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Graduation 2020

6/19/2020

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Photo: Ecole de la Rose sauvage, Calgary - Facebook
It is June and the time of year when our young people complete their studies and gather for the celebration of their graduation.  But this year is different.  The COVID-19 Coronavirus restrictions have curtailed the in-person gatherings and reshaped them into “virtual graduations.”  This is new for all of us but it should not diminish in any way the joy we feel at seeing young people succeed whether it be the milestone of a graduation from kindergarten or the graduation from Grade 8, Grade 12, College or University. 

I add my voice to the good wishes and encouragement which our graduates of 2020 are receiving.  You are a graduating class with unique stories to tell and we anticipate the wisdom of your insights and leadership in the future. The following are for your reflection as you celebrate the completion of studies and look toward the next steps – be it further studies, a career, a religious vocation or some time to chart your future path in life.

The impact of a Catholic education was recently highlighted by Dr. Anthony Fauci, MD who has had a critical role in the pandemic leadership for the United States. Dr. Fauci graduated from Regis High School and in his own words he stated the “tenets of the Jesuit tradition sustained him throughout his life and career.”  The imprint of a Catholic Education shapes the character of a person in striving to live a life of goodness but also in assuming roles of responsibility in promoting the common good in both ordinary and extraordinary forms of service.

 As graduates of 2020 it seems to me that you are being offered three important lessons during this pandemic.
  • The first is that the pandemic has highlighted the importance of good leadership.  The values and principles which leaders hold are always of great significance for such responsibilities impact others. In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul encourages the pursuit of what is right saying, “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” (Galatians 6: 9-10) Always know that the Holy Spirit is there to guide you in what is right, in choosing to work for the good of others.
  • The second is that those who have discovered an inner strength and resiliency in the face of this pandemic have also been able to see and reach out to the needs of others. “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me… “(Matthew 25: 34-35) Each Sunday, I have witnessed this in the volunteers who serve in Feed the Hungry at St. Mary Cathedral Hall. Many are from the Catholic schools, teachers, staff and students who are mindful of the needs of others and are willing to sacrifice and serve for the sake of others.
  • Finally, there is much talk about a “new normal” and/or “when things return to normal.”  Perhaps we need to ask deeper questions about moving forward.  Looking at our society through the lens of our Catholic Social Teachings and striving to live the Truth of our human dignity and social solidarity as revealed to us in Jesus Christ, the pandemic has revealed and highlighted systemic inequities that have defined life for many people for far too long and created a growing spiritual poverty. “In the presence of serious forms of exploitation and social injustice, there is “an ever more widespread and acute sense of the need for a radical personal and social renewal capable of ensuring justice, solidarity, honesty and openness. … No, we shall not be saved by a formula but by a Person and the assurance that he gives us: I am with you! It is not therefore a matter of inventing a ‘new programme'. The programme already exists: it is the plan found in the Gospel and in the living Tradition, it is the same as ever.” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 577.)

In a recent video message to young people commemorating the 100th anniversary of St. John Paul II's birth, Pope Francis spoke about the challenges and obstacles faced by St. John Paul II as a young man and how his deep faith enabled him to overcome them.  Pope Francis expressed the hope that the life and faith of St. John Paull II would “inspire within you the desire to walk courageously with Jesus, who is “the Lord of risk, he is the Lord of the eternal ‘more.’" (Pope Francis, May 18, 2020)

Graduates of 2020, persevere in prayer, follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and know that the Lord who calls you to embrace His Love will accomplish good works in and through you.  Seek the “eternal more” as you celebrate your graduation in 2020.
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​Written by Bishop William T. McGrattan
June 18, 2020
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Congrats Class of 2020

6/18/2020

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Congratulations to the Catholic School Districts Graduating Class of 2020!  Thank you to all who have made graduation celebration meaningful and memorable amidst the pandemic challenges. We invite you to take the time and pray this little prayer for our graduates: 

God our Father,
we give you thanks for bringing these young people
to this special moment in their lives.
We ask you to accompany them
as they face new adventures and challenges.
May the paths they take always lead to you
and to the eternal joy that is their inheritance through Baptism.
We make this prayer to you in the name of Jesus your Son.
Amen.


Below are some celebratory photos and links shared by the five Catholic School Districts in the Diocese of Calgary:  
Calgary Catholic School District
Graduation events range from drive-and-walk-through celebrations, where students can collect their diploma, walk a stage or red carpet and have their photo taken, to student awards on social media. All schools will have a unique online grad program featuring well wishes, student speeches and tributes to the graduating class. 
  • Graduation Mass with Bishop McGrattan
  • Chief Superintendent's grad speech

​Francosud
  • École Sainte-Marguerite Bourgeoys (Calgary) - View graduation celebration photos
  • École Le Ruisseau (Brooks) - Two graduates received their 12th grade diplomas on June 8. See photos.
  • École de la Rose sauvage (Calgary) - View graduation celebration photos 

Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education
Monsignor McCoy High School is planning to still have a graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 in the fall or winter depending on AHS guidelines. Their graduation celebration happened earlier this month already.
  • A message to our grads - Superintendent's Blog
  • Monsignor McCoy celebrates grade 12 graduation this week - Chat TV
  • McCoy finds way to honour grads - Medicine Hat News
  • A message for the Monsignor McCoy Class of 2020 - Video

Christ the Redeemer 
  • Notre Dame Collegiate will be hosting their live stream on their youtube channel on Friday, June 26, as well as the Diocesan website www.catholicyyc.ca | The livestream will feature pre-recorded messages from their superintendent, valedictorians and Principal. 
  • St. Anthony's High School (Drumheller) - Photos from the Parade

Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, Lethbridge & Area
  • Catholic Central High School Class 2020 celebrated their graduation with their "Drive Thru" grad on June 13, 2020.  Check out Tribute Presentation Video, Prayer Service and Convocation Video
  • St. Michael's School (Bow Island) Graduation Tribute 
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What COVID-19 has taught me

6/17/2020

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I am weak. I can’t do life on my own. I am in need of a Saviour. This is what the Covid-19 pandemic has taught me. 

My eyes welled up with tears as I knelt to pray after receiving the Eucharistic Jesus for the first time since public celebration of Holy Mass was suspended in the Diocese of Calgary. Staring transfixed at the crucifix, I prayed: Jesus, I need you. I’m helpless without you. I surrender. 

This is not how my Covid-19 experience began.  

Energy and even some excitement characterized the initial weeks of cancellations. To keep calm, I adopted a laid back attitude, got outside for walks and practised gratitude. My husband Ben and I head up a domestic church with five children ranging from 8 months to nine years old. I loved trading in my hectic chauffeur duties, for a simpler, slower lifestyle at home together. I experienced what it’s like to truly be the primary educator of my children and to boot, there were countless free resources and professionals offering virtual help.

I appreciated the empathy and compassion that society showed with the ‘we will get through this together’ mentality. I actually believed, at least on the surface, that: ‘I’ve got this.’ I experienced a vision for our domestic church that I had never dared to dream before. 

But then, panic set in. What is going to happen once things open up again? Will it all seem like a dream? I noticed myself getting agitated, anxious and angry. I started to lose my peace because there were many aspects of this new life I wanted to retain, but I feared it might not be possible. 

Being confined to household isolation 24/7 for months felt like a monastic existence. I could not run, nor could I hide from my own weaknesses that were barriers to fully loving my family as myself. I finally had to confront them and it was like a lightning bolt struck my heart waking me from my slumber. 

I knew I was made for more. My unease felt so contrary to the holy woman I was striving to become. So I prayed for humility and courage to vulnerably peel off my camouflage. I desired to see myself the way God sees me. And through His grace, I discerned a call to a new radical self-acceptance; to become even more myself because God has even bigger plans for my life! 

What I discovered through prayer and conversation is that while I possess many creative talents, I score lower in the practical skills to keep a home running smoothly. I had been holding myself to a very high standard for which I didn’t have the natural skill to peacefully pull off. 

Early one morning, I walked to St. Pius X Church in Calgary and knelt outside looking through the window in adoration of Our Lord. I no longer felt trapped in silence and shame over my shortcomings, but rather felt freedom to address my challenges head on with compassion and mercy both for myself and others. Little did I know that only a couple weeks later, I would finally be reunited sacramentally with the healing, life-giving presence of Our Lord.  

My greatest desire is to become a saint and for those with eyes of faith, Covid-19 continues to be a holy time where both our challenges and blessings can be used to become like Christ. While we are collectively undergoing this pandemic together, our experience is uniquely ours. Following this article are six reflections from a new university graduate, a mother, a teacher, a single person, a senior and a pastor –– each made in the likeness and image of God, each giving God glory with their lives.  

Written by Sara Francis for Faithfully 
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Fr. Fabio DeSouza and COVID-19

6/17/2020

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When the pandemic hit, Fr. Fabio DeSouza turned a potential obstacle into a great pastoral opportunity. He opened a digital door to his Our Lady of Fatima Portuguese community and beyond. For Fr. DeSouza, this is only the beginning of his new online ministry.
What challenges have you faced during Covid-19?

In the beginning of this pandemic, I could say there were two challenges: institutional  –– how to run a parish with no parishioners and little revenue, and pastoral –– how to reach people in their homes. 

What blessings have you received during Covid-19? 

I arrived in Calgary four years ago from Brazil. The most fruitful moment of my pastoral ministry here in Calgary is this time of pandemic. I’m reaching more people now than before. We have about 300 families registered here; the families that come regularly are around 150. Our Facebook videos have around 17,000 views per month. I had some families from the U.S., Ontario, Portugal and Brazil join us online. I opened a digital door for them.

The majority of my parishioners are seniors. They said: Father, we cannot go to the church for personal prayer. With this challenge I started to think about what we could do. I decided to start with a short talk about the daily Gospel and pray the rosary every day. I decided this for two reasons. When we can pray together we can have a better relationship. They can present their intentions for the rosary. They can share the challenges they have, I can say some words directly to the families. I noticed that this approach worked better than Mass online every day because we had better contact. We had Mass live-streamed twice a week.  

We had no financial problem. For me it was a huge surprise. We implemented the digital platform for online donations and they continued to send their envelopes. They felt connected with me and the parish. For some of them it was like I was going to their home everyday, praying with them and sharing the Gospel and talking to them. They learned how to find our parish on Facebook and we met there every day.


What have you learned from Covid-19? 

Going forward I think that we should try to find different ways to establish our presence in this ‘new digital continent’. It’s creating a space where we can develop our mission in the digital world. We need to think more about this new reality. Some may think, if we do an online service, people will not come to the physical church. We think one thing is in opposition to the other, but I think not. Because if my parish offers a consistent online spiritual service, people will feel more connected to my community. And I have heard this feedback from my parishioners. 

The digital continent is a place for mission. We have to learn the culture and language, and it’s different from the presence in person. We have two platforms: here, in the church, in person, and the digital platform. I wish to learn more and do more. I think this is the way of the future. 
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Fr. Fabio DeSouza
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Stan Kavalinas & COVID-19

6/17/2020

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Stan Kavalinas has been quarantined inside his assisted living complex for months. Thankfully, love has no bounds. At 91, Stan has learned to FaceTime with his granddaughter Kaitlin and her new baby, Ruth –– one of the newest members of St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.
What challenges have you faced during Covid-19?

The only big challenge is being locked in. You can’t leave the place. Before the flu hit I would go down to South Centre and Ricky’s for lunch. The provincial rules have tightened things up. We go outside in the yard, but we have to be six feet apart and everything has to come through the front door. 


What blessings have you received during Covid-19? 

It’s been pretty good. I’ve been doing alright. My family calls me. I’ve always been a guy who can put up with things, you can’t make your own rules. You go along with what the rules are and hopefully in a month or so this will be all over. I think the staff are doing a pretty good job. 

It has shown us how lucky we are before the flu hit. I don’t know what the problem is. A lot of people are really sad. They just sit there and sit there. You’d figure the end of the world has come and maybe it has for them. But I don’t look at life that way. You make the best of it. If you have to tear something down, you tear it down. Never give up. 
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Physical-distance visit from granddaughter Kaitlin Richie & his new great-grandaughter, Ruth.
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Stan Kavalinas
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Mia Drewniak & COVID-19

6/16/2020

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In the stillness and silence of living self-isolation as a single person, St. Joseph's parishioner Mia Drewniak experienced both loneliness and the love of God and her community in new and unexpected ways.  
What challenges have you faced during Covid-19?

​Isolation. Loneliness. As a single person, I really noticed how lonely and alone I felt having certain privileges and activities taken away these last few months and having to isolate from friends and family. I never felt this before as I am an outgoing person involved in many things, constantly busy. I’ve feared catching the virus as I am 62-years-old, in the high risk group, and still working as a part-time registered nurse with Alberta Health Services, but soon retiring.

​I experienced sadness when my sister-in-law’s father passed away during this pandemic and I was not able to be with her and family for any service and grieving. And not being able to receive the Eucharist, attend Mass at my parish or do my music ministry with my parish and the diocese has been very hard for me. 

What blessings have you received during Covid-19? 

Having more time at home to pray and spend with the Lord. With more time at home I was able to get in touch with friends and family that I haven’t talked to in awhile. I’ve appreciated friends checking in with me to see how I am doing and if I am in need of anything such as groceries. With the extra time at home, I was able to plan and get things ready for my retirement. And I’ve done things around the house that I let slide because I was too busy before to tackle them.

​I enjoyed seeing the kindness coming through in people. While out for my walks in the neighbourhood, I noticed people greeting one another on the street and certain signs of encouragement written on little notes hanging from trees in yards and on sidewalks.
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Mia Drewniak works as a nurse for the Alberta Health Services, and she is a parishioner of St. Joseph's Parish in Calgary.
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Alyssa Butterwick & COVID-19

6/16/2020

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​Suddenly faced with online teaching while simultaneously schooling her young children at home, Alyssa Butterwick showed grace and resilience. To make it all work, this Ascension Church parishioner leaned into a slower pace of life, let go of expectations and remained grateful for her daily blessings. 
​What challenges have you faced during Covid-19?

During Covid-19 our family has struggled like many other young families to navigate our new routine. My husband and I continue to adapt to working remotely from home while balancing homeschooling and childcare for our children ages 2, 5 and 9. As an elementary school teacher of Grade 2 and 3 students, the transition to an online learning environment has been difficult at times.

Fulfilling my teaching obligations, juggling conference calls, team meetings, answering emails and phone calls all while parenting three young children at home has been a challenge. There have been many days where chips were acceptable for breakfast and staying in our pyjamas all day has become a regular occurrence!

Prior to the pandemic, my children were involved in many extracurricular activities. Adjusting to social distancing rules, taking a break from organized sports, and missing their friends has occasionally made for a difficult transition. Creating a new routine and finding a sense of normalcy took time for us, but our children have handled this change better than I would have expected.
 

What blessings have you received during Covid-19? 

The gift of time has been our greatest blessing. I’ve realized how daily life is truly a blessing. We have been reminded that the gift of our families, friends, and our health matters most. As a busy family, the time to pause, reflect and embrace a more simplistic way of life has been a blessing.

As an ‘on the go family’ used to being pulled in many directions, we have been enjoying a slower pace and more quality time together. Being able to say ‘yes’ more to our children when it comes to family bike rides, building forts, family baseball games, building Lego, cooking together or simply just being together. Watching our children grow closer and seeing them appreciate the gift of their friendship as siblings has been a blessing. And having more time to connect with family and friends, enjoying online game nights, a simple phone call and being in nature has been a blessing.  
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This time has given us the opportunity to focus on gratitude and the positive aspects of having more time together. Our children have become more aware and appreciative of life’s blessings. 

My son had his 9th birthday and we could not celebrate as we normally would. Throughout the day he had numerous family members and friends visit from the driveway or drop of cards and gifts. He could not believe how our community and family came together to make him feel so loved. He said it was one of his best birthdays. 
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This has also been a time to pray for our community, our friends, our family, and our world.
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Photo courtesy of Alyssa Butterwick
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Alyssa Butterwick is an elementary teacher at Blessed Marie-Rose School in Calgary. She is a wife and a mother of three. Their family are parishioners of Ascension Catholic Parish in Calgary.  
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Erin Loftson & COVID-19

6/16/2020

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Bringing a baby into the world during a pandemic was not part of Erin Loftson’s birth plan. Amidst so much sanitization and uncertainty, her baby boy entered the world bringing new hope. ​
What challenges have you faced during Covid-19?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, I’ve faced an unusual set of challenges bringing a new baby into this world while the virus hit Calgary in late March. My final midwife appointments were cold, sterilized, and rushed. Our hospital delivery was met with PPE, sanitizing, and worrying about what I should or shouldn’t touch while labouring around the delivery room. Our postpartum days were filled with uncertainty, worry, and the disappointment of not being able to introduce our new baby to family and friends. 

But most of all, I miss the opportunity of connecting with our spiritual family, the Body of Christ, face-to-face. We have been unable to celebrate our son’s baptism with our family and friends, unable to see our friends every Sunday, and unable to join in Communion with our parish. My family has a new found realization of how much we truly need our brothers and sisters in worship, support, and fellowship. 


What blessings have you received during Covid-19? 

To say the least, welcoming our new son safely into our home has been a great blessing during this pandemic. We have also been privy to the love that our friends and family have for us by supporting us and helping our family even when unable to be physically present. Praying outside the church during the baptism, dropping gifts and food off for us, offering to run errands. Even though Covid-19 has limited our ability to physically come together with our community, it has highlighted our friends’ and families’ love and support for us when they have gone the extra mile to be there for our family. 

Interiorly, being quarantined initially emphasized my need to pray as I work in the home. “Every diaper is a Hail Mary,” I’m always told. With the inability to attend Mass for three months, I wanted to really lean into my work as a mother and offer it all to Jesus. However, I quickly burned out. I realized that my Sabbath was not set apart from the rest of the week as it used to be, and my daily activities wore me down. This all led me to a great fight for prayer time, recognizing more than ever my need for silent, uninterrupted prayer time. I still offered up the diapers, the spills, and the tantrums, but I realized that being stuck at home with little children, without any outside reprieve, necessitates a deeper connection with Christ that only prayer time can offer. Even if it’s only 10 minutes while the newborn naps and the toddler is likely getting into worlds of trouble, those 10 minutes provide me with the grace, patience, and love necessary to offer up the diapers and spills and tantrums. All for Jesus!
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Erin Loftson is a wife and mother of two. The Loftson family are parishioners of St. Anthony's Parish, FSSP Latin Mass. 
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Tiffany Biensch & COVID-19

6/16/2020

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Tiffany Biensch could never have predicted she would finish her degree online and have her university graduation ceremony postponed. But this youthful and joy-filled St. James Church parishioner is taking the lessons she learned about slowing down and being present in the moment into her new career.  ​
What challenges have you faced during Covid-19?

COVID-19 began to impact Alberta just as I was finishing my university degree. I was finishing four courses and an honours thesis when our campus decided to close. This meant transitioning online for classes and cutting my research project short. In addition, my graduation ceremony was postponed to November and my job possibilities were greatly reduced. These challenges required some altered planning and patience; however, they were not paralyzing. I still graduated from St. Mary’s University with a degree in psychology and I know that with the grace of God I will find a job. Beyond the challenges in my education I was also sad when Mass was closed to the public during the pandemic. Though I understand this precaution, I found myself often missing our Beloved Eucharist and the community that gathered in this celebration. 

What blessings have you received during Covid-19? 

I am blessed that I was able to receive funding and have the support of family members who are monetarily stable. COVID-19 put many limitations on leaving the house which gave me lots of family time and prayer time. I also learned a lot during this pandemic. I think that we easily get caught up in life ‘doing’ that we forget to take time to just ‘be’. By simply being we are able to sink deeper into our faith and find our Saviour in the moment we are in. I discovered that it wasn’t easy to just stop but when I did, I discovered many blessings. This is not only a blessing but a lesson that I hope to carry forward into my life. 
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Tiffany Biensch is a recent graduate of St. Mary's University, and a parishioner of St. James Parish in Calgary
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The power of witness

6/16/2020

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I have been called to Catholic education and this vocational call has blessed and enriched my life in profound ways.  As a teacher, principal and superintendent I have had varied and rich opportunities to experience the  5 Marks of Catholic Education first hand.  In particular, I have found myself surrounded by colleagues who are authentic witnesses to the Gospel.  I have worked with teachers who share their testimonies at staff retreats and liturgies. I have seen the sacrifices made by educators who are absolutely committed to going above and beyond for their students.  I have experienced the prayers and actions of my colleagues in times of crisis and tragedy.  I have seen extreme generosity and service.  I have been surrounded by Gospel witnesses.

One such example that deeply affected me took place during a school administrator’s retreat at Mount St Francis in Cochrane. As one of the four superintendents responsible for creating the retreat, I would often build a time of adoration into our two days away. A few years ago we spent an hour with Jesus in adoration and administrators were invited to come and pray. Some stayed for ten minutes; some for much longer.

As often happens to me in adoration, I lost all track of time. I heard the quiet rustle of people leaving and I knew our hour was coming to a close.  I opened my eyes and raised my head. I looked across the empty chapel and saw that only my three superintendent colleagues were still present and deep in prayer. One was on his knees in adoration.  The second was focused intently on the front monstrance. The third was in the pew alongside me; his head bowed, hands clasped, immersed in his dialogue with God. I felt the Holy Spirit at that moment and I knew that I was in worship with men of faith and colleagues of integrity. While the chapel had emptied, our leaders remained in prayer, in service, in faith. Their witness to me and the administrators they served went beyond words to lived action---a true mark of Catholic leadership.
Written by Bonnie Annicchiarico, PhD, Director of Grateful Advocate of Catholic Education (GrACE)
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Staff faith formation

6/16/2020

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My 27 years as an educator and administrator with the Calgary Catholic School District has afforded me a myriad of gifts in the countless number of students and families I have served and the inspiring colleagues I have worked alongside. It has also given me much to reflect on in terms of my vocation. At the center of this calling is my faith. It has become that intrinsic piece of my identity as an educational leader in my school community and in the school district.

I am blessed to work in a rich faith-filled environment at St. Clare elementary school with colleagues that have a similar desire for the intentional permeation of our Catholicity. After arriving at this location five years ago, I launched a weekly staff prayer initiative which faithfully continues years after its beginning.

From its inception, colleagues would voluntarily sign-up on a morning to sharing a prayer and a short meaningful reflection of their choice. Many also include a song or a video to highlight theme or topic of prayer.  Most importantly, intentions are offered for various individuals in need. This initiative has been well-received by staff with several faithfully attending on a regular basis since its beginning a few years ago. With many present, the venue has seen a pilgrimage from the office to the staffroom and now the Learning Commons library. I then make it a priority to share these stories, reflections and prayers out to inspire and inform others on staff who were not able to attend. Also included on this Faith Formation “fan-out” are special friends of St. Clare school in the school district, diocese and local parish community.

I am so grateful that my colleagues have embraced this Faith Formation initiative in the way they do as well as the faith-based measures which allow us to ensure our Catholicism permeates throughout all that we do. Many have commented that gathering as a school “family” in this meaningful manner is a great way to start the day, end of the week and build community with colleagues. Further, we have learned a lot about each other through the disclosing of personal stories which have driven the prayer and reflection shared by staff members. Personally, I always look forward to these moments as times to pause, take a step back, “exhale” as I head into my “inner chapel” to escape the busy-ness of our daily lives – even if it’s for a few minutes. I am truly inspired by my colleagues to continue to share and come together to pray and celebrate our faith.

In closing, as Catholics, our faith is meant to be lived and celebrated.  As members of a school community, we are involved in a vocation that is about people and the forging of relationships and bonds. We are all social and relational beings who have an inherent desire for relationships and connections. This wonderful initiative of weekly staff prayer has blended both ideals together as it has built and supported a strong sense of community and as members are afforded opportunities to share their faith, lives and our stories. Most important, it has allowed us to grow spiritually and walk with each other along our respective faith journeys. 


Written by: Mark Hickie, Vice Principal of St. Clare School, Calgary
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Podcasts for the family

6/15/2020

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Looking for a last minute gift? How about the gift of spiritually edifying commute time? Give your loved ones the podcast list below or load these podcasts in his mobile phone, all ready to go. There are tons of great podcasts out there, but here are some podcasts that you might really enjoy:
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The Dad Project Podcast  | "At The Dad Project, we find experienced dads who have had success in raising kids. We ask them to give short talks, sharing what has worked for them and what hasn't. Our goal is to help men everywhere become the dads they were meant to be. And our hope is to change the world for the better, one dad at a time."  Listen on Apple Podcasts ​
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Messy Family Podcast with Mike & Alicia Hernon | "Our mission is to empower parents, strengthen marriage and bring families to Christ. This is done through our podcast, short videos, downloadable resources and live events. We have found that families are hungry for these resources and we are here to help. " Listen to Podcasts 
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The Catholic Talk Show | "The Catholic Talk Show is a hilarious, entertaining, and informative Catholic podcast featuring Ryan DellaCrosse, Ryan Scheel, and Fr. Rich Pagano. They have listeners on 6 continents and in over 140 countries who tune in to learn about the Catholic faith!" Listen to Podcasts 
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The Liturgy Guys Podcast | "The Liturgy Guys is an initiative of the Liturgical Institute at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. Christopher Carstens and Dr. Denis McNamara, faculty members at the Liturgical Institute, sit down with host Jesse Weiler every week to talk about Catholic Liturgy and share the treasures of Liturgy with English speaking Catholics all over the world." Listen to Podcasts
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The Coaster | Hosted locally in Lethbridge, AB! "The Coaster is a fun show that talks about life in the light of faith, while having some laughs along the way. It’s a podcast that just happens to be Catholic! Join us each week for some real and authentic conversation with people who don’t take themselves too seriously. Sit back, relax, and fill up your cup, because all great conversations happen around a coaster!​ " Listen to Podcasts
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Fr. Mike Schmitz Podcasts - "Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz of Ascension Press. Fr. Michael Schmitz is an American Catholic speaker and author, as well as a priest and Director of the Youth and the Young Adult Ministries in the Diocese of Duluth."  Listen to Podcasts
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Word on Fire Podcast with Bishop Barron | "Bishop Barron will intersect the richness of the Catholic faith and today’s culture. He shares insights from the greatest Catholic thinkers as well as practical advice for all Catholics trying to live well in their day-to-day lives. Subscribe to the show so you don't miss any episodes." Listen to Podcasts
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Pints with Aquinas | "If you could sit down with St. Thomas Aquinas over a pint of beer and ask him any one question, what would it be? Every episode of Pints With Aquinas revolves around a question, a question that St. Thomas addresses in his most famous work, The Summa Theologica. So get your geek on, pull up a bar stool, and grab a cold one. Here we go!​"​Listen to Podcasts
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Ask Father Josh | "I’ll cover everything from Catholic teaching to moral dilemmas to relationship advice. I'm not perfect, and I can’t guarantee that my advice is going to make things easy, but I'll do my best to share what I've learned during my time as a priest, pastor, and friend. Email me your questions at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com" -  ​Listen to Podcasts
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The Jeff Cavins Show |  "How do you simplify your life? How do you study the Bible? From raising kids to growing older, Jeff Cavins shares personal tips for living as a modern-day disciple of Jesus Christ. Email Jeff and you may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!" -  ​Listen to Apple Podcasts
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Finding Faith | Locally hosted by the Campus Ministry of St. Mary's University in Calgary, Alberta! "Conversations with people who are finding ways of living meaningful and authentic faith in today's complex world. Hosted by Lance Dixon, Director of Campus Ministry at St. Mary's University, Calgary, Canada."  Listen to Podcasts
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Left Footers - Culture X Catholics  | Hosted by Grandin Media in Edmonton, AB. "Left-Footers is a Catholic talk show produced by Grandin Media. Hosts and guests chat about pop culture with Catholic topics and themes thrown into the mix"​  Listen to Podcasts
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Ask Christopher West Podcast | "Christopher and Wendy West answer questions about faith, life, love, and sexuality, in light of John Paul II's Theology of the Body. In this podcast, Christopher and Wendy combine their wisdom to tackle the toughest questions dealing with vocation, sexuality, marriage, and the Catholic faith.​" Listen to Podcasts
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Sacred Heart of Jesus

6/14/2020

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Photo: Fr. Lawrence Lew, OP. Mosaic in the chapel of the Mercy Convent in Albany, NY.
Through the visions St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, devotion to the Sacred Heart became formalized and the feast day extended to the whole Church by Pope Pius IX in 1856. This Friday, celebrate this beautiful feast at home, and receive the blessings and mercy Jesus promised St. Margaret Mary to souls who honour the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus are numerous and here are some ways we may be able to observe it this year:
  • Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
  • Enthrone your home to the Heart of Jesus (read "Easy Steps")
  • Pray the Pope's Intention for June
  • Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
  • 8 ways to honour the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June at home (Aleteia Article)
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God created humankind in his image & likeness

6/8/2020

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Photo: Vatican News
God created humankind in his image and likeness, respect for the other is a must. 
Statement of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

​It has been with great distress and sorrow that the world witnessed the tragic events that took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 25 May 2020. The death of Mr. George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement officers is profoundly troubling and entirely unacceptable. The utter disregard for his human rights and dignity has justifiably raised numerous disturbing questions about the ongoing presence of racism and discrimination in our societies, as well as about how peace and good government can both avoid and deter self-destructive and self-defeating violence.

The denigration of humankind, the denial of God-given rights and of human responsibilities that flow from them, lack of love for one’s neighbour, and the failure to show respect toward others are wholly intolerable; these must always be condemned in the strongest of terms. Racism and discrimination remain an appalling reality for a civilized society. The Bishops and Catholic faithful of Canada join with Pope Francis in lamenting all who have lost their lives and suffered because of exclusion, racism and violence which are antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As the Holy Father himself stated at the occasion of this tragedy: “We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.”1

Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God and is precious in His eyes according to the first chapter of Genesis. This truth is for us the bedrock and foundation of all human dignity. To violate it is an offence against God Himself and against the sacredness of life. Our faith teaches us that: “Respect for the human person proceeds by way of respect for the principle that ‘everyone should look upon his neighbor (without any exception) as “another self,” above all bearing in mind his life and the means necessary for living it with dignity.”2

In communion and solidarity with the Holy Father and the Catholic Bishops of the United States, we invite all Canadians to pray for all those who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism, to work for reconciliation and healing, as well as for peace and justice in our land and throughout the world.
​
  • Date: 8 June 2020
  • Download PDF - English | French​

Notes:
​1  
Pope Francis, 3 June 2020 General Audience 
2  Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1931, citing the Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, 27.1.
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