Our Story

St. Mary's Parish in Saskatoon, initially Our Lady of Victory (est. 1919), grew on the city's west side, with its first church burning down in 1927; the present Gothic-style red brick church opened in 1930, serving a growing, multicultural community under the care of French-speaking Oblates, later the Redemptorists, becoming a significant local landmark with ongoing community focus on faith and outreach, and integrating various ethnic groups over its century of history.

Early Beginnings & First Church (1919-1927)

Founding: Established in 1919 as Our Lady of Victory Parish to serve Saskatoon's developing west side, initially overseen by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

First Building: Construction started in 1920, with an oversized basement called the "Basement Church," but it was destroyed by fire in 1927.

New Construction: Architect Gentil Verbeke designed the Gothic-style red brick church that stands today; Bishop Prud'homme laid the cornerstone in 1930, and it opened that November.

Redemptorist Era: The Redemptorist Order took over in 1934, establishing St. Mary's Credit Union and fostering deep community ties, including aid for parishioners and local families.
Community Focus: The parish became known for its multiculturalism, welcoming Vietnamese, Iraqi, and Sudanese communities, and developing programs like the Parish Nurse Program.

The Present Landmark
(1930s-Present)

Heritage Building: The church's Gothic elements (steep roofs, arched windows, central tower) make it a distinctive landmark in the Pleasant Hill neighborhood.

Landmark Status: Its prominent location and long history make it a cherished site for baptisms, weddings, funerals, and community gatherings, with parishioners deeply connected to its story.
100th Anniversary: Celebrated in 2019, marking a century of faith and service in Saskatoon.