Fr. Mitchell Fidyka, Pastor

Fr. Mitchell Fidyka was appointed pastor of Holy Family Parish on August 9, 2005. For eight years prior to that, he served as pastor in Bashaw, Ponoka, Wetaskiwin and Hobbema. He also served as founding pastor of Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish in Edmonton from 1988 to 1997. He firmly believes that this century offers many challenges to the Church, that should be faced boldly with the guidance that comes in worship, study and prayer.

He invites all of you to be a part of this ministry, sharing your many talents with the community. In this way everyone can discover the joys that come with the Catholic faith. Come and join our family of faith, that together we may build God's Kingdom.

Fr. Mahendran Mahesh S.A.C., Associate Pastor

I was ordained in the year 1999 and belong to the congregation called the ‘Pallottine Fathers’. As a native of India, I was born and raised with a religious background and received a calling when I was sixteen years old.

The Lord has been very instrumental in my life and wherever he leads me I follow Him very closely. That is why I am at Holy Family Parish in St. Albert.

For the past ten years I have had a variety of experiences working in different parishes including the formation of young seminarians in India and working in France.

Vera Fischer, Parish Administrator

My family and I have been members of Holy Family Parish since 1991. Ken and I have 2 sons, one daughter and one daughter -in-law who bring much joy to our lives. Up until November 2007, my career had been in the field of vocational rehabilitation primarily for citizens with developmental disabilities. Since that time, I have had the privilege and responsibility of serving the needs of our parish community as Parish Secretary.

In parish life, I've had the occasion of participating in many ministries including baptism and marriage prep, a number of roles related to family life and welcoming new parishioners, pastoral care, teaching children's liturgy and catechism along with other faith ed/enrichment groups. It is by being part of such a great community of believers that we may experience the goodness, truth and beauty that God graciously gives to his people. Vera can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 459-3694.

Marieta Paul, Sacramental Preparations

I grew up on a farm near Riviere Qui Barre, and obtained my CREDO Diploma from Gonzaga Jesuit University in Washington (1976) and Bachelor of Theology degree (B.Th.) With Distinction from Newman Theological College (1979).

Douglas Paul and I were married in 1979 and we have four children, all in their twenties now. We have belonged to Holy Family Parish since 1983. I very much enjoyed being at home with our children when they were young, and Douglas and I volunteered with many different ministries and groups in the parish and Archdiocese during those years. From 1991 to 2007 I had the privilege of working as the Pastoral Associate in Holy Family Parish, then went to Youville Home as the Manager of Spiritual Care, and am now glad to be working in Holy Family Parish again, as well as at Youville Home.

Valerie Johnston, Office Assistant

I have lived in St. Albert for almost seven years with my husband, Scott and three daughters. Prior to moving to St. Albert, we lived in Regina, Saskatchewan where my husband and I were born and raised. We are enjoying our life in St. Albert and being a part of Holy Family Parish. We are involved in parish life and feel fortunate to be a part of a parish community with many gifted and blessed individuals and clergy.

I enjoy working in the parish office and serving our parish community. In the time outside of working in the parish, I enjoy helping out at my children's school, creating art and other various art projects.

Brendan Beier, Youth Ministry

I have been a member of the Holy Family Parish community since I was baptized into it as a baby 21 years ago. Since then I have been involved in the youth ministry program, firstly by attending it, and later by volunteering with it. I have been helping to run the program through a variety of ways for over six years and I am now blessed to be leading the excellent team of young adults who run the program for the Junior and Senior High School students of our parish.

Outside of the parish I have a growing family, a full time job, and I am involved with a Pro-Life ministry and help plan the conferences put on by Catholic Family Ministries. I view stewardship as an important part of continuing to grow in my faith, and share it with others.

Enid Shiller, Office Assistant

I grew up in St. Albert, the middle child of seven children and my family belongs to Holy Family Parish.

I graduated from St. Albert Catholic High School in 2009 and after taking this year off to work and gain some new experiences I hope to attend University in an education program. I have been involved at Holy Family in the past as part of the youth group and am excited now to be working in the office part time.

Since the age of six I have been involved in Highland Dance. At the age of 12 I began gaining experience as an Assistant Dance teacher and have now taken on a class of my own. I also have a part time job serving and baby sit regularly.

(Back to the top)