 On August 16, 2025, I made Perpetual Vows with the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJs), an international congregation of women religious, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary. It was, for me, a day of great joy and the culmination of a journey of many years. I was reminded that St. Mary’s was my first parish when I moved to Calgary in 2001, and I was also struck by the fact that the FCJ Sisters have been part of this same parish for 140 years, when they came to the region to found the first Catholic schools in 1885. I was never someone who always knew she would be a Religious Sister. I was 37 years old when I first heard the call to religious life. Up until that time, I had been working as a teacher and living a very pleasant existence in Calgary, Canada. I was aware that something was missing from my life, although I wouldn’t have been able to put my finger on exactly what that missing element might be. “Church” and “God” were both parts of my life, but certainly not my highest priorities. I then entered a particularly difficult time in my life, dealing with the sickness and death of a loved one. It was in that space that I had a profoundly personal experience of Jesus, an experience that could not be ignored or forgotten, and it spurred me over the coming weeks and months to want to know God more deeply. As St. Augustine wrote, “You touched me, and I am set on fire to attain the peace which is yours.” My journey eventually led me to meet the Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus. The FCJ charism of accompanying people in the experience of their contemporary crosses takes its roots from the witness of the women, like Mary of Magdala, who journeyed with Jesus during his ministry, stayed with him at the foot of the cross, and then went on to spread his message of the joy and hope of the resurrection. For me, this charism mirrored my own extraordinary experience of Jesus entering with me into my suffering to lead me to new life. So, over the next several years, I took the plunge, entering into the formal stages of religious life. 
During my first thirteen years with the Sisters, I spent time in FCJ communities in Canada, England, France, Spain, the Philippines, and the United States. As I lived in community with the Sisters and integrated Ignatian Spirituality increasingly into my daily life, my relationship with Jesus grew. My work as an FCJ over the years would allow me opportunities to meet and work with individuals in hospices, care homes, schools, churches, prisons, soup kitchens, retreat centres, and many other places. I had the privilege to learn from people of all kinds of ethnicities, religious beliefs and socioeconomic backgrounds. Eventually, I recognized the benefits of updating my theology for the purposes of ministry, and so I asked for permission to do further studies. I am currently finishing a Masters of Theological Studies at Boston College. Today, as a perpetually professed Sister, I recognize that my formation as a faithful companion will continue all of my life. My life is different in many ways from the one I was living when I first heard God calling me to religious life in 2011. I no longer dismiss thoughts of God to Sunday church services but strive to be aware of the sacred in the ordinary existence that is my day. My journey as a Sister continues to raise my awareness of the deep need we all have for connection with God, with each other, and with all of Creation. Also, I now wear the FCJ Cross, a sign to me and to all that I meet, that God walks with us no matter where we go, as the most faithful companion of all.
 Written by Sr. Michelle Langlois, FCJ for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of FCJ Sisters.
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 The first-ever Walking Pilgrimage of the Cross of Hope took place this week, as close to 30 adults made the 26 km journey on foot from Banff to Canmore. With backpacks, songs, prayers, and the Vatican flag, the group set out early in the morning after a 5 am wake-up call, prayer, and a special send-off blessing. The pilgrimage was the culmination of a weekend for young adults that began on Friday night with the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated by Bishop McGrattan at St. Mary’s Parish in Banff. Afterwards, the group “camped” at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, generously hosted by Fr. Daniel Stevenot, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish. The weekend included a mountain hike and Mass on Saturday, a community BBQ that evening, and on Sunday, parish Mass followed by brunch, a Marian concert, and Eucharistic Adoration.
 Witness on the trail The Legacy Trail was busy that day, with bikers and drivers catching sight of the pilgrims. Darren noted that most of the reactions were positive. “Even if they didn’t believe, they’d wonder: why are these guys doing this? It could be a testament to the faith for unbelievers.” At one point, an RV driver pulled over, excited to see the procession. Fr. Troy went up to greet him, adding to the day’s many unexpected encounters. 
A Jubilee celebration This walking pilgrimage is part of the larger “Mary, Mother of Hope: Jubilee Marian Week” being celebrated in Canmore from August 18–22, 2025. It’s a week of Masses, Confessions, Eucharistic Adoration, devotions, reflections, and free concerts, with pilgrims invited to come for a day, a weekend, or the whole week. At the heart of the celebration is the opportunity to receive plenary indulgences during this Jubilee Year of Hope, a time to experience God’s grace in a profound way. For many of the young adults, this first Banff-to-Canmore pilgrimage won’t be their last. When asked if they’d do it again, Darren and Shane both said yes without hesitation. The Cross of Hope journey was more than just a 26 km hike. This pilgrimage was a visible witness of faith, a chance to grow closer to Christ, and a reminder that hope truly does not disappoint. Photos courtesy of Jenn Pashula and St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.
 Not one, but four groups of women came together to study and reflect on the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila and how they apply in their lives. They arrived with beaming smiles that lit up every corner of the parish basement, eager to learn. These women are part of ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of a Woman) at St. Albert the Great parish. Endow was founded in 2003 in Denver, Colorado, by Betsy Considine, Marilyn Coors, and Terry Polakovic. It is a Catholic apostolate that calls women together to deepen their faith by exploring the timeless wisdom of the Church. Drawing from the writings of Pope St. John Paul II on the “new feminism,” the founders emphasized that every woman should recognize her God-given dignity and the unique gifts she brings to the world. Today, Endow reaches more than 40,000 women in over 130 dioceses worldwide through study and community.
Participants greeted each other warmly before sitting at their assigned tables. The atmosphere was alive with openness and readiness to share their spiritual journey. Each woman took turns reading two to three sentences from the chapter, followed by reflection questions. At first, the conversation was serious and thoughtful, but as it went on, laughter and light-hearted moments filled the room. It was an ordinary conversation, yet every word shared a firm conviction: to trust Jesus with all their hearts. Sitting among them was spiritually enriching; it was a fruitful opportunity to learn alongside faith-filled, insightful women about how to deepen one’s faith in God. One conversation about obedience became especially meaningful. We discussed how obeying God makes difficult things easier, and that His grace is always present when we follow His will. The moderator said, “If I persevere, good fruit will come because God is good.” “He wants the best for me because He loves me. I trust Him,” shared Kaitlin, a participant at my table. The members shared their different perspectives on obedience, but ultimately agreed it meant listening to God’s voice and saying ‘yes’ to Him. It requires letting go of the world’s pull toward pleasure, fame, and wealth, and becoming a follower of Christ. Though difficult at times, the gift of perseverance and God’s grace make it possible.  When reading one of St. Teresa of Avila’s letters about facing temptations and attacks from Satan, the women spoke openly about their thoughts. “It’s terrifying when you really think about it,” said Kaitlin. “I don’t want to think about it. I just pretend it’s not there. I need to focus on the beauty of God, which is what you’re meant to do,” shared another. We reflected that God’s power is far greater than the enemy’s. They discussed the importance of prayer, penance, and suffering as weapons against evil, and the need to discern when something feels spiritually “off”. The group provided a safe space to share insights, explore their beliefs, ask questions, and affirm one another’s spiritual journey. “It’s given me a little bit of a boost to be able to talk to other people, especially about prayer, because it’s an overwhelming thing sometimes to go through alone,” shared Kaitlin. “Thanks to this talk, especially to other women and mothers who are going through similar struggles in their lives.”
Participant Liza Zavisha added, “Anytime we can grow in our faith, because it’s one step closer to God.” “We want to keep learning and growing, and doing it with other like-minded women is such a gift.” By the end of the night, I felt spiritually refreshed and renewed. I left with joy, encouragement, and a richer understanding of God’s work in my life.
Written by Mary Joy Mendonza for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of Mary Joy.
 You’re invited, whether for a day, a weekend, or the whole week! Join young adults and all pilgrims for this Marian Week in the heart of the Rockies. As part of our diocesan journey in the Jubilee Year of Hope, it’s a sacred time of prayer, pilgrimage, and celebration, and a special opportunity to receive plenary indulgences during this grace-filled year. August 15-18 | St. Mary's, Banff
Fri-Sat, Aug 15-17 | Shrine Church, CanmoreLocation: The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies (2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore) Friday, Aug 15
Saturday, Aug 16
Monday, Aug 18 | Shrine Church, CanmoreLocation: The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies (2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore)
Tue to Thu, Aug 19-21 | Shrine Church, CanmoreLocation: The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies (2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore) Daily Horarium during the Jubilee Marian Week at the Shrine Church on Tuesday to Thursday (Aug 19-21)
Friday, Aug 22 | Shrine Church, CanmoreLocation: The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies (2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore)
Sat-Sun, Aug 23-24 | Shrine Church, CanmoreLocation: The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies (2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore) Saturday, August 23 at the Shrine Church
 Long before the panels were set up in St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Hall, a teenager in Italy was gathering the stories behind them. Blessed Carlo Acutis, who had a gift for technology and a deep devotion to the Eucharist, created the online catalogue that became the foundation for the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition held here at St. Mary's Parish Hall, from Aug. 10–13, 2025. Born in 1991, Carlo was a tech-savvy Italian teenager who loved computers, animals, and video games. From a young age, he had a deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist and a desire for others to come to know and love it as he did. Carlo researched Eucharistic miracles from around the world and created a website to catalogue them, complete with maps, photos, and explanations. His work became the foundation for the travelling Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition, now displayed in parishes across the globe.
 Sacred Relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis A call she couldn’t ignore The exhibition’s coordinator, Rita Shank, first saw it in Maui in 2023, and she couldn’t get it out of her mind. “I’m a cradle Catholic. I’ve always believed in the Real Presence, but when I saw this exhibit, it really registered,” Rita shared. “Some miracles show scientific studies of the consecrated Host; even 50 years later, the red and white blood cells are still alive. I got chills. The Holy Spirit just kept nudging me to bring it to Calgary.” She brought the idea to her pastor, Fr. Arjay Abanto, at Sacred Heart Parish in Calgary, and soon the first Calgary exhibit was underway. St. Mary’s Cathedral was their eighth showing, with more already planned, including Holy Spirit Parish later this year. “Volunteers are never hard to find,” she said. “People want to help. They see the value in sharing the truth, that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist, and that He invites us to be with Him and in Him.” 
Fr. Niwton also told the story of St. Anthony of Padua, challenged to prove the Real Presence, St. Anthony presented the Eucharist to a donkey that had been kept from food for three days. Ignoring the food placed before it, the donkey knelt before the host. “These miracles give me goosebumps,” Fr. Niwton said. “They remind us that Jesus is truly present, body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist.” 
An invitation to encounter Walking through the rows of panels, visitors read about bleeding hosts, incorrupt fragments, and conversions sparked by the Eucharist. Even beyond the stories, the exhibit offered something deeper, a quiet invitation to meet Christ in the Eucharist in a more personal way. “Once you understand that it is in the Eucharist that Jesus unites Himself most intimately to us, you can’t help but want to share it,” Rita said. “This is how He loves us.” The Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition will continue travelling throughout the Diocese and beyond. For Rita, it’s a mission from which she can’t walk away. “Every time we set it up, I see people touched in new ways. That’s what keeps me going.” Through the vision of a modern teenager, the relic of a soon-to-be saint, and the generosity of those who share this work, the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition offered more than information; it offered an encounter. For many, that encounter may be the beginning of a deeper love for Jesus in the Eucharist. Parishes or Catholic organizations interested in hosting the display are welcome to contact Rita Shank at the Exhibition, or contact Sacred Heart Parish at 403-244-2741.
 Human beings have been called homo prospectus, which loosely translates as the One Who Anticipates the Future. Beyond complex language and sophisticated technologies, what makes humans unique is our ability to anticipate what is to come, and we spend a lot of our lives thinking about and planning for the future. My thoughts often drift towards driving back to Michigan next summer, or retirement, or watching my son land his first solo flight. But our ability to anticipate the future is limited because our lives are not as stable as they seem. Aldous Huxley once said, “the only thing we can say for certain about the future is that we are totally incapable of foreseeing it accurately,” and this limited ability to predict the future is visible in the Parable of the Rich Fool who stores up grain so that he can “take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry” (cf. Luke 12:19). “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you.” ~Luke 12:20 The Rich Fool is spending his energy on a future he won’t have. I don’t know the state of the souls of some of my favourite artists – such as Otis Redding (dead at 26 in a plane crash), Albert Camus (dead at 52 in a car crash), and John Candy (dead at 43 of a heart attack) – but I wonder if they were all thinking more or less the same thing as the Rich Fool. They had achieved worldly success and were likely planning to enjoy the fruits of their labour. But nothing is more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than the hour. The same goes for me. I might not live long enough to enjoy retirement, meaning that I also spend a lot of time working toward a future I might not have. This realization could easily lead to a You-Only-Live-Once-focused hedonism, which would compound the foolishness of waiting to be happy until we’ve achieved a material milestone. God asks the Rich Fool, “Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ Gaudium et Spes provides the answer that “everyone must consider his every neighbour without exception as another self.” Whoever is not giving their riches to God (through their neighbour) is missing the point and failing to anticipate what comes after.
A Jewish philosopher, an Austrian farmer, and a Japanese doctor provide three examples of people who were not storing things up for themselves. They were people who rejected the prospect of taking things easy and were instead rich toward God. Some argue that the Christian belief in an afterlife discounts this world, but the examples above show that nothing could be further from the truth. These saints committed to this world precisely because they anticipated the eternal future of their souls.
Written by Jason Openo for Faithfully.
 Written by Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS It is with a profound sense of purpose and joy that I share with you our unique spiritual journey with the Men's ministry God Squad - Heroic Men of Canada. It isn't a retreat confined to four walls, but a pilgrimage of the open road, a journey by motorcycle across the vast landscapes of Canada and the United States, visiting five or six national shrines and churches. More than just a physical ride, it is a spiritual adventure deeply inspired by the lives of saints, particularly Blessed Francis Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles, the courageous founders of the Salvatorian family. The year 2025 has been declared a Jubilee Year by the Holy Father, a time specifically dedicated to the profound theme of hope. In our rich Christian tradition, pilgrimage stands as a privileged and powerful form of prayer during such a sacred year. A pilgrimage is a deliberate stepping out of the ordinary rhythms of daily life to encounter God more deeply, on the road, in the quiet contemplation of the journey, in the hallowed embrace of sacred places, and in the profound communion shared with brothers. This is precisely why we have conceived this special Motorcycle Pilgrimage of Hope. Our route will take us to national shrines of Canada that resonate with our Salvatorian spirit, places that powerfully remind us of our fundamental call as Catholics: to make the Saviour known to all people, everywhere, and by every means possible. This journey is a tangible expression of our faith, a testament to our commitment to Christ in a world that desperately needs His light. The Journey's Structure: Fueling Body and Soul Today (July 28, 2025) is Day One of our journey. Each stop along our route will follow a simple yet profound structure, designed to deepen our spiritual resolve and understanding:
The overarching intention of this pilgrimage is to discover, deepen, and strengthen our vocation, to uncover the best version of ourselves, which is, in truth, God's version of us. Traveling in the company of saints and fellow pilgrims will provide a unique crucible for reflecting on this divine call, challenging us to grow into the person God created us to be. How you can join us: A brotherhood of prayer
Even if the open road on two wheels isn't your path, your participation is vital and deeply valued. We invite you to join us spiritually by sending us your prayer intentions. We will carry these intentions with us, remembering you and your needs at every shrine and sacred place we visit. You can send your intentions to: [email protected] or on the Heroic Brotherhood https://brotherhood.heroicmen.org/c/prayer-request Know that you will be remembered in our prayers at every stop, forging a powerful spiritual brotherhood that transcends physical distance. A word of thanks and a call to action I am profoundly grateful to God for this extraordinary opportunity and to all those who have contributed their time and effort to bring this project to fruition. Special thanks are extended to the friends who have dedicated themselves to this vision, and to God's Squad Canada, for their support and friendship. Start the engines of your hearts, open them wide to the grace of God, and let us ride together into this Jubilee Year with unwavering hope!  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to someone about your personal relationship with God, without judgment, advice, or pressure? This fall, the FCJ Christian Life Centre is inviting individuals to receive eight months of free spiritual direction as part of their Spiritual Direction Training Program (SDTP).
The offer is simple but meaningful: from October 2025 to May 2026, participants in the SDTP practicum are looking to accompany individuals in monthly one-on-one sessions. These student directors have completed their first year of formation and are now entering their practicum under the close supervision of experienced team leaders. Spiritual direction is a quiet, prayerful space to reflect on how God is moving in your life. It’s not about being “more holy” or doing more; it’s about becoming more aware of how God is already present and active in your everyday journey. There is no cost for the sessions, which will be offered in person at the FCJ Centre. If you’re interested, please visit www.fcjcentre.ca or reach out to Sr. Ann Marie Walsh, FCJ by July 31, 2025: 403-228-4215 or email [email protected].  I will pay my vows to the LORD, in the presence of all his people.” ~Ps 116:12 Written by Sr. Salome Kociuba, O.P. In all the gospels, we see a woman, Mary of Bethany, who broke the vessel of precious balm to anoint Jesus. We also hear the criticism of witnesses, “Why was the ointment thus wasted?” (Mk 14:4). This gesture, defended by Jesus as coming from the overabundance of love, is repeated in every religious profession. Commenting on the Gospel passage, Mother Mary Francis, a Poor Clare and spiritual author, once said: “There will always be Christ’s need for those who will in the world’s eyes waste their lives on him, who will break their love over him and let it run over him for no other reason than because he is all-lovable, because there is no better thing to do with one’s life than to break it and let it run all over Christ and his Church.” I believe every religious sister has been asked more than once in her life what she would do differently if she could start again and whether she would choose this path. Yes, we would; over and over again, we would choose Christ, or rather, we would recognize His choice of us, and follow Him, wherever He goes.  In our Calgary community, we celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Sr. Szymona (also known as Sr. Simon). It has been 25 years since she first professed her vows in the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Dominic. A jubilee year, whether in religious life or any person’s journey, is a time of grace. It offers a sacred opportunity to thank God for the many blessings received over the years and to reflect deeply on the commitment made and faithfully lived. Consecrated life is, above all, a profound encounter with Christ, who draws near to His wide-open Heart and assures us, “I am with you always,” regardless of the circumstances. It also provides a witness to others that Christ can truly be “enough,” and that life given to Him can be fulfilling and joyful. It is the life of those who have chosen Him to be their only love, both now and in eternity. 
During the celebration, Sr. Szymona said that the various aspects of life in the convent surprised her. This life proved to be more challenging but also more beautiful than she could ever imagine: “totally worth it!” God truly gave her a hundredfold of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, and lands, just as He promised (Mt 19:29). He is never outdone in generosity. She encouraged the families present to pray for new vocations, especially within their households, so that their sons and daughters, siblings, and grandchildren could discover for themselves the goodness of the Lord and the richness of His love and mercy for His chosen ones.
As Sr. Szymona, surrounded by many of our parishioners and friends, as well as priests and consecrated men and women who gathered at our church, renewed her vows, we accompanied her with our prayers. Her Jubilee coincided with a special time in the Church, the Year of Hope. As we reflected on the meaning of this celebration, we gave praise to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the gift of our Sister’s vocation. We prayed that she continues to walk the path of hope with unwavering faith and conviction. We entrust her to the care of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, that through her intercession, Sister may continue to bear witness to God’s love wherever He sends her.  Written by Deacon Michael Soentgerath On June 13, 2025, a small group of us, invited by Anthony Banka from the Catholic Pastoral Centre, participated in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Kirby Centre in Calgary. The theme of the Expo was “Growing the Conversation.” We heard encouraging messages from several invited guests, including Mayor Jyoti Gondek. After the speeches, participants were invited to browse the incredible range of organizations and agencies in our city dedicated to supporting seniors, whether they be Indigenous, immigrants, refugees, or long-time Calgarians. We were invited to represent the Diocese of Calgary and chose to focus on our Catholic response to palliative care as seniors approach the end of life. Our booth featured posters, pamphlets, and various other resources designed to communicate the inherent dignity of every human person, a dignity that remains intact from the womb to the tomb. We highlighted the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ program Horizons of Hope, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every person feels loved, useful, and wanted until the moment they are called home by our loving Creator. As each of us engaged with individuals walking through the auditorium, we made a conscious effort to meet everyone as a fellow human being, a brother or sister of our Father in heaven. If our materials speak of human dignity and love of neighbour, then we knew we were called to embody that message in each encounter. These brief yet meaningful interactions often began with a warm smile or a simple gesture of welcome, an invitation from one person to another to share in the joy and hope that comes from the Good News: that we are all family. By engaging with heartfelt sincerity, we believe many people felt a genuine connection to our message and were moved to take some of our materials home. It is our hope and prayer that, through these resources and the encounters they experienced, individuals might come to see the beauty and sacredness of life, even in its final stages, and choose life, trusting that God will welcome them to their eternal home once their time has come.
 Prison Ministry Volunteers Appreciation Gathering at St. Luke’s, Calgary The Prison Ministry brings compassion and hope behind bars through eight ongoing programs in Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2024, volunteers faithfully served youth, women, and men in local Remand and Correctional Centres. Where we serve
Calgary: Rebuilding after the Pandemic
The year of 2024 offered powerful glimpses of God at work in our correctional centres:
Lethbridge: Steady Support, Week After Week At Lethbridge Correctional Centre, a small but committed team offers twice-weekly Rosary gatherings with time for reflection and questions. Inmates also receive Communion twice a month, monthly confession, regular one-on-one pastoral care, and participate in seasonal liturgies such as a Christmas prayer service, with treat bags for all inmates and staff, and Ash Wednesday services. Their steady presence reminds inmates and staff alike that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
 Traditional drums and flutes played as families danced outside the newly consecrated St. John the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Church in Calgary on June 18, 2025. This joyful sound marked the end of a long wait for Alberta’s Chaldean Catholic community. Held on the Feast of St. Ephrem, the consecration was led by Bishop Robert Jarjis, Eparch of the Chaldean Eparchy of Mar Addai in Canada. He was joined by three Chaldean bishops and several priests from across the world. More than 300 Chaldean families in Calgary now have their own church home! “Throughout the ceremony, traditional chants of joy were heard through the church,” said Fr. John Jwad, associate pastor of the parish.“There were tears in the eyes of many,” said Fr. John, “when the bishops solemnly consecrated the altar, the tabernacle, and other sacred objects in the sanctuary.” The celebration continued outside with music and dancing, something reserved in Chaldean culture for very special moments. “Some members of our community arrived in Calgary as early as the late 1970s, and ever since, the dream of having our own Chaldean Church has lived in the hearts of our people,” shared Fr. John. “Over the years, many bishops and priests supported and guided us through the many steps required to reach this day.”
 Msgr. Noel Farman, the first pastor to serve the community, and Fr. Hanni Joro, who helped unite people around the goal, were part of that journey. After his ordination in 2023, Fr. John began working with family and friends to raise funds. “Together we were able to raise over $1 million.” The breakthrough came after a visit to Saskatoon’s Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church. There, a parishioner shared how they had found their church by sending letters to churches across the city expressing interest in buying. Fr. John decided to try the same approach. “I returned to Calgary and we sent letters to over 100 places of worship throughout the city,” he said. “Just a few weeks later, I received a response from Prince of Faith Lutheran Church. Within a few months, the purchase terms were finalized.” The agreement was signed on November 1, 2024, exactly one year after Fr. John’s ordination. From there, volunteers worked together to renovate the building. “In the months that followed, many dedicated members of our community worked tirelessly, day and night,” Fr. John said. “To them, we are deeply grateful.” Now, the community has a space to gather, worship, and grow. “For the Chaldean people, the Church is more than just a place of worship and prayer. It is truly a home for the entire community,” said Fr. John. “For many years, the Chaldean community in Calgary was without such ahome. But today, we are filled with joy and gratitude, as we finally have a Church where we can come together to worship, celebrate, and support one another through both joyful and difficult times.”
Photos courtesy of St. John the Apostle Chaldean Church, Calgary.
In September, I started reading the Gospel of Matthew. I had never read the Bible for myself—I had always just heard it in bits and pieces at church and in different youth groups. When I finished reading Matthew, it gave me a lot to think about. It especially made me think more favorably about the Catholic Church. But I was never going to be Catholic. They have that wacky Pope and believe in that nonsense about Mary! That’s what I told myself, anyway. One late night, I was sitting alone and came across the 60 Minutes interview with Pope Francis. I was completely moved by listening to him speak. He was such a merciful man, and you could tell just by hearing him that he was of God. It completely turned the narrative I had on its head. That night, I accepted Pope Francis as one of the many Christian leaders and saw him as a true man of God in our dark world. But it was still a long road before I would proclaim papal supremacy like I do now. Sometime after that, a post came up from a Catholic solo metal project I had started listening to because I liked the songs about Jesus. The project was called Hell’s Enemy, and the man behind it is named Fredrick—a metalhead turned Catholic convert, much like myself. Fred made a video explaining what Catholics believe about Mary. After watching it, I sat down and began to think a lot more about her. I thought back to when I was a young boy, I had always adored Mary. A large part of that was because I had only my biological mother, and my father was not in my life. So it was easy for me to find comfort in someone like Mary. I loved Mother Mary, until I grew up and was taught by many Protestants that she was nothing special, just a sinful woman God picked to give birth to Jesus and nothing more. After reflecting on this, I decided to say a simple prayer to our Mother. Humbly, I asked, “Mother Mary, please pray for me.” I kept praying that prayer every day, and eventually, I was led into Saint Patrick’s on October 13th. My life was changed after attending Mass. I had never felt the presence of God more than I did that day. But it would still be a little longer before I entered RCIA. On November 10th, I attended Mass a second time. After that Mass, I talked to a lady who passed my information to Deacon Terry. I went about my life and waited for a call. A few days later, I got one. Deacon Terry asked me some light questions and when I could meet. We met that same week, and during that meeting he asked me why I wanted to be Catholic. I told him I wanted a faith that had more commitment. But there was a bigger reason I didn’t share at the time. Mary. She was the biggest reason I was there. I had a few supernatural encounters with our Mother—her presence was overwhelming and constantly around me until I went and signed up for RCIA. She poured out her love to me, and it was so overwhelming that it left me with an aching feeling in my soul, a calling. My soul and heart were not yet ready for that kind of love, but the outpouring of her love left me no choice but to enter the Church. Almost as if to say, “Alright Mother, you win! No more!” I was afraid to share these experiences I had with the Blessed Mother, because I was absolutely afraid of sounding like a crazy person. But now that I’ve grown more comfortable in my faith, I am unashamed to talk about my relationship with the Holy Mother. My love for Our Mother only grew when Ray, who was a sponsor for Justin (the other catechumen besides myself, who was also received into the Church last year), gave me a rosary. Praying the rosary changed my life! Every time I pray the rosary, I’m filled with a love for Jesus and his Mother. As I pray, I am filled with Mary’s maternal love for me, and it has shattered many habits that once had a strong hold on me. So thank you, Ray, for giving me my first rosary! For those who have been in the Church and have paid attention to me or gotten to know me, you know how the rest goes. I did a ton of research into Church history and theology. I came to church every week (besides one time when the winter weather was bad) and actively participated in the Mass. The reason for all of that is because my love for Jesus has grown beyond belief, and I love going to church, which is something I never thought would be possible. Now, there is another important figure in my faith journey I absolutely must mention: my beloved Saint Catherine of Siena, my Patroness. On the night of Christmas Eve, after coming home from Mass, my friends and I began to discuss the relics that the Church had. Little did I know, the Holy Spirit had something in store for me that night. I was guided to the head of Catherine. Yes, the very first image I ever saw of her was her decapitated head in a glass box. I was absolutely intrigued, so I looked up her name. Just a few seconds after hitting the search button, her portrait by Giovanni Battista appeared. I sat there and stared at it for a few seconds, taking in her face, the stigmata on her hands, and the crown of thorns resting on her head. Before this moment, I was struggling to find my saint. I knew one had picked me out from the rest and was deeply interested in me, so much so that by their prayers and constant battle against the forces of evil over me, there was never going to be a version of me that didn’t end up Catholic. Believe me, the fact I’ve even made it to the age of 21 is nothing short of divine intervention. Someone was dragging me along, keeping me on track so I wouldn’t stray too far. Whoever it was, they were as sharp as a sword when it came to matters of faith, so much so that, even to this day, they remain a controversial saint in the Church. After sitting there a few moments, looking at her, something hit me right in the soul. It was as if Catherine herself came down from heaven to smack me in the face and reprimand me for not coming to her sooner. But nonetheless, joyfully, I was here now. Let me tell you, if Mother Mary was the one to give me a loving push to go to Saint Patrick’s, Catherine was grabbing me by the wrist and dragging me up the steps. As I got to know Catherine more, I could see she was strengthening me with all the power God had given her. There have been many times I’ve been afraid to do or say something, but every time, she’s dragged me into doing it. One example was during our 40 hours of adoration. I sat in the middle pew and got settled. After just a few minutes, I heard a voice, clear as ever, say to me: “Pick up your stuff and go sit at the front. Go. Now.” With the sharpness, yet at the same time gentleness of that voice, I knew it could be no one else but Catherine of Siena. I did as she asked and sat at the very front of the church. I had a beautiful visit with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I sat there for three hours, praying, reading Scripture, and adoring our Lord. St. Catherine is someone I can get behind easily. Her honesty and disregard for what people might think or feel about what she would say when it came to the truth was a perfect match for me. I tell people now all the time that they better be careful when they ask me for my honest opinion, because I have the sharpness of my Patroness. Along with her attitude and personality, she adored what most would consider morbid imagery, but all she saw was beauty in it. I’m in full agreement with her on that. She always talked about blood and desired to be martyred, as she once wrote: “I pray that sweet Light (Jesus) leads us to bleed to death for the truth.” Truly, I tell you, with her attitude, her love of dark imagery, and her need to go against the culture of her time, Catherine was, in many ways, one of the first "metalhead" types to ever exist. That only added to my love for her. There could not be a more perfect saint for me. Only the divine could arrange such a close and intimate relationship. That’s the way I would describe my relationship with Catherine: she is absolutely a guiding figure, but more importantly, she is a friend, my best friend. Even with all the friends I have on earth, no one comes close to her. She will always put me on the path of Christ, even if it means she has to drag me across the parking lot and up the steps of the church to do so. Because that’s the kind of person she is, and we all need a friend like that. There’s not too much I can promise you, but if I make it to heaven through the grace of God, wherever Catherine goes, I won’t be too far behind, and vice versa. Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us! Now, having shared with you my testimony of faith, my relationship with our dear Mother, and my friendship with my beloved Patroness, how does this testimony end? With a call to action. For those who read this, if you haven't already, I urge you to consider the following: First, to grow a devotion to our Blessed Mother. The Church is at her best when Mary is honored and devotion to her is at an all-time high. So please, take the time to spend with Mother. Maybe even bring her flowers—whether at your home shrine or at church. Don’t be afraid to show your love for her, because she loves you unapologetically. Second, to grow in closeness to your Patron or Patroness. Take some time to ask for their guidance and intercession. Build a relationship with the one who prays for and watches over you—they care deeply for you. Third and finally, be unashamed of your Catholic faith. When you eat in public, make the sign of the cross before you eat. When you pray with friends and family, say the Hail Mary—no matter what they may think. When the opportunity arises, always share your faith with people and invite them to Mass. My friends, you are part of the true Church of Jesus Christ! Be proud to be a part of His holy Church! In conclusion, I want to say thank you to my Godmother, Rita. Rita has been a great help as well as a good person to just have a great conversation with. I’m very thankful to have gotten to know her. Thank you also to everyone in the RCIA at Saint Patrick’s, the parishioners there and at Holy Family, the clergy at both churches, and everyone at Saint Mary’s Cathedral who showed me such wonderful hospitality as a visitor when I attended their parish for a few days in early April. Thank you all for welcoming me with love into Christ’s Church like no one else ever has. No matter where I go, I have family nearby—as long as there’s a Catholic Church. I look forward to what else awaits me on this journey. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us! Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us! Ave Christus Rex! Ave Maria! Written by Luke Banek, St. Patrick's in Medicine Hat.
 On Saturday, June 14, 2025, pastoral staff and lay ministers from across the Diocese gathered at the Martha Retreat Centre in Lethbridge for a day of reflection, renewal, and rest. Guided by Fr. Tim Boyle and supported by the Pastoral Ministry Office, the retreat offered sacred time to encounter God’s love more deeply, through prayer, beauty, silence, and sacramental insight. Below are reflections from participants who share how the day stirred their hearts and strengthened their calling to serve. Letting God Work Through Me: A Sacrament Coordinator’s Insight I attended the retreat at Martha Retreat Center in Lethbridge on June 14, 2025 organized by the Pastoral Ministry Office of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, and I find myself still inspired by what I experienced and learned. Guided by Fr. Tim Boyle, I was reminded of the profound depth of God’s love especially as it manifests in the Holy Trinity and the figure of Sophia, wisdom itself. As he reflected on these truths, I was struck by how central God's love is to everything we do in ministry. It made me realize that without this divine love, the sacraments, creation, and even our efforts in faith formation would lack their true purpose. Throughout the retreat, I became more aware that my role as a Sacrament Coordinator is not about hierarchy or titles, but about reflecting God's boundless love to those I serve. This shift in perspective was powerful for me. It challenged me to approach my ministry with humility and a renewed sense of selfless service rooted in divine benevolence. I felt a deep calling to see my work as an extension of God's love, as an act of sharing His goodness, patience, and compassion. The icon of the Transfiguration especially resonated with me. It reminds me that transformation is possible, not just for the figures in the Bible, but for myself as well. Seeing Jesus at the center of the icon inspires me to emulate His example, to become more Christ-like in my attitude, words, and actions. It encourages me to assess my strengths and weaknesses honestly; trusting that through God's grace, I can grow and improve in serving others. Most profoundly, I was reminded that true service is humble. It’s about echoing God's humility, serving others not for recognition, but out of love. This retreat has rekindled my passion to serve with renewed enthusiasm, knowing that my work is part of a larger divine story. I am encouraged to lead with love, to emulate Christ’s humility, and to allow God's transformative power to shape both my ministry and my life. This experience has deepened my understanding that Sacramental ministry is not just about tasks, but it's about creating space for God's love to work through me, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those I am privileged to serve. Carlo Peregrina, Sacrament Coordinator Sacred Heart Parish, Calgary
For others on the retreat, the day brought a similar sense of grounding and grace. Cristiana from All Saints Parish in Lethbridge shared how the retreat met her in a moment of spiritual weariness. “I’m sincerely grateful for the day spent at Martha Retreat Centre, it was grace that quenched my thirst for Truth,” she wrote. Surrounded by a culture that pushes self-achievement and image, she said it was easy to slip into promoting a version of Catholicism that’s more about appearances than the cross. Yet the retreat pulled her back to the heart of the Gospel: “Instead of being a herald of a triumphant faith, I was reminded to be a witness to a Saviour who enters into our suffering to bring real life.” Mimi, from St. Mark’s Parish in Calgary, described the retreat as a much-needed chance to breathe and be still. “It was a blessing to be welcomed into a holy time and space,” she shared. She appreciated the rhythm of the day, especially Fr. Boyle’s gentle and creative approach. “His use of imagery and the contemplation of photographs coaxed the mind to expand its understanding, while the celebration of Holy Eucharist, followed by a period of meditation with the aid of an icon, encouraged the heart to open to the promptings of the Lord." Both Cristiana and Mimi expressed deep gratitude for the space to pause, pray, and be reminded of what really matters. “Thank you for setting the meeting time and space for this unforgettable encounter with the Lord,” Mimi added. As Cristiana put it, “What a magnificent God we have: only He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the humble!”   Franciscan’s Catechetical Institute is continuing their FREE and excellent webinar series in 2025 to support catechists, teachers, and parish/ministry leaders worldwide! Find the list of courses here for Summer 2025:
July 2025
 The dedication of any outdoor Stations of the Cross is a profoundly moving and spiritual occasion, marked by reverence, reflection, and communal unity. It is more than a ceremonial event; it is the culmination of faith, planning, and devotion, manifesting in a sacred space that invites all who pass through to journey alongside Christ in His Passion. Such an occasion serves not only to honour the memory of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice but also to offer a physical and spiritual path for the faithful to engage deeply with their beliefs. St. Paul’s Parish recent dedication day began with an outdoor Mass, gathering parishioners and the local community. The gathering drew together people of all ages and walks of life. As people arrived, there was a palpable sense of anticipation and reverence in the air. Clergy, lay leaders, benefactors, and parishioners joined in unity, recognizing the significance of what was being dedicated: a permanent, prayerful, outdoor space for meditation and encounter with Christ. Coinciding the dedication with Father’s Day on June 15, 2025 was an opportunity to welcome back a great friend of the Nation, Father Tim Boyle, to preside over the celebration. Fr. Tim and Fr. Roy Jayamaha set the tone for the day, highlighting the inspiration behind the project, the generosity of donors, and the spiritual hope that the Stations will offer pilgrims for years to come. The clergy, followed by the community, then blessed the entire path with holy water, invoking God's presence and protection over all who walk its length.
Each station was crafted with care and attention to sacred artistry, representing a step in Jesus' journey to Calvary. As a parish we processed from one station to the next, where prayers and reflections were offered. Each station represents a pause to reflect upon Scripture, and meditate, drawing participants into the emotional and spiritual weight of each moment, from Christ’s condemnation to His burial and resurrection. The outdoor setting added a unique layer of connection to nature, enhancing the sensory experience and making the walk more tangible and immersive. What makes an outdoor Stations of the Cross particularly meaningful is its accessibility. Unlike indoor sanctuaries that may only be open at certain times, an outdoor path invites prayer at any hour. The presence of these stations in a natural setting, nestled alongside the property perimeter, reminds visitors and pilgrims that the sacred is not confined to buildings but permeates all of God’s creation. As the dedication concluded, and the final blessing was offered, the faithful were encouraged to return to the site often, especially during Lent and in times of personal need. Hymns were sung, and a community feast followed, offering a time for fellowship and quiet conversation. The dedication of St Paul’s outdoor Stations of the Cross will leave a lasting impression. It remains a gift to the entire community, a visible sign of faith, and a legacy for future generations. In a world so often marked by noise and distraction, this sacred location provides a place of peace, reflection, and our deeper journey with Christ.  Written by Deacon Thomas O'Toole, St. Paul's Parish, Brocket, AB. Photos courtesy of Nancy, Knothole Photography.
 Written by Monica Horsman, member of St. Luke's Seat of Wisdom Legion of Mary, parishioner of St. Luke's Parish in Calgary. Photos: Participants of Book Study (evening & afternoon groups), courtesy of Monica Horsman.
 Have you had that dreaded request, “Can you give a short presentation on…?” Where do you begin? What do you need to do to be successful? As a public speaker for over 40 years, here are some of my observations. Step 1: Say "yes" Step 2: Develop your plan and your research.
Step 3: Develop your speech.
Step 4: Practise your speech
Step 5: Deliver your speech with confidence — you are well prepared and your message will be appreciated. For more information on public speaking, consider joining a public speaking club like the Heart of the Rockies Toastmaster Club that meets on Monday nights to allow you to work on and develop your speaking and presentation skills. Written by Deacon Daniel Deck. Deacon Dan has been a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Calgary since 2008, and has been doing public speaking for over 40 years. Dan joined Toastmasters in 2021 and has seen his confidence and presentation quality continue to improve steadily. For more information about Heart of the Rockies Toastmaster Club (initiated at the request of Bishop McGrattan as a renewal initiative) - contact Deacon Dan at [email protected].
St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC) is a young adult ministry (18-35) in our Diocese that has been active since it began in 2019. One of the key hopes of the Chaplaincy is to go out on mission, just as our namesake, St. Francis Xavier, went out publicly to spread the Gospel. This year, our members hit the streets of Calgary during the Lilac Festival to do exactly that — inviting people to our Encounter Accompaniment series, which is running every Thursday in June. The series is meant to introduce people to the Catholic faith — not only those we met at Lilac Festival, but really anyone looking to learn the basics. We ended up speaking to hundreds of people! We gave out 79 New Testament books, 39 Bibles, over 100 SFXC pamphlets, rosaries, and Ultimate Relationship (UR) booklets. All 50 RCIA pamphlets we brought were snapped up too. Even if no one had signed up for the Encounter series, we’d still have called this a huge win — planting seeds in people’s hearts and getting them thinking about God and the Catholic faith. However, it was even better: 177 people took our survey and 84 said they’re interested in coming to one of our Encounter events!
Our first Encounter Accompaniment event took place on June 5 at St. Mary’s Cathedral hall, where Fr. Troy introduced the kerygma (the core message of the Catholic faith) to those who attended. About 70 people showed up — and thanks to a generous donor, everyone got free Vietnamese subs too. It was a small way to show the love of God — not only through the message being shared, but through the warmth of our community. We’ll be hosting two more sessions on June 12 and 19 at St. Mary’s Cathedral hall. Our final session will be on June 26 at Sacred Heart Calgary, where we’ll have an Adoration night and throw a celebration party to wrap up the series. If you know anyone aged 18-35 who might be interested, please pass this along! My email is at the bottom of this article. This year, we launched all kinds of small group studies — including Theology of the Body, Healing of the Whole Person workshop, Philosophy Club, CCO Faith Studies, Men’s formation, and book studies on Dante’s Inferno and Fruitful Discipleship. Our Young Professionals group kicked off a Church History course and a public speaking club called “Logorators.” Our Young Families chapter started a monthly Mass and Formation event and a Mom & Dad’s group. We’ve also had tons of social events — our annual dance, summer/Stampede BBQ, monthly board game nights, bi-weekly Sunday Socials after Mass, and bi-weekly sports nights. Beyond this, we offer members plenty of ways to volunteer — through our monthly Mustard Seed program, Sunday Socials program, Choir formation, Altar Serving, and other opportunities throughout all of these ministries and events. Here’s the heart of what we do:
 The beautiful thing is: this isn’t just staff-driven. Our members are the ones driving so much of this. They spearhead initiatives, give their time outside of work, and pour themselves into this mission — because they believe in what the Chaplaincy is about:
We’ve got plenty more ideas and plans on the horizon. If you’d like to support us and help make it all possible — we’d love to have you on board. To learn more about SFXC, visit https://www.sfxc.ca/ or follow us on Instagram @sfxchaplaincy. We also have a donation campaign running for two weeks starting June 9 — and all donations will be matched! If you’d like to contribute, visit https://www.catholicyyc.ca/donatetosfxc.html. Written by Jaime Gayos, SFXC Coordinator. To contact him, email [email protected]
Before my conversion, I had returned to Jesus because of a vivid dream, one I still struggle to fully describe, but that changed everything. Until then, I was living a secular life. Though I had known Jesus in childhood through my grandmother, I had turned away in my youth, disheartened by prejudices, poor examples, and inconsistencies in the faith I saw. I felt ashamed after my dream because I knew I was wrong. Waking up that morning, I knew I had encountered something sacred. I was overwhelmed and confused, but I felt sure the Holy Spirit was guiding me. So, I followed that prompting, diving into Scripture, seeking out conversations with Christian friends, listening to teachings online, and repenting. This all took place during the COVID years, when church life was difficult to access, but my hunger to know God only deepened. In 2023, we started visiting Protestant churches, hoping to find a spiritual home. Yet each time, I left feeling uncomfortable and unsettled. The sermons often felt like TED Talks. The music was concert-style. Something was missing. I didn’t know what at first, but I later realized I was longing for transcendence, reverence, and spiritual structure. I wanted more than inspiration. I wanted tradition. I wanted truth. When my middle daughter said she wanted to attend a Catholic high school, I reluctantly decided to go to Mass with my sister-in-law, who is Catholic. That first Mass felt different: quiet, reverent, and sacred. It wasn’t trying to entertain, it was pointing me to God. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had come home. We began attending a small parish in our neighbourhood and eventually joined the RCIA program that fall. My two younger children and I went through the process together, and it felt like being embraced after a long journey. What struck me most was the richness of Catholic tradition, the depth of its teachings, the reverence shown to Mary and the Saints, and the groundedness of its moral clarity. Unlike the confusion I had grown used to in secular culture and even in some Christian spaces, the Catechism offered definitive, thoughtful answers. Catholicism doesn’t shy away from hard truths; it proclaims them with love and confidence.
Written by Robyn Okenfold, newly baptized in 2025 at St. Pius X Parish, Calgary.
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 Throughout the Gospels, we read of people’s encounters with Christ, where He invites them to “come and see” who He is. Jesus continues to extend this invitation to each of us today — but how easy is it for us to “stay” in relationship with Him when trials come our way? Furthermore, what does it look like for us to follow in Christ’s footsteps, seeing our interactions with others as opportunities to reveal the Father's love to them? The theme of this year’s Beloved Daughters Ministry conference is “Come and Stay: Relationships Rooted in Love.” As Rikka, Maria, and Jessica (the founders of Beloved Daughters Ministry) were praying and reflecting on the theme, they considered the many roles women hold. As daughters, friends, mothers, and sisters, women are presented with ample opportunities throughout daily life to cultivate and maintain authentic relationships. Yet often, comparison, fear, insecurities, and responsibilities can get in the way of developing these relationships. Maria, Rikka, and Jessica have been friends for over ten years. They can attest to the challenges of nurturing their friendship while fulfilling multiple roles and responsibilities. In the midst of it all, they strive to remind each other that disagreements are opportunities to grow in virtue — to help one another become saints and truly see each other in God’s image. Having previously volunteered together in youth and young adult ministry, we saw the formation of Beloved Daughters Ministry as an opportunity to journey alongside other women as we grow in our identity as beloved daughters of God. As we’ve mentioned at just about every one of our events, we are on the same journey as every other woman — we don’t have it all figured out.
Slowly but surely, each of us is learning that every disagreement offers the opportunity to stay, be present, and see things from another’s point of view. We can each attest that this is often challenging and frustrating in the moment. Yet by God’s grace, He continues to open our eyes to truly see one another as daughters of Christ, rather than turning inward on ourselves. This has expanded our capacity to extend love and mercy to each other. Vulnerability has led us to listen more deeply, empathize, and understand. There is a natural delight that comes with sharing life and choosing to stay with the friend placed before us. Planning ministry events together reminds us that we are on the same team. We share the same mission: to grow in love for Christ and to share that love with others. This ministry has provided space and opportunities for us to grow in holiness and virtue. More recently, as we plan our upcoming conference, we have also been reminded of the simple joy of having fun together! Sharing laughter has helped us not to take ourselves so seriously — and to remember that when we live under the freedom of being beloved daughters, God’s grace makes up for all that we lack. Within the Father’s love, there is freedom to make mistakes and to allow Him to transform them into opportunities to increase our capacity to give and receive love. Written by Jessica, Beloved Daughters Ministry, Calgary.
  Our small rural parish communities of St. Augustine’s, Taber and St. Joseph’s, Vauxhall recognized a great need for increased vocations. It is often our smaller communities that are most affected by the shortage of priests, which limits opportunities for worship in the sacred liturgy. Our existing priests are stretched thin, often covering two or three parishes that may be as much as an hour apart. In response, we felt called to come together for 40 Hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, offering special intentions for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. What initially seemed like a tall order for our community was met with an incredible response once the invitation went out. Many parishioners stepped forward—some spending time in adoration for the first time in years, and others, for the very first time. Adoration began at 3:00 am on November 25 and concluded on November 26 with Benediction at 6:45 pm, followed by a Memorial Mass offered for the intentions of all deceased members of the Knights of Columbus. A time of fellowship followed the Mass. With open hearts, we witnessed how Jesus desires to touch us deeply, speak to us, heal us, and transform us when we meet Him in adoration. Many parishioners stayed longer than the one hour they had signed up for. In heartfelt praise and thanksgiving, all were blessed to offer this time to the Lord. As we gathered in community, the presence of the Holy Spirit was strongly felt. Many experienced a renewed awareness of Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament, filling them with peace, joy, and grace—gifts waiting for all of us in Eucharistic adoration. We especially lift up all our seminarians: may God fill them with courage, continue to encourage their hearts, and bless our Catholic communities with more priests and religious men and women. God bless all our faithful servants—for your glory, Lord. Submitted by Linda Kinahan, Parishioner. Linda has been a lifelong parishioner in the Taber area, first at Assumption Parish, Grassy Lake which was a missionary parish of St. Augustine’s, Taber. She currently sits on the Liturgy Committee at St. Augustine’s and is responsible for Sacred Art. She is married to Deacon Brian Kinahan.
 “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. |
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September 2026
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