve proper consultation to ensure they strengthen rather than hinder our collective capacity to serve Canadians.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this important matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our concerns further with you. Be assured of the CCCB’s desire to work with the federal government to preserve the integrity and effectiveness of Canada’s entire charitable sector. We remain hopeful that Canadians will continue to enjoy freedom of religion and expression while maintaining a vibrant and sustainable charitable sector for the benefit of all.
Yours sincerely
The Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and CCCB President
The Most Reverend Lawrence Huculak, OSBM Eparchial Archbishop of Winnipeg and Metropolitan for Ukrainian Catholics in Canada
The Most Rev. Pierre Goudreault, Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière and CCCB Vice President
The Most Rev. Wayne Kirkpatrick, Bishop of Antigonish
The Most Rev. Gerard P. Bergie, Bishop of St. Catharines and CCCB Co-Treasurer
The Most Reverend Daniel Jodoin, Bishop of Nicolet
The Most Rev. Christian Rodembourg, M.S.A., Bishop of Saint-Hyacinthe and CCCB Co-Treasurer
The Most Reverend Daniel J. Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough
His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto
The Most Reverend Mark A. Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon
His Eminence Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix, Metropolitan Archbishop of Québec and Primate of Canada
The Most Rev. Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., Metropolitan Archbishop of Moncton
The Most Reverend Christian Lépine, Metropolitan Archbishop of Montreal
The Most Rev. Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, O.M.I., Bishop of Hearst-Moosonee
Bishop Mark Hagemoen led an installation of pastor ceremony March 9, for Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi, who has served as pastor at Kindersley, Marengo, Eston and Eatonia since the summer. (Submitted photo)
On the First Sunday of Lent, Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated Mass with the parish community of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kindersley, including special prayers for the installation of Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi as pastor of the parishes at Kindersley, Marengo, Eston, and Eatonia.
The bishop has explained that the installation prayers for pastors is a way “to celebrate the liturgical and sacramental priesthood that the pastor gives and presents to a parish community as an ordained ministerial priest, to the baptized who also share in the priesthood of Christ – called the common priesthood – and there is an intimate, vital relationship there.”
The installation ceremony highlight 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.
Prayers at the ambo at St. Joseph Parish in Kindersley for the installation of Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi as pastor. (Submitted photo)
Prayers at the altar at St. Joseph Parish in Kindersley for the installation of Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi as pastor. (Submitted photo)
Prayers at the tabernacle at St. Joseph Parish in Kindersley for the installation of Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi as pastor. (Submitted photo)
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