Hall Blessing Ceremony

With grateful hearts, we extend our deepest thanks to all who joined us on Saturday, November 1st, for the Blessing of St. Mary’s Hall in preparation for our Men’s Overnight Warm-Up Location. What a grace-filled and historic moment for our parish and our city.

Elder Irene Sharp from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish began our gathering with a sacred smudge, honouring this land and blessing all who will find warmth and dignity here.

Father Kevin McGee welcomed our community, dignitaries, and partners with warmth and gratitude.

Jennifer Nunes, Outreach Coordinator, shared a message of unity, reminding us that dignity is a gift we offer and receive when we walk alongside one another.

Together, leaders lit the Candle of Hope — beginning with Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Father Kevin, Major Gordon Taylor & David Clare (Salvation Army), Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff (Saskatchewan Government), and Sandra Kary (Friendship Inn) — then spreading light throughout the hall as the choir sang “Christ Be Our Light.” The flame grew, candle by candle, symbolizing the light we carry into our city.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen blessed the hall with holy water, incense, and prayer, invoking God’s grace over all who will serve and be served here. We also heard heartfelt messages from:

Major Gordon Taylor, Salvation Army

Sandra Kary, Friendship Inn

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff, Government of Saskatchewan

We were blessed by the presence of so many community partners and leaders — Saskatoon Police Service, Fire Dept., April ChiefCalf (MLA), Ward 2 Councillor Senos Timon, Catholic School Board leadership and school representatives, faith leaders, volunteers, and many more.

The evening was filled with unity, tears, smiles, and hope — a beautiful witness that when we stand together, Christ’s light shines brightly in our city.

May this hall be a place of warmth, safety, dignity, and love for all who enter.

Thank you for being part of this mission.

St. Mary’s — Serving with Faith. Loving with Christ.