January 8, 2020

Greetings!

Welcome to a new year as well as a new decade! It's always a time of reflection and hope for something better. The last time we referred to a decade of 20s, it was nicknamed the Roaring Twenties. Even I'm not old enough to have experienced that decade, but it does make me wonder how we'll look back on this one. Will it be the Warring Twenties? I sure hope not. In his Message for the World Day of Peace on January 1, Pope Francis tells us that the journey to reconciliation calls for patience, trust, and hope.

"This means believing in the possibility of peace, believing that others need peace just as much as we do. Here we can find inspiration in the love that God has for each of us: a love that is liberating, limitless, gratuitous and tireless."

Pray for peace,
Lorraine
They're making good progress in Innisfail on reconstruction of the Our Lady of Peace Parish church. Photo thanks to Father Liju Jose.
Devotions in 140

A bite-size reflection for the week, based on the Archbishop’s selected readings for January 5, the Epiphany of the Lord:
 
Entering the house, the wise men saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage.
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Living in the Word of God
'Hear the Word of God and Do It'

Living in the Word  ̶ ̶ It is important that spouses find time and ways to pray together and that parents and children together do the same. The heart of that family prayer should be the Word of God, who speaks to us in the varied circumstances of our lives. Perhaps, in addition to a candle, a Bible could be "enthroned" on a stand or table.  (Archbishop Smith, Pastoral Letter, September 14, 2017)
Grace this Week

A way to experience Scripture with every meal ... new prayers and lines are posted each week at caedm.ca/grace.

Grace with lines inspired by the Readings for January 12,
the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Leader:  Lord Jesus, we thank you for your Word. You yourself were baptized, for the fulfillment of all righteousness. (Matthew 3:13-15)
 
All:  Lord, may we grow in virtue as we embrace our baptismal calling.
OR
Leader:    Lord Jesus, we thank you for your Word. You are the beloved Son, in whom the Father is well pleased. (Matthew 3:16-17)
 
All:    Lord, grant us your salvation.
Living in the Word seminars 

Sponsored by the Benedict XVI Institute for New Evangelization, the Living in the Word seminars explore books of Sacred Scripture from a Catholic perspective, with a view to enriching our understanding of scripture so that we may bear much fruit. This coming term at Newman Theological College, we will turn our attention to the Book of Revelation, while those wishing to explore further the Gospel of St Matthew will have the opportunity to do so at St. Alphonsus Parish.
Wednesdays
12:10 – 1 p.m.
The Book of Revelation
Newman Theological College
10012 - 84 Street, Edmonton
To register, contact Lorraine at NTC Reception in person or at 780-392-2450 or [email protected].

First session January 22
Last session April 8
Mondays
7 – 8 p.m.
The Gospel of Matthew
St. Alphonsus Parish
11828 – 85 Street, Edmonton
To register, contact Kari at Parish Office:
780-474-5434 or email [email protected]

First session January 20
Last session April 6
Office of the Archbishop
Condolences to Iranian Community

Archbishop Smith has sent a message of condolence to members of Edmonton's Iranian community, which lost at least 27 members in the crash of an airplane near Tehran.

To our dear friends in the Iranian communities of Edmonton:

I am writing to offer my most profound condolences and prayers, and those of the entire Catholic community of our Archdiocese, who join me in expressing deep, deep sadness for the tragic loss of life that has taken place in the plane crash near Tehran.

The mind can scarcely grasp, and the heart cannot fathom, the pain that has befallen your communities and especially the families impacted by this terrible event.

We join with you, with our fellow Edmontonians, and with all people of good will, in mourning the loss of these beloved members of your communities; and we offer our prayers for the repose of their souls and strength for their surviving family members in the days ahead.

In sincerest friendship and solidarity,

✠ Archbishop Richard W. Smith
Communications
Missed an episode? Find them all on Grandin Media's Youtube channel.
Left Footers:
Restoring Christmas Traditions & Fighting Nihilism

On this Left Footers Christmas special, we chatted with Ryan Topping, Vice President and Academic Dean of Newman Theological College, about his new book, Christmas Around the Fire. We discuss the importance of storytelling for rebuilding a Catholic culture, as well as the pitfalls of a postmodern use of media.
Archbishop Smith reflects on a year of challenge and change

It has been a year of achievements and challenges in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. In a year-end interview, Archbishop Smith spoke about a range of topics, from the 50th anniversary of Newman Theological College to plans to renovate the youth camps, to the defence of conscience rights. With Video.


Catholics mark a decade of drama and debate

The crisis, the kairos moment, the crux of the matter, the hinge of history — none of these are easily discernible, usually. But for Catholics, this last decade has been unusual. The decade gave us a clear, obvious turning point in the history of the Church: Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in February 2013.
Four new Canadian saints added to canon this decade

For sheer numbers, there has never been a decade like the 2010s for saint-making. That’s because Pope Francis canonized over 800 in one go when he declared St. Antonio Primaldo and his 812 companions (martyred in 1480 by an invading Ottoman army in Oranto, Italy) saints on May 12, 2013. Between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, the 2010s were a decade of significant canonizations for Canadian Catholics: St. Brother André Bessette, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. François de Laval, St. Marie de l’Incarnation were added to the canon.
Red Deer students look ‘Back to the Manger’

All 270 students at St. Martin de Porres School in Red Deer were involved in a Christmas musical performed on stage at Red Deer College. Back to the Manger tells the story of four children at a church Christmas party who stumble upon a time machine that eventually takes them to Bethlehem for Christ’s birth.
Advent Mass helps families heal broken hearts

Christmas can be a tough time of year for those who have a lost a loved one. The annual Advent Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, celebrated by Archbishop Smith, offered grieving families a measure of healing and comfort in the embrace of their faith. They were also invited to place ornaments in memory of their loved ones on a special remembrance tree.
Christmas at Remand Centre brightened by gift bags

For nearly 20 years, students in St. Albert Catholic schools have had a special project at Christmas. They decorate gift bags and fill them with small items and treats to be given to inmates at the Edmonton Remand Centre. It’s a simple gesture of reaching out to society’s marginalized, teaching the students that each person has dignity and is worthy of love.
Renowned scholar priest retires to Edmonton

Rev. Ian Boyd is a man of many titles – a pioneering scholar, world traveller and compassionate spiritual director. But in recent months, Boyd has become a familiar face in Edmonton – where he now plans to retire. Boyd’s philosophy is rooted in the work of G.K. Chesterton – the prolific Catholic writer, philosopher and social critic of the early 20th century. Along with a pioneering book on Chesterton’s novels, Boyd founded The Chesterton Review, which is still published today.
U of A pro-lifers win appeal over security fee demand

A pro-life group has won its appeal of a controversial $17,500 security fee implemented by the University of Alberta for staging events on campus, successfully arguing that it violated freedom of expression. “It’s very significant. This is an encouragement for anybody to say things on campus that may be unpopular, so long as it is lawful and peaceful,” said Jay Cameron, a lawyer representing UAlberta Pro-Life.
Week of Prayer For Christian Unity 2020
January 18-25, 2020

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an annual ecumenical celebration. Christians around the world are invited to pray for the unity of all Christians, to reflect on scripture together, to participate in jointly organized ecumenical services, and to share fellowship.

This year’s Week of Prayer focuses on the country of Malta. The 2020 theme, “They showed us unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2), remembers the historic shipwreck of Paul on the island of Malta and calls us to a greater generosity to those in need.
 
Resources for the 2020 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity are available for download at weekofprayer.ca/2020-wpcu-resources.
These include:
  • Tips for Organizing an Ecumenical Service
  • Worship Service (editable Word version)
  • Eastern-rite Worship Service (editable Word version)
  • Hymn Suggestions
  • Children’s Time
  • Week of Prayer Celebration in Schools
  • Questions for Bible Study
  • Poster (PDF version)
  • Bulletin Cover

Please let us know of any activities that you may be planning in your parish, school or community. For assistance in planning WPCU events, please contact Julien at 780-469-1010 or [email protected].
WPCU Events

Friday-Saturday, January 17-18
Shipwrecked on Malta with St Paul

Sister Teresita Kambeitz OSM and Julien Hammond lead a reflection retreat on the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 17-18, at Star of the North Retreat Centre. For more information, visit starofthenorth.ca or call 780-459-5511.

Sunday, January 19, at 7 p.m.
City-Wide Ecumenical Prayer Service

Theme: "They showed us unusual kindness" (Acts 28:2)
Location: St. Patrick’s Anglican Church, 334 Knottwood Road North, (one block south of 23rd Avenue on 85 Street), Edmonton.
Everyone is welcome. Please make sure to bring a friend!
Friday, January 24, at 7 p.m.  
An evening of Catholic-Evangelical dialogue

Join us at Taylor College & Seminary (11525 - 23 Avenue, Edmonton) for this event featuring members of the Roman Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue of Canada:
  • Dr. Brett Salkeld (Archdiocese of Regina)
  • Dr. Jo-Ann Badley (Ambrose University, Calgary)
This event is free. Please register for Catholic-Evangelical dialogue through Eventbrite.
Friday, January 31, at 7 p.m.
The Joy of Song:
2nd Annual Mennonite-RC Hymn Sing

Celebrating nine years of dialogue and friendship between Mennonites & Catholics in the Edmonton area. Join us for an evening of singing, learning and fellowship at Lendrum Mennonite Church, 11210 - 59 Avenue, Edmonton. This event is free and all are most welcome to attend.
Pastoral & Parish Services
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 Training
 
REMINDER: Deadline for registrations is Friday, January 10.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique, Montessori-based catechetical process which brings children and catechists into a personal relationship with God, by focusing on the Word of God and the liturgical life of the Church. The first part of the training will take place 21-26 February 2020 , at the Pastoral and Administrative Offices of the Archdiocese, 8421 - 101 Avenue NW, Edmonton. Register online at form.jotform.com/93157785357269 .

Contact John Ottens with any questions at [email protected] .
TIM Information Workshop

The Office of Lay Apostolate invites all members of your Parish Pastoral Council, new or experienced, to an Information Workshop at the Pastoral Administration Offices, 8421-101 Avenue, Edmonton, on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Together in Ministry Information Workshop (TIM 1) is Mandatory for all PPCs in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. It offers an opportunity to network, share experiences and learn from members of other parishes, as well as learning for new members and refreshing for returning members. Registration is required. To register or for more information, please contact Barbara Cartwright by email at [email protected].
Deadline for registration is Monday, January 20. We will be providing a light lunch, and for those with dietary restrictions, we request you bring your own to ensure no contamination.
NOTE: If you register and are not able to attend, you are requested to let us know ASAP so we can adjust our catering costs.
Pastoral Care Formation Program
Friday-Saturday, February 28-29
 
The Ministry of Pastoral Care: Certificate Program for Volunteers offers participants a better understanding of pastoral care given to hospital patients, continuing care and assisted living residents, community shut-ins and congregation members. The comprehensive 10-hour program will outline the foundations of Pastoral Care and Sacramental Ministry, Types of Ministry Visits, Dealing with Grief, Caring for the Volunteer and finishes with a certificate ceremony. All volunteers involved in Pastoral Care are required to have the certificate in order to serve effectively in this ministry. Details and registration information can be found at newman.edu/BenedictXVIInstitute/MinistryofPastoralCareCertificateProgram.
Divine Worship
January Liturgical Calendar

For your convenience and ready reference, here's the calendar of feast days and Mass readings for January, in one-page PDF format suitable for printing.
Life and Family
Men of Integrity Conference

Encounter, Empower, Evangelize – Catholic Family Ministries invites all men to this year’s Men of Integrity Conference with keynote speaker and author, Deacon Larry Oney of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He is the author of Divine Mission ; Finding Your Hope ; Amazed by God’s Grace , and many others. For more information and to register, visit catholicministries.com .
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
WCACYM Gathering

The Western Canadian Association of Catholic Youth Ministers Annual Gathering will be co-hosted here in Edmonton by the Archdiocese of Edmonton and the Edmonton Eparchy, on  January 16-19, 2020, at Providence Renewal Centre. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with youth and young adult leaders from across Western Canada for a time of retreat, professional development and networking! For more information email Lisa MacQuarrie at  [email protected] 
New Leader Orientation
 
If you are new to youth or young adult ministry in the Archdiocese of Edmonton (2 years or less) as a paid or volunteer ministry leader, this workshop is for you!  This welcoming orientation will:

  • Connect you to the Youth Evangelization office and veteran leaders in the diocese.
  • Outline important responsibilities of your role in the parish/ diocese.
  • Discuss key policies and procedures for youth ministry in the Archdiocese, including safe environments.
  • Provide you with helpful tools/ resources to help you get started!
 
The orientation day will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Charles Parish, 17511 – 112 Street, Edmonton.  There is no cost, but please confirm your attendance by emailing [email protected] or by contacting Lisa MacQuarrie by phone (a message or text is fine) at 403-392-2409 to enable us plan for the event. The registration deadline is noon Wednesday, January 22, 2020 .
Newman Theological College
Benedict XVI Institute for New Evangelization
Treasures of the Faith Seminar ( Updated )

The Treasures of the Faith seminars explore the treasures of the Catholic tradition with a view to nurturing our faith development. This coming term we will invest time reading through St. John Henry Cardinal Newman's Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine. This promises to be a spiritually nourishing journey.
Fridays
10:30 - 11:20 a.m.
St John Henry Cardinal Newman:
Essay On the Development of Christian Doctrine
Newman Theological College
10012-84 Street, Edmonton
To register, contact Lorraine at NTC Reception in person or at 780-392-2450 or [email protected]
Jan 24
Feb 7, 21, 28 
March 20, 27
Parish & Community
Becoming Human:
Remembering Jean Vanier
(1928-2019)

Please join us on Thursday, January 16, at 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's College (11325 89 Avenue, in SJC 1-02) for a documentary film and panel discussion about the life of Jean Vanier. After viewing and discussing “Belonging: The Search for Acceptance,” there will be a discussion with panellists Pat Desnoyers and L’Arche Core members, Julian di Castri (former Board member for L’Arche Edmonton) and Miriam Stulberg (Marian Centre, Edmonton). Free parking will be available in the St. Joseph’s College parking lot (first come, first served).
Faith Movie Night: Finding Normal

Join us at St. Albert Parish Hall at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, for a screening of Finding Normal, a faith-based drama with a message about slowing down to find basic joyful moments in the simplicity of life. Food and refreshments will be provided; bring a friend to share fellowship.
Breakthrough in the Spirit’s Power Conference

Breakthrough in the Spirit’s Power is a three-day conference on the weekend of February 7-9 at St. Theresa’s Church in the hall downstairs. Keynote speakers are Father Trevor Nathasingh from Trinidad, an evangelist who has travelled the world, and Robert Canton from California, who operates a healing ministry also throughout the world. This program features praise and worship, preaching, testimonies and a Mass with healing service. Come and surprised by the Holy Spirit! Sponsored by Catholic Renewal Services Edmonton. Register online at ccredmonton.info.
Seeking Journeysongs

Resurrection Parish needs up to 20 copies of Journeysongs second edition choir /cantor hymnals. If any parish has these to donate or sell, please contact the parish office at
780-468-4071 or [email protected].
Pilgrimages
Holy Land with Father Paul Moret

Is 2020 the year you will make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land? Father Paul Moret is leading one on November 9-18. Includes daily Mass and visits to holy sites such as Mount of Beatitudes, Sea of Galilee, Cana, Bethlehem, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Wailing Wall and more. For more information, contact Tour Coordinator Lyle Thorne at 780-915-6091 or [email protected]. An information session will be held at Holy Trinity Parish in Spruce Grove on Saturday, January 25, after the 5 p.m. Mass.
Retreat Centres
We are blessed by the presence and collaboration of several retreat centres located within the Archdiocese. They provide opportunities for deepening our faith life, and we are happy to share the information about their events & programs. Due to the wide variety of programs offered, please note that publication in Quid Novum does not necessarily mean that the Archdiocese explicitly endorses each program.
Star of the North Retreat Centre

For more information, visit starofthenorth.ca or call 780-459-5511.

Shipwrecked on Malta with St Paul: Sister Teresita Kambeitz OSM and Julien Hammond lead a reflection on the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Fri. Jan 17 to Sat. Jan. 18. Cost: Live-in, $150; Commuter, $100.
Listening to Your Life: A Contemplative Day Retreat led by Jodi Lammiman and Amy Spark. Saturday, Feb. 1, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Cost: $95.

Finding Serenity Through Surrender: A Recovery Retreat led by Sylvain L. and Justin R. Fri. Feb. 7, 7 pm, to Sat. Feb. 8, 6 pm. Cost: Live-in, $150; Commuters, $100. 

Twilight Recovery Evening Retreats with Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, OMI: Thursdays, Jan. 2, Feb. 6, etc., 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free will offering. 

Starlight Cultural Festival of Light
Star of the North Retreat Centre celebrates 65 years of service to the St. Albert and Edmonton area at Holy Family Church, 75 Poirier Ave., St. Albert, Sunday, Jan. 12, from 2 to 5 pm. Adults: $50; Family: $100 (max 2 adults, 3 children); Students: $35. Register at starofthenorth.ca or 780-459-5511.
Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre

Life in the Spirit Retreat
Everyone is welcome to this one-day retreat on Saturday, January 18, led by Father Mario Fernandes OCD. Come and encounter the power of the Holy Spirit in your life! Cost: a donation. Please remember to bring your own lunch. For more information, contact us at 780-963-0896 or [email protected].
Providence Renewal Centre

Register by phone at 780-701-1854 or online at providencerenewal.ca.

Information Evening
PRESENCE 2020
Wednesday, January 22
7:00 – 8:30 p.m .
Providence Renewal Centre
Learn about possibilities and expectations. Meet the Leadership Team & Core Faculty.
Talk to past participants. Ask questions. 
  Presence: Called in Love, Sent to Serve is a two-year, part-time spiritual formation program, in the Christian tradition, designed for personal spiritual growth and to train individuals for the ministry of spiritual direction. It consists of monthly learning and reflection modules (Friday 1:00 pm to Saturday 4:00 pm) and twice yearly retreats (Monday-Friday) held within the peaceful and nurturing environment of Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton.
For more information, visit providencerenewal.ca/programs/presence-program.

Spiritual Book Club
1st Tuesday of the month (7-9 pm)
Join us as we use our eyes of faith to see inspiration in the writing of a variety of authors. Members are responsible for purchasing their own books.
This season’s dates and titles: 
Feb 4 – Why Bother Praying by Richard Leonard
Mar 3 – The Shattered Lantern by Ron Rolheiser
Apr 14 – Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans
May 5 – Building a Bridge by James Martin
June 2 – Towards a Prairie Atonement by Trevor Herriot
Registration: $20

Deepening Centering Prayer Weekend
With Susan Storey, deepen your experience of silence and solitude through the practice of Centering Prayer. This weekend will include periods of Centering Prayer and teachings of Father Thomas Keating and other spiritual teachers. It will take place in the context of community and is designed for persons who are committed to the daily practice of Centering Prayer. 
Friday-Sunday, February 14-16  
Suite: $280  Single: $240
Register by: February 4
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