By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
On a cold and blustery spring day, a crucifix was again raised on the grounds of the Cathedral of the Holy Family in preparation for Holy Week in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined the volunteer work crew to raise the outdoor cross at the Saskatoon cathedral on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The crucifix was rebuilt this year on a more stable, taller tree trunk now serving as the cross. Preparing and raising the cross with the bishop were Curtis Mann, Derek Boldt, and Jon and Finn Neufeld.
(Photo by Bishop Mark Hagemoen for Catholic Saskatoon News)
The crucifix was first raised on the cathedral grounds in 2020, when COVID-19 pandemic restrictions prevented many from venerating the cross during Good Friday solemn liturgies. The tradition has continued each year since.
A Lenten 40 relay run will start and end at the foot of this cross on Saturday, March 28, when runners will tackle four legs of a 41.9 km pilgrimage course through Saskatoon’s river valley, before returning to the foot of the cross to conclude the event combining the physical and the spiritual.
Photos
The cross was raised on the cathedral grounds by (l-r) Derek Boldt, Finn Neufeld, Jon Neufeld, Bishop Mark Hagemoen, and Curtis Mann. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Preparing the new, taller base of the cross. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen (right) discusses placement of the crucifix on the grounds of Saskatoon’s cathedral. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The bishop works to prepare the cross. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Curtis Mann and Jon Neufeld carry out the carved figure of Jesus to place on the new, larger cross. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Finn Neufeld brings needed materials to the site. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.
Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.