Offered Feb. 7 at Holy Spirit, Saskatoon (English) and Feb. 8 at Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens, Saskatoon (French), this is an immersive and interactive activity to raise awareness about the reality facing refugees around the world.

Tuesday Feb. 7:

The Journey into Exile Event will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Holy Spirit Parish, 114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon In English. This is a simulation exercise aims to raise awareness about the reality of refugees around the world seeking safety, security, and a better life in a new country. This immersive and interactive activity — designed for ages 14 and up — will enable you to gain first-hand experience about the challenges and hopes of refugees.

There is no charge to attend, however space is limited; register at: https://form.jotform.com/230224198607253. For more information contact Myron Rogal: mrogal@rcdos.ca or call (306) 659-5841

mercredi le 8 février:

Un Voyage en Exil – Le 8 février, 19h00 à Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens situé au 1007, rue Windsor à Saskatoon. Ces un exercice de simulation visant à sensibiliser à la réalité des réfugiés du monde entier en quête de sécurité et d’une vie meilleure dans un nouveau pays. Cette activité immersive et interactive vous permettra d’acquérir une expérience directe en lien avec les défis et les espoirs des réfugiés et est recommandé pour les 14 ans et plus.

Cet événement est gratuit, mais le nombre de places est limité et vous pouvez vous inscrire dès aujourd’hui sur: https://form.jotform.com/230174555042247.  Pour plus d’informations, contactez Myron Rogal à mrogal@rcdos.ca ou 306-659-5841.

From Jan. 18 to Jan. 25, Christians all over the world are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John 17.21). Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their unity, holding special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services during the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Message from Bishop Mark Hagemoen – LINK

Prayer service from World Council of Churches (PDF) – English / French

Local events during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity can be found at rcdos.ca/wpcu-2023 and include:

Eight-Day Bible Study

“Do good; seek justice” (Isaiah: 1:17)

The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism in Saskatoon and the Regina Council of Churches will once again be offering an eight-day online Bible study on the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Each day will be led by a different Christian leader from across Saskatchewan Jan. 18 to 25 held from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day except Sunday, Jan. 22, when it will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Free registration required by using this link to join by Zoom:  https://bit.ly/WPCU-2023-Bible-Study

This Bible Study series will also be available on YouTube at PCE YouTube Channel

Schedule:

• Wed, Jan 18 – Rev. Brody Albers, Anglican, Christopher Lake
• Thu, Jan 19 – Rev. Dr. Kathleen James-Cavan, United Church, Saskatoon
• Fri, Jan 20 – Major Al Hoeft, Salvation Army, Regina
• Sat, Jan 21 – Pastor Rachel Wallace, Mennonite, Eigenheim
• Sun, Jan 22 (at 3 pm)– Deacon Harry Lafond, Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert
• Mon, Jan 23 – Dave Feick, Micah Mission, Saskatoon
• Tue, Jan 24 – Rev. Keitha Ogbogu, Free Methodist, Calgary
• Wed, Jan 25 – Rev. Dr. Ali Tote, ELCIC, Saskatoon

The 2023 theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, “Do good; seek justice” (Isaiah 1:17), was prepared by the Minnesota Council of Churches. The themes for each day should be familiar to everyone who lives in Canada. The issues facing the churches in the United States affect us because of their proximity to our borders and as they relate to our present situation in Canada. Although Canadians often speak of building a diverse, inclusive, and just society, we know that racism is deeply embedded in our society and that we have seen great violence against people of colour and against ethnic and religious minorities. As we undertake these Bible studies, let us bring the honest questions and reflections that come when the light of the gospel illuminates the truth of both our past and our present. As we seek greater unity, may it be in service to the love and justice God has revealed in Jesus.

De Margerie Series for Christian Reconciliation and Unity

“Ecumenical Log Drivers: Forming Agents of Reconciliation for Church and World”

The 2023 De Margerie Series on Christian Reconciliation and Unity will feature speaker Rt. Rev. Bruce Myers, OGS (Anglican Bishop of Quebec).

In the past century the ecumenical movement has made extraordinary efforts in healing the wounds of division in the church. However, despite efforts to educate and inspire successive generations of Christian leaders about the quest for the church’s visible unity, an ecumenical malaise has set in which ignorance, fear, mistrust, suspicion, stereotypes, caricatures, recrimination, anathematization—even persecution continue in the relations between divided churches. Drawing on decades of reflection on ecumenical reception and formation, Bishop Myers presents an approach to teaching the practical and theological aspects of ecumenism in a way that is both holistic and pragmatic and offers the potential to raise up a new generation of church leaders who are also agents of reconciliation and Christian unity.

Dates, times, locations for the 2023 De Margerie lectures:

      Wednesday, Jan. 18, 7:00 pm at Campion College, Regina

      Thursday Jan. 19 at 7:00 pm at St. Thomas More College, Saskatoon

These are two different lectures, which can be attended in-person OR viewed on video online at:  https://youtu.be/DaxTcC9qeoE. Please plan to view or attend both.

About the Speaker – Bishop Bruce Myers has been Anglican bishop of Quebec since 2017. Raised on a farm in Glengarry County, Ontario, he studied at the University of Toronto before a decade as a parliamentary correspondent in Ottawa and Quebec City. He completed his theological studies at McGill University, Montreal Diocesan Theological College, Bossey Ecumenical Institute, and the University of Geneva. He has recently completed a doctor of ministry at St. Paul University in Ottawa. He is a professed member of the Order of the Good Shepherd, an international community of Anglicans who share a common rule of life. Before election as bishop, he served parishes in Quebec City and the Magdalen Islands, and as Coordinator for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations for the Anglican Church of Canada.

The De Margerie Lectures are named in honour of Fr. Bernard de Margerie, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon who has dedicated his whole life in ministry to the promotion of Christian unity. In this 11th year of the lecture series, we are expanding to offer lectures in both Regina and Saskatoon under the sponsorship of St. Thomas More College, the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism, the Archdiocese of Regina, and Campion College.

A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity youth event will be presented by the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism working in partnership with some of the Saskatoon downtown churches, taking place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, starting with supper, followed by a presentation on Restorative Justice from Dave Feick, Executive Director of the Micah Mission in Saskatoon.

Participants must register here – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Ecumenical Youth event 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service at Queen’s House

Representatives from the ecumenical community will  lead this prayer service, held at  11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19 at Queen’s House, 601 Taylor Street West, Saskatoon.

The prayer service will be followed by an optional lunch, cost: $15. Register for the lunch online at www.queenshouse.org/programs or call Queen’s House at (306) 242-1916.

Workshop for Clergy

Ministering Ecumenically in Our Congregations — A workshop for clergy and pastoral leadership with Bishop Bruce Myers will be held in-person only, Friday, Jan. 20 at St. Stephen Anglican Church, 10 Grosvenor Cres., Saskatoon from 10 am to 12:00 pm.

(Restricted to clergy and pastoral leadership, no registration required.) Presented in-person by the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Public Workshop

Living into the Unity We Seek – A public workshop for all people of God with Bishop Bruce Myers will be held in-person only, Saturday, Jan. 21 at St. Stephen Anglican Church, 10 Grosvenor Cres., Saskatoon.

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. breakfast; 10:00 a.m. workshop.

All are welcome, no registration required.

Presented in-person by the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism and the RC Diocese of Saskatoon

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Closing Service

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

Holy Spirit Parish, 114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon

Homilist: Rev. Dr. Ali Tote, Assistant to the Bishop, ELCIC Saskatchewan Synod

Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit about Palliative Care for Catholic Parishes is available in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – the goal is to have all parishes use the four-module program.

Jacqueline Saretsky, coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon says: “Horizons of Hope is an inspiring and engaging resource, with theological, ethical, medical, and practical perspectives presented together in an accessible way – on a subject that touches us all.”

For more information, contact Jacqueline Saretsky at jsaretsky@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5839.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) launched the toolkit prepared for parishes in November 2021 to address questions surrounding palliative care, dying, death, suffering, accompaniment, and bereavement, noting: “Our faith in Jesus Christ has much to teach us about living and dying well.”

Designed to help participants learn more about how to respond to the Christian call to provide compassionate care for loved ones at the end of life, the program offers reflection and support to anyone seeking to learn more about palliative care and the Catholic Church’s teaching on end-of-life; caregivers; those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness;  and family members who need resources and guidance as they journey with a loved one who is seriously or terminally ill; and parishioners and pastoral care teams.

“I am very excited about this resource for our parishes,” said Saretsky. “It is very well done, and it won’t overwhelm people, but will really encourage and inspire them.”

Four modules of the CCCB Horizons of Hope Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care. (Screen capture image from CCCB promo video)

The resource is presented over four learning modules. Themes include: understanding the human experience of dying and death, discerning and making decisions at the end of life, accompanying those on the journey and supporting and integrating within the wider community.

Each module features two videos. One short film tackles the topic from a medical perspective, while the other explores ethical and theological teachings.

Horizons of Hope video promotion:

Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined with brother bishops Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina; Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Keewatin Le Pas; Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert and Archbishop Lawrence Huculak, apostolic administrator of the Eparchy of Saskatoon to send a message of condolences, prayer and support to all those affected by the recent tragic events at James Smith First Nation and Weldon, SK.

Saskatchewan Catholic Bishops – “Joining in Prayer in this Time of Grief” (Click here for PDF) –

Sts. Benedict & Scholastica Formation Program has been established for candidates who have made a decision to pursue an academic and vocational pathway that seeks ordained ministry, religious life, or professional lay ecclesial ministry.

The program consists of two fundamental components:

1. Pursuit of a B.A. with a major in philosophy through St. Thomas More College (STM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) or another approved academic program.
2. A program of personal and spiritual formation offered by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon while living in community, known as the Sts. Benedict & Scholastica Formation Program. 

Deadline to apply for the next  Sts. Benedict & Scholastica Formation Program  (2022-2023) is Aug. 15, 2022. For more information contact Sr. Malou Tibayan at mtibayan@rcdos.ca

Letter from Bishop Mark Hagemoen: PDF

Information BROCHURE: PDF

Video intro by participant Jerome Montpetit:

The next round of four courses begins in September 2022, offered online from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoons

Introduction to First Nations Studies – Course #1 – Sept. 20 to Nov. 15, 2022 – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN (Click here)

Or find more information (Click here)

Reflections from program participants (Click here)

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, St. Thomas More College and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools present:

Indigenous Pastoral & Lay Leader Ministry Education is a continuing education program for Catholic Indigenous and non-Indigenous clergy and lay ministers, led by teams of Indigenous and non-Indigenous instructors, modelling respectful and reconciling relationships. The program is jointly sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, St. Thomas More College and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.

The Indigenous Pastoral & Lay Leader Ministry Education Program includes:

• An overview of the features of Indigenous peoples in western Canada, with specific reference to the Saskatchewan context.
• An overview of the history and features of contact and relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples with specific reference to the Roman Catholic Church experience.
• Creation of a dialogue between Indigenous and Christian world views.
• Insight into the history that has shaped the complex nature of the relationships in the present day.
• Provide mutual sharing and hope for a respectful and harmonious future as children of God, who together seek beauty and good of all.

Why take the program?

• To participate in a concerted effort to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action.
• To learn about the history of the interaction between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples including the impact of Roman Catholic missionaries on Indigenous communities.
• To discuss areas of culture convergence/divergence.
• To further Catholic social and moral teachings.
• ​To support the building of right relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Catholics in Western Canada.

Who should take this program?

• Clergy
• Lay ecclesial ministers
• Catechists
• Catholic school teachers
• Youth
• Family ministry leaders

Schedule and Registration:

NOTE:  Participants completing all four courses will earn an Indigenous Pastoral & Lay Leader Ministry Certificate.

The program sessions for each of the four courses will be offered online only from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (SK time) on Tuesday afternoons. Participants will receive log-in information before the first session.

Each course is 18 hours including out-of-class time commitment to additional reading and course work.

Course 1 (Introduction to First Nations Studies)  – Sept. 20 to Nov. 15, 2022 –  REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Course 2 (Indigenous-Settler Relationship) – Jan. 10 to March 7, 2023

Course 3 (Introduction to Contemporary Effects of Colonization)  – March 28 to May 23, 2023

Course 4 (Introduction to Reconciliation: The Church and Indigenous Peoples) – Sept. 26 to Nov. 21, 2023

The fee is $200 for each course.

Funding assistance and bursaries may be available: Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools staff can check with GSCS administration; in the diocese of Saskatoon bursaries for both clergy and laity are available – diocesan residents can apply for support through the diocesan Education of Laity Fund: LINK.

For further information, please contact programs@rcdos.ca or 306-659-5831.

“Rebuild, Restore, Renew Together” is the theme of Catholic Education Week 2022.

The five Catholic bishops of Saskatchewan May 4 released a message for the week to be marked in Saskatchewan from May 22 to 29, 2022, including the observation of World Catholic Education Day on Ascension Thursday, May 26.

“In joy and thanksgiving, we, the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan, invite you to join us in recognizing the gift and the impact of Catholic education,” states the message, signed by Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Keewtin-LePas, Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Saskatoon, and Archbishop Lawrence Huculak, Apostolic Administrator for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.

Message from Saskatchewan Catholic bishops for Catholic Education Week – PDF

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) Catholic Education Week resources – PAGE

“We join together in giving thanks to God for the gift of Catholic education and its unique contribution to our province and our communities. We pray in thanksgiving for the continuing existence and protection of publicly-funded Catholic education in Saskatchewan, and for God’s abundant wisdom and blessings on educators, students and families as we continue to live the identity and mission of Catholic faith-based education in our province.” – Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan

Catholic Education Week Prayer

God of Grace,
Help us to rediscover how to be side by side
in rebuilding our communities of faith and learning.
Help us restore harmony and balance in our relationships,
and renew our desire to approach challenges confidently and with peaceful hearts.
May we always rejoice in recognizing the blessings our lives hold.
Amen. +

_____________________________

NOTE – Education Property Tax Declaration

To ensure the education portion of your municipal property taxes are supporting your Catholic school, please make sure your school support is shown as “Separate” on your annual property tax notice. If you are Catholic and your school support is not shown as “Separate”, please fill out a tax declaration form and submit it to the office of your municipality. Also, if you have recently moved, you will need to complete a declaration form for your new residence; declarations from previous properties do not carry over. You must reside within the boundaries of the school division in order to designate taxes to Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Links to property tax declaration forms can be found on our website at https://www.gscs.ca/page/59/property-taxation-and-mill-rate, or you can contact your municipality directly.

Support GSCS Foundation:

Special collection for Education Week – Please support Catholic Education Week May 22-29 including a Special Collection in all Saskatoon parishes on Sunday, May 29 to fund full-day kindergarten in community schools. Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation has proudly partnered with the Saskatoon diocese and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools to request your on-going prayers and generous donations, ensuring all children are successful in those crucial early years, while celebrating the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic Education in our lives. Thank you for your support, now and throughout the year. For more information and to donate, please go to: https://foundation.gscs.ca/DONATE/

Indigenous Peoples and the Church: Walking Together Toward Healing & Reconciliation –

Pope Francis meets with with Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, abuse survivors and youth from Canada, along with representatives of Canada’s Catholic bishops in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall April 1, 2022. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

We pray in thanksgiving for the meeting of the delegation of Indigenous representatives with Pope Francis March 28 to April 1, 2022 in Rome.

During the final audience, April 1, 2022, the Holy Father apologized for the Church’s role in harming Indigenous peoples and promised to visit Canada – LINK to Article

“For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God’s forgiveness, and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry.” – Pope Francis

Following ongoing dialogue with the Assembly of First Nations, Métis, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and other Indigenous partners, this group of residential school survivors, Elders, knowledge keepers and young people shared their experiences directly with the Holy Father. The delegation, organized by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, represents a significant moment in the ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation while also serving as an important foundation for the future visit of the Holy Father to Canada.

Text of Holy Father’s message at final audience with delegations April 1 – LINK

Letter from Bishop Mark Hagemoen on the occasion of the Holy Father’s apology – LINK

Local prayers and initiatives:

An opening Mass led by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Saskatoon, was held at Queen’s House March 27: LINK to article

Prayers continued March 28 during a diocesan Day of Prayer for the Indigenous delegation meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican March 28-April 1.

Letter from Bishop Mark Hagemoen calling for a Day of Prayer for Indigenous Delegation – LINK to PDF

Drop-In Vigil and Personal Prayer at Queen’s House:

• Tuesday March 29, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday March 30, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday March 31, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• Friday April 1, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Closing Prayer)

.

Find more information on the Canadian Catholic Bishops’ website about the March 28-April 1 meeting of Indigenous leaders, elders and Residential School Survivors with Pope Francis in Rome, a time of listening and sharing in preparaton for the Pope’s upcoming pilgrimage to Canada in response to the TRC Calls to Action:  Link to CCCB site

Prayer resources from the national Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle: Link to resources

Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle is a Catholic coalition of Indigenous people, bishops, clergy, lay movements and institutes of consecrated life, engaged in renewing and fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples in Canada: ourladyofguadalupecircle.ca

O Blessed Virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Intercede for us with your Son
That we who live in this land,
Indigenous and non-Indigenous together
may experience healing and
reconciliation,
on a renewed journey for justice
and peace for our children.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.

Help for Ukraine:

Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) – The Ukrainian bishops of Canada are working together with their churches to join CNEWA’s campaign to provide humanitarian relief in Ukraine.

Help the people survive:  Click here to DONATE

CCCB Statement on the invasion of Ukraine

“In solidarity with the Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, in unison with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, with the people of Ukraine as well as with Canadians of Ukrainian origin and descent, we encourage the faithful and all people of good will to pray for the imminent restoration of peace, dialogue, and human fraternity,” urges the CCCB statement.