A Church of Encounter & Witness: 2025 Lay Associations Renewal Gathering

On Saturday, November 22, 2025, St. Peter’s Catholic Church welcomed the Diocese of Calgary’s second Renewal Gathering for Lay Associations. Co-chaired by Ryan Schmidt and Janet Lymer, the gathering brought together 96 registered participants representing 41 lay associations. The room carried a simple message: the Holy Spirit has already planted a wide range of charisms in our Diocese, and renewal will grow faster when we stop working in isolation.

The day began where renewal must begin: at Mass. From there, we moved into a steady rhythm of testimony and table dialogue, starting with the Diocese’s Year 3 Renewal video, “Lighting the Fire of Renewal.” Its message: You are called, You matter, You belong set the tone for everything that followed: encounter is personal, witness is public, and both require conversion.

Lay associations are not add-ons to parish life. They are the baptized living the Church’s mission through discipleship, service, and evangelization across southern Alberta. Gathering together made this visible, as diverse charisms met in prayer and dialogue, revealing how our gifts are meant to complement one another.
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Through testimony and Conversations in the Spirit, participants listened deeply and discerned where the Lord may be leading next.

Carla Hamarsnes: Renewal begins on our knees
Carla Hamarsnes (Apostoli Viae) offered a candid testimony of returning to the Church after leaving as a young adult. She described the intensity of her search, daily Mass, reading, online formation, events, devotions, and a strong sacramental life, yet still feeling that deep interior transformation remained out of reach.

The turning point came through daily mental prayer, setting aside intentional time and space for Christ. Her witness highlighted a clear message: parish renewal is sustained not by programs, but by personal, faithful prayer.

Ryan Schmidt: Witness costs something, and it matters
Ryan Schmidt is the Director of Pastoral Renewal and Lay Associations for the Diocese of Calgary. 
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Reflecting on a moment when loved ones were being led off course, he emphasized that true witness is neither performance nor pressure, but choosing Christ within real relationships. His story highlighted the call to be present, to listen, and to speak with conviction and charity.

Bishop McGrattan: Renewal is our path to evangelization

Bishop William McGratta reinforced the “why” behind all of this work: renewal is our path to evangelization. The Church is not renewing itself for its own comfort. We are renewing so that more people can encounter Jesus Christ, find belonging, and grow in holiness.
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The Diocese has been clear that pastoral renewal is meant to function like a compass, not a one-size-fits-all program. Each parish and community must discern how to respond within its own reality, but always oriented toward Christ, with the Holy Spirit as guide.

Dr. Monique Withers: Mercy is practiced one person at a time

Dr. Monique Withers of the Calgary Catholic Medical Association closed the testimonies by reflecting on mercy lived in the ordinary. Drawing from her childhood in the missions and more than 40 years as a family physician, she shared a simple lesson learned early on: mercy is practiced one person at a time. She drew inspiration from Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth, mercy expressed through presence, encouragement, and joy, leading Mary to sing the Magnificat.

Walking forward together

If there was one clear takeaway from the day, it was this: renewal will not be “delivered” to us. We will live it into being: through prayer, through encounter, and through witness.

Lay associations are already carrying much of this work across the Diocese. The invitation now is to strengthen our collaboration: share resources, cross-promote events, partner with parishes, and keep returning to the Eucharist and to personal prayer as the source of fruitfulness.
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As we continue walking this renewal journey, called, loved, and sent, may our many charisms become one clear witness: Jesus Christ is alive, and His Church is being renewed.

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Written by Janet Lymer, Executive Director, Calgary Catholic Education Foundation.

Photos: Annie Chirka, for the Diocese of Calgary.

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Find out more about Lay Associations in the Diocese of Calgary. 

• Lay Associations Directory