Sister Zoe Bernatsky is a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate and a professor of theology at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Alberta. Sister Zoe lives in Edmonton with two other members of the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate. She grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan and…
Fifth Sunday of Lent – Year B Solidarity Sunday Homily [Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51; Hebrews 5:7-9; John 12:20-33] To enter into the message of God’s Holy Word today, I invite us to seek the assistance of this parish’s patron saint, Dominic Savio. In particular, I draw attention to an episode…
Father Christopher Blust serves as the chaplain for the Vital Grandin Chaplaincy, the Latin Mass community of the Archdiocese of Edmonton. Father Blust grew up in Calgary, Alberta. He was ordained as a priest with the Fraternity of St. Peter in 2001 and he began serving the Latin Mass community…
A theme of repentance and homecoming was at the heart of Archbishop Richard Smith’s homily, preached during his pastoral visit to the parish community of St. John Bosco Catholic Church, in northeast Edmonton March 9-10. “If we acknowledge our sins and call upon God. . [he] will hear our pleas…
St. Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families. ~ Pope St. John Paul II[1] March 19 marks the celebration of the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Originating in the year 800 in the…
Fourth Sunday of Lent – Year B Homily [2Chronicles 36: 14-16, 19-23; Psalm 137; Ephesians 2:4-10; John 3:14-21] This past week I flew to Toronto for some meetings. Now, I find lately that, whenever I head to an airport, I do so with considerable trepidation. Will the plane be on…
Sister Maria Rafala Duraj serves the Archdiocese of Edmonton through the Polish Catholic community of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Sisem Daycare Centre, which is run by her order, the Congregation of Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate. Sister Rafala made her perpetual vows in 2011 and she moved from…
Welcomed with traditional song, dance, food – and his own national soccer team jersey – Archbishop Richard Smith made a pastoral visit to Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, the Croatian parish for the Archdiocese of Edmonton. “We are all like one big family with him,” said Father Matt Zugaj, the…
Third Sunday of Lent – Year B Homily [Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1Corinthians 1:22-25; John 2:13-25] This past week, a lot of media and public attention focused upon the provincial budget. Many people were keenly interested in how our government authorities plan to spend money, save funds, give grants, offer…
Thirty-four projects have been approved within the area of the Archdiocese of Edmonton to support a national commitment towards healing and reconciliation with First Nation, Inuit and Métis people. The Indigenous Reconciliation Discernment Circle, whose members are local indigenous leaders, has recommended the projects and initiatives focused on healing and reconciliation…