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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

Edmonton Catholics stand with Muslim women, community after hate attack

The Archdiocese of Edmonton is deeply saddened to hear of a violent attack injuring two Muslim women in a hate-motivated incident this week.

We offer the sympathy of all the Catholic community to the two victims, their families, friends, and to the colleagues and community of those who have been attacked. We pray that they find the strength and the faith to overcome the wounds to their body, mind, and spirit.

There is no room in our society for hate, let alone a terrible attack of this nature.

We join with the Muslim community, and all people of faith, in condemning this incident. We find unity and solidarity in our shared values, which are greater than those who seek to divide us.

Download the Statement (PDF, 1 page)

Liturgy Guidelines updated Dec. 9 due to COVID measures

The Archdiocese of Edmonton has updated guidelines for liturgical celebrations and the use of parish space following the Government of Alberta’s December 8 announcement of stronger public health measures to keep everyone safe, protect the health system, and slow the spread of COVID-19.

These new measures should be followed by all parishes, regardless of the municipality in which they are located:  Indoor and outdoor social gatherings, public and private, are prohibited; Effective December 13, masses are limited to 15% of fire code occupancy for in-person attendance. Virtual or online services are recommended. Funerals and weddings continue to have a maximum allowable attendance of 10 people including the officiant, bride/groom and witnesses.

Services must be held at their normal location, and parishes with a hall as normal location for liturgies can use both the church and their overflow space as long as they limit attendance in each to 15% of fire code occupancy, or less if required for distancing. In-person faith group meetings are still permitted at a place of worship as long as physical distancing and public health measures are followed. The maximum allowable attendance is 10 people total.

Effective December 8, masks are mandatory. The celebrant and others speaking in front of a congregation are permitted to remove their masks while speaking provided they maintain 2 metre distance from others while doing so. Once finished speaking, the speaker must put on their mask again.

We ask for online or phone registrations for Christmas masses to avoid line-ups or physical contact with parish staff.

Bishops OK vaccinations for COVID-19

Alberta and NWT Bishops have published a letter explaining that "the Church assures us that it is morally permissible for Catholics to receive [the vaccine] for the good of personal and public health."