Archbishop Smith makes pastoral visit to Red Deer parish

14 March 2023

Appears in: Archdiocesan News

Archbishop Richard Smith made a pastoral visit March 12 to the St. Mary’s parish in Red Deer.

He spent time at a local hospital with patients from the parish, met with the parish finance and liturgy teams, met with the parish council, shared lunch with parishioners and celebrated Sunday Mass for the community.

With young members of the St. Mary’s community. Courtesy of Luke Fuentebella.

While recording an episode of his weekly podcast, Archbishop Smith reflected on the blessing his pastoral visit to Red Deer and his ongoing parishes visits that will continue throughout the year.

“I’m just so pleased that finally I’m able to get back out and do parish visits. . . and what I love about these visits is that they get really, really busy. The [parish] want to make sure that I connect with as many people as possible, which of course is what I want!”

Celebrating Mass with Father Mirek Kostarzewski, pastor for St. Mary’s parish, and Deacon Roger Reilander. Courtesy of Luke Fuentebella.

Archbishop Smith went on to say “And my heavens, it’s just so edifying and it’s just so encouraging to see the enormous good that’s happening by the Catholic people, not just in Red Deer, but elsewhere. And it is making a significant impact: seeing how people really love their parish and are committed to it!”

A blessing from His Grace. Courtesy of Luke Fuentebella.

Thank you to Father Mirek Kostarzewski, pastor for St. Mary’s parish, and Deacon Roger Reilander, resident deacon for the parish, for hosting this pastoral visit. Archbishop Smith will be continuing parish visits throughout the year to parishes all across the Archdiocese of Edmonton.

To read His Grace’s homily from Sunday Mass at St. Mary’s Parish: https://caedm.ca/mass-for-pastoral-visit-to-saint-mary-parish-red-deer/

Jenny Connelly – Archdiocese of Edmonton