Bishop Mark Hagemoen has written a letter to the faithful announcing a change of the normative age for Confirmation to Grade 6 (age 11) in our diocese, beginning in 2021.
The present practice in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon is to celebrate confirmation immediately before First Holy Communion at a combined celebration in Grade 2 (age 7).
“I hope that this shift will not only present new and ongoing opportunities for effective faith formation of youth and their families in preparing for all of the Sacraments but may also be the opportunity to foster new initiatives and creativity regarding ongoing faith-formation and youth activities for the young people and their families of the parishes of our diocese.” – Bishop Mark Hagemooen
Bishop Mark Hagemoen is calling for parishes and the faithful of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon to a special day of prayer and fasting every Friday in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition to prayers for healing and an end to the pandemic, a focus on the Sacred Heart of Jesus will also involve expressing thanksgiving to all those who are demonstrating the loving heart of Jesus in their service, compassion, diligence and sacrifice during the crisis, said Bishop Mark Hagemoen during a live-streamed celebration of Sunday Eucharist April 26.
‘Thank You For Having the Heart of Jesus” is the theme of the initiative, which includes the use of materials generously shared by the Diocese of Calgary, which recently launched their campaign under the leadership of Bishop William McGrattan.
Find the “Heart of Jesus” resources below or at: Resources Page.
Consecration to Mary, Mother of the Church
Bishop Mark Hagemoen also joined with other bishops across Canada and the United States in consecrating their dioceses — and both countries — to “Mary, the Mother of the Church,” seeking her protection during the coronavirus crisis on May 1. Read more at Catholic Saskatoon News (LINK).
Letter addressed to the faithful from the Holy Father for the month of May, issued on 25 April 2020 inviting everyone to pray the Rosary at home and offering two prayers to be recited at the conclusion of the Rosary. English: English or French
In his message to the faithful, Bishop Hagemoen also addressed the most recent announcement from the Premier of Saskatchewan regrading a gradual lessening of restrictions in our province. “While nothing explicitly has been announced regarding religious organizations and gatherings, I will be meeting with the Liturgy Commission next week to explore how we can as a diocese apply the criteria that we have to date to our liturgical and sacramental practices in the diocese, and a proposed timeline to implement changes. I hope to report back about this in the near future,” he said.
Find other updates, directives and resources in response to the COVID-19 crisis: LINK to UPDATES
The bishop thanked the faithful for honoring the directives in place since March 17, 2020 which suspended public celebration of Masses and affected other liturgical and sacramental celebrations. “These circumstances have been difficult for us all. However, they have been a very important response to the COVID 19 pandemic, with the aim of caring especially for our elders, the sick, and those who might be otherwise susceptible to the life-threatening virus.”
“Heart of Jesus” – resource materials
Below are a number of resources shared by the Diocese of Calgary and adapted for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon — thank you to our sister diocese!
Parishes and individuals are invited to express their gratitude to those enduring sacrifices to help others during the COVID-19 emergency, as well as to join in prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in particular on Fridays in the Easter season and beyond, leading up to the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, June 19:
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, working with restrictions put in place to protect the community, especially the lives of the most vulnerable. An update to the diocese was issued by Bishop Mark Hagemoen on June 12, 2020 addressing expansion of numbers that are now permitted to gather for public celebration of Mass and other sacramental activities, distancing requirements, etc.
“Please join with me in prayer for a rapid end to the COVID-19 virus. May God grant healing to those who are ill, and eternal rest to those who have died. May the Lord’s blessing come upon our medical professionals and civic authorities, who continue to strive with enormous effort and expertise to keep all of us safe.” – Bishop Mark Hagemoen
Bishop Mark Hagemoen calls for prayer and fasting on Fridays to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, praying for an end to COVID-19 pandemic: rcdos.ca/heart-of-jesus
A central website has been established for those who wish to access live-streaming of Masses and other online resources created by priests in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: saskatoonmass.com
Several Masses are streamed and archived there daily, including live-stream broadcast at 9:00 a.m. Sunday mornings with Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrating Eucharist at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, Saskatoon except on Easter Sunday, when Mass will be livestreamed at 10 a.m. from St. Paul Co-Cathedral. The live-stream Mass can also be viewed on the diocesan website home page rcdos.ca
Mass on Television – Depending on particular cable and satellite plans:
Regarding watching Catholic Mass on television, as opposed to watching livestream on the Internet, here – with thanks – is a message from a parishioner who researched this for an elderly parent: “For those residents who are still most comfortable with the TV as their main ‘appliance’ for receiving information and entertainment from their suites as opposed to using computers, smart phones, IPads or tablets, your TV service providers have some alternatives that may help during Easter and during COVID-19 in the future. – SaskTel Max offers: Eternal Word TV Network. This is a Catholic faith-based channel that can be purchased as an individual channel add-on;…. SaskTel had the channel activated within about 20 minutes of my call with them; see: www.ewtn.com or Call 1-800-SASKTEL(1-800-727-5835). – Access Communications offers: Eternal Word TV Network Call: (1-866-363-2225). – Shaw Communications (Shaw Direct satellite has this too?) offers: ‘Salt and Light Television’ a quality Catholic faith-based channel that is sold as a stand-alone channel or as part of a channel package; see: www.saltandlighttv.org / Call 1-888-472-2222. – Bell TV Satellite offers: Salt and Light Television, Call 1-866-310-2355. Note- the TV service providers also have a variety of interdenominational Christian channels — such as Vision TV (which broadcasts daily Catholic Mass) among their channel and/or packages, so when a resident or their support person calls the TV service provider they just need to ask the Telephone agent what’s available for Catholic or other faith-based programming.”
Act of Spiritual Communion to unite oneself in prayer to Jesus Christ when one is unable to receive the Eucharist sacramentally:
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
– St. Alphonsus of Liguori
Prière de communion spirituelle:
Mon Jesus, Je crois que tu es reellement present dans le Tres Saint Sacrement de l’autel. Je t’aime plus que toutet je te desire dans mon âme. Puisque je ne peux pas te recevoir Sacramentellement maintenant, viens au moins spirituellement dans mon cœur. Et comme tu es deja venu, je t’embrasse et je m’unis tout entier a toi. Ne permets pas que je sois jamais separe de Toi.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen is calling for a special time of prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Fridays in the Easter season and beyond, praying for healing and protection during the COVID-19 Pandemic. More information and Resources, can be found at: rcdos.ca/heart-of-jesus
Justice and Peace Way of the Cross:LINK to video version in lieu of annual outdoor way of the cross created by various individuals and groups filming their individual reflections and prayers and submitting them to be edited into this virtual walk with Jesus Christ and the suffering of our world, organized by the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace. The list of lyrics and the Stations of the Cross (scriptural version introduced by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1991), themes and presenters can be found LINK to 2020 Way of the Cross Lyrics-Station Info Sheet
1 Million Hoursis a Face-to-Face Ministries initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe in the power of prayer. Our goal is to get as many people as possible unitedly praying for the world and collectively reach 1 Million Hours of prayer. If you have already taken time to pray for the world, you can head over to 1millionhours.ca and submit your time spent in prayer! (For updates, follow @1millionhours on Facebook).
Online faith resources:
In addition to live-streaming of Mass and other devotions by parishes in our diocese posted at saskatoonmass.com, there are a number of other online faith resources available during these times of physical distancing and isolation measures. These include:
Divine Renovation free resource for parishes: This free resource kit has insight on leading well, advice on what tools to use, and lots of practical examples from Catholic parishes innovating brilliantly around the world: Divine Renovation website.
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools has also shared its link to the Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ religious education program. The Student Home portal grants at-home access to videos, stories, interactive activities, and songs – all grounded in the celebration of our Catholic faith, aligned with the Church’s liturgical year. Log in online at: www.pearsoncanada.ca The username is: GIFGIC_student99 and the password is: Student99
Reflections on the Sunday Readings – The diocese of Saskatoon has posted reflections on the Sunday readings for family sharing and discussion, available at: Scripture Resources on the website
St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno, SK online faith resources include:
“Lord’s Day Celebration” — mealtime prayers which include a reflection on the Sunday Gospel — the booklet can be downloaded and printed on the website (which includes a video intro) at: introduction page
*Support your Parish through online Sunday Offering: Since offering envelopes are not possible at this time of no public celebrations of Mass, we ask you to support your parish community through online giving. The Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation has set up a webpage at dscf.ca/parish-offertory that allows you to direct your donation to any parish in the diocese as a one-time or recurring monthly gift. Thank you for remembering the needs of your parish at this challenging time of the COVID-19 crisis.
To The Catholic Faithful of the Diocese of Saskatoon:
I am contacting you about updated directives to respond to the COVID-19 health crisis. The spread of the virus in our province and around the world is a matter of grave concern for all of us. Our diocese upholds the priority of care for the spiritual, physical, and mental health and well-being of our fellow parishioners and citizens. To this end, we rely upon our expert medical professionals to provide informed and up-to-date information, and to provide guidance to safeguard and protect all Canadian citizens. Of course, our diocese also takes very seriously the observance of our Catholic liturgies and devotional practices. Given the extraordinary circumstances we face at this time – especially that place significant risks on certain members of our congregations (especially our elders and those who are infirm) – taking dramatic action is necessary as it might save lives!
Strong directives and advice continue to be updated from federal and provincial health authorities. We also experience great challenges regarding restricting the number of people gathering for Masses and other liturgies and devotions. Again, this is especially a concern given that many of our parishioners are seniors, who are potentially more susceptible to the negative effects of the virus.
Therefore, effective immediately and until further notice, I hereby direct the following measures throughout our diocese:
1) Celebration of Mass:All weekend and weekday masses are cancelled until further notice. For the duration of this period, I grant to all the Catholic faithful dispensation from their Sunday obligation. (cf. Code of Canon Law, 87) The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is the very heart of our Catholic life, and I realize that this directive will be a cause of great suffering. However, we observe this as our civic duty at this time, and offer this moment in sacrifice to God for the sake of all who are ill from the COVID-19 virus.
In these extraordinary circumstances, I encourage everyone to participate “remotely” in the celebration of the Eucharist by tuning in to daily mass on Salt+Light TV or Vision TV, or online at https://dailytvmass.com/. In addition, the Diocese will livestream Sunday mass at 9:00 a.m. from Holy Family Cathedral. This can be accessed on our diocesan website at LINK. Some individual parishes are also planning to offer a livestream Sunday mass – we shall make links to those available on our website.
2) Holy Week Liturgies: With respect to the Liturgies of Holy Week, further directions will be forthcoming in due course.
3) Parish Missions: All Lenten parish missions are cancelled. Parishes may consider livestreaming or recording the presentation of the speaker for posting on the parish website, but no public gathering is to be held.
4) Penitential Services: All parish penitential celebrations are cancelled. Priests will remain available to hear confessions but need to fulfill the requirements to assure confidentiality and to allow the medically requisite distancing between priest and penitent. The faithful are reminded that the obligation to confess serious sin once annually does not need to be fulfilled prior to Easter; it can take place at any time throughout the year. Of course, our priests stand ready to visit persons in hospital or confined to home who request Holy Communion, Confession or the Sacrament of the Sick. In every case they are expected to practice appropriate risk mitigation.
5) Other Sacraments: All celebrations of Baptism, First Eucharist, First Reconciliation and Confirmation are postponed until the Chief Medical Officer has advised it safe to resume larger gatherings. At that point, I shall confirm my own Bishop’s schedule for the celebration of First Holy Communion and Confirmation, and/or grant to our pastors any necessary delegation enabling them to celebrate these sacraments at times they themselves determine in consultation with parents and guardians. This directive applies likewise to the celebration of initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. This, too, is to be postponed until the Chief Medical Officer has advised it safe to resume larger gatherings.
6) Sacramental Preparation: classes for both children and adults are cancelled. Catechists will provide to parents the resources necessary to help them complete at home the remaining instruction to be given to their children. In the case of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the pastor or catechist may proceed to the personal interviews of the candidates to determine their readiness.
7) Funerals: may continue to be celebrated in our churches. In consultation with the relatives of the deceased, the priest celebrant will determine if participation needs to be limited to immediate family members to follow prevailing medical directives. Public receptions following the funeral liturgy should not take place.
8) Marriages: ought to be postponed. However, if this is not possible, the priest will consult with the couple to determine the following: the limitation of attendees to not exceed the official guidelines for group gatherings as well as following any other medical directives proscribed. Marriage preparation courses have been cancelled until further notice. Pastors will work with couples to fulfill the requirement for such preparation individually.
9) General Parish Gatherings: Should be postponed; only necessary activities for the care of the Church, and those that can fulfill the Chief Medical Authority criteria.
10) Access to Churches: Parishes that normally keep their churches open during the day will retain this practice. Appropriate cleaning should be observed to provide a sanitary environment. All hymnals, prayer cards, and other resource items should be removed during this time from the pews and other distribution points in the church. Especially in this uncertain and extraordinary time, we want to offer access to our churches to assure that the Church remains close to you and ready to accompany you through this or any difficulty.
11) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: longer periods of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament are encouraged, which may be the occasion to also provide opportunities for individual Confession, as outlined above.
12) March 25, 2020 “Day of Reconciliation”: can go ahead but as per #4 (above) will not feature any gathered penitential service.
13) Diocesan Events & Celebrations: a separate directive will be forthcoming. However, as with the above guidelines, the Diocese of Saskatoon will seek to be in full compliance with directives from the government Health Authorities.
14) Ministry to the Sick and Shut-ins: guidelines will be circulated in a separate directive shortly.
15) Considerations re: Financial Support to Parishes: guidelines will be circulated in a separate instruction shortly.
16) Community Caring: we encourage our parish communities to be mindful of the need to support fellow parishioners and other community members, especially elders, the sick, and those who might be otherwise home-bound. This will require local coordination to assure compliance with the Chief Medical Officer directives.
All other liturgical directives that I have communicated to the diocese in earlier updates remain in place. Please join with me in prayer for a rapid end to the COVID-19 virus. May God grant healing to those who are ill, and eternal rest to those who have died. May the Lord’s blessing come upon our medical professionals and civic authorities, who continue to strive with enormous effort and expertise to keep all of us safe.
Finally, in these unusual and distressing times, let us remember the words of Christ:
“Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:50)
The Dying Healed workshop teaches important issues about human suffering, human dignity and the power of human presence, as well as other end of life issues.
The purpose of the Dying Healed workshop is to give volunteers confidence that their presence at the bedside of a lonely or dying person is an invaluable service.
The workshop includes important pastoral and practical aspects of what to say, how to listen, and how to be with people who suffer illness, disability and loneliness.
It is intended to be a preparatory training for those who would like to spend time with people who are elderly, ill, disabled and dying; those people who are the most vulnerable to the negative influences to Canada’s euthanasia and assisted suicide law.
Those interested in hosting a Dying Healed workshop can contact Jacqueline Saretsky at (306) 292-5531 or Email jsaretsky@rcdos.ca for more information.
All are welcome 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 for this presentation by Pete Burak of Renewal Ministries, presented at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon. Be inspired to draw people into a deepening intimacy with the Lord!
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to the Director of Ministry Services at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Marilyn Jackson, at mjackson@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5836.
The evening begins with a short and inspiring dramatic presentation of The Woman at The Well, followed by insights and inspiration from Pete Burak.
Pete Burak is the director of i.d.9:16, the young adult outreach of Renewal Ministries. He is a 2010 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, and has a Master’s Degree in Theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. Pete is a frequent speaker on discipleship, evangelization, and young adult topics. He is the co-director of Pine Hills Boys Camp and the co-founder of the Millennial Church Conference. Pete and his wife Cait have four children.
From June to September, pilgrimages are held at beloved Catholic sites across the Prairies. Communities and visitors gather together to worship, sing, pray, and socialize during these events.
Rama Pilgrimage August 14-15
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine at St. Anthony Church, Rama, SK
Rama Pilgrimage – The 78th annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes at St. Anthony Church, Rama, SK will be held Aug. 14 and 15, 2019. Events begin Wednesday, Aug. 14 on the Vigil of Mary’s Assumption with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at the Grotto at 2:45 p.m. and Stations of the Cross at 3:15 p.m. Supper will be available at 4:30 p.m. for $13 each, but must be booked before Aug. 2 by calling (306) 593-6120. At 6 p.m Aug. 14 Hymns of Praise to Mary will be presented, with confessions from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., and Celebration of the Eucharist at 8:00 p.m. with Archbishop Donald Bolen. There will also be living rosary, candlelight procession and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
The Rama pilgrimage continues on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Thursday, Aug. 15, with 8:30 a.m. morning devotional prayers to Mary in Polish, 9:00 a.m. Mass in Polish, 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite, and then at 11:45 a.m. final Mass with celebrant Archbishop Donald Bolen, with anointing of the sick and aged, blessing of religious articles, etc. For more information see: www.RamaShrine.ca
NOTE: A bus from Saskatoon and Humboldt to the Rama Pilgrimage will be available on Wednesday, Aug. 14, leaving St. Patrick Church, 3339 Centennial Crescent, Saskatoon at 10:00 a.m., with a second pickup at Market Mall, Saskatoon, and a stop in Humboldt to pick up additional passengers. Cost is $25 each (cash only). Contact Mila Bernacles at (306) 664-3695 if you wish to book a seat on the 56-passenger bus. (Remember to pack a lunch. If you wish to book a $13 chicken supper at the pilgrimage, call Mary at (306) 593-6120 before Aug. 2, 2019.)
Walking pilgrimage to Rama: There will be a walking pilgrimage from Yorkton to Rama, SK from August 11-14, with participants camping along the way. When the pilgrims arrive at Rama they will stay overnight in order to attend the Rama Pilgrimage on August 14 and 15. For details regarding itinerary, costs, registration, see: https://www.stphilomenawalkingpilgrimage.org or call (306) 527-2738 for more information.
St. Laurent Pilgrimage Aug. 15 / Sept. 8
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine at St. Laurent, SK (north east of Duck Lake: take the road from the statue landmark on Highway 11).
NOTE: Throughout the summer from July 7 to Sept. 1, weekday Mass will be celebrated at the historic shrine at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Mass at 4 p.m.
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine – the Grotto at the site at St. Laurent, SK.
Feast of the Assumption
Thursday, August 15
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Adoration (grotto)
6:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Priests available for confession
7:30 p.m. – Mass and candlelight procession
.
Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sunday, September 8
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Marian prayer / rosary
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Priests available for confessions
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Mass and candlelight presentation
8:30 p.m. – Birthday cake and coffee
(Please bring a long stemmed rose to present to Mary before Mass – roses can also be purchased on site)
For information, see: Shrine website or phone Blessed Sacrament Parish in Duck Lake, SK at (306) 467-2003.
Pro-Life Millennium Cross Pilgrimage August 25
19th Annual Pilgrimage to the Pro-Life Millennium Cross will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2019, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Keynote speaker is Cathy LaFleche, Executive Director, Saskatoon Pregnancy Options Centre. The pilgrimage includes praying of the Rosary, pro-life displays, and a hot dog concession (by donation). Bring your rosary and lawn chairs. The 100-foot Pro-Life Millennium Cross is located 10 km northeast of Aberdeen, SK on Highway 41. For more information see www.prolifemillenniumcross.ca
From June to September, pilgrimages are held at beloved Catholic sites across the Prairies. Communities and visitors gather together to worship, sing, pray, and socialize during these events.
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