By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
An annual Administration Day was recently held in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon to launch another ministry year, featuring updates, resources, reports and discussion on a range of initiatives, programs and priorities.
Parish and ministry leaders gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Family received information on stewardship, evangelization, faith formation, hospital chaplaincy, justice and peace, vocations, administration and finance.
A diocesan Synod Implementation Committee also highlighted next steps for synodality in the diocese, including the upcoming launch of an online Parish Reflection Tool focused on the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities (see related article about synod implementation LINK).
Other objectives of the annual Administration Day include building connections and relationships across the diocese, welcoming and supporting new clergy and staff, and distributing materials and resources for various initiatives in the weeks and months ahead.
Bishop’s Annual Appeal – breakfast meeting
Administration Day opened with a number of parish representatives, pastors and volunteers gathering for an introduction to the 2026 Bishop’s Annual Appeal (BAA), organized by the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation.
The theme for this year’s Appeal for support of a wide range of ministries, evangelization, and outreach is “Called to Respond: Living the Father’s Will” described Foundation Executive Director Raissa Bugyi and Development Manager Andrea Alas.
A Bishop’s Annual Appeal information session was held before the start of the Administration Day program. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
In addition to plans and logistics for the upcoming six-week Appeal held in parishes across the diocese starting Sept. 27, the BAA breakfast included sharing of this year’s BAA video, which was also shown later in the day to the entire Administration group.
Program begins
Staff of the Catholic Pastoral Centre welcomed Administration Day participants Sept. 17 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family: (l-r) Andrea Alas, Riah De Mesa, Jenny Ashok, Rita Flaman Jarrett, and Marilyn Jackson. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Following the BAA breakfast, representatives from across the diocese gathered in Bishop LeGatt Hall at the cathedral, re-connecting and picking up resources for the weeks ahead.
Diocesan Director of Finance and Administration Greg Chatlain was MC for the day, and presented information about finance, administration, safeguarding, and IT during the annual event. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A Treaty 6 land acknowledgement and opening prayer was provided by Renee Cratty, a principal with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, and a member of the diocesan Synod Implementation Committee established by Bishop Mark Hagemoen.
Renee Cratty of the Synod Implementation Committee provided the Treaty 6 land acknowledgement to open the day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)Synod implementation
In response to Pope Leo XIV’s call for all dioceses across the world to implement the Synod on Synodality’s Final Document “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission,” the diocesan implementation committee established by Bishop Hagemoen has developed a discernment tool for parishes to move forward with synodality as it relates to priorities in the diocesan Pastoral Plan.
Welcome and introductions
During Administration Day, the bishop introduced special guest Archbishop Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye of the Archdiocese of Kumasi, Ghana, who was on a pastoral visit to priests from his diocese serving here: Fr. Prince Osuwu Sarpong, pastor at Leader, Fox Valley, Leibenthal, and Richmound, and Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi, pastor at Kindersley, Marengo, Eston, and Eatonia.
Archbishop Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye of the Archdiocese of Kumasi, Ghana, gave the homily during Mass at Administration Day. Serving Mass were seminarians Matthew Witzaney and Huy Le. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Hagemoen also welcomed recently-arrived priest Fr. Jacques Kouadio Kouassi of the Diocese of Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, who is serving as parochial vicar (associate pastor) at Saint Anne Parish and Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Francophone Catholic Parish in Saskatoon with pastor Fr. Gregory Roth.
The bishop introduced diocesan seminarians Matthew Witzaney, who is serving a pastoral year at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, and Huy Le, who is serving at Unity, Wilkie, and Tramping Lake, SK.
New staff members were also introduced at Administration Day, including Alexia George, coordinator of children’s ministry at Saint Anne, Saskatoon; Krista Banadyga, office manager at Holy Spirit Parish, Saskatoon; Patrick Emordi, facilities manager at Holy Spirit Parish, Saskatoon; Melissa Stockbrugger-Knaus, pastoral associate at St. Augustine Parish, Humboldt; Elana Hudec, pastoral administrative associate at St. Mary Parish, Fox Valley; Shaun Wonsiak, maintenance coordinator at St. Augustine, Saskatoon; Hannah Sevilla youth minister at St. Augustine, Saskatoon; and Nonye Emeana, executive assistant to the curia at the diocesan Catholic Pastoral Centre.
Bishop’s message
Bishop Mark Hagemoen speaks at Administration Day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
In his report on Administration Day, Hagemoen began by noting his upcoming attendance at the national Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in Montreal Sept. 21 to 25, and some of the topics that will be up for discussion – including synodality at the national level.
The bishop also summarized events in the wider Church, such as the Year of St. Francis of Assisi marking the 800th anniversary of the beloved saint’s death, and the recent encyclical from Pope Leo XIV Maginfica Humanitas, which deals with the challenges the world faces with technology and artificial intelligence.
Parish representatives from across the diocese gathered for the annual Administration Day. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Hagemoen reviewed highlights of the diocesan ministry year calendar, which starts with Administration Day and continues with the Fall Congress Oct. 14, and later, the Spring Congress – which last year was repeated in three locations to enable more rural participation. He also noted that there are regular renewal and formation events for clergy, as well as large diocesan events, such as the annual Rite of Election and Chrism Mass, and a diocesan Volunteer Appreciation Event now held in June. And he acknowledged the contributions of partners in Catholic education and Catholic health
The launch of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal is an important element of Administration Day, he said, pointing to the role of the annual appeal in providing ongoing support to parishes, and to a range of vital ministries, outreach and formation across the diocese and beyond. “It is not my appeal, it is our appeal,” said Hagemoen. “It is how the diocese supports our mission.”
“And our identity and mission, as summed up in our Diocesan Pastoral Plan, is to proclaim Christ and God’s kingdom, and having the same mind and heart as Christ Jesus,” the bishop stressed.
Participants engage in some after lunch activity during the Administration Day program at the Cathedral of the Holy Family. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Development and Peace-Caritas Canada
Representatives of Development and Peace-Caritas Canada (DPCC) were also on hand at the diocesan Administration Day, with a display of resources, and materials related to the fall advocacy campaign.
Representatives from Development and Peace-Caritas Canada Michelle Dinter-Lipinski, Bernice Daratha and Michael LeBlanc (l-r) talk over this year’s Fall Campaign with Parish Life Director Jeffrey Farthing of St. Augustine Parish, Saskatoon (right) during Administration Day display. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“When people experience poverty, injustice, displacement or environmental destruction and degradation, their suffering should concern all of us,” said Fr. Isaac Attah Mensah, pastor of St. John Bosco Parish and parochial vicar (associate pastor) at St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon, in a presentation about DPCC
“Development and Peace works with local partners in communities across the Global South to address the root cause of poverty, injustice and inequality, and to empower people to build more just and sustainable communities,” he said, adding that supporting DPCC is part of responding to Christ’s call to love our neighbour, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized.
“Through prayer, advocacy and financial support (of DPCC), our parishes contribute to building a world where every person can live with dignity and hope,” Mensah urged.
Fr. Isaac Attah Mensah and Michael LeBlanc (l-r) gave an overview of the Development and Peace-Caritas Canada vision for the 2026 Fall Campaign. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
DPPC Regional Coordinator for Saskatchewan and Keewatin-Le Pas Michael Le Blanc also spoke, highlighting the awareness and advocacy campaign presently underway across the country, which asks: “Is Canada on Track for Justice?” The campaign urges concerned citizens to contact elected representatives about assistance for those in need around the world.
Ministry updates
Diocesan Director of Pastoral Ministry Marilyn Jackson highlighted the upcoming Fall Congress Oct. 14, which will feature Brett Powell and Eric Myatt of Divine Renovation speaking about preparing for Jubilee 2033, the celebration of the 2,000th anniversary of the Resurrection of Jesus. In addition to the public day, there will be a Congress event for clergy, Jackson noted.
During Administration Day, Marilyn Jackson, Director of Ministry Services introduced diocesan ministry leaders. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Evangelization and Catechesis Leader John Hickey introduced the fourth edition of the diocesan “Catholic Resource Guide,” which lists a range of programs, events and ministries in the year ahead. The diocesan website includes links to diocesan events on a resource guide landing page, including a downloadable PDF of the new booklet.
John Hickey, Evangelization and Mission Leader, introduced this year’s Resource Guide: https://rcdos.ca/resource-guide and also spoke about opportunities for youth ministry. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Hickey and Sr. Marta Piano of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity, also talked about youth and young adult ministry, which together they coordinate in the diocese. Upcoming opportunities include Challenge for Girls and Conquest for Boys – Catholic youth clubs for Grades 3 to 12, with older students providing leadership; an annual Search Retreat weekend of inspiration and formation for teens in Grades 10-12 (with the next one planned for Nov. 12-14); and the diocesan Project Timothy program which forms young adults to be mentors and evangelizers.
Piano also spoke about the Sts. Benedict and Scholastica Formation Program for young adults that she coordinates with Sr. Sol Abala of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity. The diocesan program is for both men and women, offering residential and non-residential options for human, theological, spiritual and academic formation.
Sr. Marta Piano of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity shared information about the diocesan Sts. Benedict and Scholastica Formation Program. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
She read a testimony from a previous participant, who wrote: “The program provided me useful formation and community while pursuing my study at the university. The structure of this program allowed me to focus and deepen my relationship with Christ through formation, community, faith sharing, and spiritual direction. I learned that during this time in my life, the Lord is calling me to a deeper faith, and the St. Benedict and St. Scholastica program gave me the resources to discern what this deeper calling is.”
Astrid Alas, diocesan Coordinator of Adult Faith in the diocese, gave an overview of upcoming programs, including the four-part weekly Awaken series held in the fall( “Virtuous” focusing on the four cardinal virtues) and in the spring (“Dialogue in the Spirit” offering formation in synodal ways of listening and praying together.)
Adult Faith Coordinator Astrid Alas gave an overview of upcoming Awaken faith formation programs, Encounter retreats and an Oct. 17 diocesan Called and Gifted introductory workshop to help adults discern the individual charisms that God has given them to build up His Kingdom. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Alas also provided an update about the Called and Gifted discernment process developed by the Catherine of Siena Institute, which is offered in the diocese, with an upcoming introductory workshop on Oct. 17 at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Saskatoon.
Two diocesan “Encounter” retreats are also planned – “The Word Made Flesh” in Advent and “By His Wounds” in Lent. A concluding Oasis event in April will be a time of prayer and celebration, she added.
Ministry leaders at the Catholic Pastoral Centre are also available to present sessions on a number of topics in partnership with parishes, she noted, including a “Visio Divina” paint night Nov. 27 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family on the theme “the art of trust.” The cathedral parish is also collaborating with the Adult Faith Office to offer a “Blessed is She” women’s retreat in the new year, Alas said.
Quin Kleiboer, diocesan Rural Catechesis coordinator, provides supports to catechists in parishes outside the city of Saskatoon, through monthly “Catechist Connection” digital gatherings; providing materials from Divine Renovation, from Faith and Family Life Ministries, or other resources; and catechist training, including an RCIA catechist workshop on Sept. 26 in Saskatoon, open to all parishes.
Quin Kleiboer, Coordinator of Rural Catechesis, described plans for supporting parishes and catechists this year, including a regular online Catechist Connections meeting, provision of resources, and an upcoming gathering of RCIA catechists (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
He described how he is getting to know parishes and catechists across the diocese – including last spring through a Saint Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Miracles tour of materials created by St. Joseph Catholic High School, attended by some 900 people at events in a dozen parishes across the diocese.
Justice and Peace Coordinator Myron Rogal grounded his presentation citing Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. “We are encouraged, he says, like Mary in her Magnificat, to look at the world from a lower position, through the eyes of the little ones, and not to be tempted by what he names as seductive ideologies that want to control rather than accompany,” Rogal said.
Justice and Peace Coordinator Myron Rogal was one of the ministry leaders providing updates at the annual Administration Day in the diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“The encyclical is most encouraging in reminding us in Paragraph 212 that it is not true that some problems are too big and that we are too small to make a difference — as a result, no one is without responsibility.”
He thanked all who have supported the diocesan Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, through donations, awareness and prayer. The diocese is close to achieving its five-year goal of raising $1.25-million over five years fund local projects addressing Indigenous healing and reconciliation initiatives.
Rogal reported that the Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation is in the process of revising its mission statement and launching a strategic plan with yearly themes designed to make it easier for parishes to participate.
He thanked parishes that have participated in a recent survey about how they are responding to poverty and assisting with basic material needs within their boundaries, noting that an updated Community Assistance Guide is being developed for parishes.
Other new initiatives include a first-ever St. Vincent de Paul Society conference in the diocese, “beginning as a slow but steady effort, rooted in prayer, learning more about the local landscape,” after a discernment process by the diocesan Justice and Peace Advisory Council.
In addition, plans are underway for a workshop and panel discussion entitled “AI is Here to Stay” to be held on the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, and “will feature expert panelists guided really by Pope Leo’s assertation that we cannot consider AI morally neutral, so we must play an active role.”
Hospital Chaplaincy Coordinator Jackie Saretsky thanked the priest chaplains that provide spiritual care at hospitals in Saskatoon, gave participants information about care homes, and stressed the importance of understanding palliative care. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Hospital Chaplaincy Coordinator Jacqueline Saretsky introduced and thanked full-time hospital chaplains Fr. Benedict Arakkal, part-time chaplain Fr. Daniel Louh, and Msgr. Don Vito Pavilando who celebrates Mass at St. Paul’s Hospital on Sundays.
In response to inquiries about finding a personal care home, Saretsky shared an online resource listing homes approved by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
She then spoke about the need for education around palliative and end-of-life car, focusing on a recommendation that came out of a 2024 national symposium on palliative care calling for expanding communication, education, and advocacy efforts to grassroots organizations such as schools, parishes, through programs. For instance, Saretsky is available to provide the Horizons of Hope workshop developed by the Canadian Catholic Bishops.
To further the compassion and accompaniment that is needed to reach out in true compassion to those who feel abandoned, Saretsky asked parishes to recruit volunteers. “We all know that euthanasia promotes or deepens the sense of people feeling like they are a burden on society, or a burden in the healthcare system, or a burden on their families,” she said. “We need to get a lot more volunteers from the parishes out into the communities.”
Those who promote medically-provided death “are coming right to the hospital beds and asking patients that it is an option for care,” she said. “We need to get there first to show these people that they are loved and cared for. And we need to show them what Christian end-of-life care is.”
Vocations initiative
Fr. Daniel Yasinski, who serves as Director of Vocations with Fr. Colin Roy, highlighted plans to build a culture of vocations in the diocese, starting this year with a plan developed in consultation with www.vocationministry.com, which will send a representative to the diocese later this year to form small parish ministry teams on ways to promote a culture of vocations in parishes.
Vocations Co-Director Daniel Yasinski introduced plans for building a “culture of vocations” through several new initiatives in the diocese. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
This will be followed by a week of prayer for vocations from Jan. 17 to 24 when parishes will be invited to have holy hours and prayer for vocations, concluding with a “Called by Name Sunday,” where parish priests will be encouraged to talk about vocations, he said.
On that day, priests will encourage parishioners to put forth names of individuals in their parish they think may have a call to priesthood or religious life. Parish priests will then have an opportunity to write a letter to those whose names are brought forward.
“And then this will all culminate in our third and last event, which will be an Andrew Dinner,” said Yasinski. “All the men whose names were put forward on Called by Name Sunday by the people of God, will receive an invitation to come to this dinner,” said Yasinski, to “come and see” as St. Andrew did at the call by our Lord. If all goes well, there may then be a similar dinner for women the next year, he added.
“More information will be coming out in the future,” said Yasinski. “I thank the priests and the people of God in advance for opening up their hearts in putting time and effort to encouraging vocations in the diocese.”
Stewardship presentation
Raissa Bugyi of the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation gave a presentation at Admin Day about stewardship describing the importance of moving “from gifts to relationships.”
Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation Director Raissa Bugyi spoke about Catholic stewardship and introduced the 2026 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“I want us to keep one question in mind. How do we turn a gift, a visit, an event, or an encounter into a relationship?” she asked, before reviewing statistics and trends related to donations, donor retention, levels of giving,
She stressed the need to offer different ways of giving to those who do not use cash or cheques, including “online giving, recurring gifts, QR codes, and tap-to-pay opportunities,” which also give the Foundation and the parish an opportunity to say thank you, and invite them to stay connected.
“We are creating a pathway for relationships, and one of the best relationship-building tools we already have is a Bishop’s Annual Appeal newsletter,” she said of the publication that highlights ministries and outreach supported by the BAA.
“Someone may open the newsletter and say, ‘I didn’t know the church was doing this.’ That is the stewardship moment. We should always offer a next step to give, to learn more, to volunteer, to attend, to pray, subscribe, or simply stay connected. Every parish can help us put these stories into the hands of people who may not yet realize how much is happening through their church.”
She added that gratitude should be build into the process. “A thank you should never be an afterthought. And finally, tell stories. People need to know where generosity goes. We cannot assume they know what the diocese, the Foundation, or even your own parish ministries are accomplishing,“ Bugyi said.
“When people see the impact, they can find the part of the mission that speaks to them. That is how we move from gifts to relationships and from relationships to a stronger church.”
She concluded by showing the video which parishes will be asked to share during this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
Administration
In a whirlwind conclusion to the day, Administration and Finance Director Greg Chatlain provided a range of updates that included information about the CRA online portal, donations to organizations outside Canada, insurance, annual reports, refugee sponsorship, and safeguarding.
Members of the Filipino community from parishes across the diocese were among those renewing connections at the annual Administration Day Sept. 17 in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Administration Day in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon is a day for re-connecting, sharing information, and planning for the new ministry year. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated Mass during Administration Day, joined by priests from across the diocese, and a visiting archbishop from Nigeria: Archbishop Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Archbishop Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye with priests serving in the diocese of Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Archbishop Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye greets Fr. Prince Osuwu Sarmong. (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.