Bishop Mark Hagemoen’s blog

Healing power of a listening presence

 

Belonging, inclusion, and community health

Awards presented

 

 

 

 

An Enculturation Week for international “Fidei Donum” clergy who have recently arrived to serve in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon was held Oct. 6 to 10, providing orientation and welcome, including information about life in Canada, and an overview of diocesan structures, ministry, safeguarding, truth and reconciliation, as well as community services and supports.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen welcomed the priests and their mentors on Day 1, expressing his thanks for responding to the call to serve the People of God in the diocese, and offering an overview of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan and its goal to “Proclaim Christ and the Kingdom of God Today” through several key priorities.

In addition to presentations by a range of guest speakers, the week also included tours, social gatherings, prayer, and participation in a diocesan Fall Congress Oct. 9 focused on accompaniment and mission.

Newly-arrived priests also spent time with host families, sharing meals and building connections.

The title “Fidei Donum” or “the Gift of Faith” hearkens back to a 1957 encyclical of Pope Pius XII seeking the cooperation of diocesan bishops to send priests to mission lands. The most-recent arrivals of missionary priests to the diocese of Saskatoon include priests from Nigeria, Ghana, and Eritrea.

Recently-arrived priests participating in the 2025 Enculturation Week are:

• Michael Magaji, who is serving as parochial vicar (associate pastor) at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon;
• Isaac Atta Mensah, who is serving as pastor at St. John Bosco Parish in Saskatoon and St. Francis Xavier Parish in Vanscoy, as well as parochial vicar (associate pastor) at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon;
• Frank Offin-Sekyere, who is serving as parochial vicar (associate pastor) at St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt; St. Peter Parish in Muenster, Holy Trinity Parish in Pilger; and St. Scholastica in Burr;
• Tekie Kidane Michael, who is serving the Saskatoon Eritrean Catholic community from St. Paul Co-Cathedral in Saskatoon.

Culture Night

A “Culture Night” Oct. 8 was hosted by the Eritrean Catholic community, with traditional food and demonstrations of prayer in song, dance, and drumming.

Master of Ceremonies Kevin Higgins introduced the four new priests, Bishop Mark Hagemoen brought words of appreciation on behalf of the diocese, and members of the Eritrean community also brought messages of gratitude and joy.

Community member Tsega Kibreab introduced the coffee ceremony that was part of the evening, explaining that it is “a sign of love, peace, and togetherness” in Eritrean culture.

“We prepare and offer coffee at every important moment – during marriages, feasts, and family gatherings, and even in times of sorrow — to comfort one another, to celebrate blessings, and to strengthen our unity,” she said. “It brings us joy after a long day of hard work in the fields or daily life, and reminds us that we are one family. Today, as we celebrate our Cultural Day, we offer this traditional coffee ceremony as a symbol of our gratitude and unity. It expresses our joy of being part of the Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, where our culture, faith, and traditions are respected and welcomed.”

The ceremony also expresses the joy of welcoming the four recently-arrived priests to the community, she added. “Thank you for saying “yes” to serve our community with love and faith.”

In response, Fr. Isaac Atta Mensah spoke on behalf of the priests, saying “we have found more than a diocese to work with, we have found a home.”

 

 

Members of this year’s Enculturation Week committee included Fr. Peter Ebidero, the Bishop’s Delegate for Fidei Donum priests and pastor of parishes at Martensville and Langham; Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu, pastor at Wynyard, Wishart, Foam Lake, and Lanigan; Fr. Benjamin Ezekwudo, pastor at Cudworth, Middle Lake, and St. Benedict; Keith Schwark, Obiora Agu, Michelle Calanday, Vanessa Nyssen, Tirhas Gibremariam, Mark Kornder, and Matthew Courchene, Parish Life Director at St. John Bosco, Saskatoon, as well Rita Flamen Jarett and Riah de Mesa of the Catholic Pastoral Centre administration team.

Photo gallery – Enculturation Week 2025

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presentation:

Wanuskewin tour:

Culture Night hosted by the Eritrean Catholic community:

Fall Congress Day:

Mass with Bishop:

Live-stream video of Oct. 10 Mass

Visit to Western Development Museum:

-30-

Bishop Mark Hagemoen was in attendance during the 2025 United youth conference onference presented by FacetoFace Ministries Oct. 25-26, 2025 in Saskatoon — including presiding at Eucharistic Adoration Saturday night and Mass Sunday morning.

FacetoFace Ministries’ United 2025: Inspiring young saints in the making

By Adelaide Quickfall, United Conference Director, Face to Face Ministries

FacetoFace Ministries states on its website “we believe every youth deserves the opportunity to become a saint.” This declaration came alive Oct. 25–26 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, which buzzed with energy as hundreds of young people, chaperones, clergy, and team members gathered for the United Conference in Saskatoon.

Over two days, the cathedral became a vibrant hub of faith, friendship, and encounter, as youth from across Western Canada joined the FacetoFace team for an experience of worship, community, and personal growth.

United is held to bring young people together, reveal the beauty of a life centred on Christ, and inspire youth to live that life with courage and joy. Laughter, worship, and prayer wove naturally through games, creative activities, and quiet reflection.

Chris O’Hara returned as keynote speaker for the first time since 2018. Drawing on the lives of recently-canonized saints St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis, he reminded youth that sainthood is a real call, blending joy and sacrifice.

Reflecting on Jesus’ healing of the blind man, O’Hara encouraged participants to identify areas of spiritual blindness and embrace healing, showing that holiness grows in ordinary choices and everyday acts of love.

A highlight of United 2025 was the new Faith IRL (In Real Life) Panel, where youth shaped the discussion with their own questions. Panelists Mary Schiestel, Keelin Kennedy, Jonny Lashyn, and Chris O’Hara shared personal stories and practical advice about keeping Jesus at the center of school, friendships, and life decisions—helping participants take ownership of their faith.

Another crowd favourite were action-based breakout sessions, where learning and doing came together in creative ways inspired by the saints, led by Jacob Powell, Paul Bentler, Nick Pierlot, and Jillian Butler.

Catholic organizations from across Canada—including NET Ministries, St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission, EWTN, St. Mary’s University, and Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College—attended the youth conference to connect with students and share their programs.

United also introduced the Habit Hangout, a cozy space where youth met the Sisters of the Presentation and the Seeds of the Word community, played games, asked questions, and discovered that exploring a religious vocation can be approachable and inspiring.

Meals reflected the strong community partnerships FacetoFace continues to cultivate. Students from St. Therese Institute ran the kitchen with care, Saturday’s supper was catered by David’s Lounge, and the Knights of Columbus provided Sunday’s pancake breakfast—a partnership deeply valued by the ministry.

At the heart of United, the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament drew hundreds into reverent worship on Saturday evening, leading then into the lively United Coffeehouse, full of music, conversation, and laughter. The weekend concluded Sunday after Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Hagemoen, and two sessions filled with praise, reflection, and joyful celebration.

From spirited games to moments of deep prayer, United 2025 showed the Church’s youth alive in faith. The call to strive for sainthood echoed through every talk, activity, and encounter—reminding participants that holiness is possible and that walking the journey together makes it even more joyful.

For more information on upcoming FacetoFace events, visit facetofaceministries.ca. Registration for Ignite 2026 summer camps opens in the ew year.

-30-

Our Lady of Lourdes parishioners gathered in thanksgiving to celebrate the parish’s 60th anniversary during the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass Sept. 28, followed by a potluck barbecue lunch.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated Holy Eucharist with Our Lady of Lourdes pastor Fr. Daniel Yasinski and former pastor Fr. Geoffrey Young to mark the occasion.

By Danielle Mase, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

During the celebration, members of Knights of Columbus council #11888 Mary Mother of the Church, presented a plaque honouring pastors and parish life directors who have served Our Lady of Lourdes from its designation as a parish in 1965 to the present day. The plaque was created by local Catholic artisan Alex Florizone of Ministro Woodworking.

In his homily, Bishop Mark Hagemoen provided a short synopsis of the history of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, describing the situation in the early 1960s on the east central side of Saskatoon, when a construction boom brought a huge increase to the parishioner base served by St. Josephs Parish on 8th Street and Broadway Avenue.

To meet the growing need, in 1963 “the Chapel of Ease” or “Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel” was built and blessed by Bishop Francis Klein to be served by St. Joseph Parish priests.  Very quickly it was determined that, because of the fast-growing community, the “chapel” needed to become a fully-fledged parish. Therefore, on Sept. 18, 1965, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish was formed, with Fr. Donald Mcintosh, OMI, installed by Bishop Klein as the first priest of the new parish.

Through the years, many pastors have served the community, as well as Bishop Murray Catholic School, which is attached to the church. Fr. Donald McIntosh, Fr. Desmond Leeper, Fr. Leonard Morand, Fr. Michael Koch and Fr. Clair Watrin served consecutively from 1965 to 1993.

In 1993 it was determined that Our Lady of Lourdes Parish would no longer have a resident priest. Sr. Julianna Heisler, NDS, was asked to serve as Parish Life Director,  a role she filled for 19 years. During this time a number of priests provided the parish with access to a rich sacramental life, including Fr. Ralph Kleiter, Fr. Gerard Dewan, Fr. Marc Mireau, Fr. Ron Beechinor, Fr. Michel Bedard, and Fr. Les Paquin, who served consecutively until 2012.

In 2012 then Bishop Donald Bolen determined that Our Lady of Lourdes would once again have a full-time pastor. Since then the community has been served by Fr. Phong Pham from 2012-2019, Fr. Geoffrey Young from 2019-2023 and currently Fr. Daniel Yasinksi since 2023.

Located near the University of Saskatchewan at the corner of 12th Street East and Wiggins Avenue, Our Lady of Lourdes has parishioners attending from across the city and surrounding area, with all welcome to join the community to pray and worship our Lord Jesus Christ, under the mantle of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Filled with young families, seniors and many newcomers to Canada, the parish has a vibrant liturgical, spiritual, and social life. There are opportunities for young families with youth ministry, sacramental and catechesis preparation, for young adults with faith formation and discernment programs, in addition to adult faith formation and weekly faith studies.

Weekday masses are held Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday through Friday at 8 a.m., and weekend Mass is held Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Eucharistic adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are celebrated Thursday nights at 7 p.m., and confession is also available 20 minutes before every weekday Mass and 45 minutes before every weekend Mass. For more information, visit the parish website at www.ourladyoflourdessaskatoon.com

Photos

-30-

 

As abortions and euthanasia deaths rise to record levels across Canada, Catholics were among those witnessing to their pro-life convictions at Life Chain events from coast to coast, including in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Hour-long public witness took place in Humboldt, Unity, and Saskatoon again this year on Life Chain Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. In Saskatoon,

During Life Chain 2025 at the corner of Idylwyld Drive and 22nd Street in Saskatoon, a diverse group of participants of all ages provided public witness for protection of life and an end to abortion.

Those in attendance included families, Knights of Columbus members and leaders such as KC Culture of Life Chair Louis Roth and State Deputy Marte Clemente Nogot, as well as representatives of the Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association, and Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

“Being pro-life means embracing a holistic vision that supports life-affirming choices and safeguards the most vulnerable. Together, we can co-create a world where every human life flourishes,” said State Deputy Nogot on a Facebook post about the event, calling for pro-life advocates to “join forces to uplift the inherent value of every human life, from the first spark to the final breath.”

Saskatoon’s bishop joined the Life Chain for the last half hour, having just returned from a trip to the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan for the installation of new Archbishop Charles Duvall, CSsR and the farewell to Archbishop Gerald Pettipas, CSsR, who ordained Hagemoen as a bishop in Yellowknife in 2013.

“At this very busy intersection, I encountered many dedicated persons witnessing to the Dignity of Human Life, who were expressing that abortion is wrong and a problem for our world, and that children and family life are a blessing for the human community,” said Hagemoen.

The B.C. Catholic recently reported that abortions in Canada continue to climb, reaching 101,533 in 2023 — the highest number ever recorded nationally. At the same time, euthanasia deaths rose to 15,343 nationwide, 4.7 per cent of all deaths, also a record high.

 

“As I spoke with some of those present for the prayerful and respectful witness, cars would drive by – some supportive of the message being represented, and some not supportive,” he said. “Perhaps the most disturbing for me was a young women who drove by very angry, yelling obscenities at those witnessing, and expressing herself in a very demeaning and destructive way. The most uplifting moment for me, however, was the response – one of respect and calm, which featured even a few waves by those giving witness.”

The bishop added: “I must say that it was good for my spirit to see such a witness of respect and ‘love in action.’ I am grateful for the privilege of lending support in some small way to those gathered.”

Life Chain began in Yuba City, California, USA, in 1987. Campaign Life introduced the event to Canada three years later. For more information see Campaign Life Coalition’s website: https://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/life-chain.

Pro-life witness in Saskatoon continues with Forty Hours for Life held 9 a.m. to noon weekdays at the corner of 7th Avenue and Queen Street in Saskatoon, organized by Campaign Life Coalition, with signs provided for this time of prayer and witness. (Those who can help with a one-hour time slot can contact: campaignlifesk@gmail.com.)

RELATED: Catholic Register article about Life Chain in Calgary – LINK

More Photos:

 

 

The 2025 Bishop’s Annual Appeal was recently launched in parishes throughout the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon in support of a range of ministries, programs, and outreach in parishes, the diocese, and beyond, including vocations, youth ministry, adult faith formation, prison ministry, hospital chaplaincy, refugee sponsorship, grief ministry, marriage and family life, evangelization, catechesis, ecumenism, and more.

More information is available and online giving is available at dscf.ca/baa.

Bishop’s Message – PDF (English) / PDF (French)  / Other languages (LINK)

Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we embark on this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal, I invite you to take the opportunity to reflect on our theme: “Pilgrims of Hope: Rooted in Prayer and Mission.” These words are grounded in the ancient promise of the prophet Isaiah:

“O Lord, you grant peace to those who are steadfast because of their trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is an eternal rock.” Isaiah 26:3–4

In a world often marked by restlessness and uncertainty, we, the People of God, are called to be pilgrims of hope, anchored not in fleeting comforts but in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. Our journey begins in prayer, where we encounter the peace of Christ. From that place of peace, we encounter God’s hope. And from His hope, we are sent on mission.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is not simply a fundraiser. It is a communal act of discipleship and a visible expression of our shared mission. Together, through your generous gifts, we sustain the many ministries that serve our youth, care for the vulnerable, accompany those discerning vocations, form lay leaders, and bring the Gospel to life in every corner of our diocese.

None of this is possible without you. Your prayers, your faith, and your witness are essential. Together, let us show the world what it means to be the Church rooted in love, walking together, trusting in the Lord, and offering ourselves in service.

As disciples united in faith and inspired by hope, let us be the example the world needs. May we continue this pilgrimage with firm purpose, allowing our trust in the Lord to guide us, our prayer to sustain us, and our mission to inspire others.

With deep gratitude for your continued generosity and fidelity to the mission of the Church, I assure you of my prayers and blessings.

I conclude with an exhortation from St. Paul to the Romans: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15: 13)

RELATED: BAA 2025 Brochure – PDF (English)

Video:

 

Canada’s Catholic bishops elections held during national Plenary Assembly

Media release from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Plenary Assembly meeting, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) announced the results of its biennial elections for new members of the Executive Committee and Permanent Council.

The new CCCB President is Bishop Pierre Goudreault. He was born in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, on May 27,1963 and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Rouyn-Noranda on May 18,1991. On 8 December 2017, he was appointed Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, Quebec, by Pope Francis. He was ordained to the episcopate and installed as Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière March 10, 2018. He has been a member of the CCCB Executive Committee since 2019.

The new CCCB Vice President is Archbishop Donald Bolen. He was born Feb. 7, 1961 in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, and was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Regina on Oct. 12, 1991. On Dec. 21, 2009, he was appointed Bishop of Saskatoon by Pope Francis.

He was subsequently ordained to the episcopate and installed as Bishop of Saskatoon on March, 25, 2010. On 11 July 2016, he was appointed Archbishop of Regina and was installed on Oct. 14, 2016.

The CCCB also elected two Co-Treasurers: for the English Sector, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Saskatoon (serving his first term); for the French Sector, Bishop Christian Rodembourg, MSA, of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, (serving a second term).

All four members of the Executive Committee are ex officio members of the CCCB Permanent Council.

The following bishops were elected to the Permanent Council as representatives of the four regional episcopal assemblies: Archbishop Peter Hundt of St. John’s (Atlantic Episcopal Assembly); Bishop Alain Faubert of Valleyfield (Assembly of Quebec Catholic Bishops); Bishop Daniel J. Miehm of Peterborough (Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario); and Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Winnipeg (Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops).

To ensure an equal number of Bishops from both the English and French sectors of the CCCB, Archbishop Guy Desrochers, CSsR, and Bishop Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, OMI, were each re-elected as sectorial representative from the French Sector for a second term.

The remaining members of the Permanent Council include four permanent ex officio members: Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada; Cardinal Frank Leo, Archbishop of Toronto; Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal; and Metropolitan Archbishop Lawrence Huculak, OSBM, of Winnipeg for Ukrainian Catholics in Canada.

-30-

Information about the Plenary Assembly:

From Sept. 22 to 26, the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) gathered in Montreal, Quebec, for the annual meeting of the Plenary Assembly.

CCCB President’s Report at the Plenary Assembly Sept. 23 – LINK

This national meeting is always focused on how the Catholic bishops of Canada can serve the Church’s mission at the national level.

Topics covered during the full week of discussion carried out with prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit included:

• Reports – The Bishops received numerous reports on the activities and projects of various CCCB bodies.
• Pastoral Reflection – 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea– In 2025, the Church commemorates the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first Ecumenical Council held in 325 AD. This milestone invites Christians of all traditions – Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant – to reflect on the Council’s enduring legacy, to reaffirm the unity of faith articulated by the Council Fathers, and to recommit to fostering Christian unity today. To mark this occasion during the Plenary Assembly meeting, the Permanent Council invited Fr. Hieromonk Gregory Hrynkiw, Ph.D., a Byzantine-Catholic monk from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, to offer a pastoral reflection on the significance of this historic anniversary.
• Standing Committee for Responsible Ministry and the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons – The Standing Committee for Responsible Ministry led a discussion on its proposed Action Plan to Implement the Recommendations in Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse (2018). Following the plenary meeting, a finalized version of the Action Plan will be sent to all diocesan and eparchial bishops as guidance for improving their safeguarding policies.
• Synod on “Synodality”– Bishop Alain Faubert updated the members on the newly established ad hoc committee on the Implementation of the Synod on Synodality, and outlined how the CCCB can help bishops at the local level during the implementation phase. This session included a presentation re-capping the Synodal Assembly last October, the Final Document released by the Synod and later approved by Pope Francis, the Implementation Phase and its pathways, as well as the committee’s mandate and membership. This was followed by workshops and plenary session for bishops to share reactions and expectations.
• Artificial Intelligence – The Church’s engagement with AI as a moral and social concern has grown in recent years. In January 2025, the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith and for Culture and Education issued Antiqua et Nova, examining AI and human intelligence, and in June, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the Church’s role in guiding ethical reflection on AI. To support bishops in Canada, the Permanent Council invited Fr. Philip M. Larrey, Ph.D., a scholar of philosophy and digital-era ethics, to deliver this year’s keynote address.

Final press conference (video):

 

Daily video summaries and reflections:

 

Overview:

A meeting of the Plenary Assembly is a solemn and important event in the life of the Church in Canada because it gathers together all the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), who total 80 bishops of the Latin and Eastern Churches across Canada. The Plenary Assembly of the Conference is its highest instance of authority. Decisions taken by the Plenary Assembly represent the unity of action of all the Catholic bishops of Canada on a national level. Convoked at least once a year, the Plenary Assembly considers a broad range of topics related to the Church’s evangelizing mission, including reports and questions from the Episcopal Commissions and other advisory bodies of the CCCB. The agenda, which is set by the Permanent Council, may also include discussions and pastoral reflections on special topics. Elections are held every two years to appoint members to leadership positions within the Conference.

Video summary of Day 1 – Sept. 22, 2025

ENGLISH – CCCB Plenary Assembly – Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina on national ecumenical strategy, and Archbishop Guy Desrochers of Moncton on this year’s Jubilee Year projects:

FRENCH – Assemblée plénière de la CECC 2025: Mise à jour du 22 septembre

Video summary of  Day 2 – Sept. 23, 2025

ENGLISH – CCCB Plenary Assembly: Bishop Bryan Bayda of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada reflecting on the 1700th Anniversary of the Nicean Creed; and Bishop Joseph Dabrowski of Charlottetownon speaking about the CCCB Family and Life committee report

 

FRENCH – Assemblée plénière de la CECC 2025: Mise à jour du 23 septembre

Video summary of Day 4 – Sept. 25, 2025

ENGLISH – Bishop Alain Faubert of Valleyfield, Que. reflects on Synodality

 

FRENCH:  Assemblée plénière de la CECC 2025: Mise à jour du 25 septembre

 

Video summary of Day 5 – Sept. 26, 2025

ENGLISH – New bishops: Bishop Alan Campeau of Thunder Bay, ON; and Archbishop Charles Duval, CSsR, of Grouard-McLennan, AB

 

FRENCH: Assemblée plénière de la CECC 2025: Mise à jour du 26 septembre – Mgr. Jean Tailleur évêque auxiliaire à l’archidiocèse de Québec et Mgr. Pierre Charland, OFM, évêque de Baie-Comeau

 

-30-

 

Media release from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)

From Sept. 22 to 26, the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will gather in Montreal, Quebec, for the annual meeting of the Plenary Assembly.

This meeting is always focused on how the Catholic bishops of Canada can serve the Church’s mission at the national level.

Topics that to be covered during the full week of discussion carried out with prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit:

• CCCB Elections – 2025 is an election year for the CCCB (elections take place once every two years), which means the bishops will be asked to vote for new Executive Committee members (the President, Vice President, Co-Treasurer for the English Sector, and Co-Treasurer for the French Sector), as well as for members on the Permanent Council which are not ex officio (regional representatives from the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, and Western Episcopal Assemblies, as well as sectoral representatives). All elections will take place by secret vote and the results will be announced at noon on Friday, Sept. 26, when they take effect.
• Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity, Religious Relations with Jews, and Interfaith Dialogues– The Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity, Religious Relations with the Jews, and Interfaith Dialogue, chaired by the Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, will introduce its proposed National Ecumenical Strategy (NES) for possible approval. The NES is the culmination of two years of work responding to the CCCB’s earlier review of the various ecumenical and interfaith dialogues which it sponsors. As part of the plenary proceedings, ecumenical guests present will be invited to provide their comments before a final version of the NES is submitted to the CCCB for approval.
• Pastoral Reflection – 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea– In 2025, the Church commemorates the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first Ecumenical Council held in 325 AD. This milestone invites Christians of all traditions – Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant – to reflect on the Council’s enduring legacy, to reaffirm the unity of faith articulated by the Council Fathers, and to recommit to fostering Christian unity today. To mark this occasion during the Plenary Assembly meeting, the Permanent Council has invited Fr. Hieromonk Gregory Hrynkiw, Ph.D., a Byzantine-Catholic monk from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, to offer a pastoral reflection on the significance of this historic anniversary.
• Standing Committee for Responsible Ministry and the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons – The Standing Committee for Responsible Ministry will lead a discussion on its proposed Action Plan to Implement the Recommendations in Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse (2018). Following the plenary meeting, a finalized version of the Action Plan will be sent to all diocesan and eparchial bishops as guidance for improving their safeguarding policies.
• Synod on “Synodality”– Bishop Alain Faubert will update the members on the newly established ad hoc committee on the Implementation of the Synod on Synodality, and will outline how the CCCB can help bishops at the local level during the implementation phase. This session will include a presentation recapping the Synodal Assembly last October, the Final Document released by the Synod and later approved by Pope Francis, the Implementation Phase and its pathways, as well as the committee’s mandate and membership. This will be followed by workshops and plenary session for bishops to share reactions and expectations.
• Artificial Intelligence – The Church’s engagement with AI as a moral and social concern has grown in recent years. In January 2025, the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith and for Culture and Education issued Antiqua et Nova, examining AI and human intelligence, and in June, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the Church’s role in guiding ethical reflection on AI. To support bishops in Canada, the Permanent Council has invited Fr. Philip M. Larrey, Ph.D., a scholar of philosophy and digital-era ethics, to deliver this year’s keynote address.
• Reports – The Bishops will receive numerous reports on the activities and projects of various CCCB bodies.

As is customary, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, will address the Bishops in his capacity as the Pope’s representative in Canada.

At the close of the Pleanary Assembly Friday, Sept. 26, a press conference will be held at 11:30 a.m. SK time.

Overview:

A meeting of the Plenary Assembly is a solemn and important event in the life of the Church in Canada because it gathers together all the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), who total 80 bishops of the Latin and Eastern Churches across Canada. The Plenary Assembly of the Conference is its highest instance of authority. Decisions taken by the Plenary Assembly represent the unity of action of all the Catholic bishops of Canada on a national level. Convoked at least once a year, the Plenary Assembly considers a broad range of topics related to the Church’s evangelizing mission, including reports and questions from the Episcopal Commissions and other advisory bodies of the CCCB. The agenda, which is set by the Permanent Council, may also include discussions and pastoral reflections on special topics. Elections are held every two years to appoint members to leadership positions within the Conference.

-30-

Bishop Mark Hagemoen visited the newly-opened Cree bilingual Catholic school in Saskatoon on Sept. 19.

The Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) building on 7th Street East opened its doors to students at the start of the 2025-26 school year: LINK to ARTICLE.

More information from the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools website:

Located at 2010 7th Street East (the former location of St. Charles School, then of Sion Middle School), the new school brings together students in pre-kindergarten to Grade 9 who previously learned in two different Saskatoon locations (McPherson Avenue and Bateman Crescent) to accommodate growth of the Cree language and cultural program.

The exterior of the building features Cree syllabics to encourage language learning and to serve as a form of outreach to, and teaching for, the broader community. Prefabricated modular panels give the “curved” look of the building that is meant to represent the dancing movement of the northern lights.

Extensive consultation with Elders, knowledge keepers, students, families and staff means all aspects of the school are culturally aware. Classroom signs in English and Cree, colour schemes on each of the three floors that represent different natural elements (1st floor: Rock; 2nd floor: Earth; 3rd floor: Human), a bulkhead installation that that depicts the constellations of the night sky during the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876 at Fort Pitt, and artwork throughout the building—including a portrait of the school’s namesake St. Francis of Assisi—demonstrate commitment to treaty education, reclamation of Cree language and culture, and the Catholic faith.

An official opening is planned for October 3. Open houses for the public to see the school and learn more will be planned for the future.

A brief overview of Cree language and cultural education at Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools:

• 2007: language and cultural program begins at St. Frances School on McPherson Avenue
  • Adding one grade per year, the program grew from 40 to over 600 students from over 50 Saskatoon neighbourhoods in 12 years.
• 2016-17: A replacement school became the top priority for the division’s capital plan.
• 2017: The Cree language program received the SSBA’s Premier’s Board of Education Award for ni ahkwatonâmonân: An Indigenous Language Pathway to Improved Student Learning Outcomes at St. Frances Cree Bilingual School.
• 2018: The Bateman Crescent location (former St. Patrick School) was added to host grades 6 – 8 because there was no more space to expand at the McPherson Ave. location.
• 2019: Grade 9 was added at the Bateman Cres. location.
• March 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced planning and design funding for a replacement school.
• Fall 2021: The former Sion Middle School is demolished to prepare for the new school.
• Spring 2022: Design and planning—guided by Elders and informed by students, parents, family members and staff—began.
• June 2023: A construction ceremony and blessing of the land event kicked-off construction.
• December 2024: The new name—awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School—was announced. (Link to ARTICLE)
• September 2, 2025: The new school welcomes students!

Select features of awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School:

• All aspects of the school are culturally-aware through consultation with Elders and knowledge keepers. There was extensive involvement of students, families and staff.
• The modular panel “curved” design is inspired by the northern lights. A “boxy brick” structure was purposefully avoided because it could provoke possible trauma related to residential schools.
• Cree syllabics on the exterior encourage language learning and are a form of outreach to, and teaching for, the broader community.
• The welcoming front entrance faces east, representing creation and a new beginning.
• The Saskatoon Tribal Council 72-space early learning centre is in the east end of the 1st floor.
• The “pod” structure for classroom spaces will encourage collaborative learning.
• Colour schemes and design elements on each floor represent different elements: 1st floor Rock; 2nd Earth; 3rd floor Human.
• A bulkhead installation on the 1st floor contains lights depicting the constellations of the night sky during the signing of Treaty 6, at Fort Pitt, in 1876.
• Beams from St. Charles/Sion Middle School have been repurposed in the new school to honour the history of the school and location.

• The back alley will be used as the bus drop-off and pick-up loop to alleviate traffic congestion on the streets.