By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Bishop Mark Hagemoen has announced a first round of pastoral appointments and changes in assignments for parishes across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon for the upcoming ministry year. Most changes take effect Aug. 1, 2023.
“We continue to wait and pray for the international clergy who have been invited to serve with the diocese of Saskatoon. We will announce further appointments and arrival details in due course,” said Bishop Mark Hagemoen in a letter sent to parishes and diocesan leaders June 2, 2023.
“Please join in gratitude and prayer for all of these individuals and their ministry in our diocese. We ask for God’s blessings on them as they move forward to new assignments and endeavours,” he said.
Clergy updates:
Fr. Geoffrey Young will begin a three-year appointment as formator at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton.
Fr. Geoffrey Young, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Saskatoon will be taking a new assignment as a formator at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton for a three-year-term.
Fr. Daniel Yasinski is appointed pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Saskatoon.
Fr. Daniel Yasinski, who is presently serving parishes at Kerrobert, Dodsland, Luseland and Major, is now appointed the pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Saskatoon. He will continue his role as Vocation Director, along with co-Vocation Director Fr. Colin Roy.
Fr. Charles Nweze is appointed pastor at Kerrobert, Major, Dodsland and Luseland.
Fr. Charles Nweze, who is presently serving parishes at St. Front, Rose Valley, Archerwill, Nobleville, and Naicam, is now appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Kerrobert; St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish, Luseland; Our Lady of Grace Parish, Dodsland; and Immaculate Conception Parish, Major. The pastoral coverage for the St. Front region will be announced shortly, said Bishop Hagemoen.
Fr. Jean Baptiste Murhumwa is leaving the diocese after several years of service.
Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC, is leaving the diocese to pursue studies in the U.S.
In his update, the bishop thanked two priests who are leaving the diocese of Saskatoon, expressing gratitude for their years of service here: Fr. Jean Baptiste Murhumwa (presently pastor of parishes at Vonda, St. Denis, and Prud’homme) and Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC, (presently pastor of parishes at Macklin, Denzil, and St. Donatus).
Fr. Daniel Louh: will serve as pastor of parishes at Vonda, St. Denis and Prud’homme.
While continuing as pastor of Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens French Catholic Parish in Saskatoon, Fr. Daniel Louh, will now also serve as pastor of the Trinité pastoral region parishes of Sts. Donatien and Rogatien Parish, Prud’homme; St. Denis Parish, St. Denis; and St. Philippe Neri Parish, Vonda.
Fr. Santhosh Thekkekulam, VC, is appointed pastor at Macklin, Denzil and St. Donatus.
Presently serving parishes at Wilkie, Handel and Leipzig, Fr. Santhosh Thekkekulam, VC, is now appointed as pastor at St. Mary Parish, Macklin; Sacred Heart Parish, Denzil; and St. Donatus Parish, Cactus Lake.
Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC, will arrive soon and will minister at parishes in Wilkie, Handel, and Leipzig.
“Our diocese looks forward to welcoming Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC. Upon arrival, Fr. Rinesh will minister to the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Handel; St. James Parish, Wilkie; St. Paschal Parish, Leipzig,” said the bishop.
Seminarian internship:
Diocesan seminarian Luke Van Tam Tran starts an internship at St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon.
Having concluded his studies at Christ the King Seminary in Mission, B.C., diocesan seminarian Luke Van Tam Tran has started his internship year at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, in preparation for ordination to the transitional diaconate and then to the priesthood.
Retirement:
Debbie Ledoux has retired as Parish Life Director of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon.
Debbie Ledoux has recently announced retirement and concluded her service as Parish Life Director at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon.
In an earlier message about Debbie Ledoux’s retirement, Bishop Mark Hagemoen noted the impact of her nine years of service as Parish Life Director of the diocese’s Indigenous parish. “I am particularly struck by her care and compassion in accompanying parishioners on a path of healing and reconciliation over many years and seasons,” said Hagemoen. “She has also led and accompanied us as a diocese as well in our walking together the path of reconciliation – particularly through her input on the Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation and at many diocesan encounters and events.” She also led a diocesan pilgrimage to Alberta during the papal visit, to witness Pope Francis’ apology to Indigenous Peoples for the Church’s involvement in residential schools.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish honoured Debbie Ledoux during a celebration April 23, 2023. (Photo by Fr. Kevin McGee).
“Sincerity, integrity, and passion come to mind when describing Debbie Ledoux in her service to her parish, the diocese, and the wider community. In many ways, Debbie modelled what it means to accompany, to walk beside. Debbie has a deep passion for seeking the truth that has assisted many people in beginning their healing process.” – Myron Rogal, diocesan coordinator of Office of Justice and Peace, and member of the Diocesan Truth and Reconciliation Council
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[Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon; kyaworski@rcdos.ca]