Cast into the Deep: Parish Renewal Planning

The Diocese of Calgary continues the journey of pastoral renewal as parishes enter the Parish Renewal Planning stage. Over the past year, communities have engaged in listening and discernment through the Parish Renewal Survey and parish conversations. Now, ministry leaders in parishes across the diocese are preparing to take the next steps in planning and implementation.

Parish Renewal Teams across the Diocese

On Saturday, Feb. 8, Parish Renewal Teams (PRTs) across the diocese gathered in their parishes to take part in an important formation session. Bishop McGrattan and the Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team joined via Zoom to guide the discussion, outlining the next steps for parish renewal planning. The session reinforced that this is not just another initiative—it is a call to trust the Holy Spirit and step forward in faith.
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One of the strongest takeaways from the meeting was clarity. Many teams appreciated the structure, and feel more equipped for the next stage. "The timeline was absolutely helpful. Now we have a clear process to follow, and an important reminder: this is about discernment, not personal agendas." 

"Useful templates and clear instructions so that PRTs do not have to develop their own format."

For others, the session provided much-needed reassurance that Renewal is not about rushing to quick solutions, as noted by one participant, "Renewal is a process…it will take time. That’s a relief. It had felt overwhelming at times." 

Above all, there was a shared sense of commitment—not just from parish leaders, but from the diocese as a whole. One participant shared, "We need to lean on and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us. A lot of work has been put in by the diocesan team to provide us with the direction and tools we made to proceed. The Diocese is committed!" 

Moving from discernment to action

With the vision in place, parishes are now preparing for their Parish Renewal Planning Days. These gatherings will be dedicated times of prayer, reflection, and strategic planning, where ministry leaders will come together to set priorities for their communities. The process will unfold in stages:

• ​Step 1: Entering the Planning Stage (Where we are now)
  Parishes are officially beginning their Parish Renewal Planning. After a year of listening and discernment, ministry leaders will gather for a Parish Renewal Planning Day to pray, reflect, and set priorities for the future.
  
  
• Step 2: Parish Renewal Planning Day
  A dedicated day of prayer and planning, where parish leadership will seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to shape the renewal process. More than a meeting, this is a time to trust, surrender, and step forward in faith.
  
  
• Step 3: First Draft
  Following the Planning Day, the Parish Renewal Team will draft the first version of the Parish Renewal Plan. The broader parish community will have an opportunity to review and provide input.
  
  
• Step 4: Finalizing the Plan
  With feedback from both parishioners and parish leaders, the final Parish Renewal Plan will be completed and submitted to the Diocese by June 15. This roadmap will guide each parish in faith, mission, and growth.
  
  
• Step 5: Plan Kickoff & Commissioning
  On October 4-5, 2025, the Parish Renewal Plan will be officially launched, marking the third anniversary of the Diocesan Pastoral Renewal on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This will be a time of celebration and commitment for the parish community.
  
  
• Step 6: Ongoing Renewal & Annual Review
  Renewal is a journey, not a one-time event. Each year, parishes will review and adjust their plans to remain open to where the Holy Spirit leads.

For many, this structured approach has brought a renewed sense of confidence. One team member remarked, ​“This enables us to have a concrete plan to put into fruition what we have been discerning for the past year.”

​A Shared Journey

The orientation session was a reminder that renewal is not meant to be walked alone. Parish leaders, ministry teams, and the diocesan leadership are all co-responsible in this mission. As each parish continues this process, the faithful are invited to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and to remain engaged in the renewal journey. 

With faith, trust, and a willingness to cast into the deep, let us pray: 

For our parish community, called to pastoral renewal, may the Holy Spirit pour forth upon our parish and ministry leaders who will be involved in the planning process. Grant them wisdom, courage, and unity to discern Your will and embrace renewal for the growth of our faith community. May this renewal journey deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and empower us to be His faithful disciples, bringing hope and love to all we encounter, let us pray to the Lord...