Updated pastoral guidelines for Lent

The Archdiocese of Edmonton has updated guidelines for some aspects of the Holy Season of Lent.

These guidelines include details regarding:

• Ash Wednesday (February 17); 
• Rite of Election (February 20-21); 
• Palm Sunday (March 28);
• Chrism Mass (tentatively scheduled for March 29); and 
• Paschal Triduum (April 1-4).

Please see the full document: 

Updated Guidelines for some aspects of the Holy Season of Lent (PDF, 1 page)

Rev. Mike McCaffery, pastor, mentor, teacher and community leader in the Edmonton Archdiocese, passes age 85

Rev. Mike McCaffery, a pastor, mentor, teacher and community leader in the Edmonton Archdiocese for more than 50 years, has died. He was 85.

Let us pray for the repose of Father McCaffery’s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, that they rest in peace.

Funeral arrangements will be determined at a later date. Father McCaffery died to due to possible complications related to COVID-19.

Next Livestream: 2nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME from St. Joseph Basilica on Jan. 17 at 10:30 a.m.

Livestreamed Masses are now being hosted at https://grandinmedia.ca/livestream/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pg/archedmonton/videos/

Archbishop Smith's Year-End Interview

As we look forward to a new year, we close 2020 – a year of tremendous challenge and change. The COVID-19 pandemic affected almost every aspect of our lives, from the way we live, work and play to how we worship. It was also a year that presented other challenges. But in the midst of all of that, there’s always hope.

In his annual interview, Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith takes a look at where we’ve been, how we’re doing, and the way forward: https://youtu.be/WxZhgSlitHM

Suspect in Mass interruption charged with hate crime

The Archdiocese of Edmonton has been informed that charges have been laid in a Dec. 13 incident that disrupted the 11 a.m. Mass at Santa Maria Goretti Church. Police have banned the suspect from the church, and he has been served a notice prepared by legal counsel banning him from all archdiocesan property.

The Archdiocese of Edmonton is grateful for the ongoing support of the Edmonton Police Service. The fact that one of the charges - mischief to religious property - is considered a hate crime, shows the seriousness of the incident. This kind of action cannot, and will not, be tolerated.

Since the matter is now before the courts, the Archdiocese cannot comment any further. The Archdiocese continues to provide support to the pastor and the parish community.

Statement on Rev. Sylvio Lacar

Archbishop Richard W. Smith has permanently removed the faculties of Rev. Sylvio Lacar and removed him from any public ministry within the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton.

Christmas message from Archbishop Richard Smith