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Written by Fr. Roy Jayamaha, Pastor of St. Paul's Church, Piikani Nation, Brocket, AB.
Written by Fr. Bryan Frank, Retired Priest of the Diocese of Calgary.
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.
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.
The establishment of the diaconate took place with the ordination of the seven deacons described in the Acts of the Apostles. Renewing the practice of the early Church, the Second Vatican Council restored the order of deacons as a proper and permanent rank of the hierarchy. This restoration began in Canada in 1969 and in the Diocese of Calgary since 1998.
When candidate John Arbeau was asked by a priest years ago, “My initial reaction was why are you asking me, as I didn’t think I was the person!” But with formation, training, and prayer, he adds that “I have matured and grown in my spirituality to understand the service of a deacon.” Meanwhile, candidate Randy Gritter, formerly a staunch Protestant, underwent a significant conversion to Catholicism before he felt the call to the permanent diaconate. “I initially learned about the diaconate as a Protestant. We had deacons who were specifically tasked with aiding the poor in our community," he shares. His then-parish priest, Fr. Julian Studden, was highly supportive of his vocation. When Gritter applied for the second time, he discovered that Fr. Studden had been appointed Vicar of the Diaconate. He interpreted this as a sign that God was guiding him through this door. Stay tuned to future issues of Faithfully for more detailed vocational stories of each candidate.
During the formation years, our deacon candidates also experienced strong prayer support from their fellow parishioners and mentors. All credited their spouses and families above all for encouraging them. Speaking of his wife’s unwavering support, deacon candidate Brian Kinahan mentioned, “This has been her journey as well. And, although we've had long conversations about where this journey is taking us, and she has had her uncertainties about it, she has never stopped praying for me, and listening to me during my own doubts.” “Speaking with the deacons who have come before us, they are glad that we are having the experiences that we are having. It has also been helpful on this journey to get help from their experiences, from their journey and from what they have learned and done,” says candidate Jim Manzara. Candidate Ricardo Rosero-Gonzallez shared that his understanding on being a deacon has evolved, stating that as a deacon, "I represent the Church whereever I am.” This was echoed by candidate Peter Lilienthal, who added, “The ministry of presence is key to this role, and being able to let the Holy Spirit work through me.” Strong bonds naturally formed between the 12 deacon candidates and their families during the formative years. “Our diaconate class of 12 families was very close. We were not immune, over the 4 years, to the struggles and griefs within the path of life,” says candidate Bruce Alan Barnett. “We all experienced the "oneness" of the Body of Christ in our prayers, compassion and empathy shown many times through the journey.”
Written by Alice Matisz and the staff of the Catholic Pastoral Centre for Faithfully.
With every family having a bedroom to store their belongings, our indoor space was becoming crowded. As each family's journey at Elizabeth House progresses, the need for additional storage grows. Today, we are still standing in awe of our new storage lockers and garage organization system. We thank Ethan Karter Construction who donated all the labour, the cost of materials, the design, and the actual build of the lockers and storage - essentially every aspect from start to finish. We also thank Rite Way Fencing who donated their assistance for the installation. Matt and the crew at Ethan Karter Construction, you've truly worked wonders! These purposefully built lockers and storage solutions are greatly appreciated and much needed. Our team and families extend their deepest gratitude. An extra special thank you goes to the Schultz Family for spearheading this project and connecting us with Matt and his team. Thank you!. What a transformation. We are overjoyed at the amount of secure storage we now have. It’s a game changer for everyone. Thank you from the bottom our hearts!
Elizabeth House Team Bishop McGrattan marked the religious life anniversaries of Sr. Pat MacDonald, FCJ, and Sr. Ann Marie Walsh, FCJ, who have dedicated 65 and 60 years respectively to their service. The celebration took place on August 26 at the FCJ Centre with the Holy Mass, followed by a beautiful reception.
Three weeks into my marriage, I discovered my husband’s addiction to alcohol. It was like a one-and-done knock-out punch. I was out cold and left in a daze of anxiety and confusion for weeks. It was like getting shoved onto a roller-coaster of denial, anger, shame, fear, panic and extreme grief. But what surprised me the most was the lie. A lie is like a slow black sludge that fills your heart and mind. It rots you from the inside out. I had been so panicked about the addiction in the first few days that I never thought twice about the betrayal; about the lie. Looking back on it now, it is so obvious that it had already triggered a deep shame within me, but I couldn’t see it then. And as it slowly sunk into my heart, almost unnoticed, the ground under my feet began to crumble. Here’s the interesting part: most people would think that my husband’s betrayal would have broken the trust in our marriage, which it technically did, but the most harmful and unexpected consequence was that I stopped trusting myself. I didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t anymore. I didn’t know what parts of my lived experiences and memories I could trust, and that included God. I had never felt so alone and so helpless in my life. I had absolutely no-one to turn to. I couldn’t turn to my friends and family because they would be biased, which would have just divided Daniel and I even more. I also couldn’t afford to go see a counselor. I scoured the internet for anything I could find to help me understand addiction. I looked everywhere I could for testimonies of couples that had found a way through so that I could try and imitate them and use their strategies, but I found almost nothing. Instead, I was met with devastating statistics about marriage and addiction. I had no one to turn to but God. Even though I wasn’t particularly impressed with Him at that time, I had no other choice. So I reluctantly prayed… Since I was a young girl, everytime I had a problem in my life, my mom would tell me to go talk to Jesus about it. She never gave me any other instructions, she simply told me to go talk to Him. So that’s what I did, I talked to Him like I would anyone else and I have continued to do that in prayer time ever since. It has proven to be such an incredible blessing, and this situation was no exception.
It's crazy to think, but all of this happened in about six weeks. It all led up to one final period of prayer. In a moment of fear and despair, I asked God how He could have let me enter into a marriage where I would not be protected and provided for. His answer shocked me. I felt the greatness and firmness in His voice reverberate through my entire being as He said: “I am your protector and provider first. And I will give these things to you, through your husband, when and how I see fit.” As I pondered these words in my heart, I began to see my husband through a completely new lens. Instead of seeing Daniel as someone who had failed me, I began to see him as a gift, as a vessel of God’s protection and provision. I no longer felt as though he owed me these things because it wasn’t really his job, it was God’s job. And if I didn’t receive these things through Daniel, it didn’t mean that I was deprived of them, but simply that God would provide them in a different way. What a shift in perspective! I was able to stop desperately grasping at my husband. I was able to release him, to free him. I realized that I had been robbing myself of the gift that my husband was, because when you believe someone owes you something, it's no longer a gift but the repayment of a debt. Now, instead of feeling like he was giving me what I was owed, everything he gave me felt like a bonus! Instead of anger and resentment, I was filled with gratitude for even the smallest things he would do. You can imagine how drastically different it would have been for him to be met with gratitude every time he did something good, and patience and forgiveness every time he failed. But loving like this is just not possible without God’s help. It’s an amazing thing to look back over our story and see where we are today. We now have a thriving marriage filled with prayer, joy, honesty, and intimacy. People keep thinking we’re newlyweds, even though we’ve been married for over 7 years! It still feels like a dream to see him chasing God and taking his role as the Spiritual Leader of our family with joy and intentionality.
A message from Most Rev. Jon Hansen, Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, NWT.
Aug. 18, 2023 Good morning everyone, First of all, thank you for all the wonderful thoughts and prayers that have filled my text and email apps. Yesterday I had a 12-hour drive from Yellowknife to Grande Prairie, where I am “sheltering”. I am one of the lucky evacuees who have family in Alberta so I am very comfortable staying in the home of my niece and her husband. That’s not the case for all who were forced to leave. As I drove, I saw many tents and campers for the entire length of my journey. There will also be many families in hotels and evacuation centres across Alberta and British Columbia. I gathered the quote below from one of our information sources, Cabinradio.ca. (This is a fantastic media source for up to the minute information about the fires) “Approximately 63 percent of the NWT population is currently under evacuation order, if we use the most recent community population numbers provided by the NWT Bureau of Statistics. That’s about 28,904 residents, though this number doesn’t account for non-residents such as tourists or people here on short work contracts whose home province is elsewhere and would also be evacuating the NWT right now.” Presently there are various levels of crisis in the NWT. A number of communities including Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith and Inuvik have fire at their doorsteps and we are just waiting to see what the weather will do to move the fires forward or to aid the firefighters and help hold the fires back. Other communities have already been breached including Behchoko (three homes lost) and Enterprise which was, according to reports, about 90% wiped out. I drove through there yesterday and it was the closest image to an apocalyptic wasteland that I have ever seen. For some communities such as Hay River and Katlodeeche, this is the second time they have been evacuated this summer, this after having to do the same a year ago due to floods. On a brighter note, there is nothing like a crisis to bring out the best in humanity. There was a traffic stop at Big River (outside of Fort Providence), this is the only place on the 700km stretch between Yellowknife and High Level where you can stop for gas. With more than five thousand vehicles passing through a gas station with four pumps you can imagine that it could have been a place of chaos, and there was some of that. However, the prevalent mood was very neighbourly. People got out of their cars to stretch their legs and walk their dogs and spent time talking and laughing with one another. I was also surprised to see the many farm yards in northern Alberta that were freshly mowed and had big, hand-painted signs, offering free camping to all those equipped with tents and RVs. The next few days are now just a matter of waiting to see what will happen next. All our staff and clergy are safe and accounted for, although they have been scattered to the wind by plane and by road. Keep the prayers coming as we ask for the miracle of rainfall in abundance for our parched land. Peace +Jon Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith It was a long, four-year wait for us to attend Catholic Family Ministries' 25th Annual Family Life conference. It was with much excitement that we were heading back to Lac Ste. Anne for our 22nd time. As a family we had only missed a couple; one for a family wedding and another for Father Troy Nguyen’s ordination. Even years where we thought about not going, our kids would not allow us to miss it as it's a special time for the entire family. The conference has greatly blessed our family. It's where Sean Lynn, my husband, met Steve Wood when we attended the very first conference, which led to the origins of how God Squad began, but that’s a story for another time. The largest family reunion ever In 1996, a group of like-minded friends from the Edmonton area who, led and inspired by Bob LeBlanc (now deceased), decided to heed the call of Pope Saint John Paul II who, in Familiaris Consortio, plead for families to “become what you are, the domestic Church and the heart of the world.”
Joy in God’s will and healing As part of this year’s conference, a healing service was held on Saturday night. Father Paul Moret, the spiritual director of the Family Life Ministries group and pastor of Holy Trinity parish in Spruce Grove, introduced Encounter Ministries. This Catholic organization seeks “to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in their sphere of influence.” Specifically, they offered a prayer service for healing. All attendees were invited to ask for physical healing and to be prayed for by those around them. There were many healings that night, and I experienced it first-hand. When an invitation was extended for people with shoulder issues to stand up, I decided to participate - I had nothing to lose. I have not been able to raise my right arm past the height of my shoulder without rotating it due to calcification in the ligaments for the past 12 years or so. I must admit, I was sceptical. I was sitting next to my mom, so when people around those standing were invited to lay their hands on us, my mom had her hand on my right shoulder. I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary - no lightning bolts, no hot flash; nothing. Later, my Mom told me her hand felt hot as she prayed for me. As soon as the group prayer was done, they invited us to test our healing. I went to try to lift my arm up, outstretched, past my shoulder, fully expecting the familiar pain that usually prevented such movement. But I was able to keep going higher and higher until I held my arm straight above my head! I looked around at the people who had just prayed for me, and shrugged my shoulders in disbelief because I didn’t know what else to do. I had actually been healed!
The day after the healing service, a wave of excitement went through the camp as people began to share their stories. A lovely lady that we knew from our parish in Calgary always had to walk and pace at the back of the church during Mass because a back injury made it too painful for her to sit and genuflect. That morning she had the biggest grin in the world. She spoke about how she was able to sit and kneel for the first time in many years. My husband Sean, my family, and our friends were all amazed and overjoyed by my healing. As a person who had been living without gluten, dairy, many vegetables and spices that upset my system, it still feels surreal to enjoy salsa again, and rediscover how food can truly taste without causing pain! Sean loves to make savoury food, and I’m grateful he no longer has to prepare a bland and restricted version of his dishes for me. We can now enjoy meals that we prepare together. Fast forward to August 2023, I find myself continually praising the Lord for what He has done for me. I’ve lived with a few chronic issues in my life, accepting the suffering, and making it my goal to offer these tribulations to the Lord for the sake of my salvation and others. But that night, I just felt a calling to participate and ask God for the gift of His healing. Still I question from time to time, feeling almost guilty for this gift of healing, because, after all, God had allowed this suffering in my life and I trust in His will and felt grateful for the opportunity to offer these little things back to Him. I felt I was given these opportunities to be able to walk with Him in His passion, much as Simon was able to do when He helped Jesus carry His cross. At first I wasn’t sure if I should be sharing this with others - as the healings felt more like a personal divine gift and revelation. However, I am now certain that it’s necessary for me to share this with others, to praise God for what He has done, and to instil hope in others with assurance of God’s love. With upcoming healing services coming up in our diocese, I encourage you to participate and ask God for what you need in your life to fulfil His will. Go and trust what God has in store for you. If He wills you to heal, you will heal when you ask for it. Trust that God gives us what we need for our salvation, whether that be strength and perseverance to bear what He has given us, or healing. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” ~Hebrews 10:23
"I was amazed to see one of our senior parishioners who broke her hand from shoulder to elbow on Saturday came on her wheelchair holding her hand in a sling to be part of this long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony for our new parish church. Nothing could stop her and all others to come and witness this great event," exclaimed Fr. Tomy Manjaly, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Strathmore Parish in Alberta. This touching scene unfolded at their official groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. The unwavering support and commitment of the community were palpable at the event. It is a significant milestone for the Sacred Heart Parish - the transformation of the former IGA Grocery Store located in downtown Strathmore into a place of worship. Led by Fr. Tomy Manjaly who blessed the site, the ceremony marked the transformative period for the parish. Parish Council Coordinator Tomas Rochford shared his delight at the community's participation in the event. "It was wonderful to see all the parishioners and local residents come out to enjoy the celebration; it was a cross-section of our community: patriarchs and matriarchs from long-established families, families with small children who recently joined our parish, members of our large Filipino community, and even some individuals who have been ‘testing the waters’ to learn more about the faith as they contemplate ‘swimming the Tiber’ to become Catholic," he said. Fundraising Chair Nettie Hendricks also shared her emotional connection to the project. "I saw the tears on the faces of some members who were here when the previous church was built in 1953, and I felt a connection to them since I have been there myself since 1960," she said. Indeed, the persistent support of the community underscores the significance of this project - not just as a physical transformation of a building, but also as a spiritual journey for the entire community. As Hendricks pointed out, “Strathmore has grown exponentially over the past few years and the number of parish families has increased dramatically since Covid retired. The new church will be an anchor for these families to celebrate Sacraments and faith.” Rochford added, “It will encourage many former or distant Catholics to return and come ‘try it out’, which would be wonderful because we have such a holy pastor who is our spiritual leader, who celebrates Holy Mass in a manner that inspires prayer and sacrifice, and our parish has been striving to offer many means to welcome and form new and experienced members in the fullness of the Catholic Faith.” A space for prayer & centre for the work of mercy Sacred Heart church is not only undergoing a transformation of a former grocery store into a place of worship, it is also set to house relics from St. John Paul II, making it a significant site for prayer, contemplation, and pilgrimage. (Read “St. John Paul II’s relics in our Diocese”, by Sara Francis in Faithfully, 2021). Rochford hopes that the new church space can serve as a hub for faith formation activities, drawing inspiration from the teachings of St. John Paul II. See walkthrough video for the anticipated Shrine Chapel of St. John Paul II. The new church design will also include a commercial kitchen, which anticipates the need to assist families struggling to make ends meet and the growing homeless population in Strathmore. The community hall, part of the new design, will provide another gathering place for special events such as wedding receptions and smaller conventions. Hendrick expresses her delight at this development. "As a Christian, we are called to work for social justice so I am especially happy to see the commercial kitchen because it represents the first step to setting up an outreach program for the less fortunate," she says. Rochford resonates with this sentiment, visualizing the central location of the church as an important opportunity to serve the local residents through corporal and spiritual acts of mercy. "From running potential weekday soup kitchens to weekly Bible studies to 24-hour adoration, we aim to offer Christ to all who step foot in our new building," he shares. The Way of Beauty Rochford, a local resident whose parents moved to Strathmore six years ago to be near his family, shares their anticipation for the completion of the new church. “They are especially excited by the fact that we have tried to build a church that is in architectural and artistic continuity with the entirety of the Catholic tradition," he says. His parents, who grew up before the Second Vatican Council, hold fond memories of beautiful Masses in beautiful churches. Rochford also shares their deep longing after witnessing many churches lose their sense of beauty. Quoting Bishop Barron, he says that the Catholic community is finally moving out of the period of beige Catholicism, re-embracing the Way of Beauty in the universal Church. "Our small-town parish church will be a humble contribution to this renaissance of Catholic culture in Canada,” he adds. "Our architecture team, led by Mr. Jun Lee, was able to design a beautiful neo-Romanesque style church from the bones of a grocery store!" Rochford says. (Read more: “Transforming a Grocery Store into a Church” by Brent Wiley, 2018) He reassures that no one will mistake the new building for any secular building because the external look and the internal forms speak the language of the Catholic faith in wood, metal, and drywall. Interest continues to grow in the unique transformation of this downtown building. For a glimpse of this transformation, the Parish has shared a video link on their website: https://youtu.be/ASEc_JutFgA Relying on your prayers & support Fr. Tomy Manjaly conveys his deep appreciation for all those who have supported their church transformation project through their time, talent, and resources. "I can't stop thanking God for all those who have helped us in various ways to make this day possible," says Fr. Manjaly. He acknowledges that while they've made a strong start, the journey is far from over. "We continue to depend on the generosity of so many good people to complete the task which we have just begun." The project cost is approximately $10M. To date, just over $6M has been collected through the generous support of the parish community. The parish remains optimistic about addressing the remaining capital shortfall of $3M through the collective efforts of the community. Hendricks, committed to continuing fundraising efforts both within and outside the parish community, expresses her hope for the future. "With the tangible presence of construction, we will see some additional donations to help us cross the financial finish line," she says. As Sacred Heart Parish commences this monumental journey, the energy and anticipation within the parish remain vibrant. They extend their heartfelt gratitude to the good people of the Diocese for their unwavering prayerful and financial support. They humbly request the continued generosity and prayers of the community to help them bring this project to completion. Photos courtesy of Lynn Dumont, Sacred Heart Parish, Strathmore.
Daniel Tang confesses, “I have never left the continent before, nor have I ever camped outside; I have not flown across the ocean, and I am usually uncomfortable in large crowds.” Yet in this monumental leap, Tang is prepared to step beyond his comfort zone. He is one of the 40 pilgrims from St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC) leaving for Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day (WYD) 2023, accompanied by Fr. Cristino Bouvette and Fr. Santiago Torres. He further shares, “This theme that Mary arose and went with haste (Luke 1:39) reminds me to trust in God's providence on every step of the way - to have no fear of the unknown, and to have peace and know that He will provide.”
A special visit to Our Lady of Fatima While many are keen to explore Portuguese culture, encompassing its food, architecture, music, and history, a significant part of the excitement surrounds visiting the Fatima apparition site and understanding the miracles of Our Lady of Fatima during World Youth Day 2023. Group leader Catarina Avila, a native Portuguese, is especially excited to share her culture with fellow pilgrims. “As a Portuguese citizen who grew up in a faithful Portuguese family and vibrant Portuguese culture, I am thrilled that I am able to share my culture with my fellow pilgrims going to World Youth Day!” she exclaims. She adds, “Above all, I am honoured to be able to have the opportunity to delve more deeply into the message of Fatima with the pilgrims.” Her anticipation for visiting the Fatima site resonates with many, including Kathleen Brul who says, “I've never visited a Marian apparition site before, and Our Lady of Fatima holds such a vital place in Portuguese history.” Kathleen also reveals that a pivotal moment occurred during a Mass at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton last year, when she was navigating a difficult period in her life. This experience ignited her journey of faith. “Pope Francis' papal visit set my heart on fire for Jesus … I finally felt free from all the things that had kept me away from true joy and fulfilment,” she says. “I decided to go to World Youth Day to celebrate the joy and peace God has blessed me with throughout this past year…” Mary Arose and went with haste (Luke 1:39) The theme for World Youth Day 2023, "Mary arose and went with haste," has sparked various interpretations among participants. Some view it as a motivational call to disseminate the Gospel promptly, while others perceive it as an encouragement to trust in God's divine plan. This theme truly encompasses Mary's faith and obedience, inspiring participants to leave their comfort zones and welcome the unknown with joy. Cameron Bluekens reflects on this, saying, “Mary didn't delay in spreading the Gospel. It was the presence of God in her that moved her to share the Good News with zeal and generosity - I would like to be blessed with the same virtues.” For pilgrim Jonathan Dobek, the theme for WYD 2023 speaks into a specific action. He says, “After WYD, with Mary’s help, I will get up and in haste go to seminary to discern and learn what God has in store for me.” Jonathan has been accepted by Bishop McGrattan to enter St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton as a seminarian for our Diocese, beginning the last week of August. Our young adults have also shared a variety of hopes for their attendance at World Youth Day. Some express a desire to strengthen their faith, charity, and zeal, while others aim to better incorporate their faith into daily life. Elizabeth Spiess and Mark Oswald look forward to forging new friendships during the World Youth Day 2023 pilgrimage. "I also hope to deepen my connections with old friends," adds Mark. Simultaneously, Elizabeth envisions contributing to the growth of youth ministry in her parish. Andrew Min concluded his thoughts by sharing that he aims to inspire other young adults with his experiences from this spiritual journey. He hopes that his stories might encourage them to consider embarking on this pilgrimage themselves in the future. Despite their individual aspirations, there is a shared openness to the spiritual journey that this pilgrimage may offer. Daniel Tang wraps it up by saying, “I truly believe that witnessing the Living Universal Body of Christ would bear much fruit to be shared back in our respective Dioceses.” CCCB press release: More than 5,000 Canadian Youth are making their way to Lisbon, Portugal to be with Pope Francis, from 1 to 6 August 2023. The Holy Father will join more than one million young people for World Youth Day (WYD). The first international World Youth Day was held in 1986, and the event was hosted by Canada in 2002, with Pope Saint John Paul II making the pilgrimage to Toronto. Read more Statements & Resources
Residential Schools within the boundaries of the Diocese of Calgary
There were 25 residential schools in the Province of Alberta. See: Residential Schools in Canada Map. Four of them operated by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) were within the boundaries of the Diocese. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary did not run any residential schools. Below are links to the four residential schools:
Learn about Residential Schools
Truth & Reconciliation Commission
A brief guide about Treaty & Alberta Treaty Map (Alberta Teachers Association) Crisis line for Indian Residential School survivors and family: 1-866-925-4419 On a beautiful Tuesday morning, I sat at a picnic table by the shore of Lake Chaparral, southeast of Calgary, engaging in conversation with our Diocese's newest deacon from Argentina. My hosts on this warm gorgeous summer day were Deacon Carlos Lozano and his lovely wife, Christina Rieter. The warmth emanating from the two of them carried us through a two-hour heartfelt bilingual Spanish–English conversation centred on Christ, family, and service. As Deacon Carlos awaits his new mission in Holy Spirit Parish beginning August 1st, he speaks with delightful excitement about his ministry in Argentina and his hopes and dreams for the future. In May 1996, Deacon Carlos and his fellow deacons chose these words of Jeremiah for their ordination in Buenos Aires, Argentina: “Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you a prophet to the nations.” (Jer 1:4-5). Long before that, in 1951, Deacon Carlos revealed that his mother, while he was still in her womb, had dedicated him to our Blessed Virgin Mary. With this profound offering and our Blessed Mother's intercession, Deacon Lozano serves the Lord not only in his marital and family life but also through his permanent diaconate ministry, which now extends beyond Argentina due to his his recent move to Calgary, Alberta.
My 95 year old mother did not know a grandparent, a cousin, an aunt or an uncle growing up. But it is like the Lord is making up for what she did not have, as now there are close to 90 of us with our families and children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Truly, the blessings of abundance are bountiful! Celebrating the third World Day for Grandparents and the elderly is especially heartwarming for me this year. First, to be a grandparent to 11 on earth, and to have my own mother still with us as a grandmother and great grandmother is truly a blessing. The alignment of the World Youth Day preparations with the celebration of this day serves as a reminder for young adults to appreciate the gift of their grandparents. As they participate in the festivities in Lisbon, Portugal, this year's World Day for Grandparents and Elderly theme, "His Mercy is from age to age" (Luke 1:15), echoes a message that God’s eyes are always on us. Taken from the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, this verse speaks volumes of the generations who celebrate in this Mercy. The connection between the young and the old is vitally important. Whether it is being there as a grandparent to offer support and wisdom, or whether it is accepting the outstretched hand of the young offering help, both are so very necessary. Even if your grandparents are no longer with you, there are many elderly waiting to receive the touch of a grandchild figure, or for them to be a grandparent to a child. During the pandemic when care facilities, and other living accommodations were closed off to visitors, our family came up with an idea to be able to see mom everyday by using FaceTime. This allows us to pray the daily rosary with her, to bring to prayer those who had special needs, and to remain connected. For over 2.5 years we have continued the practice as a family, and those who are able to join in can do so on any given day. There are countless ways to maintain strong connections with our elderly loved ones, and each small effort can make a significant difference. Looking for ideas?
As grandparents we experience the joys and sufferings of each of our children and grandchildren. There are special needs, and there are many ways that we can be a blessing to our grown children and our grandchildren. I always recall with great gratitude the many times my own parents took our children, and the mercy shown to us when we were young parents. It is this boundless mercy shown to us that I desire to pass on to our own children and grandchildren. Those blessings that we received as young parents are still felt today, as I reach out to, and try to provide a place of secure welcome to our own grandchildren. To witness to, and to be there for our grandchildren, as our presence is required, allows our grandchildren to receive so many benefits of family living united in the hope and the promise of the gospel message. We are called to be there, and to especially be there for our aging parents / grandparents. To be a sign of hope in a culture that wants to cancel people is so very important. It means taking a stand and to pray through our current culture, while keeping our focus on what brings life. To be people of hope, when all hope seems diminished stands as a beacon for the world. God’s plan is so much bigger than what we can imagine, and we can be that sign of hope for others. It is not about a “perfect” life, it is about allowing God’s will and His plan to unfold for our lives, having the cross at the centre. It is about caring for those that God puts in our path. The love and respect given to and from grandparents can never be diminished. When cultures are cancelling the weak and the vulnerable, it is time to stand up, and be counter cultural. Let us be the “voice of one crying out in the wilderness” (Isaiah 40:3). Do not be afraid to be the one to show His Mercy, and to respect the life we have been given from conception to natural death. My grandfather, when asked how to raise children, simply said, “teach them their faith, and use good common sense.” Today this is still sound advice, so simple and yet so true. His words of wisdom have stood the test of time. As we navigate through this complex and unforgiving world, let’s revisit this advice, and may we proclaim with boldness the message of mercy to our grandchildren.
Everlasting joy: Serving & Listening in the SpiritOver the past year or so, I have been working as a waitstaff member at a retirement home in the northwest Calgary. It is a quaint place for independent seniors who do not require extensive care. My most treasured part about this job are the interactions I have with the residents at the retirement home. This, I believe to be a twofold interaction as I have noticed that the residents seldom receive family visits. The residents have a wealth of insights and wisdom to share, and what I commit to bring them in return is an infectious joy to hopefully brighten their days. I would not have chosen this job if I had not recognized the primary commitment to bringing joy. I have my own experiences with my grandparents and my faith to thank for that; because I cannot imagine how isolating it could feel to live here without much social interaction. Interestingly, I learned from a group of residents about a differing approach taken by another waitstaff member. Residents were advised to spend their free time in their suites rather than the all-day café near the dining area, which is typically designated for leisure. This baffled me. What could possibly lead one to believe that people, particularly seniors, would prefer to be cooped up away from everyone for days on end. These experiences further bolster my efforts to provide the most genuine and respectful service I can give. This primarily comes down to the smaller things. If there’s one thing the elderly desire from a service, is to feel that they are listened to. I cultivate this through a multitude of smaller actions, such as not just remembering and calling residents by their names; but also knowing their drink choices at each mealtime, as well as any allergies or food preferences. I make a point to acknowledge all of these preferences or requests when serving them; and I am always open to conversation. At the end of the day, I am here at this job to serve the elderly the best I can. I am drawn to this work, feeling motivated by the Holy Spirit to bring joy wherever I go and to whomever I interact. As we approach 2023's World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, I aim to continue dedicating my service both to God and to the senior residents in the retirement home. I pray for the Holy Spirit to help me continue to share God’s love and joy with the elderly.
Human trafficking is a highly-organized crime that involves exploiting humans for forced labour, sexual slavery, and commercial sexual exploitation. It is also one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada. 72% of reported human trafficking victim in Canada are under 25 years of age, and 93% of reported victims are Canadians being trafficked domestically. (Source: #NotInMyCity). Assessing the national and global reach of human trafficking is a challenging task due to the covert nature of these crimes, the unwillingness of victims and witnesses to approach law enforcement, and the practical challenges of identifying victims. While no one is immune to falling victim, some individuals face a higher risk. The key to tackling this issue lies in our collaborative efforts and unity. To safeguard your children from this crime, we can learn the signs of trafficking and talk openly about the risks with them. Honest discussions can make a big difference. Here's what we can do to help end human trafficking:
Here are several local, national, and international initiatives diligently working towards eradicating sex and child trafficking.
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Pope Francis begins this Pope Video saying, “If you are the same at the end of Mass as you were at the beginning, something is wrong.” In his new prayer intention, which he entrusts to the entire Catholic Church, the Holy Father invites us to place the Eucharist at the centre of our lives. He invites us to see this celebration not as an obligatory ritual, but rather as an encounter with the Risen Jesus, for “the Eucharist is the presence of Jesus,” which is “profoundly transforming.” Along this line, Pope Francis insists in this video that “it is Christ who offers Himself, who gives himself for us,” which leads to “our lives being nourished by Him to nourish the lives of our brothers and sisters.” Returning love This is what we see happening to the three protagonists in this month’s video – three members of the faithful who, at the end of Mass, bring the Eucharist to their brothers and sisters in need, outside of the Church, returning that love and the gift of self they themselves received in the Sacrament. The scenes from everyday life are set in the U.S. city of Detroit. In fact, the Pope Video for the month of July was produced thanks to the help of the Archdiocese of Detroit. This collaboration is not accidental, as Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron explains. “We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to support our Holy Father and the Pope Video initiative. In particular, we feel honoured to produce this video on the Eucharist. The timing is providential since our archdiocese, and all of the dioceses, in the United States are engaged in a Eucharistic Revival to restore an awareness and devotion to Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. We pray that this video will serve as a convincing invitation to all of us in the universal Church to encounter Jesus and thank Him for the precious gift of Himself in the Eucharist.” Going out of ourselves, opening ourselves to others In this Pope Video, Pope Francis explains “the logic of the Eucharist,” which “gives us the courage to encounter others, to go out of ourselves, and to open ourselves to others with love.” He had already indicated this in an Angelus from June 2021 when he pointed out that Jesus, “at the end of his life, does not distribute an abundance of bread to feed the multitudes, but breaks himself apart at the Passover supper with the disciples.” In some way, Pope Francis continued, Jesus showed us “that the aim of life lies in self-giving, that the greatest thing is to serve.” This is why the Pope encourages us to encounter Jesus in the Eucharist, because that is where we receive the capacity to love others and to allow ourselves to be transformed by Him. The Eucharist at the centre Father Frédéric Fornos S.J., International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, commented on this intention: “Once more, Pope Francis reminds us where to focus, and what is truly important in our lives. The Eucharist is an encounter with the Risen Jesus, he tells us. Jesus Christ wants to transform us, to give us his capacity to love, so we can place ourselves at the service of His mission. How many times do we reduce the Mass to a ritual, the priest’s homily, or to receiving communion? Instead, it is a personal and communal encounter with the Risen Lord to which the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM), the youth branch of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, invites us. When we allow ourselves to be transformed by Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, we assimilate His way of living and we will want to share in His mission of compassion for the world. Let us accompany the Holy Father this month with this prayer intention so we might draw closer to this transformative experience.”
When my alarm went off at 4am I have to admit that I really didn’t feel like driving 3 ½ hours to attend a retreat. Thank goodness that all I had to do was drive to St. Mary’s Parish in Brooks from Medicine Hat. There, my colleague Juliana would be awaiting, as she graciously volunteered to navigate us through the remaining 2 ½ hours to Mount St. Francis in Cochrane. Looking back, I now realize that my retreat began the moment I stepped into Juliana’s car. As we exchanged stories and experiences about our ministries and how we serve our church communities, a scripture verse from Matthew came to me, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Mt. 18:20. It’s moments like these, where we can share our faith and particularly how we live our faith, that are both encouraging and comforting to me. Our conversation also reaffirmed in my mind the diversity of each parish is, a reality I am acutely aware of, given my work with both Catholic churches in Medicine Hat. The trip went quickly and before I knew it, we were pulling into the Mount St. Francis parking lot. I was excited and very eager to see what was in store for us at the retreat. As everyone congregated in the conference room to find their places, I sensed such a spirit of joy and fellowship. The room buzzed with warm greetings and friendly introductions as we gathered together for the same purpose: to reflect, engage and spend time with the Lord. Once again, Matthew 18:20 echoed in my thoughts. The retreat began with songs of praise, followed by everyone sharing a little information about themselves and their ministries. We were then asked to reflect on some questions and share our thoughts with those at our individual tables. These were simple questions, yet they urged us to reflect on our beginnings in the faith, who inspired us, and how we are currently inspiring others in their faith. I loved hearing about other people’s journeys and even though we live in different cities, we were pleasantly surprised to discover some shared inspirational mentors. The retreat progressed with Fr. Kenneth LeBlanc sharing his story about his father’s conversion and the subsequent unfolding of his journey to the priesthood. He was wonderful to listen to and again, so joyful. My heart felt so uplifted after his presentation. Of course, a retreat would not be complete without Holy Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. As we sang, prayed both aloud as well as in the silence of our hearts, I was deeply moved by the sense of our unity. Even though we did not all know one another, I felt a oneness of heart and mind with Christ being the Center of it all. Everything about the retreat, from the beautiful songs, group discussions, Fr. Kenneth’s testimony, personal reflection, mass, adoration, and even the tasty lunch where we could once again enjoy fellowship, was so uplifting. If you were to ask me what I enjoyed the most about the retreat, I would respond that I don’t have a favourite part because in all of it Christ was so present. I thank the staff at the Catholic Pastoral Centre (especially Huy & Anthony) and everyone at Mount St. Francis for allowing us this opportunity to come together. Being part a of a rural church, I sometimes feel isolated and maybe even a bit disconnected, but as the events of this day unfolded, I was reminded that I really am part of a larger family, and I look forward to all of us getting together again in His Name. Because as we know… “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20. Submitted by Sally Myers, Sacramental Prep Coordinator for Holy Family Church and St. Patrick’s Church in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
“War is the ultimate human failure,” says Capt./Fr. John Nemanic. Not a sentiment I expect to hear from a military chaplain but Fr. John is adamant. “Human beings are called to be in communion with one another; to love and help each other. I had to grapple with this.” As we continue the interview, he expands on this conflict. Barely nine months ago, Fr. John was a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Calgary. Now he is a chaplain serving in the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada (RC Milord Canada) under the supervision of Bishop Scott McCaig. The RCMilord is described as “a diocese of massive dimensions” serving not only military members and their families at home, but also wherever the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have a presence around the world. Fr. John is simultaneously an officer, serving under a military chain of command including the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service (RCChS). This branch of the military, which Fr. John describes as similar to Alberta Catholic schools in that it serves all faiths. According to the National Defence website, “CAF chaplains attend to the needs of all members of the CAF and their families, whether they identify with a particular Faith Tradition, have no specific spiritual/faith practice, belief or custom, or are spiritually curious.” In some ways, this is similar to parish work, caring for the spiritual needs of all CAF members, those who are Catholic, those from other faith backgrounds or those who have none. The pluralism found within the CAF reflects that seen in Canadian society as a whole, so chaplains have to be prepared to deal with all of it. Fr. John says, “As individual chaplains we’re told to be faithful to our faith traditions, so I might refer for example, a same-sex marriage request, to another chaplain. The chaplain might also refer military families to the local (secular) parish, for example, for sacramental preparation or for French-language Mass. He also liaises with other houses of worship nearby to be able to refer different faith adherents appropriately. It’s an environment of ecumenism and outreach into which chaplains are rigorously initiated. Fr. John felt a calling to the military as early as his calling to the priesthood. His father served in the Yugoslavian army, so after Fr. John was ordained in 2008, he considered serving as a reservist. However, he found the commitment unsustainable with full time parish work. In 2017, his yearning to serve for the military resurfaced during centennial celebrations of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Eventually, he applied to the RCChS and began a long process of interviews, physical tests, evaluations, educational qualification assessments and personal reference checks. “This was also to test the call,” Fr. John says, “A lot of it was prayer.” Once he was accepted, he was posted to Garrison Petawawa in Ontario (population 19,000 including 6,000 people directly connected to the base). He then began 13 weeks of basic training from 5 am to 10 pm. It was a tough regimen designed to emphasize teamwork and endurance under adversity, as well as essential fighting skills. Chaplains do not carry weapons, although they do have to learn how to safely disarm them. They also do not command any personnel but bear an officer’s rank so they can minister to members at all levels. Chaplains have authority, and an obligation, to present significant issues from the rank-and-file to higher-ups. They also preside at religious services and form part of the group which delivers news to a family following an incident. It was during basic training that Fr. John experienced a memorable moment. Among his fellow trainees, who ranged in age from 19 to 50, one approached him expressing suicidal thoughts. Fr. John arranged for mental health support for the person. He remembers being awed and humbled by the “power of the padre”, to be trusted with a confidence at the outset of his training. Not all his experiences were as positive. While visiting the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa during Basic Training, he paused in front of a large display of instruments meant to kill and maim. “My stomach churned,” he says, “I wondered, ‘am I enabling this by serving in the CAF?’” With the help of an advisor, he came to understand differently. “Canada’s interests in going to war are noble: to defend our country and defend those who need our help.” He goes on to say that Jesus met violence with acceptance when he submitted to being crucified. Chaplains can provide solace to those who’ve had to kill and those suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Fr. John explains that soldiers have to accept what the military terms ‘unlimited liability’ which means they cannot refuse an order even if it places them in dire danger. Officers have to deal with issuing such orders. Even peacekeepers, who are not permitted to fire unless first fired upon, can encounter terrible situations which they are powerless to affect. “It’s such a conundrum to support CAF members but not believe in war,” Fr. John says. “Only God can bring creation out of chaos. Pray for peace in our hearts and homes. Pray that there is no more war and no need for the military but pray also for our soldiers.” Fr. John ends our interview the same way he began it, with gratitude to Bishop McGrattan for “putting me on loan to the military”. He says fervently, “I would never have found peace until I knew if I could do this. God has put me in a place where I can really help people.”
On the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, June 17, 2023, over 130 individuals representing 7 parishes within the Fr. Naphin Deanery gathered at Mother of the Redeemer Parish for their first Faith and Mission Day. Father Fabio DeSouza who initiated the day, presented the pastoral journey of the Diocese in his talk, "From Pioneers to Parishioners: Tracing the Pastoral History of the Diocese of Calgary." The event continued with a Mass with Bishop McGrattan, who spoke about the synodal experience of the Diocese during the homily. After the Mass, participants gathered in the parish hall to enjoy a delicious lunch provided by the Knights of Columbus. The atmosphere was joyful and filled with a genuine sense of community as individuals from various parishes came together, fostering a profound sense of unity and shared purpose. This Pastoral Zone Day has truly served our parishes as a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and deepen our understanding of the Diocese's pastoral history and vision. It has strengthened our sense of communion. Participants departed feeling inspired to actively participate in executing the forthcoming pastoral priorities outlined by Bishop McGrattan, contributing to the spiritual rejuvenation of their respective parish communities. Submitted by Catarina Avila, Our Lady of Fatima Parish Communications Team.
Photos credit: Thiago Cavallini, Our Lady of Fatima Parish Communications Team. |
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Catholic Pastoral Centre Staff and Guest Writers Archives
May 2024
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