Bishop Mark Hagemoen’s blog

“Pilgrims of Hope” is the theme of the Jubilee 2025 year – and hope was the message that Bishop Mark Hagemoen brought to pilgrims who gathered July 13 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Shrine at Reward, SK.

“We need hope more than ever,” said Hagemoen in his homily during the outdoor pilgrimage Mass, noting the challenging times and situations of conflict, war, and division plaguing our world.

The hope of Christians — like the faith and hope of those who established the pilgrimage to the Holy Rosary Shrine 93 years ago — is grounded in the hope of Christ’s death and resurrection, stressed the bishop. “There is only hope because of the Lord’s Passion, the Way of the Cross, and the rising of Christ.”

The annual Reward Pilgrimage again included a procession of banners from parishes across the historic St. Joseph Colony in the western part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon (including those now closed). In addition to participants from throughout the district, in this Jubilee 2025 year, a bus was also organized to bring pilgrims from Saskatoon.

Pilgrimage events began with children’s activities in the afternoon, followed by confessions and praying of the Rosary.

Once again the bells peeled from the steeple of the historic Holy Rosary Church, to mark the start of the pilgrimage Mass at 4 p.m.  Children led the opening procession from the historic church building to the outdoor altar, scattering flowers along the way, with prayer stops at a statue of Our Lady and at the cemetery.

 

 

Celebration of Mass

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Hagemoen and pastors of parishes throughout the area: Fr. Matthew Ramsay (Unity, Tramping Lake); Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC  (Wilkie, Handel, Leipzig), Fr. Edward Gibney (Biggar, Landis), and Fr. Santhosh Thekkekulam, VC (Macklin, Denzil, St. Dontus).

Hagemoen also introduced two diocesan seminarians who were serving at the altar during the Mass — Matthew Witzaney and John Paul Wasan.

A Jubilee Year is a renewal of our baptism, the bishop noted in his homily. “We are called to put on Christ in a renewed way. We are called to ask ourselves: ‘Lord, how am I doing in my relationship with you? Do I know you? Do I know your heart? Do I spend time with you in relationship, so that when I am called to act – let alone when I am called to face the world of difficulty and even crisis – I have your hope and I know your hope?’”

Hagemoen reflected on three areas of challenge, where followers of Christ are invited to “a deepening of mind and heart.”

The first example he cited is when changing demographics and population lead to the closure of a parish, and people must wrestle with what that means for their faith. “In those circumstances, how are we called to not just continue to live our faith, but to live it even better?”

Secondly, he reflected on the 10th anniversary this month of the conclusion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the beginning of the Calls to Action.

The TRC is “a profound commitment — not just of our country but of our Church — to the journey of truth and reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters,” he said. He described a recent gathering in Saskatoon of the national Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle of Catholic Indigenous and religious leaders, that coincided with the 10th anniversary. The list of tasks in the Calls to Action are “only the beginning of building right relationship with our brothers and sisters,” said the bishop.

Finally, Hagemoen noted the message from Pope Leo XIV about the fifth annual celebration of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly to be held on July 27.

“I say to the elders here… can you look forward to your future, let alone your present, with great hope and great thanks for the life that God has given you? Though you don’t have the capacity you used to, you have a new capacity – and that’s the capacity to be an elder and to be able to hold, as we approach the sunset of life, a view and an attitude and a thankfulness that young people need to see.”

The bishop also called on those who are younger to value and honour the elderly. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the faith of those who have gone before us,” he noted. “They have paved a pathway of faith and life. For that they need to be honoured and continue to be sought out and also comforted, especially if they move through times when they are not feeling good about themselves because they don’t have the mobility or ability they once did.”

Noting that we are only at the halfway point of the Jubilee Year, the bishop concluded by saying there are many opportunities to continue to deepen “the eyes and ears of hope.”

“May God bless you in this year of hope, and may we continue to walk this journey of hope and of deepening faith together.”

History of the Reward Pilgrimage

The Roman Catholic parish at Reward has its beginnings in the heart of Saint Joseph Colony, which was established by German-Russian settlers in 1905.

The Holy Rosary Church building was constructed on ten acres of donated land in 1918 for $12,000, replacing a smaller structure. The “church on the hill” is a designated historic site, and features 15 large paintings completed in 1928 by Count Berthold Von Imhoff, depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary.

In 1932 the annual pilgrimage in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary was initiated for St. Joseph’s Colony, with the Holy Rosary Church at Reward chosen as the colony’s pilgrimage site because of its central location. A wooden outdoor grotto was built as the shrine in 1936, with the present shrine altar built in 1966.

Although the parish is now closed, volunteers continue to care for the building and pilgrimage site with the help of  donations, and parishes throughout the colony continue to assist in holding the annual pilgrimage.

During the summer, weekend Mass will also be celebrated on every second Saturday, with upcoming celebrations on July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Aug. 30, and Sept. 13.

Parishes and missions of St. Joseph Colony (many of which are now closed) and the dates they were established include:  St. Pascal, Leipzig (1905); St. Charles, Revenue (1905); Our Lady of Assumption, Kerrobert (1906); St. Henry, Salvador (1906); Assumption of the Blessed Virgin St. Mary, Handel (1906); St. Michael, Tramping Lake (1906); St. Anthony, Grosswerder (1907); St. James, Wilkie (1909); Sacred Heart, Denzil (1909); St. Joseph, Scott (1909); Our Lady of Holy Rosary, Reward (1910); St. Francis/Sacred Heart, Broadacres (1910); St. John Nepomecene, Salt Lake (1910); St. Mary, Macklin (1910); Holy Family, Ermine (1910); Our Lady of Fatima, Landis (1910); St. Peter, Cosine (1914); St. Donatus, Cactus Lake (1914); St. Peter, Unity (1914); Immaculate Conception, Major (1914); St. Eugene de Mazenod, Luseland (1915) and St. Elizabeth, Primate (1916).

Volunteers and donations 

Before Mass, pilgrimage committee member Leanne Clarke described how fund-raising and ongoing volunteer efforts help to maintain the church building and shrine site.

“Thanks to everyone who helps to keep this place functioning in many different ways, because it takes many hearts and many hands,” she said.

Acknowledging the contributions of volunteers and shrine committee members, Clarke also thanked all those in attendance for journeying as “pilgrims of hope” and deepening their relationship with God and with others.

Donations to assist with the maintenance of the historic church and shrine site can be sent to: Holy Rosary Shrine, Box 1536, Unity, SK, SOK 4L0.

Mass was followed by a barbecue supper, fellowship, and a soccer game.

Reward Pilgrimage – Photo Gallery – LINK

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An annual barbecue for clergy in the Roman Catholic diocese of Saskatoon was held July 8, once again hosted, organized and presented by parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Martensville, with support from the Knights of Columbus.

Priests from across the diocese gathered at a local acreage north of Saskatoon for games, refreshments, and a barbecue supper with all the fixings.

“This day means a lot to our priests, as a real celebration marking the beginning of summer,” said Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

Praying grace before the meal, the bishop gave thanks for the “wonderful fellowship” and “for the acknowledgement of our priesthood” as well as for the food and all those who prepared it.”

 

Clergy milestones

During the meal, MC Kevin Higgins reflected on the impact of priests on the lives of countless people over many decades as he announced those celebrating milestone anniversaries of priestly ordination – beginning by acknowledging the priest who was most recently ordained in October 2024, Fr Luke Van Tam Tran,  and concluding with the 60th anniversary of Fr. Denis Phaneuf and Msgr. Raymond Senger, celebrated on June 5.

Other milestone ordination anniversaries this year for priests in the diocese (many of whom were also present at the barbecue) acknowledged by Higgins were:

• 60 years – Fr. Paul Fachet, OMI (Dec. 12 , 1965)
• 50 years – Fr. Ken Beck (April 26, 1975) and Msgr. Don Vito Pavilando (June 29, 1975)
• 35 years – Bishop Mark Hagemoen (May 12, 1990)
• 30 years – Fr. David Tumback and Fr. Rheal Bussiere (both ordained on June 23, 1995)
• 25 years – Fr. Jerome Ogunleye (Aug. 3, 2000)
• 20 years – Fr. Bassim Shoni (May 27, 2005) and Fr. Paul Oshin (Aug. 5, 2005)
• 15 years – Fr. Benjamin Ezekwudo (July 10, 2010) and Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu (Aug, 21, 2010)
• 10 years – Fr. Prince Sarpong (July 18, 2015) and Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor (June 19, 2015)

Thanks to organizers:

On behalf of the clergy, Fr. Kevin McGee, pastor of St. Mary, Saskatoon and diocesan Vicar General, thanked the hosts, volunteers, and supporters who made the event possible.

“What we give time for and what we celebrate shows what we consider important,” said McGee “What this is saying is that priesthood and leadership in the Church is important – but it is not about us… it is about the priesthood that serves the community,” he said. “Thank you for recognizing that… we are very happy, delighted, and honoured to be here.”

Photo gallery:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(Updated Aug. 25, 2025)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined leaders and participants in the diocesan Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Leader Education Program (IPL) at a wind-up retreat day and graduation celebration May 31, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.

The online program has been led by teams of Indigenous and non-Indigenous instructors, modelling respectful and reconciling relationships since it was launched in 2019 as a joint project of the diocese of Saskatoon, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, and St. Thomas More College.

Participants who completed all eight modules of the program (including a field study) to earn a diploma are:

• Chandra Behrenz
• Elaine Callow
• Wendy Dale
• Nicole Gursky
• Margy Hitchcock
• Marilyn Kotylak
• Carmen Lopez Folan
• Marcelle Marion
• Pat Schiller
• Cheryl Unruh

Those present at the retreat day shared reflections and insights about their final projects.

Celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop Mark Hagemoen presiding was also part of the retreat day.

Other presentations included a reflection via Zoom by young adult Maximilian Connelly (an alumnus of St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno, SK) about his experience serving and building relationships in the northern diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, NWT. Participants also attended a session at St. Thomas More College during the retreat day, featuring Deacon Harry Lafond, STM Indigenous Scholar, leading a reflection on truth and reconciliation.

Catholic Saskatoon News article and photos – LINK

Video highlights of the day:

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On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ June 21, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen confirmed youth from Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy, and Sacred Heart Parish, Watson in a celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation held in LeRoy, SK.

Confirmation celebrated at Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy, SK. (Submitted photo)

The bishop was joined by diocesan seminarian John Paul Wasan.

 

 

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In a follow up message to his June 5 letter, Bishop Mark Hagemoen has released additional information about. pastoral assignments and parish organization in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, specifically affecting parishes in the Wilkie region.

Bishop Hagemoen’s June 18 update – PDF

Bishop Announces First Round of Pastoral Appointments – ARTICLE

Catholic parishes at Handel and Leipzig will now join parishes at Biggar and at Landis under the leadership of pastor Fr. Paul Oshin, whose July 31, 2025 move from the Muesnter-Pilger-Burr cluster to the Biggar-area parishes was announced June 5.

St. James Parish at Wilkie will now be part of the cluster that includes St. Peter Parish at Unity, SK, and St. Michael Parish at Tramping Lake, with Fr. Matthew Ramsay as pastor. Ramsay will continue as the Dean of the Kerrobert Deanery.

The present pastor of the Wilkie-area parishes, Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC, has been appointed as the new pastor of parishes at Kerrobert, Major, Dodsland, and Luseland. The new appointments take effect July 31.

“Please join me in praying for all our clergy and their ministries in our diocese,” wrote the bishop. “We ask for God’s continued blessings on them as they move into their new assignments.”

On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday, June 15, Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined the St. Joseph Parish community at Eatonia, SK. for celebration of the sacrament of confirmation. Earlier in the day, the bishop also confirmed youth at St. Mary Parish, Fox Valley.

The bishop was joined by diocesan seminarian John Paul Wasan.

 

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

See other confirmation coverage posted at: LINK

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Mary Parish at Fox Valley, SK  on Trinity Sunday, June 15, 2025  to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.

Later in the day, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Joseph Parish in Eatonia, SK.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

See other confirmation coverage posted at: LINK

 

Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon was the featured speaker for a clergy retreat June 9-13 in the Diocese of Kamloops, B.C.

Beginning with evening prayer Monday, June 9, the retreat continued through the week with presentations, and prayer, including celebration of the Eucharist, Adoration, Benediction, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as daily Morning Prayer, Holy Hour, and Night Prayer.