Every aspect of our parish life should be reframed towards this end. Renewal is something you can almost taste: in preaching that opens the Word of God and leads people more deeply to Christ; in a beautiful sacred space and prayerful music for worship; in a community where each person is welcomed and accompanied; in generous service to those within and beyond the parish; and in the faithful stewardship of the gifts God has entrusted to us. The light must not remain inside the basket, but shine out to the entire neighbourhood, drawing souls into it and leading them to Him. Through Renewal, we all become missionaries. As we approach a full year since our Renewal Plans were initially launched, we should consider our progress against this mission Christ gave us. Every parish is in a different place, and that’s okay. Let us consider the next big leap. To help guide the way, here are five scriptures to reflect on, each based on one of the established keys to successful parish renewal: Are we becoming missionary?And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”
Are we forming leaders for the mission? Where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety." – Proverbs 11:14
Are we becoming a community where people belong? 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, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” – Matthew 25:35-36
For reflection: What happens to someone from the moment they first walk through our doors, and what helps them know they belong? Is everything rooted in prayer and Christ?
For reflection: Are our ministries and decisions flowing from prayer and leading people into a deeper encounter with Christ? Are we turning discernment into action?
If each of us is meant to be light to the world, our parish is meant to be lights in our neighbourhoods, towns, and reserves. May they become so brilliant that all may give glory to our Father in heaven. Written by Ryan Schmidt, Director of Renewal.
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 When a person is seriously ill or nearing the end of life, the presence of a priest can bring profound comfort to patients and their families. Throughout the Diocese of Calgary, parish priests respond to requests for the Sacraments for the sick and dying in their communities. In Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, dedicated systems help ensure that this pastoral care is available around the clock amid the high volume of calls from hospitals, hospices, and care homes. The ministry is especially important in Calgary, where seven priest chaplains provide 24 hour emergency sacramental care across a large network of health care facilities. They serve five hospitals, more than six hospices, and 43 care homes, responding when patients or families urgently request a priest.
For families, knowing that a priest is available when a loved one is seriously ill can be a tremendous source of peace. One parishioner shared her gratitude after her mother received the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and a blessing before she passed away: “Words can’t express how grateful I was to know that mom received the anointing of the sick and blessing before she passed away from chaplain. Thank you, Lord!” Behind every number is a person, a patient, a family member, a moment of fear or uncertainty, and an opportunity for the Church to bring Christ’s mercy and consolation.
Sr. Ger spent many years of devoted service in education, counselling, spiritual accompaniment, interfaith dialogue, refugee support, and leadership within the FCJ community in Calgary. These ministries evidenced compassionate presence, attentive listening, and steadfast commitment to others have touched many lives. Even during these past years of medical leave, her witness of faith and trust continues to inspire all who are part of her life. Sr. Trish, has offered generous service in education, pastoral ministry, and leadership throughout the FCJ Society across many countries and cultures. Her wisdom, deep faith, and gift for guiding others have enriched the lives of countless people. We rejoice in your ministry and in the hope you continue to bring as General Superior. As these Golden Jubilees were celebrated, God was thanked for their enduring "yes", a yes renewed day after day through prayer, service, companionship, and love. Your lives remind us that God continues to work through generous hearts that are open to the needs of the world. May the God who called you and has walked faithfully with you through these fifty years continue to bless you with peace, joy, strength, and abundant grace. May you know how deeply appreciated and loved you are by all whose lives you have touched. Article and images: submitted by the FCJ Centre.
 St. Luke’s Church was filled with Stampede spirit on Sunday, July 12, 2026, as part of our parish renewal in being a Church of encounter and witness. Our parish, after a seven-year break, brought back our annual Stampede Pancake and Sausage Breakfast for the first time since 2019. The parking lot was packed, and many had to park in the adjacent school parking lot. This was an indoor event, so we were not affected by the weather. In celebration of our city’s western heritage, many parishioners were dressed in western attire, wearing fancy cowboy hats, boots, and statement belt buckles.  Food 1200 hot, fluffy pancakes and sausages were served to about 600 parishioners. The kids and seniors alike happily come back for seconds. 300 pancakes and sausages were also delivered to the residents at Carroll Place Senior Residence next door to the Church.
Community Fr. Paul Raj, our pastor, was present in the Church hall after each Mass, greeting the parishioners. Since he was presiding over all three Masses, he could not partake of breakfast, but the volunteers set aside a large portion for him and Fr. William to enjoy at their leisure. It was indeed a delight to see everyone socializing and enjoying the breakfast with coffee and juice to top it off. Volunteers The Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Women’s League, and many parishioners volunteered their time and skills to make this breakfast a success. The parish kitchen was open for cooking at 6 am. Soon pancake batter was being stirred, pancakes were being flipped one after another, and sausages were being cooked. Others were loading the food into serving trays, and the kitchen was abuzz with activity. Volunteers were hard at work and catching up on the news, the World Cup soccer scores, and the like. Some dashed off to attend Mass and then returned to help out afterwards. Donations Donations from the Stampede Breakfast are going towards the Diocese of Calgary Seminary Fund. We were blessed to have Sr. Dianne and Evin George, our seminarian, who met with all the parishioners and shared his journey of faith in Christ. Prayer cards with the photos and names of all the seminarians were distributed to all who came, and the parishioners donated willingly to this worthy cause.
Submitted by Renwick D’Souza, St. Luke's, Calgary. Photos courtesy of Victor Panlillo and Kevin Dick.
Fr. Mariusz shares his ongoing reflections from the road, from celebrating Mass in the beauty of the Okanagan Valley to discovering how God transforms us along the journey. Through every kilometre, the riders carry with them the prayers and intentions of those journeying alongside them in spirit.  August 6, 2026 - Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, and it could not have been a more fitting day for our pilgrimage. As every day on this journey, we began with the celebration of the Holy Mass, with Bishop Scott McCaig presiding. Before we started our engines, we first gathered around the altar. It is there that we receive the strength for the miles ahead. As I rode through the breathtaking landscapes today, a simple thought kept returning to me: every pilgrimage is, in some way, a journey of transformation. We often think of reaching a destination, but perhaps God is more interested in what happens to us along the way. Being surrounded by the beauty of God's creation invites silence and reflection. The mountains, forests, waterfalls, and endless roads have a way of slowing the heart and making room for God to speak. Little by little, I realized that this pilgrimage is not only about visiting the churches; it is also about allowing the Lord to transform us. That transformation happens through prayer, through the intentions you have entrusted to us, and through the many people we meet along the road. Every prayer reminds us that we are carrying much more than luggage on our motorcycles. We are carrying your hopes, your worries, your gratitude, and your faith. At the same time, your intentions are changing us as well. They teach us to be grateful for every new day, every person we encounter, and yes, even every cross we have to carry. Last year I learned that some of those crosses can be quite heavy. This year I am simply grateful still to be riding. Of course, not every transformation is dramatic. Sometimes it is as simple as learning that after eight hours on a motorcycle, you discover muscles you never knew existed! Yet somehow, every evening we all insist that we are "not tired at all" while moving like men who are about ninety years old. By God's grace, however, the next morning we climb back on our motorcycles, smile at one another, and do it all again. Perhaps that is one more lesson of the Transfiguration: God rarely changes us all at once. He transforms us one prayer, one conversation, one kilometre, and sometimes one sore back at a time. Thank you for allowing us to carry your intentions. Please continue to pray for us, as we continue to pray for you. May this pilgrimage become a journey of transformation not only for those of us on the road, but also for everyone who is travelling with us in spirit. After all, motorcycles eventually stop... but the transformation God begins in our hearts is meant to last forever.  August 2, 2026 - Today was a special day on our pilgrimage. It is Sunday, the Lord's Day. While we travel thousands of kilometres on motorcycles, the true heart of our pilgrimage is not the road but the Eucharist. Every day finds its meaning in prayer, and every Sunday finds its centre at the altar. Today we celebrated Holy Mass in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable: a stunning vineyard in the hills of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. Bishop Scott presided at the celebration, and it was difficult to imagine a more fitting place to worship God. Surrounded by vineyards, mountains, and the quiet beauty of creation, we were reminded of Jesus' words: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower." (John 15:1) During the Mass, we entrusted to the Lord all the prayer intentions you have sent us before and during this pilgrimage. Each intention travels with us, not only in our saddlebags, but more importantly, in our hearts. Thank you for trusting us with your prayers. They remind us that this pilgrimage is about much more than visiting churches or riding beautiful roads. It is a journey of faith, hope, and carrying one another before God. As we looked across the vineyards and the beauty of the Okanagan Valley, we were reminded once again that every road, when travelled with Christ, leads us closer to Him. Thank you for walking this pilgrimage with us through your prayers. Please know that we continue to remember you at every Mass, every shrine, and every stop along the way. May God bless you abundantly, and may the Lord of every journey keep you safe. Written by Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS. Photos courtesy of Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS.
 When we hear the word pilgrimage, many of us think of Rome, the Holy Land, or the Camino de Santiago. While these sacred destinations have drawn pilgrims for centuries, a pilgrimage isn't defined by the number of miles travelled. At its heart, a pilgrimage is an intentional journey toward God. This August, you don't have to board a plane to become a pilgrim. Marian Week in the Rockies invites you to slow down, step away from the pace of everyday life, encounter Christ amid the beauty of Canmore and Banff, and set out on a pilgrimage close to home. There is a difference between being a tourist and being a pilgrim. A tourist moves from place to place, looking for the next sight to see. A pilgrim travels with purpose, allowing each place, each encounter, and each moment to become an opportunity to meet God. The destination matters, but so does the journey. We know that not everyone can attend every Marian Week in the Rockies event, and that's perfectly okay. Whether you come for a single afternoon, spend an evening in prayer, or immerse yourself in the entire week, your pilgrimage is your own. There is no checklist to complete or schedule to keep. Simply come as you are and offer God the time you can. To accompany you on your journey, we've created the Marian Pilgrimage Passport. Small enough to fit in your pocket, it serves as both a practical guide and a keepsake. Inside, you'll find the Marian Week schedule, the designated pilgrimage sites, and space to collect stamps as you visit each location. More than a souvenir, the passport is an invitation to journey through Marian Week and the Jubilee Year of St. Francis with intention. Pause before the majesty of the mountains and let creation draw your heart to its Creator. Sit quietly in the Shrine Church and rest in God's presence. Pray the Rosary with Our Lady. Listen attentively to the daily talks. Be inspired by sacred music. Share the journey with your family and fellow pilgrims. Most of all, leave room for silence, because it is often there that God speaks most clearly. As you make your pilgrimage this Marian Week, consider bringing these questions into prayer:
May this Marian Week be more than a series of events. May it become a true pilgrimage, drawing you closer to Christ through the loving guidance and intercession of His Blessed Mother.
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