Bishop Mark Hagemoen visits parishes across the diocese to install new pastors

Fr. Gerard Cooper (left) stands with Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the baptismal font at the entrance of the Cathedral of the Holy Family for one of the prayers of the installation liturgy. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News0

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

[Article updated Oct. 30, 2020]

This fall, Bishop Mark Hagemoen is once again visiting a number of parishes with newly-assigned pastors, to celebrate Eucharist and an optional liturgy for the installation of a pastor.

The installation prayers are a chance to reflect prayerfully on the role of the pastor, highlighting the pastor’s sacramental ministry through a series of prayers at different spots throughout the church building: the altar, the ambo, the tabernacle, the baptismal font, the entrance of the church, etc.

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Fr. John Abban-Bonsu – Oct. 25, 2020 at St. Joseph Parish, Kindersley

During celebration of Sunday Mass live-streamed from St. Joseph Parish in Kindersley on Oct. 25, Bishop Mark Hagemoen officially installed Fr. John Abban-Bonsu as pastor.

Fr. Abban-Bonsu has been serving as pastor of parishes at Kindersley, Marengo, Eston and Eatonia since August, having previously served as associate pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon.

Photos of the Oct. 25 celebration in Kindersley:

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Fr. Joseph Thazhathemuriyil, VC – Oct. 17, 2020 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parrish, Outlook

Bishop Mark Hagemoen prayed prayers of installation for Fr. Joseph Thazhathemuriyil, VC, during a live-streamed Eucharistic celebration Oct. 17 at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Outlook, SK.

In addition to serving as pastor in Outlook, Fr. Thazhathemuriyi is also pastor of Sacred Heart, Davidson, SK; St. Andrew, Kenaston, SK; and Holy Redeemer, Elbow, SK.

A Vincentian priest originally from India, Fr. Thazhathemuriyil previously served as pastor of the parishes in Leader, Lancer, and Liebenthal, SK.

Photos of the Oct. 17 installation at Outlook:

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Fr. Gerard Cooper – Oct. 11, 2020 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, Saskatoon

The first installation celebration this fall was held on the Thanksgiving weekend at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, with Fr. Gerard Cooper officially installed and blessed as the new pastor and rector of the cathedral parish at the Sunday, Oct. 11 live-streamed celebration. Bishop Mark Hagemoen also acknowledged Fr. Deyre Azcuna, who has served for several years as Associate Pastor at Holy Family Cathedral.

Photos of the Oct. 11 installation at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon:

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