Rite of Election Masses in the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan

Many people across the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan are preparing to be fully received into the Catholic Church this Lenten and Eastern season, including in the parish communities of Grande Prairie, Peace River, Fort Vermillion and elsewhere. The Rite of Election for the Archdiocese was held at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in McLennan on February 22 and at St. Joseph Church in Grande Prairie on March 1 for the catechumens and candidates. The mass was presided by Archbishop Charles Duval, C.Ss.R. along with Fr. Ed Eherer, C.Ss.R., Administrator of the parish, Fr. Joseph Horo, C.Ss.R., Associate Pastor, and Fr. Dimanchi Gabriel Bourgou, C.Ss.R., who is in Grande Prairie to support the community’s parish ministry. The Rite of Election is a pivotal liturgical event in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.), typically held on the first Sunday of Lent. (Kyle Greenham, Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan)

Parish Missions of our Ukrainian Catholic confrères in Canada and the United States

During the Lenten season, our Ukrainian Catholic confrères continued to preach missions and retreats in churches across Canada and the United States, fostering spiritual renewal, reflection, and conversion within Ukrainian Catholic communities. Fr. Larry Kondra, C.Ss.R., led a Lenten Day of Recollection in Cooks Creek, Manitoba. Fr. Bohdan Lukie, C.Ss.R., preached a parish mission at Holy Family Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Fr. John Sianchuk, C.Ss.R., conducted missions in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Meanwhile, Fr. Ivan Dzhur, C.Ss.R., preached in several churches in Chicago. Please continue to keep our confrères in your prayers, that they may be granted strength and wisdom in their ministry, and remember as well the communities they serve. May each mission be a grace-filled opportunity for all to encounter God and to return to Him through the sacrament of confession.

Funeral for Father Maurice Dionne in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

The funeral of Father Maurice Dionne, C.Ss.R., was held on March 20, 2026, at the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, in the presence of his family, his Redemptorist confreres from Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and Montréal, and many members of the faithful. The celebration was presided over by Father Doris Laplante, C.Ss.R., accompanied by Father Mario Doyle, C.Ss.R., Provincial Vicar, and Father Jacques Fortin, C.Ss.R., Regional Coordinator. In an atmosphere of reverence, the testimonials highlighted the depth of Father Dionne’s life. His nephew, Martin Gaudette, recalled his integrity, simplicity, and great generosity, highlighting his constant dedication and love for people. Father Doris Laplante, for his part, spoke of a man of faith, a true presence of God for his community, and shared a moving recollection of his final moments, lived in peace and surrender. The celebration was marked by the hymn “Abide with Me,” echoing the celebrant’s reflection and the Christian hope that sustained Father Dionne’s entire life. His witness of faith and service remains a source of inspiration for all.