For nearly 20 years, St. Benedict Chapel at City Centre Mall has been a place of prayer, welcome, and encounter with Jesus Christ in the heart of downtown Edmonton.
Since opening in November 2006, it has faithfully offered the Eucharist, Reconciliation, pastoral care, spiritual counselling, and a place of peace for those who live, work, and visit the downtown core. More information about the chapel’s history and ministry is available at St. Benedict Chapel’s website.
As the chapel’s lease expires on August 31, 2026, the Archdiocese of Edmonton has made the difficult decision not to renew it. In light of the receivership of City Centre Mall, uncertainty surrounding the property’s future and changing conditions within the mall, this decision reflects responsible stewardship and thoughtful planning.
The final Mass at St. Benedict Chapel is planned for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 12 noon. Archbishop Stephen Hero will preside.
“The Church’s mission does not depend on a single building,” said Archbishop Hero. “Our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and accompanying the people of Edmonton remains steadfast.”
Archbishop Hero invited the faithful to give thanks for the ministry of St. Benedict Chapel and for the many people whose lives have been touched through its ministry over the past two decades. The Archdiocese expresses heartfelt gratitude to pastor Fr. Tesfu Kelati, the many volunteers, benefactors, and faithful worshippers who have sustained this ministry over the past twenty years.
After the closure, Fr. Tesfu will continue his ministry in a different capacity within the Archdiocese.
Catholics seeking weekday or weekend Masses in downtown Edmonton are warmly invited to worship at one of the area’s parishes, including:
- St. Joseph’s Basilica,
- Our Lady Help of Christians (Chinese),
- Nativity of Mary (Croatian),
- Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples,
- Santa Maria Goretti (Italian),
- St. Andrew,
- Paroisse St. Joachim (French), and
- Our Lady of Guadalupe (Spanish).
Together, these parishes offer Masses throughout the week in several languages and continue to serve the diverse communities of downtown Edmonton. Mass times and parish information are available through the Archdiocese’s parish directory on the Archdiocese of Edmonton website.
