Upcoming year of ministry highlighted at annual diocesan Administration Day

Pastors, ministry and parish leaders from across the diocese of Saskatoon gathered for Administration Day on Sept. 12 to launch another ministry year. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

RELATED: Bishop’s Annual 2024 launched in diocese

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

Bishop Mark Hagemoen gathered with pastors, parish leaders, and diocesan staff for an Administration Day Sept. 12, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, launching a new year of ministry in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

The annual diocesan day again provided updates, information, and resources for parishes and leaders, including an overview of major themes, new programs, and upcoming events.

Master of Ceremonies Greg Chatlain, Director of Administration and Finance, noted that the annual day is an opportunity to look back on the last year of ministry, and together prepare for the year ahead.

Administration Day Master of Ceremonies Greg Chatlain, Director of Administration and Finance for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, began the day by introducing new clergy and staff in the diocese of Saskatoon and its parishes. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

“This is an opportunity to think about the future and what lies ahead, and what we can do to further our mission together,” Chatlain said. “Really, the main things are about our relationship… an opportunity to touch base again.”

Deacon Luke Tran Van Tam led the opening prayer. Presently serving as a transitional deacon at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, he will be ordained to the priesthood in a diocesan celebration 7 p.m. Friday, Oct, 18 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family – one of the many announcements highlighted at Administration Day.

Deacon Luke Tran Van Tam led the opening prayer for the 2024 Administration Day. The diocesan gathering also heard that he will be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Hagemoen on Oct. 18. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

After a treaty land acknowledgement by Myron Rogal of the Office of Justice and Peace, the program began with the introduction of new clergy and staff serving across the diocese since last year’s Administration Day.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen introduced newly-arrived priests Fr. Arnold Bolima, who is serving as pastor of St. Theresa, Asquith and associate pastor at St. Patrick, Saskatoon; Fr. Joe-Nelo Penino, who is serving as associate pastor at Holy Family Cathedral, Saskatoon; and Fr. Michael Magaji, who is serving as associate pastor at Holy Spirit, Saskatoon.

Other introductions included recently-ordained deacons Luke Tran Van Tam and Nicholas Blom, who are both serving at St. Mary, Saskatoon and new staff members at parishes across the diocese, including:

  • Asquith: Rose-Anne Kielo, Parish Life Director
  • Humboldt: Michael Selinger, Caretaker/Maintenance
  • Martensville: Philip George, Coordinator of Evangelization and Youth Ministry
  • Wilkie: Georgine Thomas, Parish Secretary
  • Holy Spirit, Saskatoon: Duane Banadyga, Facilities Manager
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saskatoon: Ferdinand Gemoh, Parish Life Director; Sandra Harper, Pastoral Associate; and Catherine Laliberte, Parish Bookkeeper
  • Our Lady of Lourdes, Saskatoon: Danielle Mase, Administrative Assistant; Ky Buchan, Youth Minister
  • St. Augustine, Saskatoon: Aidan Powell, Youth Minister
  • St. John Bosco, Saskatoon: Anne LaFleche, Pastoral Associate
  • St. Paul Co-Cathedral, Saskatoon: Sr. Peter Mary, Pastoral Associate and Catechis

Staff changes at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon include the appointment of MaryLynn Kemp as Safeguarding Coordinator, Catherine Couture as Executive Assistant to the Bishop/ Coordinator of the Curia, Yvette Reynante as Executive Assistant to the Curia, and Hannah Enti-Brown as Migration Office Coordinator.

The Synod, Jubilee 2025, and the Pastoral Plan

Bishop Hagemoen also led the day’s information sessions with an overview of “extraordinary events” ahead for the universal Church in the year ahead, citing both the concluding session of the Synod on Synodality this October in Rome, and the Jubilee 2025 year announced by Pope Francis, which will run from Christmas Eve 2024 to the Feast of the Epiphany in 2026.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen gave an overview for the year ahead during the diocesan Administration Day Sept. 12 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski,, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Hagemoen framed his comments through the lens of the diocesan Pastoral Plan, which was updated and renewed last year, reaffirming the diocesan mission “To Proclaim Christ and God’s Kingdom in the World Today.”

“One of the most important things we do in our diocese is draw people into a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ,” Hagemoen said, citing the first of the priorities listed in the Pastoral Plan, which also includes making every Sunday matter, promoting the healing journey in the Lord, building and supporting family and community life, embracing one’s priesthood, and moving from maintenance to mission.

The bishop noted that “making room for the Holy Spirit” is part of actively living out the diocesan priorities – and is also the critical key element of synodality. He also pointed to the theme of Jubilee 2025: “Pilgrims of Hope.”

“Hope never disappoints,” Hagemoen said, adding that the need to build and nurture hope in our world is greater than ever in light of the polarization, wars, and division.

The Jubilee Year will be a time to pause and to renew faith, and a time of prayer, self-examination and penance, with a focus on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the great mercy of God, said the bishop. It is also a time of pilgrimage – which for some, may include going to Rome to celebrate and pray, but which can also involve local pilgrimages, he said.

A diocesan Jubilee Committee led by Fr. David Tumback has been established to “help us celebrate this year well,” Hagemoen added.

The bishop continued his reflection on polarization in the world and in the Church, citing his homily at a recent opening Mass for Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools staff, in which he noted the continuing work to fully embrace the call of the Second Vatican Council to move forward in new ways and in new circumstances – “new in ardour, methods and expression.”

Hagemoen pointed to the discernment process of fifth-century theologian St. Vincent Leriens regarding the legitimate development of doctrine, versus a reversal or change of the teachings of Christ and the Church. “We bring to bear the teachings under new circumstances,” Hagemoen affirmed. “There are also new ways in which we need to proclaim the message because of the culture, and world, and times we live in.”

He thanked all those in the diocese who are undertaking such evangelization, “and doing this very well, and taking it seriously.”

He also addressed practical matters, including the scheduling of his confirmation schedule in the new year.

Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation

Raissa Bugyi, Executive Director of the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation, which supports the mission of the diocese through fund-raising and stewardship, continued the focus on practical matters with a presentation about planned giving, as well as introducing the 2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Raissa Bugyi, Executive Director of the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation, spoke about planned giving and the 2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal at the 2024 diocesan Administration Day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

At a Catholic Foundation breakfast meeting earlier in the day for pastors, parish leaders and BAA volunteers, Bugyi provided an overview of this year’s Appeal, resources, promotion, and schedule. The goal for the 2024 Appeal is $1.4 million, needed to fund a range of ministry, catechesis, formation, and outreach programs across the diocese.

The bishop’s delegate for the Annual Appeal, Holy Family Cathedral Rector and Pastor Fr. Gerard Cooper, also spoke at Administration Day about the importance of the BAA (see related article: LINK).

Overview of ministry programs

Marilyn Jackson, Director of Ministry Services for the diocese  introduced the diocesan minisry team of Jackie Saretsky, Hospital Chaplaincy; Myron Rogal, Justice and Peace; Dianne Anderson, Restorative (Prison) Ministry; John Hickey, Evangelization and Mission Leader and co-coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry; Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Formation; as well as the Verbum Dei Missionaries Sr. Marta Piano, Sr. Malou Tibayan, and Sr. Mirasol Abala, who coordinate the Sts. Benedict and Scholastica Formation Program. Sr. Marta Piano is also co-cordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the diocese, and Sr. Malou Tibayan is a co-ordinator of Adult Faith, specializing in the Called and Gifted Program. Jackson herself coordinates Evangelization and Catechesis, and oversees the volunteers that run programs for the Office of Marriage and Family Life.

Fr. Joseph Salihu, pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon spoke about the relationship of parishes and the diocese as a small example of the principle of finding “the universal in the particular, and the particular in the universal.”

Using that analogy, he affirmed the integral inter-connection between the diocese and parishes, saying that “every parish is in 123 Nelson Street (the address of the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon), and the diocese is in every parish.”

He encouraged pastors and parish leaders to provide the diocese with feedback on programs, and the diocese to listen to parishes about what might be lacking in programming or support. “It has to be an interaction, a feedback mechanism.”

Salihu noted: “We have to come to the realization that few parishes in the diocese can design, run and implement all their own programs, because many don’t have the resources to do that.” By combining efforts at a diocesan level, needs can be met at the parish level, he added.

Resource Guide published

Evangelization and Mission Leader John Hickey announced that once again, the diocesan ministry office has published a Resource Guide highlighting programs, ministries, and upcoming events. Copies have been provided to each parish and the guide is available on the diocesan website (LINK to PDF), along with a page of links at rcdos.ca/resource-guide to register for a number of the 2024-25 programs in the diocese

“The spirit of this publication is to share with the whole diocese what is happening in terms of ministry here this year,” Hickey said.

Mission and Evangelization Leader John Hickey introduced the 2024 Resource Guide. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

After highlighting the list of upcoming Adult Faith programs and retreats, Hickey called attention to the ongoing diocesan Called and Gifted™ Discernment Process from the Catherine of Siena Institute, which will kick off again this fall with introductory workshops in three locations for Catholics to discern and learn about how to apply their “charisms” (gifts from the Holy Spirit) in their lives.

Called and Gifted Workshops:

  • Oct. 4-5 at Holy Family Cathedral, 123 Nelson Road, SASKATOON.
  • Oct. 19 at St. Theresa Parish, 208 Little Flower Avenue, ROSETOWN.
  • Nov. 8-9 at St Augustine Parish, 809-10th Street, HUMBOLDT.

“This is in order to help grow your parishioners in their ability to figure out where there place is in your parish,” said Hickey about the powerful Called and Gifted process.

The 2024-25 Resource guide also includes information on ministries that exist to support the healing journeys of people in the diocese, again reflecting the diocesan Pastoral Plan.

“I want to draw particular attention to new ministries — Anew: Life After Divorce support group, which was previously known as Transitions, which is a new initiative in order to support those who are going through that tough time in their life (of separation or divorce), as well as Red Bird Ministry, which is for those parents who are struggling with the grief of losing a child,” said Hickey.

Hickey also pointed to a number of Youth and Young Adult Ministry opportunities in the diocese, including Project Timothy, a program that is designed to provide discipleship and leadership formation of young adults, with a goal of then having them become leaders in their parishes.

“We want to really expand representation in the program from across the diocese,” he said, encouraging pastors and parish teams to encourage one or two young adults to join Project Timothy this year. The program runs each year from October to June.

Other youth initiatives are also featured in the Resource Guide he noted, including some put on by the diocese, and others by parishes or other organizations, such as FacetoFace Ministries. “There is a real need to engage the youth,” he said, encouraging parishes to take advantage of what is already being offered, such as the Challenge and Conquest youth groups for Grades 3-12, and the Search Retreat for Grades 9-12 offered twice a year.

He encouraged parishes to let the Catholic Centre know about their upcoming events in the year ahead, and they can be added to the diocesan landing page at rcdos.ca/resource-guide.

New theme for Justice and Peace

Coordinator Myron Rogal announced that the targeted focus of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace this year will be on poverty and the option for the poor and the vulnerable.

“There is a gap there – that gap extends into some areas of mental health, and what I would call reconciliation on the margins: those who have not yet begun their healing journeys, having experienced the inter-generational traumas and harms of residential schools.”

Myron Rogal, coordinator of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace, announced at Administration Day 2024 that addressing poverty will be a primary theme this year. Past themes addressed by the Office of Justice and Peace have included responding to physician-provided euthanasia, addressing sex addiction, and most recently, raising awareness about human trafficking and sexual exploitation. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Rogal offered the gathering a “reality check,” noting that the situation in Saskatchewan has worsened, with poverty in the diocese of Saskatoon at unprecedented levels and rising.

“Right now, one in five individuals is at risk of some type of homelessness in the next five years,” he said. “This is really causing a risk to the peace of our nation as well, with a greater divide between the rich and the poor.”

Historically the Catholic Church has always placed significant attention on the care for poor and vulnerable, he said. Church involvement becomes more direct and central when societies become impoverished or the need has risen, as it has in Saskatchewan today.

Responding to poverty is also an opportunity for evangelization, he noted, as both active and fallen-away Catholics step forward with a strong desire to contribute time talent and treasure to care for the poor and vulnerable.

“We are also hearing more and more directly from parishes about the need for support” in responding to poverty in both urban and rural communities, Rogal added, thanking parishes that responded to a recent survey about emergency needs response in their communities.

The discernment and momentum means that some ideas – such as the warm-up shelter that operated at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon last winter – would have been “almost non-negotiable five years ago,” but are now more widely embraced and supported because of the increasing needs, he said, noting this is also true in dioceses across the country facing similar crises.

“The wider community really does have a desire and thirst when entering into partnerships – with dialogue and with respect – there is a desire to come to know the Church and to work alongside the Church.”

He suggested a three-prong approach in moving forward with the new focus, including continued support for parishes wanting to put immediate charity and emergency need responses in place, work on plans for setting up a diocesan St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Mission Centre as a place of faith to come at the issue of poverty as Catholics, and continuing to work for long-term justice advocacy around poverty, housing, and other issues.

Rogal also noted that the non-partisan, non-profit organization Catholic Conscience is again working to create an election guide for the upcoming provincial election in Saskatchewan, showing official party policies alongside Catholic Social Teaching on a range of issues. The resource will hopefully assist Catholics in praying and discerning about how to cast their vote, he said.

Hospital Chaplaincy volunteer training

In another Administration Day session, Jacqueline Saretsky, diocesan coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy described her role, working with full-time hospital chaplain Fr. Benedict Arakkal, with assistance from a number of other priests to meet the growing need for spiritual care for patients in the five hospitals in the city of Saskatoon (including the Children’s Hospital and the Dubé Centre for Mental Health).

“We are there in the hospitals, and we are available to help. We focus on a lot of the out-of-town patients, because chances are they don’t have someone in Saskatoon,” she said, noting that parishes and pastors in the city are encouraged to visit their own parishioners in hospital as well.

Jacqueline Saretsky, diocesan coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy, spoke at Administration Day 2024 about the ongoing focus on palliative care and upcoming training of volunteers in providing a compassionate presence for those who are sick, suffering, and dying — in opposition to the increasing push for medically-provided death. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Saretsky added that about half of her time is spent on education, particularly in the area of palliative care and end-of-life issues.

One of the primary resources available to parishes is the Horizons of Hope four-module workshop created by the Canadian Catholic bishops, she said. The program is designed to empower and educate parishioners by addressing questions surrounding palliative care, dying, death, suffering, accompaniment, and bereavement in a holistic fashion.

Saretsky said she will teach the Horizons of Hope program, or parishes are easily able to learn how to facilitate it on their own, with support from her office. She urged parishes to use the program to address the many misunderstandings about palliative care and how best to support those who are facing end-of-life.

“It was created as a response to the legalization of euthanasia in Canada, also known as MAiD,” she said. “It is to show Catholics and others the true compassionate response to end-of-life care, which is not euthanization. It is also to encourage attendees to go out and volunteer, to visit people isolated in their homes, those who are sick or in hospital.”

In order to further assist and equip people to undertake that vital work of visiting and accompanying those who are sick or dying, a “Being With” Volunteer Training session will be offered in the diocese on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. “We need parish volunteers more than ever,” stressed Saretsky.

Facilitators for the training day are: Kathy Matusiak, Director of CCC – Compassionate Community Care – a registered charity of health care professionals and volunteers who provide support to vulnerable persons and their families during times of illness and crisis, and Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. Register online (LINK) or contact Saretsky for more information at: (306) 659-5839.

Saretsky also noted that “Hope in Health Care” is a new support group in the diocese of Saskatoon for Catholic health care professionals experiencing moral distress in the workplace, which meets regularly at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon, with support from the Office of Hospital Chaplaincy and the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan.

Nurturing volunteers

Jibsy Ekeng, the diocesan coordinator of Human Resources, presented a session to parish and diocesan leaders on managing volunteers, noting: “Keep them engaged or watch them go.”

Jibsy Ekeng, coordinator of Human Resources in the diocese of Saskatoon, offered information about recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Ekeng addressed common challenges around managing volunteers, including recruiting and orientating volunteers, handling disengagement and burnout, and managing conflict.

“We need to take time to support and develop our volunteers so we can keep them connected and motivated to our goals and priorities,” she said.

Key strategies for keeping volunteers engaged include promoting a positive culture, fostering a sense of community, encouraging open communication, and providing clear role descriptions and training, as well as recognizing volunteers and expressing appreciation.

Development and Peace campaign introduced

Development and Peace – Caritas Canada representatives Michelle Dinter-Lipinski and Norman Lipinski spoke to the diocesan Administration Day gathering about this year’s “Reaping Our Rights” campaign from the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada.

The fall awareness campaign currently underway across Canada and the Share Lent fund-raising campaign are both aimed at standing in solidarity with peasants and small-scale farmers around the world. A postcard campaign is advocating for the adoption of strong mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation in Canada.

Resources and more information can be found on the Development and Peace website at: devp.org

At a diocesan Administration Day Sept. 12 in Saskatoon, Michelle Dinter-Lipinski and Norman Lipinski introduced this year’s Development and Peace-Caritas Canada campaign “Reaping Our Rights.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Other administration topics

A range of other administration and finance items were also addressed during administration day, including safeguarding, parish annual reports, information about CRA access, insurance, communications, internet and e-mail security, and a number of policy updates.

At Administration Day 2024, Greg Chatlain introduced the new diocesan safeguarding coordinator MaryLynn Kemp who briefly spoke about ongoing safeguarding efforts in the diocese of Saskatoon. Former coordinator Brenda FitzGerald continues to serve as chair of the diocesan Safeguading Committee. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Photos:

Administration Day 2024 included celebration of Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen and priests from across the diocese. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

Administration Day launched the 2024-2025 ministry year in the diocese, offering a range of information, resources, and networking. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

 

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is coordinator of communications for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca. This news site is made possible thanks to donations to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.