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Year of St. Paul

For the Month of April 2009

An ePublication of the Office of Communications and Public Relations.

Archdiocesan Events

Scripture Fest Follow Up - The St. Paul Series

Wednesday, April 15, 7:15 p.m. (after 6:25 p,m. Mass)

St. Theresa's Parish, 7508 - 29 Avenue, Edmonton

The St. Paul Series is a monthly workshop exploring the life and times of St. Paul. Join us as we journey through Acts of the Apostles, read of earliest days of the Church, and encounter the beauty of the Gospel as proclaimed by the Apostles. As the Gospel is preached beyond the boundaries of Palestine, we see how St. Paul presents the saving message of Christ in a manner comprehensible to those with little understanding of Israel, and how he manages, by Godʼs grace, to fulfil his ministry as a servant of the Lord. We glimpse the daily struggles, joys, and hopes of this Apostle as he goes about earning a daily wage as a tent-maker, founding new churches, enduring persecutions, and bringing the dead back to life, all while combating divisions in the church, warning about false teachings, and even gathering second collections. In short, these workshops offer a fresh portrait of the emergent Church and a valuable encounter with the first Christians who joined St. Paul in giving their lives in service of the Gospel.

EXALT (XLT)

Thursday, April 16, 2009, 7 p.m. (Easter Thursday)

St. Dominic Savio Parish, 14406 - 62 Street, Edmonton

EXALT (XLT) is a night of worship, adoration, prayer, and fellowship. Join high school youth and young adults from all around the city as we reflect on what St. Paul has to say to us as young Catholic Christians seeking to live out the Gospel today.Join high school youth and young adults from all around the city as we reflect on what St. Paul has to say to us as young Catholic Christians seeking to live out the Gospel today. Click here to see the schedule of upcoming XLTs. For more information contact Father Patrick Baska in the Vocations Office at 780-469-1010 or email Mike Landry at mike@iamthird.ca

Social Justice Formation Day

Saturday, May 2, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

St. Michael-Resurrection Parish, 10555 – 50A Street, Edmonton

“From Words to Action” is a formation day for Catholics interested in social justice. This one-day workshop, organized by the Archdiocesan Office of Social Justice in partnership with the Greater Edmonton Alliance (GEA), invites Catholics to lean more about the Church’s social teaching and how we can live it in our communities. The workshop will explore the rich tradition of Catholic social action, the Catholic vision of social justice and organizing for the common good. Presenters include Archbishop Emeritus Joseph MacNeil, Bob McKeon of the Office of Social Justice and Michael Walters of GEA. There is no cost and lunch will be provided. Click here to download a registration form. For further information contact the Social Justice Office at 780-469-1010 ext. 291 or sjustice@edmontoncatholic-church.com.

March for Life

Thursday, May 7

Mass, St. Joseph's Basilica, 11 a.m.

Rally and March, 1:30 p.m., Alberta Legislature

Join Archbishop Smith and his fellow Bishops of Alberta at the second annual Alberta March for Life. This is an opportunity to defend in a visible way our belief in the beauty and joy of the gift of life given by God. Speakers include Bishop Fred Henry of Calgary, Denise Mountenay of Silent No More and Mark Pickup, passionate advocate for the disabled. For more information contact John at the Office of Pastoral Care and Life Initiatives, 780-469-1010 ext. 249.

Taking Beautiful Deeper: Coffee House for Young Adults

Tuesday, May 12, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Parish Hall, St. Joseph's Basilica, 10044 - 113 Street, Edmonton

Young people (18-35) are invited to view part of the latest Nothing More Beautiful event DVD and to discuss some related questions. Theme for the evening is "All Things New." For more invormation, please contact Father Patrick Baska, Director of Vocations, at 780-469-1010 ext. 227 or Sister Pat Desnoyers at 780-964-8257.
Click here to download the poster.

Parish and Community Events

We include these listings to share news about a variety of events taking place across the Archdiocese of Edmonton. Events are listed because they may be of spiritual, educational or entertainment interest to members of our faith family. However, publication here should not be considered an official endorsement by The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton. We invite you to contact local event organizers to answer any questions in advance.

Theology of the Body

Thursday, April 2, 7 p.m.

St. Thomas More Parish, 210 Haddow Close, Edmonton

Patty Schneier, a life-long Catholic, housewife and mother of three from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, will share her story of conversion. What she discovered in Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body changed her life, reignited her faith, renewed her marriage, and set her off on a new ministry sharing the beauty of Church teaching about love and life. Mark your calendar; her enthusiasm is contagious! For more information contact the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 780-469-1010 ext. 245.

Islam for Christians: What You Always Wanted to Know

Saturday, April 4, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church

10014 - 81 Avenue, Edmonton

The Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life and the ECMC Chair in Islamic Studies, University of Alberta, have planned a series of interfaith dialogues for Muslims and Christians. The first is on "Islam for Christians" and the second, to be held in the fall, will be on "Christianity for Muslims." This session features expert presenters on beliefs in Islam, women in Islam, Shi'ism, Ismailis and contemporary Islam in South Asia. Contact David Goa at 780-679-1104 or 780-504-5942.

St. Peter Speaks

Thursday, April 9

Mass 7:15 a.m. St. Benedict's Chapel, Edmonton Centre mall

Breakfast seminar, 7:50 a.m-9:35 a.m., Sutton Place Hotel, Edmonton

St. Peter Speaks is an ongoing series of breakfast seminars for people in leadership positions; executives, professionals, directors and board members of public and private organizations all gather to learn more about their Catholic faith and how it can benefit their lives and organizations. Speaker is Dr. Jim Wishloff, professor of business ethics, who will guide us through a summary of key Papal social encyclicals from the past 100 years. For more information email Ryan Risling.

Outdoor Way of the Cross

Good Friday, April 10, 10 a.m.-12 noon

Boyle Street Community League Hall, 9515-104 Avenue, Edmonton

A special part of Edmonton’s annual Easter activities is the Outdoor Way of the Cross in the inner city. This event, now in its 29th year, invites people to think about the continued relevance of the Gospel message to our world by taking part in a prayer walk on Good Friday. This year’s theme is “Meeting Christ in the margins.” The stations will use the Beatitudes to anchor the meditations on a wide range of social issues focused on groups of people often considered outside the mainstream. At the conclusion of the walk there will be light refreshments. Participants are invited to bring a donation of non-perishable food. More information is available from Linda at 780-466-6327 or Jim 780-423-9675.

Light the Fire Again: Live-In Anniversary Gathering

April 17-19

Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Ardrossan

The Edmonton Strathcona Live-In Society is a group that sponsors four weekend retreats yearly, on the theme "Getting to Know Jesus." This year they are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a weekend gathering on . About 3,100 people have attended Live-Ins over the last 20 years – if you are among them, you are cordially invited to attend. Pre-registration is required. Please call Aart at 780-462-4873 or Sandy at 780-465-2438 for more information.

Information Session for Temporary Foreign Workers

Saturday, April 18, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

St. Theresa’s Parish, 7508 – 29 Avenue, Edmonton

The downturn in the economy has taken a particular toll on Alberta’s temporary foreign workers, who are the first to be laid off when the work dries up. To help these workers understand their rights and responsibilities in these circumstances, Catholic Social Services is sponsoring an information session . This session will also be of use to pastoral team members who minister to these workers. For more information call Claire Rolheiser at 780-471-1122 ext. 2530 or email claire.rolheiser@catholicsocialservices.ab.ca

What's the Point?

The Point

First and Third Fridays, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph's Basilica, 10044 - 113 Street, Edmonton

The Point is a place and a time for young adults (18-35) to gather and ask deep questions about life and meaning. We meet every first and third Friday of the month. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, coffee shop setting, music, and conversation. You can slip in and out if you want, or participate in discussions. Come and enjoy the atmosphere, hear some compelling ideas and get what you want out of the experience of a room full of other people looking for meaning. We don't expect anything of you and you aren't required to be familiar with any prayers or customs. Check our website for more information http://www.thepointonline.ca

Concert: Rejoice at the Sound of the Organ

Sunday, April 19, 3 p.m.

Winspear Centre, 9720-102 Avenue, Edmonton

The King’s University College Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Community Chorus invite you to their upcoming concert, “Rejoice at the Sound of the Organ.” Guest artists include the All-City Children’s Choir, Festival Singers, Joachim Segger, Nola Shantz and others. Program will include works by Bruckner, Debussy, Halley, Nelson, Rheinberger, Whitacre, and others. Tickets available at The Winspear Box Office (780-428-1414), as well as from The King’s Bookstore 780-465-8306 ($20/adults; $15/students, seniors, and alumni; $5/children under 12, plus service charge).

Marriage Encounter Spring Weekend

April 24-26, Edmonton

If you want more in your marriage, now is the time to enquire! Limited space is still available for our Spring Weekend and for the Fall Weekend (Tentative date: November 13-15) Pastors and Religious: Please remember that this Weekend is for you as well. We welcome all those who wish to help make Sacramental Marriage the center of Parish Family Life...and an important part of your own consecrated calling. If you have questions or wish to register, contact Jim and Mary Ganton at 780-418-4051 or jimaganton@yahoo.ca

Divine Mercy of Jesus

Friday, May 8 after 7 p.m. Mass and Saturday, May 9 after 9 a.m. Mass

St. Andrew's Parish, 12810 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton

Join Father Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, as he presents two talks on “The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion as Revealed to the Church through St. Maria Faustina Kowalska.” Father Michalenko is a familiar face to EWTN viewers from his appearances on instructive and inspirational programs dealing with the The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion, which he has been promoting since 1995. For more information call John at 780-487-5429 or Elizabeth at 780-452-1471. Click here to download a poster.

Conference on End of Life Issues

Thursday, May 28

Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe, Edmonton

Covenant Health, the provider of Catholic health care in Alberta, is sponsoring a conference around the difficult issues that arise when an individual is in critical condition in a health care facility. “Building Trust at End of Life” is open to everyone, and will be of particular interest to health care professionals and anyone working in health care ministries. Participants can engage in frank and open discussion regarding end-of-life considerations, improve their understanding of the role of life-sustaining therapies in critically ill patients, and learn about ethical decision-making in end-of-life situations. For registration and program details, click here to download the conference brochure.

Edmonton Catholic Engaged Encounter

May 29-31

Catholic Engaged Encounter (CEE) provides a comprehensive marriage preparation course for couples in the Archdiocese. Over the course of a weekend, couples are challenged through presentations by married couples and a priest to become vulnerable, open and to live out a sacramental calling to married life. CEE fulfils all the papal requirements for marriage preparation. As well as encouraging couples to become active in their parishes, it offers the engaged a community of married couples to stay connected with after marriage. Edmonton Catholic Engaged Encounter currently has spaces available for all our 2009 weekends. Dates are:
April 3-5, May 29-31, June 19-21, November 6-8. Please phone 780-466-0090 to register.
Enquiries can also be made to Brad and Aaron Abercrombie at 780-922-1137.

Canadian News

Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute

Bioethics Matters, Vol. 6

The Use of Physica l R e s t r a i n t s
Michelle Davis, BSc, MDiv, ThM

There are three main types of restraints: physical, chemical, and environmental. This article will explore physical restraints, looking at the definition, use, side effects, and possible benefits. Some suggestions and guidelines about the use of physical restraints will also be considered. Restraints are used in many settings—
hospitals, nursing homes, long term care facilities and psychiatric facilities. This means that their use affects the care of the elderly, including those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as many who
suffer from mental illness. Although the use of restraints has decreased over the years, the application of restraints raises various ethical questions: should restraints be used at all, and if so, under what
circumstances? Should patient/client consent be required? What precautions should be taken to prevent injury or death? Do the perceived benefits outweigh the risks? Read more

Bioethics Matters, Vol. 7

Humanae Vitae

Leo Walsh, CSB, STD

There are some wonderful recent Church documents which deal with the beauty of Christian marriage. There are also arguments in support of the teaching of Humanae Vitae that all acts of marriage be open to life, based
on the “theology of the body.” One of these documents is Liberating Potential, issued by the CCCB Plenary Assembly in 2008, the fortieth anniversary of Humanae Vitae. The following article has a very modest aim,
namely to give one rationale for the claim that no act of contraception is morally neutral. Read more

D i g n i t a s P e r sonae—A B r i e f Comment a r y

Moira McQueen, LLB, MDiv, PhD

Dignitas Personae (The Dignity of the Human Person) was issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) as an “Instruction” in December 2008. Its aim was to clarify some ethical questions concerning the use of technology in infertility, in research on human embryos and in the use of stem cells. Dignitas Personae, a less important form of teaching from an encyclical, addresses these questions in light of the main principles found in the earlier Instruction Donum Vitae (The Gift of Life), issued by the same Congregation in 1987.
Read more

Catholic Organization for Life and Family

Stem Cell Research

In the wake of the disappointing decision by U.S. President Barack Obama to allow
government funding for embryonic stem cell research, questions may be raised about this issue. The
Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) has produced an excellent brochure which clearly
outlines the teaching of the Church regarding stem cell research. Presented in a question-answer format and a
simple style accessible to all, this document is a useful tool for families, parishes, schools, universities, etc.
The reflection offered is positive about the advances of science while being nuanced by Christian ethics. Click here to download the brochure in PDF format from the COLF website.

Development and Peace

Share Lent: a message from Archbishop Smith

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we begin the holy season of Lent and consider how we shall respond to the Gospel’s call to renewal, I am pleased to write to you about Development and Peace. This agency of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops helps the poor of Africa, Asia and Latin America in two principal ways - by raising money through Share Lent for community projects in the Global South and by doing educational work on global issues here at home.

As part of Caritas International and with other partners, Development and Peace also plays a key role in providing emergency relief after disasters such as the 2004 tsunami in South East Asia.

The theme of this year’s Share Lent campaign is once more “I believe: I give”. For the last few months, the worldwide economic crisis has been front and centre in the media on a daily basis. While this crisis affects us all, the poor in countries of the South are the hardest hit. For them, this crisis means job loss, salary reduction and the deterioration of living conditions. The gap between rich and poor nations grows even more huge and harmful, and the number of people living on less than $1.25 per day has increased sharply by nearly 100 million. Today, two billion poor people in Asia, Africa and Latin America – a full one third of humanity - do not have the health programmes, the educational opportunities, the housing or the clean water to which they are entitled as God’s people. Through its work, Development and Peace is an agent of hope for the suffering.
Full text

Pope Benedict XVI

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for April 2009

General: That the Lord may bless the farmers with an abundant harvest and sensitise the richer populations to the drama of hunger in the world

Mission: That the Christians who work in areas where the conditions of the poor, the weak and the women and children are most tragic, may be signs of hope, thanks to their courageous testimony to the Gospel of solidarity and love.

Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI for Lent 2009

"He fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and afterwards he was hungry" (Mt 4,1-2)

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

At the beginning of Lent, which constitutes an itinerary of more intense spiritual training, the Liturgy sets before us again three penitential practices that are very dear to the biblical and Christian tradition – prayer, almsgiving, fasting – to prepare us to better celebrate Easter and thus experience God’s power that, as we shall hear in the Paschal Vigil, “dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy, casts out hatred, brings us peace and humbles earthly pride” (Paschal Præconium). For this year’s Lenten Message, I wish to focus my reflections especially on the value and meaning of fasting. Indeed, Lent recalls the forty days of our Lord’s fasting in the desert, which He undertook before entering into His public ministry. We read in the Gospel: “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry” (Mt 4,1-2). Like Moses, who fasted before receiving the tablets of the Law (cf. Ex 34,28) and Elijah’s fast before meeting the Lord on Mount Horeb (cf. 1 Kings 19,8), Jesus, too, through prayer and fasting, prepared Himself for the mission that lay before Him, marked at the start by a serious battle with the tempter.

We might wonder what value and meaning there is for us Christians in depriving ourselves of something that in itself is good and useful for our bodily sustenance. Click here for full text

Message of the Holy Father for the 46th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, May 3

Dear Brothers in the Episcopate and in the Priesthood,
Brothers and Sisters,

On the occasion of the next World Day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life, which will be celebrated on 3 May 2009, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, I want to invite all the People of God to reflect on the theme: Faith in the divine initiative - the human response. The exhortation of Jesus to his disciples: “Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38) has a constant resonance in the Church. Pray! The urgent call of the Lord stresses that prayer for vocations should be continuous and trusting. Click here for full text

Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI to the Young People of the World
on the Occasion of the 24th World Youth Day 2009

“We have set our hope on the living God” (1 Tim 4:10)

My dear friends,

Next Palm Sunday we shall celebrate the twenty-fourth World Youth Day at the diocesan level. As we prepare for this annual event, I recall with deep gratitude to the Lord the meeting held in Sydney in July last year. It was a most memorable encounter, during which the Holy Spirit renewed the lives of countless young people who had come together from all over the world. The joy of celebration and spiritual enthusiasm experienced during those few days was an eloquent sign of the presence of the Spirit of Christ. Now we are journeying towards the international gathering due to take place in Madrid in 2011, which will have as its theme the words of the Apostle Paul: “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (cf. Col 2:7). As we look forward to that global youth meeting, let us undertake a path of preparation together. We take as our text for the year 2009 a saying of Saint Paul: “We have set our hope on the living God” (1 Tim 4:10), while in 2010 we will reflect on the question put to Jesus by the rich young man: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mk 10:17)
Click here for full text