Parish News
Farewell to Father Josephin Raj!
We’ve known since May that Father Josephin Raj will be moving on to serve as Pastor of the parish in Innisfail, and now the time has come to say goodbye!
This is his last weekend with us, so let’s send him off with lots of love, laughter and prayers as he begins this exciting new chapter. We will truly miss his presence, kindness and joyful spirit here at the Basilica.
Join us after the 10:30 am mass on Sunday, July 13th, for coffee, cake and a farewell gathering. Come say goodbye, share a smile, and wish him well!
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. 
In order to receive a tax receipt, donations must be made with a debit or credit card. While Apple Pay, Google Pay, and wearable devices are accepted for giving, they do not qualify for tax receipts.
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!
Statutory Holiday Schedule Change
Please note that, effective immediately, the Basilica will be closed on all Monday statutory holidays, and no Mass will be celebrated on those days.
For statutory holidays that may fall on days other than Monday—such as Remembrance Day and Canada Day—Mass will still be celebrated at 10:00 am.
This adjustment reflects a shift in our parish schedule. We thank you for your understanding.
If you have any questions, please contact the parish office.
Upcoming Ordination - Permanent Deacons
On Tuesday, July 22, three men — Amelito Perez, Karl Pierzchajlo, and Kevin Keech — will be ordained to the permanent diaconate. Bishop Paul Terrio, retired Bishop of the Diocese of St. Paul, will be the principal celebrant.
Profiles of each candidate will be shared on the Archdiocese website: https://caedm.ca/news-events/ over the next two weeks.
Please keep these men in your prayers as they prepare for this joyful and sacred step in their vocation.
Summer Stewardship
Even during vacation months, the parish relies on your generosity to keep things running smoothly. There are several options available to you.
Thank you for your continued support!
Upcoming local pilgrimages
Lac Ste. Anne
July 19-24, 2025
www.lacsteannepilgrimage.ca
Skaro Shrine Pilgrimage
August 14-15, 2025
https://caedm.ca/news-events/pilgrimages/skaro-annual-pilgrimage/
St. Mary’s Grotto Pilgrimage - St. Albert
August 17, 2025
an Evening at the Mac
in support of Catholic Social Services, A Sign of Hope campaign
Tickets are now on sale for the Annual Evening at the Mac event on August 21, 2025. This event is a joyful summer get-together of the many friends and supporters of Catholic Social Services & Sign of Hope. It is a time of celebration, mingling and amazing conversation. We look forward to seeing you and hope you might also invite a guest so they can learn about CSS' wonderful work in the community!
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and a brief speaking program will commence at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are $50.00 each and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2025-evening-at-the-mac-tickets-1345805383129 or by calling (780) 439-4673.
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!
Important Scam Alert
There have been fraudulent emails circulating, claiming to be from Father Joseph or other clergy members, asking for money or gift cards.
Please be advised:
No priest will ever ask you for money, gift cards, or personal financial assistance via email or text.
If you receive such a request, do not respond. It is a scam.
When in doubt, please contact the parish office directly at (780) 488-7295.
Stay cautious and help spread the word.
Spiritual Care in Hospitals
If you or a loved one are admitted to the University of Alberta or Royal Alexandra Hospital, please ensure:
· Your religion is listed in your medical chart
· You have digitally signed consent to receive a visit from a Catholic Chaplain
Without this consent, chaplains will not be able to access your name on the admitted list of Catholics. For more information, or to contact a Catholic Chaplain, please call:
University Hospital: 780-407-3345
Royal Alexandra Hospital: 780-735-4757
Bulletin Boards & Pamphlet Holders
Any items being posted on the bulletin boards in the church or the pamphlet area at the rear of the nave must be approved by Father Joseph and be stamped by the office. Any items that are not approved will be removed.
FORMED Subscription
St. Joseph’s Basilica has purchased a parish subscription to FORMED for our parishioners.
What is FORMED? Often described as “Netflix for Catholics”, it is an On-Demand platform that has Catholic movies, audio books, podcasts and more.
To access FORMED, go to formed.org, then click on Formed for Parishes, followed by Find Your Parish Subscription. Enter our Postal Code - T5K 1N8 (be sure to have a space entered in the middle) and select our parish, St. Joseph. You will be prompted to enter your name and email address and that’s it, you can enjoy all the programming it has to offer.
Communion for Sick & Homebound
If you or a family member is ill or cannot make it to mass in person, we do have a ministry that will take communion to people. Please call the office to request a visit.
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.
