Homily [Isaiah 25:6-10a; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14] This evening I am pleased to welcome to this mass members of the Saint Luke’s Guild of physicians and healthcare workers. Its members gather with me once each year for what we call the “White Mass”, a term that derives…
“Red Mass” for the Saint Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild Homily [Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 130; Luke 10:38-42] Once again, we have the blessing of gathering together as members of the Saint Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild to celebrate what we call the Red Mass. The colour derives from the particular liturgy we…
To my friends in the Jewish community of Edmonton: The horrible atrocities unfolding in Israel at this time are shocking and grievous. I understand how they must leave you all terribly shaken. Please know that I stand in fraternal solidarity with you in this moment of pain, anguish, and anxiety.…
The Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League and the Society of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are very pleased to share with you information about a shared initiative underway to Help Feed The North. Due to fires plaguing the North this year, residents will struggle…
Archbishop’s Dinner 2023 Speaking Notes of Archbishop Smith Introductory Remarks Thanks to Joan and Fr. Jim for their introduction. Just recently I learned a new way to introduce myself. A couple of weeks ago, I visited an elementary school, K-6. I had with me the case in which I carry…
Homily [Ezekiel 18: 25-26; Psalm 25; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21: 28-32] Over the last number of years, I have had the great blessing of sitting down many times with Indigenous Peoples in a sharing circle, or in what I have also heard referred to as a listening circle. This privilege…
Frank and Florence Large are from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, about 200 kilometers northeast of Edmonton. They are both Catholics who returned to their faith later in life and they are passionate about healing the relationship between Indigenous communities and the Church. The Larges, who are both recovering addicts and…
A partner in our Catholic community is looking for individuals to join its teams and be part of its mission-driven culture. Covenant Health, which supports acute care hospitals and long-term care facilities, is hiring for its 17 locations across Alberta. With 15,000 staff, physicians and volunteers, Covenant Health is a…
Homily [Sirach 27:30 – 28:7; Psalm 103; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18: 21-35] It has been an eventful last number of months for the people of Edson and surrounding area, to say the least. Fire and floods, terrible loss, and evacuations – twice. You have certainly been in my heart and…
National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept. 30 provides each one of us an opportunity for prayerful reflection to learn, reflect and act in our ongoing journey of healing, reconciliation and hope. We are especially mindful of the role of the Catholic Church in operating residential schools and the pain…