A Parish united: St. Joseph’s leaders collaborate for Renewal

How often do we hear ourselves say, “I’m too busy,” when invited to something outside our routine?

​No doubt that with full calendars and countless responsibilities, carving out 5 hours on a Saturday for our Parish Renewal Planning Day would feel like just another obligation. Yet, despite their reservations, St. Joseph's Parish ministry leaders showed up. Not just that, but they also brought with them the same kindness, dedication, and willingness to serve, which made their ministries thrive.

At first, some weren’t sure what to expect, but as the discussions unfolded, something shifted. The conversations were engaging, and many found themselves drawn in. One ministry leader admitted, "Honestly, when I first got the invitation, it felt like a chore, and finding the time for this meeting was tough. But once the discussion started with other ministry leaders, I quickly thought, ‘Oh, I like this—and where it’s going!’"
​
Engagement was high —faces definitely lit up with passion as ministry leaders exchanged ideas, eager to enrich their parish communities with the gift of their ministries.

"Time flew by, and we had rich discussions and new perspectives were definitely gained."
​
This energy carried into the heart of our Parish Planning Day, where leaders tackled the challenge of transforming survey insights and parishioner feedback into meaningful steps for renewal. The goal wasn’t just to discuss change but to bring it to life in a way that strengthens and inspires the entire parish community.

With fifteen of our nineteen ministries represented, the day was rich with diverse perspectives on the future of our parish. This spirit of renewal is nothing new to us—throughout our history, dating back to 1912, St. Joseph’s Parish has continually adapted to serve the needs of our community. From our early years serving nearly all of north Calgary of the Bow River to becoming a cornerstone of faith for families in Mount Pleasant, our parish has always embraced renewal. Today, it’s wonderful to see multiple generations worshipping in the same space where their faith journey began. 

That sense of legacy was alive during the Renewal Planning Day. As ministry leaders reflected on their mission, many found new clarity and inspiration. The goal was not just to discuss ideas but to spark a renewed focus in our ministries—to refocus goals, foster collaboration, and find new ways to call others into faith. By doing so, we can better reach those separated from God’s word and build a strong community of faithful families with the love of the Lord at the center of their lives.

For many, the small group discussions were especially powerful. One participant expressed, "Our discussions, especially in our ministry area group, are important. I felt validated—my concerns were heard, and that mattered,” shared one participant. Another reflected, “It was eye-opening to hear from other leaders. I hadn’t expected such deep attention and care for my ministry’s challenges and vision.”
​
As a parish, we face the same challenges as the broader Calgary community—affordable housing, redevelopment, poverty, and addiction. And in the broader context, we are walking alongside other parishes around the world trying to call back those who have left their faith practice. This planning day set the stage for how St. Joseph might prepare to tackle the challenges of its next 100 years.

With renewal efforts in the Diocese beginning in 2017, the 2024 Diocesan survey offered parishioners a chance to provide extensive feedback. Now, with our March planning day, we take the next step—turning those insights into action.

For some, the experience was transformative. One ministry leader admitted, “I thought I knew what my ministry needed coming into this meeting, but I underestimated the process. After time in discussions and prayer, it became clear that my ministry was called to support another—to help each other thrive, so together, we can strengthen our parish’s evangelization.”

I felt blessed to see our ministry leaders passionately discuss their ministries and how they impact the people they serve. Even more exciting was seeing opportunities bubble to the surface for greater ministry coordination during the assessment portion of the day.

One ministry leader tried to capture the heart of the renewal: “This isn’t about just strengthening my own ministry or parish. Evangelization has to be at the centre of everything. We’re not called to work in silos for our own small goals—by working together, we can accomplish far more for Christ.”

That mindset—collaborating beyond individual ministries—also challenges us to be more adaptable. How do we stay nimble, communicate new opportunities effectively, and help our parish respond to the fast-paced changes ahead?

What I think all members of the Diocese can be excited about with this renewal effort is that it is not a one-and-done event. It’s a continual cycle - listening, reflecting, acting, and then listening again. This planning day equipped ministry leaders with a framework to carry that process into their own ministries, helping our parish prepare not just for today but for the next 100 years.

As participants wrapped up the session, the intensity of the discussions was clear. Watching people leave the session, you could see we were drained. Five hours of evaluating, planning, and praying took its toll. But, in a good way. A little like taking all our worries and petitions at the foot of His altar. 'Alright Lord, we’ve done everything we can. Now it’s Your turn." 

---

Written by Megan Ritchie, Parish Renewal Leader chair, St. Joseph's Parish in Calgary.