Sr. Malou Tibayan of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity will speak on “Listening as Spiritual Hospitality” at the diocesan adult faith formation fourth annual Feminine Genius women’s breakfast to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 (doors open at 8 a.m.) at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon.
“The Incarnation – Jesus who is the Word of God made flesh among us – is the inspiration and source of all hope. ” – Bishop Mark Hagemoen Christmas 2025 message to the diocese.
“To always be close to Jesus, that is my life plan.” – Saint Carlos Acutis
Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As we journey through another Advent and Christmas season, we again enter together the darkening days of winter, awaiting the joy of celebrating the “…light that pierces the darkness” – the dawn of Light and Hope for the World, our One Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The simple quote above – from St. Carlos Acutis, who was canonized earlier this Jubilee Year by Pope Leo XIV – provides focus and inspiration for our journey: “to always be close to Jesus.” Indeed, Jesus – who comes as a little babe in the poverty of the wintertime – is our Way, Truth, Life!
At this time, I am particularly aware that the journey we take together – as children of our One God – is a journey guided by the Holy Spirit into ever deeper communion, participation, and mission.
Communion, participation, and mission are the goals and the focus of the ongoing “Synod on Synodality” that was first launched by Pope Francis, and is now being implemented around the world under the encouragement and leadership of Pope Leo.
Synodality is described as a way of walking together through mutual listening, dialogue and discernment – wisely using the gift of our human faculties to determine what God’s will for us is. And we don’t just do that personally, we do that together, guided by the Holy Spirit.
I have also witnessed communion, participation, and mission being lived out here in the Diocese of Saskatoon, through our many ministries, programs of support and service, and through the prayer, worship, and sacramental celebrations in the parishes of our diocese. I thank each one of you for all you are doing and living in order to be the heart, the hands and the feet, the entire Body of Christ, for our world. Together let us deepen our commitment to that journey during this year’s Christmas season, and as we enter another New Year.
During these darker and colder days, in the midst of a world dealing with much violence and strife, our hearts are stirred by the meaning of the call to be alive and to seek God’s grace and peace in all things. As St. Paul reminds us: “Now may the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace at all times in all ways …the Lord be with all of you.” (see II Thessalonians 3:16)
We also recall that the Saviour who comes to us at Christmas takes on anything that can come between us and the love of God. He does this through His amazing life, His passion, and His cross – His holy cross which redeems the world!(St. Francis of Assisi)
The way of Jesus Christ calls us to be excellent human beings in all things, in all circumstances.
Jesus is the great light and hope that has come into the world. This is the reality that we celebrate joyfully at Christmas. It is the great good news that GOD IS WITH US. Emmanuel has indeed come! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is loving us, suffering with us, caring for us, holding us.
I invite you to take time during this season of preparation and celebration to take a personal inventory of what we gaze upon, and …what is the source of our hope? It is so easy to be distracted by temporary or false hopes, as it is easy to be distracted by false gods that at best endure only for a short time. Jesus is the Way, the Light. He is our Peace, our source of Healing. He is our real Hope.
I conclude with the words of Pope Leo as we conclude the Jubilee Year 2025 and find the pathway forward in the coming New Year: “…be authentic Christians and honest citizens… [who] share a vocabulary capable of expressing things as they are, without duplicity, cultivating harmony among peoples…Peace, is the duty that unites all humanity in a common search for justice… peace is the definitive and eternal good that we hope for everyone.”
You and I are called to the hope that finds its source in the Saviour who comes to us at Christmas. The Incarnation – Jesus who is the Word of God made flesh among us – is the inspiration and source of all hope. This hope was the focus of the Jubilee Year, and continues to be our inspiration as we seek to be teachers and patterns of hope for each other – and for the world.
I take this opportunity to thank each one of you for your love and faithfulness to God and His people, and his salvific desire for all the world. I also thank you for all that you do every day to respond to the needs of those you care for, with compassion and care.
I wish you, your families, and communities, a blessed and joy-filled Christmas season!
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Mark A. Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon
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RELATED:
Find Christmas Mass schedules for parishes across the diocese posted at rcdos.ca/christmas
Christmas message from the President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops: cccb.ca
Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen has announced the launch of the diocese’s synod implementation phase.
“Synodality is NOT a program or method, but rather a way of being Church… and therefore it calls us all to conversion because it entails a change of mindset and a way of being Church together.” – Summary about Synod Implementation in the Diocese
The Implementation Phase of the SYNOD on SYNODALITY
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Sunday, Nov. 9
The Celebration of Our Participation in the Life, Passion, Death, & Resurrection of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? – (I Corinthians 3:16)
Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Diocese of Saskatoon:
This year of the Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope has seen the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV. One pope started us on this pilgrimage journey of hope – which also features the call to be a more synodal church. And now Pope Leo has confirmed this call and work. At a recent Jubilee of Synodal Teams, Pope Leo said that synodality will “help the church fulfill its primary role in the world, which is to be missionary, to announce the Gospel, to give witness to the person of Jesus Christ in every part of the world, to the ends of the earth.”
This is, of course the mission of the Church at every level, and in every setting! Synodality is indeed a way of walking our journey of missionary discipleship in unity with Jesus Christ, inspired and led by the Holy Spirit. In this walk, we are inspired by the Synod on Synodality that has listened in the Spirit to the voices of people from around the world over a multi-year process of discernment. The Final Document released by the Synod of Bishops calls for intentional focus and an ongoing journey of conversion to become a more synodal church of communion, participation and mission – and the Holy Father is now asking dioceses around the world to implement this synodal vision.
Thus, I am pleased as your bishop to announced the “implementation phase” of the synodal process for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Our implementation phase will feature the following:
Firstly, we will continue the conversations in the Spirit that have happened to date at the local and diocesan levels about the meaning and practical features of synodality.
Secondly, we will link the implementation features of synodality to our Diocesan Pastoral Plan. We have put a lot of prayer, discernment, and work into this plan – which has been a source of renewal and focus for all of our diocese. However, the pastoral plan can be greatly improved by being infused with the spirit of synodality – just as the Beatitudes (see Mathew 5: 1-16) bring life and character to living out of the Gospel.
Thirdly, as we conclude the Jubilee Year of Hope, we also look to another coming great event: The 2000th anniversary in 2033 of the Resurrection of Christ and the Great Commission. What a remarkable and unprecedented opportunity for the celebration of the very reason for our hope, and the basis for mission. I pray this upcoming time will be a real time of deepening conversion for all of us called to the mission of Jesus Christ to save and bless His people.
Fourthly, this implementation phase is being announced for our diocese on the Feast of the Dedication of John Lateran Basilica – a day when the Church celebrates the great temple and Pope’s cathedral church as the mother church for all the world. It is also a day when we are reminded – as missionary disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ – of His call to us all to be His temples in and for the world. As St. Caesarius of Arles, bishop, states, “…we are to be the true and living temple of God… let the light of good works shine in us … God wishes to enter in to our souls, for He promised: I shall live in them, and I shall walk the corridors of their hearts.”
May our synod implementation plan help each of us to be better temples of the life of God – within ourselves – and for our parishes, diocese and larger communities. May we approach the synod implementation phase not as another task or plan to be accomplished, but as a real time of patient listening to the Holy Spirit, who calls us to a new and greater awareness of not only the goal and destination, but also the journey along the way.
I conclude with this inspiration from St. Mother Teresa – who is a great teacher about the synodal features of empathy and attentive listening: “We are called to be contemplatives in the heart of the world by seeking the face of God in everything, everyone, everywhere, all the time, and His hand in every happening.” (St Teresa of Calcutta)
Sincerely, in Christ,
Most Reverend Mark A. Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon
“A SYNODAL WAY of Proclaiming Christ and God’s Kingdom Today”
Background about the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – November 2025
In communion with the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV and the universal Catholic Church, Bishop Mark Hagemoen is officially launching the implementation phase of our diocese’s synodal journey on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. The guiding document for this phase of the Synod on Synodality is the Final Document from the Second Session of the 16th Assembly( “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission” – FD) along with the supporting document, Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod.
Synodality is NOT a program or method, but rather a way ofbeing Church‘modus vivendi et operandi’ (FD #30) and part of “…her proper identity” ( FD#31), and therefore it calls us all to conversion because it entails a change of mindset and a way of being Church together (FD #33)
In deepening synodality in the life of our diocese, our parishes, and among all the baptized, our diocesan pathway will include:
Continuing to reflect upon – and practice – the Conversations in the Spirit from the synodal listening sessions held throughout our diocese and the whole world during the Synod on Synodality 2021-2024.
Proceeding with the ongoing implementation of our Diocesan Pastoral Plan to “Proclaim Christ and God’s Kingdom Today” by intentionally focusing on our priorities and goals through the lens and practice of synodality.
Finding renewed ways to come together to pray, discern, listen to the Holy Spirit and listen to one another as we seek some practical ways to make the existing programs and structures more synodal in practice and in approach.
“The synodal form of the Church is at the service of its mission, and any change in the life of the Church is intended to make it more capable of proclaiming the Kingdom of God and witnessing to the Gospel of the Lord to the men and women of our time.” – Cardinal Mario Grech, Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod.
The supporting resource Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod provides a framework for our diocese to reflect on and implement pastoral strategies, that emphasize: exploring the Gospel, ways of sharing our faith, and creating more synodal practices. This would include: exploring decision-making and governance structures that focus on the church’s mission; broader sharing of ideas and experiences that emphasize evangelization and mission; pursuing formation in listening and accompaniment; and developing strategies at the parish level that include synodality and listening that enhance and create “communion, participation, and mission.” The process is also supported by a timeline (including an evaluation process) with a view to a larger ecclesial assembly in October 2028.
Key implementation pathways:
Discerning ways of Ministry and Service:
We commit to exploring and developing ways of discernment that contribute to good decision-making, include listening to each other, and working together in parishes and dioceses, grounded in the Word of God and attentive to the Holy Spirit. This includes exploring and developing forms of service and ministry that respond to pastoral needs.
The Focus on Mission:
We will strive to ensure that structural changes help the Church better serve the local context and the world in sharing the Gospel message of hope.
Sharing Ideas:
Parishes will be encouraged to engage with and learn from each other’s challenges and accomplishments through the exchange of ideas, resources, and charisms (gifts of the Holy Spirit).
Impacting and Renewing Personal and Communal Life:
The goal is to undertake concrete developments and changes that affect people’s everyday lives in the parish, rather than only writing theoretical plans. This involves the renewal of parishes in a synodal way, grounded in listening, belonging, and a missionary spirit.
Support and accountability
Participatory Bodies:
Ensuring that the diocesan and parish leadership and ministry bodies are reflecting on their own operating methods, and that these are renewed in a synodal way.
Bishop’s Role:
The diocesan bishop is entrusted with the ecclesial leadership responsibility for initiating, guiding, and concluding the implementation phase within the diocese.
Related Formation and Skills:
Forming people in listening, discernment, and facilitation skills to support ongoing listening and conversation.
Widely Participatory:
Engage with a wide range of people, including those on the margins and those who may not have been fully involved.
Evaluation:
The process is structured to include ‘evaluation assemblies’ at the diocesan level in the first half of 2027, and at the continental level in the first half of 2028.
NOTE: Materials and updates related to the diocese’s implementation phase will be available at: https://rcdos.ca/synod.
On the 10th anniversary of the conclusion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in Canada, a messagefrom the national Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle affirms the work of the TRC, calling for renewed commitment to a path of healing and right relationship.
“As a coalition of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Catholics focused on reconciliation and right relations, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle encourages the Catholic community and all people of good will in Canada to recognize that, while we have all taken many very important steps on a long journey, this is not a time to rest but a time to deepen our commitment,” says the message, which was released as Canada marks the 10th anniversary of the completion of the TRC hearings.
Co-chaired by Indigenous member Tom Dearhouse and Donna Geernaert, SC, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle includes representatives from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council, Development and Peace-Caritas Canada, the Canadian Religious Conference, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Women’s League, and at-large members from First Nation communities, and religious orders.
Starting the week after Easter, Bishop Mark Hagemoen has been travelling from parish to parish, joining communities for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation with youth.
The confirmation season started with a celebration at Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon on April 29, continued April 30 at St. Augustine Parish, Saskatoon, May 6 at St. Patrick, Saskatoon; and May 7 at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Clement Arthur with confirmands at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon. (Photo by Monica Aspiazu)
Confirmations at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon were held over two evenings — May 8 and May 9.
On Sunday, May 11, Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Anthony Parish at Lake Lenore, to celebrate confirmation with youth of that parish, located in the Humboldt deanery.
Earlier in the day on May 11, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt, and the evening before on May 10, the bishop celebrated confirmation at St. Bruno Parish in Bruno.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu with confirmands at St. Anthony Parish, Lake Lenore, SK. (Submitted photo)
On Friday, May 16, the bishop celebrated confirmation with youth at St. Michael Parish, Cudworth.
Confirmations were celebrated Saturday, May 17 at St. Peter Parish, Unity, SK, an on Sunday, May 18 at St. Mary Parish, Macklin, and then at Immaculate Conception Parish, Major, SK.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Charles Nweze with confirmands at Immaculate Conception Parish, Major, SK. (Submitted photo)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Matthew Ramsay with confirmands from St. Michael Parish, Tramping Lake, and St. Peter Parish, Unity, on May 17, 2025) (Photo by Aleah Anseth – www.altestudios.ca)
Bishop Hagemoen addresses confirmands during the celebration in Unity, SK. (Photo by Aleah Anseth –www.altestudios.ca)
The bishop celebrated confirmation with youth at Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Parish in Saskatoon May 20 and with a large group at the Cathedral of the Holy Family on May 21.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen and other leaders with the confirmands from the Cathedral of the Holy Family, where Confirmation was celebrated on May 21. (Submitted photo)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Mary Parish at Lanigan, SK on Sunday, May 25 to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu with confirmands at St. Mary Parish, Lanigan. (Photo b y Traci Bell)
Confirmands after the celebration May 25 at St. Mary Parish, Lanigan. (Photo by Traci Bell)
Later in the day May 25, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Mary Parish in Wynyard, SK.
Bishop Hagemoen celebrated confirmation at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon on Ascension Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Fr. Luke Tran, Bishop Mark Hageemoen, pastor Fr. Kevin McGee, and Deacon Nicholas Blom (l-r) with confirmands at St. Mary, Saskatoon on May. 29. (Submitted photo)
Bishop Hagemoen gives the homily durijng confirmation Mass at St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon May 29. (Submitted photo)
Bishop Hagemoen celebrated the sacrament of confirmation with youth from St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown on June 1. The evening before, he celebrated confirmation in a celebration at St. Gabriel, Biggar.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Habila Musa with confirmands at St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown. (Submitted photos)
The bishop joined the parish communities of St Philippe Néri, Vonda; St. Denis, St. Denis; and Sts. Donatien & Rogatien, Prud’homme, for celebration of confirmation with youth June 3 in Vonda.
On June 5, Bishop Hagemoen confirmed youth from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon, in a celebration held at St. Mary Catholic Church.
Bishop Hagemoen celebrated the sacrament of confirmation with youth at St. Mary Parish in Fox Valley, SK, on Sunday, June 15, before travelling to St. Joseph Parish in Eatonia, SK, to confirm youth of that community as well.
Confirmation at St. Mary Parish, Fox Valley SK: Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined pastor Fr. Prince Osuwu Sarpong and confirmands for the celebration June 15, 2025 in Fox Valley. (Submitted photo)
Diocesan seminarian John Paul Wasan, Bishop Mark Hagemoen, and pastor Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi (back, left to right) with the confirmands at St. Joseph Parish, Eatonia, SK. on Sunday, June 15. (Photo by Joanne Stusrud)
Bishop Hagemoen celebrated confirmation with youth of Sacred Heart Parish, Watson, and Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy, in a celebration June 21 at LeRoy, SK.
BIshop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Francis Akomeah with young confirmands from Holy Rosary Parish in LeRoy, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Watson. (Submitted photo)
Confirmation celebrated at Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy, SK. (Submitted photo)
On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ June 22, 2025, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined Christ the King Parish at Rose Valley, SK for celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Later the same day he also celebrated confirmation at St. Theresa Parish, Lintlaw, SK.
Seminarian John Paul Wasan joined the bishop at the celebrations in the Wadena deanery.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Pastor Fr. John Ezeoruonye, and Seminarian John Paul Wasan with young confirmands at Christ the King Parish in Rose Valley, SK. June 22, 2025. (Submitted photo)
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.
May 11, 2025 Good Shepherd Sunday on the Fourth Sunday of Easter
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
One of Pope Francis’ last messages is the one for the 2025 World Day of Prayer for Vocations May 11, “Pilgrims of Hope: the Gift of Life,” which was released in March: LINK to Pope Francis message
Excerpt: “The Church needs pastors, religious, missionaries and spouses capable of saying “yes” to the Lord with trust and hope. A vocation is never a treasure stored away in the heart; rather, it grows and is strengthened within a community that believes, loves and hopes. No one can respond to God’s call alone, for all of us need the prayers and support of our brothers and sisters. Dearly beloved, the Church is alive and fruitful when she generates new vocations. Our world looks, often unknowingly, for witnesses of hope who proclaim with their lives that following Christ is a source of true joy. Let us never tire, then, of asking the Lord for new labourers for his harvest, certain that with great love he continues to call them. Dear young people, I entrust your efforts to follow the Lord to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of vocations. Keep walking as pilgrims of hope on the path of the Gospel!” – Pope Francis, March 19, 2025
* Please pray for vocations, for all those discerning God’s call in their lives, and for our diocesan seminarians: Huy Le, Mishca Taillon, John Paul Wasan, and Matthew Witzaney.
Prayer for Vocations
O God, you have chosen the apostles to make disciples of all nations.
By Baptism and Confirmation, you have called all of us to embrace our priesthood in Jesus Christ and build up the Body of Christ as his disciples. Give us strength to respond to your call.
We entreat you, O Lord, to raise up from our families many priests and deacons, sisters and brothers
who will love you with their whole hearts and will gladly spend their entire lives to make
you known and loved by all.
Amen
In a message released April 15, Bishop Mark Hagemoen wrote to clergy, religious, and laity of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, saying “While no one political party can be promoted at any Catholic Church, it is certainly appropriate to make available the positions of all political parties to moral and social issues.”
All citizens are called to fulfill their responsibilities to inform themselves of the various issues, Hagemoen wrote, pointing to the non-partisan materials prepared by the non-profit organization Catholic Conscience, including a“Voting Like A Catholic” summary, and a resource comparing the various political parties’ published platforms with Catholic Social Teaching.
“For Catholics, voting is not only a duty but involves ongoing education and formation,” Hagemoen stressed.
“A key feature of carrying out one’s duty and responsibility to vote is to exercise and inform one’s conscience. This is particularly important because we are called to be voices that speak to virtue, healing and decency in politics and social engagement,” he added.
“We are also called to be mindful of both personal and community issues and goals – especially in terms of those who are unable to speak for themselves.”
Bishop Mark Hagemoen has written a message about “Turn Debt into Hope” Share Lent 2025.
“If we really wish to prepare a path to peace in our world, we must commit ourselves to remedying the remote causes of injustice, settling unjust and unpayable debts.” – Spes Non Confundit, 16
The theme of this year’s Share Lent campaign is Turn Debt into Hope. This inspires and challenges us to reflect on God’s call to us all to live the way of righteousness by how we care for one another, and especially the poorest and most unfortunate in our global human communities.
The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent is from St. John the Evangelist. Jesus responds to the intention of the scribes and Pharisees to carry out a severe and final punishment for the sinful acts of a woman. Jesus’s famous response – “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone.” All God’s people need His mercy, forgiveness, and help. We are also reminded in the First Reading by the Prophet Isaiah, “I am about to do a new thing: I will give drink to my chosen people.” The prophet is addressing God’s promise to deliver Israel from exile to a new exodus to freedom and new life.
This Lent we can support the Share Lent 2025 appeal by holding in our hearts and prayers those peoples who strive to make progress and break free from historical and current economic burdens that weigh heavy on their ability to move forward. In particular, we hold in prayer our sisters and brothers in the Global South who face insurmountable debt for which they are not responsible
I join with my brother bishops in Canada by asking the following:
Encouraging the parishes of our diocese to give generously to Share Lent;
Signing the global petition calling for the cancellation of unjust debts, a reform of the international financial system, and the creation of a comprehensive debt framework within the United Nations.
Through this campaign may we show forth the compassion and justice of Our Lord through our acts of awareness, engagement and solidarity.
I appreciate Bishop William McGrattan’s (CCCB President) recent citing of Pope Francis’s reminder to us all:
“If we really wish to prepare a path to peace in our world, let us commit ourselves to remedying the remote causes of injustice, settling unjust and unpayable debts, and feeding the hungry.”
Let us support the Turn Debt into Hope appeal by a renewed commitment to have the same mind and heart as Christ Jesus – who holds in His Sacred Heart all peoples of our world.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops again designates the Fifth Sunday of Lent as Solidarity Sunday when our annual Share Lent collection will be taken up. On Sunday, April 6, I ask you to please be generous in donating to Development and Peace / Caritas Canada.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Mark A. Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon
Bishop Mark Hagemoen has written a message to the faithful of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon about the Jubilee Year, and the diocesan Jubilee Committee Chair Fr. David Tumback has provided background information explaining Jubilee Indulgences, including the conditions to obtain an Indulgence, and sacred sites that have been identified in the diocese of Saskatoon for pilgrimage visits during Jubilee 2024.
“The discipline of the Jubilee offers a year-long opportunity for personal as well as communal growth, healing, and renewal.” – Bishop Mark Hagemoen
To the Clergy, Religious, & Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Saskatoon:
Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I write you as we embark on the Jubilee Year of Hope – a time of grace and renewal for our diocese and beyond. It has been the tradition since the year 1300 AD for popes to proclaim specific years as a “Jubilee Year.” This Jubilee time offers an important opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and each other. Well aware of the tumult and anxiety experienced by our brothers and sisters throughout the world at this time, Pope Francis encourages us to be “pilgrims of hope” on our journey to our Father’s House (see John 14:2).
The idea of a Jubilee time comes from the Old Testament and was known as a year of the Lord’s favour. A Jubilee year was a time for renewal and new beginnings: people’s debts were cancelled; property was returned to its original owners; the land was to “lie fallow” as crops were not sown so the land could “rest.” It was also a time of forgiveness and healing: prisoners and slaves were set free; and land was given to those who had no place of their own to live and work.
When Jesus Christ announced His mission, He quoted the prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 61: 1-2) to indicate the He had come to bring Jubilee:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to the captives; recovery of sight for the blind and to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4:18-19)
As at the time of this proclamation by the Lord – we too have our eyes fixed on Christ as we look to His message and way through the challenges and trials of our time.
The discipline of the Jubilee offers a year-long opportunity for personal as well as communal growth, healing, and renewal. This discipline features the following:
Daily prayer with the Lord – the way we begin “putting on Christ” again. (see Romans 13:12);
Weekly Sunday Mass, and also taking the opportunity to attend a week-day Mass;
Monthly confession – as the Jubilee time focusses on receiving the MERCY of Jesus Christ;
Receiving the Jubilee Indulgence (in conjunction with confession);
Acts of charity and service: ways by which we live and sow Hope;
A pilgrimage to one or several sites in our diocese, or at the Vatican.
The recent Synod invites us to think of ourselves in new ways as disciples of Jesus, and of our parishes as faith communities carrying on His ongoing mission for the world. We continue to live in an anxious and broken world that cries out to hear and realize the Good News of salvation that Jesus Christ brings us.
Each of us plays a role in God’s plan to save and heal the world. In fact – the secret to the joy and hope for our lives – this side of heaven – is to say “YES” to giving ourselves to His plan and call for our lives to be God’s hope for the world.
Let us find His Heart, His strength and courage, and His grace to live and love as He does. May Mary our Mother – in this Jubilee year – show us the way to the Sacred Heart of her Son, Jesus Christ.
Feb. 2, 2022 – UPDATE – In a message to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Bishop Mark Hagemoen has announced the diocesan five-year goal of $1.25 million to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors and their communities. Funds raised in our diocese will be part of a national $30-million fund-raising pledge announced by the Catholic bishops of Canada, following their apology to the Indigenous Peoples of this land. – PDF of Feb. 2 letter from Bishop Hagemoen
Feb. 2 , 2022 – UPDATE – The Archdiocese of Regina Truth and Reconciliation Committee announced more details about the creation and support of reconciliation initiatives, including announcement of a $2-million fund-raising goal, which is well on its way to being met.
Jan. 28, 2022: Canada’s Catholic Bishops have agreed to establish a new registered charity to support and advance healing and reconciliation initiatives
[OTTAWA – January 28, 2022] – Canada’s Catholic Bishops have agreed to establish a new registered charity to support and advance healing and reconciliation initiatives.
The charity will manage the newly-established Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, which will accept contributions from 73 dioceses across Canada in order to fulfill the $30-million voluntary financial commitment made by Canada’s Catholic bishops in September to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors and their communities.
“The bishops of Canada are fully committed to addressing the historical and ongoing trauma caused by the residential school system,” said Bishop Raymond Poisson, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). “In moving forward with our collective financial commitment, we will continue to be guided by the experience and wisdom of Indigenous peoples across the country.”
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund will be managed with financial measures in place to ensure transparency and good governance. Board directors and members of the corporation will collectively bring a strong financial acumen and deep commitment to the healing and reconciliation journey.
The directors of the board include:
Chief Wilton Littlechild, Ph.D, a Cree chief, residential school survivor, and lawyer who served as a Commissioner for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Chief Littlechild has been a Member of Parliament, Vice-President of the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas, North American Representative to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and a Chairperson for the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform.
Giselle Marion, who holds a law degree from the University of British Columbia and was called to the Bar in the Northwest Territories in 2008. During her articles Ms. Marion worked for the Department of Justice. She is a Tłı̨ chǫ Citizen and was born and raised in Behchokǫ̀, NT. She is the Director of Client Services with the Tłı̨chǫ Government out of the Behchokǫ̀ office.
Rosella Kinoshameg, an Odawa/Ojibway woman from the Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation Territory. She is a Registered Nurse with over 50 years of nursing experience, mostly working with First Nations communities doing community health, maternal child health, immunizations, home and community Care. She was one of the original members of the CCCB’s Indigenous Council and continues to serve as a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle.
The members of the corporation include:
Natale Gallo, a former Supreme Director of the Knights of Columbus, where he represented Canada on the International Board of Directors.
Claude Bédard, National President of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Canada.
Barbara Dowding, former National President of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund will publish annual reports and will be subject to an audit by an independent accounting firm each year.
Any administrative costs will be on top of the $30 million being raised and will not be deducted from this principal amount.
Funding priorities
While specific disbursement guidelines will be informed by additional input from Indigenous partners, the intention is to contribute funds to the following priorities:
Healing and reconciliation for communities and families;
Culture and language revitalization;
Education and community building; and
Dialogues for promoting indigenous spirituality and culture.
Regional and/or diocesan granting committees will be established across the country to identify projects that further the fund’s priorities, review applications and request funds to support such projects. These committees will include Indigenous and Catholic membership and it is recommended that they be chaired by local Indigenous partners.
In the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, where Catholic TRC Healing Response fund-raising initiated by the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan was launched in July 2021, Bishop Mark Hagemoen welcomed the news from the CCCB about the structure being set in place for the $30-million national fund-raising pledge.
“I am grateful and excited to hear the news from the CCCB regarding the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund and the plan to implement diocesan and/or regional granting committees,” Hagemoen said Jan. 28.
“The Catholic bishops of Saskatchewan are meeting, and I look forward to making further information available about our own diocesan process and goal early next week,” he added.
“I am grateful to all those who have already supported this important initiative with donations and prayers. As Catholics, and as brothers and sisters of a much larger human community – we know that we must all take responsibility for amends and healing for past sins. We now enter this new time of opportunity and responsibility,” Hagemoen said.
Previous fund-raising tied to Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement
In its media statement about the fund-raising structure for the $30-million campaign, the Catholic bishops of Canada state that they recognize that there has been considerable disappointment with a previous Catholic fundraising campaign tied to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA). “While the CCCB was not party to the agreement, the bishops have recognized the shortcomings of that campaign and learned critically important lessons to ensure that the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund is fully funded and well managed with appropriate oversight,” states the release.
The CCCB will continue to provide regular public updates on this work, including on the appointment of directors, as part of the ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation.
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About the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is the national assembly of the Bishops of Canada. It was founded in 1943 and officially recognized by the Holy See in 1948.
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