Chrism Mass celebrated in diocese of Saskatoon during Holy Week 2025

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

Once again, representatives from across the diocese of Saskatoon — clergy, consecrated religious, and laity — joined Bishop Mark Hagemoen during Holy Week for the annual Chrism Mass, celebrating the institution of the ministerial priesthood and blessing the sacred oils to be used in sacraments in the year ahead.

At a traditional diocesan dinner for priests and parish representatives before the Chrism Mass, appreciation was expressed for the witness and service of priests in the diocese.

“Thank you to all of our priests for your ‘yes!'” said Sr. April Mireau of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, who emceed the dinner program. “We could not live our faith without you… we could not receive our beloved Jesus without you. We do love you, and support you and we pray for you.”

Sr. April Mireau of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary was MC at the dinner held before the Chrism Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen also expressed gratitude during the dinner program April 15 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.

“This is a time we can gather in a small way — and I know it is a very small fraction of the people that are a part of what happens in parish communities. I want to recognize you and thank you,” said Bishop Hagemoen, also extending thanks to those in attendance representing deaneries and regions, the diocesan Pastoral Centre, and those who are part of health care and educational ministries across the diocese.

“Let us pray that during this Jubilee Year of Hope… that we will really think about where we are called by the power of the Holy Spirit to be the gift of hope to others.”

Milestone anniversaries of ordination that will be celebrated in 2025 were also acknowledged during the annual Chrism Mass dinner:

10 years – Fr. Prince Sarpong; Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor; Fr. Cosmas Epifano, OSB
15 years – Fr. Benjamin Ezekwudo; Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu
20 years – Fr. Bassim Shoni; Fr. Paul Oshin
25 years – Fr. Jerome Ogunleye
30 years – Fr. David Tumback;, Fr. Rheal Bussiere
35 years – Bishop Mark Hagemoen
50 years – Msgr. Don Vito Pavilando; Fr. Ken Beck
60 years – Fr. Paul Fachet, OMI; Msgr. Raymond Senger; Fr. Denis Phaneuf

The bishop concluded with words to all the priests in the diocese: “Thank you brothers for your faithfulness to the priesthood, for making available the presence and the blessing of Christ to your people. And I know that the priests would say thank you to the People of God — thank you for your generous support and for your faithfulness, and for calling us, calling each other to the fullness of God’s plan for our lives and our vocations, at least this side of heaven.”

Chrism Mass

The joyful celebration of the Chrism Mass that followed included a re-commitment to priestly ministry by the priests led by Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

Priests from across the diocese renewed their priestly commitment during the Chrism Mass April 15 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Oils were then brought forward for blessing by Jaqueline Saretsky and Fr. Benedict Arakal who provide hospital chaplaincy in the diocese of Saskatoon (Oil of the Sick); by Dustin Weger, who is preparing to receive initiation sacraments in the Easter season and catechist Erin Gratton of Holy Spirit parish in Saskatoon (Oil of the Catechumens); and Fr. Colin Roy, Co-Director of Vocations in the diocese and pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt and Fr. Luke Tam Van Tran, most-recently ordained diocesan priest and associate pastor of St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon.

Oil bearers at the Chrism Mass celebration included Dustin Weger, Erin Gratton, Fr. Colin Roy, and Fr. Luke Tam Van Tran (l-r), as well as Jaqueline Saretsky and Fr. Benedict Arakal (not pictured). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Music ministry for the diocesan celebration was provided by a choir that included representation from a number of parishes, both urban and rural.

Gallery of all photos: LINK

Chrism Mass photos:

Permanent deacons Paul Labelle, Nicholas Blom, and Donat Davatz (l-r) prepare for the Chrism Mass entrance procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Chrism Mass entrance procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

A diocesan choir with representatives from a number of parishes across the diocese led the music ministry. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)

Priests from across the diocese at the Chrism Mass, April 15 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The penitential rite at Chrism Mass, 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Leslie Bautista proclaimed the first reading at the Chrism Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Aaron Pangilinan who serves as director of the St. Cecilia Choir, was part of the diocesan choir for the Chrism Mass, and led the assembly in the Psalm. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Victor Granger proclaims the second reading. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at the Chrism Mass April 15 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Deacon Nicholas Blom, who was ordained a permanent deacon for the diocese of Saskatoon in 2024, prepares to proclaim the Gospel at the annual Chrism Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Deacon Nicholas Blom of St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon, proclaimed the Gospel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

In his homily, Bishop Mark Hagemoen wished his brother priests a “happy birthday” during the Chrism Mass celebration commemorating the institution of the priesthood. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Priests from across the diocese renewed their priestly commitment during the Chrism Mass April 15 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Hagemoen leads priests in a renewal of their commitment. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Diocesan coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy Jacqueline Saretsky and Chaplain Fr. Benedict Arakal brought forward the oil to be blessed as the Oil of the Sick. Bishop Hagemoen leads priests in a renewal of their commitment. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The oil to be blessed as Sacred Chrism (used at the celebration of baptism, confirmation, ordinations, and for the dedication of churches and altars) was brought forward by (l-r) Fr. Colin Roy, pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt and diocesan Co-director of Vocations, and recently-ordained diocesan priest Fr. Luke Tam Van Tran, associate pastor at St. Mary parish, Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Hagemoen accepts the oil to be blessed as the Oil of Catechumens from oil bearers Dustin Weger and Erin Gratton. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Hagemoen accepts the oil to be blessed as Sacred Chrism, brought forward by oil bearers Fr. Luke Tam Van Tran and Fr. Colin Roy. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

At the annual diocesan Chrism Mass April 15 in Saskatoon, Bishop Mark Hagemoen blessed the sacred oils to be used in sacraments throughout the year in parishes across the diocese. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen blessed the sacred oils to be used in sacraments throughout the year in parishes across the diocese. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen stirs balsam perfume into the oil to be blessed as Sacred Chrism during the diocesan Chrism Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Priests in attendance at the diocesan Chrism Mass stretched forth their hands to join Bishop Mark Hagemoen in blessing of the Sacred Chrism, which is used at the celebration of baptism, confirmation, ordinations, and for the dedication of churches and altars. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The blessed oils — including those prepared for distribution throughout the diocese of Saskatoon — were placed near the altar. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

A diocesan choir with representatives from a number of parishes across the diocese provided music ministry, led by Michael Rainey and Wendy Dale. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The Marty family of St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown, SK, brought forward the gifts for the Eucharistic celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The blessed oils — including those prepared for distribution throughout the diocese of Saskatoon — were placed near the altar. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Deacon Donat Davatz of St. Paul Co-Cathedral and Bishop Mark Hagemoen at the altar during the 2025 Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

A diocesan choir with representatives from a number of parishes across the diocese led the music ministry. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Priests from across the diocese attended the Chrism Mass April 15 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Deacon Donat Davatz of St. Paul Co-Cathedral, Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Fr. Daniel Yasinski (l-r) at the altar during the 2025 Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Representatives from across the diocese traditionally gather with the clergy for the Chrism Mass in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Priests from across the diocese join Bishop Mark Hagemoen around the altar during the diocesan Chrism Mass April 15 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Representatives from across the diocese traditionally gather with the clergy for the Chrism Mass in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The Chrism Mass concluded with a blessing from Bishop Mark Hagemoen for all in attendance. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

At the conclusion of Mass, priests gathered around the bishop, showing appreciation with song and applause. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Parish Life Director Ferdinand Gemoh of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and Fr. Clement Arthur, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Michael, and St. Peter the Apostle parishes in Saskatoon, picked up the newly-blessed oils following the diocesan Chrism Mass April 15. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Video of Chrism Mass homily:

Chrism banquet photos:

Catholic Pastoral Centre staff and volunteers welcomed arrivals at the annual Chrism Mass dinner. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Volunteers assisted with registration and welcoming arrivals to the Chrism Mass celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Parish representatives from across the diocese again gathered with clergy and Bishop Hagemoen for a dinner before the annual Chrism Mass, held April 15 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu, pastor of parishes at Foam Lake, Lanigan, Wishart, and Wynyard stands with a table of his parishioners at the Chrism Mass dinner. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Volunteers from the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women’s League provided help during the Chrism Mass celebration, including at the dinner before and at the reception following Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Traditionally in the diocese of Saskatoon, clergy and parish representatives who will take back the sacred oils blessed at the diocesan Chrism Mass share a dinner beforehand. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi, pastor of parishes at Kindersley, Marengo, Eston, and Eatonia, with Rita Flaman Jarrett of the Catholic Pastoral Centre at the Chrism Mass dinner. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Fr. Habila Musa, pastor of parishes at Rosetown, Beechy, and Elrose, with the Marty family of St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown, who brought up the gifts during the celebration of the Chrism Mass April 15 in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Dessert table at the Chrism Mass dinner. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

From left to right: Fr. John Ezeoruonye, (pastor of parishes at St. Front, Naicam, Rose Valley, Archerwill, and Nobleville); Fr. Jerome Ogunleye (pastor of parishes at Wadena, Kelvington, Lintlaw, Perigord, and Fosston); and Fr. Paul Oshin (pastor of parishes at Burr, Muenster and Pilger) during the annual Chrism Mass dinner in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

During a dinner before the Chrism Mass April 15, Bishop Mark Hagemoen acknowledged priests marking milestone anniversaries in 2025. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Fr. Gerard Cooper, pastor and rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Family, provides information about celebration of the Chrism Mass following the dinner. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

During the annual Chrism Mass dinner, Bishop Mark Hagemoen congratulated Fr. Denis Phaneuf, who this year celebrates his 60th anniversary of ordination (an anniversary come and go tea for Fr. Phaneuf is planned for June 8 at the new Columbian Village residence in Saskatoon). (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen (left) and Fr. Hoang Nguyen (right) with Msgr. Raymond Senger, who this year will celebrate 60 years as a priest — one of the milestone anniversaries acknowledged during an annual Chrism Mass dinner April 15 in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen greets Msgr. Raymond Senger, who this year will mark his 60th anniversary of ordination. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

-30-

Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – rcdos.ca

Diocesan Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.