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Opening Blessing of overnight warm-up location at St. Mary Hall

November 1, 2025 @ 5:00 pm

An Opening Blessing Ceremony for the Men’s Overnight Warm-Up Location at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Saskatoon, will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.

St. Mary’s Catholic Parish will hold officially reopen its parish hall as a men’s overnight warm-up location for the third consecutive winter, providing warmth, safety, and dignity to men experiencing homelessness in Saskatoon’s core.

The overnight warm-up location initiative is made possible through a strong partnership between St. Mary’s Catholic Parish and The Salvation Army, with meals provided by The Friendship Inn, and operated in collaboration with the City of Saskatoon, the Government of Saskatchewan, community agencies, parish partners, volunteers, donors, and security partners.

This season also marks the first winter operating under the newly-established Mission & Outreach Office at St. Mary’s Parish, created to strengthen outreach and expand capacity to serve vulnerable neighbours with increased coordination and compassion.

Community support has already been incredible, with residents donating winter essentials, hygiene items, and financial contributions to sustain the program. A special acknowledgment is extended to the 41 Catholic schools across Saskatoon, as well as parishes and community groups across the city, who have been actively collecting and delivering much-needed supplies, alongside generous individuals and families. Donations continue to arrive daily, reflecting a city-wide spirit of compassion, unity, and care.

Ceremony Highlights

The ceremony at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 will include brief remarks, choir-led music, a Smudge led by an Elder, a candle-lighting moment, and a blessing by Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon to officially open the warm-up location for the winter season. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!

Expected Participants

Leadership and invited guests include:

  • His Excellency Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
  • Father Kevin McGee, Pastor, St. Mary’s Catholic Parish
  • Jennifer Nunes, Mission & Outreach Coordinator, St. Mary’s Catholic Parish
  • Mayor Cynthia Block, City of Saskatoon
  • MLAs, including April Chiefcalf, MLA for Saskatoon West
  • City Councillors, including Councillor Sîan (Senos) Timon, Ward 2
  • Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, and other representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan
  • Gordon Taylor, Executive Director, The Salvation Army Saskatoon
  • David Clare, Housing Services Manager, The Salvation Army Saskatoon
  • Sandra Kary, Executive Director, Friendship Inn
  • Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management, Saskatoon Fire Department
  • Angela J. Sereda, Medavie Health Services West
  • Karen Cedarwall, Executive Director, Saskatoon Trades & Skills Centre
  • Loreen Rawlyk-Luby, Lead, Spiritual Care & Mission, Emmanuel Health / St. Paul’s Hospital
  • Irene Sharp, Elder, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
  • Ferdinand Gemoh, Parish Life Director, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
  • Myron Rogal, Coordinator of Justice and Peace, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
  • Representatives from Saskatoon Police Service, EPS Security, and other civic & community agencies
  • Catholic Women’s League, Knights of Columbus, parish communities, school representatives, multicultural groups, and inner-city ministry partners

Quote

Jennifer Nunes, Mission & Outreach Coordinator, St. Mary’s Parish:

“This warm-up location stands as a sign of compassion and community partnership. We are committed to ensuring that those who have nowhere to go on cold nights find warmth, dignity, and care. With the support of our partners, volunteers, parishes, schools, and donors, we are honoured to welcome and serve our brothers once again this winter.”

About St. Mary’s Outreach

St. Mary’s Outreach supports vulnerable community members year-round through food support, emergency assistance, pastoral care, care packages, community connection, and practical aid — in addition to operating the winter warm-up location.

To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit:
👉 www.stmarysoutreach.com

About the Warm-Up Program

  • Overnight space for men experiencing homelessness
  • Operated in partnership with The Salvation Army
  • Meals provided by The Friendship Inn
  • Supported by volunteers, donors, parishioners, and security partners
  • Mission: Warmth. Dignity. Safety. Compassion. Hope.

Supported by volunteers, donors, parishioners, and security partners