 Triduum & Easter schedule in the parishes in Google Sheet
Bishop McGrattan will celebrate the following liturgies at St. Mary's Cathedral:
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“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15) With grateful hearts, we rejoice in the opportunity to engage staff and students in Eucharistic Adoration in Calgary Catholic School District high schools. Through the collaborative effort of local clergy and high school principals and chaplains, over 45 hours of Eucharistic Adoration for vocations was hosted in high school chapels, the Cathedral and Central Office between February 26 to March 6, 2024. Eleven high schools committed to offering four hours of adoration and engaged participants in private and collective prayer, reflection on scripture, music, and silence. In one case, local parishioners joined the school community in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and in another, a Eucharistic procession took place throughout the school. This time of prayer and adoration exalted the greatness of our Lord, helped deepen participants' understanding of God’s call to vocation, strengthened the bond between parish and school communities, and created a desire in staff and students for more opportunities to engage in Eucharistic Adoration. Together, let us continue to pray for hearts and minds open to the voice of God and the grace to faithfully follow his call.
Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us." ~Saint Alphonsus Liguori Contributor: Michelle Hoogveld, Calgary Catholic School District
Photos courtesy of Calgary Catholic School District On Saturday, March 9, 2024, St. Mary's Cathedral was illuminated by an inspiring expression of faith and community—the Eastern Rite Chaldean Catholic Community's modern rendition of the Passion Play. This event drew over 300 faithful, who were moved by the actors' passionate portrayal of Christ's trials and tribulations. The evening was framed by prayers and reflections in Aramaic led by Fr. John Jwad and Msgr. Noel Farman from St. Mary's Chaldean Parish. The entire proceeds from ticket sales and donations were dedicated to the building of a church for Calgary's 300 Chaldean Catholic families. Immerse yourself in the visual journey and reflection from the captivating photos below. These scenes will take you into the heart of Christ's passion.
 Contributor: Fr. John Jwad, St. Mary Chaldean Community, Calgary.
Photos courtesy of St. Mary's Chaldean Community.
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected] | Pray for our Seminarians
  A sacred celebration of vows took place within the Seeds of the Word Community on Sunday, March 3, 2024 in St. Mary's Cathedral. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop McGrattan, and concelebrated by Archbishop Alberto Taveira Corrêa (Archbishop of Belém in Brazil, and guaranteeing Bishop of the Seeds of the Word Community) and other priests in the diocese. Sister Mary Sarah, the community's superior, was also present. This celebration witnessed Christopher Kokot, now Brother John Paul, professing his first vows, while Brother Paul Andrew and Sister Clarisse took their temporary vows. In his speech during Mass, Brother John Paul noted in thanksgiving: "I want to thank you, Bishop McGrattan, for your love, your support, your care, and your welcoming of us Brothers here in the diocese of Calgary. Without your paternal care, without your true shepherding, we would not be here, and this celebration would not be taking place." He gave a special thanks to Fr. Cristino, Vicar of Vocations and Young Adults, "And I also must acknowledge a man who works tirelessly and diligently in this diocese, promoting vocations and helping bring people to God: Fr. Cristino. And while I’m not sorry that we the Seeds of the Word have made you cry like a baby this publicly twice in the span of a year, I do thank you for having encouraged my vocation, and encouraged me to follow God’s will in my life, encouraged me to live out the call to the Seeds of the Word Community, so that, with God’s help and grace, I can become the saint that I am meant to be."
 Brother John Paul shared about the new name he has now taking: "There is a triple mystery: St. John the Evangelist, St. Paul, and obviously, St. John Paul II." "John is the disciple who relies on Jesus, and he goes all the way to the Cross. The passage that finds my vocation comes from his Gospel." "Paul is the missionary, whose name means small. Paul doesn’t count the cost and rejoices in his weakness." "And, John Paul II. The Great. The Pope, the Pole, and for us Polish people, OUR Pope, but he truly is everyone’s Pope. With him come the ecclesial graces. He is the one who suffered and leaned on the cross to sustain him." Brother John Paul summarized what he found beautiful about these three great saints: they each gave their lives wholly and completely to God, albeit in different ways. He admires John's deep intimacy with the Lord, Paul's missionary zeal and sacrifice for the Church, and John Paul II's unwavering dedication to humanity and God, despite old age and illness. The vocation of consecrated men and women have been for our Church from her earliest days a living witness to the truth of the fact God alone is enough and it is ultimately He to whom we must cling now in preparation for an eternity of adoring Him forever." ~Fr. Cristino Bouvette, Vicar of Vocations & Young Adults. Let us give thanks for this beautiful continue to pray for those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits. St. Joseph, pray for us. Photos credit: Victor Panlilio and Bandi Szakony, for Seeds of the Word Community
Rita Sweere, a parishioner since 1953 and a dedicated volunteer at Sacred Heart Church in Strathmore, AB, has seen the community through its ups and downs. Arriving from Holland, her family found a home in the parish, and she raised her children within the church's embrace. "One of the things that makes me smile is the young families that come to Mass," she said. "It reminds me of raising my own children." For Rita, a place of worship is not just a building; it's a support system that brings everyone together. Fr. Cristino Bouvette, currently the administrator of the parish, spoke highly of the energy and spirit of the community. He said, "There is an undeniable energy in this community for getting things done." This energy is part and parcel of the small-town, predominantly agricultural community spirit. "The lack of a constantly accessible place to gather and conduct normal parish activities has not slowed down my parishioners' efforts to keep the community spirit alive," he added.  Anne and Tony Heuver, who have been parishioners for over 60 years, are another couple that have served as pillars of the parish. They've played a vital role in supporting the parish through their volunteer work and financial contributions. As local business owners, they believe that having a Catholic Church in Strathmore is essential to the community, offering a complete social network for those moving into the area. The Open House event held last week was not just a tour of the construction progress. It was a celebration of community rejuvenation, with over 300 people marking the start of Lent while over 200 others dropped by for a tour, hot chocolate, and cookies. Nettie Hendricks, chair of the parish fundraising committee, noted: "The vastness of the space was very noticeable from the inside. The positioning of the altar, pews, music, chapel, hall, and office areas provided parishioners with a visual representation of what the completed church will look like." For some parishioners who have been waiting for 15 years to celebrate in a church again, walking through the building was an emotional journey. With the community's support and the committee's unwavering commitment, the renovated church promises to be more than just a building; it will stand as a testament to faith, resilience, and the power of unity. 
From initial demolition work to fundraising efforts, the project has seen an outpouring of support from parishioners who have contributed thousands of hours to make this vision a reality. "Our pre-construction phase involved the dedication of volunteer parishioners who demolished the interior of the old IGA so that the new work could be done," shares Nettie. "The Building Committee has been headed up by a volunteer Engineer and a Spec Writer/Draftsperson that have committed thousands of hours over the past several years and are still involved today as we near completion." It's not just the physical labour that parishioners have contributed. The Pledge Drive and Fundraising Committees began their work in 2017, and through their efforts, over $3 million has been collected. Currently, the parish is in the process of kicking off its 7th Annual Golf Tournament and running a 50/50 fundraiser, both aimed at bridging the $2.2 million capital shortfall needed to meet the budget. Looking back on the journey so far, Nettie emphasizes the importance of communication in all aspects of the project. Keeping the parishioners engaged and updated about the progress has been crucial. But it hasn't always been easy. "There were times over the past 15-year journey that it was difficult to remain upbeat," admits Nettie. However, the dedication of volunteers, combined with prayer and hope, kept the project moving forward. But the renovation has done more than just transform a building; it has brought the parish community closer together. "Committee work has brought members together, and fundraising events have brought forward parishioners who might not otherwise have been engaged in volunteer work," shares Nettie. She also notes a significant increase in Mass attendance and more children receiving Sacraments than ever before. Fr. Cristino expressed his amazement at the turnout for their last community building event on Shrove Tuesday last month, which was attended by over 300 people. "The Knights of Columbus provided delicious homecooked pancakes and sausages," he said. "We had piñatas for the kids, and the high school gymnasium was filled with a diverse crowd. Many were guests of our active churchgoers who, for a variety of reasons, may not regularly attend church or have never done so." He added, "The capacity to bring that group of people together in the spirit of Renewal in our parish was a promising sign of what is to come when we move into our new home." The story of Sacred Heart Church is not merely about bricks and mortar, but about a community coming together, united in transformation of their worship space. It's a story of renewal, of hope, and of a parish reborn.  Photos credit: Lynn Dumont, Sacred Heart Parish, Strathmore To support Sacred Heart Church's renovation project, visit the fundraising activities below:
Stepping into St. Gerard's in Calgary alongside Bishop McGrattan for a Parish Pastoral Visit last month, Deacon Dale Laing was filled with anticipation. The pastoral visit, an integral part of the Bishop's role, provided Deacon Laing an intimate view of a community united by faith and the joy of service. A Parish Pastoral Visit (PPV) is a three-day journey of discovery and connection where the Bishop gets up to date with the pastoral needs of the parish and maintains close contact with his people. "Our Bishop asks that a permanent deacon assists him on these visits," Deacon Laing explains. This includes meeting with the Pastor, those who assist him, visiting schools and other Catholic institutions, meeting with ministry leaders, and celebrating Masses. His duties span from reviewing the weekend's structure and flow with the parish staff to assisting in creating various reports highlighting the parish's vitality. For Deacon Laing, this was his fifth PPV accompanying the Bishop, and each visit enriches his experience of seeing how the people of God respond to the call of the Holy Spirit. "From the moment I contacted St. Gerard’s parish, there was a feeling of being welcomed!" he shares enthusiastically. "They are alive to the workings of the Holy Spirit within their congregation, and many see this parish as their second home."
Over three days, Bishop McGrattan met with staff and members of St. Gerard's Parish, as well as the students and staff at St. Stephen's Catholic School. Together with Deacon Dale, the Bishop met with 24 ministry groups in the parish during his pastoral visit. Deacon Laing was deeply moved by the joy and pride the parishioners took in their service. The stories were as diverse as the parishioners themselves. Some had served for only a few months, while others had dedicated over 50 years. "Everyone’s passion and dedication to serve their neighbour is truly amazing to behold," he marvels. "We heard consistently from all the ministries that the people were proud of their parish and all the opportunities they had to share their inner joy of living out the Gospel with each other," Deacon Laing recalls. "I experienced a people of great determination for carrying out the work of God in their little corner of the vineyard. There were people; who were open to meet the new challenges which our current age presents; choir members and directors who are passionate to share their talents with others; parents who were excited to bring their young children to Mass; people open to the various suggestions the Bishop offered to them; young people who feel they are treasured and treated as equals; excitement surrounding the Parish Renewal initiatives." Before leaving on Sunday afternoon, Deacon Laing took a quiet moment in the Sanctuary to reflect on the weekend. "I turned around slowly to remind myself of all that I have seen and heard, and the stories people have shared with me about what God has done for them and continues to do throughout their lives," he shares. In the end, a PPV isn't just about the Bishop's visit. It's a celebration of the community, its faith, and the stories that bind it together. And as Deacon Laing discovered at St. Gerard's, it's also a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working through a vibrant and welcoming congregation.
Photos courtesy of St. Gerard's Parish, Calgary.
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Catholic Pastoral Centre Staff and Guest Writers Archives
September 2024
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