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 On Tuesday, October 28, parishioners, families, clergy, and pro-life advocates filled St. Mary’s Cathedral for the Diocese of Calgary’s inaugural Mass for Life, a Eucharistic celebration devoted to honouring the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. Presided over by Bishop William McGrattan, the Mass invited all to rediscover the heart of the Church’s mission to defend life. In his homily, the Bishop reminded the faithful that the protection of life is not a political stance but a spiritual mission, one rooted in Christ’s sacrificial love. His words made a deep impact, encouraging each person to witness to the Gospel of Life with courage, charity, and compassion. Several pro-life and pastoral organizations were present, including ALIES, the CCCB’s Horizons of Hope Palliative Care initiative, the Catholic Women’s League, 40 Days for Life, the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform, and the Calgary Pro-Life Association. Each offered practical ways for parishioners to learn, pray, and act in support of a consistent ethic of life. After Mass, attendees visited the display tables to ask questions and learn about new opportunities to serve. Organization representatives noted the high level of interest and engagement, describing the evening as a clear sign that this shared mission is sustained by faith and grace. The Diocese will celebrate the Mass for Life annually, offering the faithful a chance to grow in faith and unity around the Church’s call to protect life.
Photos by Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary.
I want to recognize and celebrate the work of Mission Mexico over these past 25 years. This program is a testament to the faith and generosity of the people of Calgary, reaching out to the poorest of the poor with arms of faith, hope, and charity for the people in the mountain regions of Guerrero. This program has given them hope and a better future for themselves and their families, firmly grounded in the love of God.  On Saturday evening, Oct 25, 2025, Mission Mexico celebrated their 25 years of service! The celebration took place at St. Anthony’s, where about 45 friends gathered for tacos, burritos, and lively conversation.
We were privileged to welcome Mike MacDonald, who leads the charity’s work in Mexico. After showing the celebratory anniversary video, Mike recounted the impact of his ministry among the poorest families in the mountains of Guerrero, and recalled the recent visit of board members, John Paul and his wife, Harriet. Board chair Sean Lynn announced that, in honour of the 25th anniversary, the scholarship bursaries will be increased to 64 awards and several one-time projects. This is just one of the many initiatives that parishes can support, whether by fundraising for the bursaries or by contributing to the other projects supported by Mission Mexico.  Written by Quinton Amundson, The Catholic Register Calgary Bishop William McGrattan said the Church cannot ignore the profound implications of the rapidly advancing technological revolution that is artificial intelligence. Speaking at the AI symposium hosted at St. Mary’s University in partnership with the Diocese of Calgary Oct. 17–18, McGrattan emphasized “we must not be an AI-illiterate Church,” urging participants — technology experts, theologians, ethicists, clergy and laity — to avoid both a “paralyzing fear” and an “uncritical embracing” of artificial intelligence. The Calgary bishop shared a potential AI action strategy that arose out of a previous summit staged in Edmonton this past May by the Mission Collaboration Initiative (MCI). The MCI is a forum created by the Alberta bishops in 2018 to empower key Catholic organizational leaders to advise diocesan shepherds about key issues that could impact the Church’s evangelization mission. Four pathways forward were formulated through synodal listening sessions, an exercise also conducted throughout the symposium at St. Mary’s. Path one is education and formation where the Church needs to be open to dialogue and learning, as a sufficient knowledge base will enable Canadian Catholic leadership to effectively present its ethical voice. “This is critical for us to have the sense of confidence and authority when dealing with issues of health care and education,” he said. McGrattan also stressed that “it is incumbent upon us to double down on the formation of the human person.” We must be mindful of the “competing visions at work in our society and culture” undermining Church teaching about personhood. “Not to generalize, but we have these ancient heresies that continually resurrect themselves in various forms,” said the native of London, Ont. “The Gnosticism that in some ways the human person is disembodied, that our consciousness, our thinking, is what defines us solely as a human person without reference to the gift of the body. Or the reductionism of the human person to what is just simply material, to what we’ve heard as the temptation of this transhumanism, to actually see our humanity be transformed into a material machine.” The second path ahead is developing guidelines for the responsible discernments and adoptions in the use of AI. McGrattan first outlined some of the key ethical considerations — AI challenges. These quandaries include privacy concerns, job displacement, social isolation, idolatry, environmental impacts, algorithmic discrimination and depersonalization. He also detailed the Catholic doctrines, linking with these aforementioned dilemmas, that must be championed during this unfolding sea change. 
The dignity of work principle acutely corresponds with the concerns of mass job displacement. This creed could be promoted by advocating that the affirming value and purpose of labour could be safeguarded by ensuring there are meaningful human-centric roles available for workers who see some of their assignments overtaken by automation. For example, if AI takes charge of administrative tasks, healthcare workers can devote more time to personalized patient care. Fostering authentic community and human accompaniment is the third pathway. Strengthening community life can help to confront the loneliness epidemic at work in society today and could magnify further as AI development continues to proliferate. McGrattan also suggested that cultivating authentic bonds of fellowship can “be a way of mitigating unhealthy dependence and reliance on AI for companionship.” Pathway four is continued proactive engagement with technology leaders and policymakers. “The goal here is to have the Catholic Church’s voice heard and also integrated into the development of AI,” said McGrattan. He concluded by spotlighting AI's potential to advance the Church's mission, such as amplifying evangelization efforts by overcoming language barriers, enriching catechetical formation through personalized learning and freeing clerical staff for more pastoral care. The next steps for the Alberta bishops are to establish a commission on technology, advocate for the inclusion of AI ethics in school curriculum and Catholic institutions and organize public forums to engage the broader community on artificial intelligence.  With great thanksgiving to God, over one hundred priests of the Diocese of Calgary gathered with the Bishop for the annual Priest Study Days held in Canmore (Oct 6-9, 2026). This year’s theme focused on the art of preaching and the celebration of the Holy Mass. These days provide an important opportunity for priests to learn together, to share and reflect on their experiences of ministry, to deepen their understanding of the Church’s teaching, and to enjoy moments of fraternity and rest. Through this time of Renewal, they return to their ministry strengthened in unity and faith as the Church. Priests are human beings called to participate in the work of grace, please continue to remember them in prayer.
Photos courtesy of Fr. Iqbal Kurshid.
 Written by Bishop William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary. This weekend marked the beginning of the third year of our Diocesan Renewal… You are Called, You Matter, and You Belong. It also coincided with a Worship Conference for liturgical ministry coordinators entitled The Church at Worship, held at St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s High School. Those who attended the two-day gathering participated in a solemn Evening Prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, three conferences delivered by Fr. Frank Scalia of the Archdiocese of Montreal, and several practical workshops, all designed to renew the heart of liturgical ministry. The Conference focused on deepening our understanding of the Church’s liturgical worship through prayer and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. General liturgical principles were introduced to guide our celebrations and to reflect on the various forms of liturgical leadership that serve the Body of Christ in our parishes.
On Friday evening, participants gathered at the Cathedral for a chanted Evening Prayer that began with the Service of Light, or lucernarium. In the silence of the darkened church, the assembly gathered in procession with the Easter Candle, as the proclamation of light was chanted, “The Light of Christ – Thanks be to God.” The sharing of the flame among the assembly became a powerful symbol of our faith in Christ’s resurrection and triumph over death. Fr. Scalia’s reflections were both rich and instructive. On Friday evening he offered a foundational vision of liturgical worship, emphasizing that the Church’s liturgy is a spiritual and sacramental encounter with the living Lord in His Paschal Mystery. He reminded participants that the rites and prayers of the Church, handed down through the generations, have become the language of our Faith, enabling us to know it, celebrate it, and live it. Lex orandi: the way we pray together informs, lex credendi: the way we understand and believe the Faith, and leads to lex vivendi: the way we live as baptized Christians and missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.  On Saturday, Fr. Scalia outlined the principles of liturgy that form the foundation of renewal, drawing upon the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium. He emphasized that the Eucharist is the sacramental reality that makes present the one and same sacrifice of Christ offered for our salvation. To celebrate this sacred mystery with dignity, devotion, and adoration, several principles must guide us:
In his final conference, Fr. Scalia reflected on the meaning of liturgical leadership, drawing from several Gospel passages where Christ reveals the deeper truth of Christian leadership, a love expressed in service that seeks the good of others. He reminded participants that every liturgical role, whether visible or unseen, must always be exercised as a form of service for the good of God’s People gathered in worship. This spirit of service prepared participants for the Saturday afternoon workshops, which focused on the specific ministries that contribute to the beauty and reverence of our liturgical celebrations: altar servers, sacristans, lectors, choir members, hospitality ministers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, liturgical environment, and liturgical committees. These sessions were led by lay representatives, permanent deacons, and priests of our Diocese, fostering dialogue, learning, and collaboration… a true sign of the fruits of our ongoing Renewal. As we continue to implement parish pastoral plans and sustain our Diocesan Renewal, we must always return to the primacy of grace received through the Church’s liturgical life, in prayer, the Sacraments, and most especially in the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of the Christian life.
Photography: Bandi Szakony, for the Diocese of Calgary
 On Sep 12, 2025, Bishop William McGrattan, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), wrote to the federal Minister of Finance to raise urgent concerns about proposed changes to Canada’s charity laws. See Pre Budget Consultations recommendations on Recommendations 429 & 430. These changes could remove the long-standing charitable status of religious organizations and place new restrictions on charities.
The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, M.P. Minister of Finance and National Revenue Department of Finance Canada 90 Elgin Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G5 House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 Email: [email protected] Dear Minister, I write to you as a follow up to the enclosed letter that you received on 8 March 2025 from the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) regarding the Standing Committee on Finance’s Budget Recommendations 429 and 430. The CCCB has not received a reply. Therefore, due to the urgency of the matter and in light of the Government’s current preparations for the 2025 budget, I would like, once again, to highlight a few areas of specific concern. Recommendation 429 would introduce a restrictive bias into charitable status, as noted in our March letter. It would impact all charitable organizations in the future whose purposes may not align with those of the current government. The proposed removal of the “privileged status of advancement of religion” in Recommendation 430, in addition to alienating more than two-thirds of Canadians who are religiously affiliated (1), would also alter the well-established common law definition of charitable purpose, which stretches back over 400 years (2). It would further send a disruptive signal to the charitable sector that the principles of charity legislation can be rescinded without adequate consultation, even before their impact on society is fully understood. It is essential to underscore that both Recommendations 429 and 430, if pursued by the Government, would harm the charitable sector as a whole and, in particular, the millions of Canadians who rely on the affected organizations for support. The proposed changes would also create a void within the charitable sector, significantly increasing costs for the federal government and the Canadian taxpayer.(3) The CCCB joins a growing group of other large Catholic charities, including the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, Development and Peace-Caritas Canada, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Canada, the Knights of Columbus of Canada, and the Catholic Civil Rights League, together with other organizations, such as the Canadian Interfaith Conversation, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the Christian Legal Fellowship, and Imagine Canada. All are united in voicing strong opposition to the Recommendations 429 and 430, which are seen as undue ideological and partisan interference of a discriminatory nature within the charitable sector. Any proposed structural changes to federal charity legislation should be preceded by serious consultation with the stakeholders and not simply based on a committee’s recommendations. As president of the CCCB, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and staff members of the Department of Finance to discuss these concerns on behalf of the many Catholic charities that operate in Canada, serving all Canadians, regardless of religious affiliation. Yours sincerely, The Most Rev. William T. McGrattan Bishop of Calgary, CCCB President Notes:
Cc: The Right Hon. Mark Carney, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada The Hon. Wayne Long, P.C., M.P., Secretary of State The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, P.C., M.P. Mr. Jagmeet Singh, M.P. Mr. Yves-François Blanchet, M.P. Ms. Elizabeth May, M.P. Mr. Ryan Turnbull, M.P. Mr. Jasraj Singh Hallan, M.P. Mr. Don Davies, M.P. Mr. Gabriel Ste-Marie, M.P. Mr. Peter Fonseca, M.P  Just one day after returning from the week-long Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop William T. McGrattan presided at the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Mass on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The liturgy, organized with Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, Couples for Christ, and St. Mary’s Cathedral, drew together migrants, refugees, and parishioners to pray in solidarity with people who have been forced to leave their homelands. Pope Leo XIV, in his apostolic message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, frames migrants as “missionaries of hope” whose courage and perseverance bear witness to God’s promise of new life. He links this hope to the virtue described in the Catechism (n. 1818), a longing for the ultimate happiness that God has placed in every heart. In his 2025 message for the day, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the witness of migrants and refugees themselves. Migrants, through their courage and perseverance, become missionaries of hope, teaching us that even in the midst of loss and suffering, God’s promise of new life endures.
He recalled his visits to St. Peter’s Square in Rome, where the monument “Angels Unawares” by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz depicts more than 140 migrants and refugees crowded together on a boat. “You see children, mothers, the elderly, priests, those of different nationalities. Each time I go to that sculpture, I notice parts that are warped. It might be the child, or the elderly. It’s a reminder that people are moved to pray and to touch this statue because of the condition and situation they find themselves in.”
The Bishop reminded the congregation that this parable is not just a story of the past but a living call to examine our own attitudes toward those on the margins. In Calgary, the Church’s response has taken root for decades. The Diocese established the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society in the 1980s, initially to serve Vietnamese refugees, and it continues to welcome people from Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond today. "The need keeps growing for us as a Church to open our doors, and to welcome the stranger." “Our world sometimes needs much more of a witness of welcome and hospitality,” Bishop McGrattan said, “especially to the refugees and the migrants.”
As the homily came to a close, Bishop McGrattan left the faithful with a challenge: to take the parable of Lazarus to heart by looking honestly at their own attitudes. “Are we hospitable? Are we open to receiving those who are most in need, those who are fleeing their countries for safety, stability, or to ensure that their families are kept intact? Many continue to be persecuted. We, as a Church of Christians, must continually respond.” The World Day of Migrants and Refugees reminds us that faith calls us to welcome and solidarity. As Bishop McGrattan urged, may we not take the attitude of the rich man, "but take the attitude of Abraham, who is known as the symbol of hospitality, the image of that who welcomed the strangers in his midst, and was blessed to be in the presence of angels.” Photography: Bandi Szakony.
Playlist for daily updates from the 2025 Plenary Assembly This week (22-26 September 2025), Bishop William T. McGrattan and the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will gather in Montreal, Quebec, for the annual meeting of the Plenary Assembly. What is the meeting of the Plenary Assembly? A meeting of the Plenary Assembly is a solemn and important event in the life of the Church in Canada because it gathers together all the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), who total 80 Bishops of the Latin and Eastern Churches across Canada. The Plenary Assembly of the Conference is its highest instance of authority. Decisions taken by the Plenary Assembly represent the unity of action of all the Bishops of Canada on a national level. Convoked at least once a year, the Plenary Assembly considers a broad range of topics related to the Church’s evangelizing mission, including reports and questions from the Episcopal Commissions and other advisory bodies of the Conference. The agenda, which is set by the Permanent Council, may also include discussions and pastoral reflections on special topics. Elections are held every two years to appoint members to leadership positions within the Conference. This meeting is always focused on how the Bishops of Canada can serve the Church’s mission at the national level. The following are some of the topics that will be covered during that full week of discussion carried out under the guidance of the Holy Spirit:
As is customary, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, will address the Bishops in his capacity as the Pope’s representative in Canada. This year, the formal press conference will be held at the close of the Plenary Assembly meeting on Friday, 26 September 2025, at 11:30 am MT.  Courtesy of CCCB  On Saturday, September 13, 2025, St. Mary’s Cathedral was filled with joy as 29 couples, many of whom had been married civilly for years, came forward to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony. This diocesan celebration, called Sacred Grace, was organized through the collaboration with the Permanent Deacons, the Pastoral Centre, and St. Mary’s Cathedral. For months leading up to the liturgy, the couples had been preparing for this day. They gathered documents, took part in interviews and formation, and prayed together as they readied themselves for the sacrament. Their anticipation showed both at the rehearsal and on the day itself, so much so that Bishop William McGrattan began Mass ten minutes earlier than scheduled! We are grateful for the many people who supported this celebration. Much of the work occurred quietly in the background through countless meetings and preparations: gathering paperwork for each couple, planning the rituals, rehearsing the music, preparing the altar, coordinating the dress rehearsal and reception, and ensuring that every liturgical minister was ready to serve. We give thanks to our permanent deacons, St. Mary's Cathedral's staff, and the Pastoral Centre team, whose careful work in organizing and preparing the paperwork for each couple made this day possible. Couples and guests were welcomed into the church through a white threshold prepared by the Cathedral team, and greeted by ushers with warm hospitality. A choir of youth and young adults from Calgary led the faithful in sacred music, with Gregorian chant antiphons, hymns, and choral works fitting for the occasion, accompanied by the pipe organ. The beauty of the ritual brought glistening eyes to many as the liturgy unfolded. While Bishop McGrattan was the principal celebrant, the couple’s bond in the Sacrament of Matrimony was witnessed by clergy assigned to each couple, who assisted the Bishop as vows were exchanged and rings were blessed. In his homily, Bishop McGrattan reminded the couples that marriage is not only about the bond between two people but about their union with the Lord. “The grace of God and the Holy Spirit have been at work in your lives, calling you together,” he said. “Now, in this sacramental marriage, you are one with your partner and also one with the Church.” Reflecting on the first reading from Tobit, Bishop McGrattan drew attention to Tobias and Sarah praying together on their wedding night. “Every prayer should begin with gratitude,” he said. “Tobias acknowledges that their union was intended by God from the very beginning. I hope for all of you that the words of Tobias will ring true, that you grow old together.” The Bishop also spoke about the challenges of marriage, noting that fidelity in difficult times reveals God’s own fidelity. “Even in your challenges, where you are faithful to one another, you are nearer to God,” he said. He reminded the couples that marriage is both for mutual love and for openness to life. It is the vocation of spouses to become co-creators with God and to witness to the faith within their families, the “domestic church.” This is the grace of sacramental marriage: a bond that God transforms into a sacred covenant, reflecting His eternal love. While civil marriages are legally valid, the Church teaches that they “lack this sacred dimension unless celebrated within the Church.” 
It is the presence of the Lord, who reveals Himself and the gift of His grace, that will render your marriage full and profoundly true.” ~Pope Francis The day was a truly visible sign of God’s grace at work in the lives of families, and a reminder that the Sacrament of Matrimony is not only a personal milestone but also a witness that strengthens the entire Church. In this sacrament, Christ is welcomed more deeply into the bond of marriage, blessing the love of spouses and gently guiding them on their journey of faith.  Photography by Victor Panillio and Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary.
Walking in faith, singing in hope Mary, Mother of Hope: Jubilee Marian Week began on Friday, Aug 15, 2025 in Banff with the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, where Bishop McGrattan presided at Mass. On Monday, Aug 18, immediately after the morning prayer, nearly 40 young adults from the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy carried the Jubilee Cross on a 26 km pilgrimage from Banff to Canmore. They prayed, sang, and walked together until they reached the Shrine, where the cross was placed for the duration of the week. 
The week also included two evenings of sacred music. The Mary, Mystical Rose concert brought together professional singers who offered their gifts in praise of God (read Solomon's article), while Crowned with Stars, directed by Carlos Foggin, filled the Shrine with a stirring offering of choral works, live strings, and organ. The concert also premiered Foggin’s new Marian composition Regina Caeli, which was specially composed for the concert. 
The liturgy included the erection of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, carried out by Fr. Pilmaiken Lezano under the authority of the Dominican Prior Provincial. The confraternity, centuries old and present around the world, is a spiritual family where the faithful commit to praying the Rosary and share in the indulgences and graces of the Church. Afterward, another moving moment was the Coronation of Mary, when a crown was placed on the statue of Our Lady. As Bishop McGrattan said in his homily, “Our Blessed Mother reigns now in heaven. She is the seat of all wisdom. She extends to the Church and to the world the eternal wisdom of God.” At the end of the liturgy, Bishop McGrattan gave the Apostolic Blessing with plenary indulgence, a special grace granted through the Holy Father for this Jubilee. With heartfelt gratitude, we thank Fr. Pilmaiken Lezano, pastor of the Shrine Church, together with his dedicated team, Linda and Shelley, and the many volunteers whose generous service helped make the celebrations truly prayerful and welcoming. We are also grateful for Fr. Daniel Stevenot, Fr. Troy Nguyen, and his SFXC team, who guided the young adult pilgrimage that opened the week with such faith and joy. Our Marian Jubilee Week celebration ended in joy as the whole assembly sang the beloved hymn Immaculate Mary: Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing, You reign now in heaven with Jesus, our King. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria Ave, Ave, Ave Maria As the final notes filled the Shrine, many hoped that this was a glimpse of what Jubilee Marian Week will continue to offer in years to come: a living tradition of faith, music, and devotion to our Blessed Mother: Mary, Mother of Hope.  Photos by Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary.
 On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Bishop William T. McGrattan presided at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary for the Installation of Bennett Chacko and André Boudreau to the Ministry of Lector. The celebration was an important step in their vocational journey and a sign of encouragement for the whole diocesan community. The ministry of Lector is the first of the instituted ministries that prepares men for Holy Orders. By this rite, the Church calls them to proclaim the Word of God during Mass, apart from the Gospel, and to help others grow in love for Scripture. It is not only about reading well in public but also about living the Word, allowing it to shape one’s life and witness. Following this step is the installation of a seminarian as an Acolyte, which entrusts them with service at the altar and preparing the Eucharist. After completing their studies and formation, they enter the Vocational Synthesis Phase in the Diocese, a period of pastoral immersion that prepares them for ordination as deacons. From there, they continue toward priesthood, supported by their bishop, priests, and the wider Church. We extend our congratulations to Bennett and André on their installation as Lectors. May their love for Scripture deepen, and may they continue to be strengthened by the prayers of the faithful as they advance toward service as deacons and priests in the Diocese of Calgary. 
 Photos courtesy of Victor Panlilio.
Renewal is truly taking root across the Diocese of Calgary. As of the end of June, over 30 parishes submitted their Pastoral Renewal Plans, each a beautiful expression of faith, discernment, and commitment to parish life. To mark this milestone, parishes that submitted by June 15 were entered into the BBQ with the Bishop's draw. And now, the moment everyone’s been waiting for has arrived! Watch the video below, revealing the winner to a visit from Bishop McGrattan, complete with BBQ and celebration in the Fall! While submitting a plan is not an approval process, each parish submission will receive supportive insights and feedback next month to help parishes strengthen and grow their efforts. Every plan is a parish community's response to their call to renewal, and we’re excited to witness what unfolds. So, what’s next? This fall, parishes will begin sharing their renewal plans more widely within their communities. We’ll also mark the third anniversary of the Diocesan Renewal Launch with parish-wide announcements and celebrations at Masses on Sunday, Oct. 4–5. We hope that these moments will inspire renewed commitment and invite everyone to take part in the journey. From there, parishes will begin putting their action items into motion, and trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead them, one faithful step at a time. 
It has been a tradition, as a private devotion, to ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit. This practice is especially suitable during the Eastertide. To do so, families may use the following prayer.
 Thank you to all who joined us for the Memorial Mass for Pope Francis and prayed for the repose of his soul. It was a beautiful liturgy that brought together a full church and a deeply moving reflection from Bishop McGrattan. Representing the Canadian bishops at the funeral in Rome, Bishop McGrattan shared a personal and hope-filled reflection. He recalled, “It was an honour… to witness the devotion and love that the people of God have for Pope Francis.” He reminded us that memorial Masses are not simply moments of remembrance, but acts of faith that unite us in prayer and strengthen our belief in the Resurrection. Reflecting on the timing of Pope Francis’ death, Bishop McGrattan shared, “This, I think, is the first gift that Pope Francis received — that his passing was in the Octave of Easter… where the whole Church is focused on the promise of the Resurrection.” As we look ahead to the conclave, Bishop McGrattan reminded us that we are not simply waiting for the next pope—but for the next successor of Peter. Let us continue to pray for Pope Francis, for the cardinals, and for the Church, trusting in God’s mercy and the promise of new life.
Photos courtesy of John Factura
A message from Bishop McGrattan: I join all Canadians in offering my deepest, heartfelt sympathies to the victims, families, and all those impacted by the violence that occurred at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver this past weekend, during one of the most joyful and special gatherings of the Filipino community.
 “St. Joseph was chosen by God to be the guardian of the Holy Family. This was no small task.” With these words, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, Papal Nuncio to Canada, opened his homily at St. Mary’s Cathedral, where close to 1,200 faithful gathered to celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph. This jubilee Mass was a profound Solemnity, marked by an Apostolic Blessing with a plenary indulgence, granted in the name of Pope Francis and imparted by Bishop McGrattan. The plenary indulgence, available to the faithful under the usual conditions—sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father—reminds us of God’s abundant mercy and the call to ongoing conversion. St. Joseph’s role in salvation history is often described in simple terms—he was the foster father of Jesus and the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary but Archbishop Jurkovič emphasized the depth of his mission. Joseph was entrusted with the care of Jesus and Mary, a responsibility that required immense faith and unwavering trust in God’s plan. His silent strength and steadfastness provided a stable and nurturing environment for Jesus to grow. “In the home of Nazareth, Jesus would have discerned that Joseph was a man of prayer,” the Archbishop reflected. “Like every Jewish boy, much of the religious heritage of Israel would have been imparted to Jesus in that setting through Joseph’s example.” The lessons of faith that Joseph passed down would later shape Christ’s teachings. “From Joseph, Jesus would have gained knowledge of the skills to be a good carpenter and builder,” he continued. “And this knowledge He used to teach His disciples that the one who listens to the word of God and acts upon it is like the wise man who builds his house on the rock.”
St. Joseph remains a patron and guide for the Church, for fathers, workers, and all who seek to follow God’s will. “May we learn from St. Joseph how to live lives that are pleasing to the Heavenly Father,” Archbishop Jurkovič urged. His life calls us to be people of faith, courage, and love—to be men and women who, like him, embrace our responsibilities with trust and devotion.
The celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral concluded with a rare and profound moment—a papal blessing with a plenary indulgence for those present. Bishop McGrattan led the faithful in a moment of repentance, preparing their hearts to receive this special grace. “Pray to God for our Most Holy Father, Pope Francis, our Bishop William, and for Holy Mother Church, and strive, by holiness of life, to walk in full communion with it,” Deacon Peter An announced before the bishop imparted the blessing. May we turn to St. Joseph in our struggles, in our work, and in our faith, knowing that through his example, we too can walk in trust, courage, and love. 
 With an election call on April 28, Bishop McGrattan is calling on Christians to get involved in the electoral process. (Canva) As Canadians prepare for the upcoming campaign, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) president Bishop William McGrattan urged Christians to get involved in the electoral process. “I think it is important to realize we do have this freedom and also the responsibility to exercise a decision that will support the country in moving forward in a way that respects common values,” said McGrattan, the Bishop of Calgary. Discourse between relatives, friends, co-workers and fellow churchgoers about the daily news and philosophical debates about the soul of the nation will magnify during the campaign timeframe. Instead of adopting a combative and intolerant posture during a political discussion with someone expressing clashing viewpoints, McGrattan said we can exchange ideas charitably. “I think the first step is to make sure that one is educated or aware of the issues so that one can speak with a certain degree of knowledge,” said McGrattan. “And then be open to listening to another person's perspective and question why they might hold that particular perspective on an issue. Maybe then say, ‘from my perspective of my life of faith, I see this in this light.’ “Faith is not a political position, but faith provides values that we need to be reflecting in our discussions and in making decisions regarding the future of a country and a society.” Catholics, specifically, are encouraged to resist being one- or two-issue voters by meditating upon all seven core principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST):
McGrattan suggested clergy can meaningfully assist these groups by being aware of the realities of food insecurity, mental illness, euthanasia and health-care barriers in their local context and then “bring those to the attention of our faithful in their discernment and education as the election unfolds.” A key to discernment, said McGrattan, is to “pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom.” He considers prayers to the Holy Spirit “essential at this time as we prepare to go into an election.” Reciting The Lord’s Prayer, the foundational Christian prayer that Jesus taught to His disciples, is also recommended by McGrattan. This pre-vote spiritual practice strikes a personal chord. “I remember my father telling me to make sure you pray before you go and vote,” said McGrattan. “He always said he would say the Our Father before placing the ballot in the box. I remember him telling me that as I came of age to vote. He gave me that sage wisdom and prudence.” The mentality a Catholic brings into the voting booth is also vital. Recognizing that voting is a responsibility, said McGrattan, should ensure that “one doesn’t just see this as a kind of superficial or just a very momentary type of decision.” He added that we should approach a vote believing “this is an act of love and service.” As for after the vote, McGrattan said we can observe the Ignatian teaching of holy indifference — embracing God’s will and direction by surrendering personal preferences. “It is about one accepting the outcome and trying to live with that and contribute the best they can,” said McGrattan. “If things don't necessarily align with one's vote, one will try and find ways to continue to advocate for some of the issues they saw as important.” McGrattan stressed that while “God knows the outcome, and God has in some ways ordained what is to unfold in our life and in the life of a country,” at the same time “He wants us to act freely and responsibly. Voting is part of that human dignity we have given to us by God.” McGrattan concluded with a call to action for young voters. “Especially for the young voters, the future is important,” said McGrattan. “They have to give voice to that by being very participatory in terms of elections and making their vote known.” Written by Quinton Amundson for the Catholic Register. Image source: Canva.
Written by Deacon Daniel Deck, Diocese of Calgary.
On Sunday, March 10, 2025, I had the privilege of being at St. Mary’s Cathedral to witness the Rite of Election. The Rite of Election is a significant moment in the RCIA journey when catechumens preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist at the Easter vigil come forward and are officially welcomed into the community of believers. These catechumens have been on a long journey, some for many years, as they seek to follow the heavenly calling in their lives. With their sponsors and catechists, they have been preparing and discerning God’s invitation to be faithful. 
I have been involved with the Rite of Election for many years here in Calgary and have seen impressive numbers of people coming forward, responding to the heavenly calling, but this past Sunday, the walls of the cathedral almost split wide open. The participants began gathering at the Cathedral just after 2 pm, making their way into the church and looking for their places. Each year, parishes submit the number of people they will be bringing so that pews can be reserved for the catechumens. This year, every pew in the Cathedral was filled to capacity, and the space behind the altar was filled with chairs to allow for even more attendees. There were members from 35 parishes, as well as members of the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, in attendance to support the 371 elect - a record number - at this major moment in their journeys to full admission. It was “deeply moving, I was fighting back tears much of the time,” as one member of the congregation observed. During his homily to welcome the elect, Bishop William T. McGrattan referred to the Letter to the Romans, where we are reminded “that when we confess on our lips that Jesus is born and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead,” we are witnesses to the great gift of faith given to us through grace.  We were reminded that our Diocese has embarked on a journey of renewal to touch the hearts of all the faithful in the. It is a journey to help us all respond to the Renewal call to be “missionary disciples in Christ, to become more of a church of encounter and witness, and to strengthen the family by strengthening the family, and strengthening the parish community.” Bishop McGrattan observed, “This great number of people who are coming into the Church as catecumens and the elect throughout this diocese.. I believe that it is truly a sign of God's providence, God's hope that he continues to instill in us.” We all should look to these elects and be inspired in our faith journey, embracing with the same courage that they have shown to live in a time, in a world in which sometimes this faith, this act of belief is not necessarily respected, nor is it understood, but is so important to bring hope to our world. One of the priests in attendance offered this prayer for us all: “May the Holy Spirit lead all the elect to find the beauty of the Truth, that is Christ Jesus!” The Rite of Election always falls on the First Sunday of Lent, when we are reminded of Jesus' forty days in the desert at the start of His sacred ministry. The forty days of Lent call us to reflect on our own lives and, through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, open our hearts to prepare for the gift of salvation we celebrate at Easter. I can only echo the beautiful words shared by one of the new elect: “It was emotional moment, bro, and glad I got to be part of it and be blessed by God’s calling!” 
 Photos credit: Victor Panlilio, for the Diocese of Calgary.
  What do candles and Consecrated Life have in common? The faithful of St. Albert the Great Parish who attended the 5 pm Mass on Sunday, February 2, 2025 certainly know. February 2 is an important feast day in the Church’s liturgical calendar, the 40th day after Christmas when we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. This day, also known since the Middle Ages as Candlemas Day, begins with the blessing of the candles as we celebrate Jesus the Light of the World. In 1997, Pope St. John Paul II also dedicated this day as the World Day for Consecrated Life. He wrote that the purpose of this day is “to help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels” [of poverty, chastity, and obedience] as well as “to be a suitable occasion for Consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervour which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord” (St. John Paul II, 1997; Ordo 2024-2025 p. 61) 
At St. Albert the Great Parish, over 40 of the Religious and Consecrated persons in our Diocese were present with Bishop McGrattan to celebrate. What a joy it was to carry a lighted candle as the Religious and Consecrated processed with the Bishop, singing “Christ be our Light”! This was a truly significant action in the liturgy because Jesus Himself calls those vowed to this life “to show that the Incarnate Son of God is the eschatological goal towards which all things tend, the splendour before which every other light pales, and the infinite beauty which alone can fully satisfy the human heart.” (Vita Consecrata 16) Our Bishop in his homily, beautifully explained the origins of this feast day and how it relates to the Consecrated Life in the Church. After the homily the Religious and Consecrated Communities renewed their vows. “The counsels, more than a simple renunciation, are a specific acceptance of the mystery of Christ, lived within the Church.” (Vita Consecrata 16) Bishop McGrattan invited everyone to pray for the Religious and Consecrated men and women present who then stood together and renewed their vows to the Lord.
Not only did we feast together at the Table of the Eucharist, but we broke bread together with a great variety of food at the reception! The generous parishioners hosted this delicious feast with an opportunity to rejoice together and enjoy each others’ company. This was truly a day of joyous celebration! On behalf of the Religious and Consecrated of our Diocese, the Assembly of Women Religious, and the Renewal Team for Religious, thank you to the Salvatorian priests, parish staff, all who had a role in the liturgy, and parishioners at St. Albert the Great parish for making us welcome and offering us a life-giving and beautiful celebration of the Feast of the Presentation and World Day for Consecrated Life. We are filled with gratitude! May the Lord bless you abundantly! Written by Br. Michael Perras, OFM, and Sr. Dianne Turner, OSE. Photos: Victor Panlilio, for the Diocese of Calgary.
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