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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 877 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 |
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.
Support Together We Serve Campaign
Funds can be collected throughout the year until Dec. 31, 2021. Our partners need us more than ever and appreciate your generous gifts to the campaign. So far roughly $217,000 has been raised, 10 per cent of the $2-million goal. Please consider online giving and monthly giving. All donations will be credited to your parish. There are two online giving options. This first link connects you to donating through the Archdiocese website and you can pick your parish. The second link connects you to donating through CanadaHelps.org. We get many donations through this organization. Pick Together We Serve from the drop-down menu and you can enter the parish name in the message section. |
Thank you very much in advance for your support of this critical campaign.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to donor engagement lead Stéphane Haché by email or phone (780) 469-1010 (Extension 2140) if you would like to provide any feedback as we analyze, reinvent and relaunch an even better version of the campaign for 2022. More information |
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Year of St. Joseph in Art: A digital St. Joseph Retreat
Enjoy viewing this online resource prepared by Christine Foisy-Erickson, a parishioner at St. Thomas More Parish in Edmonton. It is a collection of traditional and contemporary art will help you to discover, love and trust your spiritual father, St. Joseph. Forewords by Archbishop Smith, Fathers Mitch Fidyka and Curtis Berube, Fr. Don Calloway, and Christine. Blessed Year of St. Joseph! Contact Christine at homesformary@gmail.com Read More |
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Retrouvaille: A Lifeline for Married Couples
We have all had our challenges during this time of COVID-19. Perhaps your marriage is struggling and in need of help. Although we are unable to offer an in-person program at the current time, there is a virtual option available starting the weekend of April 22-25 (begins Thursday evening). If you like to obtain more information call 587-598-4357, or email info@helpourmarriage.ca, or check the website helpourmarriage.org |
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Declaring taxes
Taxes can be declared in support of the Catholic separate school division in your municipality benefits your children. To ensure your property taxes are supporting demonstration of support for your Catholic separate school, we ask that you declare your school support as "separate" on your annual property assessment notice and tax bill. |
If a declaration of school support is not filed by a property owner, the property assessment and tax bills show that the school support is going to the public school district.
If your support designation is incorrect, it can easily be corrected by completing and submitting a School Support Declaration form, obtained from your local city, town or municipal office. If you are in Edmonton, go to Edmonton Catholic School Division's website. A change in school support does not take effect until the following calendar year. Thank you for supporting Catholic education! |
Participate in live-streamed liturgies during Lent
In his Message for Lent 2021, Pope Francis writes: “During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ.”
In the days of Lent, a very important traditional practice, by which we are renewed in faith, hope and love, is frequent participation in the mass.
The Archdiocese of Edmonton offers points for our reflection to encourage and guide our active participation in the sacred liturgy during these pandemic times.
Read more
In his Message for Lent 2021, Pope Francis writes: “During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ.”
In the days of Lent, a very important traditional practice, by which we are renewed in faith, hope and love, is frequent participation in the mass.
The Archdiocese of Edmonton offers points for our reflection to encourage and guide our active participation in the sacred liturgy during these pandemic times.
Read more
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Certificate in Catholic Studies
Newman Theological College offers a comprehensive selection of online courses on various aspects of the Catholic faith. Each course runs five weeks and costs just $85. Take an individual course, 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. Students may register completely online. Contact Sandra Talarico; 780-392-2450 Ext. 2214 Toll free: 1-844-392-2450 Email: sandra.talarico@newman.edu Register here |
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Safe Environment and Abuse Prevention
There are many stages in the process of creating a safe environment for all. Where do you fall? This is an important question to answer in the process of caring for our safety and those of others in the community. The 'three Cs' gives you the description of each stage:
Complacency:
• Denies an abuse incident could happen
• Hopes past success will prevent future abuse
• Has few standardized procedures
• Responses tend to be punitive
• Treats incidents as staff failure
Compliance:
• Focuses on reacting to abuse rather than preventing it
• Uses government regulations as standard to care
• Trains staff on how to report abuse and policy violations, but staff may struggle with reporting requirements
• Minimizes red-flag behaviours
Commitment:
• Volunteer Coordinator - community protection - is a designated responsibility
• Policies clearly define appropriate boundaries and how to manage high-risk activities
• Screening process is designed to assess abuse risk
• Training is frequently scheduled and presents relevant content in an impactful manner
Should you have any questions, please contact Lucy Kaakyo at lkaakyo@caedm.ca
There are many stages in the process of creating a safe environment for all. Where do you fall? This is an important question to answer in the process of caring for our safety and those of others in the community. The 'three Cs' gives you the description of each stage:
Complacency:
• Denies an abuse incident could happen
• Hopes past success will prevent future abuse
• Has few standardized procedures
• Responses tend to be punitive
• Treats incidents as staff failure
Compliance:
• Focuses on reacting to abuse rather than preventing it
• Uses government regulations as standard to care
• Trains staff on how to report abuse and policy violations, but staff may struggle with reporting requirements
• Minimizes red-flag behaviours
Commitment:
• Volunteer Coordinator - community protection - is a designated responsibility
• Policies clearly define appropriate boundaries and how to manage high-risk activities
• Screening process is designed to assess abuse risk
• Training is frequently scheduled and presents relevant content in an impactful manner
Should you have any questions, please contact Lucy Kaakyo at lkaakyo@caedm.ca
Called to Protect training
Those in church leadership carry a special duty to see that all church employees and volunteers are suitable to be in positions of trust with children and vulnerable persons, and that all church-sponsored activities and programs are conducted in a safe environment.
The Archdiocese of Edmonton is using the Called to Protect for Ministries program to provide safe environment training for all clergy, employees and lay volunteer leaders.
The session will be held on Monday March 15, 2021 starting at 1 p.m. for a maximum of 2.5 hours.
Please register all volunteers who intend to attend, by Friday, March 12.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Register here
Those in church leadership carry a special duty to see that all church employees and volunteers are suitable to be in positions of trust with children and vulnerable persons, and that all church-sponsored activities and programs are conducted in a safe environment.
The Archdiocese of Edmonton is using the Called to Protect for Ministries program to provide safe environment training for all clergy, employees and lay volunteer leaders.
The session will be held on Monday March 15, 2021 starting at 1 p.m. for a maximum of 2.5 hours.
Please register all volunteers who intend to attend, by Friday, March 12.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Register here
Our Deceased Priests
We pray in a special way for all our priests who have died in the month of February.
We pray in a special way for all our priests who have died in the month of February.
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 |
In Memoriam
Most Rev. Anthony JORDAN, OMI Mar. 4, 1982 Most Rev. Henry Joseph O’LEARY Mar. 5, 1938 Rev. Thaddeus RATAJ Mar. 8, 1993 Rev. M. Gerard DOYLE Mar. 9, 1977 Rev. Michael C. HEFFERNAN Mar. 9, 1989 Most Rev. Emile LEGAL, OMI Mar. 10, 1920 Rev. Gordon ROEBUCK Mar. 10, 2006 Rev. Paul J. CONNELLY Mar. 14, 1988 |
Rev. Ernest R. DORAIS Mar. 16, 1908 Rev. Joseph Owen SULLIVAN Mar. 17, 1967 Rev. Hippolyte BEILLEVAIRE Mar. 18, 1937 Rt. Rev. Emile TESSIER Mar. 19, 1964 Rev. Victor PERRON Mar. 19, 2013 Rev. Michael Philip ROONEY Mar. 21, 1953 Rev. Patrick O’NEILL Mar. 21, 2014 Rev. Cornelius LANDRIGAN Mar. 22, 2000 |
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Ecumenical Prayer (Online)
Join our Edmonton Ecumenical community for musical meditation with Scripture, silence, and songs of Taizé from 7 - 8 p.m., livestreamed via the Taizé Prayer in Edmonton and Area Facebook Page |
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Online Marriage Preparation
Engaged couples, register now for ONLINE MARRIAGE PREPARATION in 2021! Coordinated through Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Sherwood Park, it includes a Virtual Weekend Course:
The $150 registration fee includes all course materials. |
Register ASAP by emailing Mona:
marriage.preparation@caedm.ca |
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The Southdown Institute has expanded its services to now reach even more members of the Catholic Faith Community. The new online Southdown Community Wellness Services are designed to help individuals navigate these new and challenging times.
The variety of interactive psychoeducation webinars, spirituality and psychotherapy groups address issues of grief, stress management, loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and spiritual concerns and are available to the adult Catholic population across Canada, ordained and lay alike. Please visit www.southdown.on.ca to learn more about each offering and to register. Select webinars are available in French and Spanish. About The Southdown Institute: The Southdown Institute is a trusted provider of psychological services and spiritual guidance to Clergy, Vowed Religious and Lay Pastoral Ministers. Programs and services include comprehensive assessments, residential treatment, leadership consultation, education, outreach and the online Community Wellness Services. |
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A cry for help amid the pandemic
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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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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
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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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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! |
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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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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." |
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.
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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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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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. |
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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