“Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character and character produces hope.” – St. Paul, Romans 5: 3-4 On June 29th, we will be celebrating the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. As we reflect on the journeys they took in their lives and their faith, paths which ultimately led to their…
On June 3 and 4, Archbishop Smith made a pastoral visit to Blessed Sacrament Parish in Wainwright, Alberta. On Saturday, June 3, Archbishop Smith celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation for 32 candidates and then spent the afternoon visiting two senior’s homes in the Wainwright community, where he administered the Sacrament…
The Archdiocese of Edmonton has announced it has contributed $3.2 million as part of the national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund to support and advance healing and reconciliation initiatives with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples. The Catholic Bishops of Canada have committed, in their dioceses, to raising $30 million over five…
If something is important enough to us, we make time for it. It is amazing (and a little maddening for my wife) how I can always find time during the hockey season to watch, listen to, follow on Twitter, and otherwise keep myself up to date with all the happenings…
Homily [Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9; Daniel 3; 2Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18] When I visit a parish, I am often met with some questioning looks. The question behind the facial expression is usually along the lines of: “What’s he doing here? There must be some reason. Is he here to bring bad…
Over 170 former Camp Encounter campers, staff, counsellors and board members along with their families and friends, gathered May 27 on the shores of Lac La Nonne at the “narrows” to say a final farewell to the Camp Encounter property. Many brought their children, the next generation of campers, to…
Deacon Jake Mullin is the newest transitional deacon in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. He was ordained on May 26 by Archbishop Richard Smith at the St. Joseph’s Basilica. Deacon Jake grew up in Spruce Grove and he entered St. Joseph Seminary in 2016. He will be ordained to the priesthood…
Most of us don’t floss as often as we should. When dentists ask the question “how often do you floss?” most of us answer “not nearly enough.” It doesn’t matter that they explain the importance of flossing: it cleans both between your teeth and that space between your gums and…
Homily [Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104; 1Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13; John 20: 19-23] Tomorrow, the people of Alberta will cast their votes for our next provincial government. When we enter the polling station, officials will first verify our identity. We shall each be asked to present our ID card, the contents of which will be checked…
With gratitude for the work of the Clergy Personnel Committee, I am pleased to announce the following appointments in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, which take effect on July 12, 2023 (unless otherwise noted). To all the priests serving our Archdiocesan Church, may God bless you abundantly as you continue your…