I recently completed an internship at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary Archives, located at the Catholic Pastoral Centre. This experience was truly amazing. I met many kind people and learned countless valuable lessons that will help me in my future endeavours.

I initially didn’t know what to expect from this position because I was unfamiliar with the work in archives. I thought I would mainly sort through and organize historical documents, but my expectations quickly changed when we began receiving research requests and blueprint maps from St. Boniface's Parish in Calgary. When I started working with artifacts and vestments, my expectations shifted once again; I had no idea the archives also stored artifacts. 
​
My internship has been an eye-opening experience. Working at a place where historical documents and artifacts are preserved has made me realize that archives are not merely repositories of the past. Instead, they are dynamic resources that serve the present and future. This experience showed me that archives play a crucial role in our society. Without documentation of the past, we would lack the information necessary to guide and shape our future. I believe that if more people understood this, archives would gain recognition and be celebrated as an essential foundation of our collective public history. 

The community atmosphere at the Catholic Pastoral Centre was refreshing. I witnessed employees actively discussing Pastoral Renewal and the Catholic state of affairs in our Diocese. This conversation was unique and inspiring, demonstrating their deep passion for both their work and faith. One of the goals of Pastoral Renewal is to engage with youth meaningfully, and I can wholeheartedly say that this internship at the Pastoral Centre granted me that privilege. I’m sure that many future youth (and past interns, including myself) will appreciate the opportunity to engage with our Diocese and grow spiritually and personally. By offering internships at the Archives, the Diocese welcomes new audiences and provides young people with a meaningful way to connect with our Catholic community. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Bishop McGrattan, and he shared insightful advice for all young people: “Freedom is a gift, and you have to have the confidence to know that God wants us to respond to that free gift and to shape it, and not to have timidity or the lack of confidence.” As young people, we should embrace our freedom fully and confidently seize the opportunities God places before us. 

Beyond the practical experience I gained at the archives, I learned many valuable lessons about dialogue and conversation, which play an important role in Catholic life. It is crucial to have meaningful and productive conversations with one another, allowing for discernment of the truth. The Archives are more than just a collection of old documents; they are a space where people can actively participate in the pursuit of historical knowledge, personal growth, and form meaningful connections. The archives also serve as a valuable resource for discovering information about family members and loved ones. Marianna Kalaczynski, the Archivist, regularly engages in conversations with a wide range of people, fostering an environment of communication that extends beyond the Catholic community. The Catholic Pastoral Centre and our Diocese continue to grow, along with the rich exchange of ideas and perspectives that strengthen their sense of interfaith dialogue. 

I have undoubtedly seen the values of Pastoral Renewal demonstrated within our Diocese, even in such an unexpected place as the Archives. I’m already looking forward to the next time I can volunteer. This experience has been truly amazing, and I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to have been part of it. 

Ryan is a passionate and proven leader with a heart that aches for renewal in our parishes and for evangelization, so that all may experience the healing love of Christ.  After a life changing encounter with the Lord in his early twenties, Ryan spent two years in formation with the Companions of the Cross, followed by the completion of a Bachelor of Philosophy degree and a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from Dominican University College in Ottawa.  He won the Governor General’s Medal for each of those degrees. 
 
Over the past 20 years through roles in the public and private sector as well as corporate and community organizations Ryan has become a trusted leader who has led positive transformational change.  From senior advisory roles to federal cabinet ministers to corporate roles in charge of government and aboriginal relations, business development and mergers & acquisitions, Ryan developed, led and executed on key strategies.  Most recently, Ryan spent the last six years as CEO of the Strathmore & District Agricultural Society (Strathmore Stampede) where he has led the transformation and renewal of the Society for its 400+ employees and volunteers.
 
Ryan is most proud of his prominent role in negotiating and coordinating the Government of Canada’s formal Apology to former students of the Indian Residential School Systems, developing the Kent Hills 3 Wind Project, as well as establishing the Cowboy Town Concert Series, founding Canada’s largest Rodeo School, and the construction of Infield Suites at the Strathmore Stampede.  Ryan attributes the accomplishment of these projects to prioritizing and focusing on relationships and people. 
 
Throughout his professional career, Ryan has prioritized his and his family’s relationships with Christ and has focused his efforts on evangelization and spiritual growth for men, establishing new ministries in each area.  He believes that his own formation, experience and education have all been part of a plan to prepare him as a leader to assist with renewal in the Calgary diocese.  He is currently a parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish in Strathmore and he and his wife raise their four children on a small farm outside of town.

Insights into the Colours
​

• Authentic Blue: People-oriented and empathetic, Blues thrive on connection and creativity.
• Inquiring Green: Logical and independent, Greens value analysis and rationality.
• Resourceful Orange: Action-oriented and adventurous, Oranges embrace change and variety.
• Organized Gold: Dependable and structured, Golds maintain rules and traditions with care.

​The session allowed the staff to reflect on their styles, including core needs, strengths, and potential growth areas. It also highlighted how these qualities contribute to our shared mission as diocesan staff.

Moving Forward, Cohesively
​
More than just self-discovery, the workshop strengthened camaraderie and teamwork. By learning about ourselves and one another, we are better positioned to appreciate our unique gifts and work cohesively as one team with a common mission. This knowledge enhances our ability to collaborate effectively and supports the diocesan vision of unity in service.
​
As we continue our pastoral work, the insights from this workshop serve as a reminder of the beauty of diversity and the strength found in understanding. Together, with our different “colours” shining brightly, we step forward as one, ready to serve with renewed purpose.