ST. STEPHEn's PARISH, Olds, Alberta
  • Home
    • Message from the Pastor
    • Contact
    • SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
    • Weekly Bulletin >
      • Parish Calendars
    • History
    • News & Events >
      • More News
    • Parish Registration Form
    • Week at a Glance
    • Engaging the Mission >
      • Support Our Parish
  • Sunday Reflections
  • OUR FAITH
    • Growing in Faith
    • Just Five More Minutes - Videos
    • Consubstantial?
    • Dogmas of the Catholic Church
    • Indulgences
    • Liturgical Colours
    • Liturgical Year
    • PRAYER >
      • Some Basic Prayers
      • Grace Before Meals
      • Divine Mercy Chaplet >
        • The Divine Mercy Novena
      • Eucharistic Adoration
      • The Rosary
    • Purgatory
    • Saint of the Month >
      • Patron Saints
  • Liturgical Schedules
  • Our Hope
  • Careers
  • Resources
  • Called by Name
    • Permanent Deacons
  • Retreat Centres
  • Our Lady of Fatima
  • St. Anthony Parish - Didsbury
  • Knights of Columbus
  • PILGRIMAGES
Telus Livestream moves to new Channel​

Our livestreamed masses from St. Joseph's Basilica will now be found on Channel 877 on Telus Optik TV.

Picture
We want to hear from you!
Do you have a local news story, parish or community event, or comment about the WINDOW e-newsletter? 

Send your news stories, events and comments to the communications team by email or use the online form at https://bit.ly/windowform 

Event or program information can be submitted as JPEG or PDF ads / posters, or as text in an email or Word file. Note: If you are submitting a JPEG or PDF, consider leaving out the phone / email / website from your ad. We we will include this information as "clickable" links, to make it easy for people to connect with you.

Deadline for submission: Tuesday @ 4:00 p.m.

​Do you have a Loved One in Hospital?
 
When you can't visit the hospital, here's a link by which you can send wellwishes to patients. Your kind words of encouragement will be delivered by the volunteers of Alberta Health Services and Covenant Health facilities.
albertahealthservices.ca/info/wellwishes.

The Archdiocese has been receiving reports of email scammers targeting our parishioners once again. These emails look like they come from a pastor, because the scammers have created fake Gmail accounts in the pastor's name. Typically, they ask the recipient to purchase gift cards for someone in need. Please be assured that our priests NEVER email their parishioners to ask for money or gift cards. If you receive such an email, we encourage you to report it to the
​Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (online or at 1-888-495-8501). 

Picture
Picture
Dying For Your Faith: A Discussion on Martyrdom

Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about martyrdom, the portrayal of martyrdom in the Martin Scorsese film Silence, the saints who died for Canadian Catholic Church, the moral dilemmas that come with facing death and religious persecution, the idea of "white martyrdom," and much more. 
Watch
​

​National Truth and Reconciliation Day,  Sept. 30

National Truth and Reconciliation Day provides each one of us an opportunity for prayerful reflection to learn, reflect and act in our ongoing journey of healing, reconciliation and hope.
Link to web story
​


Called to Protect: Wednesday, Oct. 11 Online via Zoom

Called to Protect training, an abuse prevention training session will be offered on Wednesday, October 11, 1:00 to 3:30 pm. The two-and-half-hour session is mandatory for all clergy, employees and volunteers of the Archdiocese.  
Register
​

​Will and Estate Planning for Every Age
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 12 p.m.
Web Ex event

You should have a will at any age. Why? Join us for an insightful discussion on the essential components of creating a will, naming of executors, powers of attorney and tax implications. Space is limited. Please register by Oct. 12.
Picture
Register

Picture
​Is the Catholic Church the one, true Church? wounds of unity, and pluralism 

Join Archbishop Richard Smith for a discussion about what the Catholic Church teaches about being the “one, true religion,” Christian dialogue, the idea of praying that all Christians would be “one,” and how religion stands in a pluralistic society. 

​Watch
Picture
​Caritas Canada relief efforts in Morocco

Caritas Canada has a network of allies in the Maghreb, in Tunisia and in Morocco. Our allies and partners in Morocco know the disaster-affected areas well and have access to them. They are capable of handling the present situation, and their work will have positive impacts on the lives of the earthquake survivors, and for Moroccan society as a whole. They are already there, working without fear or favour.

Link to relief efforts
Called to Protect 
Monday September 25, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
via Zoom

Called to Protect training, an abuse prevention training session. The two and half session is mandatory for all volunteers and employees of the Archdiocese. This will be zoom session open for all.  Please register. Please register.  Registration
​

​Registration



​Evaluation
Picture

Picture
​Priests' Annual Retreat

This past week, priests from all over our Archdiocese gathered in Kananaskis for their annual retreat with Archbishop Smith. Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto and former Archbishop of Edmonton (1999-2006), was the retreat leader this year. His presence was particularly meaningful for many of our priests, who journeyed closely with Cardinal Collins as a friend and a mentor in their years prior to ordination. 
Picture
twsreportaugust2023.pdf
File Size: 530 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​We have officially launched an Upfront with the Archbishop YouTube channel! 

Starting today, September 12, all our future shows will be available to watch on video. Now you’ll be able to see Archbishop Smith speak every week in our new studio, and more easily share clips of the show. 
Subscribe
Picture

​Holy Father's letter message


​World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Sept. 24

“Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay” is the theme chosen by the Holy Father for the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), which this year is commemorated on 24 September 2023. 

In his message, Pope Francis proposes a renewed reflection on a right that has not yet been codified at the international level: the right not to have to migrate or, in other words, the right to be able to remain in one’s own land.

Picture
​We have officially launched an Upfront with the Archbishop YouTube channel!

Starting next week, September 12, all our future shows will be available to watch on video. Now you’ll be able to see Archbishop Smith speak every week in our new studio, and more easily share clips of the show. 
Subscribe
​
Picture
​The Idol of Comfort and the Allure of Materialism

Join Archbishop Smith for a conversation about consumerism, finding our identity in comfort, the ideology of materialism and how to approach our relationship with the material world. 

​Listen to podcast
Just Five More Minutes: God is good, God is real and God loves you
Picture
Mike Landry has spent more than 25 years trying to share the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Catholic faith. 

He is the division chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools, and the camp coordinator for Our Lady of Victory Camp, ​
Mike Landry 's introductory Just Five More Minutes video for the 2023-24 school year hammers home three key things that – if we understood them – would have a big impact on our faith life
Share video
Our Deceased Priests
 
We pray in a special way for all our priests who have died in the month of September.
Picture
​Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
​Rev. Rémi GUERTIN
September 1, 1925
Rev. William O’FARRELL                   September 1, 1999
Rev. Gary LEE                                         September 4, 2015
Rt. Rev. Felix OTTERSON                       September 9, 2012
Rev. Louis SERATTO                               September 10, 1995
Rev. Augustine D. MacLELLAN               September 15, 1989
​Rev. John Louis STACEY                         September 17, 1935
Rev. James RIETMEIJER                         September 19, 1989
Rev. Emile COULOMBE                           Sep.  20, 1926
Rev. Guy CARRIERE                               September 20, 2014
Rev. Michael MIREAU                             September 22, 2014
Rev. Francis D. GILLIS                             September  27, 1973

Picture
​Restoring Holy Fear In Wonderless Times

Why do followers of Jesus need a sense of wonder? 

Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about “fear of the Lord,” the often misunderstood gift of the Holy Spirit that we receive with the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

​Listen to podcast
Picture
​Who is it for?

Coordinators of Youth Ministry, Youth Ministry Adult Volunteers, Pastors, Pastoral Workers, High School/Middle School Chaplains and Teachers, Campus Ministers, Parents.
​Certificate for Leaders in Catholic Youth Ministry 
  • A one-year program consisting of three units designed to equip paid and volunteer youth ministry coordinators and their teams to work with young people.
  • Great for all youth ministry settings: parish, school, or community.
  • Six weeks to complete assignments after each unit


​Web link
​

youthministrycertification10_2023.pdf
File Size: 1262 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture
Nov. 4 - Are We Singing from the Same Hymn Sheet?
Dec. 2 - Sacred Music for the Next Millennium

For more information contact Roderick Bryce at Roderick.Bryce@caedm.ca
To register contact Teresa Jarvis at Teresa.Jarvis@Newman.edu
 
The workshops are led by Roderick Bryce; Director of Music, St Joseph’s Cathedral-Basilica and faculty member of Newman Theological College
Sacred Music workshops for Clergy & Parish Musicians

This course is open to anyone with an interest in sacred music, but will be most useful to all those involved in parish liturgies. 

These workshops tackle both the principles of sacred music and the practical application of authentic sacred music through lectures, seminars and singing sessions.

Sept. 30 - Sung Theology: Sanctification Through Glorification
sacredmusicworkshopsregistrationformfillable4.pdf
File Size: 260 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

elevatingbeautybrochure5.pdf
File Size: 2418 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File



​Web link

Picture
​Stay tuned for ways to support wildfire evacuees!

As fires in Alberta, especially in our northern regions, continue to burn, please pray for everyone who is suffering and displaced. As information becomes available, we will keep you informed about ways in which our Catholic community is offering support to those in need. Stay tuned.
​
Picture
​Back to school!

This week our host Jenny has a fun conversation with Archbishop Smith about everything to do with his experience of doctoral studies (in Rome!): the topic of his dissertation, the stress of doing a Ph.D., his advice for young adults pursuing graduate and doctoral studies, and how to stay connected to your heart, while immersed in an intellectual world.

​Listen to podcast
Called to Protect

Called to Protect training, an abuse prevention training session will be offered on Friday September 08, 1:00 to 3:30 pm.  

The two and half hour session is mandatory for all volunteers and employees of the Archdiocese. This will be zoom session open for all.  Please register.

Registration form

Evaluation form
​NOTE:
Only those who register, sign-in the chat, and complete the evaluation are considered to have attended. To ensure your volunteers have what they need, we have provided both the Zoom link and the Evaluation form below for your convenience -- but pre-registration is still required!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81729188708?pwd=NmNtT2R1OW52dmxqeGluZUIyWmltQT09

Meeting ID: 817 2918 8708
Passcode: 791197
Picture

Register
​FREE – Information Evening on Ignatian Exercises via Zoom 
Facilitated by Faith Nostbakken and Carol Sebastian. Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola: A Retreat in the Real World, the 19th Annotation of the Ignatian Exercises, encourages a closer relationship with God by praying through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

From September 19, 2023 to May 14, 2024, participants will spend an hour daily in personal prayer, keep a journal of their prayer experiences, share their prayer journey with a spiritual director every two weeks, and gather monthly for continued learning–the group meeting is usually the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 9:00 pm via Zoom.

Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, August 29 at 7:00 pm to learn more about the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Click below to register to receive Zoom link or visit our website at https://providencerenewal.ca.
Picture
​Are you trying to cope as you grieve the death of a loved one?

Facilitator Wanda Lehman, B.Ed., MRE, has an extensive background in counselling, particularly with families in schools, has experienced deep personal loss herself, and knows first-hand the challenges involved in dealing with the death of someone you love. The purpose of this 7-week support group is to provide a safe environment for those who are bereaved to share your stories, gain support through each other, and learn strategies to assist you in coping with your loss.

7 Wednesdays, from September 6 to October 18, 1:00 to 2:30 pm
The Star of the North Retreat Centre 
$120 for the 7-weeks of gathering.
 
Pre-registration required. Visit www.starofthenorth.ca/bereavement or call 780-459-5511.  

Picture
View pictures
THANK YOU from Our Lady of Victory Camp!

On Thursday, August 10th we wrapped up our final week of programming at Our Lady of Victory Camp. Over the course of the summer, 270 young people came to camp for a week of encountering Christ, community, and creation. To all of you who worked, volunteered, donated, prayed, or in any way supported OLVC in 2023, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for all of you did to help us relaunch this beautiful ministry. We'd also like to thank the Edmonton Diocesan Council of the Catholic Women's League and the AB & NWT Knights of Columbus for their support of this important ministry.

Our September newsletter will include more thoughts, reflections, and pictures from an amazing summer at camp. In the meantime, please mark Saturday, November 4th in your calendar as we plan to host an Annual General Meeting at Sacred Heart Parish in Wetaskiwin.

If you have any questions about Our Lady of Victory Camp, or would like to know how you can support OLVC into the future, please reach out Mike Landry, our camp coordinator, at mike.landry@caedm.ca. ​
Picture
​What is the Divine Office? 

If we are in a cultural “crisis of trust,” how can this ancient prayer restore our faith? 

Today we speak with Archbishop Smith about the Divine Office or the Liturgy of the Hours: what it is, the daily commitment of priests across the world to pray this ancient prayer of the Church, how praying the psalms can restore our distrusting hearts, and the call to the laity to bring the Divine Office into their lives!

​Listen to podcast
Picture
Picture

Picture
​The Men Who Serve our Church: A Conversation with a Permanent Deacon

Join Archbishop Smith and Deacon Lynn Pion for a conversation about the permanent diaconate, marriage, the experience of presiding over your own child’s wedding, the experience of coming to a vocation later in life, and the need for unity in the Church.

Listen to podcast
​​Are you seeking renewal in your marriage? 

Come to Holy Trinity Parish in Spruce Grove this September for a two-day conference to rediscover joy, build unity and experience peace with your spouse.


​Register
Picture

​The World Youth Day theme song “Há Pressa no Ar” has lyrics by Fr. João Paulo Vaz, and music by Pedro Ferreira, a teacher, both from the Diocese of Coimbra in central Portugal. 

For updates on the Canadian delegation, please follow World Youth Day Canada on social media:
instagram.com/wyd.can/...
m.facebook.com/wyd.can...

Healing happens amid storms at Lac St. Anne Pilgrimage with thousands attending
While the pilgrimage was abbreviated by two days due to heavy rainstorms, pilgrims say that the annual event touched them deeply and that the struggles with the storm highlighted the goodness and resilience of many people.

​Read more
Picture
Picture
​Join Archbishop Smith live from Faro, Portugal, to hear all about the chaos, adventure, jetlag, and the joy of Catholicism to be found at World Youth Day.
 
Over 220 young adults from the Archdiocese of Edmonton are joining hundreds of thousands of pilgrims for World Youth Day 2023. A group of pilgrims from the Edmonton Archdiocese have been in Faro, Portugal Days in the Diocese, the preamble event to World Youth Day. The official World Youth Day begins today August 1 in Lisbon, Portugal, concluding on August 6th.
 
 For this episode Archbishop Smith is joined by Edmonton Archdiocesan World Youth Day Coordinator Father Roger 
Niedzielski, and pilgrims Ian Novakowski and Brynn Merkosky.

​Listen to podcast

Picture
Due to extreme weather July 24, and under advice from the RCMP, it is great sadness that we announce that the remainder of the 2023 Lac Ste Anne Pilgrimage is cancelled.

Emergency protocols have been implemented. We are working with the Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation and Lac Ste Anne County to ensure everyone has food, warm clothing and safe shelter. 

This is the first time in modern history that the pilgrimage has been cancelled but the safety of all pilgrims is paramount. There were about 10,000 campers on site, many of them left and others stayed in the concession, church hall, and shrine. They were provided with coffee and food. 

Please continue to pray for the pilgrims and the continued success of the Lac Ste Anne Pilgrimage in the future. We will see you next year.
Picture
​Did local communities disagree about whether it was good that the Pope was coming to Canada? How has the Pope’s visit brought people closer to Jesus?
What was it like for local communities to have security details as extreme as the security for the President of the United States?
Anne Wildcat was one of the main, local Indigenous leaders to organize the details of Pope Francis’ first stop on his Canadian itinerary at Maskwacis. She and Archbishop Smith exchange stories of some of the most beautiful, tense and chaotic behind-the-scenes moments of having the Pope come to a local reserve and to the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Listen to podcast

Picture
​Over 220 young adults from the Edmonton Archdiocese are registered for World Youth Day 2023, which begins in Lisbon, Portugal on August 1.
On July 16, the Archbishop celebrated the Commissioning Mass for the pilgrims of our Archdiocese, including pilgrims from the Diocese of St. Paul, at St. Joseph's Basilica. 
​Click here to read the Archbishop's homily for the Commissioning Mass.
Picture
​Summer Camp Update
While the weather wasn't ideal, the rain didn't dampen the spirits of 55 high school students who spent July 9-13 at Our Lady of Victory Camp. Last week was the first week, after the Archdiocesan summer camp was successfully re-launched on July 8. Campers spent the week inside and out, learning about their faith canoeing, going to Mass, shooting archery, playing ultimate Frisbee, and forging new friendships.A highlight of the week took place on Wednesday night when Archbishop Richard Smith led Eucharistic Adoration for the camp community. Camp continues this week, July 16-20, with 67 elementary-aged students.

For more information about Our Lady of Victory Camp, visit the OLVC website.

Visit website
​

Picture
Picture
​Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about his grandparents, the art of storytelling across generations, the troubling societal trend of neglecting our elders, how older Bishops have mentored him, the connection between World Youth Day and strengthening the relationship between different generations of Catholics, and much more.

​Listen to podcast
Picture

Happy Anniversary!

May the Lord's blessings continue to be with our leader and shepherd, Archbishop Richard Smith, who celebrated his 21st Episcopal Ordination Anniversary on Sunday, June 18.

​"We may not be called upon to put out fires, but it is incumbent upon us to remain 'fired up' for the mission. When we, like Saint Paul, are seized with the truth of God’s love revealed in the death of Christ, there arises within us a gentle yet powerful flame of answering love, which continually moves and energizes us to pursue the rescue effort."

Click below to read the full text of His Grace's homily for the 11th Sunday in ordinary time.
eleventhsundayinordinarytime10.pdf
File Size: 254 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture
Picture
Photo credit: Yuan Wang, Diocese of Calgary
The Foundation of St. Joseph Seminary and Newman Theological College is pleased to congratulate Fr. Santiago Torres, who was ordained by Bishop William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary, on June 16. 

Fr. Santiago originates from Colombia and has been studying for the Diocese of Calgary since 2015. After two years at Mount Royal Seminary, he came to St. Joseph Seminary in 2017.

Click our name below to learn more about the Foundation and how you can support our seminarians. 
Picture
Picture
​Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion on how leisure is an essential part of being a Christian.

Listen to podcast
Picture
​The lazy, hazy days of summer

Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion on how leisure is an essential part of being a Christian, the difference between laziness and rest, the sinister results of placing our identity in our productivity, how to remember to pray even when we take vacations, and Archbishop Smith's own relationship with work and rest.

​Listen to podcast
Picture
Celebrating a family that's Joyfully Big

Dr. Ryan Topping, vice-president and academic dean of Newman Theological College, his wife Anna, and their family were interviewed by Shalom World TV. In this 'Joyfully Big' episode, discover the grace and beauty of the domestic church in the lives of couples who demonstrate remarkable openness to life and who rejoice in the bustling activity of a large Catholic family ​

Watch video
Picture
Picture

Picture
Picture
​Special Father's Day edition!

Join Archbishop Smith for this special episode as we discuss his father, Donald James, and how his father accompanied him as a young man, the unique nature of friendships between priests and married men, the "ministry of presence" that all fathers are called, why we call priests "father," and the meaning of the Aramaic word "Abba."
​YouCat: The Way of Prayer

Prayer is a decision to learn about God, to share our lives with Him, and to grow into a deep friendship with Him. Mike Landry continues his series on the Youth Catechism.

​Listen to podcast

​Read more
Picture
Picture
​Lessons from Saints Peter and Paul about perseverance in marriage
Regardless of which goals you decide on for your marriage, remember that there would not be the need to persevere if lasting change were easy. Psychologists Melissa Guzik and Jean MacKenzie write: There will be times when you will fall, and you will do the thing “you do not want.” When Saints Peter and Paul fell, God’s mercy was always there for them.
​Ordination of Santiago Torres to the Priesthood
Deacon Santiago Torres is a student at St. Joseph Seminary studying for the Diocese of Calgary. His ordination will take place on Friday, June 16 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary. It will be livestreamed on Facebook.

Facebook


Read more
​
​Read Bishop McGrattan's reflection

Picture
UpFront with the Archbishop: The Rite of Adoration

When was the last time you sat with the Lord in adoration?

Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion on the meaning behind the different parts of Eucharistic adoration, the role of contemplation for followers of Jesus, why we sing “O saving victim” in adoration, and the return of 24/7 Eucharistic adoration to the Archdiocese of Edmonton. ​

​Listen to podcast
New video to share: St. Joseph's College
Picture
​YouCat: Sources of Prayer

If our desire to be closer to God really is important to us,  we will carve moments for prayer into our day. This begins by making a concrete decision to pray every day, because we know we need to do it, and to do it consistently: “prayer thrives on faithfulness” (YouCat 490). St. Teresa of Calcutta says “if you are seeking God but do know how you should begin, learn to pray and make the effort  to pray every day.” 
 Read more
St. Joseph’s College is an affiliate Catholic college located at the heart of the University of Alberta, the province’s premier research institution. We support students in their development as whole people by offering university credit courses that explore the unity of faith and reason, and by providing a safe, inclusive community through our residences and campus ministry. At St. Joseph’s College, students are empowered to ask big questions, build lifelong relationships, and develop a faith that is authentic and their own, and they go out into the world with the tools and vision to help bring about the common good.  

Visit website
Picture
Jake Mullin of Spruce Grove has been studying for the Archdiocese of Edmonton since 2016. He anticipates being ordained to the priesthood in 2024. On behalf of The Foundation of St. Joseph Seminary and Newman Theological College, we are delighted to share the blessing of our newly ordained deacon. Thank you for your support!

Read interview
​​Rev. Mr. Santiago Torres is a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Calgary. He came to St. Joseph Seminary in 2017. His ordination to the Ministerial Priesthood will take place June 16 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary. We will provide more information once it becomes available.

Read more
Picture

Picture
You're invited to St. Andrew's Perpetual Adoration
Come and join Archbishop Smith at 7 PM on Thursday, June 8, at St. Andrew’s Parish (12810 - 111 Avenue) to commemorate the name day of Corpus Christi Chapel of Perpetual Adoration.
​
Picture
Interview with transitional deacon Jake Mullin
Deacon Jake grew up in Spruce Grove and he entered St. Joseph Seminary in 2016. He was ordained to the transitional diaconate by Archbishop Richard Smith at St. Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton on May 26, 2023.  ​

Read the Interview

VIDEO: Watch the Diaconal Ordination of Jake Mullin at St. Joseph Basilica

Click the red PLAY button on the video below to watch the full-length livestream recording of Jake's diaconal ordination last week at St. Joseph Basilica.
Picture
Picture
CWL Annual Convention June 2-3 

Opening Mass Friday, June 2 at 7pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of the First Peoples. Convention at Corpus Christi Catholic Church commences at 8:30 am on both days. Speakers include:
  • Fran Lucas, National President, The CWL of Canada
  • Archbishop Richard Smith, Archdiocese of Edmonton
  • Chief Wilton Littlechild, who was instrumental in bringing Pope Francis to Canada
  • Carmen Michaud, representative from Development & Peace
  • Lynn O'Donnell, representative from the Coady Institute
Closing Mass at Corpus Christi Parish at 4:30 pm followed by Closing Banquet.
Join the 
St. John Paul II 
Catholic Youth Leadership Camp from July 25-29

Camp will take place at OLVC and is is open for 15- to 18-year-olds. 

We will explore the thoughts of St. John Paul II on vocation and apologetics.

Followed by sports and music in the afternoons.

2023 Clergy Transfers and Assignments

​Changes In Parish Pastors
  1. Rev. Roger Niedzielski,as Pastor of Resurrection and Assumption Parishes, Edmonton, replacing Rev. Philip Creurer.
  2. Rev. Liju Jose, as Pastor of St. Stephen Parish, Lacombe and St. Augustine Parish, Ponoka, replacing Rev. Simmy Joseph, CMI.
  3. Rev. Rambabu Kanaparthi, CFIC, as Pastor of Christ-King Parish, Stettler, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Castor, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Bashaw, replacing Rev. Roger Niedzielski.
  4. Rev. Tomasz Krzesik, OMI, as Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, Edmonton, replacing Rev. Mieczysław “Mitch” Burdzy, OMI.
  5. Rev. Matija Žugaj, as Pastor of Nativity of Mary Croatian Parish, Edmonton, replacing Rev. Tomislav Fridl.
  6. Rev. Jinu Rajan, as Pastor of St. Edmund Parish, Edmonton, replacing Rev. Maria Villaraza, SDB.
  7. Rev. Martin Carroll, as Temporary Parochial Administrator* of St. Dominic Savio Parish (effective May 20, 2023), until the arrival of Rev. Henry Daniel Ambrose Savarinathan, SDB, who will serve as full-time Parochial Administrator* of St. Dominic Savio Parish, Edmonton, replacing Rev. Sagayaraj Devadoss, SDB.
  8. Rev. Thomas Puthupparampil, as Dominical Vicar* of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Onoway, St. Joseph Parish, Wabamun-Duffield and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Lac La Nonne, replacing Rev. Liju Jose.
*Note: The terms parochial administrator and dominical vicar are essentially the same or similar to the role as a pastor, but with slight differences to internal parish/administrative pastoral responsibilities. Please contact the Archdiocesan Chancery Office with any questions regarding these terms.

Changes With Associate Pastor(s)**These appointments are subject to change depending on their arrival from their country of origin. Priority will be to fulfill a vacancy at an essential parish in need.
  1. Rev. Josephin Raj Muthuswamy and Rev. Chinnapparaj Desam Balraj, SDB, as Associate Pastors of St. Joseph’s Basilica, Edmonton, assisting Rev. Joseph Vadassery, Rector.
  2. Rev. Mario Villaraza, SDB, and Rev. Abraham Kuylil Durai, SAC, as Associate Pastors of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Sherwood Park, assisting Rev. Jim Corrigan, Pastor.
  3. Rev. Vadakedath Aipe, CMI, as Associate Pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Edmonton, assisting Rev. Mark McGee, Pastor.
  4. Rev. Marreddy Udumala, SAC, as Associate Pastor of Our Lady of the Foothills Parish, Hinton, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Jasper, and Holy Cross Parish, Grande Cache, assisting Rev. Anthony Narisetty, SAC, Pastor.
  5. Rev. Avinash Francis, SAC, as Associate Pastor of Holy Family, St. Albert, assisting Rev. Antony Cruz Michael, SAC, Pastor.
  6. Rev. Alex Joseph, as Associate Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Fort Saskatchewan (and associated parishes), assisting Rev. Carlos Nunez, Pastor.
  7. Rev. Varkey Ouseph Kummananchery, CMI, as Associate Pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Lloydminster, assisting Rev. Arun Rodrigues, SAC, Pastor.
  8. Rev. Benoj Makkolil, CMI, to serve as a Priest Chaplain for hospital ministry in Edmonton.

Other Appointments
  1. Rev. Philip Creurer, JCD will continue to serve as Judicial Vicar of The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton and the Interdiocesan Tribunal of Edmonton.
  2. Rev. Eamonn McNerney, currently serving as a Priest Chaplain in hospital ministry, is on study leave in Rome for two academic years.
  3. Rev. Geoffrey Young, of the Diocese of Saskatoon, is joining us to serve as a member of the formation team at St. Joseph’s Seminary (effective August 1, 2023).
  4. Rev. Weldu Rkab Tesfazghi, will serve as Pastor of the Ge’ez Rite Eritrean Community at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, Edmonton (pending his arrival).
  5. Rev. Josephin Raj Muthuswamy, will also serve as Pastor of the Syro-Malankara Community at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Edmonton (pending his arrival).

Departures
  1. Rev. Sagayaraj Devadoss, SDB, Pastor of St. Dominic Savio, Edmonton, is transferred by his Superior to a new assignment in India (May 20, 2023).
  2. Rev. Simmy Joseph, CMI, Pastor of St. Stephen Parish, Lacombe and St. Augustine Parish, Ponoka, is transferred by his Superior to a new assignment in the Diocese of Peterborough, ON.
  3. Rev. Mieczysław “Mitch” Burdzy, OMI, Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, Edmonton, is granted a sabbatical year by his Superior. Upon the end of his sabbatical, he will be reassigned to another diocese.
  4. Rev. Tomislav Fridl, Pastor of Nativity of Mary Parish, Edmonton, returns to his home diocese in Croatia to a new assignment from his Ordinary.
  5. Rev. Blair Bernard, from Madonna House Apostolate, receives a new assignment from his community (May 28, 2023).
  6. Rev. Vincent Anthony Samy, SDB, Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sherwood Park, is transferred by his Superior to a new assignment.
  7. Rev. Tomasz Latawiec, Associate Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Fort Saskatchewan, returns to his home diocese in Poland to a new assignment from his Ordinary.

​Diaconate Appointments**Effective July 8, 2023, unless otherwise listed
  1. (Transitional) Deacon Jake Mullin (ordained May 26, 2023) to serve at Resurrection and Assumption Parishes, Edmonton for weekend ministry (effective September 2023).
  2. Deacon Dan Richie ,from the Archdiocese of Vancouver to serve at St. Vital Parish, Beaumont (effective April 1, 2023).
  3. Deacon James Eidem to serve at Sacred Heart Parish, Red Deer.
  4. Deacon Arden Playford to serve at Corpus Christi, Edmonton.
  5. Deacon Rene Mella to serve at St. Theresa Parish, Edmonton.
Picture
​What should we pay attention to in the Pentecost Mass?

Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion on the Pentecost Sunday liturgy, tongues of fire that landed on the Apostles in the Bibles, the Holy Spirit as the forgotten Person of the Trinity, and how to build a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Listen

Picture
​YouCat: Prayer In The Christian Life

Parenthood brings with it a lengthy to-do list. For the first while, we care for all our kids’ needs. As they grow, we help them learn to walk and talk, to swim and skate, and to eat a meal without leaving bits of food in a radius around their chair. We get to share the things we love with them, which includes the role of prayer in family life, as Evergreen Catholic schools chaplain Mike Landry explains in this edition of his series on the YouCat.

Read more

Picture
​Diaconal Ordination

Jake Mullin of Spruce Grove has been studying for the Archdiocese of Edmonton since 2016. Jake will celebrate his diaconal ordination on May 26 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Basilica. Jake is one of three men recently called to the diaconate, the last phase of formation for a seminarian. Watch for more on Jake's vocation story in the Window. Let us pray for all seminarians!

Read more about seminarians

​​St. Joseph Seminary
Picture
Picture

​​C-YEG Day of Service

Come and make sandwiches for the less fortunate, on May 13, 2 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples.

​Join Leadership Camp

Camp is open to 15- to 18-year-olds. We will explore the thoughts of St. John Paul II on vocation and apologetics, followed by sports and music in the afternoons.

​Read about C-YEG

Read more
Picture
Picture
Getting Our Lady of Victory Camp ready

The next work bee is June 10. We need help with yard cleaning, minor repairs, organization, and finishing work. Contact Deacon Claude Baril at 403-896-3745 or email cbaril53@gmail.com. On May 6, nearly 40 volunteers including members of parishes, the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Women's League, and camp alumni helped in the earlier work bee to get camp ready for July. ​
​YouCat: The Tenth Commandment (Envy)

You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods. 

The Tenth Commandment directs us not to covet our neighbours’ goods specifically so we don’t let envy consume our souls. Here, the Youth Catechism offers two good suggestions on how to battle this disordered desire for things we don’t have. Evergreen Catholic schools chaplain Mike Landry continues his series on the YouCat.

Read more

Read more

Picture
​We speak with Archbishop Smith about how to approach different opinions on church architecture, the principles that inform the building of Catholic churches, the need for beauty and transcendence in our places of worship and His Grace’s favourite church in the Archdiocese!

Listen to podcast
Picture
There were 46 confirmands, including three adults, at St. Anthony's parish in Lloydminster April 23. In one family, three generations received the sacrament. On April 30, 13 candidates received Confirmation at St. Joseph's Basilica in Edmonton. Please pray for our new confirmands who have received the Gift of the Holy Spirit! ​
Picture
​"Through these words and the anointing with oil, Jesus calls you by name, singles you out, and gives you his very own Spirit for the beautiful purpose of being his witness in the world. Witness means pointing others to Jesus."

Read Archbishop's homily
Picture
Dear Foundation family, we are back again with our 2023 Spring newsletter.
In this edition, you will be informed of the good work WE (you and us) DO and the different ways you can be part of it. ​

Learn more
appealletterspring2023.pdf
File Size: 568 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture
​

​Edmonton Prolife
March for Life Week

Check the poster below for more information about the march and related events May 8-12. 
marchforlifeweek20234.pdf
File Size: 64 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​Our Lady of Victory Camp

The countdown is on! We are two months away from the relaunch of Our Lady of Victory Camp. 
There's still lots of space for young people entering grades 4-12 to register for camp, and there are many ways you can support the work being done to ready the camp to welcome campers in July. 
This weekend, we're holding the first of two work bees allowing people to offer their talents to support our ministry. Please reach out if you'd like to help us at our second work bee on June 10th - or any other time between now and then.

Picture
Get involved

Picture
Picture
​UpFront with the Archbishop

Can our clothing and behaviour at Mass actually cause people to lose faith?
Do we dress too casually for Mass?
Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about the "virtue of religion," the symbolic power of our clothing and the relationship between how we worship and what we believe.
Archbishop Smith: Jesus is risen. He is alive. 

He wants us to pour out our hearts to him in prayer, to tell him everything that we are going through. Then he wants us to know him, because the more we know Jesus and his love for us, the more our hearts will be changed, too

- Archbishop Smith, Mass of Confirmation
St. Anthony's Parish in Lloydminster April 23.

Listen to podcast

Read homily
​World Youth Day 
events August 1-6

World Youth Day is less than 100 days away and pilgrims are getting ready. Some students from St.Joseph’s College are banding together to travel to Portugal to encounter millions of young people from around the world and to celebrate the joy of our faith with the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
 
These students are fundraising in various means to reach this faith building goal. They have a “Mom’s Pantry” Campaign on the go as well as a Go Fund Me page. Any sponsorship or donation would bring these young adults a step closer to this spectacular faith encounter. Please keep these pilgrims and all attendees in your prayers. 
Picture
GoFundMe link
​Come & Paint: WYD fundraiser

We would love to share an evening of fun painting held at Christ-King Parish Hall on Saturday, May 20 at 7 p.m. There will be wine, snacks and lots of paint! This picture is what we will be painting. Limited tickets are available at $50.  E-transfers accepted at ChristKing.Stettler@caedm.ca. Please indicate who the tickets are for, and their contact information. Tickets may then be picked up at the door.

Contact parish
Picture
​Live in St. Joseph's College residence

Check out our new video that focuses on the SJC residence experience! We still have space in the Women’s Residence and we are now adding names to our waitlist for the Men’s Residence! SJC is the Catholic college at the University of Alberta

​Apply here

Picture
Picture
​Up Front with the Archbishop

What have we forgotten about the 50 days of Easter? Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about how to stay invested in the Easter Season and the many Easter traditions and liturgies that we might miss.
​Jake Mullin of Spruce Grove has been studying for the Archdiocese of Edmonton since 2016. Jake will celebrate his Diaconal Ordination on May 26 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Basilica

In the St. Joseph Seminary newsletter, Father Sylvain Casavant reflects on Pope Francis' three days at the seminary. Benjamin Taylor shares how he has been changed by God's overwhelming power and Deacon Santiago Torres tells the story of bringing Holy Communion to the Pope himself.

Listen to podcast
​


Read more
​Divine Mercy Sunday

Archbishop Smith celebrated the Eucharist and met with staff and residents at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre, It's a place long dedicated to extending mercy to people in need.

Read homily

Picture
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Certificate Program for Community Visitors

The Archdiocese of Edmonton is hosting a workshop for parishioners who bring Holy Communion to the sick in our care centres and hospitals. Those interested in being trained as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for the sick and shut-ins are invited to participate in a training program on Saturday, April 29, 2023 – Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Certificate Program for Community Visitors. The program will be hosted at Corpus Christi Parish, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Registration is required by Monday, April 24, via the link provided. 

Register
Camp

If you have a child in Grade 4-12, we have a place for them at Our Lady of Victory Camp this summer! 

Consider sending them to camp where they can swim in our lake, gather around the campfire, play epic games, and grow in their faith during one of our four weeks of camp this summer. 

If you don’t have a camp-aged child, you can still get involved in the preparations for our camp reopening this summer. Please pray for us! 

We also always need workers on the ground to help prepare the site of the summer and would welcome any financial support you might give.
Picture
We look forward to gathering with families and camp supporters on Saturday, July 8th for Mass with the Archbishop and a BBQ. If you have any questions, please contact us at 587-447-2837 or visit www.olvcamp.com. ​

Visit OLVC site
spring_newsletter.pdf
File Size: 713 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Picture
Picture
​Have you ever been confused about what actually happens in the Sacrament of Confirmation? In this episode of the Upfront with the Archbishop podcast, His Grace talks about the "missionary sacrament," and what it means to be commissioned as a Catholic.
​Youth Catechism: You shall not commit adultery

The love between husband and wife is not to be self-centered. It's not to be just about sensual pleasure or to preserve our species. Sexual intimacy is a beautiful and wonderful thing. Mike Landry continues his YouCat series.

Listen to episode

Read more
Picture
Picture
'Hope in the midst of crisis'

After a three-year hiatus, the annual Downtown Way of the Cross has returned to Edmonton. Held on Good Friday, the theme of this year’s event was “Hope In The Midst Of Crisis.” ​
​Newman Golf Classic 

Together, our golf tournament and your participation raise much-needed funds to support the education of future priests and lay leaders for the Archdiocese of Edmonton and Catholic dioceses across Western Canada.

Read more
  
Register or sponsor
Our Lady of Victory Camp 

There’s lots of work to do to get OLVC ready for the summer. Offer your time and talents at one of our work bees on Saturday, May 6 or Saturday, June 10 – email camps@caedm.ca. Please contact Deacon Claude Baril at 403-896-3745 or by email cbaril53@gmail.com. ​
Picture

​Read more

​Watch video

Register

Picture
Picture
​In this episode of the UpFront podcast, Archbishop Smith talks about the ancient meanings of the Vigil traditions. We also speak about theology of Christ’s wounds and the “necessary sin of Adam.”
Living out the joy of Easter in your marriage
In their family and marriage column, Melissa Guzik and Jean MacKenzie hope that Easter, as a time of joy within your marriage, will result in greater connection and increased joy between you and your spouse. ​

Listen to podcast

Read more

​​Chrism Mass 2023
The Chrism Mass is an annual liturgy where the three anointing oils - the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens, and the oil of chrism - are consecrated by the Archbishop. It is also customary for all priests to renew their vows during the liturgy.
Picture
Picture
Picture

​​View more photos


​Read homily
Picture
Picture
​Following the Vatican statement on the "Doctrine of Discovery," Archbishop Smith and Archbishop Donald Bolen (Regina) seek to clear away the confusion by clarifying the Church's stance and providing insight into the true history and context.
​Youth Catechism: Thou shalt not kill

At first glance, the Fifth Commandment seems like the simplest commandment. It's about seeing the value in every human life, at each stage of development, and even in the state of sin. But it raises questions. Mike Landry continues his series on the YouCat.

Listen to episode

Read more
Picture
​GrACE (Grateful Advocates for Cathoilic Education) will host a summit May 12. It's a chance to meet with advocates from across the province and participate in discussions on engagement, unity and communication.
Picture
gracenewslettermarch032823.pdf
File Size: 7538 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Newman Golf Classic

Welcome to the 31st Annual Newman Golf Classic, held once again at the beautiful Blackhawk Golf Club June 26.
Register 
More information
Picture
Email: santo@strcp.com Phone: 780-463-8646 Ext. 2585
​Camp Encounter 

Get ready for an unforgettable reunion and farewell event at Camp Encounter on May 27 from 1 - 10 p.m., beginning with a classic camp Mass and ending with our best campfire ever! Join us for a day filled with fun activities, crafts, prayers and reflection, great food,outdoor tour and ...wait for it... a 25-foot ice cream sundae! Reconnect with old friends, reminisce with stories and say goodbye to our beloved camp.

​RSVP
Picture

Picture
Picture
Sometimes we miss the richness of Mass
It's the very end of March. Lent is progressing very quickly and Easter is no longer so far away. So let's take a deep dive into the Holy Week Liturgies.
Join us today to find out what's behind our liturgies in this the latest episode.
​YouCat: The Fourth Commandment, 'Honour Your Father and Your Mother

Growing up, there always seemed to be TV shows which centered on the story of a family. The reason why there have been so many family-based stories and sitcoms throughout the years is because growing in love, respect, responsibility, and obedience is easier said than done...

​Listen to episode

Read more

Picture
Picture
​Upfront With The Archbishop podcast

Is it appropriate for priests to make jokes in their homilies? How is Scripture meant to be preached in the Mass? Join us today for the latest episode.

​YouCat: The Third Commandment, Remember to Keep Holy the Lord’s Day

Columnist Mike Landry writes the sabbath exists as a sign of God’s care for us, His desire to make sure that we are refueled and ready to go. Mike continues his series exploring the Youth Catechism.

​Listen to episode

Read more

Picture
​Seek greater forgiveness within your marriage this Lent

Melissa Guzik and Jean MacKenzie are registered psychologists who work in private practice in Edmonton. This is the first of their monthly columns on marriage and family life.
​Upfront with the Archbishop: The Best (and Worst) of Vatican II 

Join us for an in-depth conversation with St. John Paul II biographer Dr. George Weigel about the Second Vatican Council, "liturgy wars" in the Church and how to stay focused on Jesus amid political division. 

​Read more
​



Picture
Picture
​Election guide

Catholic Conscience offers a voters' guide, setting Catholic teachings against positions of the political parties, using the parties’ own words. Catholic Conscience promotes non-partisan civic and political engagement. 
​YouCat: You shall not  take the name of the Lord your God in vain

Mike Landry is Catholic Youth Camp director for the Archdiocese. He is also chaplain for Evergreen Cathiolic Schools. He continues his series on the Youth Catechism.

Read more

​Read more
​Fourth Sunday of Lent

Archbishop Brian Dunn of Halifax-Yarmouth reflects on the Scriptures in this Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' Lenten series.
Picture

Picture
Picture
​YouCat: The First Commandment

“I am the Lord, your God. You shall not have strange gods before me.” For those of us living in the 21st century, this commandment still has meaning. Mike Landry continues his series on the Youth Catechism.
​Upfront with the Archbishop update:


We are taking a break. Next week we will have a special podcast episode with George Weigel, biographer of St. John Paul II, and author of a recently released book on the Second Vatican Council.
Read more
Past episodes
​Journey through Lent

For the Third Sunday of Lent, Archbishop Brian Dunn provides a reflection on the Samaritan woman at the well and conversations of significance. This video series is made possible through the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
More Lent resources

Picture
Picture
​Dungeons, Graves, and Poverty: World Travel with Archbishop Smith

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith.
​YouCat: The Ten Commandments

Some see them as out of date in the modern times. That view represents a misunderstanding of their purpose. Mike Landry explains in his latest column on the Youth Catechism.
Listen to podcast
Read more
Picture
Picture
​NET Canada 'Do Something Amazing' Retreat for Young Adults

Many youth across Canada still don't know Christ and need missionaries to go to them! Do you know a young person who is passionate about their faith? On Saturday, March 4, there will be a Do Something Amazing Retreat at Newman Theological College in Edmonton. Young adults 18-30 from anywhere in Alberta are invited! You can email recruit@netcanada.ca or text 613-292-9991.
​Grab your tools to prepare camp 

We are very excited to be relaunching Our Lady of Victory Camp in 2023, Registration is open. To prepare, we’re going to host work bees on Saturday, May 6 and on Saturday, June 10. 
Read more
Read more

Picture
Picture
​The Lost Discipline of Fasting

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith.



​Listen to podcast
​YouCat: Why I love the Church

I can say with all honesty that I have come to love the Catholic Church and the more I know and understand it, the more I value what she teaches. I’ve also come to recognize that the Church loves me, even when what she teaches may seem difficult. Mike Landry continues his series on the Youth Catechism.

​Read more
More Lent resources

Picture
Picture
Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith.
YouCat: Human Community (Law & Grace)

You might say that the progression that many of us have gone through to get our driver's licenses mirrors the way in which God has revealed moral law to us. Mike Landry continues his series on the Youth Catechism.
Listen to podcasts
Read more
Picture
Watch video
More Lent resources
Picture

Picture
Listen to
​podcast episodes

Read more
​about Camp
Picture
​YouCat: The dignity of the human person

To put it simply, to care for the needs of others is not an optional part of the Christian life. If we have a relationship with Jesus, we are also called to do something to better the world around us. Mike Landry continues his series on the Youth Catechism.
Read more
Picture
Picture
​Catechism 101 - This Our Faith Retreat Feb. 17-20

Come join us for prayer, discussion & discovery! This retreat at the Way of Holiness Retreat Center & Lay Community in Hinton is an overview of the Catechism for those who wish to understand Church teachings more clearly. 
Read more
​Shroud of Turin Presentation
This is a special workshop Feb. 11 at Holy Trinity Parish from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
It will be taught by Ed Hecker, from the Edmonton Catholic School Division. He has researched the shroud since the beginning of his teaching career. Free, No registration necessary.

​Watch video

Picture
Listen to podcast episodes
Picture
​Our Lady of Victory Camp returns this summer

This camp exists to support families and youth ministry initiatives in the Archdiocese of Edmonton by offering a week-long faith experience. At camp everyone can Encounter Christ, Encounter Community, and Encounter Creation. They will do this through a mixture of faith experiences and outdoor activities held at our camp on beautiful Gull Lake. Click here to see a video from our last season at camp (2018). 

Registration for Summer 2023 opens on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 5 p.m. Any young person entering grades 4-12 next fall is welcome to attend! See our dates, read more about what we do at camp, how to register, or how you can get involved,
Read more
Picture
Adoremus 

(“Let us Adore”) is held at St. Joseph Basilica from 7 – 8:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month: Feb 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3). Join other young adults for an evening of Eucharistic Adoration, music, reconciliation, and prayer. 

Email: Ryan.Topping@newman.edu for more information.
Picture
​World Youth Day at Home

A multi-day “Festival of Faith” event is planned for this summer. We need information from you, potential delegates before we proceed. 
Complete survey

​The first episode of our Embrace Limit podcast series is here.
The Church’s teachings on sexuality – saving sex for marriage, marriage is solely between a man and a woman, contraception, the idea that there are only two sexes – can feel like a limiting burden.

But what are the underlying principles that inform all these teachings?  

​Listen to all episodes
Picture
Picture
​YouCat: How are we to have life in Christ?

Chaplain Mike Landry explains the moral life helps us understand what we are expected to do in the great story God has been unfolding.

Read more
​Crunch On Curiosity
Explore and ask challenging questions. Crunch on Curiosity, at St. Joseph's College, runs Tuesdays 5-6:30 p.m. There will be a talk and discussion. It's free and you don't need to be a student.
Picture
​Register

​Read more

Picture
Picture
Archbishop Smith recalls the times he met and talked with Pope Benedict XVI, and reflects on what his enormous contribution to the Church has meant to him as a priest and bishop.
​We explore one of Archbishop Smith's favourite saints, Augustine of Hippo. We look at how the heretics and heresies St. Augustine confronted still have an influence.
Listen to all podcast episodes
​Our Lady of Victory camp re-opening

Camp ministry offer a week-long faith experience. At summer camp everyone can Encounter Christ, Encounter Community, and Encounter Creation.

​Read more
Mother Teresa: No Greater Love

This documentary film produced by the Knights of Columbus, will return to Edmonton theatres January 22-23.

This film reveals not just who Mother Teresa was, but how her singular vision to serve Christ in the poor continues to be realized through the Missionaries of Charity today.​

​More information
​


​Buy tickets
Picture

Picture
​What should we pay attention to in the Christmas Masses? What is the meaning of different prayers which are prayed in the Christmas liturgies? In this episode, His Grace discusses the truth behind the many liturgies celebrated for Christmas, the history of the Midnight mass tradition, and many more insights into the celebration of Christmas.
​
Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast that seeks to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful. T
Listen
Picture
Visit website
Give
Picture
Picture
​Last week, we shared the exciting news that we will be hosting youth at Our Lady of Victory Camp in 2023, but there's a lot of work to be done to get there. 

We are planning information meetings about our 2023 programs at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4 at either St. Charles Parish in Edmonton (17511 112 St. NW) or at Sacred Heart Parish in Red Deer (4816 55 St., Red Deer). 

​Read more
CALLED TO PROTECT

Thursday, January 12
7:00-9:30 pm

live via Zoom
​Called to Protect is an abuse prevention training session that is mandatory for all volunteers and employees in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. 

Pre-registration is required. Please clIck below.
Register

Picture
Picture
"Do not be anxious about anything" Phil 4:6
"Am I stewarding my eyes? Am I stewarding my ears? What am I allowing into my thinking by what I choose to see and listen to?" This week Archbishop Smith speaks specifically about what our Catholic faith can bring to the conversation around anxiety. Can we find healing through the spiritual realities of our faith, most especially the Eucharist?
Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful.
​YouCat: Sacraments of Healing

One of Jesus’ most well-known and enduring parables is the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this story Jesus speaks plainly about what it means to love your neighbor as yourself, looking out for anyone we might meet who is in need.

Part of a series of reflections on the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church by Mike Landry, Catholic Youth Camps director for the Archdiocese of Edmonton and chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools.
Listen
Read more
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Notice of Annual General Meeting of Members


The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The Foundation of St. Joseph Seminary and Newman Theological College will be held electronically via Zoom videoconferencing on January 5, 2023, at 2:30 pm (MST). 


Click below to see Agenda and to RSVP by January 3, 2023.
Read more
​Can you help push Together We Serve over the top?

To the end of November, the Together We Serve Annual Appeal has raised 78% of its $1.5 million goal. Eleven parishes have already achieved (or exceeded) their targets and 26 more are at 80% or better! Congratulations to all. 

How is your parish doing? Check out the November financial report.
Picture
​
CALLED TO PROTECT


Thursday, January 12
7:00-9:30 pm


live via Zoom


Called to Protect is an abuse prevention training session that is mandatory for all volunteers and employees in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. 


Pre-registration is required.
​Please clIck below.


Read more

Register
Picture
​To attend the event via Zoom please
register by Tuesday, December 13.
Log into the Zoom meeting by 5:25 pm MT.

​Register
Register
Picture
​

​A Christmas Gift for your Marriage   

If you are struggling in your marriage relationship or looking to improve it, consider the Gift of Retrouvaille this Christmas. This program has helped thousands of marriages improve communication and enrich their marital connection.

The next program begins the weekend of March 17-19, 2023. For more information, contact us by email, call 587-598-4357, or visit the website. 

​Visit website

Picture
Picture
Hurry up and wait...

"Advent is not just getting ready for the Christmas celebrations." This week Archbishop Smith sets the record straight on Advent, its true meaning, and what modern day pitfalls to avoid leading up to Christmas.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, in conversation with Archbishop Richard Smith.
​Landry: What is Advent?

On the morning of Friday, January 12, 2007, the Washington Post conducted a social experiment. The paper hired Joshua Bell, one of the world’s most gifted violin players and had him busk in a subway station during rush hour. 
​
Mike Landry is the Catholic Youth Camps director for the Archdiocese of Edmonton, and chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools.
Listen
Read more
Picture
Picture
​For more information, contact Michelle Foisy at michellefoisy@shaw.ca or call/text 780-886-1338.
​For more information, contact Alana LaPerle at alaperle@telus.net or call/text 780-446-9009
Register
Register


A Christmas Gift for your Marriage   ​

If you are struggling in your marriage relationship or looking to improve it, consider the Gift of Retrouvaille this Christmas. This program has helped thousands
of marriages improve communication and enrich their marital connection. The next program begins the weekend of March 17-19, 2023. For more information, contact us by email, call 587-598-4357, or visit the website. 
Picture
Website
View newsletter

Picture
Picture
Picture
​Archbishop Smith goes to Ireland!

After a much needed break, Archbishop Smith sits down to to talk about his recent trip to Ireland. A great conversation on rediscovering cultural and family roots, trusting in God, and the joys of a pint of Guinness.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful.
Fr. Kris asks some good questions​

Why isn’t the promise of eternal life not much of a selling feature for Christianity anymore? Why can’t we just stick a sign on our front lawn that says, “Have a contrite heart? We’ve got eternal life!” Why isn’t that appealing? Why don’t people come flocking through our doors to get this promise and gift of eternal life? The answer is not really simple...

Celebrating the mysteries of Christ
I have loved Lego for as long as I can remember. This highly sophisticated interlocking brick system captured my imagination as a child...
Part of a series of reflections on the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church by Mike Landry, Catholic Youth Camps director for the Archdiocese of Edmonton and chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools.

 Listen
Listen
Read more


Picture
Picture
​Have a complaint?

Like any other public figure, a Bishop is no stranger to criticism. But in the Church how does a disciple offer criticism to someone who has legitimate authority over them? We ask Archbishop Smith how he receives and processes feedback, and how he decides if a public response is necessary.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, in conversation with Archbishop Richard Smith.
Youcat: God and the Sacred Liturgy

I will never forget the first night I held her hand. We were driving on a cold night in early March 2004; I had misplaced my gloves and my hands were cold…and my future wife graciously obliged my need by clasping her hand into my own. 

This column is part of a series of reflections on the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church by Mike Landry, Catholic Youth Camps director for the Archdiocese of Edmonton and chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools.
Listen
Read more

​Catholic Women’s League celebrates more than a century of faith and service

“Catholic and Living It” is the motto of the Catholic Women’s League as it celebrates 110 years of service, right where the CWL was originally founded, here in Edmonton.
Read more

​Synod: Now What?

Register now for our Synod: Now What? Workshops where, together, we can discern the next steps that the Holy Spirit is calling us to take. All are welcome!

Register
Picture

Picture
Picture
​A burden or a gift?

In this week's discussion with Archbishop Smith we get into the why's, the objections, and the beauty of celibacy in the priesthood. We talk about perceived problems with mandatory celibacy in the Latin Rite Catholic priesthood, and His Grace speaks to why he believes in it's immense spiritual value.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, in conversation with Archbishop Richard Smith.

Listen
​Landry: Just Five More Minutes

This week, I look into the two questions I probably get asked most often by students in religion classes: When we read Genesis, where are the Dinosaurs? (and) Did God really do this in six days?

My answer is found in a special “extended” Just Five More Minutes video (it’s 7 minutes long). Click below to watch the video AND to access some great resources that will help you dig deeper.

Mike Landry is chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools.

Watch

Picture
​YouCat: God acts...by means of sacred signs

In 1983, The Karate Kid was released, and audiences were treated to one of the most unique (and memorable) training montages in any movie.
​
This column is part of a series of reflections on the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church by Mike Landry, Catholic Youth Camps director for the Archdiocese of Edmonton and chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools.

Read more

Picture
Picture
Visit website
​Campaign passes the $1 million mark!

With just over a month and a half to go, the Together We Serve 2022 campaign has raised 69% of its $1.5 million goal. Ten parishes have already achieved (or exceeded) their targets and 15 more are at 80% or better! Congratulations to all. 

How is your parish doing? Check out the October financial report.

What if I want to give directly to a TWS beneficiary?
By all means, give! Together We Serve does not replace individual charitable giving to those organizations and causes that are near and dear to you. In fact, most of our Together We Serve beneficiaries reach out to their own supporters through modest fund raising appeals. If you are a supporter, please give!

​Give 

Picture

Accepting our ultimate destination


A follower of Jesus is always in the process of accepting death. Whether that be a spiritual death to self, or accepting our mortality, whenever we gaze upon the cross we are reminded of our ultimate destination. This week, for November (the month of the dead), we get into the many questions surrounding death, the decrease in the traditions surrounding it, and the Catholic view of cremation.


Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful.
Listen
Picture
​Truth, reconciliation and the beauty of the Catholic Faith


Fr. Cristino Bouvette, from the Diocese of Calgary, was the National Liturgy Director for Pope Francis' recent visit to Canada. In this podcast, he talks about his experience of the Papal visit, his family history, his kokum (grandmother) who went to a residential school and taught him many things about the Christian faith, and the meaning of truth and reconciliation, and his own experience of seeing the beauty of both the Catholic faith and the traditions of Indigenous culture.
Watch

Picture
​Trick or treat?

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. This week we queue up Halloween with a discussion on spiritual warfare, how to approach Halloween with some of the unsettling and even demonic symbols that surround it, and whether our Archdiocese has an exorcist or not!
​
Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, in conversation with Archbishop Richard Smith.
Listen
Picture
Youcat: I believe in the Holy Spirit

One of the most well-known and heartrending stories about St. Peter is the account of his threefold denial of Jesus....When he heard the rooster crow, I imagine Peter was awash in shame, embarrassment, and failure. He had failed his dearest friend and went off to weep bitterly. But after Pentecost Peter was a different man...

This is part of a series of reflections on the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church by Mike Landry, Catholic Youth Camps director for the Archdiocese of Edmonton and chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools

​Read more

​Catholic Social Services has been a Together We Serve recipient since 2015. Through its Sign of Hope campaign, CSS delivers at least 14 programs that are not eligible for government funding but which serve an essential role in our community. Some of these programs include Welcome Home, Lurana Shelter and Gianna Centre. This year, 20% of funds distributed by Together We Serve will go to Catholic Social Services.

You can be a sign of hope for vulnerable people in our community. Please give today.

​Give
 

Picture
Picture
Still confused about what the Synod on Synodality was all about? Who responded? Will anything come of it? Archbishop Richard Smith is joined by Dr. Eugenia Pagnotta-Kowalczyk, coordinator for our local contribution to the global Synod. We examine the initial recommendations from the diocesan Synthesis Report, which drew from all the listening sessions and survey submissions.
Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful.
Listen
​Rolheiser: Celebrating 50 years of ordination

Fifty years ago, on an overcast, cold, fall day in the gymnasium of the local public high school, I was ordained to the priesthood. Beyond the grey sky, another thing marked the event. This was a tender season for my family and me. Both our parents had died (and died young) within a year and a half just prior to this and we were still somewhat fragile of heart. In that setting, I was ordained a priest.
Read more

Picture
Picture
At the first LIVE recording of Upfront with the Archbishop, October 5, His Grace gave Catholic young adults three points of wisdom, and then turned it over to them for a lively Q&A. Questions were asked about Catholic education, relations with the Eastern Orthodox, the apparent lack of a Youth Coordinator at the Archdiocese, and more in what turned into an exciting conversation.


Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful.
Listen
​Rolheiser: How to pray when we don't feel like it


If we only prayed when we felt like it, we wouldn’t pray a lot. Enthusiasm, good feelings, and fervour will not sustain anyone’s prayer life for long, good will and firm intention notwithstanding. Our hearts and minds are complex and promiscuous, wild horses frolicking to their own tunes, with prayer frequently not on their agenda. 

​
Read more
Give

​Canada's bishops release Pastoral Letter to Young people
Most Rev. Raymond Poisson, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), issued a Pastoral Letter to Young People, October 12, to honour the anniversary of the death of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first beatified millennial. This Pastoral Letter responds to the CCCB’s virtual conversations with over 200 young people from across Canada, aged 12-25 during the fall of 2020
Read more

Picture
Youcat: I Believe in God the Father

Luke Skywalker had put up a good fight, but Darth Vader had gained the upper hand by cutting off Luke’s right hand. Luke crawled away off the catwalk, just out of Vader’s reach. He was trapped and defenseless...

This is the seventh in a series of reflections on the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church. Mike Landry is Catholic Youth Camps director for the Archdiocese of Edmonton and chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools.

​
Read more

Picture
Picture
​"People are entrusting their wounds to you." That's how Fr. Philip Creurer describes his work in the tribunal, where they investigate whether or not a marriage was valid to begin with. This episode we get into specific questions around annulment, the process, and what about those very difficult cases? It makes for an enlightening second episode in our two part series. 

Listen
​Join us October 5 (today), 7:00 pm for the first LIVE recording of Archbishop Smith's new podcast, Upfront with the Archbishop! His Grace's conversation with our podcast host, Jenny Connelly, will be recorded in front of a live audience at Newman Theological College. Archbishop Smith will be taking questions from the audience, so bring your questions and bring a friend!

Facebook

​Rolheiser: Writing your own obituary


There comes a time in life when it’s time to stop writing your resume and begin to write your obituary. I’m not sure who first coined that line, but there’s wisdom in it. What’s the difference between a resume and an obituary? 

Read more
Picture

Picture
​Youcat: The Christian Profession of Faith

You don’t need to look far to find a story centered on a battle between good and evil. While many movies, novels, and comic books make the heroes and villains plain to see, some of the best of these stories add a little intrigue. In these stories it can be much harder to know who’s on whose side...

This is the sixth in a series of reflections on the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church. Mike Landry is Catholic Youth Camps director for the Archdiocese of Edmonton and chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools.

Read more

GrACE September Newsletter

As we look forward to a faithful year of learning, we ask you to join us in Walking Together in Catholic Education. This year’s theme is rooted in words from the Book of Micah:

As for us, we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever. — Micah 4:5.

And so it is that Catholic education exists; for the purpose of walking with our children, families and communities in the name of the Lord our God.

Read more
Picture

Picture
​Podcast: 'Til death do us part?

Is divorce a legitimate option for Catholics? In the first part of a two part series, Archbishop Smith, with our Judicial Vicar Fr. Philip Creurer, tackle the intense subjects of marriage, the declaration of nullity, and divorce. Who defines marriage? What makes a marriage valid or invalid? What is an annulment? Listen for the answers! 
​
Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, in conversation with Archbishop Richard Smith.
Listen

Picture
​Rolheiser: Dying alone in the desert


Recently I received a letter from a friend who shared that she was afraid to accept a certain vocation because it would leave her too much alone. She shared this fear with her spiritual director who simply said, Charles de Foucauld died alone in the desert!” That answer was enough for her. 

Read more


Picture
Visit website

Picture
Podcast: I will not treat the gifts of God as pointless
​
Sunday as a day of rest is no longer culturally normative, and we often treat it as a second Saturday. As Catholics, what does it mean to actually rest on the Lord's Day? Do sports count as work? What if I own a business? This week we talk about whether we need to change our behavior to better witness to how we live out our Sundays as Christians.


Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, in conversation with Archbishop Richard Smith.
Listen

Picture
Podcast: A Beggar's Heart

"What I want to do today is…reflect a little bit on the state of the Church that we live in, and how that affects us and how we live our faith here in this parish in the universal Catholic Church. So, to start with, the priesthood, the state of the priesthood in our Archdiocese."

​Listen

Picture
Listen
​Podcast: money, money, money

How much of your income should go to the Church? It's a fairly personal and direct question, and the answer may differ depending on the tradition you come from. This week we ask Archbishop Smith what Catholics are obligated to to give, and why.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, in conversation with Archbishop Richard Smith.

​Mark your calendar!

Join us for the first LIVE recording of Archbishop Smith's new podcast, Upfront with the Archbishop! His Grace's conversation with our podcast host, Jenny Connelly, will be recorded in front of a live audience at Newman Theological College. Archbishop Smith will also  be taking questions from the audience, so come prepared with whatever questions you would like to ask His Grace!


Stay tuned for more details (including the topic of this live conversation!). See you live and in person on October 5. Tell your friends!

​Like
Picture

Picture
Podcast: "I'm just a guy!"

“It wasn’t that long ago when I was the one sitting in the pew, like you are, looking up at the priest. And so I can still remember that, until you broach that relationship, the priest can be an intimidating figure….”


Listen

Picture

Picture
​Podcast: Shia LaBeouf and other celebrity Catholics

Who are the voices that shape and inform your Catholic faith? Mostly contemporary speakers / celebrities, or traditional voices from the past? This week we react to the buzz around celebrity conversions, like Shia LaBeouf recently, and how much weight to give the countless voices available to us throughout the internet and Church history.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, as well as Archbishop Richard Smith.
Listen

Podcast: A Beggar's Heart

How much does your Christian faith inspire your life? If I asked you after Mass, on a scale of one to ten, one being, “I’m baptized,” and ten being, “I will drop my nets and follow you Jesus wherever you want me to go,” where would you be on the spectrum?

Listen
Picture

Visit Mike's website
​Landry: Calling all teachers!

Mike Landry's Just 5 More Minutes videos are great resources you can use with your religion / homeroom classes to start lively discussions about our Catholic faith. 

This week's video looks at our 2022-23 Division theme, Growing in the Peace of Christ, offering some thoughts on what Christ’s peace actually is...and a couple of concrete ways to grow in it.

Visit Mike's website for questions, comments, or suggestions for future videos.

Rolheiser: A biblical formula for forgiveness

Nothing is as important as forgiveness. It is the key to happiness and the most important spiritual imperative in our lives. We need to forgive, to make peace with the hurts and injustices we have suffered so as not to die angry and bitter. Before we die, we need to forgive – others, ourselves, and God, for what happened to us in this life.

Read more
Picture

Picture
Landry: Filling the God-shaped hole in our hearts

Mike Landry writes the human heart is designed in such a way that we have a built-in yearning for God. Some have called it a God-shaped hole, a place in our hearts which only God can fill.


This is the third in a series of reflections on the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church. Mike is Catholic Youth Camps director for the Archdiocese of Edmonton. He is also chaplain for Evergreen Catholic Schools.

Read more

Picture
Picture
​​Called by Name: Reflections from Camp Encounter and Ignite

In the second week of August, we four interns – Ruth, Marc, Samuel, and I – spent the week at the St. Thérèse Institute in Bruno, SK, for the Face-to-Face Ministries’ summer camp called Ignite. Ignite is a Catholic week-long camp for high school students...

Read more

​Rolheiser: Magnificat gives voice to how God responds to powerlessness of poor

A wise old Augustinian priest once shared this in class. There are days in my life when everything from the pressures of my work, to tiredness, to depression, to distraction, to flat-out laziness make it difficult for me to pray. But, no matter what, I always try to pray at least one sincere, focused Our Father every day.

Read more
Picture

Picture
Landry: The Ring of Power

About two-thirds of the way through The Fellowship of the Ring, all the forces of good gather for a council. Trouble is brewing, and they lay out the dangers they and their people are facing. The situation is dire, but there is hope. If someone was to destroy the enemy’s weapon – a simple gold ring of power that has come into their possession – evil would be defeated and there could be a lasting peace.

Read more
Picture

​Podcast: Let's talk

Abortion is the hot topic, and rightfully so. Even with the Church's teaching being crystal clear, it is often misrepresented. This week Jenny and Archbishop Smith are joined by Gabrielle Johnson, the Executive Director of the Alberta Life Issues Educational Society, to talk about abortion, the rhetoric around it, and what is being done locally to help women, and their babies, during a crisis pregnancy.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, as well as Archbishop Richard Smith.
Picture
Listen
​


Picture
​Podcast: A Beggar's Heart

In this week's homily, Father Kris talks about a big hurdle that we must get over to receive the gift of faith: our pride. The Lord disciplines those He loves, but pride can keep us from accepting that discipline. When we refuse discipline we become narcissists.

Listen

​Podcast: What is sacred music?
The music played at mass can often become a lightning rod for disagreements. What instruments are most appropriate? Are hymns necessary? How do we navigate conflict? Archbishop Richard Smith is joined again by Roderick Bryce in tackling these practical questions on Sacred Music.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, as well as Archbishop Richard Smith

​Listen
Picture

Picture
​
​Landry: What we believe and what we do


Alongside a well-read copy of the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a book that should be on every Catholic’s shelf. And it should be our first stop when we have questions about the faith (before we turn to Google.) Knowing our way around the Catechism can help us when we have questions about the faith, or when we are challenged by others on what the Church teaches and believes.

Read more

Picture
​Podcast: Two new homilies

Fr. Kris Schmidt, pastor at St. Francis Xavier parish in Camrose and Vocations Lead for the Archdiocese of Edmonton, says, “My desire is that, as a priest through my homilies, God might make Himself known to you more clearly for He is simply Beautiful.” Listen to two new homilies from Fr. Kris: Keep Your Head Up and Family Reunion.

​Listen

​Podcast: One plus a bonus!
In this week's episode, we finally sit down with Archbishop Richard Smith to debrief Pope Francis' historic visit and penitential pilgrimage to Canada. His Grace discusses the highlights and key takeaways from his insider's perspective.

Want more? We are very excited to share with you a special BONUS episode with Fr. Cristino Bouvette (Papal Visit Liturgical Coordinator). We take a deep dive into the decisions made around the Papal liturgies and the elements of indigenous inculturation that happened, like smudging and praying in the four directions.


Listen
​
​Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, as well as Archbishop Richard Smith.
Picture
Picture

Picture
​Landry: Loud voices and restless hearts
With so much noise and so many voices competing for our attention, we need to be aware of who and what we pay attention to.
Read more

Picture
Picture
​Berube: Am I Giving Life?
Over the course of the past month, we at the Benedict XVI internship got our hands deeper and deeper into the work of assisting in volunteer coordinating for Pope Francis’ visit to Canada. Our work bore fruit as the Holy Father landed for his penitential visit.

Read more

Picture

​I was in prison and you visited me (Matthew 25:36b)
Are you interested in being the hands and feet of Jesus in Edmonton and area prisons? There are 5 prisons in the Edmonton area. Edmonton Maximum Security Institution, Edmonton Institution for Women, Edmonton Remand Centre, Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre, Edmonton Young Offenders Centre, and Red Deer Remand Centre.

Currently there is a need for musicians to help out at Mass/Celebrations of the Word at Edmonton Maximum Security Institution and Edmonton Institution for Women. All other prisons are always accepting volunteers.If you have a heart to show compassion to incarcerated women and men, have strong boundaries, and an active faith life, contact:
​
Darryl Tymchuk, Supervising Chaplain for Alberta Provincial Prisons, at 780-221-5620, or email.
Picture


Podcast: Who is Archbishop Smith?
In this week's episode, we get to know a little bit more about Archbishop Richard Smith. His Grace shares his personal testimony on how he came to the faith and his call to the priesthood.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast seeking to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith.

The podcast features our host, Jenny Connelly, as well as Archbishop Richard Smith of the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton Alberta.
Picture
Listen​

Picture
Rolheiser: Why is there something instead of nothing?

The Belgian theologian Jan Walgrave, who directed my doctoral thesis, was a true intellectual and a rare one. True, in that his thought naturally, instinctually gravitated towards the huge philosophical questions of essence and existence. Why are we here? Who are we really?  
Read more

Picture
​Podcast: You can be part of history!
Leading up to the Papal visit to Canada next week, Archbishop Richard Smith wants to let Catholics know how they can and should engage with this historic moment in the life of the Church in Canada and the country.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where we discuss the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith
Listen

Landry: The Pope is more than a celebrity
Anywhere you go that hockey is played, the number 99 is synonymous with greatness. The number 99 was the number that belonged to Wayne Gretzky, who is universally recognized as the greatest player to ever play the game…
Read more
Picture

Podcast: What makes sacred music sacred?

What music is appropriate for mass? Is there a right and a wrong to what songs and styles get played? Roderick Bryce, Music Director at St. Joseph Basilica, joins us as we dive deep into what the Church teaches about sacred music. What makes it so sacred, anyway? In this episode, part 1 of our discussion, we get into the official teaching and principles. In part 2 (to be released in a couple weeks) we get into some practical questions.


Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where we discuss the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith
​


Listen
Picture

Picture
Podcast: Instructions for Disciples
"Coming to know God's Word in our lives is a bumpy and sometimes complicated road. I know this because it is true in my life," says Fr. Kris Schmidt, Mission Formation Lead for parishes in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. "My desire is that, as a priest through my homilies, God might make Himself known to you more clearly for He is simply Beautiful."

​Listen

​Rolheiser: Coping with our own souls
We have many photographs of Therese of Lisieux. Her sister Celine loved using a camera and took many photos of Therese, but there’s an interesting thing to note in those photos.
​
Read more
Picture
©billperry/123RF.COM

Picture
Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples was damaged by fire, sustaining serious damage which requires rebuilding and upgrades. Sacred Heart church was designated as a national Indigenous Parish in 1991. It serves indigenous peoples and settlers as natural hub for Catholic reconciliation work in the Edmonton area.

Watch
The campaign to rebuild Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples offers each of us a unique and privileged opportunity to restore relationships between settlers of Canada and its First Peoples by renewing this house of prayer for all peoples. Bill Perdue and Ron Martineau from Sacred Heart parish provide a video update on the fund raising campaign.

Donate

Picture
Podcast: The game of LIFE
Does God have one specific plan for my life? Or is it more like the LIFE board game where I get to choose between a few equally suitable options? Are these questions even helpful when discerning our vocation? So many questions, and this week we're joined again by Fr. Marc to help answer them!
Fr. Marc Cramer has been the vocations director in the Archdiocese of Edmonton for 9 years, and currently is the pastor of St. Charles Catholic Church in Edmonton.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where we discuss the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith.



Listen
​

Picture
Rolheiser: Suicide and our misunderstandings

Margaret Atwood once wrote that sometimes a thing needs to be said, and said, said again, until it doesn’t need to be said anymore. That’s why I write a column annually on suicide, mostly saying the same things over and over again.
​
Read more

Picture
Podcast: Why can't we keep our pastor?
What goes into deciding when and a where a priest is moved? When can a priest move be harmful for the life of a parish? What do priests think of being moved every few years? In this week's episode, Vocations Director Fr. Marc Cramer joins Archbishop Richard Smith for a frank and revealing conversation about priest moves and their impact on parishes.

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful, by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith
Listen

Picture
Rolheiser: Cheap grace
There’s a tension among Christians today between those who would extend God’s mercy everywhere, seemingly without any conditions, and those who are more reticent and discriminating in dispensing it.

​Read more

Podcast: Alcohol and the Catholic life
Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful, by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith.

This week we look at the Catholic approach to alcohol, as we dive into the risk of drunkenness, the celebratory benefits of booze, as well as how Jesus used alcohol during his Earthly ministry.

Stay tuned to the end when the Archbishop will answer the question: "Will we ever see the chalice return for parishioners at mass?"



Listen

Picture

Landry: Sharing the good news
One night in mid-November 2004, the pyramid at Edmonton’s Muttart Conservatory was empty except for myself and my girlfriend. Though there are many different types of plants featured in the arid pyramid, I wasn’t really paying attending to any of it. I had realized that this was the opportune moment I was waiting for. It felt like my heart my beat out of my chest as I took a deep breath and began the speech I’d rehearsed countless times.

Read more
Picture

Picture
Rolheiser: Women, inequality and feminism
There are still people everywhere who believe there’s no longer any issue regarding the status of women.

Read more


Picture
​Podcast: It's the law!

Upfront with the Archbishop 
is a weekly podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful, by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith.

Is there a relationship between how we worship and what we believe? This week, (just in time for Corpus Christi!) we discuss the specifics of how we receive Holy Communion, in the hand or on the tongue. It's all within the broader principle of "Lex orandi lex credendi," that is, the law of what is prayed is the law of what is believed.

Stay tuned to the end when the Archbishop will answer a question on ecumenism!

Listen

Picture
"Let anyone who has an ear listen..."
Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith.

In part 2 of our interview with Fr. Cristino Bouvette, Archbishop Smith and Fr. Cristino discuss reactions to the news that came out of Kamloops a year ago, remaining Catholic in the midst of scandals, and realistic hopes for the papal visit to Canada.
Listen

Picture
New resources to help enrich your marriage
Acquiring the virtues and skills necessary for a happy and holy marriage requires work (accompanied by a lot of grace, of course!) But you don't have to journey alone. To Know, Love and Serve: A Path to Marital Fulfilment is a book and workbook developed by registered psychologists, Melissa Guzik and and Jean MacKenzie to assist Catholic couples in working towards this lofty goal.

We will be sharing insights from To Know, Love and Serve once a month in the WINDOW. Watch for more to come!
Read more

Picture
​Landry: We are given an indelible spiritual mark on our souls

One lasting image from Toy Story 2 is found on the bottom of cowboy doll Woody’s boot. There, you would find the name ‘Andy’ written in permanent marker.
Read more

​Rolheiser: Naming the present moment

Not everything can be fixed or cured, but it should be named properly. Richard Rohr said that. James Hillman suggests something similar when he wrote that a symptom suffers most when it doesn’t know where it belongs. Where does our present moment belong vis-à-vis our faith in God and the relevance of our churches?
Read more
Picture

​Father Cristino Bouvette: Residential schools, reconciliation and the Catholic priesthood
Fr. Cristino is a born and raised Albertan, ordained for the Diocese of Calgary on June 22, 2012. He served as a seminarian and associate pastor in a number of parishes before taking up his current role as Vicar for Vocations and Young Adults in July, 2017.

Since then he has helped to establish the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy for university students and young adults in the Diocese of Calgary. He oversees that growing project based out of St. Mary's Cathedral.

Given his unique perspective, Fr. Cristino was recently interviewed by CJAD radio in Montreal. In this eight minute interview, he shares how he reconciles his vocation with his Indigenous identity, his thoughts on the Holy Father's visit, and a message for those who are struggling with their faith.
Listen to interviewThis week in Up Front with the Archbishop podcast  we sit down with Fr. Cristino Bouvette to talk about the legacy of the Canadian residential schools within his family, the Church's relationship with Indigenous people, and his perspective on the past year as an Indigenous Catholic priest.
Listen to podcast
Picture

Picture
Elder Abuse Resources and Supports (EARS)

EARS provides support, assessment and referral as well as information and presentations to elderly adults who are at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect.

Contact Catholic Social Services at
780-477-2929 to schedule an Elder Abuse Awareness & Prevention presentation in your parish.
Read more

Picture
The Cheerful Giver: Skinny-decaf-latte or Church?
 
"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." -2 Cor 9: 7
 
Most people, including many Catholics, think nothing about committing to a four-year car loan or a 20-year mortgage, but are not willing to commit to even a year of giving to their Church.

They write a cheque when it doesn’t hurt to do so, or give what is in their pocket when the collection basket comes around. The Church should not be just one obligation among many or – worse – at the bottom of the financial priorities list, somewhere between “skinny-decaf-latte” and “family movie night.”
 
The Church, as the Body of Christ, is the source and succour of our very life and being. We should see giving to the Church as a privilege, not as a duty, and give gratefully out of thanksgiving for all that we have been given by God.

As St. Paul says:

“For your giving does not end in meeting the wants of your fellow-Christians. It also results in an overflowing tide of thanksgiving to God.Stéphane Haché
Moreover, your very giving proves the reality of your faith, and that means that people thank God that you practise the Gospel that you profess to believe in, as well for the actual gifts you make to them and to others. And yet further, people will pray for you and feel drawn to you because you have obviously received a generous measure of the grace of God.” (2 Cor 9:12-14)

If you have questions about Christian giving or fund development in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, please email donor engagement lead Stéphane Haché.
Email Stéphane



​Lessons in Fear
 
There's a lot of fear out there these days, and that's the subject of Steven's vlog this week. He reflects specifically on the biblical phrase "Fear of the Lord Your God," and explains how we can use this kind of fear to make our best and most important life decisions.
 
For more video reflections by Steven, Father Kris, and Sister Marie Therese, check out the Grandin Media vlog playlist.

​Omni Die Dic Mariae
Virtual Choir
 
Seeking the beautiful in this time of pandemic? Vital Grandin Latin Mass Chaplaincy Choir has put together a virtual choir comprising of members of Vital Grandin Choir, some of who are also part of St. Andrews Gregorian Chant Choir, and members from a women's choir at St. Joseph Basilica. Enjoy their wonderful gift!

Left Footers: Who is the Holy Spirit?
 
In a special virtual episode of Left Footers, Grandin Media’s online talk show, Rev. Roger Niedzielski has a conversation with Rev. Michael Bombak about who the Holy Spirit is and what difference it makes to you.
Father Bombak is pastor of the Ukrainian Catholic parishes of St. Olga in Vermilion and Descent of the Holy Spirit Parish in Lloydminster.

More Left Footers

Video Blog: The Hardest Part of being a Father
 
There are a lot of opinions on how to be a good father. Steven Defer, father of three, asked a few of his good friends to name the hardest part of being a dad. The answers he gets are diverse, and illustrative of a central theme that runs through Scripture.
 
See more vlogs from Steven on Grandin Media's Youtube Channel. ​

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
    • Message from the Pastor
    • Contact
    • SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
    • Weekly Bulletin >
      • Parish Calendars
    • History
    • News & Events >
      • More News
    • Parish Registration Form
    • Week at a Glance
    • Engaging the Mission >
      • Support Our Parish
  • Sunday Reflections
  • OUR FAITH
    • Growing in Faith
    • Just Five More Minutes - Videos
    • Consubstantial?
    • Dogmas of the Catholic Church
    • Indulgences
    • Liturgical Colours
    • Liturgical Year
    • PRAYER >
      • Some Basic Prayers
      • Grace Before Meals
      • Divine Mercy Chaplet >
        • The Divine Mercy Novena
      • Eucharistic Adoration
      • The Rosary
    • Purgatory
    • Saint of the Month >
      • Patron Saints
  • Liturgical Schedules
  • Our Hope
  • Careers
  • Resources
  • Called by Name
    • Permanent Deacons
  • Retreat Centres
  • Our Lady of Fatima
  • St. Anthony Parish - Didsbury
  • Knights of Columbus
  • PILGRIMAGES