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 Since 1993, Feed the Hungry, an outreach of the Diocese of Calgary, has responded to the Gospel call to serve those in need. With the help of generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, we offer more than a meal: we offer a ministry of hope and belonging. Every Sunday, guests are welcomed with compassion, whether through a hot sit-down meal or a hamper to-go. A quick glance at how your support makes a difference
 Written by Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS It is with a profound sense of purpose and joy that I share with you our unique spiritual journey with the Men's ministry God Squad - Heroic Men of Canada. It isn't a retreat confined to four walls, but a pilgrimage of the open road, a journey by motorcycle across the vast landscapes of Canada and the United States, visiting five or six national shrines and churches. More than just a physical ride, it is a spiritual adventure deeply inspired by the lives of saints, particularly Blessed Francis Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles, the courageous founders of the Salvatorian family. The year 2025 has been declared a Jubilee Year by the Holy Father, a time specifically dedicated to the profound theme of hope. In our rich Christian tradition, pilgrimage stands as a privileged and powerful form of prayer during such a sacred year. A pilgrimage is a deliberate stepping out of the ordinary rhythms of daily life to encounter God more deeply, on the road, in the quiet contemplation of the journey, in the hallowed embrace of sacred places, and in the profound communion shared with brothers. This is precisely why we have conceived this special Motorcycle Pilgrimage of Hope. Our route will take us to national shrines of Canada that resonate with our Salvatorian spirit, places that powerfully remind us of our fundamental call as Catholics: to make the Saviour known to all people, everywhere, and by every means possible. This journey is a tangible expression of our faith, a testament to our commitment to Christ in a world that desperately needs His light. The Journey's Structure: Fueling Body and Soul Today (July 28, 2025) is Day One of our journey. Each stop along our route will follow a simple yet profound structure, designed to deepen our spiritual resolve and understanding:
The overarching intention of this pilgrimage is to discover, deepen, and strengthen our vocation, to uncover the best version of ourselves, which is, in truth, God's version of us. Traveling in the company of saints and fellow pilgrims will provide a unique crucible for reflecting on this divine call, challenging us to grow into the person God created us to be. How you can join us: A brotherhood of prayer
Even if the open road on two wheels isn't your path, your participation is vital and deeply valued. We invite you to join us spiritually by sending us your prayer intentions. We will carry these intentions with us, remembering you and your needs at every shrine and sacred place we visit. You can send your intentions to: [email protected] or on the Heroic Brotherhood https://brotherhood.heroicmen.org/c/prayer-request Know that you will be remembered in our prayers at every stop, forging a powerful spiritual brotherhood that transcends physical distance. A word of thanks and a call to action I am profoundly grateful to God for this extraordinary opportunity and to all those who have contributed their time and effort to bring this project to fruition. Special thanks are extended to the friends who have dedicated themselves to this vision, and to God's Squad Canada, for their support and friendship. Start the engines of your hearts, open them wide to the grace of God, and let us ride together into this Jubilee Year with unwavering hope!  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to someone about your personal relationship with God, without judgment, advice, or pressure? This fall, the FCJ Christian Life Centre is inviting individuals to receive eight months of free spiritual direction as part of their Spiritual Direction Training Program (SDTP).
The offer is simple but meaningful: from October 2025 to May 2026, participants in the SDTP practicum are looking to accompany individuals in monthly one-on-one sessions. These student directors have completed their first year of formation and are now entering their practicum under the close supervision of experienced team leaders. Spiritual direction is a quiet, prayerful space to reflect on how God is moving in your life. It’s not about being “more holy” or doing more; it’s about becoming more aware of how God is already present and active in your everyday journey. There is no cost for the sessions, which will be offered in person at the FCJ Centre. If you’re interested, please visit www.fcjcentre.ca or reach out to Sr. Ann Marie Walsh, FCJ by July 31, 2025: 403-228-4215 or email [email protected].  Monday, July 14th felt like September because of the cloudy, rainy sky; and yet, everybody was happy and excited because it was a day of celebration: Fr. Andrew Pyon's birthday was on July 13th (a milestone one!), and we organized a party for him the next day. So, at 9 am, the community from St. Martha's and All Saints parishes gathered for the Mass, presided by Fr. Andrew, and concelebrated by Fr. Tim Boyle and Fr. William Monis. Fr. Andrew preached on Jesus, sign of contradiction ("For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, saysthe Lord," Isaiah 55:8), and on our call to be centered in Christ—finding in Him our balance, our peace. Since we live in this society that challenges our faith, we need to be reminded we are citizens of heaven: "Christians are found in all the cities of the world, but cannot be identified with the world. As the visible body contains the invisible soul, so Christians are seen living in the world, but their religious life remains unseen" (Letter to Diognetus); we need to be reminded of the divine life given to us in Baptism; we need to find support in our Christian communities, and we need the guidance of our Pastors. In a world that often isolates and divides, this celebration was a Renewal reminder that we belong to one another, to the family of Christ. The Church is not just a place we attend, but a community where we are known, loved, and called to walk together in faith. Our gathering that day was a living witness of this belonging. We acknowledge we are truly blessed to have such humble and gifted ministers of God's grace serving our Lethbridge Deanery. Having the opportunity to show them our appreciation was also a moment that built up our community. A special thank-you to Fr. Andrew, whose wisdom has always been a great gift to St. Martha's, and heartfelt wishes for good health. We are also grateful to Fr. William Monis, who eagerly served the parish for seven years, and to Fr. Tim Boyle, whose Art of Accompaniment Series reached and changed many hearts. May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, fill our shepherds with His Spirit, that they may find strength and peace in Him and be renewed in His love to live God's promise: "From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you." (Psalm 110).
Written by Cristiana Crestani, St. Martha's Parish, Lethbridge
 I will pay my vows to the LORD, in the presence of all his people.” ~Ps 116:12 Written by Sr. Salome Kociuba, O.P. In all the gospels, we see a woman, Mary of Bethany, who broke the vessel of precious balm to anoint Jesus. We also hear the criticism of witnesses, “Why was the ointment thus wasted?” (Mk 14:4). This gesture, defended by Jesus as coming from the overabundance of love, is repeated in every religious profession. Commenting on the Gospel passage, Mother Mary Francis, a Poor Clare and spiritual author, once said: “There will always be Christ’s need for those who will in the world’s eyes waste their lives on him, who will break their love over him and let it run over him for no other reason than because he is all-lovable, because there is no better thing to do with one’s life than to break it and let it run all over Christ and his Church.” I believe every religious sister has been asked more than once in her life what she would do differently if she could start again and whether she would choose this path. Yes, we would; over and over again, we would choose Christ, or rather, we would recognize His choice of us, and follow Him, wherever He goes.  In our Calgary community, we celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Sr. Szymona (also known as Sr. Simon). It has been 25 years since she first professed her vows in the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Dominic. A jubilee year, whether in religious life or any person’s journey, is a time of grace. It offers a sacred opportunity to thank God for the many blessings received over the years and to reflect deeply on the commitment made and faithfully lived. Consecrated life is, above all, a profound encounter with Christ, who draws near to His wide-open Heart and assures us, “I am with you always,” regardless of the circumstances. It also provides a witness to others that Christ can truly be “enough,” and that life given to Him can be fulfilling and joyful. It is the life of those who have chosen Him to be their only love, both now and in eternity. 
During the celebration, Sr. Szymona said that the various aspects of life in the convent surprised her. This life proved to be more challenging but also more beautiful than she could ever imagine: “totally worth it!” God truly gave her a hundredfold of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, and lands, just as He promised (Mt 19:29). He is never outdone in generosity. She encouraged the families present to pray for new vocations, especially within their households, so that their sons and daughters, siblings, and grandchildren could discover for themselves the goodness of the Lord and the richness of His love and mercy for His chosen ones.
As Sr. Szymona, surrounded by many of our parishioners and friends, as well as priests and consecrated men and women who gathered at our church, renewed her vows, we accompanied her with our prayers. Her Jubilee coincided with a special time in the Church, the Year of Hope. As we reflected on the meaning of this celebration, we gave praise to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the gift of our Sister’s vocation. We prayed that she continues to walk the path of hope with unwavering faith and conviction. We entrust her to the care of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, that through her intercession, Sister may continue to bear witness to God’s love wherever He sends her.
 Written by Deacon Michael Soentgerath On June 13, 2025, a small group of us, invited by Anthony Banka from the Catholic Pastoral Centre, participated in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Kirby Centre in Calgary. The theme of the Expo was “Growing the Conversation.” We heard encouraging messages from several invited guests, including Mayor Jyoti Gondek. After the speeches, participants were invited to browse the incredible range of organizations and agencies in our city dedicated to supporting seniors, whether they be Indigenous, immigrants, refugees, or long-time Calgarians. We were invited to represent the Diocese of Calgary and chose to focus on our Catholic response to palliative care as seniors approach the end of life. Our booth featured posters, pamphlets, and various other resources designed to communicate the inherent dignity of every human person, a dignity that remains intact from the womb to the tomb. We highlighted the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ program Horizons of Hope, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every person feels loved, useful, and wanted until the moment they are called home by our loving Creator. As each of us engaged with individuals walking through the auditorium, we made a conscious effort to meet everyone as a fellow human being, a brother or sister of our Father in heaven. If our materials speak of human dignity and love of neighbour, then we knew we were called to embody that message in each encounter. These brief yet meaningful interactions often began with a warm smile or a simple gesture of welcome, an invitation from one person to another to share in the joy and hope that comes from the Good News: that we are all family. By engaging with heartfelt sincerity, we believe many people felt a genuine connection to our message and were moved to take some of our materials home. It is our hope and prayer that, through these resources and the encounters they experienced, individuals might come to see the beauty and sacredness of life, even in its final stages, and choose life, trusting that God will welcome them to their eternal home once their time has come.
 A thriving diocesan Catholic community for young adults, St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC), invites students, professionals, and young families to grow in faith, be formed in truth, and find fellowship rooted in Christ. In 2024, SFXC served young adults in a variety of dynamic ways:
 Prison Ministry Volunteers Appreciation Gathering at St. Luke’s, Calgary The Prison Ministry brings compassion and hope behind bars through eight ongoing programs in Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2024, volunteers faithfully served youth, women, and men in local Remand and Correctional Centres. Where we serve
Calgary: Rebuilding after the Pandemic
The year of 2024 offered powerful glimpses of God at work in our correctional centres:
Lethbridge: Steady Support, Week After Week At Lethbridge Correctional Centre, a small but committed team offers twice-weekly Rosary gatherings with time for reflection and questions. Inmates also receive Communion twice a month, monthly confession, regular one-on-one pastoral care, and participate in seasonal liturgies such as a Christmas prayer service, with treat bags for all inmates and staff, and Ash Wednesday services. Their steady presence reminds inmates and staff alike that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
Even though we live in a society where artificial intelligence and smartphones seem to provide the answer to every question, taking away from man the "effort of thinking" (Wittgenstein), the one who is still capable of stopping and marveling at the Kantian starry sky above him and the moral law within him, realizes to be part of a creation, an ordered uni-verse (unum-versus, towards the One), and thus is driven to seek the ultimate meaning, the foundation of existence: to seek Sophia. In a 7-stage journey of Art of Accompaniment: "Search for Wisdom" series at St. Martha's Parish (in-person and online), Father Tim Boyle has shed light on the abyss of the human heart: how, since his appearance on earth, man has become aware of his unique, special position of being-at-the-limit, at the limit between finite and infinite, and therefore has tried to find his identity by opening himself to the Beyond, following in the footsteps of Sophia, the Greek word for wisdom: first with a collective conscience, then with an individual self-consciousness, passing through the philosophical logos (Socrates, Aristotle, the great medieval Schools...) and the scientific one (Big Bang, evolutionary theories, etc.). Father Tim accompanied us in our search for Sophia with the Revealed Word, showing how the Bible recognizes the mysteriousness of man, who discovers his identity over and over again, opening himself to the very mystery of God. Christian theology thinks of God to think of man, and thinks of man to think of God, because after the incarnation, God and man are intersignifying realities: not only do we know God only through Jesus Christ, but we know ourselves only through Jesus Christ. Yet, despite the emergence of a global consciousness, and probably because of the unprecedented amount of information available, modern man is losing touch with reality. In the current "meaning crisis" where data knowledge does not always translate into mindfulness, Sophia can only be the antidote to the self-deception of separation, division, and disconnection. In conclusion, in the light of the Word stating "God is all in all" and the concept of "person" developed by Christian anthropology of the twentieth century, Father Tim emphasized how the Eucharist is central to the experience of Christians as a new consciousness. "Those who believe in Christ are living in this one reality, in this one body, in this one consciousness; we receive the oneness that we are to become. We receive in order to become Eucharist for the world. Jesus himself is the divine wisdom, is Sophia come into the world. Sophia -as the Word incarnate- has situated herself as a sun at the centre of the universe and at the center of every human person, and she will gradually draw everything, every person, into orbit around herself until Christ becomes all in all. The process will never stop until it is finished." Those who gathered at St. Martha’s or joined online were blessed to encounter a wise guide who introduced them to Sophia. Thank you, Fr. Tim, and all who helped bring the Search for Wisdom series to life at St. Martha’s.
Written by Cristiana Crestani, St. Martha's, Letbhridge. Photos courtesy of St. Martha's Parish.
With 30% of parishioners in the Diocese of Calgary aged 65 and older, the recent Seniors Ministry Engagement Gathering brought together permanent deacons, lay leaders, and parishioners to reflect on how the Church can walk more intentionally with older adults in this season of life. Participants considered the pastoral and spiritual needs of a growing aging population and reflected on Pope Francis’ words: “Old age is a vocation... a true mission from the Lord.” Through a prayerful process called Conversation in the Spirit, small groups discerned how parishes might recognize and support the unique gifts and calling of seniors. Key insights included:
The gathering concluded with next steps for envisioning parish responses and sharing helpful resources and program ideas that honour the dignity, wisdom, and vocation of our aging members. As one participant shared, “This is not about doing more—this is about seeing more clearly the treasure we already have in our elders.” Parishes interested in exploring or expanding ministry with seniors are invited to contact the Pastoral Ministry Office at the Diocese of Calgary for support, resources, and guidance:
Photos courtesy of Office of Pastoral Ministry and Deacon Carlos Perez.  Traditional drums and flutes played as families danced outside the newly consecrated St. John the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Church in Calgary on June 18, 2025. This joyful sound marked the end of a long wait for Alberta’s Chaldean Catholic community. Held on the Feast of St. Ephrem, the consecration was led by Bishop Robert Jarjis, Eparch of the Chaldean Eparchy of Mar Addai in Canada. He was joined by three Chaldean bishops and several priests from across the world. More than 300 Chaldean families in Calgary now have their own church home! “Throughout the ceremony, traditional chants of joy were heard through the church,” said Fr. John Jwad, associate pastor of the parish.“There were tears in the eyes of many,” said Fr. John, “when the bishops solemnly consecrated the altar, the tabernacle, and other sacred objects in the sanctuary.” The celebration continued outside with music and dancing, something reserved in Chaldean culture for very special moments. “Some members of our community arrived in Calgary as early as the late 1970s, and ever since, the dream of having our own Chaldean Church has lived in the hearts of our people,” shared Fr. John. “Over the years, many bishops and priests supported and guided us through the many steps required to reach this day.”
 Msgr. Noel Farman, the first pastor to serve the community, and Fr. Hanni Joro, who helped unite people around the goal, were part of that journey. After his ordination in 2023, Fr. John began working with family and friends to raise funds. “Together we were able to raise over $1 million.” The breakthrough came after a visit to Saskatoon’s Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church. There, a parishioner shared how they had found their church by sending letters to churches across the city expressing interest in buying. Fr. John decided to try the same approach. “I returned to Calgary and we sent letters to over 100 places of worship throughout the city,” he said. “Just a few weeks later, I received a response from Prince of Faith Lutheran Church. Within a few months, the purchase terms were finalized.” The agreement was signed on November 1, 2024, exactly one year after Fr. John’s ordination. From there, volunteers worked together to renovate the building. “In the months that followed, many dedicated members of our community worked tirelessly, day and night,” Fr. John said. “To them, we are deeply grateful.” Now, the community has a space to gather, worship, and grow. “For the Chaldean people, the Church is more than just a place of worship and prayer. It is truly a home for the entire community,” said Fr. John. “For many years, the Chaldean community in Calgary was without such ahome. But today, we are filled with joy and gratitude, as we finally have a Church where we can come together to worship, celebrate, and support one another through both joyful and difficult times.”
Photos courtesy of St. John the Apostle Chaldean Church, Calgary.
Renewal is truly taking root across the Diocese of Calgary. As of the end of June, over 30 parishes submitted their Pastoral Renewal Plans, each a beautiful expression of faith, discernment, and commitment to parish life. To mark this milestone, parishes that submitted by June 15 were entered into the BBQ with the Bishop's draw. And now, the moment everyone’s been waiting for has arrived! Watch the video below, revealing the winner to a visit from Bishop McGrattan, complete with BBQ and celebration in the Fall! While submitting a plan is not an approval process, each parish submission will receive supportive insights and feedback next month to help parishes strengthen and grow their efforts. Every plan is a parish community's response to their call to renewal, and we’re excited to witness what unfolds. So, what’s next? This fall, parishes will begin sharing their renewal plans more widely within their communities. We’ll also mark the third anniversary of the Diocesan Renewal Launch with parish-wide announcements and celebrations at Masses on Sunday, Oct. 4–5. We hope that these moments will inspire renewed commitment and invite everyone to take part in the journey. From there, parishes will begin putting their action items into motion, and trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead them, one faithful step at a time.
In September, I started reading the Gospel of Matthew. I had never read the Bible for myself—I had always just heard it in bits and pieces at church and in different youth groups. When I finished reading Matthew, it gave me a lot to think about. It especially made me think more favorably about the Catholic Church. But I was never going to be Catholic. They have that wacky Pope and believe in that nonsense about Mary! That’s what I told myself, anyway. One late night, I was sitting alone and came across the 60 Minutes interview with Pope Francis. I was completely moved by listening to him speak. He was such a merciful man, and you could tell just by hearing him that he was of God. It completely turned the narrative I had on its head. That night, I accepted Pope Francis as one of the many Christian leaders and saw him as a true man of God in our dark world. But it was still a long road before I would proclaim papal supremacy like I do now. Sometime after that, a post came up from a Catholic solo metal project I had started listening to because I liked the songs about Jesus. The project was called Hell’s Enemy, and the man behind it is named Fredrick—a metalhead turned Catholic convert, much like myself. Fred made a video explaining what Catholics believe about Mary. After watching it, I sat down and began to think a lot more about her. I thought back to when I was a young boy, I had always adored Mary. A large part of that was because I had only my biological mother, and my father was not in my life. So it was easy for me to find comfort in someone like Mary. I loved Mother Mary, until I grew up and was taught by many Protestants that she was nothing special, just a sinful woman God picked to give birth to Jesus and nothing more. After reflecting on this, I decided to say a simple prayer to our Mother. Humbly, I asked, “Mother Mary, please pray for me.” I kept praying that prayer every day, and eventually, I was led into Saint Patrick’s on October 13th. My life was changed after attending Mass. I had never felt the presence of God more than I did that day. But it would still be a little longer before I entered RCIA. On November 10th, I attended Mass a second time. After that Mass, I talked to a lady who passed my information to Deacon Terry. I went about my life and waited for a call. A few days later, I got one. Deacon Terry asked me some light questions and when I could meet. We met that same week, and during that meeting he asked me why I wanted to be Catholic. I told him I wanted a faith that had more commitment. But there was a bigger reason I didn’t share at the time. Mary. She was the biggest reason I was there. I had a few supernatural encounters with our Mother—her presence was overwhelming and constantly around me until I went and signed up for RCIA. She poured out her love to me, and it was so overwhelming that it left me with an aching feeling in my soul, a calling. My soul and heart were not yet ready for that kind of love, but the outpouring of her love left me no choice but to enter the Church. Almost as if to say, “Alright Mother, you win! No more!” I was afraid to share these experiences I had with the Blessed Mother, because I was absolutely afraid of sounding like a crazy person. But now that I’ve grown more comfortable in my faith, I am unashamed to talk about my relationship with the Holy Mother. My love for Our Mother only grew when Ray, who was a sponsor for Justin (the other catechumen besides myself, who was also received into the Church last year), gave me a rosary. Praying the rosary changed my life! Every time I pray the rosary, I’m filled with a love for Jesus and his Mother. As I pray, I am filled with Mary’s maternal love for me, and it has shattered many habits that once had a strong hold on me. So thank you, Ray, for giving me my first rosary! For those who have been in the Church and have paid attention to me or gotten to know me, you know how the rest goes. I did a ton of research into Church history and theology. I came to church every week (besides one time when the winter weather was bad) and actively participated in the Mass. The reason for all of that is because my love for Jesus has grown beyond belief, and I love going to church, which is something I never thought would be possible. Now, there is another important figure in my faith journey I absolutely must mention: my beloved Saint Catherine of Siena, my Patroness. On the night of Christmas Eve, after coming home from Mass, my friends and I began to discuss the relics that the Church had. Little did I know, the Holy Spirit had something in store for me that night. I was guided to the head of Catherine. Yes, the very first image I ever saw of her was her decapitated head in a glass box. I was absolutely intrigued, so I looked up her name. Just a few seconds after hitting the search button, her portrait by Giovanni Battista appeared. I sat there and stared at it for a few seconds, taking in her face, the stigmata on her hands, and the crown of thorns resting on her head. Before this moment, I was struggling to find my saint. I knew one had picked me out from the rest and was deeply interested in me, so much so that by their prayers and constant battle against the forces of evil over me, there was never going to be a version of me that didn’t end up Catholic. Believe me, the fact I’ve even made it to the age of 21 is nothing short of divine intervention. Someone was dragging me along, keeping me on track so I wouldn’t stray too far. Whoever it was, they were as sharp as a sword when it came to matters of faith, so much so that, even to this day, they remain a controversial saint in the Church. After sitting there a few moments, looking at her, something hit me right in the soul. It was as if Catherine herself came down from heaven to smack me in the face and reprimand me for not coming to her sooner. But nonetheless, joyfully, I was here now. Let me tell you, if Mother Mary was the one to give me a loving push to go to Saint Patrick’s, Catherine was grabbing me by the wrist and dragging me up the steps. As I got to know Catherine more, I could see she was strengthening me with all the power God had given her. There have been many times I’ve been afraid to do or say something, but every time, she’s dragged me into doing it. One example was during our 40 hours of adoration. I sat in the middle pew and got settled. After just a few minutes, I heard a voice, clear as ever, say to me: “Pick up your stuff and go sit at the front. Go. Now.” With the sharpness, yet at the same time gentleness of that voice, I knew it could be no one else but Catherine of Siena. I did as she asked and sat at the very front of the church. I had a beautiful visit with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I sat there for three hours, praying, reading Scripture, and adoring our Lord. St. Catherine is someone I can get behind easily. Her honesty and disregard for what people might think or feel about what she would say when it came to the truth was a perfect match for me. I tell people now all the time that they better be careful when they ask me for my honest opinion, because I have the sharpness of my Patroness. Along with her attitude and personality, she adored what most would consider morbid imagery, but all she saw was beauty in it. I’m in full agreement with her on that. She always talked about blood and desired to be martyred, as she once wrote: “I pray that sweet Light (Jesus) leads us to bleed to death for the truth.” Truly, I tell you, with her attitude, her love of dark imagery, and her need to go against the culture of her time, Catherine was, in many ways, one of the first "metalhead" types to ever exist. That only added to my love for her. There could not be a more perfect saint for me. Only the divine could arrange such a close and intimate relationship. That’s the way I would describe my relationship with Catherine: she is absolutely a guiding figure, but more importantly, she is a friend, my best friend. Even with all the friends I have on earth, no one comes close to her. She will always put me on the path of Christ, even if it means she has to drag me across the parking lot and up the steps of the church to do so. Because that’s the kind of person she is, and we all need a friend like that. There’s not too much I can promise you, but if I make it to heaven through the grace of God, wherever Catherine goes, I won’t be too far behind, and vice versa. Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us! Now, having shared with you my testimony of faith, my relationship with our dear Mother, and my friendship with my beloved Patroness, how does this testimony end? With a call to action. For those who read this, if you haven't already, I urge you to consider the following: First, to grow a devotion to our Blessed Mother. The Church is at her best when Mary is honored and devotion to her is at an all-time high. So please, take the time to spend with Mother. Maybe even bring her flowers—whether at your home shrine or at church. Don’t be afraid to show your love for her, because she loves you unapologetically. Second, to grow in closeness to your Patron or Patroness. Take some time to ask for their guidance and intercession. Build a relationship with the one who prays for and watches over you—they care deeply for you. Third and finally, be unashamed of your Catholic faith. When you eat in public, make the sign of the cross before you eat. When you pray with friends and family, say the Hail Mary—no matter what they may think. When the opportunity arises, always share your faith with people and invite them to Mass. My friends, you are part of the true Church of Jesus Christ! Be proud to be a part of His holy Church! In conclusion, I want to say thank you to my Godmother, Rita. Rita has been a great help as well as a good person to just have a great conversation with. I’m very thankful to have gotten to know her. Thank you also to everyone in the RCIA at Saint Patrick’s, the parishioners there and at Holy Family, the clergy at both churches, and everyone at Saint Mary’s Cathedral who showed me such wonderful hospitality as a visitor when I attended their parish for a few days in early April. Thank you all for welcoming me with love into Christ’s Church like no one else ever has. No matter where I go, I have family nearby—as long as there’s a Catholic Church. I look forward to what else awaits me on this journey. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us! Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us! Ave Christus Rex! Ave Maria! Written by Luke Banek, St. Patrick's in Medicine Hat.
Celebrating the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – Sunday, July 27, 2025 Each year, on the Sunday closest to the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne—Jesus’ grandparents—the Church celebrates the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This year, the celebration falls on Sunday, July 27, and the theme is: “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (cf. Sir 14:2). This gentle yet powerful verse from Sirach reminds us that those who continue to place their trust in the Lord, especially in their later years, are a true blessing among us. In this Jubilee Year, the day invites us to recognize grandparents and the elderly as living signs of hope within our families and parishes. While the world often moves too fast to notice them, the Church reminds us: our elders matter deeply. Their witness, wisdom, and quiet perseverance are treasures we need.
Simple ways to celebrate Here are a few heartfelt ways your parish or family can mark this day: In your parish:
Plenary Indulgence A plenary indulgence is granted to those who attend the Sunday Mass (July 27), or who dedicate time to visit an elderly person in need, in person or virtually.
Those who are elderly, sick, or homebound may also receive the indulgence by uniting spiritually through prayer and offering their suffering to God. What Pope Francis wants us to remember Pope Francis reminds us in his Catechesis on Old Age, that “old age is a gift for all stages of life. It is a gift of maturity, of wisdom.” “Everything beautiful that a society has is related to the roots of the elderly... I would like the figure of the elderly to be highlighted, so that it be well understood that the elderly are not throwaway material: they are a blessing for society." Sources: Catholic Grandparents Associations; Dicastery for Laity Family and Life.
 A hundred people, young and old, snaked their way along the sidewalk of a busy Lethbridge street on June 22, 2025. Some were singing, some praying, some simply walking in silence. They drew curious stares and the occasional honk of support. When the group reached an intersection, marshals in reflective vests scurried around the perimeter to hasten the crossing. The traffic signal changed and a young man in a pickup truck leaned on his horn. A marshal waved to him. “God bless you,” she called. Nonplused, the driver waited more patiently, craning his neck to look at the golden, sunburst vessel being carried on a pedestal. In previous years, similar encounters led to people pulling over or walking up to ask what was happening. They were told it’s a centuries-old Catholic tradition - a Corpus Christi procession. During a Corpus Christi procession the Eucharist is carried in a monstrance along an outdoor route, accompanied by parishioners. Often the route winds around a church but at All Saints Parish in Lethbridge, two simultaneous processions embark from St. Basil’s Church in the north and Our Lady of Assumption Church in the south. They meet in the middle at Catholic Central High School where Benediction takes place, followed by a communal meal. The reasons for the procession are equally wide-ranging.
 Fr. Kevin Tumback, Pastor of All Saints says, “The Corpus Christi procession reminds all of us of our calling to, not just take Jesus to the world, but to be ‘another Christ’ in the world. As we walk along we bear witness to that which we profess to believe in, that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.” Procession coordinator, Julie Rose says, “It’s important to express our faith in public, as Catholics we don’t do it enough.” Volunteer Shelley Thom echoes that, “It’s a time now when people need faith. We can help show that faith and not be afraid to announce it.” All Saints began this tradition in 2010 instigated by Fr. Tim Boyle. According to founding facilitator, Ann Morgan, it was an initiative to unite three parishes which had recently been amalgamated into one. Back then, the two processions met downtown outside St. Patrick’s Church. Morgan (and her successor, Rose) gave some insight into the many components of the undertaking. Permission is required from the City and Holy Spirit School Division. A phlanx of altar servers, music leaders and liturgy coordinators are recruited. The latter assist with mid-procession prayer stops. In addition, Martin Brothers and Cornerstone Funeral Homes provide limousines to act as buffers between people and traffic, as well as ferrying participants back to their vehicles afterwards. St. Paul’s Elementary youth choir sings at Benediction, Catholic Central football players act as marshals and sometimes Knights of Columbus and Catholic Women’s League members attend in their regalia. Many other volunteers pray from their homes or assisted living facilities so that it becomes a truly inclusive event. Even seemingly unrelated businesses contribute, e.g. Hostess and Rays No Frills who provided food to supplement that made by volunteers.  Morgan said, “The involvement of so many parishioners, both as participants and volunteers, was a huge contribution to my personal spiritual growth.” She articulated what many others feel. Since the procession is essentially Adoration-in-Motion, it has the potential to deeply affect believers and their attitudes reflect this. Volunteer Helen Manzara mused, “There’s a reverence, though it’s different closer and further from the monstrance.” This sense of communion, with Jesus and with each other, has become the legacy of All Saints’ Corpus Christi processions. Written by Alice Matisz, All Saints Parish, Lethbridge. Photos courtesy of All Saints Parish.
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Catholic Pastoral Centre Staff and Guest Writers Archives
December 2025
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