ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CALGARY
  • Renewal
  • Blog
  • About
  • Give
  • News & Events
  • Ministries
  • Contact Us
  • MASS TIMES
  • Jubilee 2025

At the service of Christ and the Church

9/24/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
On many occasions, Pope Francis has stated that the Church must choose the path of attraction. He echoed this same message when talking about vocations. 
The Church must be attractive. Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of acting, of living! It is possible to live differently in the world [...] It is this witness I expect from you”. ~Pope Francis (Rejoice, A Letter to consecrated men and women in preparation for the year dedicated to Consecrated Life)
This task of waking up the Diocese in cultivating vocations, providing opportunities for prayer, and in promoting awareness for the support of a culture of vocations is beginning a new path with the establishment of the Serra Club of Calgary. Serra is a global lay apostolate for the promotion of vocations within the Catholic Church.

On Saturday, September 16, 2023, we celebrated the official Charter Day of the Serra Club in our Diocese with Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral and the induction of the founding lay members. I am grateful for the commitments they have made to foster and promote in our diocese vocations to the ministerial priesthood, to encourage and affirm vocations to the consecrated religious life, and to assist its members to respond in their own lives to God’s call to holiness in Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit.

The objectives of this lay apostolate in the Diocese of Calgary include:
  • Re-ignite enthusiasm for fostering vocations throughout the diocese
  • Establish coordination with parishes and schools
  • Focus on the most effective ways to raise vocation awareness and reach youth and young adults
  • Provide support for parish events, communications, and planning for vocation awareness
  • Provide parishes and schools with access to high quality resources, digital and print communication
The radical living of our baptism is a continuous call for every person to follow Christ. It is never static, nor is it focussed on self. 
Because when we put Christ at the centre of our life, we ourselves don’t become the centre! […] We are not at the centre; we are, so to speak, relocated. We are at the service of Christ and of the Church.” ~Pope Francis, Rejoice – A Letter to consecrated men and women in preparation for the year dedicated to Consecrated Life
The true heart and essence of a vocation to the priesthood and religious life is to be at the service of Christ and the Church. Waking up the Diocese, willing to be renewed in the service of Christ and for the Church involves promoting the beauty of vocations. The apostolate of the Serra Club can instill a renewal of spirit, of allowing our parishes, schools and families to become a path of attraction in which our young people can encounter Christ who draws them closer to himself in the discernment of their unique vocation.

In our parishes and schools, we must collaborate in the task of vocational promotion for our youth and young adults. The religious instruction that takes place in our publicly funded and private Catholic schools needs to be supported and strengthen by the involvement of our parishes and the members of the Serra Club if a spirit of vocational awareness is to permeate the life and formation of our youth.

These new strategies that are undertaken will reflect the impetus and commitment of the diocese in promoting a culture of vocations. Patience and endurance in implementing such strategies will assist parents in passing on the faith and in presenting the attractiveness of following Christ to their children by encouraging them to be open to discern God’s call and to consider a vocation to priesthood and religious life.
​
In this coming year it is my hope that the initiatives of the Serra Club will begin to wake up the Diocese and our parishes so that we might become a diocese that promotes a culture of vocations. May the virtues of “patient expectation and apostolic endurance” guide our efforts in the Church to become a renewed path of attraction by promoting opportunities of closeness and encounter with Christ for our youth.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Serra Chapters celebration with Bishop McGrattan, Sep. 16, 2023. Photos: Victor Panlilio.
Welcoming five new seminarians this year

This year, our Diocese was pleased to welcome five new seminarians who have begun their formation at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton. They have joined the eight returning seminarians who have already been discerning the priesthood for our Diocese. In addition to the joyful ordination of Fr. Santiago Torres earlier this year, his former eight confreres represent the first group of seminarians in more than twenty years who have all chosen to remain in formation with none discerning out of the seminary over the summer. Of course, the Church continues to discern their call to the priesthood alongside them, but it is a tremendous blessing to see the commitment of these young men to their preparation for possible ordination.

​The five new seminarians who have joined them are also the largest entrance class we have seen in the Diocese in more than fifteen years. They have either been valued leaders in their home parishes from throughout Calgary or active participants in the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. Two other young men- one from All Saints Parish, Lethbridge and another from St. Vincent Liem Vietnamese Parish, Calgary- have entered novitiates in the Franciscan and Dominican orders respectively.

​We give thanks for how richly the Lord is blessing our Diocese with vocational discernment and I urge us all to continue praying for this vital intention in our local Church. 

Please pray for our seminarians: ​
Picture
Peter An,
​Theology IV
Picture
Andre Boudreau,
​Arts III
Picture
Joshua Capicio,
​Theology I
Picture
Bennet Chacko,
Theology II
Picture
Jonathan Dobek, 
​Propadeutic Year
Picture
Samuel Ejeregbe, 
Theology III
Picture
Evin George,
​Propadeutic Year
Picture
Solomon Ip,
​Philosophy I
Picture
Jeffrell Painaga,
​Propadeutic Year
Picture
Antonio Pasqualotto, 
Propadeutic Year
Picture
Mikhel Sari, 
​Propadeutic Year
Picture
Benjamin Taylor, 
Philosophy I
Picture
Joshua Walter,
​Philosophy I
To inquire about religious vocations, please contact the Office of Vocations at 403-218-5500 or email Fr. Cristino | Visit the Office of Vocations webpage
If you feel called to support our seminarians and priests in a tangible way, consider becoming one of the founding members of the Serra Club of the Diocese of Calgary. Email [email protected] for more information or to sign up. All are welcome! 
Vertical Divider
Picture
Written by Bishop William T. McGrattan
Sep. 22, 2023
Seminarians photos: Lincoln Ho, for St. Joseph's Seminary, Edmonton; Serra Chapters celebration photos: Victor Panlilio (more photos here).
0 Comments

Sharing the Living Memory of Lisbon

9/17/2023

1 Comment

 
A month has passed since the World Youth Day pilgrimage in Lisbon, Portugal. Four pilgrims in the diocese share their memorable stories of Lisbon. Accompanied by stunning photographs, these stories provide a glimpse into their transformative World Youth Day encounters.
  • ​Andrew Min: Joy is missionary
  • ​Catarina Avila: Go with haste to encounter our Lord
  • Elizabeth Spiess: In a field with 2 million Catholics
  • ​Cameron Bluekens: The pilgrimage of love and kindness

Andrew Min: Joy is missionary
Picture
World Youth Day crowd at Opening Mass. Photo credit: Andrew Min.
Joy is missionary! So, each of us has the duty to bring that joy to others." ~Pope Francis - WYD Vigil
I had an amazing time at World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal this summer. There were definitely some challenging moments – whether it was enduring the hot weather, navigating through multiple crowds, or staying overnight for the vigil gathering – but all of these experiences contributed to a deeper growth and relationship with Christ.

​I was particularly moved when Pope Francis remarked that “joy is missionary” during the vigil. All of us are invited to be the cause of joy for others, and to use that joy to spread the good news in our community. 
Since returning home, the joy that I experienced at World Youth Day has become my motivation throughout my involvement at St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy and in my home parish at St. Anne’s Korean Catholic Church.

​As a Korean-Canadian, I am proud to hear that the next World Youth Day in 2027 will be held in Seoul, South Korea. I am hopeful that the next pilgrimage will be a vehicle to not only revive the young adult community at my home parish, but to better integrate St. Anne’s Church to the larger Catholic community within the Diocese of Calgary.
​
Picture
WYD Canadian Delegation Meeting
Picture
In front of Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro in Braga, Portugal
Submitted by Andrew Min for Faithfully. Andrew was born in South Korea but grew up in Calgary. He studied international economics at UBC, and is currently employed with the federal public service. His home parish is St. Anne’s Korean Catholic Church, a Korean Catholic Church in the Diocese of Calgary. In his spare time, Andrew loves playing hockey and is a certified official with Hockey Alberta. 

​Photos courtesy of Andrew Min.

Catarina Avila: Go with haste to encounter our Lord
Picture
Group photo in the Church of Santa Catarina, Lisbon after Catechesis. Photo credit: Catarina Avila.
We must go with haste to encounter our Lord in the Sacraments and minister to our brothers and sisters as the hands and feet of Christ in the world." ~Catarina Avila
World Youth Day was one of the most profound experiences of my life!

Throughout our journey, I encountered the Lord in so many ways, both big and small. He was there in the loving eyes of the Holy Father, in the resounding holy silence at the vigil, in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, in the veneration of the relics of Sts. Thomas Aquinas, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. John Paul II.

From experiencing the famous Botafumeiro swing in Santiago de Compostela, to visiting the apparition site of Our Lady of Fatima, to each step that I took in our long and arduous treks, the Lord was present with me through it all, filling my soul with many wonderful graces along the way.
Picture
Reliquary housing a spinal disc of St. Therese, first class relic.
Picture
Catarina and Rui meeting Bishop Mark Edwards of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, Australia at Catechesis.
This pilgrimage has reminded me that our whole lives are pilgrimages. We are pilgrims passing through this world seeking the Lord, uniting ourselves with Him in every step of our journey. By persevering in love and sacrifice for God, we pilgrims will have the joy to be united with our Lord and rest in the abode of His love for all eternity. And so, we must live every day of our lives as joyful and humble pilgrims, accompanied by the Blessed Mother, who helps us through our challenges and brings us ever closer to her Son.

​Just as “Mary rose and went with haste,” (Lk 1:39) so too, we must not delay in our pursuit of Heaven. We must go with haste to encounter our Lord in the Sacraments and minister to our brothers and sisters as the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Picture
Our group’s view of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
Picture
The botafumeiro, largest thurible in the world, and the main altar in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Submitted by Catarina Avila for Faithfully.
Picture
Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima in Fatima, Portugal.

Elizabeth Spiess: In a field with 2 million Catholics
Picture
The vigil crowd. Photo credit: Elizabeth Spiess.
That is the only time, the only time that we are allowed to look down upon others: when we are offering to help them up.” ~Pope Francis, WYD Vigil 
During my trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, I was most impacted by all the youth there who shared the same faith as I do. Here in Lethbridge, I did go to a Catholic High School, but not many of my peers were Catholic, so seeing so many people who share the same beliefs as me was so amazing! I also thought it was unbelievably special getting to experience Adoration with the Pope.

Being in a field with 2 million other people in complete silence, so quiet that you could hear a pin drop, was incredible. One thing the Pope said that really stuck with me was, "the only time that we are allowed to look down upon others is when we are offering to help them up.”

World Youth Day was an amazing experience; I got to meet so many cool people! It's definitely an experience I will never forget!
Picture
Gathering around Fr. Santiago at the vigil as he translated the Pope's message into English.
Picture
The Pope arrived by boat on Sunday morning after the Vigil.
Picture
Finding some relief after a long walk to the Vigil site with a water fight!
Picture
Always time for a treat!
Submitted by Elizabeth Spiess for Faithfully. Elizabeth was born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta. She has 3 younger siblings. Elizabeth is a member of All Saints Parish, where she currently serves in many ministries. She has just graduated in the spring from Catholic Central High School and is now attending Lethbridge College with the hopes of one day becoming a teacher. She is also playing on the Lethbridge College Women’s Basketball Team, which has been a dream of hers ever since kindergarten. She loves everything basketball, from playing to coaching her younger siblings, as well as reffing. ​Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Spiess. 

Cameron Bluekens: The pilgrimage of love and kindness
Picture
A quick visit to the City of Joy vocation booths - here with the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Photo credit: Cameron Bluekens.
World Youth Day is extremely busy, but the moments I had in silence were one of the things I treasure most." ~Cameron Bluekens
World Youth Day was a good reminder of how God can bring blessings out of both joyful moments as well as struggles. One of the most noticeable things I experienced on the pilgrimage was how the constant kindness and generosity of others reflected Jesus’ own love for me.

There were days when I couldn't even stand unassisted due to muscle fatigue, but my fellow pilgrims were literally there to support me 24/7. This especially moved me one day when I could not stand at Mass, and I had to hang on to someone to receive Communion: I was leaning entirely on them and on the Lord.

Secondly, it brought home how much I need and cherish Mass and prayer. World Youth Day is extremely busy, but the moments I had in silence were some of the things I treasure most, even though my prayer was mostly just being in God’s presence and in the company of the Saints with their relics.
Picture
Third, I recognized recently that I was granted the grace I had hoped for: a greater zeal for evangelization rooted in love. Since coming home, I have prayed for others more fervently and have felt a greater desire to share the truth of Catholicism with them simply out of love and concern, knowing that God so desperately wants to draw them to Himself.
Picture
Picture
Submitted by Cameron Bluekens for Faithfully. Cameron studies Psychology at the University of Lethbridge. She entered the Catholic Church in 2018 and she attends All Saints Parish in Lethbridge. She is passionate about philosophy and music, and loves reading, going for walks, and spending time with other Catholic young adults.

​Photos courtesy of Cameron Bluekens.
1 Comment

Don't euthanize me

9/9/2023

4 Comments

 
“I suppose you could call me an old-fashioned woman,” began Calgarian Christine Nagel. “I always discouraged my children from getting tattoos.”

You can imagine how taken aback, then, Christine’s children were when she announced that she was getting her first tattoo at age 81. Perhaps the only thing more startling was that she had chosen that it would say: “Don’t euthanize me.”

​“Why are you getting that?” they asked.
​
Christine told them, “Because the government passed a bill that is a way to eradicate human life, but human life is a gift from God. We don’t decide when it begins; no more do we decide when it ends.”
Picture
Dying to Meet You

Like Christine, the legalization of euthanasia affected me very much as well. I started to think: Now, we don’t so much have a culture of death as we seem to have death without culture. I also began to wonder how we can bring cultural renewal to death and dying and restore its meaning and proper significance to our lives.

And so, on January 1, 2021, I made a new year’s resolution to blog about death and dying every single day for an entire year in a way that was ultimately edifying. To my surprise, writing each post became a highlight of my day. That blog “DyingToMeetYou.ca” (archived here) got more than 15,000 unique visitors and, more importantly, led people to take action in their own lives in ways I did not expect or anticipate.

I continue to blog, now at DyingToMeetYou.com. Always on the search for interesting stories, this is how I met Christine.

Born and raised in England, Christine was four when the Second World War began, and ten when it ended. She remembered the mandatory blackouts as well as classmates who lost parents during the war, saying: “There were German bombs dropping down and we couldn’t let out a chink of light. The civilian attitude was to obey rules to preserve life. And, particularly given the constant threat, the grownups I knew carried cards that said: 'I’m a Catholic. In case of an accident, call a priest.'"


While the overall wartime context certainly heightened Christine’s sensitivity to suffering, there were many personal experiences of suffering throughout this octogenarian’s life, too:

​“I know that suffering is a part of life, it’s a part of living,” Christine told me. “And I believe that everybody suffers in one way or another. I watched my mother suffer and die from ALS when she was 34. I suffered myself when she died and I was only 10. At the time, in the 1940s, it was not expected that children should go to funerals and my siblings and I were not told anything about our mother’s death until a few months later.”

When she became an adult, Christine seized the opportunity to move to Canada and settled in a small village in Saskatchewan to teach and eventually met and married a local farmer. On discovering that they were unable to have children, they chose to adopt. She had been particularly inspired to adopt by St. Thomas More’s example, which she read about in a book entitled, Two Fortunate Orphans.

​Over the years, the couple adopted seven children – including three Indigenous children – all of whose birth mothers had specifically requested a Catholic upbringing for them.

Asked what she thinks has changed with respect to the modern inability to contend with the trials of life, Christine told me, “There was so much suffering and death that people would hardly think of cutting life short intentionally. But now, the Western world has become more and more affluent and suffering is not so apparent. People feel entitled to have a life based on F-U-N. It’s got to be fun or else it’s not worth it.”
“We always ask the children, ‘Did you have fun?’ And adults tell each other, ‘Oh, that was such fun!’ Fun has become the goal of life. But life isn’t always fun; life has suffering. Life is a pit stop on the way to heaven.”

And so, with the nationwide legalization of euthanasia in Canada, Christine remembered those wartime cards to “Phone a priest” and briefly considered carrying a card in her wallet that would say, “I’m a Catholic, don’t euthanize me.”
​

“But,” explained Christine, “knowing myself, I needed something more solid than a card because I traditionally lose things. I decided that a tattoo would last me until my death and would be a permanent feature.”

And so, Christine went to get tattooed and her kids came to watch.
The Church as an Expert in Humanity

Loneliness, increased cost of living, mental health crises, alienation amidst grief and loss — these are just some of the social issues of our time that lead some to consider suicide or euthanasia. And, while the crises are great, we the Church are prepared to meet them through ministry, accompaniment, and our confidence in the power of God to overcome even death.

When Pope Paul VI addressed the United Nations, he said that the Church was present there as “an expert in humanity.” Now, the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church also states, “As an expert in humanity, “[the Church] is able to understand man in his vocation and aspirations, in his limits and misgivings, in his rights and duties, and to speak a word of life that reverberates in the historical and social circumstances of human existence.”

But what does that look like concretely?

How are we doing it? Is our witness credible? Are we sufficiently present?
To my pleasant surprise, I have become filled with hope by what I have found, including here in our own diocese. There are, in fact, so many quiet examples of ordinary heroism all around us. These examples are expressed through ministries, social groups, professional work, and even friendship. 

Inspired by these examples, I am pleased to share with you an invitation to an exciting Diocesan-Wide Open House Event on “The Church as an Expert in Humanity.” The daylong event on Saturday, September 23rd at St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Parish Hall, and the Pastoral Centre will be an opportunity for exploring life's great questions of suffering, death, meaning, and hope. ​
Picture
It has been several years since Christine got the tattoo, so I asked Christine if she has had any regrets at all about it. 

​
“Initially, I thought about getting the tattoo across my chest, but given the number of people who ask to see it, it’s good I went with my arm instead!” she chuckled.

If you want to hear more from Christine, attend the Evening Program - come and listen to her in person (she’s one of the speakers) at the 
Diocesan-Wide Open House Event on “The Church as an Expert in Humanity” event on Sep. 23! Be sure to check out the event website and register here! ​

Picture
Contributed by Amanda Achtman for Faithfully. Amanda was born and raised in Calgary. During high school, she was a two-time winner of the Knights of Columbus Respect for Life speech contest. She studied at both St. Mary's University and the University of Calgary. She has worked in journalism, politics, and advocacy. Amanda holds graduate degrees in John Paul II Studies from the Catholic University of Lublin, Poland and in Judaic Studies & Jewish-Christian at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Determined to protect human life, Amanda's current priority is preventing euthanasia and encouraging hope.
4 Comments

Healing & Thanksgiving

9/8/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Photo credit: Peak Visor

 
Since the establishment of the Courage & Encourage Apostolate within the Diocese of Calgary in 2006, we have had a fruitful apostolate aimed at supporting our brothers and sisters journeying with same gender attraction and with those who live with or accompany them. Many have sought support from this ministry and each person has a very unique and special journey of their own.

This year was our first attempt at a common retreat for the Encourage group (parents, friends etc. of persons experiencing same gender attraction or gender identity and expression) at Aspen Ranch (Clearwater County, near Sundre). The retreat this past August provided a safe and caring space for people to openly share their fears, their hurts, their anxieties and all that accompanies this topic.

Taking time to listen to God's voice through Scripture reflection and meditation as well as prayer, presentations and worship, we opened ourselves to the Holy Spirit, to become tangibly present. As always, the Holy Spirit brought life and love, and renewed us from within. We ended our gathering with a wonderful Mass celebrated by Fr. John Wright. In entering into Eucharist, a mode of intentional thanksgiving to God, we trusted that despite all difficulties, God remains with us and will not fail us.
​
Annette, one of the mothers who attended the retreat, expressed how blessed she felt to have had the opportunity to participate in the Encourage retreat. She thanked the organizers for their hospitality and was grateful to begin a journey of awareness and healing. Reflecting on the blessings she received on the retreat, Annette gratefully stated, "New friendships were formed amidst Aspen Ranch’s picturesque landscapes and hiking trails, thanks to the gracious hospitality of Deacon Dante. He provided us with refreshments, a delicious BBQ lunch, and overall use of their facilities."

We were able to bring to the altar of our Saviour all that weighed heavy on our hearts. In the end, all thanksgiving and credit goes to God's ever present Holy Spirit for leading us, guiding us and steering us, as we surrendered ourselves into the loving hands of our God. Our gathering became "holy ground”, an encounter with God who never ceases to call us "The Beloved."  

As a group we sought the wisdom contained in the US Bishop's Pastoral Letter Always Our Children as to how we can go back into our everyday lives and approach this matter with grace and dignity for all involved. The retreat helped us realize that our call is always to become more like Jesus himself who brought us the message "love one another, as I have loved you". 

Picture
Written by Deacon Michael Soentgerath. Encourage & Courage group will have a follow-up meetings in October, with place and time to be announced, as well as Zoom access for members outside of Calgary. To find more information or to join the group, please email [email protected]
0 Comments

2023 Jubilarians

9/2/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
This year, seven remarkable priests in our diocese are reaching significant milestones in their priestly vocation. Each has uniquely responded to their calling, overcoming challenges with steadfast faith and dedication throughout their ministries. Read their stories, and join us as we honour and celebrate these extraordinary priests for their dedication and service.

Fr. Gregory Coupal

Raised in Calgary, Fr. Greg Coupal entered seminary in 1965, right as the Second Vatican Council closed. As such, much of his priestly training was lived out in the midst of major changes and upheavals. However, in the midst of all of these new things, Fr. Greg's priestly life testifies to a cyclical kind of time, where that which is important returns again as a gift from God.

Despite all the changes that have happened in his time, Fr. Greg has done his best to be one of these signs, pointing out God’s love for us steadily, throughout the cycles of his 50 golden years of priestly ministry. For Fr. Greg, at the centre of the all of the cycles of changes is the firm belief that priestly life is a "sign of God's love".  Read more
Picture
Read Fr. Greg's vocation story | Fr. Gregory Coupal: Signs of God's love

Fr. Michael L. Storey

Celebrating half a century as a servant of God, Father Michael Storey's vocation story unfolds like a beautiful tapestry woven with faith, dedication, and service.

As a Pastor, Fr. Mike had the privilege of serving in numerous parishes within the diocese, each assignment enriching his journey and strengthening his commitment to serve God's people. With thankfulness and fond memories he looks back on his call from God in thanksgiving for all that the Lord had done and accomplished through his words, his hands and his heart! ​ Read more​
Picture
Read his vocation story | Fr. Michael Storey: Servant of God

Fr. Bryan Frank

In a world where early vocations to the priesthood are often celebrated, Fr. Bryan Frank stands as a testament to the power of a late calling. His life took a different trajectory before he answered the call to serve God and his community. 

Before stepping into the seminary at the age of thirty, Fr. Bryan had already carved out a successful career in sales and entrepreneurship, backed by a diploma in Business Administration. Yet, the divine call resonated within him, influencing him to change paths and dedicate his life to spiritual service. Read more
Picture
Read his vocation story | Fr. Bryan Frank: Looking back

Fr. Roy Jayamaha

Born in Wattala, Sri Lanka, Fr. Jayamaha was drawn to religious life from a young age. His path took a turn when he met a Sri Lankan missionary priest serving in Pakistan, leading him to offer his services as a missionary in Lahore, Pakistan. It was a challenging assignment, but one that Fr. Jayamaha embraced wholeheartedly.

However, after a harrowing incident with gunmen, his time in Pakistan ended. Unexpectedly, this journey led him to Calgary, Alberta, where he continues his ministry.​ His journey is a story of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to serving others. Read more
Picture
Read his vocation story | Fr. Roy Jayamaha: A missionary journey

Fr. Jerald D'Souza, OCD

Fr. Jerald D'Souza, OCD, was born into a rural community outside of Mangalore, India. He showed signs of a religious vocation early on in life - he would often preach to the herd of cattle he was assigned to tend while in the pasture with them.

Fr. Jerry has had his fair share of trials in approaching the altar of God, but now, 25 years after ordination, the joy and happiness of being a religious is at the centre of his priestly vocation. Read More
Picture
Read his vocation story | Fr. Jerald D'Souza: A joyful religious

Fr. Sajo Jacob

From the rich landscapes of Kerala in southern India to the bustling cityscape of Calgary, the spiritual journey of Fr. Sajo Jacob is a testament to the power of faith and the calling of service. After six years of dedicated service in various capacities within his priestly ministry in Kerala, Fr. Sajo embarked on a new chapter in his spiritual voyage, relocating to Calgary in 2004. 

Reflecting on his 25-year priestly journey as pastor, young adult chaplain, Syro Malabar community leader, hospital chaplain, and a reserve chaplain, Fr. Sajo highlights two fundamental aspects of his vocation: the Grace of God and the intercession of Mother Mary. Read more
Picture
Read his vocation story | Fr. Sajo Jacob: God has walked with me

​Fr. Alexander Braganza, OCD

Fr. Alexander Braganza, OCD, is a new priest in the Diocese of Calgary. He had been appointed Associate Pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Calgary, effective August 3, 2023. Prior to this assignment, Fr. Alexander was appointed to the Little Flower Monastery in India. Fr. Braganza celebrates his 25th year anniversary this year!

​Stay tuned for Fr. Alexander's vocation story. 

Picture
2023 Jubilarian stories were organized and compiled by Solomon Ip. Solomon is a born and raised Calgarian. He studied music history in Lethbridge, and is now a seminarian in his pre-theology studies at St. Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton. He has been worshipping most recently with Canadian Martyrs Parish in Calgary, and with St. Mary's Parish in Banff where he has been working as a heritage interpreter with Parks Canada. He is an oboist by training, a chorister by grace, hobby wordsmith, amateur calligrapher, and museum enthusiast.
0 Comments

Fr. Sajo Jacob: God has walked with me

9/2/2023

0 Comments

 
I was born in Kerala, southern India, and blessed to have been raised in a Catholic faith environment. My parents were devout and churchgoing. The church played a significant role in my upbringing. My family frequented the parish church, and I was actively involved in the parish. I was also introduced to very solid catechism and different devotions.

I felt a calling to the priesthood at a very young age.  Reflecting on what triggered this priestly vocation, it was a fruit of my Novena devotion to Mother Mary at my parish Church. The priest at the time was very particular, that everyone must attend the Novena prayer on Saturdays immediately after the Holy Mass. This brought me very close to Mother Mary, and one day I felt that God is calling me to serve Him as told by a loving Mother-Mother Mary.It touched my heart as if a heavenly whisper had been percolating for a while, gradually maturing into a discernment of the priesthood. Fortunately, by that time, I had become well-acquainted with the parish priest and a few other priest friends. After a few years, I pursued my priestly studies in different parts of India. In 1998, I was ordained by the then bishop of the Archdiocese of Ernakulum, Mar Thomas Chakkiath. 

I belong to the Archdiocese of Ernakulam — claimed as the heart of the Syro-Malabar Church. The heritage of the Syro-Malabar Church goes back to St. Thomas the Apostle who is believed to have arrived in Kerala in 52 AD. I served in various capacities within my priestly ministry in Kerala for six years before relocating to Calgary in 2004.

My journey in Calgary has been very providential, with God guiding me through different ministries such as associate pastor, campus minister, and pastor. Looking back on my journey in Canada, I can profusely say that, as the psalmist prays in Psalm 7:1, God has walked with me, “I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” It has been a journey where my experience of God's guidance was profound.

I could trust in God as He is in control of everything. My motto in my priestly journey reflects the words of 2 Corinthians 12:9 — "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  On this occasion, I would like to acknowledge the gracious and kind support of many bishops, priests, and fellow brothers and sisters.

Reflecting on my priestly journey of 25 years, two very pertinent aspects of my vocation have been the Grace of God, and the intercession of Mother Mary. I was quite blessed and privileged to lead a youth ministry as a campus minister at two post-secondary colleges for a while.  Engaging with post-secondary students for more than ten years not only transformed me but also brought many young people to the faith and Christian values."

Working in the secular landscape of universities was challenging, but having a platform to uphold that “Faith matters, Christ transforms” was incredible. It was eye-opening to interact with young people who were struggling in their search for meaning in life while aspiring for a better future. I must admit that it was rewarding. Moreover, engaging with pluralistic faith groups and diverse cultures, while specifically upholding the Christian values and faith connections in my ministry, was always intriguing.
           
Another highlight of my ministry that I humbly reflect upon is my role as director and pastor of Mother Teresa Syro-Malabar Church in Calgary.  It was in 2009 that Bishop Henry appointed me as the Director of the Syro-Malabar Community when it was still a very small community.

I have been privileged to witness its exponential growth from 30 to 450 families by 2018, and to have played a part in establishing a church for the community. God entrusted me with the role of becoming the founding priest of the Mother Teresa Syro-Malabar community in Calgary. Having had the privilege of meeting Mother Teresa twice in Kerala, her spiritual influence has greatly affected my priestly life and inspired me to rally for Mother Teresa's Church in Calgary.

Lastly, I am also involved with military chaplaincy as a Reserve Chaplain. This was an offshoot of campus ministry, where many students were drawn to military service and their persuasive invitation to serve the military community added another dimension to my priestly vocation. A chaplain's role in the military goes beyond the borders of religion and faith; it is more about embracing pure humanity and the well-being of anyone in need. It is a ministry of presence and strengthening robust resilience.  
Picture
Fr. Sajo Jacob

Ordained: December 30, 1998, Kerala, India
  • Associate pastor at St. Mark’s, Calgary (2004-2006)
  • Associate pastor at St. Peter’s, Calgary (2006)
  • Associate pastor at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary (2009)
  • Chaplain at SAIT and Mount Royal College (2009-2019)
  • Director of Syro-Malabar Community, Calgary (2010-present)
  • Calgary Hospital Chaplaincy (2020-2022)
  • Pastor at  St. Pius X, Calgary (2022-present)

​

Written by Fr. Sajo Jacob for Faithfully.
0 Comments

Fr. Jerald D’Souza, OCD

9/2/2023

3 Comments

 
Growing up, Fr. Jerald D’Souza showed signs of his vocation early. Fr. Jerry comes from Madanthyar, near Mangalore in India, an agricultural region.  One of his duties was to watch the cows and make sure they did not escape the pasture, and so by the age of 12, he would practice preaching to the Gospel to a bovine congregation.

Fr. Jerry lost his father at the age of one, leaving his mother widowed at a young age with three young children, of which he was the youngest. His mother never remarried, and made many sacrifices for her family in their poverty.

In one particular instance, he remembered that his mother once worked for a whole day, and made a meal of rice porridge or congee for her family.  His mother ensured there was enough for the family, and went into the kitchen to drink the cooking water of the congee for her own dinner. It was his mother’s sacrifices that led him to understand the sacrificial action of Christ on the Cross and how God the Father would sacrifice his Son.

His mother’s actions would also help him to understand the pains of his parishioners in their day-to-day lives. Fr. Jerry has also been blessed to have a spiritual mother as well, in a woman who would come and pray at the Carmelite Monastery where he spent his theologate. He recalled going through a dry spell in prayer, and was impressed by a woman who would come and pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament in the Carmelite way. Fr. Jerry asked her to pray for him, and this was the beginning of her spiritual motherhood to Fr. Jerry.

Fr. Jerry has had his trials during his formation. He first discerned his vocation to the Discalced Carmelites when he was in Grade 12, influenced by Carmelite seminarians coming to his high school. Upon entry into the novitiate, Fr. Jerry was not the ideal candidate, being noticeably timid and having low-self esteem. He remembers begging St. Teresa of Avila to take his vocation into her hands if he was to continue, praying “if you would like me to continue in the Carmelite life, then you have to take me.”

In his second year of theology studies, Fr. Jerry experienced a moment of crisis. He was assigned to the Shrine of the Infant Jesus in Mangalore, where each Thursday, roughly 2000 people would turn up to the 6pm Mass for the novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague. Each seminarian was expected to lead the novena prayers in turn, and to deliver a 3-5 minute sermon. In the midst of his crisis, Fr. Jerry says he became like Abraham at Sodom, saying “If I do well, then I will stay; if I do poorly, I will leave.” Ultimately, there was no reason to fear. He had no reason to fear — many people came up after the Mass, asking who was the seminarian who did so well!

Fr. Jerry was ordained in the Octave of Easter, on April 16th, 1998.  Immediately following ordination, he was assigned to the Carmelite farm house in Goa for a year, before being made the first director of the Shrine of the Infant Jesus in Mangalore. Afterwards, he served as rector and formator at the Carmelite minor seminary in Goa for a year and a half, before being asked to be one of the first two missionaries to Canada from his province, the Karnataka-Goa Province, arriving July 25, 2003. 

He served in a number of roles throughout the Archdiocese of Vancouver, watching the mission grow from a pair of priests to two monasteries in Mission, BC and Edmonton, AB, while fostering the first Canadian vocation, Fr. Frank Sharma, OCD. 

Fr. Jerry arrived in Calgary to be pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in 2019, and was immediately asked to complete the renovation of the sanctuary with little knowledge of the work in progress. The following March, COVID struck, putting the work at a standstill, and leaving him in a conundrum of having negligible cooking skills and suddenly having to fend for himself. For Fr. Jerry, the eight deepest months of the pandemic carry some of his happiest memories, having care extended to him by the parishioners of St. Thomas More.

In his ministry, Fr. Jerry has found that his biggest challenge has been to strengthen spirituality in the family, which St. John Paul II declared to be a domestic church. He believes that when the family is strengthened in its spirituality, prayer life and faith, the family will strengthen the parish; strong parishes will create a strong diocese, and strong dioceses will create a strong universal church.

As for prayer, Fr. Jerry’s favourite space is his meditation of 5 to 10 minutes in front of the Blessed Sacrament every morning, and his breviary is his source of strength. He also cites frequent confession and spiritual direction as the two wings to allow the spiritual life to take flight.

To grow close to Jesus, Fr. Jerry suggests taking the example of Christ Himself, being humble and simple. He suggests relaxing and being yourself, without baggage or lists of requests — in other words, being naked before Christ. All of this is done in the spirit of Carmel, which is both intellectual and simple, having St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross as great models of intellectual life, and St. Therese of Lisieux as a model of simplicity.

When asked for advice for those discerning religious life, Fr. Jerry advises the potential discerner to be honest before God and one’s superiors in the face of failure. God will send his “angels” to guide — formators, spiritual directors, confessors, and lay faithful.  His life as a religious has yielded excellent advice.

Fr. Jerry has served for some time as superior of the Carmelites, and leading into an election for a continuance of his term, he was advised that if there is a split in the vote, he has done the will of God. If the vote was unanimously in favour, it would mean that he spent his term trying to please others; if against, it would mean that he was a poor choice for superior.

His spiritual father also gave him the advice that a joyful Carmelite is a joyful religious — that the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience should lead to joy. In Fr. Jerry’s case, they most certainly have.

Throughout his interview, Fr. Jerry radiated a consistent, confident joyfulness throughout his office. It is evident he finds great joy in his vocation, where work can be tiring, yet never a burden. ​There can be no doubt that this joy will carry Fr. Jerry onward into the next 25 years of his priestly ministry, full of contentment and fulfilment.
Picture
Fr. Jerald D'Souza, OCD

Pastoral Assignments in the Diocese of Calgary:
  • Regional Supervisor of the Carmelites in Canada (2017)
  • Provincial Delegate of the Carmelites in Canada (2020)
  • Spiritual Advisor of the Calgary Catholic Charismatic Renewal Society (2021 - present)
  • Pastor at St. Thomas More Parish (2019 - present)

Picture
Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully. ​Solomon is a born and raised Calgarian. He studied music history in Lethbridge, and is now a seminarian in his pre-theology studies at St. Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton. He has been worshipping most recently with Canadian Martyrs Parish in Calgary, and with St. Mary's Parish in Banff where he has been working as a heritage interpreter with Parks Canada. He is an oboist by training, a chorister by grace, hobby wordsmith, amateur calligrapher, and museum enthusiast.
3 Comments

Fr. Roy Jayamaha: A missionary journey

9/2/2023

1 Comment

 
I, Fr. Roy Anthony Donatus Jayamaha, was born to God- fearing parents, Rex Arvin and Mary Magdalene Jayamaha of Wattla, Sri Lanka. I was the third child in a family of seven siblings and was attracted to the religious life from my childhood. I was  educated by the De la Salle Brothers and was attracted to become one of them. After completing my studies, I taught for two years in a leading La Salle School in Colombo.
 
One fine day, I met a Sri Lankan missionary priest serving in Pakistan, who had come on a home leave. After listening to his interesting stories and challenging conditions, I contacted some Pakistani Bishops and expressed my willingness to serve as a missionary in this mostly Muslim country. In 1976, although it was  heart-breaking news for my parents, I left with their blessing, to join the Diocese of Lahore, in Pakistan.
 
When I landed in Lahore, I was surprised to see the Bishop himself at the airport to receive this unknown seminarian-to-be. On the same evening, the Bishop took me to show the place where I would travel daily to learn the Urdu language. It was a convent of the Good Shepherd Sisters which was six km from the minor seminary. While travelling, the Bishop gave a running commentary about the historical city and suddenly asked me to look through the window where I saw a huge cemetery. Then with a serious gesture, he uttered, “Boy, we all have to come here.” As it was my first winter experience, the Bishop gave some old winter clothes to wear, but no pocket money, because the board and lodging did not cost me in the minor seminary. I travelled during the week, up and down on a bicycle from the minor seminary to the Good Shepherd Convent, in order to study Urdu. First, I had to learn the alphabet and then the words.
 
After four months of language study, I was sent to remote village parishes to work with a young diocesan priest for nine months and later another nine months with two Belgium Capuchin missionaries. While there I learned the Punjabi language, customs, culture, and what not. Afterwards, I did my Philosophy and Theological studies at Christ the King Seminary in Karachi which was nearly  1,100 km from Lahore. My greatest memory of this time was to eventually see that all five residential staff members were recognized for their services to God and were rewarded by getting the Red Hats ( i.e., one cardinal, two archbishops, and two bishops). Bravo!.
 
On October 1st 1983, the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux, the Patroness of Missions, I requested, and was granted to be ordained a priest of God. That red-letter day took place in my hometown of Wattala, Sri Lanka, with the Pakistani late Archbishop Armando Trindade as celebrant and the late Archbishop Oswald Gomis of Colombo, Sri Lanka, assisting.
 
My first assignment as a priest was to work in a large remote parish near the Pakistani / Indian border which consisted of some 276 villages. The Catholic families were scattered far and wide and one was fortunate to see even a handful in some villages. There were thirteen full time paid catechists to assist me. There I  toured the villages on a motorbike over many rough and treacherous roads to administer the sacraments and other pastoral needs my flock required. Quite a few nights were spent in the villages, in order to, meet the people as they came home late from the fields and farms. Most were laborers, working for Muslim landlords.  Some laborers shared their pathetic stories with me by staying late at night, sitting in their courtyards.
 
From 1987 to 1993, I served as a pastor in another remote area. There I built a church and few chapels together with the people. The main church was dedicated to the Holy Spirit. In 2005, it was badly burnt and partly destroyed by a mob of rebellious group of people. One day my driver took the jeep to leave a newborn baby and her mother in a village nearly 23km away from a hospital. While the driver was returning, two dacoits beat him and  took my jeep at the gunpoint and fled away with it. Every Sunday, the parishioners prayed to Mother Mary to recover the vehicle. After 6 months, on a feast day of Mother Mary, the police returned the jeep with some bullet holes on it. It was unfortunate that notorious dacoits were shot dead by the police.
 
In 1993,  I  was appointed as the Director of the National Marian Shrine, which was built in 1886, and was the second oldest Catholic Church in Pakistan.
 
On a sabbatical, in 1995,I flew to Australia, where I met the good Father John Schuster and got a sweet taste for Calgary. During our get-togethers, I learned a lot about Canada and the Calgary Diocese. Upon my return to Pakistan, I was appointed the Director of the Renewal Centre in Lahore. There, I trained lay catechists for the archdiocese and taught diocesan spirituality for the propaedeutic year students in the Philosophy Seminary for seven years. For a short time, I was the acting rector of this seminary. In the absence of the Archbishop and Vicar- General, twice I was given the honor of being the administrator of the archdiocese. While being the executive secretary of the National Clergy Commission, I was involved in arranging renewal courses for clergy and on-going formation for young priests in the country. I compiled the Directory of the Catholic Church in Pakistan three times.
 
With the help of generous benefactors, I built a centre for special children. I always had a soft heart for the broken, poor, and needy. I felt honoured to serve under three Archbishops and elected twice as a member of the College of Consultors under two archbishops.
  
My services in Pakistan abruptly ended  when two gunmen attacked, threatened  and robbed me. As the Hindi song says “ajeeb dastan hai…kahan shuru, kahan katham..." which means  strange story, from where it started and where it ended. I learned many things as a student and as a missionary priest for thirty seven years from  loving Pakistani people. Little did I know that  I would leave Pakistan for good and be called to ministry in the dreamland, Calgary, Alberta in July of 2014. I'm really grateful to Bishop Emeritus Frederick Henry, for accepting me to the diocese with open arms.
 
After all is said and done, a priest has to be broken and shared with others, keep the Eucharist at the center of his life, and become another Christ wherever he is. Today, although no one comes for daily Mass, I bring one and all to the altar at every liturgy. As someone rightly said, “Let the Christ in me, meet and greet the Christ in them”.
 
This year, I have reached another milestone in my priesthood, 40 years of humble service as a missionary priest. As of Palm Sunday  2023, I have celebrated 14,307 Holy Masses. What a wonderful gift from our Lord!.
 
Priests need priests, especially when far away and alone in the missions. The beauty of this fraternity is that we know our brother priests do remember us and pray for us as we do for them as well as  our parents, families and friends. Today as a Jesus Caritas priest, this “Littleness” and “Hiddenness” of our universal brother, St. Charles de Foucauld, has helped me to live the life of Nazareth happily more than ever with the Indigenous people of Brocket.  I have just completed seven years in this mission, learning daily more than teaching. Together, we try to uplift the community, give new life, strengthen the families and  beautify the place that attracts many people even from nearby parishes.
 
Pope Francis’ document, “Amoris Laetitia" (On the Joy of Love) also reminds us regarding the practice of hospitality and how to reach out to people in parish communities. Our parishioners still worry about the same old question the Abbot asked, “How can we best serve the people who come to visit?” ( Holy Moments-by Matthew Kelly). Let us hope and pray that they will become a more vibrant community in the time to come.
Picture
Fr. Roy Jayamaha

Ordained by Archbishop Armando Trindade in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Pastoral assignments in the Diocese of Calgary:
  • Associate Pastor: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary (2014-2016)
  • Pastor in St. Paul's Brocket, (2016 - present)

Written by Fr. Roy Jayamaha, Pastor of St. Paul's Church, Piikani Nation, Brocket, AB.
1 Comment

Fr. Bryan Frank: Looking back

9/2/2023

11 Comments

 
I was ordained on April 15, 1983 by Bishop Paul O'Byrne at Saint Mary's cathedral. 

I was a late vocation and entered the seminary at the age of thirty after a successful career in sales and then owning my own businesses. I had already acquired a diploma in Business Administration. My vocation was influenced by two priests, Father Jim Sheridan and Father William Harding and the example of my parents. 
​
I applied to and was accepted by the Diocese of Calgary and after a year's probation was sent to study at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon run by the Benedictine Monks.

I entered pre-theology being a mature student and in that time earned a diploma in Philosophy. After this year I entered the school of Theology and after four years received my M·aster's diplomas and was ordained in Calgary. 

My first assignment was at St. Peter's parish and Chaplain at the Calgary Correctional Centre. My first Pastor was Father Stan Henke. I was transferred after two years to St. Basil's Parish in Lethbridge and Chaplain at the Leth bridge Correctional Centre and the Young Offenders Centre. My Pastor was Father John Maes. 

My first pastorate was St. Ambrose's parish in Coaldale and responsibility for the Correctional Centre in Lethbridge. I was at Saint Ambrose for five years and in that time updated the interior and exterior of the church building, and had a successful youth group of thirty young people and reached out socially to the parishioners. 

I was transferred to St. Mark's parish in Calgary and was fortunate to work with Deacon Amadeo Malate. It was a parish, in those days, of 2000 families and six schools and pastoral responsibility for the faithful in Chestermere. 

After three years at Saint Mark's, I was transferred to Saint Mary's in Brooks with missions in Tilley and Tide Lake. I spent nine years in Brooks and in that time we formed a Catholic school district under the old two by two system of the provincial government. It was a K to 12 School. We formed a food Bank (Saint Vincent de Paul Society), a successful youth program and many outreach and social programs for the parishioners. I was fortunate to be able to work with Deacon Bob Wilson.· 

I was transferred after the nine years to the parish Nostra Madonna delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace, now Mary, Mother of the Redeemer in Calgary) an Italian-English parish in Calgary and remained there three very good years working with Deacon Ron Nowell. 

I was transferred to the combined parish of Canmore and Banff. In that time we acquired the property and put in place the design for a new church building (The Shrine Church) in Canmore. We encouraged many social programs and outreach activities to the parishioners and to the many tourists that attended while on vacation. I was very ably assisted by Deacon Brian West. 

I retired after eight years and at 76, I am enjoying retirement. 
Picture
Fr. Bryan Frank​

Ordained: April 15th, 1983, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary

Pastoral Assignments in the Diocese of Calgary:
  • Assistant: St. Peter’s, Calgary (1983-1985)
  • Assistant: Correctional Institute, Calgary (1983-1985)
  • Assistant: St. Basil’s, Lethbridge (1985-1987)
  • Chaplain: Lethbridge Correctional Institute (1987-1992)
  • Pastor: St. Ambrose, Coaldale (1987-1992)
  • Pastor: St. Mark’s, Calgary (1992-1995)
  • Pastor: St. Mary’s, Brooks (1995-2004)
  • Pastor: Our Lady of Grace, Calgary (2005-2007)
  • Administrator: St. Michael’s, Pincher Creek (2007-2008)
  • Pastor:  Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore; St. Mary’s, Banff (2008-2015)
  • Retired: August 2015

Written by Fr. Bryan Frank, Retired Priest of the Diocese of Calgary.
11 Comments

Fr. Michael L. Storey: Servant of God

9/2/2023

1 Comment

 
Written by Deacon Michael Soentgerath. 

Father Michael Storey, diocesan priest for the Diocese of Calgary, celebrated his 50th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination on May 12 this year. For this special anniversary year, I had a chance to sit down with Fr. Mike to look back on those fifty years and highlight some of the very special events that Fr. Mike remembers with much gratitude.

Firstly, the ordination day itself was such a marvellous celebration of faith, with Bishop Paul O’Byrne having celebrated his ordination at St. Augustine Parish in Taber. Bishop Paul chose Taber as the location with the intention of allowing the rural parishes to experience a priestly ordination in their hometown. Fr. Mike’s connection to Taber was that he completed this parish practicum in his final year of seminary. The whole parish, as well as many from different parts of Canada, gathered in Taber for this special celebration that all would remember and cherish as a tremendous day of celebrating the ministerial priesthood.

Another highlight of Fr. Mike’s priestly life was when Bishop Paul O’Byrne appointed him as the Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese. Fr. Mike had been Pastor of Ascension Catholic Parish in Calgary, the first Parish within the diocese to be under the same roof as a Lutheran Congregation. The two parishes together and formed the "Sandstone Ecumenical Centre". A true hands-on experience of intentionally living daily the spirit of ecumenism, as one Body of Christ focusing on what unites us rather than our divisions. It came as no surprise several years later, that Fr. Mike was the priest, chosen to administrate the reunification of Anglicans who wished to return to the Catholic Church together with Father Colin O’Rorke. Approximately sixty  people were received back into the Catholic Church in this endeavour, initiated by Pope Benedict XVI. Fr. Mike feels very blessed to have been chosen to help facilitate this historical moment within our diocese and the Catholic Church.

As a Pastor, Fr. Mike feels very grateful for the opportunity of having been appointed to serve in many parishes of the diocese: Canadian Martyrs in Calgary, St. Michael’s in Pincher Creek, Sacred Heart in Oyen and Acadia Valley, St. Peter in Milk River, St. James in Okotoks, Ascension Parish in Calgary, St. James in Calgary-with a special ministry to the South Sudanese Catholics in Calgary, St. Peter’s in Calgary and St. Mary’s in Brooks.

Following his Brooks appointment, Bishop Henry appointed Fr. Mike to the Calgary Priest Hospital Chaplaincy Team. This is when I had the privilege of working more closely with Fr. Mike. His work within the various hospitals within the city of Calgary was an amazing and extremely fruitful ministry with many experiences of people healing and on occasion even being cured of illness. Father recalls with great amazement how often the Sacraments of the Church were of such great healing benefit to those who availed themselves to their reception. Even fellow Christians asking for pastoral support was a common occurrence. His Chaplaincy Ministry was also not limited only to hospitals, he also served as Chaplain to the Calgary Police Service until August of this year.

Finally, a special occasion that Fr. Mike will always cherish, was when his classmate Cardinal Thomas Collins, then Archbishop of Toronto, was made a Cardinal in Rome and he was invited to come and take part in the ceremony of his former classmate and friend. It was a powerful celebration of faith with Saint Pope John Paul II.

Now Fr. Mike resides at the Providence Care Centre in the Priest residence wing, together with the other priests of the diocese. He reflects on his marvellous 50-year journey as a Servant of God in priestly ministry with gratitude.

With thankfulness and fond memories he looks back on his call from God in thanksgiving for all that the Lord had done and accomplished through his words, his hands and his heart! May the years ahead be filled with much peace, grace and many blessings in the Lord!
Picture
Fr. Michael L. Storey

​Ordained:  May 12th, 1973, at St. Augustine’s, Taber, AB.

​Pastoral Assignments in the Diocese of Calgary:
  • Assistant:  Canadian Martyrs, Calgary (1973-1974)
  • Assistant:  St. Michael’s, Pincher Creek (1974-1975)
  • Assistant:  Sacred Heart, Oyen; St. Mary’s, Acadia Valley (1975-1977)
  • Pastor:  Sacred Heart, Oyen; St. Mary’s, Acadia Valley (1977-1980)
  • Pastor:  St. Peter’s, Milk River (1980-1985)
  • Pastor:  St. Mary’s, Medicine Hat (1985-1987)
  • Pastor:  St. James, Okotoks (1987-1994)
  • Pastor:  Ascension of Our Lord, Calgary (1994-1996)
  • Pastor:  St. John’s, Calgary (1996-2000)
  • Pastor:  St. James, Calgary (2000-2007)
  • Pastor:  St. Peter’s, Calgary (2007-2009)
  • Pastor:  St. Mary’s, Brooks 
  • Chaplain:  Calgary Hospital Chaplaincy
  • Chaplain:  St. John the Evangelist (Anglican Ordinariate), Calgary (2011-2012)
1 Comment

Fr. Gregory Coupal: Signs of God’s love

9/2/2023

0 Comments

 
There are a number of theories about how time works. Some say that it is linear, others say that it is circular or cyclical. While the physicists argue the matter out, Fr. Greg Coupal’s life might be used as an argument for the case that time might just be cyclical after all.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1946, Fr. Greg moved to Calgary at the age of 6.  He first attended Holy Name Cottage School in Glengarry, one of the cottage schools which were developed by the school boards in Calgary to help reach sparsely populated parts of the city before they filled out in the years after World War II. He later attended St. Charles School and then St. Mary’s Boys High School.

The Coupal family was a mixed-marriage family — Fr. Greg’s father, Jean-Paul, was a Catholic, and his mother, Dorothy, was an Anglican. Aside from himself, the Coupals also had a daughter, Cathy, five years younger than Fr. Greg. He, his father, and his sister would attend Mass regularly at Sacred Heart Parish, and his mother would join them for major occasions.  Fr. Stan Henke was the young assistant at Sacred Heart at this time, and he gave Fr. Greg his first communion; Fr. Stan would later become a very good friend. 

While the Coupals were not directly encouraging of their son’s vocation, they were very supportive of it. Fr. Greg was never an altar server (even though his mother typed out all the responses for the trainees learning their Latin), not was the family the kind to pray the rosary together every night, yet he remembers his father’s pride in telling the sisters who were guarding exhibits at Expo 67 in Montreal that “This is my son!  He’s going to be a priest!”

Fr. Greg got his first “feelings” that he was called to the priesthood while studying at St. Mary’s High School. The Basilians were his teachers at the time, and the family had just moved to the new St. Gerard’s Parish, where Msgr. J. J. “Jack” O’Brien was pastor and Fr. Phil Fry was assistant. Msgr. O’Brien was very influential for Fr. Greg as a terrific model, and it was he who arranged for Fr. Greg to meet with Bishop Carroll as he was finishing high school. Fr. Greg was still missing Math 30 at the end of high school, and had to return to St. Mary’s the next year to complete it. Bishop Carroll was nonplussed, and said: “You don’t need Math 30 to count the collection.”

Fr. Greg entered St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton in 1965, just as the Second Vatican Council was drawing to a close.  It was still very monastic when he entered, and change was very gradual.  Seminarians were not to visit in each other’s rooms, and there was complete silence after night prayer.  However, the anticipation of change after the council showed some weakness in the formerly unflappable structures of seminary life; “What do we do?” and “Where do we go from here?” seemed to be the unspoken, and sometimes seriously debated, questions that hung in the air in those years. 

The major development at the seminary at the time was the creation of Newman Theological College, and seminarians’ courses were conducted under the jurisdiction of NTC, even though they were within the same facility as in previous years. For a number of factors, Fr. Greg was the only member of his intake class at St. Joseph’s to be ordained, and even then, Fr. Greg did not graduate from St. Joseph’s Seminary.

As Fr. Greg parted ways with St. Joseph’s, Bishop O’Byrne arranged for him to attend St. Thomas the Apostle Seminary in Kenmore, Washington, just outside of Seattle.  It was discovered that Fr. Greg had completed most of his theology requirements, and so the faculty made the decision to place him in a parish — Our Lady of the Lake in Seattle, under Fr. Bill Lane and Fr. Pat Callaghan. These two were an excellent spiritual team, and served as top-notch mentors to Fr. Greg, ensuring that he was included in all social and spiritual activities in the parish. 

​Changes following the Second Vatican Council were beginning to take effect around this time — Fr. Greg was the last man to be ordained a subdeacon for the diocese of Calgary in the spring of 1972, before this holy order was suppressed that summer. He was ordained a deacon at St. James’ Parish in Calgary, where he served one of the first pastoral placements that would later become a regular part of seminary training. 
Picture
Fr. Greg's ordination, St. Gerard's, 1973.
Fr. Greg was ordained on March 3rd, 1973, the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, at St. Gerard’s Parish in Calgary, in the midst of a beautiful chinook, which shocked his classmates from Seattle.

Fr. Greg was one of the last ordinandi from St. Thomas Seminary, which closed in 1977.  Immediately afterwards, Fr. Greg left for New Orleans for Mardi Gras and to visit a family, former parishioners of St. James, who could not make the ordination.  On the way home he stopped in Houston to visit their son, a seminarian for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, TX; this young man is now the Bishop of Biloxi, Mississippi, Louis Kihneman, III.          
       
In his priestly ministry, Fr. Greg’s placements have been varied.  He remembers the “Seek the Face of God” conferences at St. Mary’s in Medicine Hat fondly, as well as the retreats at St. Gerard’s in Calgary with the Redemptorists and with Grayson Warren Brown — “God is Good!”. 

He is grateful for the many incredible women and pastoral associates such as Doreen Yochim and Teri Hutchinson, with whom he has shared ministry and who highlighted to him the great potential and gifts that women have to offer within the church.

Notably, for much of his priestly life, Fr. Greg has been involved in ministry to high schools as chaplain, chaplain emeritus and adjunct chaplain, particularly with Barb Fabijan-Waddell at St. Mary’s, Bishop Carroll and St. Anne’s Academic Centre.  This has taken him as far away as the former Soviet Union with St. Mary’s High School in 1978. 

This particularly memorable trip involved a Mass in Communist Russia, where no liturgical changes had yet occurred after Vatican II, the only way to communicate with the priest was in extremely broken Latin, and an armed guard was posted at the back of the church.  There was also a five-hour trip to the hospital to escort one of the members of a Vancouver group with the same itinerary who sprained an ankle, which involved some very extremely broken Russian.  He was the chair of the police commission in Hanna, and had an RCMP officer boarding with him — the so-called “Odd Couple” are still friends today.  

Fr. Greg also still serves as a chaplain for Retrouvaille, helping couples with marriage challenges, having inherited the role from Fr. Jack Bastigal, and Fr. John Petravicius before him. Fr. Greg is not only chaplain for the Calgary community, but for the Vancouver community as well, and enjoys seeing that with a lot of hard work on their part and the power of the Holy Spirit, these couples leave these weekends with a lot more hope for their marriages.
           
When asked for advice for those discerning vocations today, his advice is steeped in his experiences in seminary:  “If you’re not happy…, get out.”  He was of 83 seminarians at St. Joseph’s at the time of his entrance in 1965, and one of 12 when he and St. Joseph’s parted ways. He has been very happy as a priest — and still is.

He also stresses that the importance for the discerner to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and that God will speak in little ways through the people and circumstances around us, rather than in a big booming way.  As well, it is important to remember that vocations are not ours, but that God gives each vocation as a gift, and we are to be stewards of the gift.

Included in the best advice he’s ever been given, words from Bishop Emeritus Henry come to mind, that a priest should “be a shepherd, not a cowboy.”  A shepherd invites his flock to follow him in front, while a cowboy pushes the cattle along the trail from behind. 

In his 50 years as a priest, his most effective pastoral ministry occurred by accepting people where they were, and then gently inviting them to grow, rather than by imposing his expectations upon them. To make the point, Fr. Greg gave the example of a funeral in which the family had no desire or intention to choose any readings for the service. Fr. Greg chose to leave the lectionary with the family over the weekend, and by the next meeting, they had chosen an Old and New Testament reading, a responsorial psalm, and a passage from the Gospels. At the funeral, they thanked Fr. Greg “for taking us where we were, and leading us a little bit further.”
Picture
Fr. Greg's 25th anniversary, Corpus Christi, 1998.
Fr. Greg’s journey has been cyclical — many of his early influences would remain or return to be part of his life later. He presided over the funerals of his Grade 1 teacher, Alice Tucking, Grade 3 teacher, Cosma Luvisotto, Grade 12 English teacher Ron Thompson; and led a prayer service for his junior high teacher, Bernie Andrea. 

Part of his involvement as a high school chaplain in Calgary and Medicine Hat was conducting the “Search” program — he is still friends with some of the students who are now grandparents. He returned to St. Gerard’s, his home parish, as pastor later on; and his first placement as a priest was also his last — St. Mary’s Cathedral.

​For Fr. Greg, the life of a priest is a “sign of God’s love for people”.  Despite all the changes that have happened in his time, Fr. Greg has done his best to be one of these signs, pointing out God’s love for us steadily, throughout the cycles of his 50 golden years of priestly ministry.
Picture
Fr. Gregory Coupal
​
Ordained
:  March 3, 1973, St. Gerard’s Parish, Calgary.

Pastoral Assignments in the Diocese of Calgary:
  • Assistant:  St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary (1973-1979)
  • Chaplain:  St. Mary’s High School, Calgary (1975-1979)
  • Pastor:  St. George’s, Hanna (1979-1984)
  • Pastor:  Christ the King, Claresholm (1984-1987)
  • Pastor:  St. Mary’s, Medicine Hat; St. Albert the Great, CFB Suffield (1987-1996)
  • Pastor:  Corpus Christi, Calgary (1996-1998)
  • Pastor:  St. Gerard’s, Calgary (1998-2006)
  • Pastor:  St. Bonaventure, Calgary (2006-2008)
  • Rector:  St. Mary’s Cathedral (2008-2014)
  • Retired:  October 18th, 2014

Picture
Written by Solomon Ip for Faithfully. Solomon is a born and raised Calgarian. He studied music history in Lethbridge, and is now a seminarian in his pre-theology studies at St. Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton. He has been worshipping most recently with Canadian Martyrs Parish in Calgary, and with St. Mary's Parish in Banff where he has been working as a heritage interpreter with Parks Canada. He is an oboist by training, a chorister by grace, hobby wordsmith, amateur calligrapher, and museum enthusiast.
0 Comments

Journeying Together: Hope & Healing

9/2/2023

0 Comments

 
Grief, despite its painful nature, can reveal our resilience. It can deepen our relationships and enhance our spirituality. While it's a difficult journey, it's also an opportunity for growth and transformation.

I am a bereaved mother with experiences in traumatic loss, genetic loss due to a Edward’s Syndrome, and miscarriage loss. As well, I’m a psychologist, and for the past two and half decades, I have been privileged to journey with persons integrating grief.  My personal experiences, as well as those of my marriage and family, have motivated me to live in a way that celebrates life, deepens spirituality, and strengthens connections.

Grief often manifests as feelings of invisibility and isolation. These experiences, while common, can act as fertile ground for a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, unprocessed guilt, inhibiting shame, distorted personal narratives, marital disconnect, impacted sexuality, and infertility, among others. While I have grappled with feelings of invisibility and isolation, they occur less frequently now. Although I have benefited from psychological resources, I have found profound comfort in spiritual practices, and I am looking forward to share this with others.

Miscarriage and early infancy loss are unique forms of grief, with a myriad of potential facets. These can include medical trauma, survivor guilt, sometimes relief, confusion, spiritual questioning, depression, cultural differences, and spousal differences. Such experiences often receive minimal recognition and may not even be directly linked to the loss. Consequently, the intensity of the loss may be intensified by feelings of minimization, invisibility, and loneliness.
Picture
I extend an invitation to grieving parents to attend a workshop/retreat hosted by the Diocese of Calgary, titled "Journeying Together: Hope & Healing for Those Grieving a Miscarriage or Stillbirth." - October 13 & 14, 2023 (Friday evening & Saturday) at Ascension Catholic Parish. Registration is now open.

​I have the privilege of being one of the speakers at this event, where I will discuss this specific form of grief.

The workshop is designed to be personal rather than personalized. Our aim is to address the heart (grief), soul (spiritual comfort and resources), mind (understanding and memorializing), and strength (reassuring attendees that they're not alone and fostering resilience). We've also allocated space to discuss the distinct experiences between husbands and wives, the impact on the family system, and how to carry life forward using practical and spiritual resources.
Why should you attend?

Firstly, grief is often a topic that is avoided as discussing it can be a painful reminder of the loss experienced, and people are biologically wired to avoid pain. Secondly, in my practice, I frequently encounter concerns about potentially hurting others by bringing up the subject of loss. However, have no fear - the pain already exists and discussing the loss can help relieving it, rather than intensifying it. When we avoid it, we risk creating a deeper wound - a sense of invisibility.

The purpose of this workshop is to journey together, creating a safe space where we can share and navigate the complexities of grief and its integration into our lives. Finally, I’ve heard many say, "I don’t know what to say." In the workshop, you will learn through testimony of what has been helpful, including this statement.

This workshop is open to everyone. You might consider attending if you have personally experienced a miscarriage, if you know someone who has suffered a miscarriage and you're unsure how to provide support, or if you frequently interact with families and want to be equipped to handle this specific form of grief. The organizers and participants hope that through this workshop, attendees will feel affirmed, find a space to share their experiences, receive comfort, embrace the opportunity to learn, possibly adjust their narratives if needed, and cultivate a desire to support others.

Picture
Written by Eunice Peterson, R. Psych. Eunice is a registered psychologist in her private practice. Her primary areas of focus include trauma integration from a neurobiological perspective, disorders on the anxiety spectrum, as well as grief and loss, and life transitions. She, alongside her husband and five children, have been residents of Calgary since 2010 and are members of St. Joseph's Parish community.
0 Comments

    Author

    Catholic Pastoral Centre Staff and Guest Writers

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018

    Categories

    All
    Advent & Christmas
    AI
    Art
    Bereavement
    Bishop Emeritus Henry
    Bishop McGrattan
    Book Review
    Care For Creation
    Catechetics
    Catholic Charities & Development
    Catholic Education
    Catholic Pastoral Centre
    Catholic Schools
    CCCB
    Children
    Christian Unity
    Climate Change
    Communications
    Consecrated Life
    Consecrated Virgin
    Conversion
    Covid 19
    Culture
    CWL
    Development & Peace
    Devotions
    Diocesan Event
    Disci
    Discipleship
    Ecumenical
    Elizabeth House
    Environment
    Euthanasia
    Evangelization
    Faithful Living
    Faithfully
    Family
    Feed The Hungry
    From The Bishop's Office
    Fundraising
    Funeral
    Grieving
    Health
    Health Care
    Homelessness
    Hospitality
    Indigenous
    In Memoriam
    Interfaith
    Jubilarians
    Jubilee
    Jubilee 2025
    Lay Associations
    Lent
    Lent & Easter
    Liturgy
    Marian
    Marriage
    Mary
    Mass
    Men's Ministry
    Mental Health
    Migrants
    Miscarriage
    Mission Mexico
    Movie Review
    Music
    One Rock
    Online Formation
    Ordination
    Palliative Care
    Parenting
    Parish Life
    Pastoral Care
    Pastoral Renewal
    Pastoral Visit
    Permanent Diaconate
    Pope
    Pope Francis
    Prayer
    Pray For Peace
    Priesthood
    Prolife
    RCIA
    Reconciliation
    Refugee
    Religious Education
    Religious Freedom
    Religious Life
    Resources And Guidelines
    Sacred Art
    Safe Environment
    Saints
    Scripture & Reflection
    Seminarians
    Seniors
    SFXC
    Social Justice
    Stewardship
    St. Joseph
    St. Mary's University
    Synod
    Vatican
    Vocation
    You Are Called
    You Belong
    You Matter
    Youth And Young Adults
    Youth Ministry

    RSS Feed

GET TO KNOW US
Our Bishop
Offices & Ministries
​Our Staff
Read our Blog
Catholic Community
​Lay Associations
CONNECT WITH US
If You Choose To Talk About it
​
Contact us
​Careers
​Parish Boundaries
​Mass Times

Volunteer Screening
NEED INFO ON
Becoming Catholic
Marriage Preparation
​Vocations
Annulment 
Sacraments Prep
Catholic Funeral
GIVE TO
Diocesan Ministries
Together in Action
Feed the Hungry
Elizabeth House
Your Parish Church​ 
​Other Ministry
REPORT ABUSE

Catholic Pastoral Centre  | 120 - 17th Ave SW, Calgary, AB  T2S 2T2 | ​Phone: 403-218-5500 | [email protected]
Charitable Number: 
10790-9939-RR0076​. Donate Now.
Photo from aronbaker2
  • Renewal
  • Blog
  • About
  • Give
  • News & Events
  • Ministries
  • Contact Us
  • MASS TIMES
  • Jubilee 2025