We are delighted to share the joy of the upcoming pastoral visit by Pope Francis to Canada on July 24-29.  The Vatican has confirmed that the Holy Father will utilize three hubs for the visit:  Edmonton, Quebec City and Iqaluit. It will be a much more modest visit than a usual papal pilgrimage, due to the Holy Father’s age, health, and mobility issues. More information on his visit is available Here.

Currently, the Archdiocese is looking for volunteers to assist during this planning and organization time. Interested applicants can fill out the online application, offering their time, experience and skills for this exciting and historic project. Volunteers will be matched to roles as they become available.  Here is the link to do so: https://www.papalvisit.ca/volunteer/

There are costs associated with the visit, including lodging and event security, event production costs and site logistics. National organizers estimate the total cost of the visit at $15 million, and are working to secure support from all levels of government as well as the private sector. To that end, parishioners will be given the opportunity to help with these costs. There will be two pew collections within the Archdiocese of Edmonton. Our first one will be  June 25-26,  and the second collection will be July 23-24. Pope Francis arrives in Canada on July 24.

Donations may be made:

• Online through Canada Helps at https://bit.ly/2022PapalVisit
• By cheque to the Archdiocese of Edmonton, duly marked “Papal Visit.”

We thank you in advance for supporting this historic visit of Pope Francis to Canada