Upfront with the Archbishop

What is the mission of married couples? Join Archbishop Smith as he discusses the sacrament of marriage in Scripture, divorce and annulment, how marriage is meant to be a witness to communion in an era of division, and his thoughts on what a couple can do when their relationship is struggling. On September 14, the Archdiocese of Edmonton launched its new pastoral priorities and our third priority is “Formation for Service to Families and Marriage.” We pray that this episode would continue the work of serving families and married couples in our community and forming all of us in a deeper understanding of God's vision for married and family life. Fact check on marriage and divorce rate. See following articles for further context on the decline of both marriage and divorce rates: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3910005101&pickMembers%5B0%5D=1.1&cubeTimeFrame.startYear=2000&cubeTimeFrame.endYear=2020&referencePeriods=20000101%2C20200101https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/divorce/divorce-statistics/#sources_sectionTo learn more about our brand-new Archdiocesan pastoral priorities: https://caedm.ca/pastoralpriorities/Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/archedmonton/Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/archedmontonFollow us on Xhttps://twitter.com/archedmontonWatch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek and Jenny Connelly. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Today, Archbishop Smith is talking about Catholic education and the urgent need to proclaim the Gospel in our Catholic schools, especially with the widespread presence of anxiety and depression among young people. In anticipation of Catholic Education Week (Oct. 19-25), the Archbishop also speaks about what it means for Catholic schools to be “authentic” and “distinct,” the relationship between educators and parents, and advice for how to proclaim the beauty and truth of the Church's teaching on anthropology and sexuality in our Catholic schools. For more resources from the Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association on Catholic Education Week 2024, with the theme of “Testify!”: https://www.acsta.ab.ca/resources/catholic-education-weekAn overview of the 5 Marks of Catholic School Identity, which inspired much of this episode: https://www.ecsd.net/the-five-marksTo learn more about our brand-new Archdiocesan pastoral priorities: https://caedm.ca/pastoralpriorities/Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek and Jenny Connelly. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

What kind of missionary am I called to be? Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about our second pastoral priority of “Forming Confident Witnesses,” the universal call to share the Gospel, what it means to be a missionary parish or diocese, Archbishop Smith's favourite experiences in northern Canada and our covenant with the northern Canadian diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. Show Notes Learn about our new pastoral priorities: https://caedm.ca/pastoralpriorities/Support our northern brothers and sisters by giving to Together We Serve: https://caedm.ca/togetherweserve/Read about Sister Fay Trombley: https://caedm.ca/2018/03/21/canada-honours-sister-fay-trombley-beloved-educator-retired-serve-people-tuk/A new parish opens in Fort Simpson, NWT, with support from Together We Serve: https://caedm.ca/2017/09/17/fort-simpson-rejoices-as-new-church-opens/Connect with us! Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/archedmonton/Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/archedmontonFollow us on Xhttps://twitter.com/archedmontonWatch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek and Jenny Connelly. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

How do I know if I am in a state of grace? What do Catholics actually believe about receiving the Body of Christ in the Eucharist? Join Archbishop Smith for our first episode back after summer break, for a discussion about Eucharistic theology, reverence in the Mass, being in a state of grace and the launch of our three, brand-new pastoral priorities for the Archdiocese of Edmonton! To learn more about our new pastoral priorities: https://caedm.ca/pastoralpriorities/Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek and Jenny Connelly. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Join Archbishop Smith as he takes a look at the most recent season of The Chosen, one of the most popular TV shows right now that centers on the apostles during the life of Christ.Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Will the Catholic Church change its teaching on marriage? On female priesthood?Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about how to define, dogma, doctrine and the Magisterium, about whether the Church will change some of its most-discussed moral teachings, the gift of certainty and consistency that the Catholic Church offers, and how all of these matters always come back to the person of Jesus Christ.Shownotes:Dei Verbum on the relationship between Scripture and Tradition https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.htmlWatch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Today's episode is the 100th episode of Upfront with the Archbishop and we're talking about themes from our most viewed episodes over the past two years: What is appropriate to wear to Mass, how to respond to division over Marian apparitions and the Catholic Church as the one, true religion.We are also speaking about the mysterious theology of the Sacrament of Confirmation, which Archbishop Smith calls the “sending forth” sacrament.Shownotes:Archbishop Smith explains the symbols of confirmation: https://youtu.be/AlP_sYMbSOg?feature=sharedNew document on discerning Marian apparitions and “alleged supernatural phenomena” (May 2024):https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/05/17/240517h.htmlIs the Catholic Church the One, True Church? Wounds of Unity and Pluralism | Ep. 74https://youtu.be/XG8gWVhqEcw?feature=sharedMarian Devotion: The Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe | Ep. 85https://youtu.be/CUTH1kJCjh4?feature=sharedWhat is Appropriate to Wear to Mass, The Virtue of Religion, and How Our Bodies Impact What We Believe | Ep. 53https://caedm.ca/upfront/Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

What is the mission of men?Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about his advice for men, the fatherhood of St. Joseph, the suffering of having an absent father and the response of God the Father, and what it takes to be an excellent man. Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Maria Goretti was just 11 when she forgave her would-be rapist and the man who killed her. How does a person do that? How do we grow in our ability to have mercy and forgive?Join Archbishop Smith to hear his advice on growing in the virtue of radical forgiveness, the story of St. Maria Goretti, Pope Francis' call for a “revolution of tenderness,” how to respond to the modern “culture of outrage” and the how the Sacrament of Reconciliation opens us up to forgiving, even in the hardest circumstances. Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Did you know Archbishop Smith used to lead music (with his guitar!) at Mass as a young adult?Join Archbishop Smith as he tells the story of how he started to pray as a child, the challenges of being a Catholic “nerd” in high school, his experience with liturgy and the implementation of Vatican II as a young adult, the moment he realized he was called to be a priest and his advice for anyone who wants to grow more courageous in sharing their own testimony.Episode #13. The Real Richard SmithWatch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Join Archbishop Smith for a conversation with Dr. Lauren Girard, a palliative care and family medicine doctor from Edmonton, Alberta as they discuss why palliative care is an answer to the rise in euthanasia and assisted suicide, the sophistication of modern pain management, experiences with accompanying people in the last moments of their life, how to accompany someone who is suffering from dementia, including Archbishop Smith's experience with his father's dementia, and much more.https://hopeanddignity.caedm.ca/Dr. Lauren Girard did his medical school and Family Medicine Residency program at the University of Alberta. He worked in general family practice in the Edmonton area for five years, and has been providing primary palliative care in the community since 2021. He cares for people experiencing terminal illness both at home and in the hospice setting. Outside of medicine he is married and keeps busy caring for his two young daughters.Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

As we near her feast day (April 17), join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about St. Kateri Tekakwitha and lesser-known facts about her life, including her Catholic formation in a Mohawk women's community, her relationship with radical forms of penance, her vow of perpetual virginity, her love of the Eucharist and how her story can give hope to those who are being persecuted or dismissed for their commitment to following Jesus.Indigenous Reconciliation Fund:https://irfund.ca/en/welcome/Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Are we striving to be “good” people? Or virtuous people?Join Archbishop Smith and host Jenny Connelly for a discussion about virtue ethics, the virtues that Archbishop Smith learned from his parents, the cardinal virtues and what it means to be a “good person.”Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Will our bodies rise again?Join Archbishop Smith and host Jenny Connelly for our Easter episode on evidence for Christ's Resurrection, the theology of the resurrection of our bodies, the relationship between wisdom and doubt, and why Catholics venerate relics.Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

What is happening in our nation? Join Archbishop Richard Smith, Deacon Larry Worthen and host Jenny Connelly for a discussion about the expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, how Christi calls us to respond to this culture of death, practical ways that people of good will can fight the expansion, and legality, of assisted suicide and euthanasia in Canada and stories of both tragedy and hope that shed light on the state of Canada's moral compass.Write a letter to your local Member of Parliament, at No Options, No Choice: https://www.nooptionsnochoice.com/english/take-actionVisit Hope and Dignity, our Archdiocesan response to assisted suicide and euthanasia: https://hopeanddignity.caedm.ca/To learn more about Canadian statistics on euthanasia and assisted suicide and Deacon Worthen's visit to our Archdiocese: https://caedm.ca/local-catholics-rally-against-culture-of-death/Christian Medical and Dental Association: https://cmda.org/Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Join Archbishop Smith for his annual Lent episode! We discuss why we fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, the theology of sacrifice, why young men are committing to the Exodus 90 program, and why asceticism is part of our Catholic tradition.Shownotes Exodus 90Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Join Archbishop Richard Smith for a discussion about what it means to be in crisis as a Church, why we must respond to crisis with obedience and repentance, the call to defend our family, the Church, and what it means that the Church has “lost her visibility.”Watch the trailer for Be Not Afraid:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FPBgrrOP10Benedict XVI Institute of Newman Theological College, co-hosts of our Archdiocesan Vocations Rally: https://bxvi.newman.edu/Pope Benedict XVI 1969 radio broadcast on a smaller Church:https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250979/benedict-xvi-was-a-prophet-of-church-s-future-pope-francis-tells-malta-s-jesuitsWatch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Join Archbishop Richard Smith for a discussion about private versus public revelation, Marion apparitions, how to discern whether a prophecy is legitimate or not, the origins of the Rosary and how Tradition relates to Revelation. Show NotesThe Church's Current Position on MedjugorjeVatican principles for discerning “resumed apparitions or revelations”Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so you don't miss new episodes https://caedm.ca/window/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about why the Catholic Church canonizes saints, the heroic story of St. Josephine Bakhita, how the grace of God can transform trauma and abuse into healing and forgiveness, and how we can bring heroic forgiveness into our own lives. Show NotesBook: Bakhita, From Slave to Saint https://www.amazon.ca/Bakhita-Slave-Roberto-Italo-Zanini/dp/1586176897Spe Salvia, Encyclical from Pope Benedict XVI https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi.htmlEdmonton Catholic School Division to open St. Josephine Bakhita School:https://www.ecsd.net/news/site-blessing-for-st-josephine-bakhita-catholic-elementaryjunior-high-school-1681421276483Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Join Archbishop Smith for our Christmas episode where we discuss the virtue of joy, the Christmas liturgies and the prophet Isaiah as the “5th Gospel,” Christmas-only Catholics and the ancient promises of God that he keeps to every one of us through the arrival of Jesus.Show notes:Christmas Mass times for the Archdiocese of Edmontonhttps://sites.google.com/view/liturgies/christmas-massesDonate to No Room in the Innhttps://caedm.ca/nrii/Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

How many priests does Canada need? Join Archbishop Smith and Dr. Ryan Topping (Benedict XVI Institute, Newman Theological College) for a discussion about the priestly “vocations crisis” in the Catholic Church, the brand-new study that Dr. Topping has published after surveying young priests from across Canada that explores the main reasons why young men choose to be priests today, the impact of altar serving on young boys, parents as the “first vocation directors” and much more. Get tickets for the Vocations Rally, “All Hands On Deck:”https://caedm.ca/vocations/Read “Meet Our New Priests:”https://bxvi.newman.edu/Connect with our Archdiocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Kris Schmidt:https://caedm.ca/vocations/ Donate to support vocations in Canada: https://caedm.ca/get-involved/ways-to-give/donations/Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

As we near the feasts of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12), join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about his own Marian devotion, his trips to Mexico in honor of our Lady of Guadalupe, the significance of Guadalupe to Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation and the theology of the Immaculate Conception.Shownotes:Archbishop Smith will be celebrating Mass Tuesday, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Joseph Basilica, Edmonton AB at 7:00 pmOur Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Archdiocese of Edmontonhttps://olguadalupe.caedm.ca/Resources for Truth and Reconciliation:https://caedm.ca/indigenous-relations/catholic-truth-and-reconciliation-resources/Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

As November – the Month of Souls – comes to a close, Archbishop Smith speaks about the Church's teaching on praying for the dead, indulgences, purgatory and the importance of the ministry that our Catholic cemeteries offer. On last week's episode, Archbishop Smith spoke about Advent as a season of repentance, and this week we discuss how we can offer up our penance for those who have died before us. Shownotes:Our Catholic Cemeteries, Archdiocese of Edmonton The Catechism of the Catholic Church on purgatory Watch us on YouTube here!Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

What have we forgotten about Advent?Join Archbishop Smith as he shares about Advent as a season of penitence, the purpose of the liturgical year vs. the secular year, Advent as a season of being shook out of our apathy and the irregularity of the fourth Sunday of Advent being the same day as Christmas Eve this year.Shownotes:Gospel for First Sunday in Advent, Year B:Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

“A great river of poverty is traversing our cities."Join Archbishop Smith as he talks about why Pope Francis instituted the annual World Day of the Poor, the (strange) Book of Tobit that Pope Francis wants us to reflect upon for this year's World Day of the Poor, and what it means when Catholic social teaching talks about the “preferential option for the poor.”Links:Pope Francis letter for World Day of the Poor 2023: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/20230613-messaggio-vii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2023.htmlDonate to your organization of choice: https://caedm.ca/togetherweserve/Donate to the Society of the St. Vincent de Paul through Together We Serve, our Archdiocesan annual appeal: caedm.ca/togetherweserve/Donate to Catholic Social Services: https://www.cssalberta.ca/Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

How does smudging and Indigenous culture integrate with the Mass?Join Archbishop Smith and Fr. Cristino Bouvette from the Diocese of Calgary as they discuss cultural appropriation and integration in the Mass, how much human culture is supposed to be seen in any liturgy, the Indigenous ritual of smudging, paganism vs. Christianity, the virtue of patriotism and much more.Fr. Cristino Bouvette is a born and raised Albertan of mixed Cree-Métis and Italian heritage, ordained in the Diocese of Calgary in 2012. Fr. Cristino was the Liturgical Coordinator for the 2022 Papal Visit to Canada. He currently serves as Vicar for Vocations and Young Adults for the Diocese of Calgary and he is the chaplain for the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy for young adults.In partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples from across Treaty Six, the Archdiocese of Edmonton supports Indigenous-led healing and reconciliation initiatives to guide our next steps. The Archdiocese of Edmonton has established a $3.2-million Indigenous Reconciliation Fund and convened an indigenous-led Discernment Circle to help frame our efforts. Further announcements will be made on the IRF soon. Read moreWatch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Join Archbishop Smith and Catholic school teacher Brett Fawcett (Elk Island Catholic School District, Chesterton Academy) for a discussion around defending our Catholic school system, what would be the repercussions if Alberta got rid of its publicly-funded Catholic school system, the vital role of teachers in proclaiming the Gospel, the role of parents as primary educators and much more.Show Notes:Catholic Education Sunday2023 Catholic Education Letter from Alberta-NWT BishopsCan. 798 Parents are to entrust their children to those schools which provide a Catholic education. If they are unable to do this, they are obliged to take care that suitable Catholic education is provided for their children outside the schools.St. Joseph's College Panel Discussion on Catholic EducationWatch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Today, Archbishop Smith directly answers questions from YOU, our listeners! We talk about low Synod participation rates, whether or not the Archdiocese will restore the original order of the Sacraments of Initiation, whether all monotheistic religions worship the same God and whether preaching the Gospel with your actions is enough.Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Join Justice Kevin Feehan (Alberta Court of Appeal) and Archbishop Smith as they discuss whether human rights are man-made or God-given, collective versus individual rights, the history of religious freedom in Canada, the experience of being a Catholic judge in the Canadian judicial system and the difference between American and Canadian approaches to the Church-State relationship.  LinksThe Alberta Court of AppealThe Red Mass Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Join Archbishop Smith as he directly addresses the concerns that many parishioners have brought up about the Synod, skepticism about the intentions of Pope Francis, the history of Synodality, the media's interpretation of the Synod and his personal experience as a delegate for the 2015 Synod on the Family. Archbishop Smith is also joined by Dr. Eugenia Pagnotta-Kowalzyck to discuss the key connections between the local Synod and the current Synod of Bishops unfolding this month in the Vatican. Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about moments in the Gospels where Jesus is asked a question and he gives an "evasive" answer, such as his conversation with Pontius Pilate or his pattern of using parables to explain different truths. We also explore when and if Christian leaders should follow the example of Jesus by giving indirect answers to hard questions.Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Should we desire to die as martyrs?Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about martyrdom, the portrayal of martyrdom in the Martin Scorsese film "Silence," the saints who died for Canadian Catholic Church, the moral dilemmas that come with facing death and religious persecution, the idea of "white martyrdom," and much more.Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Join Archbishop Richard Smith for a discussion about what the Catholic Church teaches about being the “one, true religion,” Christian dialogue, the idea of praying that all Christians would be “one,” and how religion stands in a pluralistic society.Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

What does the Archbishop think of The Chosen?Join Archbishop Smith and our host Jenny for a conversation about Archbishop Smith's first time watching Season 1 of the crowd-funded series, The Chosen, which depicts the life of Christ through intimate portrayals of his disciples and their families.Click here to watch this episode on YouTube!Links:The Chosen SeriesWatch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Click here to subscribe to the Upfront with the Archbishop YouTube Channel!Join Archbishop Smith for a conversation about consumerism, finding our identity in comfort, the ideology of materialism and how to approach our relationship with the material world as followers of Jesus. Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Why do followers of Jesus need a sense of wonder?Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about “fear of the Lord,” the often misunderstood gift of the Holy Spirit that we receive with the Sacrament of Confirmation.Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

What was it like to get a Ph.D., while also being a parish priest?This week our host Jenny has a fun conversation with Archbishop Smith about everything to do with his experience of doctoral studies (in Rome!): the topic of his dissertation, the stress of doing a Ph.D., his advice for young adults pursuing graduate and doctoral studies, and how to stay connected to your heart, while immersed in an intellectual world.Follow us on social media!InstagramFacebookWatch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

What is the Divine Office? If we are in a cultural “crisis of trust” how can this ancient prayer restore our faith?Today we speak with Archbishop Smith about the Divine Office or the Liturgy of the Hours: what it is, the daily commitment of priests across the world to pray this ancient prayer of the Church, how praying the psalms can restore our distrusting hearts, and the call to the laity to bring the Divine Office into their lives! Links:The Divine Office WebsiteiBreviary AppThe Liturgy of the Hours: Sing the Hours - Daily PodcastWatch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

How do you keep your marriage from suffering when you work for the Church? Join Archbishop Smith and Deacon Lynn Pion for a conversation about the permanent diaconate, marriage, the experience of presiding over your own child's wedding, the experience of coming to a vocation later in life, and the need for unity in the Church.Links:The Form of a Servant - Permanent Diaconate DocumentaryPermanent Diaconate OfficeWatch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Join Archbishop Smith live from Faro, Portugal, to hear all about the chaos, adventure, jetlag, and the joy of Catholicism to be found at World Youth Day.Over 220 young adults from the Archdiocese of Edmonton are joining hundreds of thousands of pilgrims for World Youth Day 2023. A group of pilgrims from the Edmonton Archdiocese have been in Faro, Portugal Days in the Diocese, the preamble event to World Youth Day. The official World Youth Day begins on August 1 in Lisbon, Portugal, concluding on August 6th.For this episode Archbishop Smith is joined by Edmonton Archdiocesan World Youth Day Coordinator Father Roger Niedzielski, and pilgrims Ian Novakowski and Brynn Merkosky.Want live updates from our international pilgrims? Follow us on Social Media!InstagramFacebookWorld Youth Day, Lisbon 2023 Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Did local communities disagree about whether it was a good thing that the Pope was coming to Canada? How has the Pope's visit brought people closer to Jesus? What was it like for local communities to have security details that are as extreme as the security for the President of the United States?Anne Wildcat was one of the main, local Indigenous leaders to organize the details of Pope Francis' first stop on his Canadian itinerary at Maskwacis, Alberta. She and Archbishop Smith exchange stories of some of the most beautiful, tense and chaotic behind-the-scenes moments of having the Pope come to a local reserve and to the Archdiocese of Edmonton.Links:National Truth and Reconciliation Commission DocumentsOur Lady of Seven Sorrows Catholic Parish, MaskwacisPapal Visit Website w/ Archival Video and Pope's SpeechesWatch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about his grandparents, the art of storytelling across generations, the troubling societal trend of neglecting our elders, how older Bishops have mentored him, the connection between World Youth Day and strengthening the relationship between different generations of Catholics and much more.Links:Pope Francis's Message for the World Day for Grandparents and the ElderlyEdmonton World Youth Day InstagramWatch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

How can we have more reverent liturgies in our Archdiocese? What is liturgy meant to look like, according to the Second Vatican Council? Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion on how St. Joseph's Basilica is seeking to be a leader in beautiful liturgy that accurately follows the rubrics of the Church. We talk about what Sacrosanctum Concilium outlines for the Mass and three elements of beautiful liturgy that we see at the Basilica: the priest chanting parts of the Mass, the use of sacred music and Gregorian chant, and the use of incense in the Mass.Links:CONSTITUTION ON THE SACRED LITURGY SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUMMUSICAM SACRAM INSTRUCTION ON MUSIC IN THE LITURGYSt. Joseph Basilica, Edmonton ABSt. Joseph Basilica Schola CantorumRoderick Bryce, Music Director BioWatch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

How does the break down of marriage connect to our lack of priests?Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion on the vocations crisis in Canada, the state of marriage, stories about how his parents' marriage inspected his vocation to priesthood, and an electric live Q&A covering the Church's response to Covid-19 vaccines, transgender ideology in Catholic schools, the theology of sin and so much more.Links:Breathe Marriage ConferenceVatican II DocumentsBenedict XVI InstituteA History of the Right to Catholic Education w/ Justice Kevin FeehanVatican: Note on the morality of using some anti-Covid-19 vaccinesCatholic Family MinistriesWatch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

What does it mean to offer up your suffering to God? In this week's episode Archbishop Smith takes a look at using our physical suffering, chronic pain, and mental anxiety as ways that we can be united more closely to Jesus Christ and His cross. How does it work? Can if be taken to an extreme? What do the saints have to say? All these questions and more in today's episode!Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion on how leisure is an essential part of being a Christian, the difference between laziness and rest, the sinister results of placing our identity in our productivity, how to remember to pray even when we take vacations, and Archbishop Smith's own relationship with work and rest.Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

Join Archbishop Smith for this special episode as we discuss his father Donald James, and how his father accompanied him as a young man, the unique nature of friendships between priests and married men,  the "ministry of presence" that all fathers are called, why we call priests "father," the meaning of the Aramaic word "Abba."Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

When was the last time you sat with the Lord in adoration? Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion on the meaning behind the different parts of Eucharistic adoration, the role of contemplation for followers of Jesus, why we sing “O saving victim” in adoration, and the return of 24/7 Eucharistic adoration to the Archdiocese of Edmonton. Links:Chapel of Perpetual AdorationSubscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

How do we know if we are in mortal sin? What happens if we receive Our Lord in the Eucharist, when we are not in a state of grace? Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion on defining mortal sin, the criteria for identifying whether or not we are in a state of grace, the question of culpability and mortal sins, the false idea of moral “proportionalism” and what happens when we “play games” with our salvation.     Links:The Catechism of the Catholic Church on defining mortal sin. Conversation between Matt Fradd and Ralph Martin, including discussion on mortal sin.Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

How do we reawaken the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? What should we pay attention to in the Pentecost Mass?Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion on the Pentecost Sunday liturgy, tongues of fire that landed on the Apostles in the Bibles, the Holy Spirit as the forgotten Person of the Trinity, and how to build a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.Subscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.

How do I vote as a follower of Jesus? Is there objective criteria for voting with a Catholic conscience? Join Archbishop Smith for a discussion about how to vote as a Catholic, as we get ready for the May 29th provincial election in Alberta. We discuss what it means to have a well-formed conscience, the principles of Catholic social teaching that need to inform our voting decisions, how government policy on abortion and assisted suicide impacts our voting, and how to pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom as we cast a vote. Links f:Pastoral letter from the Alberta Bishops on voting as a CatholicThe Catholic Conscience resource for comparing political parties.A comprehensive review of Catholic Social Teaching, the Compendium of The Social Doctrine of the ChurchThe Catechism of the Catholic ChurchSubscribe to our email list: Upfront UpdatesUpfront with the Archbishop is a podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.Watch us on YouTube Here!andSubscribe to our email list: Upfront Updates Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast where our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the hierarchy and the faithful through informal conversations about our Catholic faith. Featuring Archbishop Richard Smith (Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB) and our host Jenny Connelly. Produced by Matthew Bodnarek.