By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Sharing memories and words of farewell, parishioners past and present marked the closing of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Lancer, SK, on Nov. 17, 2024.
Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at Mass for the decommissioning of the Sacred Heart parish, along with pastor Fr. Prince Sarpong, who also serves at Leader, Fox Valley, Liebenthal, and Richmound parishes.
As with the closing of another parish in the area two years ago – St. Michael Parish in Burstall, SK – the closing of the Lancer church comes after a long period of careful, prayerful discernment by parishioners, said Bishop Hagemoen.
He delivered a message of gratitude for the history and faith nurtured at Sacred Heart parish over the years, and reflected on the ongoing call to live and worship as the People of God – God’s ultimate temple.
Hagemoen acknowledged the sadness of bidding farewell to a beloved building and the challenges of living through a time of transition for the faith community, which will now involve celebrating and building deeper connections with surrounding parishes in the region.
Generations of parishioners have celebrated countless baptisms, marriages, funerals and the sacraments of the church in the parish, which began as an Oblate parish mission in 1913, before the first church was built in 1918, with the present building constructed in 1963.
The Lancer parish was served by the Oblates of St. Mary’s Province for many years, and was part of the former Gravelbourg diocese until 1998, when it was incorporated into the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
Parish history
Following Mass, Sacred Heart parishioner Paulette Andreas presented a brief history of the parish beginning with its earliest days as part of a new settlement.
“From time-to-time, a travelling missionary from the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation would celebrate Mass in different homes in the area, and eventually the Abbey Hotel became available for Sunday Mass. All the while, Lancer was being established as a mission church,” she described.
“In 1918, a few Catholic settlers decided it was time to build a church. It was a 26-foot by 44-foot, simply-made and modest building of worship, ready to serve the people of the Lancer area,” she said, relating some of the changes and transitions experienced over the generations of parish life.
“It wasn’t until 1930 that Lancer had a resident priest often staying in private homes. Eventually a private house was purchased and used as a rectory until 1950, at which time a modest, full-basement rectory was built at the total cost of $4,000. Today it serves as a family home.”
As the population grew and finances improved, the basement to the church built in 1918 was excavated and an extension was added. “Improvements continued as the congregation grew.”
In 1963, that original 1918 structure was moved to Cabri, SK, where it still serves as the church building for St. Joseph Parish in the Archdiocese of Regina.
Construction of the present Sacred Heart church building was overseen by Fr. Alexander Shahun, OMI, with the new church building blessed on Sept. 29, 1963.
Acknowledging the many priests that served at Sacred Heart Parish over the years, she reflected on the many celebrations, sacraments, and events that have been held there – “too many to count.”
She made note of the work of organizations that have also been a big part of parish life over the years, including the Knights of Columbus, which was introduced to Lancer in 1947, when it became a sub-council first of Swift Current and then of the Prelate council. John Andreas was the first Grand Knight at Lancer. “Then in October 1972, Lancer Council #6330 was formed. Jack Tuchsherer became the first Grand Knight of the newly-formed council.”
The local Knights of Columbus council organized many events to raise funds for causes they supported locally, nationally and internationally. Their service over the years included helping at the Lancer rodeo, hosting ball tournaments, golf tournaments, crib tournaments, skidoo rallies, weekly bingos and an annual turkey bingo.
“Some of their most recent annual events were Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast and spearheading and working at the Chokecherry Festival pancake breakfast, at which some of these men still serve today.”
The Catholic Women’s League was established in Lancer in 1954. “Before that, the women’s organization of the church were called the ‘Catholic Ladies’ Aide.’ Those pioneer women were not only homemakers in their own homes, they took on the duty of being homemakers of the Church,” Andreas described. Their service included cleaning, decorating, laundry, and providing vestments and altar serving gowns. Rosella Hubert was the first president of the local CWL once they joined the national organization.
Over the years, the women went on to serve other local and national organizations and causes, she added. “They were often out canvassing or fundraising to supply the necessities of others. For example, back in the day, 20 pounds of white cloth was purchased and sent to Tanzania for bandages in a leper colony. They supported the education of priests and sent Catholic reading material to India,” Andreas listed.
CWL members would canvas for organizations such as the CNIB or the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society, and would respond to other requests for help.
With the local United Church women’s group also canvassing for some of the same causes, the Lancer CWL council joined with them to form the “Combined Appeal Donor’s Choice,” which has since become a successful community endeavour, Andreas said.
Over the years the two women’s organizations also worked jointly on many local events including the World Day of Prayer, Solidarity Sunday, a graduation service for Grade 12 students, and an interfaith service at the Lancer Chokecherry Festival.
Other efforts of the CWL have included an annual Spring Ham and Perogy Supper, a bake sale complimenting the Knights of Columbus turkey bingo, and the publication of three cookbooks of collected recipes from the community.
“So many faithful parishioners contributed and shared their talents for the betterment of our parish,” added Andreas, pointing in particular to music ministry in the parish. “We had the best music anywhere — that we witnessed today,” she said.
Parish vocations
Paulette Andreas concluded by recalling proud moments for the parish, when former members answered the call to serve God and God’s people in the wider Church.
On Feb. 17, 1977, Lancer parishioner Louis Andreas made his sacred vows to join the Oblates of Mary Immaculate as a consecrated religious brother. “He was lovingly known to everyone as Brother Louis.” He died in 2018 at the age of 70 years.
“Another member of our Sacred Heart family is Deacon David Hagel,” she added. He currently serves in Cabri, Gull Lake and Swift Current in the Archdiocese of Regina
In closing, Andreas thanked all those who joined the community for the closing Mass. “Although our hearts are heavy, we appreciate you coming out to join us today and to share with us memories of our beloved Church and its history in the Lancer area.”
A lunch followed the closing Mass.
