Luke Tran Van Tam took another step on his vocation journey April 19, as he was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons by Bishop Mark Hagemoen in a joyful celebration at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, where he has been serving a pastoral year.
Photos:
Vocation co-director Fr. Daniel Yasinski welcomes those gathered at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon April 19, 2024 for the ordination of Luke Tran Van Tam to the transitional diaconate. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
First reading: Jeremiah 1: 4-9. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Psalm 118: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Second reading: Acts 6:1-7b. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Gospel: Matthew 20: 23-28. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Vocation co-director Fr. Colin Roy presented the candidate for ordination. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen hears the response of the People of God to the election of the candidate; “Thanks be to God.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Bishop Hagemoen reflected on the role and the call of a deacon in his homily. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Promising obedience to the bishop and his successors. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
The candidate lays before the altar as the assembly prays the Litany of the Saints. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Laying on of hands. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Fr. Hoang Nguyen vests the new deacon with the stole and dalmatic. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Handing on of the book of the gospels: “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Bishop Hagemoen greets the new deacon and presents him to the assembly. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Gift procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Offertory procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Fr. Phong Pham translates a message from Bishop Hagemoen to the parents of the newly-ordained deacon, tuning in to the celebration via live-stream video. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Deacon Luke Tran Van Tam expressed his thanks at the conclusion of the celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
Fr. Kevin McGee, pastor of St. Mary Parish, offered concluding words of appreciation and affirmation of the new deacon’s pastoral heart. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
“Our Lord Jesus Christ offers the unexpected, ultimate, and final confrontation between light and darkness, death and life – abundant life – to the full. What we recall and witness again in the way of Jesus Christ is utterly amazing, astonishing, unbelievable!” – Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Holy Week / Easter 2024 message
Find Easter Triduum schedules for many of our parishes at: LINKS
Text message:
Greetings to you all as we approach another Holy Week and Easter Season!
I always find that when I come to Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, I am faced with a sense of tension and dichotomy. What unfolds is the great and loving gift of God, meeting the tragedy and complexity of human longing coupled with human failing.
In Viktor Frankl’s famous work, “Man’s search for Meaning,” one of his quotes about suffering and meaning is: “What is to give light, must endure burning.”
We begin Holy Week – having experienced this past year the call to be light – but also to endure burning. Indeed, we have even been consumed. The challenges, the tensions and conflicts, the polarizations we have all experienced – in our world and country, our communities, and our families – have been very challenging and uncharacteristic of what we would call an acceptable normal.
And yet, the feature of tension has always been part of the Paschal Mystery. It is a key feature of the Gospel – and it comes to an apex in Holy Week when Our Lord Jesus Christ offers the unexpected, ultimate, and final confrontation between light and darkness, death and life – abundant life – to the full. What we recall and witness again in the way of Jesus Christ is utterly amazing, astonishing, unbelievable!
St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians sums up the unique response of Jesus Christ, who uniquely goes the wonderful, terrible path.
Firstly, He was in the form of God – He was God. Secondly, He did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, taken advantage of. Thirdly, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave. Who has ever done this? Especially when they had the unique ability to avoid or overcome? Fourthly, He was obedient to the Father’s plan to heal, redeem, and save the world – all the way to the point of death, even death on a cross. No one with such status and ability has ever done this. This is why God exalted Him. This is why every knee should bend, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Pope Francis has stated: “There are many people who admire Jesus: He said beautiful things; He was filled with love and forgiveness; His example changed history, and so on. They admire Him, but their lives are not changed. To admire Jesus is not enough. We have to follow in His footsteps, to let ourselves be challenged by Him; to pass from admiration to amazement. What is most amazing about the Lord and his Passover? It is the fact that he achieves glory through humiliation. He triumphs by accepting suffering and death, things that we, in our quest for admiration and success, would rather avoid…. Jesus did it for us, to plumb the depths of our human experience, our entire existence, all our evil. To draw near to us and not abandon us in our suffering and our death. To redeem us, to save us.”
The Pope concluded that the celebration of the Passion of Our Lord needs to move us from distant admiration of Jesus Christ, to amazement at Jesus, who demonstrates the greatest love the world has known – our salvation and new life passes through the wood of the Cross! Destruction meets new life; hell meets heaven; and death meets resurrection.
Let us ask ourselves: Why did Jesus die on the cross for us? Why did humanity crucify Christ? Do we still crucify Christ? If so, what does Christ show us as a new way?
These are questions that must be faced and asked. Don’t rush the answer… sometimes that is the problem. Let us ask the questions, and stay in the eerie, mysterious silence of the response of Jesus Christ on the cross, before rejoicing in the unbelievably good news of Easter.
A blessed Holy Week and Easter season to you all!
Most Reverend Mark A. Hagemoen, Bishop of Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
Bishop’s Easter Triduum schedule:
Bishop Mark Hagemoen will celebrate the following at the Cathedral of the Holy Family (also to be live-streamed at saskatoonmass.com):
9 a.m. Palm Sunday, March 24
7 p.m. Chrism Mass Tuesday, March 26
7 p.m. Holy Thursday, Mass of Our Lord’s Supper, March 28
3 p.m. Good Friday Solemn Liturgy, March 29
7 p.m. Good Friday Stations of Cross March 29 – outdoors on grounds of Holy Family Cathedral
9 p.m. Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, March 30
Bishop Hagemoen will celebrate Easter morning at St. Paul Co-Cathedral (in-person only):
10 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass, March 31
Find Easter Triduum schedules for many of our parishes at: LINKS
Representatives from across the diocese will gather with Bishop Mark Hagemoen for the annual Chrism Mass at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon. Everyone is welcome.
The diocesan Chrism Mass will also be live-streamed at saskatoonmass.com:
During the Chrism Mass, the priests of the diocese renew their commitment to priestly ministry. The Oil of the Sick, Oil of the Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism for use in the celebration of sacraments throughout the year will also be blessed by Bishop Mark Hagemoen.
All those interested are also welcome to join the choir at the Cathedral of the Holy Family on Tuesday, March 26. The choir will rehearse at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, before the Mass starts at 7:00 p.m.
The Sacred Oils:
Oil of Catechumens (OC): This oil, sometimes referred to as Oil ofSalvation, is used to anoint the catechumens (those who are to be baptized) in preparation for their initiation into the Church. The prayer accompanying this anointing expresses the desire that Christ strengthen the person being anointed. This oil is also used in celebration of the baptism of children. It is a sign of belonging: marking us as members of the Body of Christ.
Oil of the Sick (OS): This oil is used in the Anointing of the Sick. The prayer accompanying this anointing is: “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” This oil is used to bring comfort and support to the sick in their infirmity and to pray for healing. The celebrating of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a ritual moment that makes visible and present to the sick and to the whole community who we are as Church: a community of healing and support.
Sacred Chrism (SC):This oil includes a sweet-smelling perfume or balsam, added during the blessing prayers at the Chrism Mass. Sacred Chrism is used at the celebration of baptism, confirmation, the ordination of priests and bishops, and for the dedication of churches and altars. Sacred Chrism is also used in the blessing of bells and sacred vessels. Anointing with this oil signifies abundance of grace and dedicated service to God. The word Christ means “anointed one,” so being anointed with oil is a sign of the special and strengthening presence of Christ, the Anointed One.
The Share Lent collection for Development and Peace -Caritas Canada is held on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 17, 2024 – known as Solidarity Sunday.
Established by the Catholic bishops of Canada in 1967, Development and Peace – Caritas Canadaaddresses the root causes of poverty, oppression, and inequality by working with partners in the Global South and by mobilizing Canadians in the common struggle for justice and dignity.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “Reaping Our Rights”. As the website notes: “Everywhere on Earth, and especially in the Global South, impoverished populations are facing growing challenges due to climate change, land grabbing, resource theft, soil contamination and armed conflict. Rural populations are particularly affected by these upheavals, and Development and Peace — Caritas Canada supports them in defending their rights to life, land, water, biodiversity, justice, health, participation, decent livelihoods, a healthy environment and more.”
“Make Every Sunday Matter” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 is open to everyone — clergy, staff, volunteers and the general public. Come and be enriched and equipped to make a difference in your parish!
A special session for clergy only will be held the next day, 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 13.
As an added bonus, Spring Congress includes an “Encounter” evening from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 with worship, Eucharistic adoration, and a talk by Fr. Isaac Longworth, followed by a time of fellowship.
A list of Ash Wednesday celebrations at many of our city parishes:
For parishes OUTSIDE Saskatoon, or for those missing from this list, please check with your local parish. Find list of parishes and contact info at:rcdos.ca/parishes-mass-times-list
Download a PDF of this chart: LINK
SASKATOON PARISH Celebrations of ASH WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14, 2024
Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon (306) 659-5800 WEBSITE – 12:15 pm / 7:00 pm
Holy Spirit, 114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon (306) 374-1425 WEBSITE – 8:30 am / School Mass 10:00 am AND 1:00 pm / 7:00 pm –
Our Lady of Lourdes, 1235- 12th Street East, Saskatoon (306) 343-0289 WEB PAGE– 8:00 am / 7:00 pm –
St. Francis Xavier, 222 Willow Street (at Melrose Avenue & Hilliard Street) Saskatoon (306) 653-5126 WEBSITE – 9:00 am
St. John Bosco, 1202 Avenue O South, Saskatoon (306) 652-1045 WEBSITE – 7:00 pm
St. Joseph,535-8th Street East, Saskatoon (306) 244-1556 WEBSITE – 5:00 pm
St. Mary, 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon (306) 244-2983 WEBSITE – 9:00 am / 7pm
St. Michael, 18-33rd Street East, Saskatoon (306) 242-5150. WEB PAGE ( joint celebration SEE: St. Peter the Apostle below)
St. Patrick, 3339 Centennial Drive, Saskatoon (306) 384-1100 WEB PAGE – 10:30 am / 7:00 pm
St. Paul Co-Cathedral, 720 Spadina Crescent E. (306) 652-0033 WEBSITE – 12:10 pm / 7:00 pm
St. Peter the Apostle, 1121 Northumberland Avenue, Saskatoon (306) 382-5503 (joint celebration at St. Peter the Apostle with St. Michael Parish) WEB PAGE – 9:00 am / 7:00 pm
St. Philip Neri, 1904 Munroe Avenue, Saskatoon (306) 343-0325 WEBSITE – 7:00 pm
Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens, 1007 rue Windsor, Saskatoon – la paroisse catholique francophone (306) 665-1829 WEBSITE – 19h00 (7 pm celebration in French)
St. Thomas More Chapel, 1437 College Drive, on the U of S campus, Saskatoon (306) 966-8900 –
11:30 am Mass / 4:30 pm Liturgy of Word with distribution of Ashes and Communion
SASKATOON PARISH Celebrations of ASH WEDNESDAY – Sorted by TIME
8:00 am – Our Lady of Lourdes
8:30 am – Holy Spirit
9:00 am – St. Francis Xavier / St. Peter the Apostle / St. Mary
10:00 am – Holy Spirit (school Mass)
10:30 am – St. Patrick (school Mass)
11:30 am – St. Thomas More College Chapel
12:00 pm noon – Saint Anne
12:10 pm – St. Paul Co-Cathedral
12:15 pm – Cathedral of the Holy Family
1:00 pm – Holy Spirit (school Mass)
4:30 pm – St. Thomas More College Chapel – Liturgy of the Word with distribution of ashes and communion
5:00 pm – St. Joseph
7:00 pm – Cathedral of the Holy Family / Holy Spirit / Our Lady of Lourdes / Saint Anne / St. Augustine / St. John Bosco / St. Mary / St. Patrick / St. Paul Co-Cathedral / St. Peter the Apostle / St. Philip Neri/ Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens
Following a week of reflection and prayer about Catholic health care during National Catholic Health Care Week Feb. 4-10, Bishop Mark Hagemoen will celebrate a diocesan Compassionate Healers’ Mass on the World Day of the Sick, 9 a.m. Sunday Feb. 11 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.
The CCCB invites all the faithful to adopt the compassionate gaze of Jesus towards those who suffer, are alone, marginalized or rejected. The CCCB encourages all members of the community to take concrete steps to accompany those who are ill and isolated, whether through prayer, visiting a loved one, offering gratitude to healthcare professionals and volunteers, or other acts of solidarity. We trust ourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, asking that she may intercede on behalf of all and help us to be artisans of outreach and fraternal relationships.
Prayers of the Faithful suggestions for World Day of the Sick:
For the sick and hospitalized: may they feel the healing power of Christ and find comfort and hope in His constant presence. We pray to the Lord…
For healthcare workers in our hospitals, long term care facilities and community: may they be a light to others and a testament to Christ’s compassion as they live their faith and care for their patients. We pray to the Lord…
For those supporting family members: may they find in themselves the generous hands of Christ and the strength to offer healing and hope, especially when more is asked than they feel able to give. We pray to the Lord…
For those who offer help and support to people struggling with addictions, those in prison and individuals with mental health concerns: may they respond with compassion and creativity as they share healing words and presence. We pray to the Lord…..
For those who work with victims of crime and domestic abuse: help them cherish the dignity of the people they work with and help them inspire confidence and peace in those who seek their aid. We pray to the Lord….
For administrators and government leaders: may they work to enact legislation and policies that elevates human dignity, recognizes the common good and reverences faith in God. We pray to the Lord…
National Health Care Week 2024
National Catholic Health Care Week (NCHCW) was marked Feb. 4-10, providing an opportunity to reflcct on our calling as a Catholic community to be vibrant signs of hope in our world.
This annual national week is an invitation to learn more about the role, value and impact of Catholic health care in Canada and to be vocal, informed supporters of Catholic health care and the healing ministry of Jesus in Canada.
Learn more about how Catholic health care is rooted in the gospel and in the legacy of the founding religious congregations by visiting the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada (CHAC) website at: www.chac.ca/en
Through stories, reflections and prayer, all are encouraged to explore how to foster hope and healing in ourselves, our communities and our society: to make life-giving connections, welcome each other in community, foster healing and wellness—body, mind and soul—and find purpose and meaning in our calling and our circumstances.
This year’s theme, “Signs of Hope,” speaks to the courageous gift of Catholic health carrying on Jesus’ healing ministry as a sign of hope in the world and offers words of blessing and hope to each person in their journey to care for themselves or others. It acknowledges and responds to the challenges faced in our communities.
Holding all those who are hurting in our hearts – and grateful for the many Catholics who faithfully serve in formal and informal expressions of Catholic health care throughout our communities – the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) organizes the annual Compassionate Healers’ Mass each year for Catholic dioceses in the province.
Join Bishop Mark Hagemoen in praying for those who provide care to others in our communities: medical professionals, administrators, caregivers, volunteers and family members. The 2024 Compassionate Healers’ Mass in the diocese of Saskatoon will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family.
By Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
Dear Clergy, Religious, and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Saskatoon:
The day of prayer for Reverence for Life will be celebrated in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon on Sunday, January 28, 2024, providing our faith communities with an opportunity for prayers, reflection and discussion about the value of the precious gift of human life.
This past year has featured terrible conflicts in many parts of the world, including the terrible wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. I continue to hear from many that our current world affairs highlight both the fragility and strength of human life. In these times of reflecting on the prayer of St. Francis, “Lord, make me a channel of your peace,” we continue to hear this prayer in terms of the care of the vulnerable, and especially with regards to the protection and care for the unborn, our elders, and critically ill in our communities.
SINS AGAINST HUMAN LIFE CONTRIBUTES TO AN UNCARING & UTILITARIAN CULTURE
Canada continues to deal with the tragic repercussions of the removal of abortion from the Criminal Code. We now mark the 36th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada decision in the Morgentaler case on January 28, 1988, which removed all remaining restrictions on abortion in Canada. Incredibly applauded by many in our society, this moment in our nation’s history holds within it the tragic reality of millions of lost lives.
Victims of abortion include the unborn children who are killed, but also the mothers, fathers and families left wounded after an abortion. The community is also weakened and damaged as the weakest and most vulnerable among us are not valued and protected.
As the Canadian government continues to seek to expand access to doctor-assisted suicide, also known as Medical Aid in Dying or “MAiD” – the words of the Holy Father only a few years ago continue to ring prophetic:
“The victims of this [throwaway] culture are precisely the weakest and most fragile human beings – the unborn, the poorest, the sick and elderly, the seriously handicapped, etc. – who are in danger of being ‘thrown away’, expelled from a system that must be efficient at all costs.”
During the Papal visit to Canada on his “Penitential Pilgrimage” for healing and reconciliation in July 2022, Pope Francis called on all Canadians and people of good will to dream and work for a future that is able to see the God-given dignity of all peoples, and gain inspiration from Indigenous people’s cherishing of the relationship between elders and youth. On the feast day of Saints Joachim and Ann, he implored these grandparents of Our Lord to help us treasure the presence of our elders in order to create a better future:
“…a future in which the elderly are not cast aside because, from a ‘practical’ standpoint, they are ‘no longer useful’. A future that does not judge the value of people simply by what they can produce. A future that is not indifferent to the need of the aged to be cared for and listened to. A future in which the history of violence and marginalization suffered by our indigenous brothers and sisters is never repeated. That future is possible if, with God’s help, we do not sever the bond that joins us with those who have gone before us, and if we foster dialogue with those who will come after us. Young and old, grandparents and grandchildren, all together. Let us move forward together, and together, let us dream.”
This statement reminds me of the Holy Father’s call several years ago to continue the steady work to turn our culture from one of convenience and short-sightedness, to a cultural movement that seeks – through good-will and honest reflection – the realization of a truly human culture.
INCOMPATIBILITY OF ‘CARE FOR CREATION’ with ABORTION & EUTHANASIA
Pope Francis continually highlights that respect for creation and for human dignity are issues that are only realized together. As he states in his 2023 Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum:
“Everything is connected …no one is saved alone” (#19)
“… our admiration at progress blinded us to the horror of its consequences. But that risk is always present, because “our immense technological development has not been accompanied by a development in human responsibility, values and conscience… We stand naked and exposed in the face of our ever-increasing power, lacking the wherewithal to control it.” (#24)
“To recognize… that human life is incomprehensible and unsustainable without other creatures. As part of the universe… all of us are linked by unseen bonds and together form a kind of universal family, a sublime communion which fills us with a sacred, affectionate and humble respect.” (#67)
The Gospel’s moral and social teaching calls on all people of good will to bring to bear intellectual, social, and political consciousness on the blatant inconsistency that is affecting the well-being and flourishing of human cultures through our world. As Pope Francis states:
“It is necessary to raise awareness and form the lay faithful, in whatever state, especially those engaged in the field of politics, so that they may think in accord with the Gospel and the social doctrine of the Church and act consistently by dialoguing and collaborating with those who, in sincerity and intellectual honesty, share – if not the faith – at least a similar vision of mankind and society and its ethical consequences.
This effort is at the service of every person on the planet! If we do not engage in calling each other to a greater and fuller humanity, we should then not be surprised at the larger deterioration of a culture of human care and respect.
THE LOSS OF HEART
Current advances in science, genetics and embryology clearly show the distinct humanity of each unborn child, which comes into existence at conception. Each new, distinct human person shares the fundamental human right to life that we as Canadians celebrate and support on so many other fronts.
Failing to recognize that right has left our country damaged – not only in the missing and lost lives of millions of unborn children – but also in removing ‘the heart’ from our society. Devaluing human life at any age or stage has inexorably led to the legalization and growing acceptance in our country of euthanasia and assisted suicide: our lives seem to cease to have meaning and value as we face the fear of not being ‘useful’, or that we are a ‘problem’ to those on whom we rely for care.
The ‘loss of heart’ is also the root cause of so many other evils in our midst, including: discrimination, injustice and racism, violence, poverty and hunger, debilitating addiction. It also contributes to the problem of indifference towards those outside my own immediate circle of concern. The recovery of heart will be a very important feature in the coming times – as we work towards the goals of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous and all peoples. The recovery of heart must also contribute to finding true and lasting pathways for a true peace – not a superficial peace that removes us from caring for and being engaged with one another.
Sisters and brothers, let us respond to loss of heart by holding steady to the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: the Sacred Heart for our world. I bring you this message on the memorial of the first woman saint of Canada, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys (Jan. 12) – who dedicated her life and religious community to care and education children and youth of all races and creeds – especially those dealing with poverty and other disadvantages. Let us join in our common prayer for Reverence for Life on January 28, and throughout this year.
Sisters and Brothers, we pray that as a people and nation we may re-discover our heart!
Yours in Christ
Most Reverend Mark A. Hagemoen
___________________________
“Nazareth” – painting by Michael O’Brien: used with permission on the Reverence for Life prayer card, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
Prayer:
Almighty God, giver of all that is good,
we thank you for the precious gift of human life:
For life in the womb, coming from your creative power,
For the life of children, making us glad with their freshness and promise,
For the life of young people, hoping for a better world,
For the life of people who are disabled, teaching us that every life has value,
For the life of the elderly, witnessing to the ageless values of patience and wisdom.
Like Blessed Mary, may we always say “yes” to Your gift.
Help us to realize the sacredness of human life and to respect and cherish it from conception to its natural end.
And bring us at last, O Father, to the fullness of eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN
Prière
Dieu Tout-Puissant, donateur de tout ce qui est bon, nous te remercions pour le don précieux de la vie humaine:
Pour la vie dans le sein maternel, provenant de ton pouvoir créatif,
Pour la vie des enfants, nous rendant heureux de leur fraîcheur et de leur promesse,
Pour la vie des jeunes, espérant pour un monde formidable,
Pour la vie des personnes qui sont handicapées, nous apprenant que toute vie a de la valeur,
Pour la vie des personnes âgées, témoignant des valeurs intemporelles de patience et de sagesse.
Comme la bienheureuse Marie, puissions-nous toujours dire “oui” à Ton don.
Aide-nous à réaliser le caractère sacré de la vie humaine, à la respecter et à la chérir de la conception à sa fin naturelle.
Et amène-nous enfin, ô Père, à la plénitude de la vie éternelle en Jésus-Christ notre Seigneur
In December, St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon opened the doors of its hall on 20th Street West as an overnight warm-up location, in partnership with the Salvation Army and with federal government funding.
Since Dec. 4, 2023, the warm-up location has been open at St. Mary’s hall from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven nights a week. With life-threatening frigid temperatures, the importance of having an overnight warm up location is more important than ever.
Please continue to pray for the guests of the site, for staff, and for everyone involved.
Advocate:
Take time to advocate for those in need: meet, inform, and/or work with elected officials at every level of government, with other helping agencies, and people of other faiths to take collective steps that will reduce poverty.
Donate:
Monetary donations to assist St. Mary Parish in continuing to provide outreach and support for those in the neighbourhood without access to many basic needs can be made in person, dropped off or mailed to St. Mary Parish, 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon, S7M 2R6 (cheques can be made out to the parish with “Warm-up shelter” written in the memo line.) Those wishing to set up longer-term pre-authorized donations can call the parish office at (306) 244-2983 or e-mail Ryan Baker at rnbaker@rcdos.ca to receive a pre-authorized giving form. E-transfers can also be sent to rnbaker@rcdos.ca (please include your name and mailing address along with “Warm-up shelter” in the memo line). All donations over $20 will be issued a tax receipt.
Donations of needed items– including blankets, mitts, gloves, toques, and jackets – can be dropped off at St. Mary Parish Office during regular office hours, or any time at the Salvation Army, 339 Avenue C South, Saskatoon.
Volunteers
Volunteers are not yet needed: As this project is new, organizers are still discerning where volunteers might be able to serve most effectively. Contact Myron Rogal in the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace at mrogal@rcdos.ca to be kept up-to-date.
A new series of IPL online courses will be launched in our diocese, starting in January 2024:
The next course – “Introduction to Contemporary Effects of Colonization: Social Justice” – will be offered online, 4:15 pm to 5:30 pm (SK time) on Tuesdays, Jan. 9, 2024 to March 5, 2024. REGISTRATION LINK
No prerequisite is required. Each course is 18 hours including out-of-class time commitment to additional reading and course work. The fee is $200 for each course.
Funding assistance and bursaries may be available for both clergy and laity – diocesan residents can apply for support through the diocesan Education of Laity Fund: LINK. (Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools may have funding assistance for teachers, please check with the school division.)
About the Indigenous Pastoral & Lay Leader program:
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, St. Thomas More College, and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools jointly launched Indigenous Pastoral & Lay Leader Ministry Education, a continuing education program for Catholic Indigenous and non-Indigenous clergy, lay ministers, educators and leaders, which is led by teams of Indigenous and non-Indigenous instructors, modelling respectful and reconciling relationships.
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:
The first four-course series has been offered twice, and included:
Introduction to First Nations Studies
Indigenous-Settler Relationship
Introduction to Contemporary Effects of Colonization
Introduction to Reconciliation: The Church and Indigenous Peoples
The second series begins in January 2024, and includes:
NOTE:If participants complete all 8 courses, they earn a Diploma.(Diplomas, an increasingly popular option amongst post-undergraduate professionals, provide more in-depth knowledge of a field of study and are of longer duration than certificates).
The program sessions for each of the courses will be offered online only, with sessions offered 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. The fee is $200 for each course.)
Funding assistance and bursaries may be available for both clergy and laity – diocesan residents can apply for support through the diocesan Education of Laity Fund: LINK. (Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools may have funding assistance for teachers, please check with the school division.)
Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Leader Ministry Education Program graduates and leaders: Cohort Two certificates Dec. 2, 2023. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Recent Comments