Pastor-Rector

Fr. Ephraim retired in February 2020. We are looking forward to having a new Rector assigned to the cathedral in the summer.

Fr. Ephraim Mensah was born and educated in Ghana, West Africa. He was raised in a deeply religious atmosphere where the Bible was treasured, where education was important and where his parents encouraged him to become everything he was capable of becoming. He was ordained a priest on July 17, 1976 in his home diocese of Ho, Ghana.

After serving in his home diocese, Fr. Ephraim went to the United States to study, obtaining a Masters’ Degree in Theology (John Carroll University) and a further Masters’ Degree in Educational Development and Policy Analysis (Stanford University). Upon his return to Ghana in 1984, he served for fifteen years in various positions – Chaplain, Tutor, Chancellor of Diocese of Ho, Rector/Headmaster (Principal) of St. Mary’s Seminary/Secondary School.

Upon his return to North America (Canada) in 1999, he served for five-and-a half years in parishes in the Prince Albert Diocese including Nipawin, Duck Lake, Rosthern, and Prince Albert. Fr. Ephraim continued his post-graduate studies and received his PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies at the U of S, Saskatoon in 2005 and worked for a while as a sessional lecturer at STM.

He then served the Diocese of Saskatoon as Pastor to Wynyard and district (2007-2012), and since his incardination into our Diocese on May 4th, 2012, he has served as Pastor to Humboldt and district (2012-2016), and, most recently, to St. Philip Neri parish in Saskatoon (2017-2018) and after a year of sabbatical returned to serve at St. Philip Neri in Saskatoon (2017- 2018). He began serving at the Cathedral of the Holy Family on July 24, 2018.

His hobbies include reading, walking, racket ball and soccer. He enjoys watching the Saskatchewan Roughriders, curling and soccer.

Fr. Deyre Azcuna
Associate Pastor

Fr. Deyre is a diocesan priest from the Philippines. He has two sisters and a brother. His parents were both teachers. His father died when he was 18 years of age. Fr. Deyre was born and raised in a hometown where there was no Internet yet, no cellphone, no cable TV, and the only source of living is fishing and farming. And, he realizes that there is always a virtue in simplicity.

Fr. Deyre studied and worked as an LPN in Arizona, USA. Then, he gave up his medical profession for the service of the Church. What inspired him to persevere and fight for his vocation to the priesthood are his devotions to the Blessed Mother Mary and Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament. He realizes that God will make a way despite the most impossible circumstance to serve God’s plan. Ministry for him is not for confinement in the house/rectory, but for service to the people. For him, it’s a great privilege to serve the Church, and it’s a great joy to love the people.

David Polzen
Cathedral Administrator

David joined the staff of the Cathedral in September, 2016. To avoid confusion between Cathedral Davids, David has come to be known as David the lesser. David is married to Danielle, who is an RN. Before coming to work at the Cathedral, David worked in the funeral industry for 10 years and is a licenced funeral director/embalmer. David also holds a Masters in Divinity and a Masters in Theology. David loves to laugh. It is good for the soul. He enjoys quiet “PJ” days at home (or any where) resting in the Lord. David’s favorite hobby is the extreme sport of napping; and he would love to find more time to invest in this hobby. Throughout his life, David has learned that planning can be tricky: David plans, God giggles, and a whole new direction to the journey comes about.

Andy Korvemaker
Coordinator of Faith Formation

Andy joined our staff in 2011. He grew up in Regina, studied in Ottawa and Edmonton, moved back to Ottawa, and then settled here in Saskatoon. He is married (sorry, ladies) to Jane and they have 3 excessively energetic and loud kids: Spencer, Cassia, and Felicity. He loves good coffee, most food, and brews some seriously amazing beer.

Catherine Renneberg
Youth Ministry Coordinator

Catherine is joining us after completing a Bachelor’s Degree from St. Stephen’s University in New Brunswick. She grew up in Bruno, Saskatchewan as the youngest child with three other siblings. Catherine previously participated in two years of faith formation at St. Therese Institute, and is excited to serve as the youth ministry coordinator for the parish.

She recently spent 7 weeks travelling Europe – ask her about her newfound passion for city transit systems. She loves philosophical discussions, donuts, and God. You can call her ‘Cat’ if you like!

Linda Bobowski
Financial Secretary

Linda is the number cruncher here on staff; she has served Holy Family Parish for the past 20+ years as financial secretary. Before coming to HFP, Linda was Secretary Treasurer of the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association (11 years). Linda and Orest have three grown daughters Stephanie (married to Colin, children Marissa and Colby, Calgary), Sherricee (Toronto) and Shannon (married to Matt, child Evelyn, Masset, BC) Linda is a Lay Formation graduate, a CWL member, enjoys gardening, travelling throughout Europe and visiting her children and grandchildren.

Jim Nakoneshny
Facilities Manager

Much of Jim’s working career was spent as a technical specialist in the banking / cash processing industry. Starting in 2007 he also led the design and construction of the new Cathedral facility as volunteer chairs of both the Cathedral Building Committee and the Worship & Liturgical Design Committee.

He has been part of Holy Family’s staff since 2011, joining the team as Facilities Manager and overseeing the completion of construction in 2012. Jim’s role at the Cathedral is to oversee the daily physical operations of the facility, and through our custodial and maintenance personnel ensuring that it is ready to meet the needs of its many users and the hundreds of activities occurring here each month.

He works closely with groups and individuals to plan and coordinate the many functions being held in our space, including parish activities, family celebrations, school events, community functions, weddings, conferences and more. 

Jim and his wife Pat have two daughters studying at the University of Saskatchewan. When he gets away from work, Jim enjoys a quiet evening with his family, although they have a long list of projects waiting for him to complete at home.

Rosa Caswell
Administrative Assistant

As mother of six, this girl can handle all the office shananegains!  

Rolando Rostata
Head Custodian

Vida Hooshmand - Housekeeper

Gino Hanns - Custodian

Ashly Hanns - Custodian