 On an overcast September afternoon in a hospital room with a view overlooking the Bow River toward the mountains, sits Rob and Christa Rubben playing cribbage. The way they delight in this age-old game is reminiscent of an old, happily married couple. Christa tends to Rob’s every need, adjusting his bed tray, fixing his breathing tube, holding his hand. Rob gazes at his bride, humbly accepting her loving care and making her laugh through it all. The way they’ve shouldered difficult circumstances, embraced their cross and remained faithful is truly remarkable. One week before Rob passed away, the Rubbens spoke candidly about their lives in a shared four-bed hospital room at Foothills Hospital, in between doctor consults, nurse rounds, family visits and much emotion. Speaking publicly about personal matters is unnatural to the couple, but Rob in particular felt called to give glory to God by sharing his story, which is in turn their story. After a two year battle with colorectal cancer, Rob and Christa understand he has run out of medical interventions for a chance at a cure, but they have not run out of faith in God’s perfect plan. Adult Diagnosis In November 2022, at the age of 36, Rob’s diagnosis came as a shock not long after vacationing in New York City, where they were celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary. On the trip Rob felt exhausted and Christa noticed he looked really pale, so Rob decided to see his family doctor upon return. Their doctor ordered blood work and, when the results came in, they showed irregularly low hemoglobin levels. His doctor asked that Rob go directly to emergency for a blood transfusion. He was admitted to hospital for further testing and, about a week later, the biopsy results were conclusive. He had colorectal cancer. After removing the tumor, followed by six months of chemotherapy, Rob initially had clean scans. But about five months after treatment, scans showed growths in his peritoneum (the lining surface of the abdomen). This past January, Rob began treatment again, only this time the Rubbens invited their friends and family to pray a nightly Divine Mercy Chaplet together for a miraculous cure as well as for peace, strength, perseverance, trust and hope for the journey before them. Since that time, a group has met online each night for the chaplet. Participants take turns leading a decade and, more recently, have begun asking for the intercession of Saints to whom the couple have a devotion: St. Peregrine, St. John Paul II, St. Mother Teresa, Blessed Solanus Casey, and Sr. Wilhelmina of Missouri. For Rob, who was 38, praying the Divine Mercy prayer is about “a trust that God’s mercy is greater than all things. And He can do all things,” he said. “Now, is He going to do everything we want? [Not necessarily] But we don’t know what’s best either. I just think Divine Mercy is an opportunity to surrender that to God and trust in Him, trust that His mercy is always there.”
Reclined in bed, Rob’s eyes instantly brightened with light as he described the couple’s first encounter in vivid detail. “We broke away from the group and just got talking about this and that… Getting acquainted with one another,” said Rob. “I wouldn’t say the sparks were flying, but at the same time it was just nice to talk to you,” continued Rob, looking at Christa. “You were interesting and easy to talk to.” “That’s one thing I’ve always found in our marriage is wanting to spend time with Christa, wanting to talk to her. It’s not to say we don’t have our disagreements, but [our marriage has] always been very strong in terms of our friendship. It was just a really friendly chat. I definitely thought she was really cool and really interesting.” Fast forward to today and the Rubbens would have been approaching seven years of marriage on October 7. They exchanged vows at a beautiful Calgary wedding at Holy Name Parish, with a fun reception at Heritage Park inside Gasoline Alley. To see them now, you might think this couple could just as well have been married 70 years the way their gaze holds a tenderness and wisdom, born of intentionally facing their challenges together. “Never would I have thought two people could love each other as much as we do,” said Rob, wiping tears from his eyes. Christa’s “number one quality without a doubt is how big her heart is,” said Rob, his voice cracking as he takes half a minute to compose himself. “She just cares so much for everyone and she does so much for everyone. She goes out of her way to love and care and she will just do it. She’s just the most kind-hearted person I’ve ever met.” “I think I’m a good guy, but like just the way my brain works, I’m not wired the same way that she is – like to have that big of a heart,” finished Rob in a whisper of emotion. “All her other qualities are just so rooted in her love for everyone…. At the end of the day Christa’s capacity for love is so high that to me that’s all that matters.” Christa has been wholly devoted to Rob throughout his cancer journey, taking time off of work to sit with him in hospital as he receives chemotherapy treatment. Since Rob was admitted to Foothills Hospital in September, Christa has scarcely left his side. At night she curls up into his hospital bed, “taking up only a small piece of real-estate,” as she says, so he’s not alone through the long, oft painful nights. For Christa, Rob provides stability and security in their relationship. “Rob has always made me feel very seen,” said Christa, choking back tears. “I’d never felt that way before, where someone truly saw me for who I was, and cherished it. It helped me come out of myself, which has been so incredible. “I think he sees the worth in people, and that’s such an incredible thing, and it’s blessed me so much. It’s made me more confident in who I am and my worthiness. I’ve always felt cherished by him from the very beginning. I feel he does that with everyone around him.
 Family Life A core cross within the Rubben’s marriage has been their struggle with infertility. “I think we both just really wanted to be parents…” said Rob. “It’s a hard dream to let go of.” Working with their counsellor, connecting with friends in the same or similar situation as well as seeking spiritual direction from their long-time friend Fr. Cristino Bouvette, have helped the pair navigate this suffering. Within the context of infertility, Fr. Cristino “reiterated to us that Rob and I are a family and we don’t have to have children to be a family, that was started when we got married,” said Christa. “That helped us solidify ourselves as our unit.” The Rubbens learned how to hold the hard and the beautiful at the same time. “Joy and sorrow always go together, and we’ve lived that pretty deeply through our time.” At the time of Rob’s cancer diagnosis the couple had been in the process of adoption, so the joy of the prospect of adding a child to their family had to sorrowfully be put on hold. “We’ve dealt with so many serious things, and at the same time, we try not to take life too seriously,” said Rob. “You have to laugh and joke about the hand you’ve been dealt. You have to keep it fun, playful, not too serious – light.” Christa remembers when Rob was first in hospital, trying to figure out why his blood work was off. “I got some ginger ale and some chips and we watched a movie with pop and chips in the hospital bed and it was really fun. It was one of those joyous moments in the midst of our life [being] turned upside down. But little things like that make things better,” said Christa, smiling with her eyes.  Childhood Cancer
Considering Rob’s long history with cancer, it is miraculous that they could enjoy a sweet moment together in hospital waiting for his lab results. Rob spent a portion of his childhood – ages 7 through 11 years old – battling for his life. Doctors found a tumor the size of a small cantaloupe on his kidney on a Wednesday evening in November 1993. That Friday morning Rob underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove the growth. He still remembers all his treatments, the dates they started and finished, how many cycles, the types of procedures used. Over the course of the next year, Rob underwent chemotherapy. Three months after he finished treatment, a scan showed a small growth on his lung. This time Rob’s treatment was highly aggressive. The doctors performed a stem cell transplant, harvesting the stem cells from his own body. “It was intense,” said Rob. “They would blast you so hard they would entirely kill your immune system and then throw you into the isolation room. Each time I was in isolation for 10 days.” Rob went through six rounds of this treatment, with three-week breaks in between. All told, he spent 60 days in isolation. Rob stayed in a small room with a bathroom and cot for visitors that had vacuum-sealed doors leading into a vacuum-sealed hallway. Anyone who entered had to gown, glove and mask. His parents alternated visits and volunteers spent time with him too, but there was also alone time. “It was hard. You are this eight/nine-year-old kid and you can’t do anything,” said Rob. “You can play board games, you can watch movies, read books, but you are in bed for 10 days at a time.” Rob’s scans came back clean for a year after treatment was finished, until a mandarin orange-sized tumor was found on his other lung. “They took it out, but it had rooted out like a spider, and had grown legs, so they couldn’t get all of it out,” said Rob. At this point, he was given a 10 percent chance of survival. Rob’s options were to try one last ditch effort at treatment or just to go home. “My parents were told, ‘Here’s our options, Rob’s probably going to pass away, but we could try this, but it will be our last shot.’ My parents told me about that, and asked me what I wanted to do, and I just wanted to keep fighting,” he said. Another year of combined radiation and chemotherapy treatment until Rob’s final round in November 1997. Rob then needed clean scans for two years to be considered cancer free.
Miraculous Healing At first Rob was upset about all that happened to him, but, as his teenage years wore on, his perspective changed. Rob began to see his healing as a miracle. “The stories of prayer that I’d heard over time from others – that opened my eyes to what was at work,” said Rob. “Just hearing from my parents, ‘You are a miracle child,’ I think my parents shielded me from a lot of the severity of it. I don’t think they thought I was going to necessarily get better. They were told, ‘We don’t think that Rob’s going to be okay.’” Rob was born to Peter and Donna Rubben on September 8, 1986 in Burnaby, BC. He grew up there with his brother, Alex, and sister, Jennifer. Family life was complicated with Rob’s childhood cancer and his younger brother, Alex, who has special needs. Nevertheless, everyone was appreciated for who they were within the family and they enjoyed doing favourite family pastimes together, like swimming and biking. When asked, Christa shared her impression of how different experiences have shaped their family. “I can see it in all of you, you pay attention to the vulnerable,” said Christa to Rob. “You all have a heart for that in your own way. It’s your own Rubben-way, but you have a heart for caring for the vulnerable.” The Rubbens’ Irish-French Catholic roots run deep. Rob’s mother, the second of seven children born to Irish immigrants: John and Delia O’Neill; and his father, the fifth of eight children born to Henri and Rita Rubben of French-Canadian and Ottawa Valley roots, have always raised their family in the faith, attending Mass regularly. “My parents have always maintained, ‘I don’t know how we could do this without faith,’” said Rob. “No one has ever been like ‘I want nothing to do with God, I’m super angry.’” There were many consolations within Rob’s childhood cancer journey. He was blessed with a faith-filled oncologist, Dr. Jeff Davis, who prayed for his healing. His family formed a lifelong friendship with the Davis family, and Rob remains friends with Dr. Davis’ son. Rob recalled a story about seeing “the lights” wherein he had a very difficult night after one of his lung surgeries. Both lungs collapsed an hour apart. In the middle of the night, while the physiotherapists were working on him, Rob kept telling his mother ‘I’m seeing the lights.’ Meanwhile, Rob’s mother told him to ‘hold on’ while she prayed rosary after rosary.
Heaven is for real Since January, Rob has undergone aggressive treatment to shrink the peritoneum growths, so he could receive a specialized surgery called HIPEC (which Rob describes as marinating the growth in targeted chemotherapy). But in the spring, after four months of chemotherapy, the battle waged on with the discovery of new growths in his bones. All the while, Rob showed excellence in his profession, continuing to work nearly full-time with Canlin Energy and was even promoted as a team lead. Never losing hope, Rob endured complications in the summer that postponed his last chemo cycle before scans. When he found out the cancer had spread past the bones, he was gearing up for new treatment. But the cancer was spreading quickly now, creating complications with his liver, which made new treatment options unavailable. On September 11, Christa made the heart-breaking announcement on their CaringBridge site that Rob was being moved into palliative care. At day’s end on September 19, Rob passed away with Christa faithfully by his side. His funeral will be held October 5 at St. Anthony’s Church in Calgary at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow at Cabin Brewing Company; he will be interred inside Our Lady of the Rockies in Canmore. The funeral falls on the feast of St. Faustina Kowalska, who was divinely inspired to compose the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the same daily devotion the Rubbens and their community have prayed together daily since January. Throughout Rob and Christa’s journey, they have never strayed from Church teaching and miraculously retained the gift of ardent faith, hope and love. Here is Rob in his own words. “There have been times where I’ve been like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening to me again.’ When I was a kid, maybe some anger, but this last time never any anger. I’ve just never wanted – since all that stuff as a child – I’ve never wanted to be angry at God. I just believe in Him and what He can do. “I told Fr. Cristino that there’s two things that upset, anger, sadden and scare me about this whole thing. One of them is the people I’m going to leave behind, especially Christa,” said Rob, suddenly brought to tears. “Since I’ve met Christa all I’ve wanted to do is take care of her. That’s what matters most to me and it’s really hard to think about me not being there to take care of her. I know everyone else will, but it’s really heartbreaking for me. “The other one is going downhill and knowing that there are going to be some pretty hard sufferings along the way. I know … as Christians, suffering is an important part of our journey, but you know… Jesus was in the Garden, and He wanted His suffering taken away. Even Jesus wanted that, and that’s hard cause I know how much He suffered. “But in terms of dying, is there a God, is there no God, what do we really believe, our actual fundamental beliefs, I’m not scared of that and I’m not scared of, just dying and that’s it. I believe, like I really do, I’ve never been a person who’s wanted to turn his back on his belief in God. I’ve never wanted to turn my back on that, I’ve never wanted to not believe, and not be a Catholic. It’s always been really important to me. "I do believe in God’s mercy and heaven and eternal life with Him. And sometimes it’s hard to wrap your head around it from a less intellectual, more like a – this is a place I could be going soon. But I do believe. “I remember I contemplated heaven a fair bit for a while back when I was totally healthy and no issues, and I just think heaven and being with Jesus and the way Jesus will know us in heaven is just something that our earthly brains can’t even comprehend. So it might sound philosophical, but I just don’t think we have the brain power to understand that. So why contemplate it? Just trust. I think you just have to trust and believe that God is there. He’s real. He’s merciful, and He’ll take care of us.”  Written by Sara Francis for Faithfully. Sara is a writer living in Calgary with her husband Ben and their six children. They attend St. Bernard's / Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. Photos courtesy of Christa Rubben.
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 Join us for a Eucharistic Celebration on Mon, Sep 30, 2024, at 5 pm at St. Mary's Cathedral on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. All are welcome! National Day of Truth and Reconciliation On Monday, September 30, 2024 Canadians commemorate the work towards reconciliation by honouring residential school victims, survivors, and their loved ones.
The City of God The late Catholic thinker Fr. James V. Schall, S.J. said that we should read The City of God at least once in our lives, though he also said once is not enough. He described reading The City of God as “one of life’s soul-moving experiences, like reading Aristotle’s Metaphysics, or The Brothers Karamazov, or the Epistle to the Romans.”[1] St. Augustine completed The City of God a few years before his death and began writing it nearly fifteen years earlier, shortly after the sack of Rome by barbarians from northern Europe in 410 A.D. He wrote the book in part as a response to those who blamed the decline of the Roman Empire on the Christian religion. Instead, he argued, the empire’s demise was due instead to its own moral decadence, and the futile gods of paganism were never capable of giving the Romans happiness in the first place. Augustine did say, however, that Christians were at fault insofar as they failed to admonish their pagan neighbours for fear of losing social status or economic advantage (a timely lesson, certainly, for today). All of this Augustine treats of in the first half of the book. In the second half, however, he treats of something much broader: the origin, development, and destinations of the City of God and the City of Man. The City of God is the society of all who love God as their supreme good, and the City of Man is the society of all who love themselves as their supreme good. At its deepest level, history is the story of the struggle between these two cities, a struggle in which the City of God is ultimately victorious. The Importance of The City of God Today The City of God is both timeless and timely, relevant in every age, including our own. In writing about the two Cities, Augustine examines a whole host of theological topics, such as the creation of the universe, the good and the bad angels, original sin, grace and free will, the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, the Incarnation, and the resurrection of the body. Participants in the book study said that reading The City of God gave them a better understanding of what we as Catholics believe and that it helped them appreciate our faith’s richness and depth. Studying The City of God also gave readers a sharper sense of the reality of our faith. In one part of the book, Augustine recounts what was happening among nations outside of Israel, especially Assyria and Rome, at the same time as the events narrated in Scripture from the time of Abraham to the coming of Jesus Christ. By tracing the course of salvation history alongside the course of secular history, Augustine brings home that the Christian faith is not about myths or fairy-tales but rather real historical events and that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the central events of human history. Readers noted parallels between pagan ideas that Augustine had to respond to and ideas prevalent today. In the words of one reader, “We are seeing a lot of pagan philosophies reappearing in our society, so it was interesting to read Augustine's response to these...because today they appear as relatively new concepts and yet they are sitting there in history.” Augustine provides a model of how to respond to the ideas of the culture in which one lives with the light of the Gospel. The City of God provides helpful guidance for Christians living in today’s world. We have already noted Augustine’s emphasis on fraternal correction. Concerns about social standing or the opinion of others should never hold us back from speaking the truth, which is ultimately, as Scripture teaches, an act of charity (cf. Ezekiel 33:7-11). Moreover, although many sectors of earthly life may be dominated by the City of Man, Augustine says that the citizens of the City of God should not simply run away from earthly affairs (such as business or politics) but rather seek to direct them toward eternal realities. Catholics should engage with their contemporaries and show by word and example how the splendour of the truth revealed in Jesus Christ has the power to transform our lives and direct us toward perfect and lasting happiness. Augustine has much wisdom for those who seek to be missionary disciples. This week, the St. Luke’s book study will begin a new adventure: reading St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. In January, they will take up St. Francis de Sales’ Introduction to the Devout Life.
Written by Fr. Derek Remus, Associate Pastor of St. Luke's Church, Calgary.
 This year brings an important step for the eight permanent deacon candidates in the Diocese of Calgary’s Permanent Diaconate Formation Program. As these men and their wives enter their third year of a four-year journey, they are called to a deeper engagement with the Word of God through the Rite of Institution of Lector, a significant milestone on their path to ordination. “The Rite of Institution of Lector is the second of three rites in the formation program,” Deacon Laing, member of the Permanent Diaconate Formation (and Mission) Council explained. “This step marks a growing level of commitment for these men as they prepare to serve the Church in a unique way.” The first rite is the Call to Candidacy, and the third, which comes next year, is the Institution of Acolyte. For Deacon Laing, the beauty of this rite lies in the candidates’ deeper immersion in scripture. "These eight men have accepted the task to become ‘readers and bearers of God’s Word,’” he said. This year of formation, with a focus on sacred scripture, prepares them to bring the living Word to the community in a profound way. Here is the list of candidates who have just begun their third year of formation (of 4 years) and were instituted as Lectors this fall:
A Journey of Transformation When asked about the personal reflections of the candidates, Deacon Laing shared, “A few have mentioned that this journey in formation has brought them closer to God, to their families, and friends.” It’s clear that this experience is transformative, not only for the men, but also for their loved ones. Family plays a significant role in the candidates' journeys, as many of them attend formation sessions alongside their wives. The support system extends even further, with the parish community and clergy contributing to the preparation of the ritual. “Every liturgy requires preparation and rehearsal,” Deacon Laing mentioned, emphasizing the work behind the scenes that helped with the execution of the Rite of Institution of Lector. At the Mass, Bishop McGrattan’s words resonated deeply with the candidates. Deacon Laing recalled part of the bishop’s prayer: “As readers and bearers of God’s Word, you will assist in this mission, and so take on a special office within the Christian community.” The bishop reminded the newly installed Lectors of their responsibility to instruct others in the faith, proclaim God’s Word, and bring the message of salvation to those who have yet to hear it.
What’s next? As the candidates move forward, their formation continues to deepen. “Part of year three is dedicated to the ‘Principles of Liturgy,’ and ‘Introduction to Preaching,’” Deacon Laing said, explaining that these lessons begin to prepare them for year four, which focuses on homiletics—learning to prepare and deliver homilies. For now, though, the candidates are focused on becoming true bearers of God’s Word, guided by the scripture that continues to shape their vocation. With each step they take, they are drawn deeper into their mission of serving the Church and proclaiming the message of salvation. Welcoming 5 new aspirants In addition to the permanent deacon candidates, five aspirants have just begun their first year of discernment in the Permanent Diaconate Program. "The journey to ordination as a Permanent Deacon begins with a year of “Aspirancy” or discernment, followed by three years of formation guided by the pillars of Theological, Spiritual, Pastoral, and Human development," explained Deacon John Walsh, chair of the Permanent Diaconate Formation Council. Here is the list of the aspirants who have embarked on this path:
These men have now taken their first steps on a journey that will shape their lives as they discern God’s call to serve as deacons within the Church. As they begin this important path, let us remember them in our prayers. For more information about the Permanent Diaconate program, visit catholicyyc.ca/permanentdiaconate
Photography by Victor Panlilio, for the Permanent Diaconate team.  On September 8, 2024, Sacred Heart Parish in Calgary witnessed a historic event that united the Filipino Catholic community: the very first combined fiesta celebration of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, organized by the Filipino Mass Team Ministry and the Peñafrancia Association. This occasion drew significant attention, graced by the presence of Philippine Consul General Emma Sarne and Vice Consul Vida Soraya Verzosa of the Philippine Consulate General Office - Calgary, highlighting the importance of cultural and religious ties for Filipinos living abroad. The Eucharistic celebration was led by Fr. Arjay Abanto, the parish pastor, and concelebrant Fr. Roderick Caabay from the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, Palawan, Philippines. The Mass, attended by over 1,600 people, attracted Filipino pilgrims from various regions including Calgary, Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Edmonton, and even as far as Montreal, Quebec. This overwhelming turnout exemplified the strong sense of community and shared devotion among Filipino Catholics, embodying our Diocesan Pastoral Renewal call to be "a church of encounter and witness." The significance of the fiesta lies not only in its religious observance but also in its power to create a sense of belonging among diverse groups of individuals. Attendees felt a profound connection to their faith and community, affirming that they matter and belong within the framework of the parish, following the teachings of Christ, Mary, and Gospel values. Fr. Abanto’s inspiring message emphasized the importance of deepening one’s faith and devotion to the Blessed Mother, even for those living far from the Philippines. Many found hope and encouragement in his homily, which called for humility, service, and a commitment to the Filipino Catholic faith. Consul General Emma Sarne echoed these themes, recognizing the sacrifices made by Filipinos working abroad. She acknowledged the challenges they face but also emphasized the resilience of the Filipino spirit. Despite these challenges, Filipino Catholics remain committed to nurturing their faith, showcasing a remarkable ability to connect with their spiritual roots regardless of geographical boundaries. 
The event was also supported by various members from the parish organizations and parish office, whose participation highlighted the strong foundation and relationships nurtured with the Filipino community. Their presence reinforced the idea that such celebrations are not only religious but also communal gatherings that strengthen ties among parishioners of diverse backgrounds. In summary, the inaugural fiesta celebration of Our Lady of Peñafrancia at Sacred Heart Parish was a profound expression of embracing the faith, community, and resilience for Filipino Catholics in Canada. It served as a reminder of the power of shared beliefs in forging connections and fostering a strong sense of belonging, transcending borders and bringing individuals together in devotion and fellowship. 
Holy Trinity is a small parish in the heart of the mountains in southwestern Alberta. We’ve been part of this parish for six years, and before that, we were involved with All Saints Parish in Lethbridge. We are glad to be engaged in the Renewal Process. We felt inspired by the initial meeting and presentation that the Diocese held at St. Martha’s Church in Lethbridge. Father Joe is also encouraged by the Renewal Process. Even though we are a small parish with not much activity, we are taking small, concrete steps to create an atmosphere of belonging. We want the focus to be Christ-centered in a practical way—calling people to community, building friendships, and exploring possibilities for spiritual growth.
Written by Marie & Steve Burger, Parish Renewal Team Members at Holy Trinity Parish, Blairmore. Photo courtesy of Holy Trinity Parish.
It’s not every day that a priest, a deacon, and a seminarian take the stage as the evening’s headlining performers. But that’s exactly what happened on August 16th, when St. Mary’s Cathedral hosted its summer renewal gathering. After the 5 pm Mass celebrated by Bishop McGrattan, parishioners were invited to the Parish Hall, where they were greeted with live music and an array of sandwiches and refreshments. The band, featuring Fr. Avinash Colaco, Deacon Greg Barcelon, and other members of the parish community, set the tone. Praise and worship songs, led by seminarian Peter An and other parishioners, provided a beautiful start to the evening’s entertainment. The band later performed several classic hits that kept the dance floor packed all night! The evening also provided an opportunity for parishioners to express their gratitude to the beloved Associate Pastor, Fr. Julian Studden, on his retirement, and to welcome Seminarian Peter An, who will be with the parish for the upcoming year. 
 Meanwhile, outside, the children had their own section filled with games, a bouncy castle, arts and crafts, balloon animals, and face painting. There were laughter all around. The line for face painting also kept the volunteers busy, and the crafts table was never empty as kids’ worship songs played in the background. This renewal event offered activities for all ages—an important aspect recognized by the organizing committee. The youth and adult volunteers ensured that the children were kept busy, safe, and happy, allowing their parents to enjoy time in the hall with the community. It was heartwarming to see Bishop McGrattan engaging with the children at various stations, even taking time to sit at the craft table to make paper fish alongside them. 
The efforts of many parish groups and individuals were key to the evening’s success. The call for volunteers was shared after weekend Masses leading up to the event—and it worked! Both new and seasoned volunteers stepped forward, making it a true community effort. The sight of so many hands coming together to clean the hall after the event was, in itself, inspiring. The success of the Summer Gathering, which saw over 500 volunteers and participants, is a strong indication of the need and desire for continued pastoral renewal at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Written by Mary Ojo, a member of the Parish Renewal Team at St. Mary's Cathedral. As the youngest member of the team and a high school student, Mary also volunteers as an altar server at the Cathedral. Photos are courtesy of Mary Ojo.
The Seeds of the Word Community inaugurated its 3rd annual Sabbatical Year Program at the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy Mass, presided by Bishop McGrattan, on Sep 8, 2024. Seven companions are beginning their nine-month journey, during which they will go through the Bible, study the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and receive human formation. This program is designed to help them draw closer to the Lord, experience His healing love, and discern where He is calling them within the Church. It was a great joy for us to begin this year with the support of our Bishop, as well as the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy community, as the goal of the Sabbatical Year is to raise up missionary disciples for the Church, as Bishop McGrattan highlighted in his homily. At the end of Mass, the Bishop blessed the Bibles that the Companions will use during this time, to remind them that it is truly the Word of God that they will be in contact with each and every day throughout their journey. Beginning the Sabbatical Year are: Dreyton Kuffler, Jean-François and Ana Church (along with their children Naomi and Josef), Giselle Boudreau, Katia Van de Mosselaer, Carina Sprinkhuysen, and Isabelle Caddel. 
Dreyton, in sharing about why he chose to do the Sabbatical Year, said that after having received so much from God over the past year, in thanksgiving he wanted to give back to God some of his time and allow God to work in his life during these next 9 months. For more information about the Sabbatical Year, visit: seedsoftheword.org/sabbatical-year. Written by Sr. Clarisse from the Seeds of the Word. Photos courtesy of Bandi Szakony.
 Just east of Banff, near the start of Highway 93, thirty one intrepid hikers gathered to trek up Stanley Creek and gaze up at the Stanley Glacier.
Some of us explored the caves, while others admired the waterfall or simply took in the views. The top of our hike was our lunch spot, a small meadow which looked up to the Stanley Glacier. While not as massive as the Columbia Icefield between Banff and Jasper, it’s impressive to see a glacier that even summer heat can’t fully melt. Each winter, new snow adds to the ice, continuing the glacier’s growth. 
The descent proved to be a bit more challenging, as the loose scree (small rocks along the slope) left more than one hiker with dirty pant legs. But once we were down from the glacial overlook, we made the final hour-long trek through the trees back to the parking lot, where our companions awaited the last hikers.  I am deeply grateful to our organizing team and to the faithful from St. Gabriel’s, along with all the diocesan parishioners, who joined us on this memorable hike. In this season of Renewal, it is truly uplifting to experience the strength of our diocesan community—to share the gift of presence and embody a church rooted in encounter and witness. Our next fundraising event will be a special dinner on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the St. Gabriel’s School gym in Chestermere. If you feel moved to support our efforts in building a new church, please visit: saintgabrielparish.ca Written by Fr. James Hagel, pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel parish in Chestermere. Photos courtesy of Fr. James Hagel, Andreas Berko, and Pat Cooper.
Bishop William McGrattan celebrated two significant liturgical events for seminarians Peter An and Andre Boudreau on their vocational journey. On August 9, 2024, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, he presided over the Mass for Installation to the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte for seminarian Peter An. This Mass is an important step for candidates as they move closer to Holy Orders. As a Lector, Peter is entrusted with proclaiming the Word of God during Mass, while his role as Acolyte involves assisting at the altar, helping priests and deacons, and distributing Holy Communion as well as bringing the Blessed Sacrament to the sick or shut-in. These roles in divine worship highlight his progression toward the priesthood. Peter An currently serves at St. Mary’s Cathedral in his final stage of formation, the newly implemented Vocational Synthesis Phase. 
Later, on August 23, 2024, Bishop McGrattan celebrated the Mass of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders for Andre Boudreau at St. Luke’s Church where he has been assigned for summertime pastoral experience on the weekends. The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is another important milestone in a seminarian's journey. This rite allows Andre to declare publicly his intention to persevere in his formation in order, one day, to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, first as a deacon and eventually as a priest. The rite includes three key elements: the call to candidacy, the candidate's scrutiny, and the candidate's blessing. Andre Boudreau is currently studying at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton for his fourth year of formation and just began his first year of theological studies.
We invite you to join us in prayer for Peter An, Andre Boudreau, and all 13 seminarians in our Diocese. May God, who has started this good work in them, guide it to fulfillment! (cf. Phil 1:6) Photos courtesy of Jun Li (Installation of Peter An as Lector and Acolyte) and Victor Panlilio (Candidacy of Andre Boudreau).
As the new school year begins, our Catholic schools and communities across the Diocese are alive with excitement, faith, and the shared hope for a year filled with growth, learning, and grace. During last week’s School District opening Mass, Bishop McGrattan reminded teachers and staff that "it is a time to focus on those you will serve, especially the students and their families who are seeking an authentically Catholic education within our Catholic schools." As we embark on this year, the bishop acknowledged the challenges that may lie ahead—whether through experiences of persecution, affliction, or suffering. He emphasized that, as St. Paul taught, these trials are opportunities to strengthen our faith.
The Bishop also highlighted that "all of your work, efforts and accomplishments will always be fulfilled by His power and grace." The growth in charity and unity within our Catholic schools is not solely the result of human effort but is deeply dependent on the grace of God. "These simple signs that can foster the growth of the Catholic faith must become evident in the teachers, staff, students, and their parents within our Catholic schools.” Our diocesan Pastoral Renewal invites us to deepen our relationship with God, recognizing that we are Called, we Matter, and we Belong. "I hope that in this coming year you will in fact experience this same spirit of Renewal within your classrooms," says Bishop McGrattan, encouraging us to rediscover our passion for the vocation of Catholic education. He referenced Dr. Brett Salkeld’s Educating for Eternity, which offers an expanded vision of teaching that integrates faith into every aspect of the curriculum—an approach that is not merely an additional task but a central element of our mission. 
Holy Spirit Catholic School Division staff had a blessed day on August 28, 2024 as they held our Opening Mass for the 2024/2025 School Year in Lethbridge. "We're excited to move forward with Year 3 of our Faith Plan with a focus on Proclaiming Our Faith. Thank you to everyone who helped make this glorious day a huge success!! We look forward to welcoming students into the classroom next Tuesday on September 3, 2024, for the first day of school!" (Photos: Holy Spirit Catholic Schools Facebook) 
 Calgary Catholic School District staff gathered at parishes across Calgary to celebrate the District Opening Mass. "It was wonderful to gather as a community and kick off the 2024-2025 school year. We are blessed!"
 Opening Mass at Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary In this video, Monique Baker, Director General of the Conseil scolaire FrancoSud, highlighted the start of the school year in the FrancoSud School District, where around 4,000 students will return to 16 schools. Staff are ready to offer a year of learning and enjoyment, with various educational, cultural, sports, and social activities planned. Monique also thanked parents for their support and trust, wishing all families a wonderful school year. Watch video Christ the Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools teachers from across the division gathered in Okotoks for our opening professional development day on Aug 26, 202 marking the start of the new school year. The day began with a Mass and a blessing from Bishop McGrattan, continuing our cherished tradition. The focus of the day was our Catholic faith, with the afternoon dedicated to professional learning and teacher planning. "We pray for our teachers and staff as they prepare to welcome our most precious gift - the students of CTR - on Wednesday, August 28!" | (Photos: CTR Facebook) “Heavenly Father, as we gather together to prepare for this new academic year, we ask for Your blessing on all of us. May Your Spirit set our hearts ablaze with love of You - love that we can share with our students, their families and each other. Bless our planning and be with us each day.”
 CTR welcomed 32 new teachers to the CTR family this new school year. The teachers gathered for two days of learning, orientations and collaboration. On the final day, CTR staff extended a traditional farewell blessing to the teachers as they look ahead to welcoming students to the classroom next week (photo above). Photos: CTR Facebook
MHCBE: "Yesterday our friends at Southland Transportation hosted two “My First Ride” events for our school division. The program is intended to teach first riders or new students about school bus safety and allow them to ride the bus for the first time prior to the first day of school... Wishing our students a wonderful first ride next week!" | Photos: MHCBE Facebook.  Thirteen new teachers begin their journey as educators in MHCBE Catholic schools. "We look forward to seeing them in our classrooms and hallways this school year. Please join us in welcoming them to our MHCBE family!"  Clear Water Academy, a Catholic private school in Calgary: "As we prepared to welcome students to school this week, we began by preparing our hearts and minds. Faculty Faith Day, led by our amazing formation team, was an enriching time for faculty to worship, reflect, and build community. We look forward to the start of the 2024-25 school year!" (Photos: Clear Water Academy Facebook)
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