Catholics Urged to Take Immediate Action on Bill C-9

Thursday, December 4, 2025

The Archdiocese of Edmonton is calling on Catholics across Alberta and Canada to take immediate action as concerns intensify over the federal government’s proposed Bill C-9 – the Combating Hate Act – and its potential impact on religious freedom. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued an open letter Dec. 4 to Prime Minister Mark Carney urging the government to halt its plan to remove the long-standing religious-text exemption from Canada’s hate-speech laws. The letter was also sent to key federal officials. Catholic leaders warn that eliminating this protection could place legitimate religious teaching and pastoral ministry at risk. Read Canadian Bishops’ Letter to Prime Minister Why This Matters The proposed amendment would repeal Criminal Code clause 319(3)(b), which currently ensures that individuals cannot be convicted of hate-speech offences for expressing, in good faith, opinions rooted in Scripture or religious belief. Multiple faith communities—Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and others—have expressed unified alarm. They caution that removing this defence could chill ordinary religious speech and create uncertainty for homilies, catechesis, pastoral counselling, marriage preparation, youth ministry, and online evangelization. More than 6,000 Canadians have already signed petitions calling on the government to preserve the exemption. The Archdiocese of Edmonton is urging Catholics not to wait for others to speak up. Your action is essential. What You Can Do Right Now Contact Your Member of Parliament—Today Tell your MP you oppose removing the religious-text exemption in Bill C-9. Share your concerns about how the amendment could affect preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and the Church’s public witness. Even a brief message makes a difference. Constituency offices track every call and email. Read and Share the CCCB’s Letter See the letter to the Prime Minister: English letter (PDF): https://www.cccb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-04-Letter-to-PM-Religious-Freedom-EN.pdf French letter (PDF): https://www.cccb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-04-Letter-to-PM-Religious-Freedom-FR.pdf Share it widely through your parish networks, ministries, and social media. Stay Informed—and Inform Others Parishes, schools, lay leaders, and Catholic organizations are encouraged to help the faithful understand the potential implications of Bill C-9. Accurate information dispels confusion and strengthens our collective voice. Stand with Other Faith Communities Many religious traditions are united in their concern. Collaborate with other communities committed to safeguarding freedom of belief and expression. Participate Peacefully and Constructively Sign petitions, write letters, join community discussions, and engage respectfully in democratic processes. These peaceful actions remain vital in defending constitutional freedoms. Sign up for The WINDOW, the weekly electronic bulletin with news from the Archdiocese of Edmonton.

Fr. Roger Rouleau celebrates 15 years of priesthood

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Rev. Roger Rouleau marks a life of faithful service to the Church, shaped by dedication, pastoral leadership, and a deep commitment to the people he serves. Since July 17, 2019, he has served as Pastor of Sacred Heart in Wetaskiwin and St. Theresa in Ma-Me-O Beach, where he continues to offer compassionate pastoral care, sacramental ministry, and steady guidance to both parish communities. His current assignment reflects his ongoing mission to foster vibrant faith, support parishioners, and strengthen the spiritual life of the communities entrusted to him. Ordained on December 3, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Basilica by Archbishop Richard Smith, Rev. Rouleau has devoted his priesthood to serving the faithful of the Edmonton Archdiocese. His pastoral journey has taken him through several communities and ministries, each forming an important chapter in his priestly life. Born on October 19, 1976 in Bathurst, New Brunswick, Rev. Rouleau answered God’s call to the priesthood with generosity and conviction. His ministry has included significant assignments such as Associate Pastor at Holy Trinity in Spruce Grove and Annunciation Parish, and later as Pastor of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Maskwacis and of the parishes of Vermilion, Clandonald, and Derwent. Throughout these years, Rev. Rouleau has guided parishioners with compassion and clarity, supporting families, inspiring young people, and encouraging those discerning vocations. His leadership—rooted in faith, humility, and pastoral dedication—continues to be a blessing to the communities he serves. As he continues his priestly ministry, the people of Sacred Heart, St. Theresa, and all the communities shaped by his service honor his ongoing commitment and the many ways he enriches the life of the Church through faith, guidance, and pastoral care. Lord, send holy and generous men to serve Your Church as faithful priests.Grant them courage to answer Your call and perseverance to follow it with joy. Support the Foundation for St. Joseph Seminary and Newman Theological College Read more about St. Joseph Seminary Sign up for The WINDOW, the weekly electronic bulletin with news from the Archdiocese of Edmonton.

St. Nicholas is an Inspiration for Couples

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

St. Nicholas was a bishop during the fourth-century in Myra, which was a city in Lycia, a province of Asia Minor.[1] “Perhaps the best-known story about Nicholas concerns his charity toward a poor man who was unable to provide dowries for his three daughters of marriageable age. Rather than see them forced into prostitution, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold through the poor man’s window on three separate occasions, thus enabling the daughters to be married. Over the centuries, this particular legend evolved into the custom of gift-giving on the saint’s feast.”[2] How can the example of St. Nicholas inspire you and your spouse this Advent? Service to Marriage and Family is one of the three Pastoral Priorities of the Archdiocese. St. Nicholas was generous with others by listening to their needs and responding accordingly. After all, he provided gold coins to the father who’s daughters would have been forced into prostitution if he couldn’t pay their dowries to get married. Advent is a very busy time of year with many preparations for Christmas. In the spirit of generosity for your spouse, can each of you take some time to slow down, listen to one another’s needs, and respond accordingly as you are each able? When it comes to gifts this Christmas, is there something that your spouse would appreciate? It may be helpful to speak together about expectations you have around gifts for each other and possible gift ideas. Since it isn’t possible to mind read, you and your spouse won’t be able to meet one another’s needs for a gift without sharing your desires with each other. Even St. Nicholas would not have been able to provide the money for the dowries without someone sharing with him that this need existed. On December 6th, the Church celebrates St. Nicholas’ feast day. Here are some ideas that you and your family could use to celebrate it: You can put your shoes at the door and put gold chocolate coins or a chocolate Santa Claus in them for your spouse and children. You, your spouse, and children can share with each other the gifts you recognize that God has given each of you as the unique individuals He created you to be. You could sit together, read a story about St. Nicholas, and discuss what stands out to you. You and your spouse could do something for people who are poor and in need this Advent like St. Nicholas did, even if you aren’t tossing a bag of gold coins in someone’s window. Other ideas can be found at  A Catholic Mom’s Life  or Catholic Icing. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of brides and grooms, and children. On his feast day, it may be a good opportunity to reflect on your wedding and look at your wedding pictures. You could share with each other your favourite memories of that day. Then you could ask St. Nicholas for his intercession for your marriage and for couples who are preparing for marriage. If you have children or godchildren, you could also pray for St. Nicholas’ intercession for them, regardless of how old they are. Here is a prayer to St. Nicholas that you and your spouse could pray together: O good St. Nicholas, you who are the joy of the children, put in my heart the spirit of childhood, which the Gospel speaks, and teach me to seed happiness around me. You, whose feast prepares us for Christmas, open my faith to the mystery of God-made man. You, good bishop and shepherd, help me to find my place in the Church and inspire the Church to be faithful to the Gospel. O good Saint Nicholas, patron of children, sailors, and the helpless, watch over those who pray to Jesus, your Lord and theirs, as well as over those who humble themselves before you. Bring us all in reverence to the Holy Child of Bethlehem, where true joy and peace are found. Amen.”[3] As you and your spouse prepare for Christmas this Advent, may the example of St. Nicholas assist you in growing closer together, recognizing the gifts in your lives, increasing in generosity, and helping to prepare your hearts for the hope, peace, and joy that Christ brings. St. Nicholas pray for us! – Melissa Guzik is a registered psychologist who works in private practice in the Greater Edmonton area. She is the co-author of the Catholic marriage preparation and enrichment book and workbook To Know, Love, and Serve: A Path to Marital Fulfilment: 2nd Edition. Information about Melissa’s private practice can be found at www.melisssaguzik.com   [1] Franciscan Media (n.d.). Saint Nicholas. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-nicholas/ [2] Ibid. [3] EWTN (2023, December 5). 2 Powerful Prayers to the Great Saint Nicholas, Patron Saint of Children & The REAL Santa Claus. https://ewtn.no/2-powerful-prayers-to-the-great-saint-nicholas-patron-saint-of-children-the-real-santa-claus/

Press Conference with Archbishop-Designate Stephen Hero

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Most Rev. Stephen Hero held his first press conference Nov. 27 since his appointment as Archbishop-Designate. He reflected on his years of ministry as a priest, St. Joseph Seminary rector, Newman Theological College professor and Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert Bishop. He shared the joy of returning to the city he has called home since childhood. More on his announcement as Archbishop-Designate More on Frequently Asked Questions Sign up for The WINDOW, the weekly electronic bulletin with news from the Archdiocese of Edmonton. www.youtube.com/live/saxQTWCBzAg?si=Ocq-2ak0U1XlA_Om

Fr. Nilo Macapinlac celebrates 20 years of priesthood

Monday, November 24, 2025

Rev. Nilo Blevis Macapinlac’s vocation began in childhood in Iloilo, Philippines, where the joy of visiting priests and the faith life of his community first stirred his imagination. As a boy, he mimicked the rituals he saw at Mass, already sensing God’s call. That call deepened in high school amid family challenges while his parents worked abroad. Guided by his Carmelite teacher Sister Basa, he entered seminary in 1992. Though early formation felt intimidating and highly structured, small affirmations—installation as lector, encouragement from formators, and growing involvement in retreats and prison ministry—clarified that his path was pastoral, not monastic. Discernment also meant sacrifice. He struggled with leaving his family and giving up marriage, but Scripture strengthened him. The greatest test came with the deaths of several loved ones, including his father, during his seminary years. A retreat experience of falling leaves and a passage from Jeremiah renewed his trust in God’s enduring love. Ordained in Edmonton on November 21, 2005, Father Macapinlac began ministry at St. Theresa’s the next day. Adjusting to Canadian life—driving, paperwork, harsh winters—was difficult, yet Scripture sustained him again: I will be with you always. His priesthood has since flourished across Alberta, serving in parishes in Vegreville, Viking, Holden, Wetaskiwin, Maskwacis, Ma-Me-O Beach, Olds, Trochu, Sundre, and Didsbury. “To serve is always joy,” he says. As of May 28, 2025, he is Parochial Administrator of St. Vital Parish in Beaumont, bringing nearly 20 years of pastoral experience shaped by Filipino roots and Canadian mission. To those discerning priesthood, he offers simple advice: nurture your prayer life, listen to the Holy Spirit, trust God’s plan, and keep Scripture close—“because heaven begins now.” From a small chapel in Iloilo to the parishes of rural Alberta, Father Macapinlac’s life is a testament to faith, perseverance, and God’s guiding hand. Lord, send holy and generous men to serve Your Church as faithful priests.Grant them courage to answer Your call and perseverance to follow it with joy. Support the Foundation for St. Joseph Seminary and Newman Theological College Read more about St. Joseph Seminary Sign up for The WINDOW, the weekly electronic bulletin with news from the Archdiocese of Edmonton.