Catholic Mission In Canada

Efforts of faithful parishioners and volunteers have helped build a deep sense of commitment and love for the Church

The building and maintenance team of St. Joseph parish: from left to right, Lorraine Kiszka, David Grenier, Lucille Walters, pastor Father Anthony Pangan, Lucille Gauthier, Maria Degirolamo and Angeline Willick.

Built in 1923, with over 100families attending by the following year, St. Joseph’s is the only church in Marcelin, Saskatchewan. The present church has served the community for the past 85 years, with Mass being celebrated twice weekly.

St. Joseph’s Church has connections with Mont St Joseph, the Sisters of the Presentation, Ladies of St. Anne, and other Catholic communities. The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary devoted 52 years of service to the community as teachers, sacristans, and consultants. Several young ladies from St Joseph’s parish who were taught by these sisters eventually decided to devote their own lives to service in religious orders.

Over the years, many repairs, renovations, and maintenance work have been completed due to the efforts of faithful parishioners and volunteers. In addition, these efforts have built a deep sense of commitment and faith, love for the church, and spirit of fellowship within our community and parish family.

Established as a French-Catholic parish, the parish now serves a small village and rural community of varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds. With two reserves nearby, we have First Nations members who attend church regularly and participate at Mass and parish events.

One of the most beautiful and touching experiences at St. Joseph’s has been the traditional Christmas Eve Midnight Mass service at which the choir usually sings the carols and hymns in English, French, Cree, and Latin—making it truly “catholic” in unity and meaning.

Father Anthony Pangan is pastor of St. Joseph parish in Marcelin and Our Lady of the Poor parish in Mistawasisas well as of two other parishes in the Diocese of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.