Last Saturday, April 13, 2024, St. James' Parish in Calgary hosted its first renewal gathering, attended by twenty parishioners intrigued and excited about the Renewal.
The event fostered four small group discussions, where the Holy Spirit's presence was felt, and the renewal team, along with parish priest Fr. Eligio Canete, were encouraged by the intensity and scope of the discussions about the parish's needs and actionable ideas for progress. Acknowledging the busy weekend schedules of many parishioners, Fr. Eligio extended an invitation for those unable to attend to participate in alternative ways. "For those who cannot attend, we have placed whiteboards inside the church and our parish hall where they can post their inputs, ideas, and suggestions on sticky notes. All these feedback and suggestions will be considered and will inform our 5-year Pastoral Plan," he stated. Ideas were wide ranging and spoke to all aspects of parish life from the young to the seniors. However, Real added, "I think it is a little early to talk about specifics as we are looking at other ways to obtain feedback from parishioners." Although this was the inaugural renewal gathering, it will certainly not be the last. To attract more people to get involved in the Parish Renewal conversation, the team set up a couple of feedback/idea boards at the back of the church and in the parish hall, inviting parishioners to share their voices, or ideas that could be integrated into the parish plan. This approach proved effective in drawing attention to the event and encouraging participation in the Parish Renewal conversation. Real Phaneuf reflected on the outcome of the event, stating, "Overall, the attendees left the gathering feeling heard and optimistic about the journey we are about to embark on."
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Note from the editor: We're thrilled to share insights from Fr. Tim Boyle's third year of service with the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith during Holy Week. Dive into the highlights of his northern journey, alongside the inspiring story of Fatima. Her dedication as a Missionary Disciple in the Village of Gameti, NWT, truly captures the essence of daily service, sacrifice, and true commitment. Enjoy the read and the photos! ==== God has given our church enough ministerial vocations. Many of them have been given to women. Fatima Lee received one of those calls. Born in Hong Kong supported by a mother who believed in education, Fatima’s call to serve God was shaped when as a young women she left Hong Kong to study theology at Louvain in Belgium. Her vocation to serve the church was put on hold when she married Bernard and together they raised their two sons, eventually settling in Toronto. In the course of time she found her way back into ministry and served the People of God in a parish for many years. The sudden death of her husband eight years ago resurrected her original vocation to be a missionary. When the Archdiocese of Toronto invited local priests to serve in the north, Fatima asked Bishop Kasun if they would sponsor a layperson. Six years ago she began a new chapter in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. She serves as the Diocesan Religious Education Coordinator, creating and offering sacramental preparation programs for catechists, working with lay leaders and on various projects for the Bishop. But her true heart’s work is as the spiritual leader of Village of Gameti where she shares reflections on scripture and leads their Sunday communion service whenever she can. When I first visited the village with her, I thought of the winter north as something similar to their picturesque winter castle festival. The ice road is seen from the air as a straightforward, simple, smooth drive. But accompanying Fatima this year, I have begun to see that ministering in the north is a mix of breathtaking beauty and heartbreaking challenges. On Wednesday of Holy Week, we drove the 300 km six-hour winter ice road to Gameti. Driving the winter ice road captures ministry in the north better than any other experience. We went through sections of forest surrounded by skeletons of trees destroyed by the fires.
Gone was the beautiful clear ice.. the open skies. The lakes and the forest we travelled through were now snow-covered, and the night was silent.
Gazing out into the landscape lit only by our headlights, Fatima remarked that having faith and ministering in the north was like driving the winter road at night. You can only see what the headlights show you. Only by trusting and moving forward will you discover that God has prepared a path for you. This year, National Volunteer Week will be from April 14 to 20, 2024, and we're taking a moment to celebrate the incredible impact volunteers have on our parish communities! Our volunteers, the quiet champions of our parish, embody love in action. They uplift those in need, prepare the sacred liturgies and sacraments, maintain our sacred spaces, and nurture our young during their formative years. Their dedication echoes far beyond the Holy Week preparation and Easter Sunday—a constant reminder of the impact one person can have in the lives of many. We’re profoundly grateful for their presence and the grace they bring to our Church.
This year, Easter Vigil at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish was nothing short of astonishing. For my wife, Cathleen, and me, the mother of all holy vigils is a significant event we look forward to each year. This celebration holds a deeply personal significance, as it was during an Easter Vigil, much like this one, that she was received into the Catholic Church in 2016. As Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez of Puerto Rico puts it, “We live for this night.” This parish is unique in that it offers not one, not two, but three Easter Vigil celebrations in English, Italian, and Spanish! We were there for the English Mass, the first of the evening, unaware of what we were about to witness. The liturgy began with a series of readings and Psalms, telling the story of salvation from the creation of the world, through God’s covenant with Abraham, the Passover, and His promise of redemption. These stories reminded us once again how God, from the beginning of the world, has always saved and transformed people’s lives. Throughout these readings, however, our attention kept drifting to a mysterious box next to the altar, adorned with angels. Cathleen asked me what it was, but I was just as puzzled.
He is risen indeed! As the Mass continued, the time for the second Vigil was approaching. We noticed some members of the Italian community beginning to arrive. A humorous thought crossed my mind: “Hope they remember to bring Jesus back down before the people show up.” For us Christians, Jesus never “goes back down.” Christ is risen, and nothing will ever be the same again. St. Augustine once reflected that “in the former period, we train ourselves with fasting and prayer, but in this post-Easter season … we sing Alleluia.” St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:17-20 that the very power that raised Christ from the dead is now available to us. It is this Paschal joy and power that are at the heart of our Diocesan Renewal. This is a reminder that, with the resurrection of Christ, the sky's the limit! What better time than Easter to consider how we can bring a fresh start into our own lives and our parish community? First, let’s focus on deepening our personal relationship with the risen Jesus. This can be as simple as dedicating some time to prayer or even incorporating different forms of prayer, such as Lectio Divina, the Examen, or the Liturgy of the Hours. We can also partake more meaningfully in the Sacraments and study the Word more deeply with FORMED resources or even joining a Bible study group. Rather than things to check off a list, these are opportunities to grow closer to Jesus and be renewed in the process. Next, let’s look at how we can be engaged in the parish, our local community of fellow followers of Jesus. Every church is made up of people with different talents and gifts, and yours can truly make a difference in renewing your parish. Whether your strengths lie in organization, music, teaching, or simply offering a smile, there’s a place for you. Getting involved is not only about giving of ourselves but also about being witnesses, collectively, to the risen Christ amongst a society plagued by confusion and despair. Finally, let’s support this renewal with prayer. Ultimately, it is only the Holy Spirit who can open our minds, guide us, and bless our endeavours towards renewal. Risen Lord, let your face shine on us and renew us!
A Renewed Faith: A Parishioner's Path to Renewal You are called. You matter. You belong. Being an immigrant, this slogan is the perfect start to the Renewal, especially since society has told many of us to go back to where we came from. By its theme, the Diocese also signals its willingness to embrace, on a daily basis, its people in all their diverstiy. The Renewal is comprehensive in intent and nature, being personal, familial, parochial, or diocesan or, most likely, various combinations thereof. I read the 2023 Diocesan Synthesis several times, and each time, my joy increased, and my desire to cooperate with the Holy Spirit intensified. By the time I attended the Calgary Renewal Gathering (Nov 4, 2023) and heard Bishop McGrattan’s Q&A, I was convinced of a calling to serve the Church in a way that would be more meaningful than what I had done previously. I was inspired to become engaged in the Pastoral Renewal process. How would I be engaged in the Renewal? I did not know, but my contemplation of the Bishop’s proposed next steps led me to ask myself what tools (charisms) I possessed that could benefit the Renewal process. Consequently, I registered with the Catherine of Siena Institute for its Called & Gifted Process to discern my charisms. As I expected, I am seeing growth in my faith ― my personal renewal has begun. Cradle Anglicans of the Anglo-Catholic tradition, my wife and I (and the entire congregation) converted in 2011 to Roman Catholicism in (the Diocese of) the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter. This was made possible by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 (Anglicanorum Coetibus) to allow Anglicans to convert in groups. COVID-19 brought into our lives new realizations, one of which was the awareness of our desire to enter the Diocese of Calgary. After visiting several parishes, we registered with Sacred Heart Parish in Calgary in the Spring of 2023. Since then, we have been allowing ourselves time to become acclimatized, to see how things are done in both the Diocese and the Parish. The concept of “missionary disciples,” introduced or restored by Pope Francis, is new to me. I have the understanding that, as a Catholic, I accept the dual role of imitating Jesus while contributing to the building-up of His Church. This is consistent with the main goal of the Pastoral Renewal process. Therefore, I am expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the Renewal Leadership Team for organizing and managing the Pastoral Renewal process. I am happy to have been caught in its net, and I pray that I shall discover my true calling at last. May the Holy Spirit strengthen and guide us all in the fulfillment of God’s will. ---- Shared by Roy Ifill. Roy was a cradle Anglican of the Anglo-Catholic tradition. Roy converted in 2011 to Roman Catholicism in the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter. After COVID-19, he joined the Diocese of Calgary, and is a parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish in Calgary.
If you have a #Renewal story to share, we'd love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications@calgarydiocese.ca
Diocesan renewal is alive and well in Medicine Hat. The process of making Missionary Disciples has been ongoing in Medicine Hat for some time now, with the local Men's ministry utilizing the TMIY (That Man is You) resources and currently in its 12th year. This year's retreat theme was "Prayer, Basic Training," and a silent men's retreat was held earlier this month at Holy Family Parish, on March 8-9, 2024. Deacon Robert Risling, the coordinator of the TMIY program, and Lindsay Heier, MA, a core team leader, delved into the history of the Desert Fathers and prayer traditions from Eastern and Western Catholicism. They taught participants to "Breathe with both lungs of the Church" (a quote by St. Pope John Paul II) to help them develop a rule of prayer. "To be successful in life, one must be intentional; one must both make and keep a plan; the spiritual life is no different. During the retreat, over 30 men who were eager to improve their prayer lives immersed themselves in a silent, contemplative, monastic experience of prayer. This is not an easy task in the noise-filled environment we're accustomed to." shared Deacon Robert. This men's retreat has drawn significant praise from its attendees. Deacon Robert and Lindsay offered profound spiritual insights that resonated deeply with the participants. Bob Anderson, a participant, expressed his appreciation for the retreat's focus on internal perspective and humility. "The perspective we learned is that the development of a prayer rule is not because we are advanced but because we are weak," he said. Anderson emphasized the importance of prayer as a reaction to God's grace and a means of assimilating its content within ourselves. "Prayer is natural, yet mysterious, ordinary yet mystical, simple but supernatural," he added. Anderson concluded by highlighting prayer's role in instilling hope and strengthening faith, thus eliminating the fear of the past, present, and future. Mike Rae shared how the retreat was an inspirational godsend for him. "The retreat opened my eyes, heart, and mind to how lacking my prayer life was," he confessed. Leaving the retreat, Rae felt inspired to devote more time to God, describing the experience as unique, inspirational, and educational. Robert Rae appreciated the pairing of monastic elements with theology and practical tools for improving prayer life. He described the retreat as a blessing that offered both spiritual and practical direction, emphasizing the need to slow down and give what is due to the Lord in our busy lives. Ray Bosch found alignment in the retreat with Pope Francis' Jubilee Year of Prayer. He particularly appreciated the focus on prayer and the use of "Lectio Divina" to prepare hearts. "I believe the Word of God unified us as we all draw on the same source of living water that gives life to our souls," he said. Bosch also highlighted the impact of the silent retreat, which allowed time to savor and digest the richness of prayer. Blaine Nowicki described the retreat as a great experience and very informative. "I not only learned so much about different ways to pray, but also how to apply it to my prayer life and become closer to Jesus," he said. The feedback from these attendees underscores the profound impact of the Men's Lenten Retreat. It was not only a source of spiritual insight but also a platform for personal growth and improvement in their prayer lives. As the participants' testimonials indicate, the retreat has been instrumental in inspiring and guiding them towards a more fulfilling and profound relationship with God. Contributor: Deacon Robert. Deacon Robert was ordained in 2002 by Bishop Frederick Henry. He has been serving at Holy Family Parish in Medicine Hat for 22 years and has also been a trustee for the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education for 10 years. Deacon Robert has been married for 33 years and has four children and three grandchildren.
Photos credit: Deacon Robert Riesling. Despite the bad weather and slippery roads, numerous parishioners of all ages came to St. Mary’s Cathedral for the 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations in the Diocese of Calgary, which commenced on Friday, March 1, at St. Mary's Cathedral. From 7 a.m. that Friday until 11 p.m. on Saturday, Jesus Christ was solemnly exposed on the Altar in the monstrance. The faithful gathered to adore Him and pray for the needs of the Church and the world, particularly for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. The 40 Hours Devotion is a centuries-old tradition of continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in solemn exposition, held successively in different Churches for special intentions. On Ash Wednesday of this year, Bishop McGrattan wrote a pastoral letter promoting the 40 Hours Devotion in the Diocese of Calgary for the special intention of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. In the spirit of Diocesan Renewal, the Bishop invited all parishes in the Diocese to take turns holding the Devotion. “Through this initiative of the 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations,” he wrote, “we will in time see the fruits of our prayer as the Lord sends out labourers into his harvest, including into the local Church of the Diocese of Calgary.” To launch the Devotion, Bishop McGrattan celebrated the Cathedral’s regular Friday 7:30 am Mass. In addition to silent adoration, the agenda for the 40 Hours at the Cathedral comprised three additional Parish Masses, recitation of the Rosary before Masses, the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 pm on both days, sacred music, and brief talks delivered by three Priests. During Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was reposed in the Tabernacle. Priests were also accessible for Confessions throughout the entire forty hours, except during the Masses. To ensure that someone was always present when the Blessed Sacrament was exposed, St. Mary's Cathedral reached out to different groups in the Parish to come for particular hours of Adoration. This included the altar servers ministry, which is primarily comprised of young people. The Cathedral also gave parishioners the opportunity to sign up for hours of Adoration, and made it clear that an inability to commit to a specific hour was no barrier to participation. Those who found themselves free were warmly encouraged to attend whenever they could, without the pressure of signing up. The response was amazing! A total of 307 signed up from the website. Yet, the number of people who actually came was significantly higher. For two hours on Friday morning, students and staff from St. Mary’s High School took turns coming to adore Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. On Saturday morning, Fr. Avinash Colaco, Rector of the Cathedral, delivered a catechesis to students preparing for first Holy Communion and Confirmation and their parents. Although only 25 students and parents had signed up for the talk, over 45 showed up. Many people also rose to adore Jesus Christ in the middle of the night to the early morning hours. Throughout these quiet hours, an average of twelve adorers was present every hour. A security guard was assigned in the Church throughout the night to ensure the safety of the adorers and priests. The final day of the Cathedral's 33-day preparation for Consecration to the Eucharist fell on Saturday, March 2nd. As the clock struck 10:30 pm, parishioners collectively recited the Act of Consecration. This was followed by the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 11 pm, with over 85 people bearing witness to this profound ceremony. The preparation and organization of the 40 Hours was conducted under the leadership of Fr. Avinash, assisted by Deacon Greg Barcelon and the Cathedral’s Parish Renewal Team. Both the 40 Hours Devotion and the Consecration to the Eucharist were announced to the Parish community for weeks in advance. “Thoughtful planning and preparation,” says Fr. Avinash, “were key to its success.”
Contributors: Fr. Derek Remus & Fr. Avinash Colaco for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of St. Mary's Cathedral.
For more information about 40 Hours of Devotion for Vocations, and to host the Devotion in your parish, contact Fr. Derek at derek.remus@calgarydiocese.ca | Pray for our Seminarians “Our Lord moves amidst the pots and pans,” St. Teresa of Avila once said, and indeed, I often find God in a busy kitchen. I love cooking, which was once described to me as the art of redistributing water, which is simply a clever way of saying chefs are masters of matter. Western culture is often derided as being materialistic, but the philosopher Alan Watts disagrees. In a passage contemplating proper Christian materialism, he writes:
St. Augustine noted that things are to be used, but only God is to be enjoyed. We enjoy the goodness of God’s creation in the bounty on our table, but especially in those at our table. As the Catholic Bishops of Japan wrote in Reverence for Life, “To sense each creature singing the hymn of its existence is to live joyfully in God’s love and hope.” At the best feasts, everything and everyone is singing joyfully in God’s love. One pillar of the Diocese of Calgary’s Pastoral Renewal is to Strengthen Family Life, and eating together as a family is a powerful bond. Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education says only 30% of families manage to eat together on a regular basis, but those that do experience lower rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and higher rates of resilience and self esteem. The Father has always been calling us to a meal because this is one of the ways he keeps us free from all anxiety. A family dinner can be a minor mirror of the Mass. My most joyful cooking comes when I remember to recite my favourite lines from the Eucharistic prayer: Fruit of the earth and the work of human hands… Fruit of the vine and the work of human hands… A cosmic vertigo occasionally overwhelms me at the simple act of looking down at a carrot in my left hand and a knife in my right. Everything – the sun, rain, earth, fire, time, and human craftsmanship – everything is in my hands, and as I chop, I often recollect a passage from Martin Luther King Jr.’s A Christmas Sermon on Peace: You go to the bathroom and reach for the sponge, and that’s handed to you from a Pacific Islander. You reach for a bar of soap, and that’s given to you by the hands of Frenchman. You drink your coffee that is poured in your cup by a South American, or if you prefer cocoa, by a West African. Have you ever stopped to think that before you finish eating breakfast, you’ve depended on more than half the world?"
All of which likely explains why my favourite dishes are reductions, when the steam goes up fragrant from the pot like incense. In risotto, for example, at a crucial stage you must burn off the alcohol from a dry white wine to concentrate its sweetness. In pisto manchego, the water from the tomatoes, peppers, and squash slowly bubbles off until there’s nothing left but the flavour of God. And in this holy season of Lent, it is important to keep in mind that this sacred materialism allows us to fast in a meaningful way. When we temporarily go without God’s bounty, we turn away from the idols of comfort and convenience to focus our attention on the Father’s loving provision. When families reclaim this communion at the domestic church’s dinner table, they will once again find God in the midst of pots and pans.
In the winter of 2023, St Mary’s parish council, after reviewing the diocesan synodal synthesis, invited an interested group of parishioners to start the conversation of pastoral renewal in our parish. As part of the process, a group of 24 individuals began to discuss, reflect on and research parish renewal. Through our research, we discovered the dynamic parish ministry, Divine Renovation. Originating in Canada, Divine Renovation currently has a worldwide reach and extensive resources and stories to share. Central to Divine Renovation’s ministry is Alpha. Following prayer and discernment, study of Divine Renovation, consultation with our pastor and further exploration of the Alpha program, the renewal group decided to host an 11-week Alpha session for our parish. Many parishioners were unfamiliar with the current Alpha program and were interested in knowing more about this new ministry in our parish. We were thrilled when 63 people registered! 42 came as guests who fully received, and the remaining 21 received as they gave generously of themselves in various volunteer positions such as the core planning team, prayer, registration, advertising, hospitality, set up, food donations, and so on. For those unfamiliar with Alpha program and looking for inspiration for parish pastoral renewal, this is a wonderful renewal resource and experience. It particularly addresses priorities 1 and 2 of the diocese’s renewal plan: Forming missionary disciples in Christ and Becoming a Church of encounter and witness. Alpha invites others to know Christ and to learn the great story of Jesus and His Church (Priority 1). It is the perfect opportunity to build relationships that listen to others’ lived experiences (Priority 2). This is the heart of Alpha. Leaders have many chances to exemplify Christ's values to lead with mercy and passion. Divine Renovation deems Alpha vital to their mission, a sentiment we share based on our experience. Alpha fosters an inviting space for engagement, nurturing discipleship and leadership. It's a program that lays out Christian basics, and is a doorway to faith for those who are searching. It is open to anyone and is meant to be a place where people can come up with honest questions to engage in community, compelling content, and conversation. One of our major wins was the fact that this group heard the gospel message, was invited to start or renew a relationship with God, had the opportunity to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and was given tools in the areas of prayer, scripture, discernment, spiritual warfare, evangelization, and healing. At the end of Alpha, individual participants discerned their next steps, with different options in the areas of growing in personal holiness and mission. As our session drew to a close, the Alpha core team created an exit slip to provide feedback from our first Alpha experience. Here are only some of the highlights: Alpha was welcoming and not judging." Alpha is just a piece in the puzzle of the bigger picture of Parish Renewal for St. Mary’s in Brooks. It has been one of our first steps, with many more steps to come. Parish Renewal is a marathon, and we need to have a long-game mindset. It has been recommended that we run Alpha 3-4 times, as Alpha has the potential to be the pump from which our parish draws to flow into our other ministries. Divine Renovation encourages this and reports that they have seen parish ministries and groups flourish after successfully running multiple Alphas. With this in mind, our parish has just completed our second Alpha session this fall and we look forward to Alpha remaining at the heart of our parish. We are also thrilled to share that as a result of our first Alpha session, our local Catholic school: St Joseph’s Collegiate, has begun an Alpha for Teens initiative. Stay tuned about this exciting development through Faithfully! Submitted by Christine Kleiboer & Bonnie Annicchiarico, parishioners of St. Mary's Church in Brooks.
It was a truly wonderful day for a Christmas pageant! On the second Sunday of Advent, our family journeyed to Mount Saint Francis Retreat Centre in Cochrane for their annual Christmas Pageant - Christmas at Greccio, Christmas at the Mount.. The festive atmosphere instantly transported me to a scene from a classic Christmas movie, with bonfires, lovely nativity scenes, children playing in snow, and magical sleigh rides under a dusting of fresh snow. After a glorious sleigh ride that left my toddler bubbling with giggles and a toasty cup of hot chocolate, chiming bells signalled the start of the Christmas pageant. Families, friars, and little ones walked towards the outdoor pavilion. It was a joy to watch the faithful of our Diocese coming together, living their faith and celebrating the arrival of Christ our Saviour. This collective journey towards faith and encountering God's unchanging love echoed the historic pilgrimage to the first nativity reenactment in Greccio, Italy, 800 years ago. St. Francis of Assisi's deep love for the infant Jesus and the redemptive act of God becoming a baby inspired him to recreate that humble scene from Bethlehem. In 1223, fires lit the dark as people arrived with torches and candles at a dark cave in Greccio and gathered around a young family, live animals, and a manger. Francis held the child in his arms, preached the Gospel and mass was celebrated over the babe in the crib. The faithful returned home with their hearts renewed in the Lord and the Christmas creche found a place in our hearts and in our lives. Here at The Mount, the words "Bambino of Bethlehem" resounded as young actors from Holy Spirit Catholic School breathed life into the story, evoking audience interaction and excitement. The poignant storytellers, the impressive young choir and the actors brought grace and depth to the story while the spirited 11-year old Francis brought the intricacies of the story at Greccio to light. His monologue towards the end of the pageant called everyone's attention to the true spirit of Christmas – the Bambino of Bethlehem – God with us! - and Jesus’ message of love, peace and light. The enthralled audience, shifting in their seats to catch glimpses of the Holy Family, left me with a renewed hope for the Church, especially at this special time of Renewal in the Diocese. From the renewal of the Christmas story 800 years ago to this year's pageant, this tradition serves as a timeless spiritual awakening.. Christmas at The Mount is my new favourite tradition and I am looking forward to bringing my family to the manger for years to come.
During this season of Renewal, I would like to share the story of Ysabelle Galang - a living embodiment of pastoral renewal in our parish. Ysabelle is a young woman who just received her Sacrament of Confirmation last year. As part of the preparation for Confirmation, our booklet required the confirmandi to complete a Mass book. This involved attending mass and answering specific questions related to the service, such as the opening song, the book of the Bible from which the Gospel was read, and reflections on the homily. Ysabelle demonstrated great interest in this task, often asking me to help fill in any blanks she missed during mass. I would show her the Lectionary to reference the book. Her curiosity led to engaging dialogues during these encounters. Upon reviewing the rest of the confirmation booklet, she realized that she needed to serve the church or community in some capacity. When asked for suggestions, I proposed altar serving. She embraced this role with enthusiasm, attentiveness, and excellence.
Written by Fr. James Hagel for Faithfully, pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel, Chestermere.
Amidst a snowy evening last Thursday, nearly 250 participants enthusiastically joined our online session, 'Welcome Home: How to Make Our Parishes More Inviting.' The session resonated with such positivity among attendees that we are eager to share key insights from our speakers about what it means to welcome others into our parish community, extending beyond this season of Advent and Christmas. The evening commenced with Dr. Bonnie Annicchiarico at the helm as moderator, introducing the theme of "Welcome Home." Both keynote speakers, Fr. Troy Nguyen and Dr. Lance Dixon, shared personal experiences that shaped their understanding of what it means to be, and to feel 'at home.' Fr. Troy began by recalling his university years. He shared how an invitation to a house party had made him feel known and valued - that “he is known by someone, and this is what home feels like.” Lance, a Catholic convert, drew parallels with the story of the prodigal son, emphasizing the significance of returning to a place where one feels valued and belongs. He then recounted a personal experience with a parishioner named Elsa Jones, who welcomed him into an Anglican parish he used to call home. During a period of his life fraught with uncertainty, Elsa took him by the hand, and sat with him during his first time back at the church. She encouraged him to return week after week, and even began referring to him as her 'son,' which meant so much to him. This warm welcome made him feel like part of a family, motivating him to stay in the parish. Eventually, he became an Anglican priest, got married, and established his own family there. Lance then shifted the discussion to the role of the Church as a 'field hospital,' a term coined by Pope Francis. “This image is both beautiful and deeply challenging. Many come to our door deeply wounded, lonely, completely unsure with their relationship with God, and for some, they are angry at the world… we could be the first person they set their eyes on when they come back to the church.” Lance said. "The thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful," the Holy Father has said. Quoting Eric Law, Lance emphasized that hospitality, after all, is the discipline of blessing each person who comes to our door, as if they were Christ himself. To be known by nameFr. Troy pointed out that sometimes, communities might unintentionally appear unwelcoming due to familiarity. People tend to stick with those they know, often overlooking new members. He further added that some might also be unaware of how to welcome others simply because they have never experienced it themselves. “We can’t give what we don’t have,” he reiterated. He then shared a touching story about a man who left the Catholic Church because no one knew his name, highlighting the human desire to be recognized and valued. “'We desire to be known by name, and God also invites us to be instruments, so we can know other people by name.” Fr. Troy reminded everyone of the dignity each person holds, emphasizing that they are worth the blood of Christ who gave his life for us. Recalling the passage from Isaiah 43:1, "Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine," he continued, "When we truly welcome others, we allow them to truly experience the dignity that they've been given. It's a corporal work of mercy for us to welcome others." Father presented two key principles to evaluate our motivation for welcoming others.
True hospitalityEchoing Fr. Troy's convictions, Dr. Lance outlined four important criteria for cultivating true hospitality:
The question arises: How can we translate all these insights into practical action? Among the various resources provided, Dr. Lance emphasized appreciative inquiry as an effective approach to engage with and listen to others' experiences.
For his part, Fr. Troy encouraged us to meet one new person this Sunday. "Learn their name and invest in that relationship for at least two years. Over time, we can profoundly change the world." “Making our parishes inviting isn't about grand gestures, but simple acts of recognition, acceptance, and love. We are all called to extend a warm welcome, just as Christ has welcomed us.” Following the example of the first Christians, each of us can have an impact right now and influence the next generation. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s start small this Sunday, one person at a time.
Great news! The celebration of Sunday Mass has resumed at three hospitals on the First Sunday of Advent in the City of Calgary. Patients, family members and friends, and hospital staff are now able to avail of this pastoral outreach in the following facilities:
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