Catholic Saskatoon News

Photos by Frank Lipinski

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined parishioners of St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish at Fosston, SK, in the Wadena Deanery on Nov. 14, 2025 for an evening celebration of 90 years of parish life, witness, and community.

The 90th anniversary celebration included a retrospective look back at the history of the parish, its leaders and ministries.

Parish history

The parish of Our Lady Queen of Poland was established in 1934, serving Catholics in the community, many of whom were of Polish descent, reports the diocesan history book “Building the Church, Living the Gospel” by diocesan Archvisit Margaret Sanche.

The Polish community hall was purchased by the Catholic parish and was expanded and converted for use as the Catholic church. Pastor at the time of the 1934 construction was Fr. John Bednarz, OMI.

A church bell was purchased and installed in 1938. Additional renovations to the building and the worship space were carried out from 1968 to 1973.

The parish at Fosston was part of the Archdiocese of Regina until 1998, when it became part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Oblates of Mary Immaculate (St. Mary and Assumption provinces) served as pastors of St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish from 1934 to 1998, and since then, the parish has been served by diocesan priests.

90th anniversary celebration

The present pastor of St. Mary, Fosston, is Fr. Jerome Ogunleye, dean of the Wadnea Deanery, who also serves as pastor of parishes at Archerwill, Kelvington Lintlaw, Nobleville, Perigord, Rose Valley, and Wadena.

The anniversary celebration included celebration of Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen and pastor Fr. Jerome Ogunleye, and Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu, the pastor of Wynyard-area parishes in the Wadena deanery. Mass was followed by a program in the hall, and a dinner.

Photos by Frank Lipinski

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