Max Connolly of St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission, Bruno, SK, and Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon were among those attending the Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) Rise Up conference Dec. 29-Jan. 1 in Calgary. (Submitted photo)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon joined Catholic Christian Outreach Dec. 29 for the annual Rise Up young adult conference, held this year in Calgary.
Rise Up guest speakers included Msgr. James Shea president of the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota; Canadian Martyrs’ Shrine director Fr John O’Brien, SJ, CCO co-founder Angele Regnier, and a group of active and former CCO missionaries. Each shared personal accounts and demonstrated a willingness “to really be vulnerable” in their talks, said event manager Joseph Murphy.
The conference also featured men’s and women’s sessions; holiness and mission workshops; celebration of the Eucharist, Eucharist adoration, and a New Year’s Eve banquet and dance.
Just over 500 young adults gathered for this year’s Rise Up Conference, many of them CCO missionaries. (Photo courtesy of CCO)
Launch of Canadian Martyrs relic tour
A unique feature this year was the presence of major relics of the Canadian Martyrs. On Dec. 31, the skull of St. Jean de Brébeuf and the bones of St. Gabriel Lalemant and St. Charles Garnier — and a relic of St. Kateri Tekakwitha — were venerated.
The relic tour will be passing through Vancouver, before continuing across Western Canada, including a stop from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. Read more about the relic tour here.
Prayers for the launch of Jubilee 2025 were offered in dioceses across the world on the Feast of the Holy Family, including in Saskatoon, where Bishop Mark Hagemoen inaugurated the year-long spiritual pilgrimage during celebration of the Eucharist Dec. 28 at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at the rite of opening of the Jubilee Year Dec. 28 at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon. The rite was also celebrated at both the Cathedral of the Holy Family and St. Paul Co-Cathedral Dec. 29, led by cathedral rectors, Fr. Gerard Cooper and Fr. Stefano Penna, respectively. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon, News)
In a gathering at the entrance of the church at the start of Mass, Bishop Hagemoen proclaimed: “In fellowship with the universal Church, as we celebrate the love of the Father that reveals itself in the flesh of the Word made man and in the sign of the cross, anchor of salvation, we solemnly open the Jubilee Year for the Church of the diocese of Saskatoon.”
The bishop continued: “This rite is for us the prelude to a rich experience of grace and mercy; we are ready always to respond to whoever asks the reason for the hope that is in us, especially in this time of war and disorder. May Christ, our peace and our hope, be our companion on the journey in this year of grace and consolation. May the Holy Spirit, who today begins this work both in us and with us, bring it to completion in the day of Christ Jesus.”
The proclamation was followed by scripture and prayers, reading of excerpts from the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee Year, veneration of the processional cross, the blessing of holy water at the baptismal font, and a procession into the sanctuary for the beginning of Mass, including the singing of the official Jubilee 2025 hymn.
The rite was also celebrated at both the Cathedral of the Holy Family and St. Paul Co-Cathedral on Sunday, Dec. 29, led respectively by the cathedral rectors, Fr. Gerard Cooper and Fr. Stefano Penna.
Homily
In his homily at Holy Spirit Church, Bishop Mark Hagemoen described how a Jubilee Year is traditionally celebrated every 25 years by the Church, and reflected on Pope Francis’ declaration of the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
The Holy Father is extremely concerned about obstacles to hope in our time, Hagemoen noted. “Not just obstacles that are theoretical – real obstacles. There are too many wars in the world… the majority of people on the planet Earth are dealing with some sort of significant conflict, or major inadequacy to their thriving as human beings.”
The bishop quoted Pope Francis’ call to the faithful to be Pilgrims of Hope: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
The Holy Father also said with the opening of one of the Holy Doors in Rome: “Each of us is called to enter into the mystery of God’s great grace. This is a time when the door of hope has opened wide on the world. This is a time when God says to each one: ‘There is hope – to you and for you.'”
Hagemoen continued, quoting Pope Francis: “The Jubilee Year should be a time of every individual, and all peoples and all nations to become together as Pilgrims of Hope, to silence the sounds of arms , and overcome divisions.”
This is a hope firmly grounded in our Saviour Jesus Christ and our faith, stressed Hagemeon, and is not a “pipe dream.”
“This is the One who gives His life absolutely, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, when He did not have to — because every human person is dearly loved and He goes all the way in dealing with any obstacle that comes between us and God. Indeed the genius of our Catholic Christian faith finds its source and summit in Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.”
The Feast of the Holy Family is an “amazing time to celebrate the Jubilee Year,” the bishop added. “Let us be thankful for our families, the first place where we learn about out humanity.”
Pilgrimage
In practical terms, the Jubilee Year goes for the whole year, and will include opportunities for spiritual growth and nourishment. “In the diocese of Saskatoon I am pleased to announce that we have a special time of pilgrimage, of opportunity to visit holy places, and to reflect on acting like the Lord, putting on Christ in our love and service to others, through the works of mercy and penance.”
Highlights include pilgrimages — “every one of us is on a pilgrimage journey,” noted Hagemoen, regardless of our ability to physically travel.
However, this will be a year with a particular focus on making pilgrimage visits to local sacred sites within the boundaries of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, which include the diocesan cathedrals and St. Peter’s Abbey at Muenster.
“We are also very blessed within the diocese of Saskatoon to actually have historical pilgrimage sites… the schedules will be known in the coming moths,” he said, listing the annual pilgrimages to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine west of Humboldt, to Holy Rosary Shrine at Reward, to Our Lady of Sorrows Shrine and Sts. Peter and Paul Church at Blumenfeld, to St. Anthony Church at Grosswerder, and to the eparchial shrines of Our Lady of Sorrows near Cudworth, and the Millennium Pro-Life Crossnear Aberdeen. In addition, there are other annual pilgrimages to nearby sacred sites in the diocese of Prince Albert including the shrine at St. Laurent, and in the archdiocese of Regina, including the shrine at Rama.
Works of mercy and penance
“I conclude (by) reflecting on the works of mercy and penance,” Hagemoen said. “These are exercises and disciplines that come from the Church’s teaching, about how we are called to imitate the Lord in the little things: feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, burying the dead, giving counsel to those who are doubtful or anxious, comfort to the afflicted, visiting those who are dealing with incarceration, or who are very limited in their movement, clothing the naked, praying for th living and the dead, bearing patiently with those who do us ill. I am sure on that list there are some that jump to mind right away!”
He also noted the special teaching on the availability of the mercy of Indulgence, sharing the words of Pope Francis about this spiritual teaching from the Jubilee of Mercy in 2015.
“Pope Francis underlined how the Indulgence acquired ‘an even more important meaning’ in that context, since God’s mercy becomes the indulgence on the part of the Father who, through the Bride of Christ, his Church, reaches and blesses sinners and frees them from every residue left by sin. Similarly, Pope Francis now declares that the gift of indulgences as a way of discovering the unlimited nature of God’s mercy,” said Hagemoen.
He continued, quoting Pope Francis: “Not by chance, for the ancients, the terms ‘mercy’ and ‘indulgence’
were interchangeable, as expressions of the fullness of God’s forgiveness, which knows no bounds.” The Holy Father concludes: “The Indulgence, therefore, is a Jubilee grace.”
“So our exercises of visiting holy sites, the works of mercy, and also taking advantage of opportunities for penance… is an opportunity to experience and receive the Jubilee grace of God’s mercy,” said Hagemoen, thanking the rectors of the cathedral and pastors at all parishes in the diocese for participating in the launch of the Jubilee Year.
Video of opening rite and bishop’s homily:
Photos:
Preparing for the celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon, News)
The rite of opening of the Jubilee Year began at the entrance of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon, News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at the rite of opening of the Jubilee Year Dec. 28 at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon, News)
Reading of the Papal Bull of Indiction for Jubilee 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Hagemoen leads the opening rite for the Jubilee Year during the Dec. 28 celebration of the Eucharist at Holy Spirit Church in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Hagemoen venerates the cross before leading the assembly into the sanctuary for celebration of Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Blessing the waters of the baptismal font before the penitential sprinkling rite. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Processing into the sanctuary as part of the opening rite for the Jubilee 2025 Year of Hope. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Jubilee Prayer
Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.
Sharing memories and words of farewell, parishioners past and present marked the closing of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Lancer, SK, on Nov. 17, 2024.
Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at Mass for the decommissioning of the Sacred Heart parish, along with pastor Fr. Prince Sarpong, who also serves at Leader, Fox Valley, Liebenthal, and Richmound parishes.
(Photo by Crystal Bosch)
As with the closing of another parish in the area two years ago – St. Michael Parish in Burstall, SK – the closing of the Lancer church comes after a long period of careful, prayerful discernment by parishioners, said Bishop Hagemoen.
He delivered a message of gratitude for the history and faith nurtured at Sacred Heart parish over the years, and reflected on the ongoing call to live and worship as the People of God – God’s ultimate temple.
Hagemoen acknowledged the sadness of bidding farewell to a beloved building and the challenges of living through a time of transition for the faith community, which will now involve celebrating and building deeper connections with surrounding parishes in the region.
Generations of parishioners have celebrated countless baptisms, marriages, funerals and the sacraments of the church in the parish, which began as an Oblate parish mission in 1913, before the first church was built in 1918, with the present building constructed in 1963.
The Lancer parish was served by the Oblates of St. Mary’s Province for many years, and was part of the former Gravelbourg diocese until 1998, when it was incorporated into the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
(Photo by Crystal Bosch)
Parish history
Following Mass, Sacred Heart parishioner Paulette Andreas presented a brief history of the parish beginning with its earliest days as part of a new settlement.
“From time-to-time, a travelling missionary from the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation would celebrate Mass in different homes in the area, and eventually the Abbey Hotel became available for Sunday Mass. All the while, Lancer was being established as a mission church,” she described.
“In 1918, a few Catholic settlers decided it was time to build a church. It was a 26-foot by 44-foot, simply-made and modest building of worship, ready to serve the people of the Lancer area,” she said, relating some of the changes and transitions experienced over the generations of parish life.
“It wasn’t until 1930 that Lancer had a resident priest often staying in private homes. Eventually a private house was purchased and used as a rectory until 1950, at which time a modest, full-basement rectory was built at the total cost of $4,000. Today it serves as a family home.”
As the population grew and finances improved, the basement to the church built in 1918 was excavated and an extension was added. “Improvements continued as the congregation grew.”
In 1963, that original 1918 structure was moved to Cabri, SK, where it still serves as the church building for St. Joseph Parish in the Archdiocese of Regina.
Construction of the present Sacred Heart church building was overseen by Fr. Alexander Shahun, OMI, with the new church building blessed on Sept. 29, 1963.
Acknowledging the many priests that served at Sacred Heart Parish over the years, she reflected on the many celebrations, sacraments, and events that have been held there – “too many to count.”
She made note of the work of organizations that have also been a big part of parish life over the years, including the Knights of Columbus, which was introduced to Lancer in 1947, when it became a sub-council first of Swift Current and then of the Prelate council. John Andreas was the first Grand Knight at Lancer. “Then in October 1972, Lancer Council #6330 was formed. Jack Tuchsherer became the first Grand Knight of the newly-formed council.”
The local Knights of Columbus council organized many events to raise funds for causes they supported locally, nationally and internationally. Their service over the years included helping at the Lancer rodeo, hosting ball tournaments, golf tournaments, crib tournaments, skidoo rallies, weekly bingos and an annual turkey bingo.
“Some of their most recent annual events were Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast and spearheading and working at the Chokecherry Festival pancake breakfast, at which some of these men still serve today.”
The Catholic Women’s League was established in Lancer in 1954. “Before that, the women’s organization of the church were called the ‘Catholic Ladies’ Aide.’ Those pioneer women were not only homemakers in their own homes, they took on the duty of being homemakers of the Church,” Andreas described. Their service included cleaning, decorating, laundry, and providing vestments and altar serving gowns. Rosella Hubert was the first president of the local CWL once they joined the national organization.
Over the years, the women went on to serve other local and national organizations and causes, she added. “They were often out canvassing or fundraising to supply the necessities of others. For example, back in the day, 20 pounds of white cloth was purchased and sent to Tanzania for bandages in a leper colony. They supported the education of priests and sent Catholic reading material to India,” Andreas listed.
CWL members would canvas for organizations such as the CNIB or the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society, and would respond to other requests for help.
With the local United Church women’s group also canvassing for some of the same causes, the Lancer CWL council joined with them to form the “Combined Appeal Donor’s Choice,” which has since become a successful community endeavour, Andreas said.
Over the years the two women’s organizations also worked jointly on many local events including the World Day of Prayer, Solidarity Sunday, a graduation service for Grade 12 students, and an interfaith service at the Lancer Chokecherry Festival.
Other efforts of the CWL have included an annual Spring Ham and Perogy Supper, a bake sale complimenting the Knights of Columbus turkey bingo, and the publication of three cookbooks of collected recipes from the community.
“So many faithful parishioners contributed and shared their talents for the betterment of our parish,” added Andreas, pointing in particular to music ministry in the parish. “We had the best music anywhere — that we witnessed today,” she said.
(Photo by Crystal Bosch)
Parish vocations
Paulette Andreas concluded by recalling proud moments for the parish, when former members answered the call to serve God and God’s people in the wider Church.
On Feb. 17, 1977, Lancer parishioner Louis Andreas made his sacred vows to join the Oblates of Mary Immaculate as a consecrated religious brother. “He was lovingly known to everyone as Brother Louis.” He died in 2018 at the age of 70 years.
“Another member of our Sacred Heart family is Deacon David Hagel,” she added. He currently serves in Cabri, Gull Lake and Swift Current in the Archdiocese of Regina
In closing, Andreas thanked all those who joined the community for the closing Mass. “Although our hearts are heavy, we appreciate you coming out to join us today and to share with us memories of our beloved Church and its history in the Lancer area.”
Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at Eucharistic adoration, as well as joining the United Conference throughout the Oct. 26-27 weekend, including presiding at Sunday Mass. Theme of the 2024 United Conference was Faithful. Read more at Catholic Saskatoon News. (Photo by Hannah Berry, FacetoFace)
In the presence of a second-class relic of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Fr. David David Bellusci, OP, spoke at a “To the Heights” event Oct. 25 in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Astrid Alas)
An evening of reflection on the life and holiness of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) was held Oct. 25 in the Queen of Peace Chapel at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. “To the Heights” focused on the life and example of the young 20th-century lay Dominican who died nearly 100 years ago at the age of 24.
Young adult and vocation ministry leaders in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon organized the event in collaboration with the cathedral, hosting guest speaker Fr. David Bellusci, OP, of Vancouver, who has written a book about the young Italian Catholic who is on the road to being proclaimed a saint of the church.
“To The Heights” was a night of reflection about the holiness of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati with (l-r) Sr. Marta Piano of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity, Jarrod D. M. Daunheimer of Sts. Benedict and Scholastica, Fr. Gerard Cooper, Rector of Holy Family Cathedral, guest speaker Fr. Fr. David Bellusci, OP; Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen; Fr. Colin Roy, diocesan Vocation Director; and Christopher Ruest of Project Timothy. (Photo by Sr. Sol Abala, VDMF)
“It was a life-giving experience to be part of this event,” said Sr. Marta Piano of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity.
“Fr. David Bellusci brought us ‘To the Heights!’ Through the virtuous life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati we were drawn to awe of the extraordinary in the ordinary, to the sense of beauty and righteousness, and to be inspired to engage generously. As Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati would say: ‘so that the radiant dawn may break in which all nations recognize that Jesus Christ as King.'”
Blessed Frassati, one of the patrons of the 2023 World Youth Day held in Portugal, was concerned about helping the poor in the slums of Turin, the needy students in Berlin, but especially in contributing to world peace. His spiritual maturity was expressed by making sacrifices.
Blessed Frassati’s phrase, Verso l’Alto, “To the Summit,” expresses his journey ascending towards God. His life of virtue, love and sacrifice prompted St. John Paul II to refer to him as a “man of the eight beatitudes.”
The biography written by Bellusci, entitled Pier Giorgio Frassati: Truth, Love, and Sacrifice draws from letters and witness accounts, showing the young man’s increasing engagement with the world around him, shaped by his spiritual life.
Bellusci brought a second-class relic of Blessed Frassati to the Saskatoon event, which included prayer, a talk, and a time for questions.
RELATED:
Upcoming vocation event: a “Come and See” morning for young women 18-28 years of age, about the Sts. Benedict and Scholastica formation program in the diocese of Saskatoon will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; register before Nov. 28 by calling Sr. Sol Abala at (639) 470-8333.
Diocesan World Youth Day will be marked on the Solemnity of Christ the King, Sunday, Nov. 24, with 6:30 p.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, followed by testimony from young adults. All are welcome.
Photos:
(Photo by Astrid Alas)
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(Photo by Astrid Alas)
“To The Heights” was a night of reflection about the holiness of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati with (l-r) Sr. Sol Abala of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity, Jarrod D. M. Daunheimer of Sts. Benedict and Scholastica, Fr. Gerard Cooper, Rector of Holy Family Cathedral, guest speaker Fr. Fr. David Bellusci, OP; Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen; Fr. Colin Roy, diocesan Vocation Director; and Christopher Ruest of Project Timothy. (Photo by Sr. Marta Piano, VDMF)
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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – rcdos.ca.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Vocations, Communications, and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.
A public event Oct. 22 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon was part of the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) convention. “From Death into Life: Finding Reasons for Our Hope” featured a panel discussion by (l-r): Amanda Achtman, Dr. Leonie Herx, and Dr. Mary Heilman, as well as a time of prayer. (Photo by Tim Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Saskatchewan Bishops attending various sessions throughout the convention included Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Prince Albert Bishop Stephen Hero, Regina Archbishop Donald Bolen, and Bishop Michael Smolenski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.
The convention also included prayer, AGM, a blessing of the board of directors, and the presentation of awards to Dr. Bruce Berscheid who was recognized with the CHAS Mission Award for outstanding service and his decades of commitment to Catholic health care, and to Barb Berscheidwho received the Moola-Freer Award which honours those who serve with compassion in palliative care, for her many years supporting and volunteering at the St. Paul’s Hospital palliative care unit.
Dr. Josephine Lombardi, PhD, of St. Augustine’s Seminary, Ontario, spoke about redemptive suffering. (Photo by Louis Oliver, CHAS)
Leaders shared insights during CHAS convention sessions. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert presents the homily at Mass during the CHAS convention. (Photo by Louis Oliver, CHAS)
CHAS Award Recipients 2024
Photo from left to right: Corey Miller, President and CEO of Emmanuel Health; Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina; Dr. Bruce Berscheid (CHAS Mission Award recipient); Barb Berscheid (Moola-Freer Award recipient), Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert; and Cameron Choquette, Chair of the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan board of directors. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert was welcomed to CHAS by board chair Cameron Choquette during the 2024 convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Michael Smolinski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon was welcomed to CHAS by board chair Cameron Choquette during the 2024 convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Representatives from across Saskatchewan attended the 2024 CHAS convention held Oct. 22 and 23 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
On World Mission Sunday, Oct. 20, Bishop Mark Hagemoen offered special prayers for recently-appointed pastor Fr. Matthew Ramsay, at both St. Peter Parish, Unity, SK, and St. Michael Parish, Tramping Lake, SK, – parishes where he has been serving since August. (Photo by Karen McCubbing)
Fr. Matthew Ramsay was appointed pastor of St. Michael Parish, Tramping Lake, SK, and St. Peter Parish, Unity, SK, earlier this summer, with the appointment marked by special prayers of installation led by Bishop Mark Hagemoen on World Mission Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
The bishop endeavours to celebrate the optional liturgy during Sunday Mass at parishes across the diocese who have recently welcomed a new pastor.
The installation prayers led by the bishop reflect prayerfully on the role of the pastor, highlighting the priest’s sacramental ministry through a series of prayers at different spots throughout the church building: the altar, the ambo, the tabernacle, the baptismal font, the entrance of the church, the confessional, and so on.
Installation prayers at Tramping Lake:
(Photos at St. Michael Parish, Tramping Lake, SK by Rose Simon)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen installed Fr. Matthew Ramsay as pastor of St. Michael Parish, Tramping Lake n World Mission Sunday, Oct. 20, with special installation prayers at important spots throughout the historic church building. (Photo by Rose Simon)
Prayers for the pastor at the ambo, St. Michael Church, Tramping Lake, SK. (Photo by Rose Simon)
Prayers for the pastor at the doors of St. Michael Church, Tramping Lake — the doors through which the faithful enter to worship and celebrate the sacraments at every stage of life, including baptisms, marriages, and funerals. (Photo by Rose Simon)
Prayers for the pastor at the altar and at the tabernacle, St. Michael Church, Tramping Lake, SK. (Photo by Rose Simon)
Prayers for the pastor at the priest’s chair, St. Michael Church, Tramping Lake, SK. (Photo by Rose Simon)
Installation prayers at Unity:
(Photos at St. Peter Parish, Unity, SK, by Karen McCubbing)
Prayers for the pastor at the altar, St. Peter Church, Unity, SK. (Photo by Karen McCubbing)
Prayers for the pastor at the baptismal font, St. Peter Church, Unity, SK. (Photo by Karen McCubbing)
Prayers for the pastor at the tabernacle, St. Peter Church, Unity, SK. (Photo by Karen McCubbing)
Prayers for the pastor at the priest’s chair, St. Peter Church, Unity, SK. (Photo by Karen McCubbing)
Prayers for the pastor at the confessional, St. Peter Church, Unity, SK. (Photo by Karen McCubbing)
Prayers for the pastor at the doors of St. Peter Church, Unity, SK. (Photo by Karen McCubbing)
Prayers for the pastor in front of the altar, St. Peter Church, Unity, SK. (Photo by Karen McCubbing)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen (right) joins the assembly in applause for Fr. Matthew Ramsay at the conclusion of the installation prayers Oct. 20. (Photo by Karen McCubbing)
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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – rcdos.ca. Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen leads applause for Fr. Luke Tran after his ordination as a priest for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Oct. 18. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
With great joy and thanksgiving, hundreds gathered from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Western Canada, and beyond, for the priestly ordination of Fr. Luke Tran Van Tam on Oct. 18, the Feast of his patron saint, Saint Luke the Evangelist.
Before the Ordination Mass began at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, children and youth from Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Catholic Community of Saskatoon brought forward an offering of flowers as a Marian devotion.
Youth from the Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Catholic community of Saskatoon brought forward an Offertory of Flowers in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a prelude to the ordination Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Diocesan Choir – directed by Shaun Bzdel, with Wendy Dale on piano and Ken Neitz on organ – was joined in music ministry by the Vietnamese Catholic Choir of Surrey, B.C., where Fr. Luke would often visit while studying at the nearby Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, B.C.
Special guests at the ordination Mass included Fr. Luke Tran Van Tam’s parents, who travelled from Việt Nam for the celebration, along with other family members.
Seminarians, deacons, and priests from a number of dioceses across Western Canada also attended the ordination Mass, including priests from the dioceses of Vancouver; Edmonton; Calgary; St. Paul, AB; St. Boniface, MB; Mackenzie-Fort Smith, NT; Prince Albert, SK; and Regina.
During the entrance procession, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen stopped to greet the parents of Fr. Luke Tran Van Tam, who travelled from Vietnam to attend the celebration of his ordination Oct. 18. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
MCs for the ordination were Fr. Geoffrey Young, diocesan Liturgy Director, and Fr. Daniel Yasinski, diocesan Vocation Director.
Deacon Nicholas Blom of Saint Mary Parish in Saskatoon called forward the candidate during the Rite of Ordination: St. Mary Parish was where Tran completed his pastoral internship as a seminarian and served as a transitional deacon.
Vocation Director Fr. Colin Roy presented the candidate for ordination to Bishop Mark Hagemoen, who responded, saying: “Relying on the help of the Lord God and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, we choose this our brother for the Order of the Priesthood.”
All those assembled assented, saying “Thanks be to God,” followed by joyful applause.
In the homily that followed, Bishop Mark Hagemoen reflected on the role of the ministerial ordained priesthood in “word, sacrifice, and witness,” and “leadership through radical service” in following the example of Jesus Christ, and living as a man of prayer.
“By word – you are called to be one of His teachers and prophets: by your life, witness, and preaching and teaching – you will point to Christ, His good news; and the proclamation of His kingdom – a kingdom that is in this world, but not of this world. By your life and witness, you will proclaim Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who is visible, real, present,” said Hagemoen.
“By sacrifice – you will be His priest: by your important and crucial participation in the life of the Church you will have the privilege and duty to administer the life-giving Sacraments of Christ and His Church for the People of God,” the bishop continued.
“Finally, by witness, you are called as disciple and servant of God’s people. This includes the areas of administration and governance- aspects of pastoral service and oversight,” Hagemoen said, stressing that this must never be about power, but rather about humble service and faithfulness in all things.
The bishop stressed: “Luke, you are here today, because God called you.”
He added: “In order to be a man of God, you must be a man of prayer, of meditation on God’s word, of contemplation before God’s wonderful deeds and his presence in the Mystery of the Eucharist, always keeping your eyes on Jesus. We do all for him and in memory of him.”
In the homily for the Ordination Mass, Bishop Mark Hagemoen reflected on the meaning and the call to the ministerial priesthood. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“Luke, we never have to pretend that we are perfect, that we have all the answers, or that we have it all under control. We are fellow sinners with God’s people. We are journeying with them in faith. We need their prayers as they need ours. We need their faith as they need ours,” said Hagemoen.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen concluded his homily by citing the 10 simple rules of life from Vietnamese Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận (1928-2002), who was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2017:
“I will live the present moment to the fullest. I will discern between God and God’s works. I will hold firmly to one secret: prayer. I will see in the Holy Eucharist my only power. I will have only one wisdom: the science of the Cross. I will remain faithful to my mission in the Church and for the Church as a witness of Jesus Christ. I will seek the peace the world cannot give. I will carry out a true revolution: by renewal in the Holy Spirit. I will speak one language and wear one uniform: charity through mercy. I will have one very special love: the Blessed Virgin Mary and her children.”
The ordination celebration continued with the Litany of the Saints prayed in song, as Fr. Luke lay prostrate upon the ground as a sign of surrender to God.
Deacon Luke Tran Van Tam lies prostrate, as the bishop and all those assembled prayed during the Litany of the Saints, as part of the Ordination Rite. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Ordination was then conferred by the bishop during the laying on of hands and prayer of ordination, with all the priests present also laying their hands upon Fr. Luke’s head in prayer.
With the laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination, Bishop Mark Hagemoen ordains Fr. Luke Tran Oct. 18, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Fr. Anthony Tien Tran, Pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Surrey, B.C. in the Archdiocese of Vancouver assisted the newly-ordained priest during the Investiture with the Stole and Chausible.
Fr. Luke then knelt before the bishop, who anointed his hands with sacred chrism.
The offertory gifts were brought up by members of Fr. Luke’s family. Presenting the newly-ordained priest with a chalice and paten, the bishop said: “Understand what you will do, imitate what you will hold, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”
The bishop and all the priests then embraced the newly-ordained priest during the “Kiss of Peace.”
The celebration continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist and communion. It concluded with words of thanks from Fr. Luke, and a message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen to the parents of the newly-ordained priest, which was translated into Vietnamese by Fr. Anthony Tien Tran of Surrey, B.C.
“My dear brothers and sisters, God’s mercy to me is great, and this ordination is a manifestation of his grace,” said Fr. Luke, expressing his gratitude to the crowd that filled the cathedral worship space, and to those viewing the live-stream video online, both in English and in Vietnamese.
“Special thanks to Bishop Mark for ordaining me, and for your constant support throughout my journey,” he said, before noting the support of those at Christ the King Seminary and in the diocese and beyond, and all those who have accompanied him on his faith journey. “Your prayers and support have been a source of strength for me…. Words will never be able to express how deeply your kindness has touched my heart.”
At the conclusion of the ordination Mass, Fr. Luke Tran extended thanks to God and to those who have supported him in his faith, his discernment, and his vocational journey. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“Finally, and most importantly, I would like to offer my deepest gratitude to God for calling and anointing me to be His priest: Thank you Lord, for your constant presence in my life, for patiently leading me along this path, even when I didn’t fully understand it,” said Fr. Luke. “You, in Your wisdom, took me far from my home, into a new country, a new culture, and among new people. Through it all You showed me that I was never alone, and that your grace and mercy have always been with me.”
Addressing Fr. Luke’s parents, the bishop said: “I want to thank you both very much for the generous gift of your son to the priesthood. It must be difficult to see a son leave your country, probably mixed blessings but also challenges, and I know you miss him very much.”
The bishop continued: “He is a very faithful man, he is very hard working and he is very determined…. very grateful for the gift of your son; he learned his faith from you, foremost… thank you, thank you, thank you. Your gift is great and we will always remember you in our prayers.”
During the recessional hymn, the bishop knelt to receive a blessing from the newly-ordained priest. Blessings continued at the reception that followed the Mass, as those in attendance also lined up to receive a blessing.
[Fr. Luke Tran Van Tam was born April 30, 1987 in Việt Nam and came to Canada on July 19, 2017 in order to discern the vocation of priesthood for the diocese of Saskatoon. He was accepted as a diocesan seminarian of Saskatoon in July 2018, and studied at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, B.C. until his pastoral year at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, which began in the summer of 2023.]
As we approach the upcoming provincial and civic elections, and as all citizens are called to fulfill their responsibilities to inform themselves of the various issues, I am taking this opportunity to support members of our Catholic communities in their engagement with the electoral process, and encourage all to be informed regarding the major moral and social issues important to Catholics.
While no one political party can be promoted at any Catholic Church, it is certainly appropriate to make available the positions of all political parties to moral and social issues.
To this end, I would strongly promote making available the attached “Voting Like A Catholic” resource from the non-profit and non-partisan organization Catholic Conscience, which reflects on key issues not only for Catholics but for all citizens. It also includes a link to a resource comparing the various political parties’ published platforms with Catholic Social Teaching: https://CatholicConscience.org/Canada/Saskatchewan/2024-provincial-election.
For Catholics, voting is not only a duty but involves ongoing education and formation. A key feature of carrying out one’s duty and responsibility to vote is to exercise and inform one’s conscience. This is particularly important because we are called to be voices that speak to virtue, healing and decency in politics and social engagement. We are also called to be mindful of both personal and community issues and goals – especially in terms of those who are unable to speak for themselves.
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