 Members of Saint Mary’s Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) Calgary, along with Friar Dan Gurnick, OFM, Sister Dianne Turner, OSE, Sister Anne Adounkpe, FMM, and Deacon Tomas O’Toole, OFS, gathered in gratitude on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Saint Luke Parish in Calgary. The occasion was a special dual celebration: honouring Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, patron saint of the Secular Franciscan Order, and commemorating the 10th, 15th, and 30th anniversaries of profession for fraternity members committed to living the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. The celebration featured a presentation by Sister Dianne Turner, OSE, who led the Litany of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and shared an inspiring reflection on her virtues. Sister Dianne encouraged attendees to reflect on which of these virtues God might be calling them to grow in today. The brothers and sisters we celebrated on November 17th bear witness to a lifetime of living the Franciscan charism. Their commitment is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and a model of perseverance and faith. As a fraternity, we give thanks for their deepening faith, steadfastness in living the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order, and their invaluable contributions to both the fraternity and the broader Church. Their journey reflects steady growth and a continued openness to God’s call. We rejoice as a fraternity, offering prayers of thanksgiving for the years of dedication, service, and love that these members have given to the Secular Franciscan Order. Together, we strive to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis, supporting one another in living the Gospel with simplicity, peace, and joy in the world. May these anniversaries inspire us all to renew our own commitment to serving our Lord and His Church with the same faith and dedication. Congratulations to all celebrating these special anniversaries!  Left to right: Cathy Pamer, OFS: 10 years; Robert Lowther, OFS: 15 years; Ron Semenoff, OFS: 30 years; Linda Schultz, OFS: 30 years Written by Erika Bancila, OFS, St. Mary’s Fraternity, Calgary.
0 Comments
We celebrated the testimonies of three speakers whose lay ministries actively witness to our Catholic faith in the community, inviting us to learn, to serve, and to share the Word through faith-filled programs. It was inspiring to learn more about the mission and beauty of our lay ministries, each with their own charisms and focus, including education for children and young adults, the promotion of prayer and healing, and advocacy for the sanctity of life. We are truly blessed with a wide range of ministries that bring faith, hope, and encouragement to our community. It is clear that God is leading the work of our lay ministries as they offer opportunities to nurture each of us and fill our souls with His grace. He has given each a mission, whether it be enriching prayer life, serving those in need, nurturing spiritual formation, or walking with those who are hurting.
Our unified mission of invitation, welcome, and witness was a central theme of our time together. During our synodal dialogue, we reflected on the Word of God and His call to us as individuals, ministries, and the Church. As we hold tight to the vine of Christ, He calls each of us to be His hands, feet, and heart in reaching out to others. Our call as a Catholic community is to reach into the deep and broaden our circle so that each person we encounter is welcomed into the embrace of Christ. My dear brothers and sisters in Christ – Let’s Go Fishing!
 Answering the call to participate in the Year of Prayer leading up to the Jubilee of Hope, over 100 people came to pray before the Lord in His Blessed Sacrament and asking Him to provide more vocations for our Diocese for the Religious and Consecrated life. This 24-Hour Adoration for Vocations held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Church from November 12th to 13th was a blessed time of silent personal and communal prayer. It was sponsored by the Assembly of Women Religious, the Religious Renewal Team involved in the Diocesan renewal process, and the Office of Vocations. Thank you so much to those who took part in this wonderful time of prayer. The Society of Christ priests graciously opened their parish church and offered morning Mass in English to begin and to end the 24-hour devotion as well as the regular Polish evening Mass. The church and Blessed Sacrament were so beautifully set up, making the environment most conducive for prayer. Representatives from most of the men’s and women’s Religious and Consecrated Life communities were alongside faithful members of the parish, deacons, seminarians, and other faithful adults who came to pray throughout the day and night. Religious from the Franciscans, Carmelites, Salvatorians, Legionaries, Pallottines, Providence, Daughters of Mary, and Faithful Companions of Jesus communities came from far away to participate 
Notably, a candidate for Consecrated Virginity with the Diocese, a Franciscan Sister, and the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception were present for much of the time. The Dominican Sisters and Polish priests beautifully sang the Liturgy of the Hours in the early morning. The Seeds of the Word community along with some dedicated others covered the night hours from midnight on. The Precious Blood Sisters, being a cloistered community, joined instead from their monastery chapel. It was truly an opportunity to rest spiritually in the Lord and to join with others in asking Him for more vocations. Prayer for vocations involves all of the faithful. As Pope Francis said, “I invite you to listen to and follow Jesus, and to allow yourselves to be transformed interiorly by His words, which ‘are spirit and life’ (Jn 6:62). Mary, the Mother of Jesus and ours, also says to us: ‘Do whatever He tells you’ (Jn 2:5). It will help you to participate in a communal journey that is able to release the best energies in you and around you. A vocation is a fruit that ripens in a well cultivated field of mutual love that becomes mutual service, in the context of an authentic ecclesial life. No vocation is born of itself or lives for itself. A vocation flows from the heart of God and blossoms in the good soil of faithful people, in the experience of fraternal love. Did not Jesus say: ‘By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another’ (Jn 13:35)? Let us dispose our hearts therefore to being ‘good soil’, by listening, receiving and living out the word, and thus bearing fruit. The more we unite ourselves to Jesus through prayer, Sacred Scripture, the Eucharist, the Sacraments celebrated and lived in the Church and in fraternity, the more there will grow in us the joy of cooperating with God in the service of the Kingdom of mercy and truth, of justice and peace. And the harvest will be plentiful, proportionate to the grace we have meekly welcomed into our lives.” (Source: news.va, From the Vatican, 15 January 2014)
Written by Sr. Dianne Turner, OSE, Assistant Vocations Director, Diocese of Calgary. Photos courtesy of Sr. Dianne.
 Join us for “Renewed in Hope,” a powerful three-day mission happening this Tuesday, Dec 3 to Thursday, Dec 5 at your parish from 7 pm to 8:30 pm each evening. In the midst of winter’s chill and the season’s busyness, take time to refresh your spirit and renew your hope. Hear from Brett Powell, Bishop Scott McCaig, and Mary Rose Bacani Valenti, who will join us live via Zoom, sharing messages on discipleship, building a faith-filled community, and nurturing family life. Their reflections will uplift and inspire us as we journey toward Christmas. Let's bundle up, brave the chill, and bring your friends and family!
 Children's resources this Advent & Christmas
Advent & Christmas Books (source: Catholic All Year)
 Prepare your heart for Christ’s birth with this Advent playlist of reflections and prayers. Watch, reflect, and share the journey! These following films beautifully capture the Christmas story, making them perfect for sharing the joy and wonder of the season with family and friends:
 Looking for meaningful ways to journey through Advent? Consider picking up one of these inspiring books and videos to to read, watch and share this season.
Advent & Christmas Books
Advent Video Resources on Formed.org
 Dec 3 - St. Francis Xavier
Dec 14 - Saint John of the Cross
Praying the O Antiphons The O Antiphons, used in Roman liturgy since the eighth century, reflect Old Testament titles for Jesus—like Emmanuel and Key of David—expressing the longing for the Messiah and inviting us to welcome Him into our hearts and family this Christmas. Read more  Photo courtesy of Lindsay Milner The domestic custom of the Advent wreath draws attention to the light that Christ brings as Christmas approaches and emboldens us to bear witness to that light in the world. With an Advent wreath at home, we can keep our focus on Christ by reading a passage of Scripture or saying an Advent prayer each evening as they light the candle(s). Learn about the history and symbolism of the Advent Wreath. Blessing the Advent Wreath at Home All make the sign of the cross as the leader says: Our help is in the name of the Lord. (R/.) Who made heaven and earth. Then the Scripture, Isaiah 9: (lines 1-2 and 5-6) or Isaiah 63 (lines 16-17 & 19) or Isaiah 64 (lines 2-7) is read: Reader: The Word of the Lord. R/. Thanks be to God. With hands joined, the leader says: Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: he is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples, he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Savior of every nation. Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord. R/. Amen. The blessing may conclude with a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” O come, desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind; bid ev’ry sad division cease and be thyself our Prince of peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. Prayer taken from the Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers Prayers for Advent Candle Lighting First Week All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever. ~AMEN. Second Week God of power and mercy open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. ~AMEN. Third Week Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Christ our Lord. ~AMEN. Fourth Week Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. ~AMEN. Prayers taken from A Prayer Book of Catholic Devotions Other resources   On Red Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024, hundreds came together at St. Mary’s Cathedral for a solemn Mass with Bishop McGrattan, showing their solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world. The Cathedral had a special glow that night, with many people wearing red—a sign of courage, sacrifice, and unity. The international Catholic aid organization, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), leads this annual global initiative to bring attention to the plight of Christians who face persecution, oppression, and violence. Across the world, iconic churches, cathedrals, and public buildings are illuminated in red, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made for our faith. Bishop McGrattan echoed this message during the gathering, reminding everyone that this is “not a pious act tonight... but truly an act of reparation that unites us in solidarity with all who are persecuted because of their Christian faith.”  The Sacred Heart of Christ and the call to love In his homily, Bishop McGrattan thoughtfully brought forward the themes of Red Wednesday alongside Pope Francis’ latest apostolic exhortation, Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us). He reflected on the Sacred Heart of Christ as a profound symbol of both divine and human love—a love that flows from Christ’s heart and calls the Church to embody that same love in solidarity with those who suffer.
Living out the call of love The Mass included heartfelt prayers for those who endure unimaginable challenges because of their faith. Intentions were lifted for Christians unable to practice freely, for those risking their lives to proclaim the Gospel, and for those held hostage or imprisoned for refusing to renounce their beliefs. In his closing remarks, the Bishop reflected on the enduring importance of solidarity: “The Heart of Christ desires that we cooperate with him in restoring goodness, truth, and beauty to our world.”
 An evening of prayer, solidarity, and fellowship Our celebration continued with a reception in the parish hall, where the Chaldean Catholic Church delighted us with a performance by their children’s choir and hearty refreshments among our spread of sandwiches. The planning committee’s worries about running out of food quickly turned into relief and gratitude as the hall buzzed with joy, laughter, and plenty to share. Bishop McGrattan also continued to spend the evening connecting with parishioners, engaging in meaningful conversations that reflected the spirit of Dilexit Nos. The connections and insights sparked that evening will bear fruit, with some stories set to be featured in future editions of Faithfully—stay tuned!
Photos courtesy of Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary & Office of Communications.
We’re thrilled to welcome Brett Powell as one of the speakers for our Diocesan Renewal Advent Mission this December 3–5, 2024. Brett’s wealth of experience and dynamic approach to leadership in faith communities make him the perfect guide for exploring the theme "Forming Missionary Disciples." Here’s what you can expect from this transformative encounter. A lifelong leader in faith and mission With over 30 years of full-time ministry experience, Brett has worked in parishes, as an executive with Catholic Christian Outreach, and in various leadership roles, including his current position as the Archbishop’s Delegate of Development and Ministries for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. His leadership portfolio is vast, managing initiatives like the Behold Vancouver and We Are Proclaim platforms while overseeing the the Archdiocese's Development Office. Yet, what sets Brett apart is his passion for the Great Commission—helping others answer Christ’s call to "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19). His unique combination of professional acumen and missionary zeal equips him to inspire parishioners and leaders alike.
Whether you’re a parent, parishioner, or simply seeking renewal, Brett’s message will resonate and equip you to live out your faith in meaningful ways. Mark your calendar for December 3–5, and get ready to be inspired. As Fr. Patrick Ampani from Saskatoon shared, “Brett speaks with knowledge, conviction, and inspired personal stories. He aroused a strong spiritual impulse in me and my parish community.” Join Brett on Tuesday, Dec 3, from 7 to 8:30 pm at your parish gathering, and experience a renewal in your faith journey. We look forward to seeing you there! Learn more about Brett at brettpowell.org  Find more information about the Diocesan Renewal Advent Mission  We are in for a treat with our upcoming Advent Mission that features a talk from Bishop Scott McCaig. I can tell you that firsthand. Way back in the fall of 2002, I joined the Companions of the Cross, a Society of Apostolic Life (similar to a religious order) based out of Ottawa, Ontario. To commence my formation, I travelled the long road from the prairies, down to Ottawa, and then another a two-and-a-half-hour drive to a farm on the outskirts of Combermere, a small village tucked away in the forest along the Madawaska river. This area was beautiful like a storybook. I and twenty other young men had signed up that year, planning to become priests, and we were to spend the fall, winter and summer at this farm where the Companions hold their novitiate. We were going to learn how to live together, develop a disciplined life of prayer and learn more about our faith, all while deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ. We had two priests guiding us in our formation – Fr. Jim MacGillivray and Fr. Scott McCaig. When I think about spending that winter with Bishop Scott out on the farm, three things really stand out in my memory. He was a lumberjack, he was hilarious, and he was on fire for the Lord – and it came out in his preaching! While both he and I have a few more years on us now, I suspect none of those things have changed. Prior to his conversion to the Catholic faith and becoming a priest, Bishop Scott was a lumberjack. We learned that the hard way, because he was determined to teach all us seminarians to cut trees too! Every Saturday we would form a work crew under his guidance and head out into the forest. To this very day, I know all I could ever wish about chain saw safety, the exact way to bring down a tree, chop it up and stack it to dry. The farmhouse was also heated by this wood, so we had a schedule, and everyone had to take turns getting up in the middle of the night to keep the fire roaring and the house warm – Bishop Scott included – he led by example.
He would hold you riveted, his passion for the Kingdom of God reverberating through you as he spoke. Every time he finished preaching you were left inspired, itching to get out on mission for Christ. He is all about renewal, and always has been. As we continue the renewal in each of our parishes, I would really encourage you to sign up for the upcoming Advent Mission – and whatever happens, don’t miss Bishop Scott’s talk! A lumberjack Bishop with great stories and passionate preaching leading us deeper on our journey – what more could we ask for?
 Each Advent I delight in opening the Bacani Valenti Family Christmas card. Mary Rose, a wife, homeschool mother of four girls aged 13, 10, 8 and 5, and freelance Catholic broadcaster, with her devoted husband Richard, an artist and videographer for Salt + Light Television, creatively write their Christmas card, using their art, photographs and words to reflect prayerfully on how God has moved in their family life. Their desire for holiness is evident and their card is a gift that turns my thoughts toward God. I met Richard and Mary Rose 20 years ago working in the Catholic media scene together in Toronto. Though we live at a distance now, our faith continues to connect us. It’s my pleasure to announce that Mary Rose will host one of three online Advent retreat evenings for the Diocese of Calgary. We are invited to gather in our parish, 7 pm, Dec. 3-5, to view the presenters: Brett Powell ‘Forming missionary disciples in Christ’; Bishop Scott McCaig ‘Be a Church of encounter and witness’; and Mary Rose Bacani Valenti ‘Strengthening family life’. The Bacani Valenti Family mission is to be a ‘Little Nazareth’ like the Holy Family. Simplicity is a cornerstone of their spirituality. They limit outside influences in the home, recognizing their foundation comes from offering one another the gift of presence. “‘Being’ is so important for us, so we spend our time just being together,” said Mary Rose of Richmond Hill, Ont. They seek activities that connect instead of divide; currently Mary Rose and her daughters act in a community theater twice weekly. Although the couple earns their living in communications, they limit technology use in their home. “I’m more like a monk. I don’t have notifications on my phone. I’m not on Facebook. I feel really called to enter into a silence,” said Mary Rose. She is currently praying the 19th Annotation, an at-home retreat centered on St. Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises. Mary Rose values her morning and evening prayer, weekly spiritual direction and moments of silence throughout the day. As a family, silence sounds like afternoon quiet time and an uncluttered schedule, allowing for a slower pace. “It’s living essentially…it’s a substantial silence, not just nobody talks – whether you read a book, write in a journal or go for a walk – we value that in our day.”
As a society “we value the doing and then we can’t think for ourselves, or invent things, or we are not as in tune with God. That’s why [our family likes] to write or do art because that comes from within us,” said Mary Rose. “I find we are less creative when we are busy; there is this emptiness, I don’t feel full.” For Mary Rose, writing her annual Christmas card isn’t busy work, but a space to reflect and pray. “It’s not a big burden because I do want to reflect on God’s gifts for us every year,” said Mary Rose. “We pick one theme and it’s our preparation for the year ahead.” Mary Rose invites you to join her at your parish on Dec. 5 to create intentional space for a guided Scriptural meditation and prayerfully reflect on how to strengthen your spiritual life in order to strengthen your own family.
 On November 5, 2024, the Diocese of Calgary hosted a Prison Volunteers Appreciation gathering at St. Luke's Parish, bringing together dedicated volunteers who serve in the Prison Ministry. Bishop McGrattan and Father Wilbert Chin Jon expressed their gratitude and encouraged those who answered the call to this ministry. The gathering highlighted the resilience and growth of the Prison Ministry, which faced significant challenges during the pandemic. “Our prison programs were almost decimated by the Covid pandemic when we were down to having only four volunteers to run our weekly chapel programs at the three prisons,” shared Deacon Thomas Ha. "With the support of the Pastoral Center and Father Wilbert, we were able to recover." With new volunteers recruited from parishes across the Diocese, including four deacon candidates, the ministry is regaining its strength. “These are the faithful who have answered their call to come and provide spiritual support to the inmates,” said Deacon Thomas. “With the gifts they brought, we will be able to grow our faith in accompaniment with each other, to sing and to pray with the inmates, and for their families, the guards, and the victims of crimes.” Answer the Call to Serve Prison Ministry provides a profound opportunity to live out Jesus’ teaching: “I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36). Volunteers witness the face of Christ in those they serve, creating a space for healing, prayer, and reconciliation. “The unfortunate reality is that prisons are a permanent fixture in our society, and the need for prisoners to be visited is chronic,” said Ernest Baraniecki of the Calgary Correctional Centre. Despite having the most Catholic chapel sessions allocated per year, this facility has the fewest Catholic volunteers. “Please continue to answer the call to contribute your gift of witness and presence to this rewarding ministry: ‘The harvest is abundant, but the labourers are few’ (Mt. 9:37).” If you feel called to serve, consider joining this rewarding ministry. Volunteers commit to sharing the Gospel and offering their presence once a month, dedicating 1 to 2.5 hours each time. Training is provided to equip you for this meaningful work. For more information or to inquire about volunteering, please contact the Pastoral Centre at 403-218-5500 or email [email protected].
 First Religious Profession of our novice, Sr. Faustina (Sara) Majkowski! Here’s a wonderful vocations milestone to celebrate with the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Province! Sr. Faustina (Sara Majkowski), O.P., made her first profession of vows on November 7, 2024 - on the Feast of All Saints of the Dominican Order. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Sr. Faustina began her initial formational journey with the Dominican Sisters here in Calgary in 2022. During her formation in Calgary, she discerned her vocation while working alongside the sisters at their daycare. She later entered the novitiate in Justice, IL, to continue her formation. Having spent significant time in Calgary, Sr. Faustina is no stranger to our diocese. We thank God for her generous and joyful "yes" to her call and pray for her perseverance in religious life! 
As interesting as the contents of “Pulpitations” are, the story of how the book came to fruition is even more engaging. In April 2024, on the occasion of his 45th anniversary of ordination, Fr. Edmund was urged by Jim Jarrell, an active parishioner at St. Michael’s, to compile the knowledge he’d gained over his decades of faithful service. Jim offered to raise funds to publish these thoughts and even wrote the book’s foreword. “If Jim didn’t come forward I wouldn’t have done this,” Fr. Edmund said. After sifting through his notes, Fr. Edmund selected just over 100 sermons and proceeded to translate and summarize them for a different audience. It helped that he had experience as a magazine writer and editor from his university days and beyond. A scant forty days later the book was finished. “I considered it my Lenten practice,” Fr. Edmund laughed. “It’s not like a novel,” he cautioned, suggesting that readers should take time to pray and reflect on, say, one piece a day. Fr. Edmund’s goals for the book are modest. He plans to offer it to his parish but also make it available to others who may be nostalgic for his approachable style of teaching. “People who’ve known me over generations might share it with their children”, Fr. Edmund posits, reminiscing about people he met early in his career who now have children and grandchildren raised in the faith. For others, the power of any Christian writing is in its ability to let us hear the voice of God and respond. To paraphrase Fr. Edmund, “Your thoughts become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your life, and your life becomes your eternity.”
In July, Pope Francis published a letter on the important role literature plays in priestly formation; it develops an imaginative empathy that enables clergy to see how others see. When the letter came out, my family and I were watching the 4-part mini-series Stories of a Generation, featuring Pope Francis (2021, available on Netflix). In one episode, the acclaimed film director Martin Scorsese reads a moving passage from Marilynne Robinson’s book Gilead to his daughter. Over the past couple of years of diaconal formation, I have read a lot of non-fiction theology, but I had not read a novel for pleasure in years. So, prompted by the Pope and one of the greatest film makers of all time, I took the nudge and found a copy of Gilead at the library.
I started to see “set asides” everywhere I looked, awakening in me a new fullness of life. Sunday is set aside as holy to remind us that all our fleeting time comes from and belongs to Him. We set things apart not to divide the world into what is God’s and what is not God’s, but to remind us that all is His. God commands us to honour our mother and father, Ames writes to his son, “because every human being is worthy of honour,” and singling out the mother and father teaches us the conscious discipline of respecting the dignity of every person made in God’s image. During Mass, we set aside a portion of our money and time, reminding us that we are offering back to God all the gifts he has given us. This conception of setting aside provides a valuable insight into the ancient symbol of the covenant, circumcision. The men of the covenant set aside a part of flesh and blood to remind them that every necessary and pleasurable rhythm of life belongs to God, as does all they give birth to. When entering the Church, the small containers of holy water (meaning water set aside for God’s purpose) remind me that clean water – a necessary element for life that I too often take for granted – is a gift from God, and that by my baptism, I too am set aside for God’s purpose. Being set aside for God’s purpose unlocks our identities as a “chosen portion.” St. Clement wrote to the Corinthians, “We are a portion of the Holy One,” so “let us approach him in holiness of soul, raising up to him hands pure and undefiled, out of love for our good and merciful Father who made us a chosen portion for himself.” Our status as God’s chosen portion ultimately frames and guides our actions with other people. Ames puts it this way: “people tend to forget that we are to love our enemies, not to satisfy some standard of righteousness, but because God their father loves them.” As a portion of the Holy One, we are commanded to love others as He loved us because they are also chosen portions. Pope Francis views literature as vital for formation because it educates the imagination and attunes us to hear the Voice that speaks through many voices, training us to hear the diverse needs in our community. Gilead successfully delivers what Pope Francis aptly describes as “a vision of the true and the good that discloses itself as beauty.” So, take the Pope’s advice, which is very similar to the call that prompted St. Augustine’s conversion: “Take up and read!”
 Last month, we gathered to celebrate the 90th birthday of Fr. Ray Lowing, a beloved priest whose life has been one of profound service and dedication to God and the people of our diocese. Since his ordination in 1959, he’s worn many hats in our diocese – from directing the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine to serving as Chancellor, Judicial Vicar, and pastor of several parishes. His heart for ministry and commitment to the Church have touched so many lives over the years. The birthday celebration on Tuesday, October 29 at the Pastoral Centre was filled with joy and gratitude. Bishop McGrattan and the staff at the Catholic Pastoral Centre joined in honouring Fr. Ray, who has given, and keeps giving, so much of himself to the Church. The appreciation from his friends and colleagues was a beautiful reflection of the impact he’s made. Even though he’s officially retired, Fr. Ray continues to live out his vocation daily. He celebrates Mass at the Pastoral Centre, where his quiet strength and deep faith are a blessing to everyone. In addition to this, he contributes his expertise to the Clergy Pension Plan, helping to ensure the well-being of his fellow priests in retirement. He also continues to serve the Ecclesiastical Tribunal as an advocate and judge.
 Fr. Ray has been a gift from God to our diocese, embodying the virtues of humility, wisdom, and compassion in his ministry. For all of us, he is a constant source of inspiration, demonstrating that faith in action can touch countless lives. His example calls us to deepen our own commitment to God and to serve others with the same joy and dedication.
 Our Lady of Victory Parish Hall One of Calgary’s smaller parish communities is leveraging its connections with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) to send much-needed supplies to Our Lady of Victory Parish in Inuvik, NWT, says Lance Berrington, a Vincentian with the SSVP conference at St. Pius X parish in northwest Calgary. Like other SSVP conferences in Calgary, the one at St. Pius X focuses most of its resources on supplying food hampers to people who live inside the parish boundaries. Support for that initiative comes from the parish community, which also embraced the Inuvik outreach organized through North of 60, says Berrington. North of 60 is the brainchild of Sister Fay Trombley of Tuktoyaktuk (a Sister of Charity of the Immaculate Conception) and Eileen Orysiuk of Calgary. For more than a decade under the leadership of Peter Ouelette, a Vincentian based in Edmonton, Arctic communities have been matched with a southern SSVP neighbour, explains Western Region Council (WRC) president Heather Schilling, a Calgarian with deep roots in this city’s Vincentian community. The WRC includes SSVP members from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and NWT and provides project management for North of 60 in these provinces and territory as part of the national SSVP project to support our northern neighbours. (See https://ssvp.ca/special-projects/north-of-60/) In addition to the project at St. Pius, North of 60 operates from eight parishes in the Edmonton Diocese, says Schilling. Each parish supports a different Arctic community, and all have made long-term commitments to their northern partners. SSVP at St. Pius got involved after Berrington heard Peter Ouellette speak about North of 60 project at SSVP meetings. In 2021, he volunteered to coordinate the St. Pius/ Our Lady of Victory match. With pandemic restrictions complicating north-south trade, they waited until 2023 to ship their first full sea can. It included food, household supplies, and winter clothing. The project received financial support from SSVP Calgary Central Council, South Particular Council and North Particular Council. Most of the goods were donated by St. Pius parishioners. “St Mark’s and other conferences from the North Particular Council in northeast Calgary also donated some of the goods we sent,” notes Berrington. While plans for North of 60 got underway, Berrington helped Calgary South Particular Council members deliver about 80 mattresses to families living on three First Nation reserves in Southern Alberta. Berrington admits this project provided his first look at living conditions on Canadian reserves—and the experience was humbling. It also reinforced his understanding of North of 60’s commitment to giving people “what they ask for instead of assuming what they need.” That project also gave Berrington a taste of what it means to approach service work with a listening heart. Channeling that approach into the OLV project, Berrington and fellow St. Pius Vincentian Jim McLaughlin visited Inuvik, located northwest of Yellowknife on the Mackenzie River Delta. There, they met and got to know the people who will benefit from the North of 60 partnership. The relationships they built include one with the Muslim taxi driver who runs a non-denominational food bank in the community of about 3,000 people. They also met a number of new friends with SSVP OLV, as well as people who plan to open a soup kitchen at Our Lady of Victory. Some of the supplies sent in 2023 will help launch that kitchen in 2025. Berrington says the next shipment to Inuvik might include a winterized storage trailer for Our Lady of Victory, plus money to cover ongoing utility costs. His group is exploring ways to involve St. Pius youth in North of 60.  Sea Can painted by St Pius X's Youth Group
In the summer of 2024, the Our Lady of Victory parish priest, Fr. Fredrick Ifeanyichukwu Omegoha, spent several weeks at the Berrington home in Calgary. “I now consider him a friend,” says Berrington, who organized a parish evening pizza gathering where people could meet Fr. Fred and ask him questions. NWT Bishop Jon Hansen, the former pastor at Inuvik’s OLV parish, is also a fan of this partnership, says Berrington. Transportation is the most difficult—and expensive--part of the North of 60 program. Rising costs and climate change are forcing participants to look for new ways to transport goods. Schilling says she’s excited about the relationship St. Pius SSVP is building with Our Lady of Victory. Opportunities for more SSVP and parish relationships with parishes and communities in the NWT are available.
Berrington knows that North of 60, like most SSVP projects, won’t solve poverty. But he insists that doesn’t detract from their value. “Whether we’re taking food to a Calgary family whose income doesn’t cover rent and food, or sending goods to the Canadian north, it’s not so much about what we’re doing as the impact of what we’re doing. This kind of work shows people you are not by yourself. You are not alone. There are people that care about you and know about you.”
 Inuvik OLV church council Written by Joy Gregory. Joy Gregory is a writer, cradle Catholic, and long-time parishioner of St. Peter’s, Calgary, where she’s been active in preschool catechism programs, RCIA, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Photos courtesy of Lance Barrington.
 This Christmas, consider making it a family, ministry, or parish project to share the joy of giving with the young moms and children at Elizabeth House. By providing essentials like baby supplies, personal care items, and household comforts, you’re bringing them love, hope, and a sense of belonging. Gift Cards
Clothing & Comfort
Important Notes
Monetary Donations
For further information, please contact Suzanne Lehbauer at [email protected].
Recently, I and my daughter, who we call Ellie, lived at Elizabeth's House (EH). I was experiencing homelessness and intimate partner violence, and I had put my life and education on hold while seeking safety and transitioning into my new role as a mom. During my two-year journey at EH, I benefited from their education fund and was afforded the opportunity to finish my bachelor’s degree in child studies, early learning and childcare from Mount Royal University.  My parish, St. Anthony's, has recently started up a young adults’ group where we meet twice a month for fellowship and formation. Our last event was called "Meet the Religious", where we invited Religious Priests, Brothers, and Sisters to give a testimony of their vocation to the youth of our parish and talk about the beauty of Religious life through the practice of the evangelical counsels to which they have vowed themselves. The young men and the women alike were visibly engaged and enthralled by the passion with which the Religious spoke about their vocations, and the uniqueness of their respective Order's charisms. The vocation stories were followed by a Q and A, where participants had the chance to ask the Religious pressing questions they had on things like why some Religious take on new names, the unique charisms of each Order, and a glimpse into what community life is like for each. We, at St Anthony's, are immensely grateful to the Religious present at our event for witnessing to the beauty of celibate Religious life, which is a life modeled by Christ Himself. Written by Michael Ocenar, parishioner of St. Anthony's Parish, Calgary. Upcoming Vocations Events
|
Author
Catholic Pastoral Centre Staff and Guest Writers Archives
July 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed