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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. |
Archbishop's Blog has Moved
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 We also welcome letters by post to:
Andrew Ehrkamp, News Editor Grandin Media 8421 – 101 Avenue NW Edmonton AB T6A 0L1 |
Curtis Berube
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Upcoming Ordinations
We are pleased to announce that two men who are studying for the diocesan priesthood at St. Joseph Seminary will be ordained as transitional deacons by Archbishop Richard Smith this summer. For seminarians Curtis Berube and JD Carmichael, the transitional diaconate will be the last phase of their formation. Both are avid outdoorsmen, and both have spent the last year in parishes on pastoral internship, Curtis at St. Anthony in Lloydminster and JD at St. Agnes/St. Anthony in Edmonton. The Mass of Ordination will take place at St. Joseph Basilica on Thursday, June 27, beginning at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend the celebration and give thanks and praise to God for these vocations. Please keep Curtis and JD in your prayers. Read more |
JD Carmichael
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Live-in with Sisters of Providence
The Sisters of Providence invite single women aged 22-38, who are actively exploring a call to apostolic religious life, to a week-long immersion experience with our way of life and mission. Have a break and take time to explore our Annual Summer Live-in Experience, August 11-17. Please register soon; there is a limit of 5-6 participants for each immersion program. Contact Sister Mae at mvaldez@sistersofprovidence.ca or 587-432-2088.
sistersofprovidence.ca
The Sisters of Providence invite single women aged 22-38, who are actively exploring a call to apostolic religious life, to a week-long immersion experience with our way of life and mission. Have a break and take time to explore our Annual Summer Live-in Experience, August 11-17. Please register soon; there is a limit of 5-6 participants for each immersion program. Contact Sister Mae at mvaldez@sistersofprovidence.ca or 587-432-2088.
sistersofprovidence.ca
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2019 Appointments of Priests
View the full list of appointments on our website With gratitude for the work of the Clergy Personnel Committee, we are pleased to announce the appointments in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, which are effective July 17, 2019, (unless otherwise indicated). To all the priests serving our archdiocesan Church, may God bless you abundantly as you continue your ministry with dedication, generosity and joy. We express our gratitude to all who will be assuming new responsibilities. They have responded to the needs of the Archdiocese with generous spirits. We ask the people in parishes where changes are taking place to warmly welcome their new pastoral leaders into their midst. We also extend profound gratitude to the priests who are retiring or leaving the Archdiocese for their faithful ministry in our archdiocese. We are grateful to them for their generosity in serving here. Each in his own way has deeply enriched the lives of the faithful of the Archdiocese, and we wish them well in the future. |
Women's Day Retreat
The Sisters of Divine Mercy invites women age 18 and older to a Women's Day Retreat to discover their true beauty and identity in Christ through Mary, Mother of Mercy and our Mother. There will be an opportunity for Confession and Holy Mass. Theme: "Courage, my daughter, your faith has saved you." Please bring a bagged lunch.
When: Saturday, August 10th at 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Where: Saint Luke's Church (1566 Northmount Dr. NW, Calgary).
Suggested donation: $25.00.
To register contact Sr. Katrina Le at 587-755-1019 or dmccalgary@gmail.com
The Sisters of Divine Mercy invites women age 18 and older to a Women's Day Retreat to discover their true beauty and identity in Christ through Mary, Mother of Mercy and our Mother. There will be an opportunity for Confession and Holy Mass. Theme: "Courage, my daughter, your faith has saved you." Please bring a bagged lunch.
When: Saturday, August 10th at 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Where: Saint Luke's Church (1566 Northmount Dr. NW, Calgary).
Suggested donation: $25.00.
To register contact Sr. Katrina Le at 587-755-1019 or dmccalgary@gmail.com
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Catholic Family Life Conference
Catholic Family Ministries invites you to join them for this year’s Family Life Conference on the Canada Day long weekend (June 28-July 1) at Lac Ste. Anne. Experience a host of inspiring speakers, including Tim Gray, President of the Augustine Institute; Sister Helena Burns of the Daughters of Saint Paul, and Ryan Topping, Vice-President and Academic Dean of Newman Theological College. For more information and to register, please visit catholicfamilyministries.com . Online registration is now open! Download Printable Registration Form |
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Our Deceased Priests
We pray in a special way for all our priests who have died in the month of March. (Name is followed by date of death) Most Rev. Vital J. GRANDIN OMI June 3, 1902 Rev. John Joseph O’HALLORAN June 4, 1985 Rev. Joseph AYLING June 4, 2006 Rev. Malcolm CAMPBELL June 12, 1991 Rev. Lucien Joseph ROBERT June 12, 2001 Rev. Thomas John FORAN June 14, 1951 Rev. Thomas DOBSON June 19, 1959 Rev. Patrick F. McCARTHY June 21, 1938 Rt. Rev. Edmond F. DONAHOE June 21, 1988 Rev. John B. MacNEIL June 26, 1942 Rev. Albert Joseph PECK June 26, 1993 Rev. Narcisse CHARTRAND June 28, 1959 |
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 |
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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. 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 list of courses, details, and online registration, visit newman.edu/ccs. For more information, contact Sandra Talarico at 780-392-2450 ext. 2214. |
Canadian Badlands Passion Play
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Is your parish planning a group trip this summer to the Canadian Badlands Passion Play in Drumheller?
If so, we have a parishioner who'd like to book 4 tickets on your bus. Contact Peter at lemapa@shaw.ca. If you've never been, check out the video or visit badlandsamp.com for more information about this epic story played out in Canada's largest outdoor theatre. |
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Organ to donate
We have a 150-year-old Stratford Manning pump organ, in immaculate condition, which we want to give away. If you are interested, call Brenda at 780-589-3049.
We have a 150-year-old Stratford Manning pump organ, in immaculate condition, which we want to give away. If you are interested, call Brenda at 780-589-3049.
This Week's Highlights
Pro-life movie ‘Unplanned’ to hit Canadian theatre screens
After a heated battle that included petitions and a national boycott, the controversial pro-life film Unplanned has finally landed a distribution deal in Canada. The film ̶ based on the memoir of Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director turned pro-life advocate ̶ will be distributed across Canada by the independent distributor Cinedicom. Showings begin July 12. So far, the only confirmed Alberta showing is at the Movie Mill in Lethbridge.
Read more
Inspired by nativity story, Edmonton churches raise $1 million
It started with Edmonton churches asking “How can we help?” The answer has been No Room in the Inn, an annual ecumenical appeal that over 20 years has raised more than $1 million to help those who lack adequate and safe housing. It’s a milestone that is being honoured at City Hall this week, but it’s also a reminder that homelessness continues to be an issue in Edmonton.
Read more
Removing Interference
This week Archbishop Smith reflects on a somewhat painful visit to a health professional. "A visit to the chiropractor allows freedom of movement," he writes. "Liberty of the soul comes from a visit to the confessional."
Read more
In Photos: Students walk to honour First Nations
It was a short walk, with a big impact. Over 100 Edmonton Catholic and public school students braved the rain June 7 and walked from the Sacred Heart Centre school to the Victoria School of the Arts in honour of Reconciliation in Education Day. The walk is part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, one of which is the educating young generations about the harm caused by Canada’s residential school system and the need to promote Indigenous languages and cultures.
Read more
Toronto Raptors’ forward took a shot at seminary
When Pascal Siakam was in his young teens attending a minor seminary in Cameroon – and mostly playing soccer in his free time – he likely never imagined he’d be playing in the NBA Finals. Studying for the priesthood, it turned out, was more of his father’s idea, and not a personal calling for the now-25-year-old forward for the Toronto Raptors, who are playing in their first Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Read more
Gender ideology is opposed to faith and reason, Vatican says
Catholic schools must help parents teach young people that biological sex and gender are naturally fixed at birth and part of God’s plan for creation, says the Congregation for Catholic Education. In a document published June 10, the congregation said the Church and those proposing a looser definition of gender can find common ground in “a laudable desire to combat all expressions of unjust discrimination,” in educating children to respect all people "in their peculiarity and difference,” and in respecting the equal dignity of men and women.
Read more
Pro-life movie ‘Unplanned’ to hit Canadian theatre screens
After a heated battle that included petitions and a national boycott, the controversial pro-life film Unplanned has finally landed a distribution deal in Canada. The film ̶ based on the memoir of Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director turned pro-life advocate ̶ will be distributed across Canada by the independent distributor Cinedicom. Showings begin July 12. So far, the only confirmed Alberta showing is at the Movie Mill in Lethbridge.
Read more
Inspired by nativity story, Edmonton churches raise $1 million
It started with Edmonton churches asking “How can we help?” The answer has been No Room in the Inn, an annual ecumenical appeal that over 20 years has raised more than $1 million to help those who lack adequate and safe housing. It’s a milestone that is being honoured at City Hall this week, but it’s also a reminder that homelessness continues to be an issue in Edmonton.
Read more
Removing Interference
This week Archbishop Smith reflects on a somewhat painful visit to a health professional. "A visit to the chiropractor allows freedom of movement," he writes. "Liberty of the soul comes from a visit to the confessional."
Read more
In Photos: Students walk to honour First Nations
It was a short walk, with a big impact. Over 100 Edmonton Catholic and public school students braved the rain June 7 and walked from the Sacred Heart Centre school to the Victoria School of the Arts in honour of Reconciliation in Education Day. The walk is part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, one of which is the educating young generations about the harm caused by Canada’s residential school system and the need to promote Indigenous languages and cultures.
Read more
Toronto Raptors’ forward took a shot at seminary
When Pascal Siakam was in his young teens attending a minor seminary in Cameroon – and mostly playing soccer in his free time – he likely never imagined he’d be playing in the NBA Finals. Studying for the priesthood, it turned out, was more of his father’s idea, and not a personal calling for the now-25-year-old forward for the Toronto Raptors, who are playing in their first Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Read more
Gender ideology is opposed to faith and reason, Vatican says
Catholic schools must help parents teach young people that biological sex and gender are naturally fixed at birth and part of God’s plan for creation, says the Congregation for Catholic Education. In a document published June 10, the congregation said the Church and those proposing a looser definition of gender can find common ground in “a laudable desire to combat all expressions of unjust discrimination,” in educating children to respect all people "in their peculiarity and difference,” and in respecting the equal dignity of men and women.
Read more
Last Week's Highlights
On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we’re not worthy of soldiers’ sacrifice
Peter Stockland offers a challenging reflection this week on the unimaginable sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers in the invasion of Normandy. "They pushed until in their exhaustion and euphoria, they achieved that God-given gift that we abstractly — and far, far too often off-handedly — call human freedom. Then what did they do with that achievement? They handed it over to us. And us? Thanks, we said. We’ll take the gift, but we’ll rapidly turn it into molten selfishness."
Read more
Vital Grandin celebrates 60 years of Catholic education
Vital Grandin Catholic School has seen many changes through its 60 years, from sock hop dances to smartphones. But one constant remains for this St. Albert school — the Catholic faith. Cheryl LaBuick, once a student at the school herself, is now principal and recently hosted an anniversary celebration. “As a faith community, prayer and our values come into all that we do,” she said. “That’s what people want when they come to a Catholic school — faith to permeate. We still celebrate that faith every week here.”
Read more
Faith sustains northern residents as they flee raging wildfires
Raging wildfire claimed 16 homes in the Metis settlement of Paddle Prairie, but for resident Kenny Laboucane, there were still signs of God's mercy. “When you go down a road that you know the fire just swept through at 30 miles an hour and you see homes still standing there, that’s what I call a miracle,” said Laboucane. “When those flames go right up to the edge of a house and it doesn’t burn, being traditional Catholic guys, that’s our first thought –- that’s God at work. We’re really thankful for that and we’re grateful that nobody’s been hurt.”
Read more
Pope urges Catholics, Romanian Orthodox to unite against ‘culture of hate’
In a world where technological and economic developments have both benefited and excluded many, the Catholic and Orthodox churches must learn to listen to each other and walk together, Pope Francis said during his visit to Romania. Meeting with Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Daniel and Orthodox Church leaders, the pope said both churches must not hold onto the memories of “wrongs endured and inflicted, of judgments and prejudices that enclose us in a vicious circle and bring only barrenness.”
Read more
Getting into spiritual shape takes a lot of training
Columnist Mike Landry, realizing that years of youth ministry treats had wreaked havoc on his physique, decided to get into shape, and it hasn't been easy. "One of my realizations this year has been how much this struggle to train is a metaphor for the spiritual life. The excuses to delay or avoid working out are the same ones we make to delay or avoid prayer: we’re too busy, too tired, there are a number of other worthwhile things we could be doing with the time, and so on."
Read more
‘Guadalupe had the ability to see virtues in us’
Chela Torres said it felt like a dream, attending the Madrid Mass of beatification for her old friend and mentor, Guadalupe Ortiz. “It was like I knew everyone there,” Torres said. “It felt like one big family was gathered.” Today, as a member of Opus Dei, Torres lives out her vocation in Toronto, doing many of the daily tasks of hospitality at a student residence near the University of Toronto.
Read more
Former premier praises Father Bill Irwin’s compassion and strength
At a lunch in tribute to Monsignor William Irwin, founder of Catholic Social Services, former Premier Ed Stelmach said Irwin's legacy continues to be a source of personal inspiration. “No matter what the uphill battle is, no matter the challenges, whatever the current social norms are, he strove to live the mission of Catholic Social Teaching,” said Stelmach. “As a former premier of Alberta, I know that government can’t do it all. No matter how much government thinks we can tax to meet the needs of the vulnerable, marginalized, and all the needs of all Albertans, they will still need partners like Catholic Social Services and Covenant Health to help.”
Read more
On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we’re not worthy of soldiers’ sacrifice
Peter Stockland offers a challenging reflection this week on the unimaginable sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers in the invasion of Normandy. "They pushed until in their exhaustion and euphoria, they achieved that God-given gift that we abstractly — and far, far too often off-handedly — call human freedom. Then what did they do with that achievement? They handed it over to us. And us? Thanks, we said. We’ll take the gift, but we’ll rapidly turn it into molten selfishness."
Read more
Vital Grandin celebrates 60 years of Catholic education
Vital Grandin Catholic School has seen many changes through its 60 years, from sock hop dances to smartphones. But one constant remains for this St. Albert school — the Catholic faith. Cheryl LaBuick, once a student at the school herself, is now principal and recently hosted an anniversary celebration. “As a faith community, prayer and our values come into all that we do,” she said. “That’s what people want when they come to a Catholic school — faith to permeate. We still celebrate that faith every week here.”
Read more
Faith sustains northern residents as they flee raging wildfires
Raging wildfire claimed 16 homes in the Metis settlement of Paddle Prairie, but for resident Kenny Laboucane, there were still signs of God's mercy. “When you go down a road that you know the fire just swept through at 30 miles an hour and you see homes still standing there, that’s what I call a miracle,” said Laboucane. “When those flames go right up to the edge of a house and it doesn’t burn, being traditional Catholic guys, that’s our first thought –- that’s God at work. We’re really thankful for that and we’re grateful that nobody’s been hurt.”
Read more
Pope urges Catholics, Romanian Orthodox to unite against ‘culture of hate’
In a world where technological and economic developments have both benefited and excluded many, the Catholic and Orthodox churches must learn to listen to each other and walk together, Pope Francis said during his visit to Romania. Meeting with Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Daniel and Orthodox Church leaders, the pope said both churches must not hold onto the memories of “wrongs endured and inflicted, of judgments and prejudices that enclose us in a vicious circle and bring only barrenness.”
Read more
Getting into spiritual shape takes a lot of training
Columnist Mike Landry, realizing that years of youth ministry treats had wreaked havoc on his physique, decided to get into shape, and it hasn't been easy. "One of my realizations this year has been how much this struggle to train is a metaphor for the spiritual life. The excuses to delay or avoid working out are the same ones we make to delay or avoid prayer: we’re too busy, too tired, there are a number of other worthwhile things we could be doing with the time, and so on."
Read more
‘Guadalupe had the ability to see virtues in us’
Chela Torres said it felt like a dream, attending the Madrid Mass of beatification for her old friend and mentor, Guadalupe Ortiz. “It was like I knew everyone there,” Torres said. “It felt like one big family was gathered.” Today, as a member of Opus Dei, Torres lives out her vocation in Toronto, doing many of the daily tasks of hospitality at a student residence near the University of Toronto.
Read more
Former premier praises Father Bill Irwin’s compassion and strength
At a lunch in tribute to Monsignor William Irwin, founder of Catholic Social Services, former Premier Ed Stelmach said Irwin's legacy continues to be a source of personal inspiration. “No matter what the uphill battle is, no matter the challenges, whatever the current social norms are, he strove to live the mission of Catholic Social Teaching,” said Stelmach. “As a former premier of Alberta, I know that government can’t do it all. No matter how much government thinks we can tax to meet the needs of the vulnerable, marginalized, and all the needs of all Albertans, they will still need partners like Catholic Social Services and Covenant Health to help.”
Read more
New Priest Appointments
Archbishop Smith has announced the following new appointments:
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St. Mary's Parish, Red Deer
Father Liju Jose serves as Administrator, in addition to his responsibilities as Pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Innisfail until April 8. Father Leonard Cadieux has resigned as Pastor of St. Mary’s and is now retired from active ministry. Father Miroslaw Kostarzewski, (pictured) Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Stettler, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Bashaw, and Our Lady of Graces Parish, Castor, is appointed Pastor of St. Mary's Parish, replacing Father Leonard Cadieux. Effective April 8. |
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Christ the King Parish, Stettler
and Bashaw, Castor Father Roger Niedzielski, (pictured) Associate Pastor of St Joseph’s Basilica, is appointed Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Stettler, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Bashaw, and Our Lady of Graces Parish, Castor, replacing Father Miroslaw Kostarzewski. Effective April 8. |
Update on D&P review
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) and Development and Peace – Caritas Canada have released a joint statement in anticipation of Lenten collections in parishes across Canada. (In some parishes, a separate Share Lent collection is taken on Fifth Sunday of Lent; in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, we offer our support through the Together We Serve appeal.)
"Share Lent is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Development and Peace, and is
vital for long-term community development projects to support those in need in the Global South and for education work in parishes across Canada," the statement reads.
The statement provides an update on the ongoing review of a number of D&P's partner organizations, which began after questions were raised about some partner activities that were possibly contrary to the Church’s social doctrine and moral teaching. While no questions were raised about any projects that D&P is helping to fund, 52 partner organizations are undergoing a detailed further study by a joint committee. In 2018, D&P placed a funding moratorium on those 52 partners until all questions have been resolved.
"All funds collected for the 2019 Share Lent campaign (and Together We Serve), as also was the case last year, will be used to support other justice, solidarity and peace projects fully in keeping with the values and principles of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching," the statement reads.
Read the full statement
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) and Development and Peace – Caritas Canada have released a joint statement in anticipation of Lenten collections in parishes across Canada. (In some parishes, a separate Share Lent collection is taken on Fifth Sunday of Lent; in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, we offer our support through the Together We Serve appeal.)
"Share Lent is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Development and Peace, and is
vital for long-term community development projects to support those in need in the Global South and for education work in parishes across Canada," the statement reads.
The statement provides an update on the ongoing review of a number of D&P's partner organizations, which began after questions were raised about some partner activities that were possibly contrary to the Church’s social doctrine and moral teaching. While no questions were raised about any projects that D&P is helping to fund, 52 partner organizations are undergoing a detailed further study by a joint committee. In 2018, D&P placed a funding moratorium on those 52 partners until all questions have been resolved.
"All funds collected for the 2019 Share Lent campaign (and Together We Serve), as also was the case last year, will be used to support other justice, solidarity and peace projects fully in keeping with the values and principles of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching," the statement reads.
Read the full statement
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Are you a 'Practising' Catholic?
That's the question Father Kris poses in this week's video blog. And he also has some answers -- but be forewarned: no one said it was going to be easy! |
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Email Scam
An email scam has surfaced again in the Archdiocese. The scam email purports to be from your parish priest, who is asking for money or gift cards because of some urgent need; for example, to help someone in hospital. Please be assured that no priest of the Archdiocese would ever legitimately ask for money in this way. We encourage you to report such incidents to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and delete the email message. |
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Love Unscripted: Being Catholic in College
In Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), Pope Francis presents us with three pastoral imperatives concerning human life and the family: we are called to accompany, to discern, and to integrate weakness. Love Unscripted is a video series about discovering, listening, seeking understanding and addressing the real, day-to-day concerns of the faithful as they live in the Gospel. Join Archbishop Richard Smith as he meets a variety of young adults and explores the many ways that together we can live in the Word of God. This week, the Archbishop visits St. Joseph's College and talks with Theresa about the needs and fears of Catholic students at the U of A. |
Did You Know?
Your gifts to the Together We Serve appeal help support Campus Ministry at St. Joseph's College. |
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Make a Call for Conscience
Sometimes we hear that since euthanasia is now legal in Canada, health care professionals should have to provide it. But many doctors and nurses don't think so. Check out some of their reasons in this video from the Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience. |
Office of the Archbishop
New Vision for Camps
In a letter dated March 12, Archbishop Smith announced that "after much prayer, research and review, we have begun planning for improvements to programming and facilities at both Camp Encounter and Our Lady of Victory Camp. In order to give our full attention to this work, both will remain closed for the 2019 season.
"I appreciate that the news about the upcoming season will be received with some sadness and disappointment, and also that it has been difficult to wait more than year to hear news on something about which you care deeply. But I hope you will join with me in building a better and more sustainable future for camps ministry in the Archdiocese..."
Read the full letter from the Archbishop
New Vision for Camps
In a letter dated March 12, Archbishop Smith announced that "after much prayer, research and review, we have begun planning for improvements to programming and facilities at both Camp Encounter and Our Lady of Victory Camp. In order to give our full attention to this work, both will remain closed for the 2019 season.
"I appreciate that the news about the upcoming season will be received with some sadness and disappointment, and also that it has been difficult to wait more than year to hear news on something about which you care deeply. But I hope you will join with me in building a better and more sustainable future for camps ministry in the Archdiocese..."
Read the full letter from the Archbishop
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Bishops' Roundtable In this episode the Alberta Bishops talk about how they've addressed the sexual abuse crisis in their dioceses, and some possible next steps. (Note: recorded before the Vatican summit on abuse) Missed an episode of Bishops' Roundtable? Check out the full playlist |
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Volunteer Management: Online Refresher Training (Safety Equation)
Are you a volunteer, 18 years or older, who attended Called to Protect training more than a year ago? If you have not yet completed the online refresher course, please contact your Parish Volunteer Coordinator for instruction on how to complete the online refresher training “The Praesidium Safety Equation.” This training is part of the archdiocesan commitment to protect children, youth, vulnerable persons, and those who minister to them through the development and implementation of screening measures and ongoing training in abuse prevention. Read more at https://caedm.ca/protect.
Are you a volunteer, 18 years or older, who attended Called to Protect training more than a year ago? If you have not yet completed the online refresher course, please contact your Parish Volunteer Coordinator for instruction on how to complete the online refresher training “The Praesidium Safety Equation.” This training is part of the archdiocesan commitment to protect children, youth, vulnerable persons, and those who minister to them through the development and implementation of screening measures and ongoing training in abuse prevention. Read more at https://caedm.ca/protect.
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Life and Family
The Humanum Series Are you tired of the same old stuff on cable…nothing new on Netflix? Humanum is a video series commissioned by the Vatican and produced in 2014 by Ecce Films. Humanum is a beautiful quest into the heart of what it means to be human; to see it for yourself, go to www.eccefilms.com/humanum. |
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Pope and the Grand Imam:
Historic declaration of peace, freedom, human rights On Monday afternoon, Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, signed a historic “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” during the Holy Father's visit to the United Arab Emirates. Not only a milestone in relations between Christianity and Islam, the document invites “all persons who have faith in God and faith in human fraternity to unite and work together.” |
In their call for peace, dialogue and understanding, the leaders call upon the "leaders of the world as well as the architects of international policy and world economy, to work strenuously to spread the culture of tolerance and of living together in peace; to intervene at the earliest opportunity to stop the shedding of innocent blood and bring an end to wars, conflicts, environmental decay and the moral and cultural decline that the world is presently experiencing”.
They ask all people of religion and culture, as well as the media, to rediscover and spread “the values of peace, justice, goodness, beauty, human fraternity and coexistence.” And they affirm their belief “that among the most important causes of the crises of the modern world are a desensitized human conscience, a distancing from religious values, and a prevailing individualism accompanied by materialistic philosophies.”
Read more
They ask all people of religion and culture, as well as the media, to rediscover and spread “the values of peace, justice, goodness, beauty, human fraternity and coexistence.” And they affirm their belief “that among the most important causes of the crises of the modern world are a desensitized human conscience, a distancing from religious values, and a prevailing individualism accompanied by materialistic philosophies.”
Read more
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Congratulations to our 2019 Jubilarians
The following priests are celebrating jubilees this year. Please remember them in prayer! 60 Years of Priestly Service: Rev. Gilles Gauthier OMI Ordained June 28, 1959 Retired, St Albert 50 Years of Priestly Service: Rev. Vernon Regis Ordained March 25, 1969 Retired, Sri Lanka Rev. Dino Benedet CSsR Ordained September 27, 1969 Retired, Edmonton 25 Years of Priestly Service: Rev. Paul Burchat Ordained September 10, 1994 Chaplain, Marian Centre Edmonton |
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Permanent DiaconateThe Form of a Servant
Have you ever wondered about the ministry of permanent deacons? Who are these men and how are they called? Check out this new video, released on the Feast of St. Stephen. It features some of the 33 permanent deacons here in the Archdiocese of Edmonton -- maybe some you know! (Runs 21 min.) |
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HOME VISITATIONS
Are you new to the parish or a seasoned veteran of St. Stephen’s and perhaps, would be interested in receiving a visit from our Pastoral Assistant. All you are asked for is to share with Donna your thoughts, needs, concerns, etc. regarding the parish. All comments will remain confidential. She will not be recruiting for parish positions nor will she be asking for donations. To set up a time and date you can contact Donna between 8:30 and 3:30, Monday thru Friday at
403-556-3084 (ext. 4) or leave a message and she will get back to you.
Are you new to the parish or a seasoned veteran of St. Stephen’s and perhaps, would be interested in receiving a visit from our Pastoral Assistant. All you are asked for is to share with Donna your thoughts, needs, concerns, etc. regarding the parish. All comments will remain confidential. She will not be recruiting for parish positions nor will she be asking for donations. To set up a time and date you can contact Donna between 8:30 and 3:30, Monday thru Friday at
403-556-3084 (ext. 4) or leave a message and she will get back to you.
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What does poverty look like?
Hilarie Fortune is a single mom who has struggled with abuse, homelessness and addiction. But thanks to her faith and the community around Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, she is not only surviving but helping others through parish outreach. See what poverty looks like through her eyes and those of Father Susai Jesu, pastor at Sacred Heart. Read their story (with video) |
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What keeps a Bishop up a night?
That was one of the questions posed to the Alberta-NWT Bishops when they sat down with the Grandin Media team in June to discuss the challenges they face in their dioceses. This is the first video in a four-part series. In this episode, we hear some surprising thoughts on who is evangelizing whom! |
New feast day: Mary, Mother of the Church
The Catholic Church doesn’t often add new celebrations to its pretty full liturgical calendar, but this year’s new feast day, Mary, Mother of the Church on May 21, has Catholics gearing up to mark the day or at least think a little more about Mary.
The new feast day, which will be celebrated annually the day after Pentecost, was announced in a March 3rd decree by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.
“I think Pope Francis recognizes the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her association with the Apostles and Christ, and the feast of Pentecost,” says Father Paul Kavanagh, director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Archdiocese.
Read more
The Catholic Church doesn’t often add new celebrations to its pretty full liturgical calendar, but this year’s new feast day, Mary, Mother of the Church on May 21, has Catholics gearing up to mark the day or at least think a little more about Mary.
The new feast day, which will be celebrated annually the day after Pentecost, was announced in a March 3rd decree by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.
“I think Pope Francis recognizes the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her association with the Apostles and Christ, and the feast of Pentecost,” says Father Paul Kavanagh, director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Archdiocese.
Read more
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The Word in an instant The Archbishop asks us all to make Scripture reading a part of our daily lives. That's not always easy, but a new smartphone app from Novalis can make it pretty effortless. The Living With Christ Prayer app is available free of charge on iPhone and Android devices. In addition to the daily Mass readings from the Canadian lectionary, the app offers collections of daily prayers, daily meditations with attractive images, and a liturgical calendar with feast and saints’ days. If you like, it will even send you reminders to take time out to pray! Read more in Grandin Media |
Lots more at grandinmedia.ca
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Venerable Men
Two giants of Catholic history in Alberta continue to be considered for possible sainthood by Pope Francis. Most Rev. Vital Grandin (left) was the first bishop of St. Albert when the diocese was erected in 1871 and was instrumental in the establishment of the Catholic Church in Western Canada. Brother Anthony Kowalczyk worked with indigenous and Métis people in Alberta and later served as a beloved custodian and handyman at College St. Jean in Edmonton. Both were members of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. “Let’s continue to promote the advancement of these causes by our prayers,” Archbishop Richard Smith wrote in his blog Wednesday, after meeting with the head of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican. Both Bishop Grandin and Brother Anthony are considered venerable, meaning they have lived heroic virtues. Candidates are required to have two miracles attributed to them before being declared a saint. Read more |
Wondering about Religious Life?
Abide YEG is a great new resource for young adults in the Year of Consecrated Life. The blog includes excellent podcasts by Father Glenn and a young student who is discerning, and answers to all kinds of questions about religious life. Be sure to share with anyone you know who may be wondering ...http://abideyeg.blogspot.ca/
Abide YEG is a great new resource for young adults in the Year of Consecrated Life. The blog includes excellent podcasts by Father Glenn and a young student who is discerning, and answers to all kinds of questions about religious life. Be sure to share with anyone you know who may be wondering ...http://abideyeg.blogspot.ca/
St Stephen Catholic Parish 4302 57 Avenue Olds, AB T4H 1C5
403-556-3084
ststephen102@gmail.com
403-556-3084
ststephen102@gmail.com
