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Benedictine spirituality for cveryday life

5/29/2023

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PictureSt. Benedict of Nursia
I was recently asked what is an ‘Oblate of St. Benedict’ and what does this entail for an ordinary lay person?

​Oblates of St. Benedict are Christians, lay or ordained, who, committed to the living of their faith and while continuing to live their own state in life, desire to make their own the values expressed by Benedictine monastic life. Core to Benedictine spirituality are a balance of prayer and work, loving relationships with others, and active participation in the sacramental life of the church.

In our Diocese, we have active groups of Oblates in Calgary and Medicine Hat who for 30 years have been spiritually associated with Mount Angel Abbey in St. Benedict, Oregon. ​Ron Kaczmar is one such Oblate and his story of encountering Benedictine Spirituality is featured below.

Discovering the Benedictine Spirituality
by Ron Kazsmar
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One evening about 10 years ago following a Knights of Columbus meeting I mentioned to my colleague Len that something was lacking in my spiritual life. He asked whether I had ever considered becoming a Benedictine Oblate. I had no idea of what he was talking about!

As Providence would have it, the Calgary Oblates had begun holding their monthly gatherings at my home parish of St. Albert the Great two months earlier. At Len’s prompting I decided to come to the next meeting.

Two things stood out for me that night. The first was the level of hospitality and fraternalism, imbued with a sense of reverence not unlike that exhibited by my brother Knights. I immediately felt at home.  

I would go on to learn that hospitality is one of the key characteristics of Benedictine spirituality because, as St. Benedict states in his Rule, “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.”

This aligned very closely with my own lived experience in the home of my family of origin. I cannot recall a time that we did not have someone living with us as guests of my parents. Some stayed for a relatively short time while another stayed more than five years. I did not realize it at the time, but my parents were living Benedictine spirituality.

The second thing that stood out was the virtue of moderation.  The ‘reading at table’ that night pertained to moderation, and I learned that Benedictines are required to exercise moderation in everything including “moderation in moderation.” I now try to apply this virtue in the way I eat and drink, as well as moderating my many vices, especially pride. Ultimately this leads to learning to live with less and trusting that God will provide us with what we need rather than with what we want.
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As I became more familiar with The Rule of St. Benedict, the monastic virtues of Obedience and Humility became friends to embrace rather than enemies to be avoided. These virtues are the best remedy to the poison of pride and help us properly to ‘fear the Lord.’ Thanks for leading me to these lessons, Len.

Submitted by Mark Richard, Oblates of St. Benedict members in Calgary.  Mark lives in Calgary with his wife Patricia. He is an active member of St. Michael Catholic Community and involved in faith formation, outreach programs, and providing spiritual direction. Mark has been a Benedictine Oblate since 2009.
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If you would like to learn about how to incorporate Benedictine Spirituality into everyday life, please join us on Saturday June 10, 2023, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at St. Albert the Great Parish with speaker Fr. John Paul Le, a Benedictine Monk from Mount Angel Abbey, Oregon. Mass will follow at 5 pm. No registration is required and there is no cost to attend. For more info, contact Patricia at (403) 630-1312.
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Congratulations Fr. Quinn Gomez!

5/28/2023

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Photo credit: Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Congratulations to Fr. Quinn Gomez, FSSP from Calgary on being ordained to the Priesthood for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter on May 26, 2023, by His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone at North American Martyrs Catholic Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.

​Fr. Cristino Bouvette had the privilege of attending the Ordination and receiving a priestly blessing from the newly ordained priest. Fr. Gomez also invited Fr. Cristino to preach at his first Mass the next day. Despite joining the Fraternity, Fr. Gomez wants to remain connected with his home diocese. ​You can view the Ordination photos here | Video

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Finding our home

5/27/2023

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For converts, the journey on the road to Roman Catholicism is as varied as their individual personalities and experiences. My journey was a rather circuitous route, due in part to a neurological disorder – but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Our three children are now adults, but when our youngest was just starting school, she began displaying sudden twitches and jerky movements which seemed out of her control. Our initial concern soon turned to alarm as the movements became more pronounced, and as she also began making odd sounds as well. We checked with our family doctor, who referred us to a pediatric psychiatrist over the Christmas break. After a lot of listening and observing, he gave us his diagnosis: Tourette Syndrome.

In some ways it was a comfort to have a name for the condition, but we also felt anxious about what the future might hold. My husband and I read everything we could get our hands on about Tourette Syndrome and found out that most people learn to cope with this neurological disorder, though it isn’t an easy condition to live with. We also learned that the involuntary movements and sounds are called motor tics and vocal tics.

School became a nightmare for our daughter. She felt humiliated, confused, sad and, most of all, concerned about “disturbing” the other students with her frequent vocal and motor tics. Finally, we made the decision to homeschool her, in an attempt to salvage our collective sanity. I quit my teaching job.
PictureLaura & Bill Locke
I’ve noticed that, from my childhood, when faced with distressing experiences I seek solace in books. This was no exception. As we launched into the new experience of homeschooling, I buried myself in my spare time in the works of authors I have long loved, including C. S. Lewis. One line from Lewis’ book The Problem of Pain had a profound impact on me: “Pain removes the veil. It plants the flag of truth within the fortress of a rebel soul.” As I sat one day at our dining room table, reading and absorbing those words with my twitching, barking daughter beside me working on her math lesson, it did indeed feel as if a veil was being ripped off my old perceptions of myself, of God, and of the world. I knew I needed to go deeper and find a better way to cope with this new reality. 

C. S. Lewis led me to one of his favorite authors, G. K. Chesterton, whose books I ate up with an eagerness that my husband found rather baffling. Fascinated by Chesterton’s conversion to Catholicism, I then started reading the works of other notable converts – Cardinal John Henry Newman, Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, and Scott Hahn. My concept of our relationship with God was challenged by their insights.

I grew up in the United Church, and my husband and I attended Protestant Churches with our children during the early years of our marriage. But after reading the stories of famous converts to Catholicism I felt drawn, like a magnet, to a little Catholic church in our neighborhood. I had never been inside, even though we had lived just two blocks away for almost twenty years. My husband decided to join me, and as we entered the church building together one Sunday, as Mass was about to begin, we had absolutely no idea what to expect.

At first it felt very foreign, but we kept attending. Before long, we found ourselves signed up for a Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults course (RCIA), with a group of other spiritual explorers. We were increasingly captivated by what we heard every Tuesday night at the RCIA class. In the Catholic Church we found people who were unafraid to gaze on Christ’s suffering, and as I followed their gaze, I was confronted with a love that shook me to the core. I felt like I finally understood Chesterton’s astute comment: “The Catholic church is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.”
In the prayers and practices of the Roman Catholic Church I discovered a timeless connection, reaching back to the apostles, which backfilled missing elements in my faith. Discovering the writings of the early Church Fathers, and reading about the lives of the Saints, enriched and deepened my spiritual growth. And in the Eucharist, I fully embraced the invitation to come, eat, drink, find strength, accept forgiveness, and embrace God’s love.

My husband and I are both grateful that in the Catholic Church, we’ve found our home.
 
*Post Note: Homeschooling turned out to be a wonderful and very enjoyable experience for us. Our daughter’s condition has improved, in no small measure because of her own maturity, self-awareness and self-acceptance. We continued homeschooling right through to grade 12, and she graduated with Honours. She also received the Premier’s Citizenship Award for her volunteer activities. 
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St. Joseph Parish's Centennial Garden

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Laura Locke is an educator, journalist, and editor of a free online eMagazine called Kolbe Times: Faith, Arts & Justice (kolbetimes.com). She is also the author of A Lamp on the Hill: St. Joseph’s Parish 1912-2012 (Calgary Public Library). Laura is married to Bill, who is publisher of Kolbe Times, and they have three amazing adult children and one beautiful grandchild. Laura and Bill enjoy biking, cooking, and volunteering together. They received the Sacrament of Confirmation and were welcomed into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 2007. In 2014 they became members of the Order of Secular Franciscans.
Photos courtesy of Laura & Bill Locke.
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Restoring the Feminine Heart

5/21/2023

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As the highly anticipated "Restoring the Feminine Heart" Women's Conference approaches (May 26-27), the Beloved Daughters Ministry team shares with Faithfully about their event and the ministry's mission. Read on to discover what this exciting conference has in store.
Beloved Daughters

For those who have never heard of the Beloved Daughters Ministry, it's a lay-run women's ministry established in 2020 to support women at every stage of life as they rediscover their identity as beloved daughters of God. 
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Initially created to host annual women's conferences within the Diocese of Calgary, the ministry adapted to an online presence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through social media platforms, they share blog posts (written by many local women), weekly Sunday reflections, and host Advent and Lenten mini-retreats at various parishes. The ministry offers connection, relatability, and encouragement to women, helping them stay rooted in the truths of their identity in God.
“Restoring the Feminine Heart”

The ministry conference team, guided by prayer and discernment, has carefully chosen the perfect topic and speakers for this inaugural event. With the theme “Restoring the Feminine Heart”, they are eager to delve into the true identity and unique gifts that women possess. 

​"We hope to be able to provide the beginnings of restoration and healing to women who have experienced wounds in these areas, especially where in today’s society there is much confusion and distortion regarding the identity of the individual." said Rikka, one of the founders of the Beloved Daughter Ministry. The team also hope to shed light on God’s thoughtful design in creating humans male and female in His image and likeness, as well as the gift that we are to each other.

Women going to the conference will be examining how pressures from society, others, and even themselves, have hindered the ability to live out their truest identity. They will unpack how they can freely live out of the giftedness of our femininity.
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Jake & Heather Khym. Photo courtesy of: Heather Khym.
Jake & Heather Khym

The team is beyond excited to welcome guest speakers Heather Khym (most commonly known as a co-host on the Abiding Together Podcast) and Jake Khym (Registered Psychologist and co-host of the Restore the Glory Podcast). 

Jake and Heather Khym are a married Catholic couple from Abbotsford, BC. They are the founders of Life Restoration Ministries. Their ministry is devoted to creating opportunities for Jesus to encounter people, empowering disciples to deepen their faith. They achieve this through evangelization and formation focused on unlocking the heart. On their podcasts, Jake and Heather regularly share personal stories of their own journey towards healing and restoration with great vulnerability. 

When asked why Jake & Heather Khym for their first women’s conference, Rikka revealed, “The three of us first heard Jake Khym speak at Rise up 2014 in Calgary and his message blew us away. He spoke into each of our hearts differently, but prominently.”

The launch of the all-female Abiding Together Podcast, featuring Heather Khym, piqued the team's interest even more. One of their team members found great healing through listening to the Restore the Glory Podcast, hosted by Jake Khym (a registered counselor), and Dr. Bob Schuchts (a registered psychologist). 

“In listening to the honesty and relatability in which they share their experiences, combined with their professional and ministerial background, we immediately knew that having them speak at this conference would be just what was needed to create an environment of hope and healing for the attendees at our conference.” 

"We believe that Jake and Heather can beautifully demonstrate the harmony and unity that can exist within relationships as we each journey towards wholeness."
It’s more than a conference

“As women we often put the needs of others first, often to the point of burn out. But we cannot freely give of ourselves without first allowing ourselves to be and receive before our loving Father.”

Beloved Daughter’s ministry yearns for all women to have the opportunity to learn more about who they are as a beloved daughter of God. “To develop an understanding of our identity is essential to laying a solid foundation for all that we do.” said Jessica.

Attendees at this event can look forward to engaging speakers with experience in hosting women's conferences and healing retreats. They will also enjoy fellowship and community with women from Calgary and surrounding areas. Expect to worship the Lord in Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praise and worship, as well as to receive the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

Moreover, local Catholic vendors will have items available for sale, adding to the overall enriching experience. 
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Maria, Jessica, and Rikka, Beloved Daughters Ministry
A Pentecost Gift

Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, granddaughters, aunts, nieces, sisters, and girl-friends! If you are a woman over the age of 18 then there is a place for you at this conference! Nursing infants, and female adolescents 14 years and older coming with their mother or guardian, are also welcome. 

Maria added, “This conference is sure to be an enriching and impactful weekend filled with connection, rest and restoration. You can look forward to being amongst a community of lovely women gathering, learning and praying together!” 

It is truly a gift for our Diocese to have this conference offered in Calgary, and especially on the weekend of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit will be present and ready to shower the women in attendance with an abundance of graces! 

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“Restoring the Feminine Heart” Women Conference - May 26- 27, 2023 (Friday evening & Saturday all day). It will be held at St. Luke’s Parish in Calgary, AB.

To purchase a ticket to the “Restoring the Feminine Heart” Conference you can visit their website at: 
www.beloveddaughtersyyc.com

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Making an Informed, Moral Choice

5/17/2023

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In preparation for the upcoming provincial election, the Catholic Bishops of Alberta wish to encourage all members of the Church to engage in the electoral process. By means of this letter, we offer to our Catholic faithful a reminder of important principles and concerns, which stem from the social doctrine of the Church, to guide the discernment of choices that accord with the Gospel’s vision for the right ordering of society.

  • We are one human family. Yet, in recent years especially, division has in many ways marred our common life. The Word of God calls us to see the other as our neighbour and pursue initiatives that promote justice among peoples. We look to our political representatives to work with us all as peacemakers in our communities, province, and nation.

  • Seeking together the common good. Elected officials ensure the common good when they seek to create a human environment that enables citizens to exercise their rights and fulfill their corresponding duties. The Church, through Catholic education and healthcare, her parishes, and many charitable and social service works, seeks to promote the flourishing of a just and human society. Let us continue to advocate for the support of our Catholic institutions in their service of the common good.

  • Freedom of conscience and religion. Conscience recognizes the obligation of every individual to seek the truth and live in accordance with it. Freedom of religion embraces not only the act of worship but also public witness to the truth as expressed in the tenets of faith. Those elected to govern must respect these liberties and uphold them.

  • The dignity and sanctity of every human life. We expect elected officials to recognize and respect human dignity by defending and promoting inalienable rights. First among these, and foundational to all others, is the right to life from conception to natural death.

  • Concern for poor and vulnerable persons. The litmus test for society’s moral health is the attention and care given to the needy among us. How do those seeking political office plan to address the serious matter of homelessness, for example, or what priority will be given to welcoming immigrants and refugees? How shall we offer care and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges or living with terminal and/or debilitating illnesses?

  • Walking with the Indigenous Peoples. During his visit to Alberta in 2022, Pope Francis apologized for harms of the past, advocated for the rights of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples of this land, welcomed the wisdom of their traditions, and praised the beauty of their cultures. This election campaign period presents an opportunity to encourage those running for political office to join the walk with Indigenous Peoples along the pathway of truth, healing, justice, reconciliation, and hope.

  • Care for God’s creation. Stewardship of our common home is a constitutive element of the Christian faith. The protection of both people and planet carries ethical demands that cannot be ignored. We are called to engage in dialogue with holders of political office on this important issue, and work with them to care for the world, which God has entrusted to us.

As Catholics, we have a moral obligation to be involved in the democratic process for the good of the human community. The considerations offered above can help each of us make voting choices that accord with our Catholic identity and moral values.

Please join with us in prayer for those elected to public office. They are assuming a heavy responsibility, often at great personal sacrifice. May they be granted the strength and wisdom to govern in accord with the precept of charity in service of the life and well-being of everyone.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Catholic Bishops of Alberta
Most Reverend Richard W. Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton
Most Reverend William McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary
Most Reverend Gary Franken, Bishop of St. Paul
Most Reverend Gerard Pettipas CSsR, Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan
Most Reverend David Motiuk, Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Edmonton

  • Download Letter in PDF
  • Go To Catholic Conscience to compare party platforms
  • Listen to Archbishop Smith’s podcast on How to Vote As a Catholic
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Métis Moochigan in Lethbridge

5/15/2023

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Dustin Gamble and Christobel (Bel) Piche
The noise is deafening and nobody minds. What started as a traditional Métis dance called “Drops of Brandy” has morphed into dozens of elementary students twirling arm-in-arm and jigging wildly to live fiddle and guitar music. It’s a gleeful melee in the true spirit of Moochigan.
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Moochigan, according to organizer and Métis member Jorin Gaudet, is a Métis word which describes a kitchen party, a gathering where food is shared, music is played, and people come together to dance and celebrate. Gaudet, who originally hales from the Métis community of Paddle Prairie in Northern Alberta, said he came up with the idea “to bring Métis culture to life” within his school. Gaudet is a Grade 6 teacher at Our Lady of Assumption (OLA) School of Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in Lethbridge. With collaboration from his friends, and support from a raft of groups and organizations, Gaudet planned an afternoon of activities for the 150 students of OLA.
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Jorin Gaudet, teacher and organizer of the Moochigan
Students heard stories from an elder, learned about traditional instruments from music scholars and cheered on a pair of youthful jiggers who stamped and spun with time honoured dance steps. Students also ate a typical Métis meal including bannock and pemmican plus learned a few words of Michif, a Métis language. To end the event, students participated in a skit depicting a kitchen party. They were encouraged to use their newly learned Michif words and finally to join in the dancing and general celebration.
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Commenting on the event, principal Meghan Calder said, “We have very diverse student population so they’re always open to new ways of doing and learning. Couple that with physical activity, great music and great guests and it’s easy for them to get involved.” Calder went on to say she was pleased her coworker had agreed to share his cultural heritage. She first learned about it when she and Gaudet taught at the same school years earlier. She encouraged him then, and since, to teach others about his culture. “This is really Jorin’s day,” Calder said. For his part, Gaudet said the event was almost like going home!       
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Samples of Metis traditional clothing and artifacts
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Daniel Beeson-Bergeron and Monique Giroux
Students clearly enjoyed the various activities but the whole event was intended for a larger purpose. Principal Calder explained that the school is committed to furthering Truth and Reconciliation principles by finding creative ways to learn about First Nations and Métis peoples. This goal is echoed by the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops in their pastoral letter to the Métis “That We May Walk Together”. In it the CCCB pledges to facilitate opportunities to make Métis history known. “You have spoken clearly of the need to tell your stories, to make your history, spiritual, and cultural traditions more widely known,” the document says. It then goes on to invite Catholic educational institutions, seminaries and religious houses to partner in this endeavor.
The Moochigan held at OLA School involved several of Jorin Gaudet’s personal friends and fellow Métis. They spoke about their experiences and shared interesting information on traditional tools, dances, music, food preparation, cultural symbols and much more. Gaudet himself explained to students that the dark coloured sash he wore was a memorial to a sad time in Métis history after the Riel Rebellion. Elder Roderick McLeod shared his sadness too saying that he was reluctant to openly identify as Métis throughout much of his youth because of the discrimination Métis peoples endured. He welcomed the current openness to learning about First Nations, Metis, and Inuit cultures.

​On the other end of the age spectrum, Dustin Gamble is not Métis but has learned the intricate footwork of traditional dances from his friend Christobel Piche who has been dancing since she was eleven. Wearing beaded buckskin accessories, the pair enthralled students with their energetic performances. They told their audience that Métis was “a very beautiful, very inclusive culture”. Gamble said, “Whether you’re Métis of not, you can still be a part of the picture, you can still have fun and jig”. The students and staff of OLA School took this message to heart as they joyfully danced the Moochigan to a close.
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Elder Roderick McLeod

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Written by Alice Matisz for Faithfully. ​Alice lives in Lethbridge with her husband Don. She is a member of All Saints Parish where she volunteers to bring the Eucharist to a long term care home. She enjoys reading, writing, baking and painting. 
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Photos courtesy of Alice Matisz.
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Celebrating Our Lady of Fatima Feast Day

5/14/2023

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On the 106th Anniversary of Our Blessed Mother’s apparition to three humble shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, Our Lady of Fatima Parish welcomed Catholics from all across the Diocese of Calgary to honour her holy feast day. And just like in Fatima, the crowds appeared!

The church, which was constructed by immigrants from Portugal, was filled with devoted followers of the Blessed Mother. The sanctuary and narthex were overflowing with people who participated in the Rosary, Holy Mass, and candlelight procession. It was clear that the believers were deeply respectful and fervently praying, which indicated that the graces poured through Mary’s Immaculate Heart at Fatima are still being bestowed upon her children today. In each “Ave Maria” and “Holy Mary,” the faithful from across the diocese and from different cultural backgrounds wholeheartedly and with one unified voice entreated to their mother, presenting her with their spiritual bouquets of roses.

In Father Fabio’s homily, he emphasized that “in Nazareth, the Virgin Mary brought the Son of God into the world. But in Fatima, Mary's mission was different: to bring the world to Christ, with a call to conversion, indicating that the Blessed Mother's devotion points out to Christ, our Saviour.” 
 
The message of Our Lady at Fatima continues to live in the hearts of her children, whom she protects within the intimacy of her Immaculate Heart. This universal call to holiness in which the Blessed Mother draws us ever closer to her Beloved Son resounded even more strongly this Saturday. Their smiles and tears were evident signs of their devotion and closeness to the Blessed Mother. Let us, with each passing day, always remember Our Blessed Mother’s most sweet requests: to pray the rosary daily and to do penance to console Her Immaculate Heart and the Sacred Heart of Her Divine Son, Jesus!

In October 13th, the Portuguese-speaking Catholic community of Calgary will celebrate the last apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. 
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Submitted by Caterina Avila, Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Photos courtesy of Our Lady of Fatima, Parish.
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2023 Catholic Education Week

5/14/2023

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Let us celebrate Catholic Education Week (May 14-19) this month with the provincial theme "As for us, we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.” (Micah 4:5). Catholic Education Week also provides a special opportunity to thank each one of you for your extraordinary service on behalf of Catholic education!
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  • Suggested Activities for Catholic Education Week and links to prerecorded reflections of Alberta Bishops - Download PDF
  • 2023 Catholic Education Week Letter from the Bishops of Alberta (English/French)
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Walking Together in Catholic Education

5/14/2023

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GrACE Summit 2023 in Edmonton, AB. Photo credit: ECSD.
Last week I attended the 2023 GrACE Summit – Walking Together in Catholic Education which was held in Edmonton. Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education (GrACE) was formed in 2018 as collaborative initiative of the Catholic school trustees and superintendents with the Alberta bishops. Its mission is “to inspire, invigorate and embolden the spirit of Catholic education in order to unite, engage, educate and communicate with one voice on its behalf”. This week we celebrate Catholic Education Week in the province of Alberta. The theme “Walking Together” was taken from the scripture passage “As for us, we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.” (Micah 4:5). In the Alberta Bishop’s letter, we stated that this week “affords us the welcome opportunity to reflect on the crucial role Catholic schools play in educating our children and young people, by creating formative communities of love and care that witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.

What makes a Catholic school distinct and relevant in our current society? These schools are communities of faith and learning. They can be diverse in their configuration i.e., public, private or charter, yet focused on coming to know the truth, the goal of all learning through the use of reason which is animated by a faith and belief in God. In fact, Catholic schools are not intended to be exclusively for Catholics. They are school communities for all families, imbued with a Catholic world view, a Christian anthropology of the human person as being created in the image of God, a faith infused curriculum of learning, the Gospel witness of prayer and service which promotes a focus on community through a spirituality of communion.  

Catholic schools are not institutions of propaganda as some would argue nor are they to be controlled by ideologies, or educational trends of a government agenda. The Catholic educational tradition offers experiences of learning that allow for both evangelization and the catechetical support of young people in their faith through celebrating encounters that are centered in Christ. However, the task of education is broader. It is to promote a wholistic experience of learning that forms and completes the person, preparing them for life, to appreciate the value of their life and that of others by offering to society values and goods that they willingly share for the benefit of others through service. This is the distinctly Catholic approach to education which enhances the human formation and mature development of the next generation of young people as they grow in knowledge and wisdom.  

In recent years there has been a growing “educational emergency” in public education. It is marked by the increasing difficulty of transmitting the basic values of life, what is truth, what is good, what is beauty, to our young people. At the core of this “emergency” is the misconception that truth is relative, that what I subjectively believe to be true for myself is the “truth” and that it must be accepted by others. Pope Francis identified this tension and challenge for Catholic educators – “Dialogue, in fact, educates when a person relates with respect, esteem, sincerity of listening and expresses themselves with authenticity, without obfuscating or mitigating one’s identity. We cannot create a culture of dialogue if we do not have identity.” The Catholic identity of our schools, the witness of our Catholic school teachers who engage in this dialogue through their teaching can transform a society and culture which is becoming more relativistic and secular. 

The Catholic school curriculum of learning needs to address this important dialogue while balancing the relationship between religious enquiry and catechesis in the Catholic faith. This initiative of dialogue is distinctly Catholic in identity which we offer to society. Catholic schools have a core curriculum of learning where religious faith can permeate all subjects. For Catholic students, this might also serve as a pathway of catechesis which must always respect a wider and more meaningful integration within their family and the life of the Church. It is a curriculum which is primarily “knowledge-based” for those students who are not part of the Catholic tradition. It invites them to be reflective, to grow in religious literacy and knowledge while being open to a human formation that reflects the Christian understanding of the human person, their inherent dignity and destiny. 

Catholic schools both public and private have the potential to contribute to the cultural enrichment of society. Despite the hostility and indifference towards religion these schools serve as a witness to the importance of religious belief as a critical voice of dialogue in civic society. Therefor Catholic schools have a unique opportunity to teach about the value of religion, belief in God and through Christ to know how we are to transform the values of a wider society.

​The key to the future mission and identity of our Catholic schools is the commitment of the parents and teachers to see Catholic education as an enrichment of our culture. Education by its nature invites an openness to other cultures, without the loss of one’s fundamental identity. This is the rich tradition of Catholic education in Alberta and the mission of our schools to inspire, invigorate and embolden this Catholic identity for future generations. This week let us speak with one voice in walking together for Catholic Education.   
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Resources:
  • Suggested Activities for 2023 Catholic Education Week and links to prerecorded reflections of Alberta Bishops - Download PDF
  • 2023 Catholic Education Week Letter from the Bishops of Alberta (English/French)
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Most Rev. William T. McGrattan
Bishop of  Calgary

​May 14, 2023
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Expansion access to MAiD

5/9/2023

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Together with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Bishop McGrattan is urging the faithful to continue to oppose the expansion of MAiD in Canada. The CCCB has just issued an Open Letter to the Government of Canada and a Message to the Catholic Faithful on May 9 re: Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide. We ask you to share the Bishop's message with your friends and family: 
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  • Download Bishop McGrattan's message (PNG) 
  • CCCB - Message to the Catholic Faithful on Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia / Assisted Suicide 
  • CCCB - Open Letter to the Government of Canada on Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia / Assisted Suicide
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2023 Daily Prayers for Families #NFLW

5/7/2023

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Let us spend the National Week of Family and Life (NFLW) 2023 united in prayer, reflection, and action, demonstrating our active support for family and life. Indeed, families are “guardians of life” when we love one another within our families and in wider society when we show kindness toward and care for the vulnerable and marginalized.
Note: Day 1 can begin anytime! We want to ensure everybody has the opportunity to join in and take part in this wonderful experience. Don't worry if you missed the start of NFLW, you can join in and start participating in the daily prayers and activities from any day.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

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Day 1 
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Prayer Intention: For single parents | 
God of love and tenderness, we pray for single parents, that you may be their guide, their protector, and their safe refuge. Grant them the grace to provide for the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of their children. In your loving mercy comfort all single parents in times of need and bring healing to their unique suffering. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Activity for families
Single parents can often struggle with feeling isolated or marginalized. If you know someone who is a single parent in your community or church, consider extending yourself to them and their children. You can reach out to them to introduce yourself and get to know them. Other ideas could be dropping off a meal, offering babysitting for an hour, or inviting them over for dinner.

In the parish community
In your parish community, is there an opportunity to establish a network of single parents and their children with others in similar situations? Monthly prayer events or online scripture studies can be a good way to bring single parents together with each other, as well as other families.

Today’s prayer intention and family activity was developed in collaboration with Momentum, a ministry supporting Catholic single mothers. 
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Day 2 
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Prayer Intention: For those living with mental health challenges, including mental illnesses | Loving Jesus, you walk with us along the valleys and peaks of life. Be near to those living with mental health challenges, including mental illnesses. May they hear the still, small voice of calm whisper through the silence,“You are loved. You are not alone.” Strengthen and sustain caregivers and others who accompany those living with mental health challenges, including mental illnesses. May the joy of your Resurrection offer lasting hope and healing, as we await the coming of your kingdom where you live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Activity for families
As a family, take time to check in on your individual mental health and share it with each other while practicing active listening. If you were to describe how you are feeling as a colour, what would it be and why? Recognizing that it’s okay not to be okay, are you experiencing a season of flourishing or of languishing? Can you care for your mental health together today? Perhaps go for a walk, have a kitchen dance party, make a visit to a Eucharistic chapel, bake your favourite muffins, or take a holy nap!

In the parish community
In your parish community, is there an opportunity to organize an outreach program or event to promote the wellbeing of every person? Wellbeing is about supporting the mental, physical, and spiritual health of persons and
families. What are some creative ways your parish community can promote wellbeing? Some examples could include a time of Eucharistic Adoration followed by a time of hospitality and fellowship. For an example ministry, see more information below about Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. 
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Today’s prayer intention and family activity was developed
in collaboration with Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries,
a ministry equipping the church to support mental health and
wellbeing. 
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Day 3

Prayer Intention: For marriage accompaniment and enrichment | Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of my spouse and for the gift of each one of our children. You know our hearts and our needs. You know we desire to live faithfully our promises to you and to each other. We oftentimes find ourselves hurting each other and creating wounds in each other’s heart that we never wanted to cause. We recognize the gaps in our family caused by selfishness that have made us live distantly from you and each other. We want to invite you to fill our hearts with your presence and make us a family united in you. Inspired by the example of the Holy Family may our family always be a living gospel, giving witness to your love in our world. Amen.
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In the parish community
In your parish community, is there  an opportunity to connect with couples preparing for marriage with couples who have been married for a number of years? What can the parish community facilitate to celebrate and recognize couples who have been married one year, or two years? An example is to host a special Mass for couples celebrating one year of marriage alongside mile-stone anniversaries like 10, 25, or 35 years of marriage. Host a special reception following Mass!
​
Today’s prayer intention and family activity was developed in collaboration with Witness to Love, a Catholic marriage mentoring and preparation program.
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Day 4

Prayer Intention: For persons with disabilities and their families | Father in heaven, you created us in your divine image. May every person living with a disability experience true belonging in a loving community. Guide us to pursue our call to work for justice and fullness of life for all persons with disabilities. Graciously help us to open new and creative spaces to invite all persons to participate meaningfully in parish and community life. Help us to contribute to the Church and, together, be a sign of the unity of the Body of Christ. Amen. 
​

Daily Activity for families
On 3 December 2022, in his message for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Pope Francis spoke about a “magisterium of fragility ... a charism by which you—dear sisters and brothers with disabilities—can enrich the Church. Your presence ‘may help transform the actual situations in which we live, making them more human and more welcoming. Without vulnerability, without limits, without obstacles to overcome, there would be no true humanity.’” 

As a family, watch together the 4-minute video below. You will get to know a priest from Australia who was born legally blind and is a witness to a joyful faith lived within human fragility and limits. “We” not “they,” disability in the life of the Church www.bit.ly/IamChurch​
Discussion Questions for Families
  • What surprised you about Fr. Justin Glyn, SJ?
  • In your own life, do you live with certain limitations or vulnerabilities? How does your faith help you with these experiences?
  • After hearing Fr. Justin’s story, do you have any ideas about how to open creative spaces to promote the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in your faith community?
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In the Parish Community
In your parish community, can you identify ways to open creative spaces for persons with disabilities to foster a sense of belonging for everyone? For some practical ideas in your parish, explore “Beyond the Ramp: A Parish Guide to Welcoming Persons with Disabilities”, written by Connie Price.

Additional Resources
  1. David Rizzo, Faith, Family and Children with Special Needs
  2. Megan Gannon, Special Saints for Special People: Stories of Saints with Disabilities
  3. For Catechists, teachers, parents, families: Loyola Press Resources for Special Needs Ministry: Special Needs | Loyola Press
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Day 5

Prayer Intention: For an increase of good palliative care and end-of-life care | Compassionate and healing God, We pray for all those who are sick and those nearing the end of this earthly life. Draw near to them and extend your consoling presence. Bless them with family and friends to care for and accompany them, skilled caregivers to ease their suffering and lessen their burden, and volunteers to lend a listening ear and steady presence. May your loving embrace be a light to their lives. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
​
Daily Activity for families
Start a conversation in your family about what’s most important to you at the end of life. Health care and end-of-life planning conversations are a powerful entryway to connect meaningfully about life and death. Note: This activity is most appropriate between young adults, parents and grandparents; however, mature teenagers may also find these types of conversations helpful.
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In the parish community
In your parish community, have you launched the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care? The open access program includes a facilitator’s guide and four modules that are easy to follow and offer high-quality medical and theological information on palliative care. It is so important to talk about end-of-life are today—don’t delay in opening these conversations in your parish community.
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Day 6 

Prayer Intention: Offering compassion for those grieving the loss of little ones | 
O loving God, out of the depths, we cry to you. Your Spirit intercedes for us even when we do not know how to pray. Come near to those who mourn the loss of a preborn infant or child, for you know our hearts and share our tears especially in times of grief and sorrow. Guide us with your grace to recognize you are always with us, even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Almighty God, who knew us and formed us in the womb, we ask that you enfold every grieving heart and every child in heaven into your tender loving care; by your Spirit, we ask for your kindness and grace. Amen.

Daily Activityfor the family
Create a ‘Rooted in Love’ Memory Garden Start with talking about how each family member feels about having a memory garden to honour their sibling. Young children can help plan and draw what it might look like. Choose a special tree and plant it together as a family and create a garden so everyone can contribute and participate.

You can symbolize the family unit with pots or other objects such as DIY stepping stones for each family member. Hummingbird feeders and wooden hand-painted bird feeders can attract feathered friends to visit. Be creative and decorate pots, stones etc. with pens or paint. Use ribbons to represent memories, laminate drawings or pictures and hang them off branches.

Make it your own! You may wish to include a statue of the Holy Family and/or design a Rosary garden using painted rocks. Add a prayer bench and table to read, journal or meditate with a candle. It can be healing to sit around a firepit and pray together.

Here are ideas on how families can decorate the tree together; 
  • Advent | Jesse Tree Symbols and/or a numbered bag for each day of Advent with a surprise such as mini pieces to create a small nativity scene to display under the tree
  • Christmas | Have children create their own decorations using clear ornaments and add mini outdoor lights
  • Valentine’s Day | Hang hearts and notes of love and gratitude for family members to find
  • Lent/Easter | Use Easter eggs with scripture verses inside for each day of Lent, have an Easter egg hunt
  • Birthdays | Add streamers, have a picnic in the yard that includes birthday cake  

Additionally, the same plant/tree can also be sent to extended family members so they can also be part of honouring the lost child. Flower seeds can also be sent to those who are farther away. It's a beautiful way to remember loved ones and also create a new life and memories together. How meaningful would it be to exchange pictures of the memory gardens each Christmas? 
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In the Parish Community
In your parish community, can you find ways to gently raise awareness and support for those grieving the loss of preborn and born children?

​Sometimes the best people to lead these outreach programs and initiatives are those who have also experienced the grief of losing a child. Consider working closely with these parents and families and seeking guidance from them in your pastoral approaches and ideas.  

Today’s prayer intention and family activity was developed in collaboration with Elizabeth Ministry BC, which offers faith-based, peer support after loss of a baby during pregnancy, at birth, in infancy and toddlerhood. Visit Elizabeth Ministry BC’s website here: elizabethministrybc.ca
Source: National Life & Family Week Daily Prayers & Activities, CCCB, 2023
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Evening of prayers for Syria

5/6/2023

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A beautiful evening of prayers for Syria was held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at St. Mary's Cathedral. Archbishop Joseph Tobji from Aleppo, Syria, Bishop McGrattan, priests, deacons, and faithful from the oriental churches in Calgary and the Diocese attended the event. In addition to the ongoing conflicts, people in Syria are also facing the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and the tragic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these immense challenges, the people of Syria are bravely rebuilding their lives. We express our deep appreciation to everyone who participated and prayed with us for our brothers and sisters in Syria.

A special thank you to Fr. Daniel Fares, the chief organizer, volunteers and staff of St. Mary's Cathedral for the beautiful reception after the prayers. Let us continue to keep the people of Syria in our thoughts and prayers.

  • The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) invites all faithful to respond generously to the emergency aid campaigns launched by CNEWA and three other Catholic organizations who are working with partners in the region and know the local reality. Donate online here
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Photos and videos courtesy of Our Lady of Peace Maronite Church and Office of Communications.
More photos are available here. 
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In memoriam: Fr. Gilles LeBlanc

5/6/2023

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Funeral Mass of Fr. Gilles LeBlanc was celebrated on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church in Calgary followed by a graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery.  
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Father Gilles LeBlanc was born on May 18, 1949, in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. He is pre-deceased by his parents Frederick and Suzanne LeBlanc and his brother Paul LeBlanc. He is survived by his siblings: Andrea Acherly, Ronald LaBlanc, Gladys Bordage, John LaBlanc, Reggie LeBlanc. He was ordained a priest in 1985. He passed away peacefully on May 2, 2023 at Providence Care Centre. 

​Visit the obituary page at https://www.evanjstrong.com/obituary/FrGilles-LeBlanc

Fr. Gilles LeBlanc's Pastoral Assignments

Father Gilles LeBlanc was ordained a priest on April 26, 1985, at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop Paul J. O'Byrne. Fr. LeBlanc began his pastoral assignments as an Assistant Pastor at St. John’s, Calgary, in June 1985, followed by St. Mark’s in Calgary in August 1985, serving until 1987. He then served as an Assistant Pastor at St. Ann's in Blairmore from July 1987 to 1988. In 1989, he accepted a pastoral assignment as Pastor of St. Andrew’s, Vulcan, Champion, and Carmangay, where he served for two years. Later in his ministry, Fr. LeBlanc was assigned at St. Anthony’s in Calgary from 2006 until July 2008. His last pastoral assignment was at St. Patrick’s in Medicine Hat from August 2008 until his retirement in June 2010. 
​
  • Read "Custodians of Beauty" - featuring Fr. Gilles LeBlanc  
  • Watch video "Co-Creating with God"

Please join us in remembering Fr. Gilles by viewing these beautiful photos of his funeral mass, captured by Victor Panlilio. Let us all pray for his eternal rest and the souls of all the faithful departed, and may they find peace in the loving mercy of God.

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Photos courtesy of Victor Panlilio | See all photos here
2 Comments

Keeping our spaces clean & tidy

5/5/2023

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The space around us often reflects the state of our being. If our spaces are cluttered, this may mean that we are not on top of things or may feel overwhelmed with the demands of life.

One secret to keeping our spaces clean and tidy is to maintain little habits that help us to organize our lives and to avoid procrastination. For example, the habit of immediately returning a tool in the toolbox after each use will prevent tools from sitting around for days or weeks where they should not be. With this habit, unnecessary disasters and time-consuming problems are averted.

>>> Watch this video for daily habits that help keep our home clean and tidy.The space around us often reflects the state of our being. If our spaces are cluttered, this may mean that we are not on top of things or may feel overwhelmed with the demands of life.
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Consider this...
“But all things should be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthian 14:40
​
When we are able to maintain order in little things, we are present to the moment.
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He is risen. Christ is truly risen!

5/1/2023

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Invited by Bishop McGrattan, I am taking this opportunity to write about my fellow pastor, Rev. Ephrem Kardouh, BSO. He belongs to the Basilian Salvatorian religious order in Lebanon and I believe many of you had been blessed by his fruitful ministry and presence in Calgary before his current pastoral assignment.  Currently, Father Ephrem works along with me in the Melkite parish of Lincoln, Rhode Island, USA.

The life of a priest is filled with unpredictability and unique tasks each day, from baptisms to anointings of the sick. A priest is called to be all things to all people, following St. Paul's teaching, "To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some" (1 Cor 9:22b). With a deep commitment to serve and glorify God, a priest works tirelessly to fulfill the spiritual needs of the people.

​
Fr. Ephrem was ordained in 2013 by Eparchial Bishop of Newton for Melkites in the United States, Bishop Nicholas Samra. He was sent to Calgary at the time when the Canadian government announced it would open its door to 25,000 Syrian refugees. Fr. Ephrem played a crucial role in creating a welcoming home for Syrian refugees in Canada, working alongside the Calgary Catholic Immigration Services. In 2015, he started the community of St. Basil's Melkite Catholic Church in Calgary, while also serving as a healthcare minister for the Diocese of Calgary, providing pastoral ministry and sacraments to those in need in Calgary hospitals. Fr. Ephrem has fond memories of the kindness, generosity, faith, and love he experienced while serving in Calgary. In 2019, he accepted a pastoral move to St. Basil the Great Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Lincoln, Rhode Island, to assist his predecessor, Fr. Joe, who had been ill.

Father Ephrem arrived during a difficult time, with a rocky path to pastoral life due to COVID and a pending church roof problem that had persisted for four years. Nevertheless, he accepted the challenge, organized the Finance and Parish Advisory Councils, and dove deep into the issue. Now, two and a half years later, everything is thriving. Recently, we celebrated his 50th birthday on February 18th, with hopes and prayers for an incredible year ahead. May the next 50 years be even better than the first - he is now 18,262 days old!
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To backtrack, Father Ephrem considered himself a pastor in training during his first ten months with us, which was a difficult transition from one church to another. He quickly discovered that there is so much about local church ministry that cannot be taught in the classroom, reminding us to keep it humble and have a mentor.

Despite changes being necessary in any profession, Father Ephrem approached his role with respect, competency, integrity, vision, and love for God. He followed the one-year rule, taking time to learn, listen, build relationships, and gain trust during his first year with us. After that, he took charge and continued to serve with his whole heart. 

He organized the most successful two-day festival on the church grounds in July 2021, as well as a Food Fair in October 2021 to generate more funds for the major maintenance expenditures. 

Father Ephrem has an incredible talent for capturing 100% of the parishioners with his inspiring homilies. His computer science skills are equally impressive - we are now known for having one of the best parish websites and electronic bulletins in the Eparchy. His weekly electronic bulletin, consisting of around twenty pages, is eagerly anticipated by parishioners as well as others.

One of his dreams also came true. He was able to receive an overwhelming response to begin Bible Study. These sessions are held every other Wednesday in person, and on Thursday, via zoom respectively. Total participants including many young people, as well as immigrants, number about 50. 
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Creating a meaningful space for the community is important to Father Ephrem. He enhanced the Baptism Room by combining it with St. Elias Church, which was forced to close in December 2015 due to lack of attendance and later sold. The new space, now called St. Elias Chapel, is used for Divine Liturgy, Baptisms, and other small liturgical services throughout the week. This union of the two churches has brought the congregation together as a single corporate body once again.
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We had just celebrated an incredible Holy Week in the Byzantine Melkite Church, first one after COVID intrusion, where we honoured the dramatic events of the Passion beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating in the joyous Resurrection. Palm Sunday Divine Liturgies were attended to the fullest, with grand processions featuring children carrying candles and palm branches - our symbols of victory. On Holy Wednesday evening, the Holy Oil of Penitents was blessed and used for anointment. Soon after, the Last Supper was commemorated in the Byzantine Melkite Church with the Washing of the Feet of 12 men representing the Apostles.

On Thursday, we remember the portrayal of Judas betraying our Lord, the suffering of the Lord, and His  crucifixion. It's similar to the Tenebrae service in the Latin Church, where one candle is extinguished after each of the six gospels (shortened from 12).

Friday is dedicated to commemorating the Funeral and Burial of Christ. In contrast to the Latin Church's tradition, the Byzantine Rite performs this ceremony with all the pomp and majesty due to a King. It is a magnificent liturgical service, second only to Easter Sunday. During the ceremony, 12 bearers carry the Tomb or Epitaphion, followed by 12 women carrying a shroud around the Church three times. Finally, the Epitaphion is displayed in the middle of the Church for veneration, and faithful parishioners approach to take a blessed carnation as a memory of Our Lord’s burial, giving off sweet fragrance.
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The climax of Holy Week is the Divine Liturgy of Easter Sunday in the Byzantine Melkite Church. The processional part held in the Narthex of the church, called the Hajmah, reminds us of the Triumphal Resurrection of our Lord at dawn, and the opening of the gates of heaven to the liberated souls of the Just.

While the Latin Church sings the Alleluia during the Easter season, the Eastern Churches echo with the joyful hymn, "Christ is risen from the dead, and by his death, he has trampled upon death, and has given life to those who are in the tombs."
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A priest has the sacred power to serve God's people, lead them to union with God, and teach them, shepherd them, offer pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and sanctify them through the Sacraments. There are two book ends in the life of a priest: Begin with prayer and end the day with prayer.

Father Ephrem has tirelessly and lovingly dedicated himself to the work and responsibilities of our Parish, with no days off in almost three years. Despite the immense workload, he remains committed to the needs of the people.

Since joining us, Father Ephrem has been profoundly touched by the faith, humility, love, and generosity of St. Basil's community. We pray that God will bless Father Ephrem in his ministry here for many more years to come!
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Written by Rt. Rev. Exarch Joseph S. Haggar, Pastor-Emeritus, for Faithfully. 

Father Joe celebrated his 57 years of Ordination on March 13, 2023, and is truly called in the Eparchy, the “living history of our diocese." Did you know? On February 13, 2003, Fr. Joe received a personal phone call from St. Pope John Paul II, appointing him as Eparch of the Melkite Eparchy of St. Sauveur of Montreal and all of Canada, following the recommendation of His Beatitude Patriarch Gregory III and his Holy Synod.  However, due to his health condition, Father Joe respectfully declined the offer in person with His Holiness. May God bless Fr. Joe with health and happiness in his ministry. 
​
​Photos courtesy of St. Basil Parish, Rhode Island, USA
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