June 28, 2010 – June 29, 2020
Celebrating 10 years as a Priest
To my very fine Parishioners;
The evening of 28 June 2020, the Vigil of Sts. Peter and Paul marks a milestone and anniversary for me: 10 years of Priesthood. It is said time goes more quickly when one is knowing a good experience, and if so, I must share I feel I am having more than just a wonderful experience, but certainly the best life may offer.
As I look back on what prepared and lead me to become a Priest, there were many factors: a home and mother who valued our Catholic Faith; a very fine Parish Priest who cared about our family; Catholic Schools with Teachers who practiced and lived what they taught; Parishioners who supported me as I grew and matured. Ultimately it was Christ who walked and has remained ever close from my beginning.
While there were many signposts along the way and individuals who helped to guide me in responding, the direct invitation came from Archbishop Thomas Collins. His letter promised that to serve as a Priest was ‘a beautiful and joyful way to serve God and God’s people’. Oh, that sounded so inspiring to one who was a mere 17 years old! It gave purpose, direction and drive to a future that held limitless promise along with the ability to contribute meaningfully toward it. It set me on a road for which I am eternally grateful.
Where have I been in those 10 years since my 5 years of formation and ensuing Ordination? Two years as an Associate at St. Joseph Basilica, two years as a Graduate Student studying Canon Law in Ottawa, four years as a District Chaplain with Edmonton Catholic Schools, and the current two years as your Priest with St. John the Evangelist Parish. Throughout it all I have also been blessed to assist in Marriage Preparation, teach at Newman Theological College, advance the worthy effort of ProLife, preside at other Parishes throughout the Archdiocese, and celebrate numerous Sacraments with families.
Each position and experience has held something unique and beautiful I could not have anticipated. Each additional placement has been ever more rewarding and this has been due to the fine people who witness to our Faith and work together for our common mission. Indeed, we all should be so proud of the truth and heritage that is our Catholic Faith. Consequently, like St. Peter and St. Paul, I pray I may employ their combined qualities of pastoral care and evangelization in genuine love of our Catholic Church, today and every day.
As a Priest it is my honour and privilege ‘not to be served, but to serve’ (Mt. 20:28) like Christ and this is why I look forward - hopefully and humbly - to doing so with immense joy for many decades to come. Therefore, please keep me in your prayers as you remain in mine…
Most sincerely and ever respectfully yours in Christ,
Fr. Dean
NEWS
Photo Directory News!
We have had a number of enquiries from parishioners concerning their pictures ordered as part of the Parish Directory Project for St. John the Evangelist Church. As you know, to protect our parishioners, we discontinued all photography sessions on March 17, when our Premier declared a public state of health emergency because of the COVID-19 outbreak in Canada. That meant that most non-essential services in this province and others were ordered to close to try to contain this outbreak. The pictures that were ordered by parishioners were being developed at a center in Ontario. Because it was designated a non-essential business, it too closed down and ceased the processing of all our orders. We have been assured by company officials that as soon as Ontario allows these businesses to reopen, our orders will be processed and mailed out to our parishioners.
As soon as our Public Health Officials indicate that our "Stay Home" orders have been lifted and it is deemed safe to begin to socialize again, we will rebook all photography sessions that we had to cancel and get on with completion of our Parish Directory Project. We do thank you for your patience as we await the day when we can come back to worship as a parish community and resume this important project.
In the meantime, stay safe and stay healthy.
Marie Owen, Parish Photo Directory Coordinator.
Home Support for Edmonton Seniors - Helping Seniors Stay in the Community
Do you need help around the home, but don’t know who to call? The Seniors Home Supports Program gives Edmonton seniors referrals to service providers offering snow removal, yard help, housekeeping, minor home repair and maintenance, personal services, and moving help. Six seniors organizations first screen businesses, community groups, and individuals and then provide referrals to them. The referrals are free, but seniors pay for the work that is done. It might not be for you, but it could very well be for someone you know: a family member, a friend, a neighbour. The Greater Edmonton Alliance, which is endorsed and supported by the Archdiocese, has played an instrumental role in the creation of the Seniors Home Supports Program.
Visit www.SeniorsHomeSupports.com or call "211" to find out which organization serves your area of the city. If you have questions, please contact Ken Bracke at 780-450-3138.
Grandin Media
We aim to inform and engage readers through the telling of inspiring stories of Catholic life in today’s world, and particularly in central and northern Alberta. Grandin Media also covers news of all kinds, offering a unique Catholic perspective on stories that matter.
Grandin Media features:
- A digital news portal, including photos and video, produced by professional journalists and updated daily
- Commentary and reflections by key contributors such as Archbishop Richard Smith
- Social media channels (including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
- A weekly digital newsletter, highlighting the week’s top Catholic stories from Alberta, Canada and the World at a glance.
In the largest archdiocese on the Canadian Prairies, we have great stories to tell. Our parishes, pastors and community of faith are the core of those stores. And Grandin Media aims to tell them well.
To receive our weekly updates in your inbox, visit our subscription page. If you know of a good story you’d like to see covered, contact Andrew Ehrkamp, News Editor, or call 780-392-2441.
