During this year of St. Joseph, declared by Pope Francis to mark the 150th Anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church, Bishop Mark Hagemoen will re-consecrate the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon to St. Joseph during a special Mass 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 on the Feast of the Presentation / World Day of Consecrated Life.
Statue of St. Joseph and the Child Jesus at St. Paul Co-Cathedral, Saskatoon.
In a letter to the faithful on the Memorial of St. André Bessette (who had a great devotion to St. Joseph), Bishop Mark Hagemoen said: “Our diocese will join with other dioceses across Canada and in the church throughout the world to re-consecrate the Diocese of Saskatoon to St. Joseph. Please note that there will be a special liturgy of consecration on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord at a 7:00 p.m. livestreamed Mass on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Holy Family Cathedral.”
Bishop Mark Hagemoen has been speaking to various groups and individuals about the challenges and blessings we are facing this year during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
Bishop in conversation with Catholic youth
Videographer and host Jerome Montpetit of CatChat Ministries presents a videotaped Zoom conversation with Bishop Mark Hagemoen and four Catholic high school students from Saskatoon reflecting on the experience of COVID-19 and the impact of the pandemic on life, especially during this Christmas season.
Diocesan leaders
Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon speaks about this unusual year with Elder Dianne Anderson of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, coordinator of prison ministry in the diocese; Donna Rogal, who works in the Marriage Tribunal at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon; Garth McCutcheon, chair of the Parish Pastoral Council for Christ the King Parish in Foam Lake; and retired diocesan priest Fr. Ken Beck of Saskatoon.
Ways in which restrictions are affecting individuals, communities, the elderly, families, the bereaved, prisoners, and ministries in our diocese are explored in this hope-filled conversation.
NET Team – Keewatin-Le Pas
In a recent Zoom conversation, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the Advent of four NET Ministries (www.netcanada.ca) missionaries presently serving in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, in Northern Saskatchewan/Northern Manitoba.
The NET team members speaking with Bishop Mark are: Maria Altamirano of Vancouver; Matthew Bentler of Saskatoon; Jacob Brown of Halifax, and Fernanda Cano of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
The team talks about how the pandemic has affected them personally, as well as how the restrictions on gathering have impacted their ministry this year, and what challenges and blessings they are experiencing in this Advent season.
In a recent Zoom conversation, Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the Advent of four NET Ministries (www.netcanada.ca) missionaries presently serving in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, in Northern Saskatchewan/Northern Manitoba.
The NET team members speaking with Bishop Mark are: Maria Altamirano of Vancouver; Matthew Bentler of Saskatoon; Jacob Brown of Halifax, and Fernanda Cano of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
The team talks about how the pandemic has affected them personally, as well as how the restrictions on gathering have impacted their ministry this year, and what challenges and blessings they are experiencing in this Advent season.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon has launched a video series to assist in reflection about Pope Francis’ latest papal encyclical Fratelli Tuttion human fraternity and social friendship.
The second in this video series features a panel discussion led by Bishop Mark Hagemoen, in conversation with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools teacher Celine Cyrenne, Sr. Marta Piano of the Verbum Dei missionary society, and Fr. Stefano Penna, rector of St. Paul Co-Cathedral in Saskatoon.
Find more information and resources about Fratelli Tutti on the diocesan website at: rcdos.ca/fratelli-tutti
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon has launched a video series to assist in reflection about Pope Francis’ latest papal encyclical Fratelli Tuttion human fraternity and social friendship.
The first in this video series is a timely conversation about Chapter 5 of Fratelli Tutti“A better kind of politics,” which calls for a social and political order based on “social charity” and “political love.”
In conversation are: Myron Rogal, coordinator of Justice and Peace for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon; Dr. Brett Salkeld, Theologian for the Archdiocese of Regina; Matthew Marquardt, President and Founder of Catholic Conscience; and Brendan Steven, Executive Director of Catholic Conscience.
With Saskatchewan in the midst of a campaign for an Oct. 26 provincial election as well as for Nov. 9 civic/ municipal elections, the discussion is particularly timely.
For more information please contact: Marilyn Jackson, Director of Ministry Services, Catholic Pastoral Centre, 123 Nelson Road/Treaty 6, Saskatoon, SK S7S 1H1; Office: (306) 659-5836, Cell: (306) 361-6483, Email: mjackson@rcdos.ca
Video invitation from Marilyn Jackson, Director of Ministry Services, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon:
Novena to the Holy Spirit for Congress Days:
We are praying a Novena to the Holy Spirit in preparation for Congress Days in our diocese Oct. 23-24 — please pray along with us!
(Day 8 – Wednesday, Oct. 21)
O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler!
I adore you as my True God.
I bless You by uniting myself to the praises
You receive from the angel and saints.
I offer You my whole heart,
and I render You heartfelt thanks
for all the benefits You have bestowed
and do unceasingly bestow upon the world.
You are the author of all supernatural gifts
and You did enrich with immense favors the soul
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God,
I beseech you to visit me by Your grace and Your love, and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena:
We pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all those involved in the diocesan Congress Days to be held online Oct. 22 and 23, 2020.
O Holy Spirit, life and light of the Church, give us thoughts higher than our own thoughts, and prayers better than our own prayers, and powers beyond our own powers, that we may love and live, imitating Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Come to us, Holy Spirit, come with the Father. and the Son and grant me the favor I so earnestly request in this novena… if it be in accordance with Your Holy Will.
Dwell within our souls and quickly make our hearts Your own. Quench in us the fires of hate and strife, the wasting fever of the heart. Guard our feeble life from perils and impart Your peace to our souls. Let voice and mind and heart and strength confess and glorify Your name and let the fire of charity burn bright and help to inflame other hearts.
Amen.
Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love.
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.
A general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in effect.
A number of parishes are live-streaming Mass, with links published at saskatoonmass.com
Earlier directives and statements:
Dec. 15, 2020: UPDATE (rescinding Dec. 10 directive regarding attendance in a second part of church building: “Effective immediately, places of worship are restricted to gathering up to a maximum of 30 people, maintaining 2m distance between household groups.”
Nov. 26 2020 Update (regarding reduced numbers): “Effective Friday November 27, the total number of people participating in any celebration of the Sacred Liturgy or other service in the Church cannot exceed 30 individuals, including in the case of weddings, funerals and baptismal services. At this time, we understand presiding clergy are excluded in this count.” Bishop Mark Hagemoen Nov. 26, 2020 LETTER – click here
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Nov. 18, 2020 Update (regarding masks): “The Government of Saskatchewan has mandated the use of masks in all public places in Saskatchewan effective Thursday, November 19, 2020. We have been informed that updates with respect to guidelines for places of worship will be forthcoming. We will advise of any further changes to the directives at that time. At this time, the directives from the Diocese of Saskatoon of November 6, 2020, remain, with the exception of the mask requirement which is now mandated for all parishes. The latest news release from the Government of Saskatchewan can be found HERE.” – Office of the Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
Masks be worn in all indoor public places has been extended to all communities in Saskatchewan
It is important to note that masks are recommended for outdoor areas (sidewalks and parking lots) as well if two-metre physical distancing cannot be maintained or is unpredictable.
Wearing a mask in public can be considered an additional line of defence, but does not replace the need for other public health measures that are proven to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (distancing, hand hygiene, stay home when sick, cough or sneeze into your elbow).
Masks must be worn by music leaders (singers, choirs, soloists, etc…)
Participants in religious services must wear their masks throughout the service even when seated.
Note: As of Nov. 13 an exemption from wearing a mask has been issued for “Clergy members or religious leaders who are leading a service or ceremony while speaking from a podium, lectern, platform, stage, desk or other standing or seating area dedicated to speaking.” Physical distancing and other restrictions remain in effect.”
“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: LINK to Heart of Jesus prayer resources
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.
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