Roman Catholic Church in Edmonton
To view frequently asked questions which specifically references residential schools in the Archdiocese, please copy and paste the following link onto your browser:
https://caedm.ca/PastoralScene/entryid/881/frequently-asked-questions-regarding-residential-schools-june-2021
Thank you.
His Grace was interviewed on CHED radio this morning regarding a papal apology and residential schools.
Link: https://omny.fm/shows/ched-mid-morning/catholic-church-s-lack-of-commitment-to-share-resi
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OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP
June 4, 2021
Dear Faithful People in Christ,
In recent days, the people of Canada have been shaken by the news that what is believed to be the remains of 215 children were found on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. No one, of course, is more deeply impacted by this than the families of the children and members of their Indigenous communities.
On behalf of us all in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, I express our deep regret and profound condolences to their families and communities. Since children are especially precious in Indigenous cultures, the news out of Kamloops has given rise in them to a grief and shock that few of us can imagine.
We must acknowledge the role played by Catholic organizations in the residential school system. I recall my own testimony to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, given on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories:
“We apologize to those who experienced sexual and physical abuse in residential schools under Catholic administration. We also express our apology and regret for Catholic participation in government policies that resulted in children being separated from their families, and often suppressed Aboriginal culture and language at the residential schools.”
I re-iterate those sentiments today, aware that they must be accompanied by actions that will foster healing and reconciliation. To this end, and on behalf of the Archdiocese, I commit to:
We shall continue to seek ways for Catholics, together with other concerned citizens, to support the Aboriginal Peoples resident within the Archdiocese in the ongoing struggle to achieve justice and equity.
This moment in which we find ourselves weighs heavily on our hearts. Let us ask our Lord to transform this into an opportunity to stand together with the Indigenous peoples in both sympathy and solidarity. May the light of the Holy Spirit guide us together along the path of genuine reconciliation and lasting peace.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
✠Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Edmonton
Download the Letter (PDF, 2 pages)
The people of the Archdiocese of Edmonton share the deep pain felt by Indigenous Peoples, and indeed all Canadians, arising from the disclosure that what is believed to be the remains of 215 children were found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in B.C.
The painful legacy of residential schools, many of which were originally under Catholic administration, reverberates to this day.
The name Bishop Vital-Justin Grandin, Alberta’s first bishop, appears in a variety of contexts: on buildings, schools, and neighbourhoods. We acknowledge that it represents a controversial and mixed legacy. Although Bishop Grandin is rightly remembered for the many good things he accomplished, nevertheless the association of his name with the sad and tragic legacy of residential schools has rendered it for many people a reminder of very painful experiences.
The Archdiocese is ready to engage and work directly with First Nations, Franco-Albertan communities, the City of Edmonton, the provincial government and all stakeholders in an ongoing and meaningful conversation about the next steps.
We are committed and working towards finding a solution that is respectful to all parties involved.
Download the statement: Grandin Name Statement (PDF, 1 page)
For more information contact:
Andrew Ehrkamp, Communications Lead
Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton
Andrew.Ehrkamp@caedm.ca
Tel: 780-469-1010 x2441 Cell: 780-399-6523
To see Archbishop Smith address the impact of the newly passed Euthanasia Law Bill C-7 by the Federal Government, please copy and past the following on to your browser: https://youtu.be/l3xM33Eq3cQ
Thank you.
A message from the Volunteer Coordinator
Thank you to our volunteers who have so graciously given, and continue to give, their time and talent to keep our parish community safe and healthy. So we may continue to do so, we currently require volunteers to join our wonderful team in the following volunteer positions:
Safety Coordinator – Sunday, 6:00 p.m. Mass
Ushers – Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 8:30, 10:30 a.m. Mass, 12:30 and 6:00 p.m. Mass.
Cleaning/Disinfecting – Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Mass
Please note: Volunteers who wish to be involved only in the area of cleaning/disinfecting the church, do not have to take the Abuse Prevention training. Parishioners who wish to volunteer in the areas of Point of Entry, Usher, and Safety Coordinator, must have taken the Abuse Prevention Training.
If you are able to donate 1 hour prior to any of the above mentioned Masses, as a Safety Coordinator or Usher, or approximately 1/2 hour after Mass to assist our Cleaning/Disinfecting team, even 1 or 2 times a month, please contact me at: 780-463-8646 Ext. 2233
Thank you,
Marie Woolgar, Volunteer Coordinator
In the midst of these unprecedented times, we are blessed to have various ways to continue to support our parish in the absence of the Sunday Offertory:
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your parish office at 780.463.8646, ext. 2225.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation continues to take place on Saturdays from 9:45 – 11 a.m.
Thank you,
St. Theresa, Business Administration