 In 2025 the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord falls on Sunday and takes precedence over the Sunday in Ordinary Time. The connection of this feast with candles comes from the eighth century and led to the feast being called “Candlemas”. The procession with lighted candles and blessing of candles to take home will help parishioners to see Christ as the light of the world in the world of their own lives.
Although Christmas season officially ended at the Baptism of the Lord, this celebration is an extension of the Christmas mystery of the Incarnation. Just as the Blessed Virgin spent 40 days contemplating the Divine Fruit of her womb before going to the temple to fulfil the Law, we also explore and live out the fruit of the Incarnation in the period of Ordinary Time leading up to February 2nd. The feast points back to Christmas and leads forward to Easter. The Introductory Rites There are two forms for the Introductory Rites: the Procession and the Solemn Entrance. The ritual is the same except that in the first, everyone gathers outside the church for the blessing while in the second the place of blessing is in the church, people are in the pews, and the procession is simply with the ministers to the altar. The Roman Missal gives detailed instructions. Adjusting for inside or outside the church, the introductory rites look like this:
Musical Considerations The introductory rites of this celebration invite the use of simple chant. While the candles are being lit, the short antiphon Behold/Ecce dominus is sung. It is followed by a short dialogue with the priest that can be sung. The procession begins with the prescribed antiphon, A light for revelation with two verses or another appropriate chant. The Latin antiphon is also provided and could be used with the English verses. There are also Latin verses but theses need to be taken from the Graduale Romanum. This chant is the Canticle of Simeon known from Night Prayer of The Liturgy of the Hours. Its use in this celebration is a way of introducing the congregation to this Scriptural Canticle. The choir might also consider a different setting of the Canticle of Simeon. The Entrance Chant follows the prescribed antiphon. 1. Download a pdf of the music 2. Listen to the Behold/Ecce dominus 3. Listen to A light for A light for revelation/Lumen ad revelationem Universal Prayer Inspired by the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the Church celebrates on the same day those who have consecrated themselves to the Lord with World Day of Consecrated Life. Please include a petition for those discerning the priesthood and consecrated life. Checklist for Parish:
Franciscans & Friends hosted the inspiring 2025 Bishop's Breakfast with the Nation at St. Peter's Church in Calgary. The morning was filled with a delicious breakfast prepared by God Squad, powerful testimonies, heartfelt tributes to Denis Grady, and moments of shared faith and friendship. Read the coverage about the Breakfast posted by Lethbridge Herald: "Breakfast with the Nation" offers connections to reconciliation." (Alexandra Noad) Watch testimony/tribute at the Breakfast from: 
Photos credit: Annie Chirka, St. Peter's Catholic Church, Calgary  Photo credit: Russell Moore
 If you're wondering what “Fun with the Sisters” is, it’s exactly that: an opportunity to meet religious sisters in a casual setting and enjoy time together. We recently held our “Fun with the Sisters” evening at the FCJ Centre on Friday, Jan 24, 2025. Young women from the Calgary area attended the event, and many religious communities were represented, including the Faithful Companions of Jesus, the Sisters of Providence, the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Province, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, and the Seeds of the Word, along with the young women currently in the sabbatical program.
We took our time to introduce ourselves and engage in meaningful conversations over a pizza dinner. The sisters shared brief presentations about their congregations and ministries in Calgary. After dinner, we divided into groups to play Pictionary, filling the room with laughter and creativity. Toward the end of the evening, we gathered in the chapel for a time of prayer, singing hymns and spontaneously sharing our favorite Bible verses. Finally, it was time to say good night to friends, both old and new. While “Fun with the Sisters” may not be strictly vocational, it provides a wonderful opportunity to meet the sisters and engage in conversations about discernment with them, as well as with like-minded women in attendance. The next event on the horizon is “Movie Night with the Sisters” on Feb 15 at St. Luke’s Parish, sponsored by the Serra Club. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity! Written by Sr. Simon Grosicka, O.P.
 Designated by the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada (CHAC), National Catholic Health Care Week (Feb. 2-8, 2025) is a time to give thanks for Catholic health care and for the thousands of dedicated staff, physicians and volunteers who serve courageously in healthcare ministry. This year’s theme, Caring for our Common Home, celebrates the interconnectedness of all creation and helps us to reflect on how our individual and collective actions and our systems—health, social, economic—carry on Jesus’ healing ministry and promote a healthy world where all can thrive. Covenant contributes to the health and well-being of Albertans as four Catholic organizations rooted in an over 155-year legacy of compassionate care and service in the province. These include Covenant Health, Covenant Care, Covenant Living and Covenant Foundation. During the Week, Covenant will share stories and generate discussion through their social media channels highlighting the inspiring work of Catholic health care, its legacy of healing and the incredible work their teams do every day to provide care to people who are most vulnerable in our society. Covenant invites you to spread the message and value of Catholic health care. Join in the conversation on social media using #catholichealthcareweek on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
Make Scripture a part of everyday lifeHere are some practical tips from the Dicastery of Evangelization (Vatican) to encourage the love of Scripture:
Online resources
 Join us during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an annual global ecumenical celebration from January 18 to 25, where Christians worldwide unite in prayer and reflection for the unity of all Christians. This year's theme, "Do you believe this?" (John 11:26), commemorates the 1,700th anniversary of the first Christian Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea, inviting us to deepen our shared faith. To download prayer resources, visit weekofprayer.ca
We invite you to participate in the following prayer services:
Imagine a wedding day filled with joy and love, yet missing one vital presence. For many couples married only civilly, that presence is Christ. Sacred Grace, an initiative from the Diocese of Calgary, offers civilly-married couples a sacred path to bring their union into the fullness of God’s grace by celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony. On Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:30 PM, couples will gather at St. Mary’s Cathedral to celebrate this sacred milestone. Presided over by Bishop William T. McGrattan, the event promises to be a day of spiritual renewal and grace for couples and their families. Marriage is more than a commitment between a man and a woman; it's a divine vocation that reflects God's covenant with His people. It allows couples to experience God's grace by receiving spiritual strength to grow in love, face challenges, and live out their vocation together. It also strengthens families by building a foundation centered on faith, hope, and love for the home and future generations. Moreover, it allows couples to witness God's love, letting their marriage be a light to others and showing the beauty of a life lived with Christ.  Deacon Greg Barcelon, who championed this initiative after participating in similar celebrations in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, has seen firsthand the beauty and transformation that come with sacramental marriage.
The Sacred Grace initiative is supported by a dedicated team of permanent deacons who are committed to preparing couples for this significant step. They are available to answer any questions and guide participants through the process. Deacon Greg reflects, “Sacramental marriages are mirrors that reflect God’s love for His people and His Church. When couples receive this grace, it’s not just transformative—it’s inspiring.” “We are part of the greatest love story ever,” he explains. “God loved us first, emptied Himself, and gave everything for us. Inviting Him into your marriage transforms it—not just on your wedding day, but every day after.” On September 13, 2025, couples will renew their commitment to each other and to God in a celebration of love and holiness. "Your marriage is a Gift - Make it a Sacrament." Information sessions are offered at the following dates and locations:
 We’re excited to share Deacon Peter’s inspiring journey as he opens up about his vocation and the experiences that shaped his calling! From childhood moments in Seoul to serving as a deacon today, Deacon Peter’s stories are filled with faith, family, and incredible moments of grace. Can you tell us a little about yourself—where you grew up and about your family?
 Deacon Peter’s family and friends What inspired you to pursue priesthood? Was there a moment or experience that sparked your calling?
Many young people wonder how to recognize God’s call in their lives. How do we know God is calling us?
Now that you’re a deacon, what’s been the most awesome part of serving so far?
 Litany of the Saint - during the Ordination
Deacon Peter’s story is a beautiful reminder of how God calls us in unique and personal ways. May God, who began His good work in him, bring it to completion and fulfillment.
A Moment of Grace in Calgary The relics visited Calgary as part of the National Visitation. On Saturday, Jan 4, the relics were hosted at St. Albert the Great Parish for veneration, reconciliation, and prayer ministry throughout the day. Bishop McGrattan celebrated Mass at 5:00 pm, followed by a short talk by Fr. John O'Brien, Director and Jesuit Superior of the Martyrs' Shrine in Midland, Ontario. Mathieu Couture, a parishioner of St. Joseph in Calgary who visited the relics at St. Albert the Great, reflected on the experience: “What stood out to me was that St. Jean de Brébeuf and St. Kateri Tekakwitha came from two very different worlds. Despite their differences, they were united in their love for Christ. Both endured great suffering for their faith, and through this shared suffering, they found unity.” He added, “I believe this is a message our world needs to hear again. In a time when society faces increasing division, we should remember Christ’s vision of unity: that we are one people in Him.” The relics tour offers opportunities for personal prayer and reflection. Attendees are encouraged to bring written prayer intentions, which will be taken back to the Martyrs' Shrine. Holy cards, rosaries, and medals can also be pressed to the reliquaries to create spiritual keepsakes.
A Moment of Grace in Tsuut’ina Nation A highlight of the tour was their stop at the Tsuut’ina Nation on Jan 5, where events unfolded at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Jim Starlight Centre. The day opened with a Traditional Ceremonial Welcome of the relics, followed by Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop William T. McGrattan. Fr. Cristino Bouvette, who coordinated the visit, shared his reflections: “Hearing the sound of the drum and traditional singing accompanying the relics as they entered the auditorium on the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina Nation deeply moved me. To imagine that nearly 400 years ago, similar sounds, smells, and sentiments would have accompanied those same people as they walked in their flesh was a profound experience.” The schedule included a Jesuit-led program highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of the relics. Educational exhibits explored early relationships between Indigenous peoples and Catholic missionaries, as well as stories of Indigenous Catholics with open Causes for Canonization. A special exhibit also featured memorabilia from the 2022 Papal Visit to Canada. 
The visit to Tsuut’ina Nation offered a tangible step toward Truth and Reconciliation. Fr. Cristino noted, “An important part of the work of Truth and Reconciliation is not to focus exclusively on the worst part of our shared history, as important as it is to confront, but to look far enough back to the countless instances of harmonious relationships shared between Indigenous Peoples and the Church in Canada.” The presence of the relics from both the Canadian Martyrs and St. Kateri Tekakwitha served as a reminder of this shared history, inspiring hope for ongoing reconciliation efforts. One particularly moving story shared by Fr. Cristino involved a local Indigenous elder who had missed the opportunity to greet Pope Francis during the Papal Mass in Edmonton due to illness. “To see her today leading the procession of the relics on to her traditional territories and helping to represent the Chief and Council on behalf of her whole Nation felt like she got to make up for that earlier disappointment,” he said. As the relics continue their journey across Canada, they invite all people—Catholic and non-Catholic alike—to experience moments of grace and reconciliation. Whether through prayer, reflection, or learning about the history of the saints, this tour offers a unique chance to connect with Canada’s spiritual heritage.
 The relics made a brief stop to Our Lady of Peace Church at Tsuut'ina Nation The Called & Gifted Discernment Process is an opportunity designed to help you discover and activate your spiritual gifts. Through expert-led workshops, a one-on-one gifts interview, and hands-on discernment, you will gain deeper clarity on how to use your charisms to help transform your parish and community.
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For more information contact: Pastoral Ministry Office Coordinator Anthony Banka | 403.218.5548 [email protected] |
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