In times like these, few things can lift a person’s spirits like the unvarnished cheerfulness and optimism of children.

Although choirs are prevented from gathering physically due to COVID-19, it has not stopped many from finding creative ways to come together in song at Easter.

In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as a test of our commitment to answer our call as Catholics to express our faith beyond the bricks and mortar church building and organized gatherings. 

On Palm Sunday, after I read the Passion narrative of St. Matthew’s Gospel, alone in our parish church at the Masses, I could not help but think of how much we have in common this Easter with the first disciples of Jesus.

While the VIDO-Intervac laboratory at the University of Saskatchewan is working flat-out on a vaccine for COVID-19, bishops from all over Saskatchewan have come together to launch a laboratory of their own to work on the elusive formula for Christian unity.

During this time of isolation, it is very difficult to think, meditate and write about Easter. The churches are closed and we do not know at what point the COVID-19 infection will peak. 

The following is the Easter message from Richard Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg and president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The sign on the door may read “Closed until further notice” at Loyola House Ignatius Jesuit Centre and other retreat centres around the country, but that doesn’t mean spiritual life needs to take a break.

A little quiet time — away from work and the constant interruptions of daily life — ought to be just what the doctor ordered for those seeking more spiritual focus in their lives.

EDMONTON -- At 85, most priests would be content to mark six decades of priesthood with quiet retirement. But not Fr. Don Stein.