The Archdiocese of Edmonton will host a weeklong series of events this April featuring Canadian speaker and pro-life advocate Amanda Achtman, as part of an Archdiocesan “Activation Week” focused on promoting hope, human dignity, and compassionate responses to end-of-life challenges — an issue receiving renewed attention in light of new measures introduced by the Government of Alberta to prevent euthanasia. Alberta’s approach to assisted dying.
Organized under the Hope and Dignity Initiative, the events will take place from April 18 to April 24 at multiple locations across Edmonton and Sherwood Park. The initiative aims to equip clergy, parish leaders, and the wider community to engage in conversations surrounding suffering, death, and meaning. More information is available at hopeanddignity.caedm.ca.
Achtman, founder of the Dying to Meet You project, said her visit is rooted in a mission to foster hope and encourage meaningful engagement at the local level.
“My mission is to prevent euthanasia and encourage hope through empowering the local church through this Diocesan Activation Week,” she said in a video message ahead of her visit.
She emphasized that questions around suffering and mortality are universal and deeply personal.
“Conversations about suffering, death, meaning and hope are conversations in which we all engage every single day—and these topics concern all of us,” Achtman said. “Almost everyone has a personal story when it comes to a challenging end-of-life issue or a conversation that they’ve tried to navigate.”
Series of Public and Targeted Events
The week’s programming includes workshops, presentations, and open discussions tailored to a variety of audiences.
Events begin April 18 with “Life Worth Living: A Workshop on Aging and Flourishing,” held at the Santa Maria Goretti Centre. The session is primarily aimed at seniors, though organizers say all adults are welcome.
On April 19, the Compassionate Parish team and young adults group at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Sherwood Park will host a Conversation Café exploring the meaning of dignity at the end of life. On April 21, the parish will partner with the Archdiocese for a public presentation titled “Is Life Always Worth Living?” Both events are open to the public and do not require registration.
On April 22, OLPH is also hosting a youth event designed for participants aged 14 and older. “It’s Good You Exist: Finding a Personal Mission” will address identity, human dignity, and being a confident witness to life. This youth session will include free pizza, so advance registration is requested online or by calling the OLPH Parish Office (780) 467-5470.
The final day of Activation Week, April 23, will feature two events at Corpus Christi Parish. A daytime workshop, “Love Them to the End,” is intended for clergy, seminarians, and pastoral staff, while an evening session, “Offering Hope & Dignity in Your Parish,” will be open to parish leaders. An online participation option will also be available for the evening event.
Responding to a Growing Conversation
Organizers say the week comes at a time when questions surrounding end-of-life care and what it means to die well are increasingly prominent in Canadian society, particularly as policymakers consider stronger measures and oversight to prevent premature deaths. The Activation Week is intended to provide formation and practical tools for faith communities navigating these issues.
Achtman described these conversations as part of a deeper human struggle.
“Come and receive formation in community to engage in what is fundamentally an existential crisis more than a medical crisis—a cry of the heart,” she said. “The Church is really an expert in humanity.”
She added that communities can respond with both clarity and compassion.
“With confidence and with conviction that we can be confident witnesses, I look forward to meeting you at the various events in the diocese,” Achtman said.
Registration and More Information
While several events are open without registration, others require advance sign-up. More information and registration links can be found at hopeanddignity.caedm.ca
More information about Achtman’s work can be found at dyingtomeetyou.com
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