Bishop Mark Hagemoen’s blog

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

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.

Related:  WPCU Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen – LINK

Related: 2023 WPCU Bible Study series is available on PCE YouTube Channel – LINK

Related: De Margerie Series held in two cities (article)

Related: De Margerie Series – Lecture 1 video (Regina Jan. 18) – LINK / Lecture 2 video (Saskatoon Jan. 19) – LINK

-30-

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.”

Read more from D & P Animator for Saskatchewan and Keewatin-Le-Pas at: “Ready, Set, CREATE HOPE!”

Christmas Greetings and Reflection from Bishop Mark Hagemoen:

Complete message PDF / text version: LINK (also published below)

Christmas Mass times: LINK

2022 Christmas Message

“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! 

Have a blessed and joy-filled Christmas season!

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. Mark A. Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon

At the invitation of local pastor Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen visited the parish communities of St. Mary, Wynyard; Christ the King, Foam Lake; and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wishart, SK, on the Fourth Sunday of Advent 2022.

Bishop Hagemoen was invited by Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu to celebrate with the parish communities of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wishart (pictured), St. Mary, Wynyard, and Christ the King, Foam Lake. (Submitted photo)

The pastoral visits Dec. 17-18 included celebration of Sunday Mass in each parish, as well as parish and community social gatherings. The bishop also heard more about some of the pastoral challenges facing the Catholic communities.

“The parishioners that make up these Catholic communities are very faithful and supportive,” said Bishop Hagemoen, reflecting on the pastoral visit.

“In spite of that, the shrinking community in Wishart has been struggling with its operation since the pandemic, and has been discerning whether the parish should close,” he said.

Unlike Wynyard and Foam Lake – who have seen their communities stabilize over the last few years – Wishart has been more affected by the shifting demographics that many prairie communities have experienced when population declines and services such as schools and businesses leave the community, the bishop noted.

“The visit was therefore an opportunity to discuss with the parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wishart, about ways to continue to operate, and also – if they ever made the decision to seek “decommissioning” as a parish — about the vision for the community beyond such a decision,” he said.

A meeting with parishioners following Sunday Mass in Wishart featured much discussion and many questions. Following the meeting the community continued their time with the bishop by joining together for a pot-luck lunch.

“My own impression is that the community will take at least the coming New Year to continue to discern next steps and their future,” Hagemoen said. “However, whatever happens – this is a faithful community that will persists in their faith life, and I look forward to working with them in the coming months.”

Community celebration in Wynyard

The visit to St. Mary Parish in Wynyard, SK for Saturday evening Mass on Dec. 17 was followed by a community celebration in the local hall, that included the participation of Filipino Catholic parishioners, and the donation of $700 that they raised in support of the parish at Wynyard .

At a community celebration Dec. 17 a donation of $700 in support of the parish at Wynyard was presented by the Filipino Catholic community to Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu. (Submitted photo)

Filipino Catholic parishioners were among those participating in a community celebration Dec. 17 in Wynyard, SK. (Submitted photo)

History of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wishart:

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Wishart, SK, was built in 1951-54. The present church is the third building to serve the parish community that was founded by Polish settlers who came to the area in 1906. The parish became part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon when diocesan boundaries in Saskatchewan shifted in 1998. (Information from “Building the Church, Living the Gospel” by Margaret Sanche, Photo by Daniel J. Classen)

-30-

The Diocesan Pastoral Council gathered Nov. 30 with Bishop Mark Hagemoen to reflect, report, and plan, meeting both in person at the Catholic Pastoral Centre and via Zoom. The “DPC” is one of the major consultative bodies for Bishop Mark Hagemoen, with representatives from across the diocese from many parishes and partner organizations.

The DPC is presently reviewing the diocesan Pastoral Plan and the recent diocesan Synod on Synodality.

Thanks to all the DPC members for their faithful presence and their input!

Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) members gathered Nov. 30, 2022 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatono News)

Clergy from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon gathered Nov. 14-17 at Elk Ridge near Waskesiu, SK, for prayer, reflection, fraternity and inspiration.

The Clergy Study Days included keynote sessions by Archbishop Emeritus Terrence Prendergast, SJ, speaking on The Call to Community, Accountability and Authentic Witness, as well as addressing the New Evangelization in the Year of Matthew (Year A). Archbishop Prendergast is retired archbishop of Otttawa-Cornwall, and former archbishop of Halifax.

“Supporting our Vocation in a Missionary Climate” was the theme of session presented by Rev. John Lemire of Timmins, ON, president of the Ontario Diocesan Vocation Directors Association, a member of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission for Priests and the President of the Diocesan Vocation Directors of Canada.

Study Days also included a presentation by Msgr. John Renken and David Stack on canonical and civil statutes of incorporated parishes, and a “Bishop’s Forum” with Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

More information about Clergy Study Days speakers: PDF

(Photo by Fr. Darryl Millette)

(Photo by Fr. Darryl Millette)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses priests at Clergy Study Days 2022. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses priests at Clergy Study Days 2022. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. Marvin Lishchynsky thanks Archbishp Prendergast. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. Ralph Kleiter, Fr. Stefano Penna, and Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor (l-r) selecting burger toppings. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen in conversation with guest speaker Fr. John Lemire. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. Kevin McGee with guest speaker Fr. John Lemire. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Vicar General Fr. Kevin McGee. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Fr. John Lemire. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses priests at Clergy Study Days 2022. (Photo by Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC)

(Photo by Fr. Darryl Millette)

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News / Photos by Sr. Malou Tibayan

“Building Faith-Filled Families” was the theme of a workshop Nov. 19, 2022 introducing a new marriage preparation and formation curriculum in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Attended by some 40 participants, including resource couples and clergy, the day-long event held at the Cathedral of the Holy Family offered “practical tools for meaningful discussions and an invitation to become life-long disciples together, united in Christ,” said Marilyn Jackson, diocesan Director of Ministry Services.

The event included a walk-through of the new curriculum, demonstrations of presenting themes, a chance to use the materials, discussion of adult learning principles and creating an environment of  hospitality and safety.

Developed by a diocesan committee established by Bishop Mark Hagemoen, the new curriculum will be used by parishes across the diocese in forming couples who are preparing for marriage. Guests Rachele and Clement Ng were recognized at the workshop for the research that went into the process.

The vision for marriage formation in the diocese “seeks to provide practical tools to raise topics for meaningful  discussion and invite engaged couples into the life of a faith community.”

“Through radical hospitality and the witness of Catholic married couples, engaged couples will be supported in their journey to becoming life-long disciples together, united in Christ.” – Marriage Formation Guidelines 2022

Themes in the new curriculum that were explored during the workshop included Family of Origin and Communication, addressed by speakers Tracy and John Connelly; Communication, Sexuality and Family Planning, presented by Monique and Ryan Leblanc; and Spirituality and Prayer, reflected on by Chantale and Myron Rogal.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen also spoke about the Sacrament of Marriage.

In the bishop’s message included in the guidelines, Hagemoen noted: “I have been hearing from many clergy and laity throughout the diocese – in both our rural and urban parishes – about the need for strong support for couples discerning life-long, Catholic marriage. The diocese of Saskatoon seeks to provide solid theological formation and practical tools to address and raise topics for meaningful teaching and discussion, as we invite engaged couples through their parish faith communities to discern this wonderful, God-given vocation.“

Hagemoen added: “It is our hope that the support we provide to pastors, parishes and marriage formation teams will assist our parishes and pastoral regions in equipping engaged couples to enter into marriage with faithfulness, joy, and hope. As we accompany young couples in their journey towards holy matrimony, let us aim to surround them by our larger circle of family, friends and faith community.”

For more information about marriage preparation in the diocese of Saskatoon, please contact Director of Ministry Services Marilyn Jackson at mjackson@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5836 or visit the website at MARRIAGE PREPARATION INFO.

Photos by Sr. Malou Tibayan, Verbum Dei missionary fraternity:

-30-

The Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan gathered together for meetings during the week of Nov. 7, 2022, connecting with each other and various groups and organizations — both online and in-person at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon.

Pictured (left to right) are: Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert, Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Keewatin-LePas, and Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Saskatoon. Attending via Zoom was Archbishop Lawrence Huculak of Winnipeg, who is presently serving as apostolic administrator of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

On Sunday, Oct. 30, Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated Sunday Eucharist at the Cathedral of the Holy Family: the congregation was joined by participants in the 2022 FacetoFace Ministries United conference.

By Maria Gursky, Face to Face Ministries

FacetoFace Ministries hosted its annual United Conference Oct. 29-30 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, with keynote speaker Sr. Helena Burns of the Daughters of St. Paul breaking open the teachings of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body in an engaging and practical way.

The United Conference hit record-breaking numbers of 394 individuals gathered for a weekend of growing in faith and experiencing community. Highlights included adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praise and worship, the keynote talks by Sr. Burns, and time for fellowship.

FacetoFace Ministries desires that youth across Western Canada find fulfillment in a life in Christ, and strives to provide encounters with Jesus Christ that inspire the response to become saints.

(Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

This year’s United Conference drew youth from the Diocese of Prince George, BC, from Clearwater Academy in Calgary, AB, and from Humboldt Collegiate Institute in Humboldt, SK as well as many more local families from Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary and beyond.

United is a chance for youth to come together from across Canada to be united and supported in living out their faith in today’s world. One participant shared that “it was so reassuring seeing how many people are just like me, a young Catholic looking to find community and learn about the faith.”

Many youth look forward to this annual conference as a chance to reconnect with friends made through other FacetoFace programs such as Ignite summer camps and the online WORD Bible Studies.

For many, the weekend was an enriching faith experience. FacetoFace works to foster encounters with Jesus Christ through offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well as creating a moment of encounter through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Worshipping God in a church with nearly 400 people sharing in Eucharistic Adoration is an incredibly inspiring and encouraging experience. Many participants shared that this time spent with Jesus was the highlight of the weekend.

“At adoration I really felt the love of God touch me and the atmosphere was amazing,” said one participant.

Sr. Helena Burns of the Daughters of St. Paul was the keynote speaker for this year’s United conference. (Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

Sr. Helena Burns gave three keynote sessions about Theology of the Body: an introduction to the teaching, a reflection about how God is the only One who can truly satisfy our desires, and a third talk about the masculine and feminine genius.

Many participants commented that Sr. Helena’s words were encouraging, giving them a new perspective, and deepening their faith. One participant shared: “The talks given set a fire within my heart to live a better life through the teachings of the Catholic Church and Theology of the Body.”

(Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

FacetoFace was blessed to welcome in other local speakers for breakout session talks in the afternoon, including Ken and Janelle Yasinski, Arnel Vicente, Matthew Courchene and Fr. Warren Dungen. The wisdom, encouragement, and practical suggestions shared in the breakout sessions were well received by participants.

The annual United Conference is also an opportunity for collaboration with other youth and young adult programs in our province and beyond, including NET Ministries of Canada, Newman Theological College, and St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission. Having these organizations present at the Conference is beneficial for the youth attending – exposing them to different options available while providing a fantastic advertising opportunity for the organizations!

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided over Sunday mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Family Oct. 30, addressing the United Conference participants who joined the parishioners and encouraging the youth to continue living out their faith.

All glory to God for a successful United Conference!

For more information about the mission and work of FacetoFace Ministries, visit the website at f2f.ca.

Eucharistic Adoration was a high point of the United weekend. (Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

(Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

(Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

(Photo courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)

Live-stream video of Sunday Mass with Bishop Hagemoen during United:

-30-

Some 120 alumni and former facilitators and leaders of the diocesan Lay Formation program gathered Oct. 27-28 for one last annual Alumni Fall Gathering at Queen’s House of Retreat and Renewal in Saskatoon — the facility that for so many years was the site of Lay Formation weekends of prayer, learning and community.

Find news article, photos and speaker reflections at: Catholic Saskatoon News

Indigenous Lay Formation Program alumni from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon. (Photo by Lynne Gillies)

The final alumni gathering was a time for connection, grieving, and reflection, including perspectives by founders and former coordinators, volunteers and presenters about the history of the program, its vision and its impact.

Celebrants at Mass: Fr Ivan Nahachewsky, Chancellor of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, Archbishop Murray Chatlain of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-LePas, and Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI. (Photo by Teresa Bodnar-Hiebert)

Guest speaker at the Fall Gathering (in person and on Zoom) was Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, who for many years was one of the celebrated presenters of sessions at the Lay Formation program. The weekend schedule also included a wine and cheese reception Oct. 28 and a closing Mass and banquet Oct. 29.

Lay Formation leaders through the years were honoured at the 2022 Alumni gathering (l-r) Gisele Bauche, Mona Goodman, Sister Bonnie Komarnicki, SSMI, Debbie Ledoux, Louise Gantefoer and Kathy Hitchings. (Photo by Blake Sittler)