The purpose of the survey, and of this subsequent report, is to compile information about men newly ordained to priesthood in Canada so as to provide a baseline for future research into vocations in this country. The findings from the survey aim also to help Canadians understand and appreciate more deeply the men responding to the Lord’s call to priesthood, and to encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

Nearly 300 people gathered for the Vocations Rally hosted on February 2nd at St. Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton, presented by the Archdiocese of Edmonton and the Benedict XVI Institute of Newman Theological College. 

The evening featured an opening blessing and prayer by Archbishop Smith, keynote talks by Dr. Ryan Topping of the Benedict XVI Institute and Vocations Director Fr. Kris Schmidt, a special premiere of the new vocation story series “Be Not Afraid” and a vocations panel hosted by Jenny Connelly, featuring religious sisters and priests from across our Archdiocese. 

It was a joy to see people gathered from all corners of our Archdiocese to learn about how to build a culture of vocation, to celebrate the work that God is doing through the holy vocations of religious life, priesthood and marriage in our communities and to rally together for the future of the Church. We need all hands on deck! 

Please pray for vocations to religious life, priesthood and marriage in our communities and for all men and women who are discerning how God is calling them.