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Archbishop's Blog
Archbishop Smith's blog, The Reason for our Hope, is now being published at Grandin Media, at grandinmedia.ca/archbsmith. You can still find a link to the latest post on the front page of the archdiocesan website at caedm.ca. To subscribe to an RSS feed, use this link: grandinmedia.ca/category/voices/voices-reason-for-our-hope/feed Telus Livestream moves to new Channel
Our livestreamed masses from St. Joseph's Basilica will now be found on Channel 876 on Telus Optik TV. |
Letters to the Editor
Some readers have asked whether they can write a Letter to the Editor of Grandin Media. Yes you can -- and we'd love to hear from you! Because Grandin Media is a digital platform, you can send your message through the contact page at https://grandinmedia.ca/more/contact-us, or you can share your comments with other readers by typing in the Comment box at the bottom of each page. We also welcome letters by post to:
Andrew Ehrkamp, News Editor Grandin Media 8421 – 101 Avenue NW Edmonton AB T6A 0L1 |
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Retrouvaille
Are you struggling in your marriage? Are you feeling a sense of hopelessness? Are you looking to create a more intimate relationship? Do you want to enrich the connection with your spouse? Regardless of what your marital issues might be, Retrouvaille could be the answer. The next program begins November 13-15, 2020. For more information email info@helpourmarriage.ca, call 587-598-4357, or check the website retrouvaille.org |
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A cry for help amid the pandemic
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Virtual Marriage Encounter
The first Edmonton-based virtual Marriage Encounter weekend experience will be held November 13-15. For over 50 years Worldwide Marriage Encounter has helped over 3.5 million couples like you to uncover the secrets of a lasting, supportive, transformational marriage. |
We invite you to join us from the comfort of your own home for the first Edmonton Virtual Marriage Encounter weekend experience from 7PM November 13 to 3PM November 15th. Cost is $125/couple. To register online go to www.wwme.org
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Courses available
Are you (or is someone you know) interested in taking a course on scripture, theology, philosophy, spirituality, popular culture or any of the other areas covered in St. Joseph's College courses? Check out our list of SJC courses for more info and if you have any questions, email sjcdean@ualberta.ca or call 780-492-7682. |
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Importance of the family
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on everyone, but what’s been it's effect on us as a Catholic community? Grandin Media is hosting seven panel discussions on themes identified by the bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories. This week's panel discussion is on The Importance of the Family. Watch Video |
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Online Faith Formation
Through the Benedict XVI Institute for New Evangelization, Newman Theological College offers a comprehensive selection of short courses on various aspects of the Catholic faith. All are offered online, so you can study from the comfort of home and work around your personal schedule. Each course runs five weeks and costs just $85; the next cycle begins on Monday, September 21. Take an individual course for interest, or work toward one or all of the 22 specialized Certificates in Catholic Studies. This program is open to adults and youth of all backgrounds and education levels. For a list of courses, details, and online registration, visit newman.edu/ccs. For more information, contact Sandra Talarico at 780-392-2450 ext. 2214. |
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2020 Fall Seminar: The Letters of
St. Paul: Galatians; Philippians; Corinthians; Romans Hosted by Stéphane Saulnier, professor of Sacred Scripture. Start Date: Monday, September 21, 7 - 8 p.m. (No meeting on Monday 12 October). To register please call or email reception@newman.edu or call 780-392-2450 Download document for details |
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Medieval Theologians
To be held via Zoom video platform online (from the comfort of your home) + St. Bernard of Clairvaux ‘On Loving God’ + St. Bonaventure ‘Journey of the Mind into God’ (material will be circulated) Start Date: Tuesday, September 22, 12 - 1 p.m. Runs 10 weeks. Download document for details |
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Our Deceased Priests
We pray in a special way for all our priests who have died in the month of September.
We pray in a special way for all our priests who have died in the month of September.
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Rev. Rémi GUERTIN
Rev. William O’FARRELL Rev. Gary LEE Rt. Rev. Felix OTTERSON Rev. Louis SERATTO Rev. Augustine MacLELLAN Rev. John Louis STACEY Rev. James RIETMEIJER Rev. Emile COULOMBE Rev. Guy CARRIERE Rev. Michael MIREAU Rev. Francis D. GILLIS |
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Help desperately needed
In the face of unimaginable horror following the deadly explosions in Beirut, Catholic agencies are on the ground providing desperately needed relief. Both Development and Peace-Caritas Canada and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA Canada) have years of practical experience through their partners in the region, and have issued emergency appeals for help.
Rita Rhayem, Director of Caritas Lebanon, said the need is acute.
“The situation is critical,” she said. “It is apocalyptic, but we don’t stop and we will carry on in order to help all those in difficulty. The wounded are received in our primary care centres, which are overwhelmed, the hospitals are incredibly crowded. They lack everything, including food to support the affected population.”
Donations made to Development and Peace – Caritas Canada are eligible to be matched by the Canadian government.
Three Christian hospitals close to the Beirut port, including the 600-bed St. George Hospital, were severely damaged and evacuated after the blast.
“Our staff, as with the entire city, is really shaken,” said Michel Constantin, CNEWA’s Beirut-based regional director. “Our building was damaged, our offices are filled with shattered glass that could have been deadly had we not left for the day. Lebanon is on the brink of economic, political and social collapse. This will not stop us from doing our work. More than ever, the people of Lebanon need our help and, most especially, the help of their local and universal church.”
Funds raised by CNEWA Canada will be directed to the CNEWA office in Beirut, which will share them with local churches that offer essential health and emergency services and pastoral outreach.
Read more in Grandin Media
In the face of unimaginable horror following the deadly explosions in Beirut, Catholic agencies are on the ground providing desperately needed relief. Both Development and Peace-Caritas Canada and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA Canada) have years of practical experience through their partners in the region, and have issued emergency appeals for help.
Rita Rhayem, Director of Caritas Lebanon, said the need is acute.
“The situation is critical,” she said. “It is apocalyptic, but we don’t stop and we will carry on in order to help all those in difficulty. The wounded are received in our primary care centres, which are overwhelmed, the hospitals are incredibly crowded. They lack everything, including food to support the affected population.”
Donations made to Development and Peace – Caritas Canada are eligible to be matched by the Canadian government.
Three Christian hospitals close to the Beirut port, including the 600-bed St. George Hospital, were severely damaged and evacuated after the blast.
“Our staff, as with the entire city, is really shaken,” said Michel Constantin, CNEWA’s Beirut-based regional director. “Our building was damaged, our offices are filled with shattered glass that could have been deadly had we not left for the day. Lebanon is on the brink of economic, political and social collapse. This will not stop us from doing our work. More than ever, the people of Lebanon need our help and, most especially, the help of their local and universal church.”
Funds raised by CNEWA Canada will be directed to the CNEWA office in Beirut, which will share them with local churches that offer essential health and emergency services and pastoral outreach.
Read more in Grandin Media
A Message of Thanks from Archbishop Smith
A little while ago, I asked if it were at all possible that you consider contributing financially to the parish, in this time when the pandemic and the subsequent drop in donations have hit us and many other charities really hard. That led to some tough decisions in terms of temporary layoffs and reorganizing the way we do things.
People have really responded, perhaps in new ways such as donating online, or through pre-authorized giving, or continuing to drop by the church with their envelopes. I realize that for many, this continues to be a difficult time; yet people are still striving to be as generous as they can, and that deserves a heartfelt word of thanks to all of you.
It's edifying to see this concrete manifestation of your love for the Lord, your love for the Church, and your love for your parish in particular. I hope you're staying well and that the summer months afford you the opportunity to rest, to relax, to stay well and to appreciate even more deeply the extraordinary gift of faith we have been given by the Lord, along with the opportunity to live that faith out as part of the community of the Church.
Sincerely in Christ,
+Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Edmonton
A little while ago, I asked if it were at all possible that you consider contributing financially to the parish, in this time when the pandemic and the subsequent drop in donations have hit us and many other charities really hard. That led to some tough decisions in terms of temporary layoffs and reorganizing the way we do things.
People have really responded, perhaps in new ways such as donating online, or through pre-authorized giving, or continuing to drop by the church with their envelopes. I realize that for many, this continues to be a difficult time; yet people are still striving to be as generous as they can, and that deserves a heartfelt word of thanks to all of you.
It's edifying to see this concrete manifestation of your love for the Lord, your love for the Church, and your love for your parish in particular. I hope you're staying well and that the summer months afford you the opportunity to rest, to relax, to stay well and to appreciate even more deeply the extraordinary gift of faith we have been given by the Lord, along with the opportunity to live that faith out as part of the community of the Church.
Sincerely in Christ,
+Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Edmonton
Condolences to Maronite Catholic community following Beirut explosion
Dear Sisters and Brothers of Our Lady of Good Help Maronite Catholic Community,
We were shocked and disheartened to learn of the massive and devastating explosion in Beirut on Tuesday, especially knowing that many of you have been personally touched by this unprecedented disaster. On behalf of the people of the Archdiocese of Edmonton, I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences. Please be assured that we are keeping you and your loved ones in our prayers during this terrible time.
I was blessed to visit Lebanon in 2017, and during my short time there witnessed the unique creativity, hospitality and resilience of the Lebanese people – despite facing challenges we in Canada can only imagine. I pray that Our Lord grant them solace, healing, and hope as they grieve their losses and begin to recover and rebuild.
May you, too, find consolation through your faith in Christ, whose love conquers all things.
Father Saad has invited me to celebrate Mass with you at Our Lady of Good Help parish, and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday, August 9, at 6 p.m.
Our Lady of Good Help pray for us!
St. Charbel pray for us!
Yours sincerely in Christ,
+Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Edmonton
5 August 2020
Download the Letter
Dear Sisters and Brothers of Our Lady of Good Help Maronite Catholic Community,
We were shocked and disheartened to learn of the massive and devastating explosion in Beirut on Tuesday, especially knowing that many of you have been personally touched by this unprecedented disaster. On behalf of the people of the Archdiocese of Edmonton, I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences. Please be assured that we are keeping you and your loved ones in our prayers during this terrible time.
I was blessed to visit Lebanon in 2017, and during my short time there witnessed the unique creativity, hospitality and resilience of the Lebanese people – despite facing challenges we in Canada can only imagine. I pray that Our Lord grant them solace, healing, and hope as they grieve their losses and begin to recover and rebuild.
May you, too, find consolation through your faith in Christ, whose love conquers all things.
Father Saad has invited me to celebrate Mass with you at Our Lady of Good Help parish, and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday, August 9, at 6 p.m.
Our Lady of Good Help pray for us!
St. Charbel pray for us!
Yours sincerely in Christ,
+Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Edmonton
5 August 2020
Download the Letter
Lunch & Learn: The History of Alberta's first Women's Shelter
The Edmonton Social Planning Council invites you to join us for a virtual Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, August 26, at 12 noon MT. Speakers include Rose-Marie McCarthy and Lynn Hannley, both early founders of WIN House, who will share stories of how a disparate group of Edmontonians overcame the odds in their shared mission to help women in need.
See details on the poster and click below to register for the free Zoom session:
Register for online Lunch & Learn
The Edmonton Social Planning Council invites you to join us for a virtual Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, August 26, at 12 noon MT. Speakers include Rose-Marie McCarthy and Lynn Hannley, both early founders of WIN House, who will share stories of how a disparate group of Edmontonians overcame the odds in their shared mission to help women in need.
See details on the poster and click below to register for the free Zoom session:
Register for online Lunch & Learn
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True North Conference for Young Adults Singles For Christ (SFC), a young adult ministry of Couples for Christ, presents True North Conference, a two-day virtual event that aims to evangelize and empower young adults and renew and strengthen Christian family life. The Virtual True North Conference will be held on August 15-16 under the theme “Fully Alive.” Everyone aged 19-40 is welcome to attend. There is no cost; however, registration is required. Registration closes on August 12. Click here for more details or contact Aileen at 204-230-6938. Register for SFC_TNC Fully Alive |
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Join us for our first-ever virtual pilgrimage July 25-29
For over 130 years, thousands of people have made their way to the shores of Lac Ste Anne each summer for the annual Lac Ste Anne Pilgrimage, making it the largest Catholic gathering in Western Canada. Before that, generations of Indigenous people had travelled to the sacred site, seeking healing, spiritual renewal, and community. So the cancellation of the pilgrimage this year due to the pandemic came as a great disappointment to many. We are pleased to advise that for 2020, the pilgrimage will continue online. We invite you to participate by visiting the Lac Ste Anne Pilgrimage website, where a variety of videotaped/livestreamed events will be posted each day from Saturday, July 25, to Wednesday, July 29. The opening Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Smith, will be posted at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, followed by his blessing of the lake at 3 p.m. All events will also be posted on the Grandin Media Youtube Channel. View the full Pilgrimage schedule Father Garry LaBoucane is the spiritual director of the pilgrimage. Check out his invitation video message above. We look forward to seeing you online! Read more in Grandin Media Donate to the Pilgrimage |
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Welcome to our new Deacons!
On Tuesday, July 21, we were blessed with the ordinations of four new permanent deacons: Steven Defer, Pedro (Bong) Estoque, Francis Lau, and Wayne Provencal. Addressing the men in his homily, Archbishop Smith called it a day of great joy. "Know that I and the Archdiocese of Edmonton rejoice with you," he said. "We are grateful to you for seeking to hear the voice of the Lord and responding generously with your lives to his call. Thank you for saying yes to Christ. We pledge you our prayer and support." Please keep these deacons in prayer as they embark on their new ministry of service to the Church and community. To view the Mass of Ordination online, click on the video link above or visit the Archdiocese Youtube Channel. |
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Help for ailing marriages
Retrouvaille is a lifeline for marriages, a weekend and post-weekend program for married couples with emphasis on communication between husband and wife. The next program in the Edmonton area begins August 14-16. For more information, email info@helpourmarriage.ca or call 587-598-4357. |
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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. |
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Stage 2 Relaunch Strategy: Update
Archbishop Smith has authorized parishes to expand their attendance limits as of June 15. Under provincial health guidelines, there is no longer a limit on attendance at worship services. The limit will vary with each parish, depending on building size, and staff and volunteer capacity. The pandemic is still with us. Therefore, all protocols regarding physical distancing, sanitization, screening questions, and contact recording still need to be followed. |
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Priestly Ordinations set for June 29
With great joy and gratitude, we are pleased to advise that a date has been set for the ordinations of Deacon JD Carmichael and Deacon Curtis Berube to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Edmonton. Archbishop Smith will preside at the Mass of Ordination at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 29, at St Joseph's Basilica.
PLEASE NOTE that because of COVID restrictions, the celebration will be open only to their immediate family members. However, we plan to livestream the Mass on the Archdiocese Youtube, Facebook and Twitter channels, as well as broadcast on Telus Optik TV Channel 876.
Pray a Novena
Please keep both of these faithful men in your prayers! We invite you to pray a Novena to the Holy Spirit for Vocations in the lead-up to their ordination. This a great opportunity to call the Holy Spirit down on Curtis and JD, to nurture and strengthen their vocations, and for the Holy Spirit to inspire the vocations of young people across the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Suggested schedule for the Nine Days of the Novena is June 20-28, ending the day before the ordination.
Download the Novena Prayers (PDF, 24 pages)
With great joy and gratitude, we are pleased to advise that a date has been set for the ordinations of Deacon JD Carmichael and Deacon Curtis Berube to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Edmonton. Archbishop Smith will preside at the Mass of Ordination at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 29, at St Joseph's Basilica.
PLEASE NOTE that because of COVID restrictions, the celebration will be open only to their immediate family members. However, we plan to livestream the Mass on the Archdiocese Youtube, Facebook and Twitter channels, as well as broadcast on Telus Optik TV Channel 876.
Pray a Novena
Please keep both of these faithful men in your prayers! We invite you to pray a Novena to the Holy Spirit for Vocations in the lead-up to their ordination. This a great opportunity to call the Holy Spirit down on Curtis and JD, to nurture and strengthen their vocations, and for the Holy Spirit to inspire the vocations of young people across the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Suggested schedule for the Nine Days of the Novena is June 20-28, ending the day before the ordination.
Download the Novena Prayers (PDF, 24 pages)
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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! |
Stage 2 Relaunch Strategy: Statement from Alberta Bishops
The Catholic Bishops of Alberta are welcoming news that attendance limits on worship services will be expanded under Stage 2 of the Alberta government’s relaunch strategy.
Over the last few weeks, parishes across the province have worked diligently to implement the health and safety protocols necessary to welcome congregations of up to 50 people at each Mass. The return of these public celebrations has been a source of joy for our parishioners and priests alike.
We are grateful to all those who have worked so hard to make the necessary preparations, and to our parishioners for the patience and the responsibility toward others that they have demonstrated as they have returned to Mass.
It is important to note, however, that the pandemic is still with us. Therefore, the expansion of the attendance limit will not mean an immediate return to full churches. Each parish will need to determine the maximum number they can accommodate while still observing physical distancing protocols. The Bishops remain committed to protecting the health of parishioners, volunteers, staff and clergy.
Therefore, the current guidelines issued by the Bishops for public celebrations of the Mass remain in place until further notice.
Read the full Statement
The Catholic Bishops of Alberta are welcoming news that attendance limits on worship services will be expanded under Stage 2 of the Alberta government’s relaunch strategy.
Over the last few weeks, parishes across the province have worked diligently to implement the health and safety protocols necessary to welcome congregations of up to 50 people at each Mass. The return of these public celebrations has been a source of joy for our parishioners and priests alike.
We are grateful to all those who have worked so hard to make the necessary preparations, and to our parishioners for the patience and the responsibility toward others that they have demonstrated as they have returned to Mass.
It is important to note, however, that the pandemic is still with us. Therefore, the expansion of the attendance limit will not mean an immediate return to full churches. Each parish will need to determine the maximum number they can accommodate while still observing physical distancing protocols. The Bishops remain committed to protecting the health of parishioners, volunteers, staff and clergy.
Therefore, the current guidelines issued by the Bishops for public celebrations of the Mass remain in place until further notice.
Read the full Statement
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How do we receive Communion under the new guidelines?
Here's how Archbishop Smith answered when asked by a reporter: A few of us gathered to film a demonstration with Father Paul at our chapel at the Pastoral & Administration Offices. In short, these are the temporary measures the Archbishop has directed for Stage 1 of the reintroduction of public Mass:
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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.
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.
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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 |
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Can we Celebrate the Sacraments Virtually?
Please feel free to share this and other video messages from the Archbishop. All his catechetical reflections can be found on Youtube@Archedmonton. In this video message, the Archbishop responds to another question that has been raised recently: Is it possible to go to confession online by videoconference or over the phone? "The sacramental encounter of Christ is distinct from all other ways in which we can meet the Lord," he says. "We reach out to him in prayer, we encounter him in his Word, we are with him in the presence of the Christian community. That is all real and wonderful. But in addition to all this, Jesus himself took the distinct and deliberate measure of instituting the sacraments as those unique celebrations of faith in which his tangibility and his visibility now are made available to people of all generations so that they may themselves have a fully human personal encounter with the Lord." |
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Read the Alberta government's new Guidance for Places of Public Worship
Alberta Bishops are considering this document in their discernment of when and how to reintroduce public liturgies gradually. We expect more news following a May 21st teleconference of faith leaders with the Premier and Chief Medical Officer of Health. |
Looking for Mary
Villa Vianney is a residence for our retired priests, located on our Catholic Campus. Years ago a statue of Mary was situated in front of the building, but it disappeared and now they are looking for a replacement.
The statue must be for outdoor use and should be about life size. If your parish or community has a spare statue that might be suitable for the Villa, please contact Father Adam at 780-469-1010 ext. 2123.
Villa Vianney is a residence for our retired priests, located on our Catholic Campus. Years ago a statue of Mary was situated in front of the building, but it disappeared and now they are looking for a replacement.
The statue must be for outdoor use and should be about life size. If your parish or community has a spare statue that might be suitable for the Villa, please contact Father Adam at 780-469-1010 ext. 2123.
Pray with Pope Francis during May, the month of Mary
His Holiness Pope Francis has issued a Letter to the Faithful for the Month of May 2020, in which he encourages us to pray the Rosary at home, and he includes two prayers that can be recited after the Rosary.
"It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family," Pope Francis writes. "The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this 'family' aspect, also from a spiritual point of view.
"For this reason, I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May. This can be done either as a group or individually; you can decide according to your own situations, making the most of both opportunities. The key to doing this is always simplicity, and it is easy also on the internet to find good models of prayers to follow.
"Dear brothers and sisters, contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial. I keep all of you in my prayers, especially those suffering most greatly, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. I thank you, and with great affection I send you my blessing."
We fly to your protection,
O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always
from every danger,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Download the letter with prayers
la lettre avec des prières
His Holiness Pope Francis has issued a Letter to the Faithful for the Month of May 2020, in which he encourages us to pray the Rosary at home, and he includes two prayers that can be recited after the Rosary.
"It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family," Pope Francis writes. "The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this 'family' aspect, also from a spiritual point of view.
"For this reason, I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May. This can be done either as a group or individually; you can decide according to your own situations, making the most of both opportunities. The key to doing this is always simplicity, and it is easy also on the internet to find good models of prayers to follow.
"Dear brothers and sisters, contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial. I keep all of you in my prayers, especially those suffering most greatly, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. I thank you, and with great affection I send you my blessing."
We fly to your protection,
O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always
from every danger,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Download the letter with prayers
la lettre avec des prières
Keeping Online Spaces Safe
Around 95% of youth aged 12 to 17 use the internet daily. Internet usage may expose them to sexual offenders who seek contact with minors via social networking sites and apps. With changing technologies, the dynamics of abuse have also changed.
A report from the Michigan State Police suggests Instagram has become the primary means for offenders to find victims. Offenders are adopting new and fake identities to groom their victims, often times pretending to be a youth themselves. The conversations may start innocent-sounding, and youth may share information about themselves to the stranger. This makes it easier for the offender to locate and identify the child. The scariest part is that they are often grooming 20 or 30 kids at a time.
Another report shares the dangers of Snapchat. Offenders use the app to send child pornography to other child offenders. They also use it to collect inappropriate photos of their victims. Police have a hard time investigating crimes on Snapchat since the security features of the app make it difficult for offenders to be caught.
Though these reports sound terrifying, the good news is that abuse is 100% preventable. The bad news is that staff and volunteers within an organization are much more likely to be trusted by a youth program participant. Organizations need to be hyper-diligent in creating safe boundaries within a “hidden” and “private” virtual space.
For example, a parish ministry presence on Facebook should be set up as a Page, where communications are public, rather than as a Personal Profile of the staff member or volunteer leader of the ministry. At least two staff persons at the parish should have Administrator credentials on any social media account that represents a particular ministry.
When we know the behaviours of youth online, the patterns of grooming, and how organizations can carry out safeguards to prevent the abuse, we can collectively work to prevent abuse.
Around 95% of youth aged 12 to 17 use the internet daily. Internet usage may expose them to sexual offenders who seek contact with minors via social networking sites and apps. With changing technologies, the dynamics of abuse have also changed.
A report from the Michigan State Police suggests Instagram has become the primary means for offenders to find victims. Offenders are adopting new and fake identities to groom their victims, often times pretending to be a youth themselves. The conversations may start innocent-sounding, and youth may share information about themselves to the stranger. This makes it easier for the offender to locate and identify the child. The scariest part is that they are often grooming 20 or 30 kids at a time.
Another report shares the dangers of Snapchat. Offenders use the app to send child pornography to other child offenders. They also use it to collect inappropriate photos of their victims. Police have a hard time investigating crimes on Snapchat since the security features of the app make it difficult for offenders to be caught.
Though these reports sound terrifying, the good news is that abuse is 100% preventable. The bad news is that staff and volunteers within an organization are much more likely to be trusted by a youth program participant. Organizations need to be hyper-diligent in creating safe boundaries within a “hidden” and “private” virtual space.
For example, a parish ministry presence on Facebook should be set up as a Page, where communications are public, rather than as a Personal Profile of the staff member or volunteer leader of the ministry. At least two staff persons at the parish should have Administrator credentials on any social media account that represents a particular ministry.
When we know the behaviours of youth online, the patterns of grooming, and how organizations can carry out safeguards to prevent the abuse, we can collectively work to prevent abuse.
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On Growing in Holiness
Please feel free to share this and other video messages from the Archbishop. All his catechetical reflections can be found on Youtube@Archedmonton. In this video message, the Archbishop responds to a question that was put to him not long after restrictions placed upon us due to COVID-19 began to take hold: How do we grow in holiness during this time of pandemic? "Let me say first that I’m really pleased with the question. It suggests an intuition that these strange and limiting circumstances might be providing us with an occasion to ponder closely our life of faith and the universal call to holiness that is ours from Baptism. "I think here we already have what we could call a holy intuition, one that recognizes that, since God is always at work in our lives, we should be very attentive, especially in untoward situations, to how we might be called to cooperate with His grace." |
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Faith in a Time of Crisis
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, everyone has been asked to adopt a new lifestyle in order to reduce its spread. For Catholics, this means finding a new way of living one's faith. This new series on Salt+Light TV brings you conversations with our Church leaders on how to find faith during this time of crisis. In this edition of Faith in a Time of Crisis, Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann speaks with Archbishop Smith about how Catholics here are managing to cope despite being hit with the double-whammy of the pandemic and collapsed oil prices. |
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Alberta Bishops plan for Reinstatement of Public Masses
In preparation for the lifting of some restrictions on gatherings in public places in Alberta, the Catholic Bishops of Alberta are working to develop a plan for the eventual reinstatement of public celebrations of the Mass. The Bishops have established a task force under the direction of Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton and Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary. The mandate of this task force is to discern when and how this gradual reinstatement will be initiated.
Their consideration will continue to be informed by the advice of Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and the provincial government’s staged COVID-19 recovery plan.
“We are acutely aware of our parishioners’ fervent desire to return to the Eucharist, and we share their concern,” said Archbishop Smith.
“Our careful discernment now will ensure that when the time comes, we will be ready to begin inviting the faithful back to the churches they miss so much. We are extremely grateful to all those who have made great sacrifices in the common effort to protect our brothers and sisters by preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
In preparation for the lifting of some restrictions on gatherings in public places in Alberta, the Catholic Bishops of Alberta are working to develop a plan for the eventual reinstatement of public celebrations of the Mass. The Bishops have established a task force under the direction of Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton and Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary. The mandate of this task force is to discern when and how this gradual reinstatement will be initiated.
Their consideration will continue to be informed by the advice of Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and the provincial government’s staged COVID-19 recovery plan.
“We are acutely aware of our parishioners’ fervent desire to return to the Eucharist, and we share their concern,” said Archbishop Smith.
“Our careful discernment now will ensure that when the time comes, we will be ready to begin inviting the faithful back to the churches they miss so much. We are extremely grateful to all those who have made great sacrifices in the common effort to protect our brothers and sisters by preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
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In this video message, the Archbishop addresses the cancellation of this year's Skaro pilgrimage and asks for our help in sharing the information with pilgrims, many of whom travel great distances to attend.
"As you know, Skaro is one of our official Archdiocesan Marian shrines. Even though we cannot participate in the pilgrimage this year, we know we can always turn to the Blessed Mother. In fact, Canada’s Bishops just consecrated their Dioceses and thus the whole country to her under her title Mother of the Church. Let’s renew this consecration personally from our hearts, each day, in an act of entrustment to her maternal love and powerful intercession. "Let’s ask for her prayers that this pandemic come to an end; ask her to intercede for those who are ill with the virus, and for all the sick. Pray also to Our Lady for our healthcare workers who are striving very hard, at the risk of contagion, to care for the sick. "Mary, Mother of the Church and Health of the Sick, pray for us." |
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Pray with Pope Francis during May, the month of Mary
His Holiness Pope Francis has issued a Letter to the Faithful for the Month of May 2020, in which he encourages us to pray the Rosary at home, and he includes two prayers that can be recited after the Rosary.
"It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family," Pope Francis writes. "The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this 'family' aspect, also from a spiritual point of view.
"For this reason, I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May. This can be done either as a group or individually; you can decide according to your own situations, making the most of both opportunities. The key to doing this is always simplicity, and it is easy also on the internet to find good models of prayers to follow.
"Dear brothers and sisters, contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial. I keep all of you in my prayers, especially those suffering most greatly, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. I thank you, and with great affection I send you my blessing."
We fly to your protection,
O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always
from every danger,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Download the letter with prayers
la lettre avec des prières
His Holiness Pope Francis has issued a Letter to the Faithful for the Month of May 2020, in which he encourages us to pray the Rosary at home, and he includes two prayers that can be recited after the Rosary.
"It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family," Pope Francis writes. "The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this 'family' aspect, also from a spiritual point of view.
"For this reason, I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May. This can be done either as a group or individually; you can decide according to your own situations, making the most of both opportunities. The key to doing this is always simplicity, and it is easy also on the internet to find good models of prayers to follow.
"Dear brothers and sisters, contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial. I keep all of you in my prayers, especially those suffering most greatly, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. I thank you, and with great affection I send you my blessing."
We fly to your protection,
O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always
from every danger,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Download the letter with prayers
la lettre avec des prières
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Consecrating Canada to Mary, Mother of the Church, in time of Pandemic: Livestreamed Mass on May 1
"Mary has one remedy, and that is to bring us by her prayers to her son." Download Ritual Prayers of Consecration prières en français |
On Friday, May 1, the Catholic Bishops of Canada will consecrate their individual dioceses or eparchies to Mary, Mother of the Church, seeking her protection during the Coronavirus pandemic, similar to what other Episcopal Conferences throughout the world have done. Along with the Bishops, pastors, families, groups, individuals and other faith communities are invited to join the consecration as part of the global effort to unite in faith and prayer in this most difficult time.
We invite you to join Archbishop Smith online for a livestreamed Mass on Friday, May 1, at 9 a.m, where he will offer special prayers for healing and protection at the same time as other Alberta Bishops.
And if you wonder about just what this consecration means for us, check out the Archbishop's video message.
We invite you to join Archbishop Smith online for a livestreamed Mass on Friday, May 1, at 9 a.m, where he will offer special prayers for healing and protection at the same time as other Alberta Bishops.
And if you wonder about just what this consecration means for us, check out the Archbishop's video message.
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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. |
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For those Preparing to Marry
In this video message, the Archbishop offers a hopeful message to those whose wedding plans have been temporarily disrupted. "Here’s my suggestion: take advantage of this gift of time to ponder the important questions that have been raised for you in the marriage preparation courses you’ve taken. Go back over the material, recall the conversations, and give special focus to areas of your lives that you came to realize need special attention. This is where the gift of time becomes especially precious: it is an occasion to deepen your self-knowledge and your appreciation for one another before you enter the state of holy matrimony. "Please take good advantage of this gift of time and pray that, with God’s help, He will continue to work in your hearts to prepare you well for that moment when you become married in the Lord. "Please know that I share your excitement ant that I’m praying for you, of course. Many others are, too." |
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In this video message, the Archbishop reminds us that our parishes are in particular need of our financial support, since they no longer have the proceeds from the collection basket at Mass.
"This, like so many other areas of our lives right now, needs to happen in new ways. So, I’m making this special appeal to you to continue to offer your financial support. It is urgently needed. "... I understand that your primary financial responsibility is, of course, to your own home and family. I hope you’ll understand that I still need to ask that you also remember your spiritual home, which is your parish. I’m inviting you prayerfully to consider how you can continue to support your parish’s mission, to the extent possible during this extraordinary time." |
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In this video message, the Archbishop reflects on the celebration of the Eucharist in these days when we are unable to gather publicly for the liturgy.
"It is true that we should not go out, and for good reason. But that does not mean that we cannot go within. What I mean is this. Through the celebration of the Eucharist, the grace of the sacrament enters the very heart of our being. This grace prepares and enables us for mission. Were it not for the grace of the Eucharist, received either through physical presence or spiritual communion, we could not go out on mission effectively even in the absence of medical restrictions. We need consciously to allow that grace to touch and transform us so that, by the change it works with in us, we are able to be those missionary disciples we are called to be by our Baptism." |
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Veni Sancte Spiritus: Pentecost Retreat and Novena
This May 23-31, join Catholic clergy and youth ministry veterans for an online retreat as we prepare for Pentecost. This retreat will include livestreamed Masses, talks, Holy Hours, discussions, and a special episode of 'Left Footers' – all designed to prepare us to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. In response to Pope Leo XIII's request in 1897 that we do so, we'll also pray an online novena (nine days of prayer) as "...a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian." This online retreat, brought to you by the Vocations office of the Archdiocese of Edmonton, is open to any young person (teenager or young adult) who'd like to enrich their spiritual life, start or enhance their habits of prayer, and become the saints God created them to be. It is absolutely free of charge, and you can learn more about it – and register for it – at mikeisthird.com/veni. |
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Livestreamed Mass
We invite the faithful to join celebrations of the Mass ‘virtually,’ through video livestreaming from their own parish or from St. Joseph’s Basilica with Archbishop Smith. Sunday Mass at the Basilica is livestreamed at 10:30 a.m. each week. Find it on the Archdiocese of Edmonton Youtube Channel or on Facebook at facebook.com/archedmonton or Twitter at twitter.com/archedmonton Visit your parish website or grandinmedia.ca/livestream to find links to livestream events across the Archdiocese. |
Mass on Cable TV
If you are a cable TV subscriber, you can access Salt+Light TV, Canada's Catholic network, for a nominal fee each month. Or view online at saltandlighttv.org/live. Daily TV Mass is offered 4 times a day Monday to Saturday and twice a day on Sunday. (4:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 2 p.m., 8:30 p.m.) Daily Papal Mass, celebrated by Pope Francis from Casa Santa Marta, airs daily at 7:30 a.m. MT. Televised Mass is also available to those who subscribe to EWTN and Vision TV. Click on the links for their schedules. |
Canadian Bishops speak out for Eritrean Catholics
Archbishop Richard Gagnon, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has issued two letters concerning continued religious persecution in Eritrea. The first was addressed to François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, to raise awareness of the ongoing human rights violations experienced by Eritrean Catholics and the role Canada can play to improve the conditions of life for the people of the country. The second was addressed to the Most Rev. Menghesteab Tesfamariam, Archeparch of Amsara and President of the Council of the Eritrean Church, expressing words of encouragement and solidarity with the country's Bishops as they continue to seek out ways to ease the tremendous suffering of the Catholic faithful.
The letter to Ottawa calls on the minister to press for several actions, including
Letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs
Letter to President of the Council of the Eritrean Church
Read about Eritrean Catholics in Grandin Media
Archbishop Richard Gagnon, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has issued two letters concerning continued religious persecution in Eritrea. The first was addressed to François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, to raise awareness of the ongoing human rights violations experienced by Eritrean Catholics and the role Canada can play to improve the conditions of life for the people of the country. The second was addressed to the Most Rev. Menghesteab Tesfamariam, Archeparch of Amsara and President of the Council of the Eritrean Church, expressing words of encouragement and solidarity with the country's Bishops as they continue to seek out ways to ease the tremendous suffering of the Catholic faithful.
The letter to Ottawa calls on the minister to press for several actions, including
- release of all prisoners held on account of their peaceful religious practices
- return of all church properties confiscated by the government;
- end to religious persecution of any unregistered religious groups and allowing members of such groups all human rights accorded to all other citizens; and
- immediate cessation of all crimes against humanity and the acceptance of and cooperation with unrestricted visits by UN representatives and the International Red Cross.
Letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs
Letter to President of the Council of the Eritrean Church
Read about Eritrean Catholics in Grandin Media
little liturgiesEdmonton Catholic Schools is offering a video feature called Little Liturgies to assist parents and young children during their time of at-home schooling. In this episode, Father Glenn talks about the miracle of Easter and what it means for us today.
New episodes will be posted each Monday on the ECS Youtube Channel. |
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