Parish News
Candlemas: Blessing of the Candles
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) is traditionally a time to recognize the light that Christ brings into our lives.
Join us on Monday, February 2nd, at both our daily Masses—12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.—when we will hold a blessing of candles.
Please feel free to bring any candles you intend to use for home altars or family prayer to the service. Let us celebrate the Light that "shines in the darkness."
Feast of St. Blaise: Blessing of the Throat
On Tuesday, February 3rd, we celebrate the Feast of St. Blaise, the patron saint of those suffering from illnesses of the throat.
In keeping with our tradition, we will offer the Blessing of Throats at both the daily Masses, 12:05 pm and 5:30 pm.
All are welcome to come forward to receive this blessing through the intercession of St. Blaise.
Preparing for Lent
On February 18, the Church begins the sacred season of Lent with the observance of Ash Wednesday. For forty days, we are invited to walk more intentionally with Christ through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Lent is a time of conversion—a turning of the heart toward God. As we approach this sacred time, let us reflect on how we might more faithfully respond to the call to conversion and spiritual renewal.
Faith Café
What’s with all the Catholic lingo?
Have you visited our Faith CaFE yet? We now are in our second year of this dynamic adult faith formation format. This fall, we are presenting the second season of The Chosen, a multi-season scripted TV show that dramatizes the experiences of the twelve disciples and their associates during the ministry of Jesus.
For a change of pace, some weeks we will also offer special presentations demystifying some Catholic terms you’ve heard, but you didn’t know what they meant. Catholic Lingo - Part Two explains words like evangelical counsels, institute of consecrated life, secular institute, ambo, corporal, chalice, cathedra, dicastery… The Catholic Church has many dozens of terms that can seem like “insider terms.” We have collected more of the terms you’ve always wanted deciphered but were afraid to ask about.
This Lingo session will be held in O’Leary Hall on Sunday, February 1, following the 12:30 p.m. Mass from 1:45 p.m.to 3:30 p.m.. Please plan to join us this Sunday afternoon for Faith CaFE!
Sacramental Preparation
Registration is now open for the following sacraments. Forms are available through the Basilica office.
**Please note that Sacramental Preparation is only available to registered parishioners of St. Joseph’s Basilica,
families living within parish boundaries, and students attending Holy Child School.**
First Reconciliation & First Communion:
Children in grade 3 and up may register for preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion. The registration deadline is February 13, 2026.
Parents are required to provide a copy of their child’s baptismal certificate. Two mandatory workbooks will be available for purchase through the office for $30.00 each.
Preparation classes will be:
· February 24 at 6:30 pm
· February 28 at 11:00 am
· March 3 at 6:30 pm
· March 7 at 11:00 am.
First Communion will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the 5:00 p.m. Mass.
Confirmation:
Children in grade 7 and up may register for Confirmation preparation classes. Registration for Confirmation closes on March 27, 2026.
Parents are required to provide copies of their child’s baptismal, First Communion, and First Reconciliation certificates. One mandatory workbook will be available for purchase through the office for $30.00.
Preparation classes will be on Saturdays at 11:00 am from April 11 until May 9.
Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the 10:30 a.m. Mass.
To register your child or for more information, please contact the Basilica office at 780-488-7295.
Create A Legacy: Will & Estate Planning![]()
Join us on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:30 pm in O’Leary Hall for a complimentary seminar hosted by financial planner John Kok, and Will & Estates lawyer Daylen LaFleur.
These experts will share how to provide for your family and help you begin to consider what you might like your legacy to be.
RSVP by Friday, February 6, 2026 to Kari Mullin at (780) 469-1010, ext. 2164 or kari.mullin@caedm.ca.
We hope to see you there!
Tyndall Stone Bookends
We still have Tyndall Stone Bookends available for purchase!
$200 per stone • history book included
$150 charitable tax receipt at year end
Bookends are available after Mass (see Father Joseph) or through the parish office, with all proceeds supporting the ongoing mission of St. Joseph’s.
NEW - Tip Tap Pay
St Joseph’s Basilica has partnered with Tip Tap Pay in order for you to help support your parish with a simple tap. Just tap on the TipTap device at the entrance to the church to give to this parish. That’s it!
For an end-of-year tax receipt for your TipTap gifts, first scan the QR Code on the sign with your smart phone and register your payment card. Once registered, you will receive an end-of-year tax receipt for all of your TipTap gifts made with that card.
Please note that donations made prior to registering are not eligible for a tax receipt. 
A tax receipt can only be issued if you register your card or device. If you’re using Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or a wearable device, please note that these methods generate a different set of last 4 digits than your physical card. You will need to use those unique last 4 digits when registering each device separately.
NOTE RE TIPTAP PAY DEVICE:
PLEASE only register each credit card ONE TIME. You only need to tap the QR code and register your card/wearable device/phone one time. Every time you use that card the transaction will be recorded. You will receive a tax receipt at year end for your total donations. DO NOT register the same card twice.
A lengthier explanation is available beside the TipTap device, or click here to open it.
Questions may be directed to Bernie.Fitzsimmons@caedm.ca or 780-488-7295 ext. 6.
Thank you for your kind heart and for supporting our church!
FORMED Subscription
Discover FORMED — a gift from St. Joseph’s Basilica to you!
St. Joseph’s Basilica now offers all parishioners free access to FORMED, an inspiring online platform filled with Catholic movies, audiobooks, podcasts, and more. Think of it as “Netflix for Catholics” — faith-filled entertainment and learning at your fingertips.
Getting started is easy:
- Visit formed.org
- Click “Sign Up” → “Sign up as a parishioner”
- Enter our postal code T5K 1N8 (with a space), then select St. Joseph’s Basilica
- Enter your name and email — and you’re in!
Enjoy unlimited access to a world of Catholic content, anytime, anywhere.
Help Us Keep the Basilica Beautiful
We are blessed to worship in a beautiful, sacred space—but it only stays that way if we treat it with respect. A few important reminders:
• No food or drink in the Cathedral (water for medical reasons is okay).
• Gum has no place in the liturgy, discard it before entering the church.
• Silence your phones, and avoid unnecessary conversations once inside.
• Please don’t leave bulletins, tissues, or trash in the pews.
• Treat the sanctuary as holy ground. We’re not just visitors—we’re in the presence of the Lord.
Thank you for helping preserve the dignity of our Cathedral!
Our heartfelt thanks to parishioners and friends who continue to support the parish. Your support is essential to us as we continue our mission.
To make an e-transfer email SJB.etransfer@caedm.ca or click the button below to donate.
