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From Diocesan Priest to Military Chaplain: Father John's Journey

6/26/2023

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“War is the ultimate human failure,” says Capt./Fr. John Nemanic. Not a sentiment I expect to hear from a military chaplain but Fr. John is adamant. “Human beings are called to be in communion with one another; to love and help each other. I had to grapple with this.” As we continue the interview, he expands on this conflict.
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Barely nine months ago, Fr. John was a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Calgary. Now he is a chaplain serving in the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada (RC Milord Canada) under the supervision of Bishop Scott McCaig. The RCMilord is described as “a diocese of massive dimensions” serving not only military members and their families at home, but also wherever the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have a presence around the world.

Fr. John is simultaneously an officer, serving under a military chain of command including the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service (RCChS). This branch of the military, which Fr. John describes as similar to Alberta Catholic schools in that it serves all faiths. According to the National Defence website, “CAF chaplains attend to the needs of all members of the CAF and their families, whether they identify with a particular Faith Tradition, have no specific spiritual/faith practice, belief or custom, or are spiritually curious.”

In some ways, this is similar to parish work, caring for the spiritual needs of all CAF members, those who are Catholic, those from other faith backgrounds or those who have none. The pluralism found within the CAF reflects that seen in Canadian society as a whole, so chaplains have to be prepared to deal with all of it. Fr. John says, “As individual chaplains we’re told to be faithful to our faith traditions, so I might refer for example, a same-sex marriage request, to another chaplain. The chaplain might also refer military families to the local (secular) parish, for example, for sacramental preparation or for French-language Mass. He also liaises with other houses of worship nearby to be able to refer different faith adherents appropriately. It’s an environment of ecumenism and outreach into which chaplains are rigorously initiated.

Fr. John felt a calling to the military as early as his calling to the priesthood. His father served in the Yugoslavian army, so after Fr. John was ordained in 2008, he considered serving as a reservist. However, he found the commitment unsustainable with full time parish work. In 2017, his yearning to serve for the military resurfaced during centennial celebrations of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Eventually, he applied to the RCChS and began a long process of interviews, physical tests, evaluations, educational qualification assessments and personal reference checks. “This was also to test the call,” Fr. John says, “A lot of it was prayer.”

Once he was accepted, he was posted to Garrison Petawawa in Ontario (population 19,000 including 6,000 people directly connected to the base). He then began 13 weeks of basic training from 5 am to 10 pm. It was a tough regimen designed to emphasize teamwork and endurance under adversity, as well as essential fighting skills. Chaplains do not carry weapons, although they do have to learn how to safely disarm them. They also do not command any personnel but bear an officer’s rank so they can minister to members at all levels. Chaplains have authority, and an obligation, to present significant issues from the rank-and-file to higher-ups. They also preside at religious services and form part of the group which delivers news to a family following an incident. 
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It was during basic training that Fr. John experienced a memorable moment. Among his fellow trainees, who ranged in age from 19 to 50, one approached him expressing suicidal thoughts. Fr. John arranged for mental health support for the person. He remembers being awed and humbled by the “power of the padre”, to be trusted with a confidence at the outset of his training. Not all his experiences were as positive.

While visiting the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa during Basic Training, he paused in front of a large display of instruments meant to kill and maim. “My stomach churned,” he says, “I wondered, ‘am I enabling this by serving in the CAF?’” With the help of an advisor, he came to understand differently. “Canada’s interests in going to war are noble: to defend our country and defend those who need our help.” He goes on to say that Jesus met violence with acceptance when he submitted to being crucified. Chaplains can provide solace to those who’ve had to kill and those suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Fr. John explains that soldiers have to accept what the military terms ‘unlimited liability’ which means they cannot refuse an order even if it places them in dire danger. Officers have to deal with issuing such orders. Even peacekeepers, who are not permitted to fire unless first fired upon, can encounter terrible situations which they are powerless to affect.
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“It’s such a conundrum to support CAF members but not believe in war,” Fr. John says. “Only God can bring creation out of chaos. Pray for peace in our hearts and homes. Pray that there is no more war and no need for the military but pray also for our soldiers.”

Fr. John ends our interview the same way he began it, with gratitude to Bishop McGrattan for “putting me on loan to the military”. He says fervently, “I would never have found peace until I knew if I could do this. God has put me in a place where I can really help people.”


Written by Alice Matisz for Faithfully. ​Edited and approved by the Canadian Army Forces. 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 Fr. John Nemanic.
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United in faith: The first Faith & Mission Day for Fr. Naphin Deanery parishes

6/24/2023

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On the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, June 17, 2023, over 130 individuals representing 7 parishes within the Fr. Naphin Deanery gathered at Mother of the Redeemer Parish for their first Faith and Mission Day. Father Fabio DeSouza who initiated the day, presented the pastoral journey of the Diocese in his talk, "From Pioneers to Parishioners: Tracing the Pastoral History of the Diocese of Calgary." 

The event continued with a Mass with  Bishop McGrattan, who spoke about the synodal experience of the Diocese during the homily. After the Mass, participants gathered in the parish hall to enjoy a delicious lunch provided by the Knights of Columbus. The atmosphere was joyful and filled with a genuine sense of community as individuals from various parishes came together, fostering a profound sense of unity and shared purpose. 

This Pastoral Zone Day has truly served our parishes as a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and deepen our understanding of the Diocese's pastoral history and vision. It has strengthened our sense of communion.  Participants departed feeling inspired to actively participate in executing the forthcoming pastoral priorities outlined by Bishop McGrattan, contributing to the spiritual rejuvenation of their respective parish communities.
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Submitted by Catarina Avila, Our Lady of Fatima Parish Communications Team. 
Photos credit: Thiago Cavallini, Our Lady of Fatima Parish Communications Team. ​
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Our newest priest, Fr Santiago Torres!

6/18/2023

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A thunderclap of applause erupted inside St. Mary’s Cathedral Friday evening as the faithful deemed Santiago Torres worthy of ordination to the priesthood.  

There was standing room only as young and old watched on as Torres prostrated himself before God and His people, giving his undivided heart to the priesthood on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as a choir sounding like angels sang the Litany of the Saints.  

Then the essential moment – the Laying on of Hands – by Bishop William McGrattan, as the Holy Spirit conformed Torres to the priesthood of Christ. It was poignant to see the many faces of Christ come forward one by one laying their hands on their new brother priest as he knelt to receive this gesture in humility.  
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Ordination of Fr. Santiago Torres, June 16, 2023 by Bishop William T. McGrattan at St. Mary's Cathedral
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The word ‘humility’ was repeated through the music, the prayers, the homily and even Fr. Torres’ thank you address at the end of the ordination. 

Bishop McGrattan emphasized every priest must possess the gift of the fear of God, a trepidation that they are unworthy to receive this call. “Each priest must respond to their call with confidence and humility inspired by the Spirit of God,” he said. 

Sincere, affable, gentle, kind, confident, humble, joyful and a gift to the Church; these are words that the faithful use to describe their newest Calgary diocesan priest. I count myself among the faithful who feel blessed by Fr. Santiago’s “yes” to live for Christ. 

A few weeks before the ordination, I had the privilege of sitting down to speak with Father (at that time Deacon) Torres. He chatted with me from his dorm room at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton via video call. Almost immediately I was reminded of his magnetic personality. We had first met about 13 years ago (summer of 2010) during which time he had just experienced the love of God in a profound life-changing way. By the end of the interview my heart was full of hope for the future of Fr. Santiago’s priestly vocation and for all the ways he will bring glory to God and peace to those he ministers to on Earth.

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A chat with Fr. Santiago

The Parable of the Mustard Seed came to mind as I sat down to write and reveal a glimpse of Fr. Santiago Torres’s profound journey of faith: one that began for him as a tiny seed hidden within his mother’s womb. 

“When I was conceived my Dad didn’t want anything to do with the pregnancy and so he left my Mom. I never knew who my biological dad was. He pushed [abortion] on her and my mom decided to have me instead – Praise God.” 

The 34-year-old priest, born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, considers his mother his primary role model. 

“My Mom has always been that solid foundation in my life for security and love – how to give of yourself for others.” 

Two days before the ordination, Fr. Santiago’s mother, Maria Cristina Latorre, was busy preparing for the ordination, welcoming her best friend from Germany, her sisters from Colombia, Santiago’s out-of-town seminarian friends and parishioners from his diaconal year in Lethbridge. With emotions running high amidst the hustle and bustle at her house, she stepped away to reflect and answer a few questions about her son. 

“I don’t know why Jesus chose me, but I’m here and I’m ready to give back my son to Him,” said Latorre, trying to hold back her tears. “There are too many emotions.

“I ask God why you chose my son?,” she said. “I’m not asking this ‘why’ in a bad way. No, I’m asking why [because] I’m so humbled to be his mom.

“Santiago explained to me ‘Mom, sometimes God, through difficult times, or bad situations, He makes something good from bad,’ which makes sense for me,” she continued.

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Fr. Santiago Torres and his twin sisters, Ana Maria and Maria Juliana.
Growing up in Bogota, Colombia 

When Fr. Santiago was two-years-old, his mother married and had twin girls, Ana Maria and Maria Juliana. Then at six-years-old his parents divorced, but the family continued to keep in touch with his sisters’ father, the man who Fr. Santiago considers his earthly father figure. 

“It’s incredible how important the love of a father is in a person’s life and yet, even if one hasn’t had that in one’s life, God still wants to give us that love,” said Fr. Santiago. “Looking back on my life in those years that I wasn’t close to Him… even if I didn’t realize He was there, He was always there.”

From early on the seed of faith was planted through Fr. Santiago’s Sacraments of Baptism and First Eucharist, but he was not Confirmed until later as an adult. From an early age watching television soccer matches won out over going to Sunday Mass. Meanwhile, his grandparents played a pivotal role in helping his mother raise Fr. Santiago and his sisters, both practically and spiritually.

Mrs. Latorre remembers those early days of childrearing and how her parents did not approve of all the ways her life had unfolded. Yet, as devout Catholics, they continued to support and love her and her children. 

“At this time I was not close to God, I cannot say I was praying, but I can say God was with me all the time. I think He has been by my side all the time,” said Mrs. Latorre, tearfully.
A new beginning in Canada 

Mrs. Latorre married Juan Gonzalo Arango when Fr. Santiago was around 14 and then, in 2005 at the age of 16, the family immigrated to Calgary for better opportunities. 

“For me it was very difficult,” said Fr. Santiago. “My friends were everything. I had a girlfriend in Colombia at that time as well. We moved in October, which was hard because it was starting to get cold and high school had already started. I only knew enough English to get by.”  

Shortly after the move, he began a relationship with a Colombian girl, also newly immigrated to Canada, who, to his astonishment, practiced her Catholic faith. 

The seed of faith received some significant watering one day when he was at his girlfriend’s house and the family was on a long-distance phone call with a priest from Colombia. Each person got a chance to speak to this priest, including – to his surprise – Fr. Santiago. 

“I was completely dumbfounded because I hadn’t talked to a priest in forever and that was how my conversion began,” said Fr. Santiago “It’s incredible how God works.

“Because I didn’t know him and I knew I wouldn’t see him again ever, I was able to open my heart to him and actually talk about stuff that was going on in my life more than I would talk with my friends or girlfriend.” 

Shortly after that his girlfriend invited him to Mass and he began to pray at night again. He sees this period in high school as living a double life – one of renewed faith, yet still steeped in his secular lifestyle. But the seed of faith that had been planted in his childhood began to receive nourishment. 
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Fr. Santiago Torres and his family
PictureYoung Fr. Santiago at CCO evangelistic mission, Impact.
Turning back to God 

Two years after graduating high school (summer of 2010) at the age of twenty, Fr. Santiago participated in Impact, an evangelistic mission hosted by Catholic Christian Outreach. It was geared toward bringing lukewarm Catholic university students back into the faith. He took a faith study and attended ‘Summit’, an evening of adoration prayer at St. Bonaventure. It was during this hour of adoration and praise and worship that he gave his adult ‘yes’ to place Jesus at the centre of his life.

“I just remember closing my eyes and feeling so loved,” said Fr. Santiago “It was just incredible. I started crying. It was just an experience of a love I’d never encountered. 

“I’d just broken up with my girlfriend, trying to fit into a culture I’d just arrived in, trying to wear a lot of masks to belong. I just felt the love that God was trying to give me, for no other reason than for being who I was.”   

His newly sprouted seed of faith continued to grow with good friendships through the former University of Calgary Catholic Community (now St. Xavier Chaplaincy). After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree in 2014, Fr. Santiago worked for a year in his field all the while discerning a call to either explore the priesthood or a budding female friendship. 

He received spiritual direction from a number of priests in the diocese and decided to apply for seminary studies. 

“I entered [into the seminary] with a lot of reluctance,” said Fr. Santiago. “I just felt I had been on the fence for a long time by then, a lot of wrestling and struggling. But I felt I had tried everything I could to discern outside the seminary, but the one thing I hadn’t done was give the seminary a shot.”  

The female friend he wanted to romantically pursue gave him the last push to enter seminary. 

“She said, ‘Santi, if you are not God’s will for me, then I don’t want to be with you.’ And that cut me to the heart because it was the opposite of what I was doing. I felt God was calling me to be a priest and I was choosing not to follow His will, but to be with her,” said Fr. Santiago.

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The formative seminary years  

Fr. Santiago spent his first two seminary years at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon, USA where one third of the seminarians were Latino. 

“I was able to make really good friends and feel at home,” said Fr. Santiago. “I began to feel this was right, that it was what God wanted me to do. That continued to be the feeling year after year.”  

He completed the next six years of training in Edmonton at St. Joseph’s Seminary. 

During this time fellow seminarian Serge Buisse became a close friend. They spent a lot of time together, studying, playing sports, confiding in one another. 

Fr. Serge was ordained last July for the St. Boniface Archdiocese in Winnipeg. He now pastors the francophone parish of St. Joachim in La Broquerie, Manitoba. He describes Fr. Santiago as down-to-earth, joyfilled, friendly and warm.  

“He was always a gift in so far as his desire to grow,” said Fr. Serge “He is very human. I thank God He sent me someone like him; his capacity to be real, to be authentic and we supported each other in almost every aspect of life.” 

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New life as a priest 
Fr. Santiago’s journey of faith grew and eventually flourished into a tree whose branches provide shelter to others.

Following his ordination on June 16 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, he prayed his first Mass the next morning at St. Bonaventure Parish. He will begin his ministry as Associate Pastor of All Saints Parish in Lethbridge and Associate Chaplain with the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy beginning August 15. 

I’m looking forward to “being able to share the love I received from God with others, being able to minister to people, offer the sacraments of His love, and being a witness,” said Fr. Santiago. 

“The reason I’m becoming a priest is He has drawn me into relationship with Him and shown me that is where I will be most fulfilled and most happy. And God wants that for everybody. He wants to be in relationship with everybody, and that everybody is going to be most fulfilled in that relationship with Him.” 

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A few of Fr. Santiago Torres’s favourite things:
  • Burgers and fries 
  • Soccer, bouldering, volleyball  
  • Peanuts – “I eat peanuts with the shells on which is apparently super weird!” ?
  • ​My Mom – “She taught me responsibility and self-sacrificial love by raising three children as a single-mom.”
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Fr. Santiago Torres' First Mass at St. Bonaventure, June 17, 2023
Livestream of the Ordination Mass - June 16, 2023 | Download worship aid
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  • View ALL photos from the Ordination Mass of Fr. Santiago on June 16, 2023. Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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Message of encouragements from Fr. Santiago's family:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Santi, God is with you and for you. Be not afraid. You are loved and the Lord will continue to guide you and provide for you. Let him. He is faithful.
​~ Ana Maria Torres, sister
May God guide you and hold your hand each step of the way as you serve His people. I am thankful for the gift that He gave me to have you as my brother, and I ask that He guide me as your sister to support you always in this path. I love you!" ~ ​Maria Juliana, sister
I think you will be an effective priest with the young people. I think your vocation could be a good example for some people. My hope is that Jesus and Mary will be with you on your side.” ~ Mrs. Maria Cristina Latorre, mother. She asks that we all pray for her son.

A note from the Diocese of Calgary:
Thank you to all ministers, volunteers, and staff who helped prepare for the Ordination! Special thanks to St. Mary's Cathedral parish staff, Catholic Women's League & Serra Club Calgary for organizing the reception, St. John Choir Schola, St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, Calgary seminarians, photographers Yuan Wang (SFXC) & Victor Panlilio (Canadian Martyr's Parish), livestreamer Rikki Sabater (St. Anthony's Parish) & team, videographers Annie Chirka (St. Peter's Parish) & team.
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Written by Sara Francis for Faithfully. Sara is a writer living in Calgary with her husband Ben and their six children. They attend St. Bernard's / Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. 

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Photos courtesy of Fr. Santiago Torres, Yuan Wang, and Victor Panlilio.
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An update from Bishop Emeritus Henry

6/17/2023

4 Comments

 
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Thanks to everyone for all the prayer. It is great to be home at the Dorchester. Still in considerable pain in the back but taking Tylenol 3 which helps. Solid sleep for the first time since release. I am thinking about writing a paper on “How to get discharged from an acute care hospital” - central idea is to sing at the top of your voice in your room “Happy Birthday” to at least three people who are not present. The authorities either send you to a more secure facility or home. Glad that they choose the latter – saying “we tried but can’t do anything more for this guy!” I can relate somewhat to what Lazarus must have felt when restored to health by Jesus. Alleluia! 
 
Spent 11 days in Rockyview General Hospital, which I have affectionately named the “The SPA”,  and was discharged late Thursday. Grateful for all the prayers, and  special thanks to the medical professionals who  cared for me with gentleness, patience, skill and compassion. I am sure that I have not always been the best of patients! In addition to my breathing and mobility issues, which are well known, I fell twice which led to my hospitalization – without going into all the procedures, scopes, scans, etc.  the final summary on my discharge documentation reads as follows: “Syncope from severe anemia due to bleeding DU resolved after blood transfusions. No principal problem identified.”

In short, I may be dizzy but no more than usual. No stairs or driving without OK from family physician for a while. Peace."
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Ordination of Santiago Torres to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ

6/16/2023

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Watch Livestream
Digital Worship Aid
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Ordination to the Priesthood
Rev. Mr. Santiago Torres will be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus by Most Reverend William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary:
  • When: Friday, June 16 at 7 pm - St. Mary's Cathedral. Door opens at 6 pm.
  • Livestream available through the Diocesan Facebook Live. 

Masses of Thanksgiving
Soon-to-be Fr. Santiago Torres will celebrate Mass of Thanksgivings on:
  • Saturday, June 17 at 9 am - St. Bonaventure, Calgary
  • Sunday, June 18 at All Saints, Lethbridge
    • 11 am at St. Basil's Church;
    • 6 pm at Assumption's Church.
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Clergy Personnel Announcement

6/15/2023

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  • Clergy Personnel Announcement - June 15, 2023
  • Clergy Personnel Announcement - March 2, 2023
  • Clergy Personnel Announcement - May 27, 2022​
  • Clergy Personnel Announcement - May 17, 2022
  • Clergy Personnel Announcement - September 2, 2021
  • Clergy Personnel Announcement - July 20, 2021
  • Clergy Personnel Announcement - June 15, 2021
  • Clergy Personnel Announcement - January 6, 2021
  • Priest Personnel Announcement - September 25, 2020
  • Priest Personnel Announcement - June 10, 2020
  • Priest Personnel Announcement - March 12, 2020
  • Priest Personnel Announcement - December 5, 2019
  • Priests Personnel Assignment - November 27, 2019
  • Clergy Personnel Announcement - September 13, 2019
  • Priest Personnel Announcement - August 15, 2019
  • Priest Personnel Announcement - July 25, 2019
  • Priest Personnel Announcement - June 21, 2019​
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Priest Assignment; Deacon Assignment; Clergy Personnel Announcements; Pastoral Assignment; Priests Move
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A priestly heart

6/11/2023

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The World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests is celebrated each year on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June. It is on this day in the Diocese of Calgary that we ordain candidates to the priesthood. This year we will celebrate the ordination of Deacon Santiago Torres.  

Called by God, chosen by the Church, the one to be ordained accepts in humility to receive the sacrament of orders, which transforms him to act in persona Christi capitis. Through his life of service and ministry in the priesthood he will be called upon to develop a heart which is sacramentally marked by the priestly identity and pastoral charity of Christ. This enduring mark of grace, sets the priest apart for service, in preaching the Word, the celebration of the Sacraments, and in the pastoral care of all people.

The priesthood is a sacred ministry that continues God’s salvation through Christ to be offered to humanity: it is the priest's essential mission. As a sacred minister he is empowered to carry out this mission because, chosen by God, he lives with Christ and for Christ. If in a priest’s life this focus is lost then there is the risk that the entire basis of his pastoral action can collapse into excess activism or fragmentation and thus, he loses the ultimate meaning or purpose of his pastoral service which is found in Christ’s loving gaze. It is those who have learned "to stay with Christ" who are truly ready to be "sent out to preach" authoritatively by him (cf. Mk 3: 14). The divine mystery of a priest’s convincing proclamation of Christ through his life and ministry is sustained through his passionate love for Christ. This is ultimately demonstrated in times of trial, of generous service and in the sacrifices that he makes on a daily basis.

​As a bishop I have been privileged to celebrate the funeral mass of many dedicated priests and to hear the stories of how God impacted the lives of people through the witness of their priestly life and ministry. One might refer to these as the narratives of sanctification and how the gift of priestly ministry in the Church continues to bring healing, courage and strength to the faithful.  In fact, I have often stated that it is important for those aspiring to the priesthood to hear such stories of pastoral charity which must mark the heart and mission of the priest in every age.    

In celebrating the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Church invites all believers to look with the gaze of faith "on him whom they have pierced" (Jn 19: 37) and on the Heart of Christ, a living sign of the invincible love of God and an inexhaustible source of grace. The priest is called to encounter Christ in daily prayer, to know and love him by choosing the way of the Cross, which is must be the source of his self-sacrificing charity.
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A priest knows from experience that “to remain in his love” is a daily challenge to grow in holiness. It is not based totally on our efforts but rather in allowing Christ to act in us, by making his attitudes, his thoughts and his behaviour our own. The mark of holiness for every priest is the extent to which Christ’s presence is in each of them, such that they strive to model their lives on him, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 

In the face of historical scandals, clerical abuse, priestly entitlement and clericalism, this World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests promotes among the Catholic faithful the need to pray for the priests whom God has called to serve in the Church. It can also bring about a spirit of repentance, renewal and confirmation in the heart of every priest that they have been consecrated and sent forth to make present the salvific mission of Christ. The Church prays that the heart of every priest may be drawn into the Sacred Heart of Christ through the holiness of his priestly life and in the exercise of his sacred ministry.
 
As a local Church we also pray for Deacon Santiago Torres as he prepares for ordination to the priesthood.

With the laying on of hands by the bishop and priests he will become a priest through the action of the Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Sprit. In the ordination ceremony there is the further symbol of the ministry which will be entrusted to him through the anointing of his hands with sacred chrism and the following instruction from the bishop: “May the Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, guard and preserve you, that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God”. He then receives in his consecrated hands the paten holding the bread and the chalice containing the wine for the celebration of the Eucharist with the following exhortation from the bishop: “Receive the oblation of the holy people to be offered to God. Understand what you will do, imitate what you handle and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”

As outlined in the ordination rite the holiness of a priest’s life and the sanctification of his ministry is found in his being conformed to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross and in a priestly heart that truly reflects the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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Written by Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary
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June 11, 2023
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Let the little children come to me

6/8/2023

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I heard the advice that if we want to grow in spiritual childhood and the gift of prayer, we should ask God to show us children at play, or with their parents.

I used to work as a recreation leader for free after-school programs and day camps. What a treasury of memories this experience holds for me! Upon reflection, I feel compelled to share my experiences with the young children, as they served as a reminder of how I was called to rely on his presence as the Caring Adult in my life, especially during this special month dedicated to His Most Sacred Heart.

One young man I knew from the after-school program, who I’ll call John, was 12 years old. I could see that his life was full of pressures: from his teachers who misunderstood him, abusive parents, and friends who pulled him down into the foolishness of youth. During our program, he would chat my ear off while simultaneously refusing to listen to my clear instructions. He really was quite challenging to manage, but I knew that God had made him good, and that the best place he could be during those evenings was our safe little room in which we held the program.

The after-school program room was full of posters with positive sayings and chairs for the children to sit in. It was no larger than the average Adoration chapel. I loved sitting at the front, teaching the children simple social and emotional skills, and seeing their little eyes attend to me. I was delighted in every face I saw and the voices that I heard. Every so often, John would miss our program after school, preferring the excitement of his friends or video games to the calm order of the program. Because I knew he belonged there, I remember standing at the door and watching for him, allowing my heart to hope that he would come again.

I also treasure the memory of a little girl who I’ll call Mary. She delighted us leaders very much, because she was always following us around, or sitting with us, telling us everything that came to her mind. Though she could be mischievous at times, whenever we corrected her, she would genuinely apologize and make an effort to do better. She was not discouraged when we reprimanded her but stayed as close as ever and audaciously expected to be loved, which she certainly was.

My least favourite part of the job was giving First Aid to the children. One time, a young girl came to me with a splinter in her palm. I thanked her for her bravery in showing me, then reluctantly retrieved the First Aid kit. Using the plastic tweezers, I removed the splinter out of her hand. I cringed as she cried out in pain, but we both knew that it had to be done. She left my little “doctor’s office” smiling and calm, free to play again.

During some professional development sessions, I learned about the importance of each child having a caring adult in their life. This person would be someone who sees and understands the child, expresses personal interest in their life, fills them with hope for the future, and encourages them amid the inevitable challenges of childhood. The mere presence of such a person in a child’s life, I was taught, can determine their capacity to flourish as a human being. Without receiving love in such a way, the likelihood of a fulfilling and happy adult life may diminish.
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Jesus reveals Himself as the Caring Adult whose Sacred Heart has a special spot for each of us. When we ask for the grace to approach Him in Adoration with faith and repentance, He knows how to teach, encourage, forgive, and heal us.

This year, I signed up for a holy hour at St. Anthony’s after reading on their website that “Many rich blessings are bestowed on those who regularly adore Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.” With a hopeful heart, I committed that time to be with Jesus, a little like the children who chose to come to our programs. He has not disappointed me. He will not disappoint you.

​In our diocese, a wide range of Adoration hours are offered at parishes across the Diocese. Adoremus! Let us adore Him! 

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Written by Angela for Faithfully. Angela Blach is a member of the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. She is studying history at St. Mary's University. She loves to read and write, and her favourite author is Michael O'Brien. Angela also likes to go for walks and spend time with her family and friends. She hopes to someday be a "polymath" like St. Hildegard of Bingen, who learned Latin through immersion in the Sacred Liturgy!

Adoration Hours schedule (Summer & Fall 2023)
Monday
  • 9:30 am to 4 pm at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary - holyspiritcalgary.com
  • 8:30 am to 4 pm, 7:30 pm to 9 pm - St. Luke's Church, Calgary - stlukeschurch.ca
  • 9:30 am to Midnight - St. Bonaventure Parish - stbonaventureparish.ca
  • 8 am to 8 pm - St. Michael's Catholic Community - saintmichael.ca ​

Tuesday
  • 9:30 am to 4 pm at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary - holyspiritcalgary.com
  • 8:30 am to 4 pm, 7:30 pm to 9 pm - St. Luke's Church, Calgary - stlukeschurch.ca
  • 9:30 am to Midnight - St. Bonaventure Parish - stbonaventureparish.ca | Use NW entrance to access the chapel. 
  • 2 pm - 6:45 pm - St. Mary's, Brooks - saintmarysbrooks.com
  • 5 pm to 6 pm, followed by rosary prayer, and Mass at 6:30 pm - St. Gerard's, Calgary - stgerards.ca
  • 6 am to 8 pm (Adoration Chapel) - St. Anthony Church, Calgary - stanthonysyyc.ca | Register here to obtain the access code to the Adoration Chapel located in the back of the church off the North Parking lot. Access to the main church on Thursday is via the Office door off the South Parking lot. 
  • 8 am to 8 pm - St. Michael's Catholic Community - saintmichael.ca

Wednesday
  • 6 am to 8 pm (Adoration Chapel) - St. Anthony's church - stanthonysyyc.ca | Register here to obtain the access code to the Adoration Chapel located in the back of the church off the North Parking lot. Access to the main church on Thursday is via the Office door off the South Parking lot. 
  • 8 am to 8 pm - St. Michael's Catholic Community - saintmichael.ca
  • 8:30 am to 4 pm, 7:30 pm to 9 pm - St. Luke's Church, Calgary - stlukeschurch.ca
  • 9:30 am to 4 pm at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary - holyspiritcalgary.com
  • 7 am to midnight - St. Bonaventure Parish - stbonaventureparish.ca  | Use NW entrance to access the chapel. 
  • 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm - St. Mary's Cathedral - stmaryscalgary.ca (not in July & August, will commence on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023)
  • Third Wednesday of the month - 1:00 pm - 6:45 pm (Main Sanctuary), 2:00 pm - 6:45 pm (Adoration chapel) - St. Mary's, Brooks - saintmarysbrooks.com

Thursday
  • 8 am to 8 pm - St. Michael's Catholic Community - saintmichael.ca
  • 8:30 am to 4 pm, 7:30 pm to 9 pm - St. Luke's Church, Calgary - stlukeschurch.ca
  • 9 am to 9 pm - St. Francis De Sales Parish - francisdesaleshighriver.com
  • 9:30 am to 4 pm at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary - holyspiritcalgary.com
  • 9:30 am to 5 pm - St. Mary's, Brooks - saintmarysbrooks.com
  • 10 am to 6 pm (Main church) - St. Anthony's Church - stanthonysyyc.ca | Register here to obtain the access code to the Adoration Chapel located in the back of the church off the North Parking lot. Access to the main church on Thursday is via the Office door off the South Parking lot. ​
  • 12 am to midnight - St. Bonaventure Parish - stbonaventureparish.ca  | Use NW entrance to access the chapel. 

Friday
  • 6 am to 8 pm (Adoration Chapel) - St. Anthony's church - stanthonysyyc.ca | Register here to obtain the access code to the Adoration Chapel located in the back of the church off the North Parking lot. Access to the main church on Thursday is via the Office door off the South Parking lot. 
  • 8 am to 8 pm - St. Michael's Catholic Community - saintmichael.ca
  • 8:30 am to 6:45 pm and 7:30 pm to 9 pm - St. Luke's Church, Calgary - stlukeschurch.ca
  • 9 am to Noon - St. Peter's, Calgary - st-peters.ca
  • 9:30 am to 4 pm at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary - holyspiritcalgary.com
  • 9:30 am to 6:00 pm - St. Cecilia Parish in Calgary - stceciliacalgary.com
  • 9:30 am to 10 am - St James Church in Calgary - stjamescalgary.org
  • 9:30 am to 10:30 am - St. Albert the Great, Calgary - stalbertthegreat.ca
  • After Noon Mass to 3 pm - St. Joseph's Church, Calgary - stjosephcalgary.com
  • 1:30 pm to 3 pm - St Gabriel, Chestermere - saintgabrielparish.ca
  • 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm - St. Mary's Cathedral - stmaryscalgary.ca (not in July & August, will commence on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023)
  • 6 pm to 7 pm - Paroisse Sainte-Famille, Calgary - saintefamille.ca (use south side door, next to Villa Jean-Toupin)
  • 7  am to midnight - St. Bonaventure Parish, Calgary - stbonaventureparish.ca  | Use NW entrance to access the chapel. 
  • First Friday of the month - Mass at 9 am followed by Adoration until 10:10 am and ending with benediction -  - St. Gerard's, Calgary - stgerards.ca
  • First Friday of the month : 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (Main Sanctuary), 9:30 am to 2 pm(Adoration Chapel) - St. Mary's, Brooks - saintmarysbrooks.com
  • First Friday of the month - 9:35 am - Noon (Main sanctuary) - St. Thomas More Parish, Calgary - stthomasmore.ca
  • First Friday of the month - 6 pm - Our Lady Queen of Peace, Calgary - queenpol.org

Saturday
  • 8 am to 6 pm (Adoration Chapel) - St. Anthony's Church - stanthonysyyc.ca | Register here to obtain the access code to the Adoration Chapel located in the back of the church off the North Parking lot. Access to the main church on Thursday is via the Office door off the South Parking lot. 
  • 8 am to 8 pm - St. Michael's Catholic Community - saintmichael.ca
  • 9 am to 9:45 am - St. Peter's, Calgary - st-peters.ca
  • 9:30 am to 4 pm at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary - holyspiritcalgary.com
  • First Saturday - 5:15 pm - Our Lady Queen of Peace - queenpol.org
  • Overnight Adoration on First Saturday from 8 pm to Sunday 8 am - Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary - holyspiritcalgary.comPlease use the far NW entrance to access the chapel. There is plenty of adoration resources in the back of the chapel for you to borrow during your hour. Please contact our Adoration Coordinator Heather Burdeyney at 403-278-0394 or email heather.burdeyney@outlook.com

Sunday
  • 8 am to 3 pm (Adoration Chapel) - St. Anthony's Church - stanthonysyyc.ca | Register here to obtain the access code to the Adoration Chapel located in the back of the church off the North Parking lot. Access to the main church on Thursday is via the Office door off the South Parking lot. 
  • Noon to 8 pm - St. Michael's Catholic Community - saintmichael.ca

Note that hours may change without notice. Please contact the Parish Office if you are not sure.
  • Check out the full schedule and contact information for parishes with Adoration hours. 

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With Mary, toward a synodal assembly

6/4/2023

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Over 200 people gathered in Canmore to celebrate Holy Mass on the feast of the Visitation (May 31, 2023), commemorating the visitation of our Blessed Mother Mary and her cousin Elizabeth. This year, the feast had a special focus on the upcoming 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023, centered on the theme of synodality. The Synod on Synodality aims to explore ways for the Catholic Church to better engage with its members and encourage greater participation in the life and mission of the Church. In addition, the Our lady of the Rockies community also celebrated the third anniversary of the dedication of The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies. 

Despite initial concerns about attendance due to it being a Wednesday morning, many people made the effort to drive to Canmore for the day of prayer. Our Lady of the Snows Academy in Canmore also brought over 80 students from their Gr. 5 and Gr. 8 classes to participate in the Mass and barbeque. What a blessing! During the Mass, Bishop McGrattan led the faithful in praying the Prayer for Synod on Synodality, seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and asking the Lord to help embrace the Synodal journey with faith and hope. We were also led in our sung prayers by the Seeds of the Words religious members.

The event was made accessible to those unable to attend through a livestream provided by Rikki Sabater and his wife Mencie from St. Anthony's Parish. Afterward, a delicious barbeque lunch with burgers, hotdogs, and drinks was served by Sean Lynn and the God Squad Canada team. The day concluded with an outdoor Marian procession and rosary prayer led by Fr. Pilmaiken and the Seeds of the Words Community with the support of our Knighst of Columbus. Special intentions were also offered for the Synod leaders, government officials, the poor and vulnerable, the people of God, and the young people who are the future of the Church.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Pilmaiken, his volunteers at Our Lady of the Rockies parish, God Squad Canada, Knights of Columbus, and Seeds of the Word community for their help and support for this beautiful celebration. Their dedication and hard work made the event a truly prayerful experience for all who attended.

As we journey towards the Synod of Bishops, let us continue to pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. May we be renewed in our commitment to Christ, empowered to witness the Gospel, and filled with a renewed zeal for building God's Kingdom on earth.
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Photos credit: Victor Panlilio
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“Being an Intentional Disciple” Parish Staff Retreat

6/2/2023

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On Monday, May 26, 65 staff members from 35 parishes gathered at the FCJ Centre for a day of prayer and reflection. Coordinated by the Catholic Pastoral Centre team, the retreat was focused on the theme of “Being an Intentional Disciple – Knowing & Following Jesus”, with talks from Bishop McGrattan and Fr. Fabio DSouza from Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Calgary.
​

Parish staff members spent the day praying and singing together, listening to sessions, participated in discussions, as well as spending time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. ​

Fr. Fabio DeSouza shared his testimony on how he was called to the priesthood and emphasized discipleship and mission as a journey led by God. He highlighted the significance of the Virgin Mary's response to the angel Gabriel and the third petition of the Lord's Prayer as expressions that capture the essence of our discipleship. Fr. Fabio also reiterated that each person possesses a unique calling and purpose, and embracing our mission actively contributes to the building of God's kingdom and the transformative work of God's grace.

Overall, the retreat provided an excellent opportunity for all to recharge, connect, and renew their call to discipleship! Many expressed their gratitude for the chance to come together in prayer and reflection, and conveyed how much they appreciated it.
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We thank the FCJ Centre for being an excellent host, providing their facilities, as well as delicious and wholesome food throughout the day. We surely left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to our faith and mission at work. 
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Photo credits: Brittany Teixeira, Glenda Anderson, and Fr. Wilbert Chin Jon.
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