Archdiocese of Edmonton to Install Archbishop Stephen Hero on Jan. 23

Thursday, January 15, 2026

The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton will formally welcome Most Rev. Stephen Hero as its eighth archbishop during a Solemn Mass of Installation on Friday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica. The celebration marks a new chapter for the local Church and the official beginning of Archbishop Hero’s ministry in Edmonton. “I have to say I was a little surprised, and I’m very humbled and honored to say yes to this new mission in the Church,” Archbishop Hero said in a video message shortly after his appointment. “I really rely on the grace of God to do what the Lord asks me to do, and also on your prayers.” During the installation Mass, Archbishop Hero will formally assume leadership of the archdiocese when he is seated in the cathedra—the archbishop’s chair—by the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič.  The liturgy will also include the reading of the papal mandate, oaths of office, and other symbolic gestures of episcopal authority, concluding the period of sede vacante when the archdiocese was without an archbishop. Although seating for the Mass is limited and by invitation only, the faithful are encouraged to participate through livestreaming on the Archdiocese of Edmonton’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. The Mass will also be broadcast on Salt + Light TV (including the SLPlus app and online streaming) and EWTN,. Archbishop Hero comes to Edmonton after serving more than four years as Bishop of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan—a ministry he describes as deeply formative.  “That was a life-changing experience for me, to serve God’s people there in that beautiful place,” he said. “I’m forever grateful for all the good things and all the good people who helped me and served the community together.” Returning to Edmonton carries special meaning for the new archbishop. Having spent 40 years of his life in the city, he credits the local Church with shaping his faith and vocation.  “My family is here. I really owe a lot to the priests and people of the Archdiocese for witnessing to faith while I was a young man and helping me to discover my vocation to the priesthood,” he said. “This community has been very important in my life, and it’s very special to be called home to serve in this new way as your shepherd.” Both the Diocese of Prince Albert and the Archdiocese of Edmonton are located on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. Indigenous leaders will offer a welcome at the start of the installation Mass, reflecting the archdiocese’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation.  “We very much look forward to meeting you and listening and walking together in healing and reconciliation,” Archbishop Hero said. A wide range of guests is expected to attend the installation, including cardinals, bishops and archbishops from across Western Canada and beyond, representatives from every parish in the archdiocese, seminarians, Catholic agencies and partners, and members of Archbishop Hero’s family. In advance of the installation, the archdiocese will host a public prayer service with Solemn Vespers on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Santa Maria Goretti Parish, followed by a reception.  Presided over by Archbishop Hero, the service will include psalms, Scripture, incense, sacred music, and a homily, offering the faithful an opportunity to pray together as he begins his new ministry. As he prepares to take up his role, Archbishop Hero emphasized his reliance on the prayers and support of the faithful.  “Please know that I really depend on your prayers and also your help in being a good leader,” he said. “I’m very much looking forward to serving you, dear brothers and sisters. This is an adjustment for all of us, but I’m really looking forward to being your archbishop and being with you.” To stay informed about the installation of Archbishop Hero and other important events in the Archdiocese, we invite you to subscribe to The Window, the Archdiocese’s newsletter.  

In Memoriam: Father Len Cadieux

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton mourns the passing of Rev. Len Cadieux, a faithful priest and dedicated military chaplain. Born in Edmonton on January 13, 1959, to Charles Cadieux and Denise Cadieux-Couturier, Fr. Len was formed at St. Joseph’s Seminary and ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1989, at St. Joseph’s Basilica by the Most Rev. Joseph MacNeil. Over more than three decades of priestly ministry, he served in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Edmonton, including St. Joseph’s Basilica (Associate Pastor and Rector), Assumption Parish (Edmonton), St. Vital Parish (Beaumont), and St. Mary Parish (Red Deer), among others. Fr. Len also served with distinction as a Canadian Forces Military Chaplain, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander / Major. His service included assignments with HMCS Nonsuch, the 41st Brigade Group, and deployment as a United Nations Peacekeeper Chaplain in the Golan Heights. In recognition of his service, he received the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2013. We give thanks for Fr. Len’s life of faithful service to Church and country. Funeral Arrangements Vigil PrayersSunday, January 25, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.St. Joseph’s Basilica Mass of Christian BurialMonday, January 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.St. Joseph’s Basilica Luncheon11:00 a.m.O’Leary Hall, lower level of St. Joseph’s Basilica Interment1:30 p.m.Holy Cross Cemetery Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Join Us for Solemn Vespers with Archbishop-designate Stephen Hero

Friday, January 9, 2026

You are warmly invited to attend the Solemn Vespers with Archbishop-designate Stephen Hero. This time of evening prayer offers a meaningful opportunity for worship, reflection, and fellowship. Parking will be available across from the parish in the Commonwealth Stadium, any of the other available lots, street parking, or nearby LRT lots To stay informed about the installation of Archbishop Hero and other important events in the Archdiocese, we invite you to subscribe to The Window, the Archdiocese’s newsletter.

From Conversion to Connection: How St. Paul Inspires Growth in Marriage

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

“Like St. Paul, change your life and become a ‘new creature.’”- Pope Francis[1] Happy New Year! As the calendar year switches over, people often take time to reflect on changes they would like to make during the upcoming year and may make New Year’s resolutions. One of the solemnities the Church celebrates near the beginning of the year is on Jan. 25: the Conversion of St. Paul. Although it may not seem obvious at first, the experiences St. Paul had during his conversion can provide insights into how you and your spouse may care for yourselves and each other over the next year. (Formation for Service to Families and Marriage is one of three Pastoral Priorities of the Archdiocese) When you are caring for yourself and fostering intimacy with your spouse, there are different ways to do so: emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally.[2] Through St. Paul’s conversion, you can see how he cared for himself in these manners. Spiritually, St. Paul cared for himself by praying, engaging in the sacraments, and seeing the spiritual witness of others. For example, St. Paul witnessed the stoning of St. Stephen—the first martyr of the Church—(see Acts 7: 58) and the men and women he persecuted (see Acts 8: 1-3). These faithful witnesses likely had a significant impact on him as he recognized the courage they had in persevering in their faith even to the point of prison or death. St. Paul also experienced the presence of Jesus speaking to him (see Acts 9: 3-6) and developed a relationship with Him. From that sudden encounter, he took time to pray (see Acts 9: 11), and was baptized (see Acts 9: 18). As a couple, what spiritual changes may you want to make this year? How can you pray together, and what can you pray for each other regarding? Who are some people who are witnesses of faith to you? These may be people who are living or who have died, such as the saints, a parishioner, neighbour, priest, religious brother or sister, close family member, or friend. What changes do these people inspire you to make? In what ways do the sacraments help you? Is there a sacrament you would like to participate in more, such as going to confession or Mass more frequently? Physically, St. Paul likely took time to rest during the three days he was without his sight (see Acts 9: 9). He also took time to eat after he was healed, which strengthened him (see Acts 9: 19). In what ways can you and your spouse better care for yourselves physically? Can you go to sleep earlier, eat healthier food, increase or start to exercise, or decrease screen time? Any of these changes may help you have greater capacity to cope with stress and struggles within your family. What physical needs can help you unite as a couple? Can you take time together to exercise, be physically intimate, share meals, or go to bed at the same time to allow for opportunities of connection? Emotionally, St. Paul received support through Anani’as during his healing and from the disciples in Damascus (see Acts 9: 17-19), showing how God brings people into your lives to help support you. Is there anyone you could seek assistance or accountability from? Through your marriage, God has also brought you together as a support for each other. How can you and your spouse acknowledge the feeling each of you are experiencing and encourage each other as needed? Is there a set time you could connect each day? Mentally, St. Paul had to learn from the disciples about Jesus, and likely did so during his time with them. He also used his intellect to help preach about his experience as a Christian and “proving that Jesus was the Christ,” which started shortly after his conversion (Acts 9: 20-22). As a couple, how can you connect intellectually? Is there a topic you want to learn more about together and discuss? Is there a faith or book study you would like to join together? Can you learn about the interests of each other, and why they are important and interesting to your spouse? Is there a project you would like to jointly start or continue this year? In the next couple of weeks as you approach the solemnity of the Conversion of St. Paul, may you and your spouse take time to discuss and write down what ways you could possibly grow in your care for yourselves and connect with each other. Is there one small change you could make in each of the four areas? Then, when the solemnity arrives on January 25th, you can check in to see how you are progressing in your goals. If you are doing well, congratulations! It can be a time to celebrate your success and discuss how you can maintain what you are doing. If you are struggling, ask yourselves if your goals need to be smaller, more realistic given your circumstances in life, or require greater support to achieve. Remember that struggles can be opportunities to learn from what either, or both, of you are facing to be able to adapt accordingly. May this new year be an opportunity for you and your spouse to grow closer to each other, other people in your community, and to God. May this month be a chance to ponder the life and conversion of St. Paul, who is a great example to us. After all, St. Paul would have made significant changes, both initially and ongoing, that were spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental to be able to go from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the great Apostles and saints of the early Church! Sign up for The WINDOW, the weekly electronic bulletin with news from the Archdiocese of Edmonton. -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 that were

Society of St. Vincent de Paul leads Arctic outreach ministry

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

For more than a decade, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has carried out a Catholic outreach ministry to communities living north of the Arctic Circle through the North of 60 Project. Rooted in compassion and solidarity, this initiative reflects the Vincentian call to walk alongside those in need—no matter how remote the journey. Since 2010, when Sister Fay Trombley SCIC began her ministry in Tuktoyaktuk, Alberta parishioners, faith groups, industry partners, and corporations have united to support nine communities within the Diocese of Mackenzie–Fort Smith. What began with a focus on food security has grown into a comprehensive outreach that responds to local needs with dignity and respect. Read more about this ministry in the SSVP Annual Report With the generosity of supporters, sea containers filled with food, sewing machines and fabric, beds and mattresses, household goods, winter clothing, and sports equipment travel thousands of kilometres by truck and barge to reach Arctic communities. Each shipment represents more than supplies—it is a tangible sign of care and connection. At the heart of this ministry is the twinning of Alberta parishes with northern communities. These relationships have fostered meaningful bonds between parishioners, youth, clergy, and residents of the far North. Through shared faith, communication, and mutual support, twinning has transformed outreach into lasting friendship. Donations also support local, community-led initiatives such as Tuktoyaktuk’s Men’s Shed, Paulatuk’s Father’s House, and Inuvik’s Coffee and Bannock Gathering—projects that promote skill-building, warmth, and belonging. Sister Fay Trombley, a former professor at Newman Theological College, was awarded the Governor General’s Polar Medal in 2018 in recognition of her service to the poor in the North—an honour that reflects the spirit of everyone involved in this mission. The North of 60 project is supported by individual SSVP parish conferences across the Archdiocese of Edmonton through the generosity of parishioners. Your gift to the Together We Serve annual appeal supports the SSVP Edmonton Central Council, which provides leadership and coordination to the 20 SSVP conferences in the Archdiocese. Sign up for The WINDOW, the weekly electronic bulletin with news from the Archdiocese of Edmonton.