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Growing in holiness as a family

6/13/2022

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"Celebrate the Holy Spirit" Synod group discussion. Photo credit: Wade Anderson.
The synodal journey in the Diocese of Calgary was a process of encounter, listening and discernment. There were many who questioned if undertaking such a journey would bear any fruits personally and communally. Like on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit breathed new life and hope into the weariness that we had been experiencing in these past few years. One parish synod leader described the experience in these words: “The synod allowed our parishioners to move from a period of isolation to gathering once more and in doing so discovering each other’s stories of faith. This was just the beginning of a renewal for our parish and Church in listening to the hurts of the past and to forge forward with hope to grow stronger together.”
 
There were many challenges that surfaced during these listening sessions but there was one overwhelming concern which was voiced and that was for families, youth and children in the life of the faith community. The responses on a family's experience of the Church reflected both ups and downs, and at times, quite serious challenges. Not all families felt welcomed, acknowledged, or appreciated in their communities. Many shared their personal accounts of frustration, hurt, and pain experienced when they had approached the Church. There is a general lack of understanding and acceptance of the uniqueness and conditions specific to families and the stages of life they are in. Often this results in the parishes’ inability to make connections with families in a truly effective way.  
Outreach, inviting, and being welcoming were emphasized over and over again. Families need parishes to make intentional efforts to foster relationships with them, help them to connect with other families in the community, and to work to strengthen these bonds. Special consideration also needs to be given in all our outreach activities to gauge how effective they are in addressing the broad spectrum of families and their living situations. These differences can include: ethnicity, culture, language, age, marital status, single parents, families with young children, and those without access to or familiarity with the latest technology. In addition, people and family circumstances change over time as we age, and communication modes and styles need to be adapted appropriately to the targeted age group.

One person stated “our children deserve a place where they can learn to know, love, and serve God.” This passionate appeal is echoed time and again by many in the community. Do we make consistent and intentional efforts to make sure youth get involved, feel welcome, be encouraged to participate, and have opportunities to be formed in the faith? Have we made space for our youth? Are we fostering an environment where experience and learning are encouraged without feeling scolded or frowned upon? A common concern repeated many times was a lack of organized events specifically to provide opportunities to engage youth, with a focus on ensuring they feel welcome, connected, needed, and loved. Many asked if we are proactively and properly funding youth programs to keep them engaged. The idea of sharing ministry with youth between smaller communities was raised as a possible way to share resources and maximize effectiveness. There is a need for perseverance, creativity, occasional re-evaluation, and a never-ending need for continuous innovation in our communication, outreach, and welcoming efforts as we journey with our youth and their families.

Ultimately, our youth want to journey with us. Thanks to the dedication of our teachers and parish catechists, over 500 youth participated informally in the synodal journey as they shared their experience of Church. As can be expected, the various responses provided a wide-range of answers, reactions, and perspectives; ranging from experiencing the Church as a community that welcomes, supports, inspires, and teaches, to feeling unwelcome, uninspired, and/or judged by the Church.

When asked how we could grow together as a community of faith, responses from our youth included a wide spectrum of ideas for activities to make faith and Church life more appealing. There was an expressed desire for the life of faith to be more inviting, inspiring, and to know God (Holy Spirit) personally. They felt that the Church needs to find new ways to pass on the message of faith in ways that consider individual interest, intellectual level, and age so as to lead young people to make personal decisions about their faith and their relationship with God and the Church. There must be a greater degree of collaboration and openness in accompanying them in relation to addressing modern-day issues and challenges pertaining to faith and morals. They want a better understanding of the sacraments, including the Mass so that the celebrations can be more personal and understandable.

Finally, an important and recurring theme found in our youth responses is the desire to see personal witness among those professing to be people of faith. Noteworthy of mention is their feedback relating to the impact schools, teachers, parents, and the Church have had in providing opportunities for growing in the knowledge and experience of faith.
These themes and others are found in the Diocesan Synod Synthesis Report.

​In this month of June there is also the World Meeting of Families (WMF) in Rome, June 22-26, 2022 which coincides with the closing of the “Amoris Laetitia Family Year”. This gathering, which is part of the current synodal journey of the Church, will place the priority of families at the center of the Church’s discernment of its pastoral accompaniment and outreach. Pope Francis is inviting every Catholic family to join virtually via live streaming. It could potentially be a valuable experience of walking together in the “participation, communion and mission” for families in the life of the Church. I encourage those in our parishes and lay associations to learn about initiatives at the national level by going to the Family and Life webpage at cccb.ca. 
​Pope’s Prayer Intention for June 2022:
For Families – We pray for Christian families around the world; may they embody and experience unconditional love and advance in holiness in their daily lives.
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Written by Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary
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​June 13, 2022
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Dad talk

6/12/2022

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Dads, as we gear up for Father’s Day, let’s take a moment to watch this video and see if we can find a fresh perspective on fatherhood or a new inspiration to step up our game! 
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Thank you for always trying to be the best dad that you can be! Have a wonderful time with your family on Father’s Day.

Consider this...
“And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”  Ephesians 6:4
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Teaching the ways of God and of love can never be through the path of anger! Lead by example. We must be the first to admit our need to grow, and in the process, show others the way through our small and sincere efforts in becoming a better version of ourselves through Christ.

Here’s a support resource for men: https://godsquad.ca/
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2022 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

6/9/2022

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The second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday, July 24, 2022. As described in his official message, Pope Francis invites everyone to celebrate this day so that we ensure “no one lives this day in loneliness.” The theme chosen by the Holy Father for the occasion is "In old age they will still bear fruit" (Ps 92:15).

It was announced that the Apostolic Penitentiary has granted the Plenary Indulgence to all the elderly who participate in the World Day liturgies, and to all those who in the days immediately preceding or following the World Day visit an elderly person who is alone. The visit, in fact, writes Pope Francis in his message for World Day, "is a work of mercy in our time!" In response to this invitation, extensive pastoral toolkit has been developed to help those preparing to organize celebration initiatives. 

​The pastoral kit aims to help putting into practice the Holy Father's invitation to celebrate the World Day, but also to offer pastoral instruments to lay the foundations for a care for the elderly that looks into the future. 
  • Message from Pope Francis for second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
  • Catechesis on Old Age
  • Prayer for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
  • Pastoral Guidelines (includes directions on visiting the lonely elderly, preparation of the day with the elderly, preparing for the day with young people, prayers of the faithful, liturgical notes, and plenary indulgence for the occasion) 

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All things are possible with God

6/1/2022

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I was born and raised in a Catholic home. I remember attending church with my parents but I sensed early on as a young child that my father was not living out his vocation and role as a husband and father. My father was an alcoholic, and because of his addiction, he was unable to be fully present to his family, or to teach me and prepare me for life the way a young boy needed.

I missed out on having a personal relationship with my father, on experiencing his love and acceptance. I was not given a proper example of how I should conduct myself as a mature person. Having personally experienced what life was like with an alcoholic father, I told myself many times that I would be different towards my own family, that there would be joy and love, mutual understanding and peace in the home; the very things that were missing in my own home and upbringing.
 
After I got married and started my own family, I came to realize that things were not so easy as I had imagined them to be. I struggled with dealing with my obligations as a husband, father, and provider. Often times alcohol served as a comfort and means to deal with daily challenges, but then it was followed by feelings of guilt, remorse, bitterness, and regret. Even hatred towards my father would surface for not having prepared me for life’s circumstances. I grieved over my father’s inability to model for me how to be a good husband, father, and man. I was terrified and panicked by the fact that I was becoming just like my father. I sought solace through alcohol, and of course, that made things worse.

While moving through life in this way, I longed for something more. I sensed that there was more. 

​I owe so much to my wife, who kept our family together, and never stopped believing that things could be different, better… that I could become the man she knew I could be.  I knew that I needed help. I knew that the future wellbeing of my family, marriage, and the good of my 3 children depended on me becoming the man God called me to be. but at the same time feeling I couldn’t do it by myself.  I needed help and direction.  I needed God, and a renewed sense of faith and prayer to rise above the pain, hurts, resentment, and challenges.

Having exhausted various avenues, I cried out to God for help. It was then in the experience of powerlessness and sincere sorrow that God answered the call of my heart. He sent a friend my way who then reintroduced me to God and His mercy, to the loving protection of our Mother Mary, and who invited me to model my life after the example of St. Joseph in my call to be father, and to model our family after the example of the Holy Family.
 
It has been a long journey, but ever-grateful to the Lord, I am happy to share that I am alcohol-free for the last seven years. There have been many good days, tougher days, but I am better equipped to deal with them than ever before. My wife and I have been engaged in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and the experience of the Spirit’s current of grace has been life-transforming.

Not only have I come to know Jesus in a personal and intimate way, received a new and ongoing outpouring of the Spirit, discovered that I am loved by my Heavenly Father, but through this new life in the Spirit, I have come to terms with my past, and have been given the grace to forgive and pray for the eternal repose of my earthly father. I have come to know God and that He is with me always, and that with Him all things are possible.

Thanks to God, my relationships with my wife and children have improved and I have become a better husband and father, and that my family can count and rely on me. Recently my wife shared with me that I remind her of St. Joseph!

​Yes, with God, all things are possible, all things are made new.


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Written by Slawomir Wisniewski for Faithfully. Slawomir lives in Calgary with his wife Ania and three children. He and his family are active members of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish. 

Photos courtesy of Slawomir Wisniewski.
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Summer camps

5/14/2022

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With summer just around the corner, check out the list of Summer camps below that will leave your children with lasting memories of fun and faith: 
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  • Coming Alive Camp: Cool Kingdom Party for Gr. 1-6 (July 18-22) at St. Albert the Great, Calgary
  • Ignite Alberta for Gr. 9-12 (July 12-15), organized by FacetoFace Ministries at St. Luke's, Calgary 
  • Captivenia (July 20-30), an exciting Catholic medieval adventure camp for girls ages 9-17, at the Britton Ranch near Turner Valley, AB. 
  • Arcātheos (Aug. 1-13), an exciting Catholic adventure camp for boys ages 9-17, at the Britton Ranch near Turner Valley, AB. 
  • Catholic Youth Camps at Camp Oselia on Wabamun Lake, AB, organized by Archdiocese of Edmonton, AB.
    • Savio week for Gr. 10-12 (July 25-29)
    • Encounter week for Gr. 4-6 (Aug 1-5)
    • Our Lady of Victory week for Gr. 7-9 (Aug. 22-26)
    • Gr. 10-12 can volunteer as junior counselors for any of the camp weeks.
  • Camp St. Louis (July & August 2022) for kids all ages near Moose Lake Provincial Park, AB, organized by Diocese of St. Paul, AB. 
  • Blackstrap Youth Camp for ages 8-14 (weeks of July 2022), organized by the Knights of Columbus and Diocese of Saskatoon. 
  • Camp Cadicasu  for all ages (weeks of July and August 2022) in Kananaskis, AB
  • Camp Columbus for all ages (weeks of July and August 2022) in Waterton Lakes National Park, AB

Did we miss any? If your parish or lay association is organizing a Summer Camp, or Vacation Bible School, please contact communications@calgarydiocese.ca
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They’re powerful – they just don’t know it yet

5/8/2022

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It is a beautiful thing to birth a baby and nurture a child through life. Motherhood, which is arguably the pinnacle of the experience of being a woman – whether through birth, adoption or spiritual motherhood – is highly underrated in the mainstream. We know that women are essential to life giving love, and with the example of Our Lady, women walk this journey in dignity and strength.

But women who come through adverse circumstances are almost a truer testimony to the strength of character and the resolve that it takes to be a mother. Add a global pandemic, and you’ve got a myriad more problems to work through.

Michelle Haywood is the program manager at Elizabeth House. Listening to her speak of what she has witnessed at one of Calgary’s a homes for pregnant women at risk, was balm for the soul as she told success stories of the women who resided there in the past 2 years.

“They are coming to us in crisis, and they’re leaving with sometimes a whole lot more confidence and resourcing than they came in with. They have to decide – its that choice that they made to do it and they’ve got to work hard to make this happen. I’m seeing dogged ethic and determination in every woman in her own way.”
PictureNewly built grotto at the Elizabeth House
I often imagine Our Lady in her own adverse circumstances, and am thankful for the relative ease with which I’ve raised my children by comparison. But Our Lady has special meaning for Michelle and Elizabeth House:

In its original location in an historic building in the heart of the city, Elizabeth House, founded by the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis, had a grotto with a statue of Our Lady. Unfortunately, the grotto did not make the move when Elizabeth House moved to a more suitable location. The statue, as Michelle put it, “followed us without a dedicated home.” 

The Knights of Columbus at St. Peter’s parish who have been instrumental in creating a homey atmosphere in the front and backyards at the house with landscaping and upkeep, arranged to have a new grotto built for the original statue, which has also been repainted. 
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"We asked the St Peter's Knights of Columbus to rebuild the grotto and they came through as always. They even found the gentleman who was the original brick layer to build the new one!" Michelle said.

A dedication ceremony will take place with Bishop McGrattan at the beginning of June.
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“I believe that all the women that come through are under her mantle and enfolded in Mary’s robes. I constantly think of that as being part of the leadership that we are all in her presence always, and it helps us get through some really difficult moments.”

Difficulty doesn’t even begin to describe what it must be like to be newly pregnant and unsupported by family, friends or community and without a place to go;

“Some of the research has shown that one of the most substantial reasons that women choose abortion is that they believe that they can not provide the optimal conditions for motherhood,” Michelle said, adding that housing is also a major contributor,

“If you have no idea where you’re going to sleep or you can’t guarantee in your mind that you can keep this baby safe from harm, that’s what might lead a woman to that decision. They want to feel like they can be the best mother possible.”

The proof that Elizabeth House moms can and do achieve the best motherhood possible is in their stories. Michelle emphasised the determination and hard work that many women have shown her over her 15 years there, especially the last two years in the midst of global pandemic,

The public health restrictions had a myriad of consequences for Elizabeth House. Some of the regularly accessed programming was closed, outside visitors were not allowed at times, and isolation for symptoms had to happen in the four walls of a small bedroom.

“We saw more acute mental health needs and crises,” Michelle said, adding that being in a staff position was very difficult, because inevitably acting on the public health measures made them feel they may be doing harm.

Despite the hardships faced, there were also silver linings.
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“We had only one isolated case of COVID-19 in a place where people are coming and going, and that speaks to how well we cared for one another,” Michelle said.

Strength and resilience of the community showed through as well when amidst the fear and the struggle, victories were won.

“We were seeing women just circling the house – nowhere to go. Schools were closed. We have from time to time women who are in post-secondary education. Now they were online with a baby, and guess what? They did it. They absolutely did it.
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“We had one woman finish her post-secondary degree at home with a brand new baby during COVID. This is what can happen. This is what I’m speaking to, just the resilience, the strength, the courage, the sheer determination of the women here. This isn’t about the program; this is about them. We are simply giving them the space to shine.”

Another woman was able to purchase her first home during the pandemic, which is a first for the program.

“We’ve never had a woman move into that situation before, but she worked so hard to get everything in place for her next steps.”

Michelle and the staff at Elizabeth House have been grateful for the financial and physical support that continued despite the pandemic.

“It slowed down understandably but it never ended. We were overwhelmed both Christmases with donations and still getting people who want to volunteer as soon as restrictions are lifted. In those incredibly dark moments, the support and care never ended and that really mattered.”

After only a few minutes of talking to Michelle, I noticed and admired how she spoke about the women Elizabeth House serves. She spoke with admiration and respect, and emphasised the dignity of each woman, saying that it is their hard work that makes the difference for them, and that Elizabeth House, just like a midwife to a birthing mother, holds up a mirror to them saying “You’re doing it. You’ve got this.”

“They’re powerful – they just don’t know it yet – and we are helping them to see that and to practice it so that they can move forward.”

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Jessica Cyr is a freelance writer living in Calgary, Alberta. Her primary focus is raising five children, ages 4 - 12. When she is not homeschooling and enjoying time with her kids, she can be found reading, gardening, volunteering in her community or writing for small publications. She is interested in current events, social justice and history.
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Holy Week, Triduum & Easter Resources

4/11/2022

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Parish Schedule for Triduum & Easter
TRIDUUM LIVESTREAM - YOUTUBE
TRIDUUM LIVESTREAM - FACEBOOK
The Diocese of Calgary offers the following resources to encourage and guide our active participation in the Holy Week, Triduum & Easter sacred liturgies. 

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PALM SUNDAY
  • ​Palm Sunday Domestic Prayer (PDF)
  • Holy Week @Home Experience on Palm Sunday
HOLY WEEK ​
  • Holy Week Resources for Ministry Leaders - Liturgical Catechists
  • How to keep Holy in Holy Week - National Catholic Register

HOLY THURSDAY
  • Holy Thursday Rituals at Home (PDF) - Liturgical Press
  • Holy Thursday Sacred Music Playlist - Diocese of Calgary (playlist, video & music sheet) 
  • ​Pray the Liturgy of the Hours - Divine Office
  • Holy Week @Home Experience on Holy Thursday​
  • Create Family Paschal Candle

GOOD FRIDAY
  • ​​Good Friday Rituals at Home (PDF) - Liturgical Press
  • Good Friday Sacred Music Playlist - Diocese of Calgary (playlist, video & music sheet) 
  • Stations of the Cross - with your children 
  • Stations of the Cross Colouring Book - from the Via Crucis at the Church of the Mother of God in Mengore, Slovenia.
  • The Way of the Cross with Pope Francis - Reflection & Prayer
  • Holy Week @Home Experience on Good Friday
  • Begin of the Divine Mercy Novena 

HOLY SATURDAY & EASTER
  • Holy Saturday Rituals at Home (PDF) - Liturgical Press
  • Holy Saturday Sacred Music Playlist - Diocese of Calgary (playlist, video & music sheet) ​
  • ​Blessing of the Easter Food
  • Reflection - Preparing for the Easter Vigil ​
  • Easter activities for Children - Catholic Icing
  • 50 ways to celebrate 50 days of the Easter Season - Catholic Icing

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Why rise up?

2/26/2022

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God Squad Canada started in Calgary with four police officers coming together in prayer.  It has since grown into an apostolate over the last 25 years that influences men around the world. 

​Through the guidance of St Joseph, God Squad’s vision is to form and strengthen men, inspiring them to embrace God’s vocation in their lives. They strive to encourage men positively amidst today’s darkness of spiritual famine and moral confusion. God Squad wishes to reverse the breakdown of families by serving and nurturing men of all ages to be leaders in their families and communities.

Their ministry brings men together by various initiatives such as BBQ Outreach, motorcycle rides, disc golf, or by hosting an annual Men's Conference. During the Year of St Joseph, God Squad was able to stream their conference online and reach men throughout the world.
 
Many men over the years have been inspired to show the same servant leadership to their families that Christ has for His bride, the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church because of these conferences. Men have discerned marriage; others the priesthood. (See “How Many of You” in God Squad’s Newsletter for November 2021 and read about Father Troy Nguyen's experience at a God Squad Conference). Others have found the strength to persevere or to take on new challenges, or to find new meaning and hope in their faith.
 
Some men have been sent by their wives and are now eternally grateful! Some come looking for answers. Most come just to be with other like minded men. Men need mentoring.  Men need to mentor others. Men need to lead.
 
In an interview with Mario Toneguzzi on Faith Spotlight, Sean Lynn, president and founder of God Squad Canada says that this year’s theme was inspired by Avi Kaplan’s song “Change on the Rise" and St. John Paul II’s new springtime in his encyclical Redemptoris Missio, long before the current political winds and discourse in the media. Inspired by reflection, Sean recognizes, as farmers do, that the springtime is a time of hard work.  As “we’re coming out of two years of struggle and strife” says Constable Lynn, “we need to work hard at coming together and work for healing” and building up the Kingdom of God.
 
Consider giving the men in your life a ticket to “Change on the Rise; Ushering in the New Springtime!”. This year God Squad has the pleasure of hosting amazing speakers: Jeff Cavins, Brett Powell, and Bishop William McGrattan, who will celebrate the Mass. All men in the Diocese (and beyond) are invited to come for the Conference at St. Michael's Church in Calgary, on March 18 & 19, 2022. You can register to attend in person or to watch via livestream. Bring your son, your father, your brother, your cousin, your friend, or even a stranger!  Consider hosting a viewing party (Contact godsquad25@godsquad.ca if you need ideas on hosting a viewing party), or to host the viewing party in your parish. 

And as a bonus, get free access to Chris Stefanik’s “Rise A 30 – Day Challenge” worth $45 - after you register.

Ten Reasons to join God Squad Men's Conference this year
  1. Break through stereotypes
  2. Address the leadership vacuum
  3. Replace objectification with true authentic human love
  4. Learn how to earn the small “l” title of lord in servant leadership. God Squad’s Deacon Stephen Robinson throws the gauntlet for men to Man Up in the February issue of God Squad’s newsletter Man-Update
  5. Learn how to be an apparition of St. Joseph. Coined by Fr Donald Calloway in his book “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” available here
  6. Learn the true meaning and value of intimacy with your loved ones
  7. Become an “activated disciple”.  Jeff Cavins’ teaches on activated discipleship in his book “Activated Disciple: Taking your Faith to the Next Level” available here
  8. Because someone who loves you invited you (God Squad)
  9. You get free access to Chris Stefanik’s “Rise A 30 – Day Challenge” worth $45
  10. Because “God Loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!”


Submitted by God Squad Canada
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Fruitful love: Inviting Jesus in

2/13/2022

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Just as of old God encountered his people with a covenant of love and fidelity, so our Saviour, the spouse of the Church, now encounters Christian spouses through the sacrament of Matrimony." Christ dwells with them, gives them the strength to take up their crosses and so follow him, to rise again after they have fallen, to forgive one another, to bear one another's burdens, to "be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ," and to love one another with supernatural, tender, and fruitful love.” 

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Catechism of the Catholic Church 1642
It is an unfortunate truth that in a global pandemic, many marriages have ended. The pressure and strain of maintaining a marriage when it feels like the world is on the brink of collapse is undoubtedly playing a part. Bleak statements, but don’t look away. The following stories are accounts of how the Sacraments have nourished couples in our Diocese through such struggles. In light of St. Valentine’s Day, when we celebrate not only a holy saint, but the sacrament he is known to have stood for, it was an honour to sit with friends and talk about love and life.
Reverence for Christ, love and laughter are paramount in the home of Irene Sarmiento and Ernesto Lozano, who met and married in their home-country of Mexico before emigrating to Canada with their growing family 11 years ago. They’ve been married for 26 years and they have six children.

“On our wedding day, we received the blessing of the bishop who married us, and one of the wedding gifts was a papal blessing from Pope John Paul II. I feel we’ve had tons of grace helping us on our journey,” said Irene.

That journey would carry them far from their beginnings, but when they arrived in Canada, they found a new home in their Catholic communities in Calgary.

“When we went to Church and I saw the tabernacle, I felt at home, because the Church is everywhere, and it is actually like you have a family,” said Irene, commenting that the Church community in Canada welcomed them with open arms when they arrived.

The family of the Church welcomed another couple into its midst in 2014, when Jean-Francois (JF) and Ana Church said, “I do.”

Though they met one another and attended JF’s prom together in 2006, they had a long journey toward marriage. As both of them journeyed separately toward a deeper relationship with God and  a greater understanding of the workings of the Holy Spirit in their lives, they formed a friendship that blossomed into love as they eventually served in youth ministry together in Ottawa.

“It is such an intimate relationship when you are working with someone and being guided by the holy spirit and teaching about God,” said Ana. “You really get to see that person’s heart and where they are at and where their relationship with God is at. At the time I thought, ‘these are all the qualities that I’m looking for in a husband.’”

Both said they feel they were guided to one another by God.

“For some time, I thought I wanted to be a priest,” JF shared, saying he took a yearlong discernment retreat to find out.

“The answer for me was clear that I was called to exemplify the Holy Family, and that’s a tall order. I didn’t know who the lady would be at that time, but every time there’s a shadow of doubt, I know that I discerned this and that God has a plan for us.”

God’s plans are mysterious and beautiful. As I listened to both of these couples share their memories, my own came vividly to mind. Thirteen years ago on February 14th, my husband Joseph who had also discerned the priesthood but felt called to have a family, married.

As I walked down the aisle of our hometown church on the arm of my dad, I remember being awestruck. My thoughts raced, but I remember thinking that this was the church where our parents had brought us to be baptized, and where we had walked down the aisle to receive the Eucharist countless times, and here we were on the same path toward something entirely new and sacred. We felt truly at home in the Church in that moment.

“Being married is not easy, it is hard,” said Ernesto matter-of-factly, “especially being married to someone like me,” he finished with a wry smile.

I’ll confess I feel like Joseph sometimes carries an unfair burden with such an emotional, opinionated wife. But all self-deprecation and joking aside, as Catholics we have been richly blessed in the Sacraments, which feed our souls and call us to deeper conversion.
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Irene Sarmiento and Ernesto Lozano with their family, summer 2021.
PictureAna and JF Church with their children, Christmas 2021.
In 2011, Joseph and I walked the aisle of the same Church at my father’s funeral. It gave me comfort to recall our wedding, my First Communion and all of the Masses I’d attended there as I walked, this time with the heaviness of grief. It was in the Sacraments and in my marriage that I found solace.

This moment came to mind when Ernesto said, “when you are feeling terrible, there is always the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” He and Irene try to go often, and to normalize going for their children.

It is important for them that their children would feel at home in the church.

“When the children were little, I would take them and ask the priest if they could talk with him a little bit. That way when it came time for their First Reconciliation they weren’t going to a person they didn’t know,” Irene said.

As Irene and Ernesto recall starting their family, they remember feeling overwhelmed too.

“When you have your first child they do not come with instructions,” said Ernesto facetiously.

“Yes,” added Irene, “you have to figure it out as you go.”

Six children, including now-adult children have given them a lot of practice in parenting, and I had to resist the temptation to sit for hours picking their brains for advice about my own family. Something that is important to the couple is mentorship of parents, which they do through their involvement with a program called Family Enrichment.

As parents of young children, Mass can be a challenge. Nonetheless, Ana and JF try to attend Mass as often as possible.

In moments where certain behaviours are causing problems of concentration, JF says he tries to “remove myself mentally from the situation, as if to see myself in the third person, pretending that I’m God the Father looking at this situation; one of the kids wrote on the pew with wax crayon and I’m trying to listen to the homily.

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me,” and if I am pretending I am God looking in, I think “okay, this is actually hilarious.” If I miss the homily, then I know God meets us where we don’t expect it, and he’ll fill me some other way.”

“I don’t operate that way,” said Ana, “and I often feel alone in those moments.”

“So often I pray to the Holy Spirit that I need help. Sometimes (during Mass, but also in everyday life) I’m praying under my breath and the kids ask “what are you doing?” and I say “I’m inviting Jesus right now… you should too!”

It models for them that they can reach out to God when they need Him and that He will be there for us even when we might feel alone.”

“It also models for them that we are not trying to raise them to be perfect,” said JF. “We expect them to have freakouts just like we do, but in those moments there is a Holy Spirit, there is a Jesus, there is an Abba-Daddy who cares for us and wants to help. I think it is just beautiful to model that.”

To support one another in continuing to grow a relationship with God, Ana and JF have been going alternate weeks to Tuesday night Reconciliation, Mass and Adoration for almost a year.

“Having that sacred time that we can look forward to and that we protect for each other is really key. We also get to listen to the homily that day, which is really nice,” said Ana.

“It’s amazing how many saints went to frequent confession,” pointed out JF, who finds it helpful to go often and “break the cycle of sin.”

“If I’m going often, with not a lot of time between confessions, I’m forcing myself to be in a position to make an examination of conscience and go a deeper route so that I can address things in myself – other personality defects that are leading me to those sins.”

Ana and JF are a couple who’ve spent quite a long time building up the spiritual life of their family and seeking the Sacraments.

“The key is really staying vulnerable with the Lord and with each other, and I find the Sacraments just make room for that psychologically and emotionally, and bring a source of inspiration and dreaming with the Lord,” said JF.


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Written by Jessica Cyr for Faithfully..  Jessica is a journalist, wife, and mother of five. She attends St. Bernard’s Parish ​ in Calgary. 

Photos courtesy of Ana & JF Church, and Irene Sarmiento. 
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Faithful Living: A prayer room in your home

1/23/2022

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Our homes hold a lot of what is near and dear to us. For starters, our family. The home provides shelter for the people we love.

Aside from our belongings which we need in order to function in life, our home is a shelter for the things that define us, objects that hold special meanings. Be it a special painting, a family heirloom, or that memorable walkman from the 80s.
In a Catholic home, some of the objects that hold special meaning to us are holy images or religious articles that help us think of God and the communion of the saints and the angels. 

Some Catholic homes have home altars or prayer corners/rooms where the family can spend time of prayer, meditation, or teaching the Faith. This YouTube vlogger, A Catholic Mom's Life, features her prayer room as a place not only to pray but also to read and hang-out as a family apart from the living room or the kitchen. 

Tips for starting your home altar/prayer corner or room...
  • It would be helpful to have the home altar or prayer corner/room situated in an area where there is some silence and privacy.
  • Imagine one focal holy image. Ask yourself what image will move you to pray and have a conversation with God.
  • You can choose to have only one large image or statue flanked with candles or have one large one and a few small images or statues that hold some significance for you.
  • Think about your preferred posture when praying at home. Do you tend to sit on a comfortable chair, kneel, sit on the floor with pillows, or the combination... have this set up near or around the home altar/prayer corner or in your prayer room.
  • Consider the lighting. A space for prayer would need to have soft or ambient lighting to make it cozy, soothing, and easy to slide your way to an intimate time with God.
  • If you like to pray and meditate with soft sacred music playing in the background, perhaps have a device for playing music nearby.
  • To keep the area neat and tidy and free of distractions, make sure that things are placed and organized in presentable storage boxes that do not need to be seen until needed. Keep the area clutter-free.
  • Once you have all of these set up, figure out the routine or times of prayer in your home.

Having a home altar or prayer corner/room can help us consciously make room for God in our lives.

Consider this... Our homes should be a refuge, a place where everyone can come home to rest, to be nourished, and to be re-energized for the next day. Carve a place for prayer and let the peace of Christ dwell in your house. 
For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat." Isaiah 25:4
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Faithful Living: Self care is for both body & soul

1/21/2022

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Catholics, or Christians in general, can sometimes forget that we are both body and soul as human beings. We are not spiritual beings like the angels even when our human nature also has a spiritual dimension. We are human beings beautifully made by God, body and soul. 
  • Watch this 10-minute video by Christopher West on the unity of the body and soul to understand how we should understand and see ourselves according to the teachings of the Church. 

Sometimes we can go on extremes with how we take care of our selves.
  • We can focus so much on our bodies that when something goes wrong with our bodies we may think and feel like it is no longer worth living. Vanity will have a lot of control and influence on our lives, and we become enslaved by it. We can become like hollow shells.
  • We can also see ourselves mainly as spiritual beings trapped in the shell of a human body. We can overspiritualize things and begin to neglect the proper care of our bodies. Some even begin to form an inherent hatred towards their bodies.

How we see and treat ourselves will often shape how we see and treat others.
​
Christ became one of us as a human being, body and soul, in His incarnation while continuing to be God at the same time. He even bothered to be raised both in body and soul in His resurrected state because we matter. We matter to God both in body and soul and only death separates both from each other. Thus, the Lord opens for us the path of the resurrection to eternal life.


Consider this... God loves you - body and soul. You are wonderfully made. ​
Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows." ~ Matthew 10:28-31
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Entering the Ordinary Time

1/11/2022

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During the Ordinary Time, the Church celebrates the fullness of the mystery of the Lord Jesus. The people of God offer praise by celebrating the Paschal Mystery of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Sunday is the original Christian Feast Day, following the tradition handed down from Apostolic times, for this way the day of the Lord’s Resurrection.

Today’s Christian communities continue this tradition by celebrating every Sunday as the day of the risen Lord. 

​Below are some resources to help break down everything you need to know for this liturgical season, as well as practical advices to help you get the most out of the Ordinary Time.
  • Read: Ultimate Guide to Ordinary Time (Catholic Telegraph)
  • Read: 5 ways to make Ordinary Time less ordinary (Catholic Link)
  • Printable: A simple guide to learn about liturgical times of the Catholic Church (Catholic Link)
  • 2022 Liturgical Calendar - Daily (GCatholic) | 2022 CCCB Liturgical Calendar - Monthly 
  • Read: How do we keep Sunday holy (Aleteia) 
  • Read: 7 ways to make Sunday holy for the whole family (Aleteia)
  • Watch: Why do we need to rest from work on Sundays? (Fr. Mike Smith, Ascension Press)
  • And if the pandemic is disrupting you from Sunday Masses, keep nourishing yourself and your family spiritually during this challenging time (Diocese of Calgary) 
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Faithful Living: Spend less than you earn

1/3/2022

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Watch this video and learn about a very simple financial principle that will require some discipline to live faithfully.
*The video is used for illustration purposes and is not an endorsement of the financial institution.

We must all live within our means. Even with more money, without any clear purpose, we can spend more than we make. Without this clear purpose, we can get into debt which causes a lot of negative impact on our spiritual, mental, and even physical well being.

Let's keep these in mind: 

  • Everything that we have is a gift from God and is to be used to glorify Him. When our spiritual lives are not in order, one of the most common symptoms of this disorder is financial mismanagement. We may get into debt trying to pay for a lifestyle we cannot afford. This lifestyle choice is often an attempt to fill the void in our lives. The more we fill this "unfillable" void, the more money we spend and the more we get into debt thinking that we can always pay for it later.  

    Let God fill that void. The mathematician, physicist, and Catholic theologian, Blaise Pascal, said, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.” Only God can truly make us happy and free. We must overcome the habit of buying things to address the emptiness that we feel and must turn to God.

  • Steps to take to stop the cycle of overspending and start paying your debt:
    • Calculate your total income and monthly expenses. The goal is to have your expenses lower than the income. If you are always overspending, the first task is to lower the expenses where you can and begin to live within your means.
      • Some practical tips: use cash, not cards, and decide the budget for food, presents or entertainment in marked envelopes; for gift giving, consider a joint gift with others; make your own gifts; avoid unnecessary trips to supermarkets or the mall so to minimize exposure to temptation; movie nights at home instead of the cinemas; hot chocolate by the fire or in the park vs a coffee shop visits, etc. You get the idea.  
    • When you are in debt, include monthly debt repayment in your monthly budget and work towards paying off debt. If you have multiple credit cards to pay off, you may want to consolidate them into the credit card that has the lowest interest rate or to a personal line of credit if you have it. To ensure that you will be able to totally pay off debt over time, stop adding to the debt by always living within your means. ​
      ​
  • A banking institution has this clever slogan, "You are richer than you think." Ultimately, it's not just how much money you earn but how much you spend that determines if you have enough. The financial principle is simple but the discipline required to live it is grounded in the personal conviction that only God can truly fulfill us and not material things.

Consider this... does your money own you or do you use your money to serve God and His purpose for you?
​Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." ​Proverbs 3:9-10
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Because of Mr. Daniel

1/1/2022

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Kasi and his family. Photo submitted by Ryan Ledene.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit… Despite his upbringing in a strict Hindu Orthodox home in India, Kasiviswanat Ganesan carefully recites the Trinitarian prayer complete with careful hand placements to mark out the sign of the Catholic faith.
 
Kasiviswanat or ‘Kasi’ as we all know him as, is the Cafeteria Manager at our newest high school in Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. He has held this position since the school opened and has become well-known throughout the school division for his culinary expertise and the amazing lunches and dinners that he provides as part of the catering responsibilities that his team holds throughout the division. Kasi is also a parent in our division with a son and a daughter in our French Immersion program. This allows him to have a unique perspective and I sought him out to discuss his observations and understanding in relation to Catholic education.
 
In our conversation, Kasi shared that he works two full time jobs. He is a supervisor at one of the top restaurants in Red Deer. He begins this job everyday after working 8 hours at our high school. Kasi indicated how hard this has been on his relationship with his son, Mukesh, who he often doesn’t even see on a normal workday. He tells me that he is supporting his own extended family back in India as well as in-laws in Indonesia. Kasi also tells me that he has been offered twice as much money at other restaurants or a promotion at the restaurant he currently works at if he would give up his job at St. Joseph’s High School. I asked him why he doesn’t do that especially given the financial obligations he carries. He replies, “I stay because of Mr. Daniel”.
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Kasi and his Cafeteria Staff receive a 'Soaring Falcon' award (Covid style with oven mitt protection!) from Graeme Daniel and the Administration Team.
​Mr. Daniel is the principal and Kasi goes on to inform me that he learns so much watching Mr. Daniel lead the school community. “He has built a family at our school.” I want to lead like Mr. Daniel who is tough on the outside, but has a really big heart.” I ask Kasi for an example and he describes a time when Mr. Daniel came to him and told him about a young man in their school who has a very difficult home life and was supporting younger siblings basically on his own. “Mr. Daniel told me to quietly give this student a lunch every day and just send the bill to the office and they would take care of it.” Kasi also recalls the time when Kasi, himself, became a Canadian citizen. “I did not tell Mr. Daniel that I was doing this, but the next day, the school had organized a special gathering for me and celebrated my new citizenship.” 

​Kasi knows that his kids are getting more than just a good education in our Catholic school division. “They are learning how to live in a relationship with others. Catholic school changes their character and puts them on a good path. It is a good thing that they are learning there is one superior power out there guiding them.”

 
This takes me back to the first line of the article where Kasi perfectly demonstrated the sign of our Catholic faith. Kasi has not joined the Catholic Church nor does he have any current desire to do so, but he knows Catholic education is good for his kids. Kasi explains, “My daughter taught me this as part of her prayers of gratitude she leads when we eat meals together and before she goes to sleep at night.” Kasi’s daughter’s name is Avanthika which means ‘beautiful sky’.  She is five years old. 

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Written by Ryan Ledene for Faithfully. Ryan Ledene is the Associate Superintendent of Personnel at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS). He has been with RDCRS since 1998 and has served as a teacher, school administrator, Faith coordinator, and Associate Superintendent. He is a past president of the provincial Religious Educators Network (REN)  and is currently the Vice President of the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta. He shares time between the parishes of St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Parish in Red Deer. 

​Photos submitted by Ryan Ledene.
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Christmas is a season

12/27/2021

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Christmas is a season and not just a day. Watch this video and learn more about the days of Christmas.

Consider these during the Christmas season
  • Tempted to take down the tree this week? Give yourself a break and enjoy the tree until Sunday, January 9 on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. 
  • Christmas trees are often placed in the part of the home where the family gathers for fun and relaxation. Hang out more often by the tree during the Christmas season. Play board games, have your favourite snacks and drinks, play your favourite Christmas music, and make the days of Christmas different by relaxing the usual schedule and busyness. With the pandemic being this long, you will not regret celebrating Christmas differently this year. 
  • Greet others with a "Merry Christmas" and not a happy holidays. Christ is the reason for the season! 
  • Avoid shopping or returning /exchanging gifts you've received for Christmas. Keep your mind peaceful and don't lose that peace. It may be prudent to keep away from crowds anyway to avoid being sick. 
  • Have a bon fire if you have a fire pit and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. Go ice skating and walk in the snow! 

Celebrate how blessed we are with the gift of the Christ child not in a day but for a season. He is Immanuel, God-with-us.
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Faithful Living: The joy of Christmas feasts

12/18/2021

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Feasts during the Christmas season are about family, friendship, and the expression of gratitude, but for many of us, often these feasts can lead to overeating. 

​Watch the thought-provoking video by Fr. Mark Mary of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal on our relationship with food, material attachments, and our sisters and brothers in need. 
Consider these when eating especially during the Christmas season... 
  • Food is a gift from God, cherish the gift by treating food with respect and approaching it with gratitude. Remember to pray to thank God for the food and the company before beginning the meal. 
  • Avoid overfilling your plate. You can always help yourself to more later - pace yourself as you eat and do not panic. 
  • Be mindful of the food you are eating and savour it well. But do not give it too much attention to the detriment of enjoying the company. It is really not just about the food but instead, it is about eating together and sharing a meal. Compliment the cook and don't fixate on the food. 
  • Develop a healthy relationship with food. Avoid using food as an escape to loneliness, boredom, or stress. Do not eat or snack on autopilot. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. 
  • If you tend to spend so much on food, aside from reducing it, think of donating the same dollar amount to charities that provide food to those who are experiencing poverty. 

​Share with others the gift of food, made with an abundance of love.
Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it." 
Proverbs 15:17
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The Christmas Season

12/17/2021

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The Christmas season celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation and the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world: past, present and future.  The mystery and feast of Christmas (the Nativity of the Lord) is second only to Easter in the liturgical life of the Church. The Christmas season begins after evening prayer on December 25th and continues through the Baptism of the Lord. The first week of the season is the octave of Christmas which closes on the feast of the Mother of God (Jan 1). 

Find links to blessings and other resources to help you celebrate this season of joy and hope for salvation. 
​
  • The Christmas/Nativity Octave mark the 8-day period, beginning with Christmas Day and ending on New Year's Day, January 1, 2022. The Christmas octave in 2021:
    • ​Dec. 25 - Solemnity - The Nativity of the Lord - Christmas Day
    • Dec. 26 - Feast - The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
    • Dec. 27 - Feast - St. John the Apostle
    • Dec. 28 - Feast -  The Holy Innocents
    • Dec. 29 - Feast - Fifth day of the Octave of the Nativity
    • Dec. 30 - Feast - Sixth day of the Octave of the Nativity
    • Dec. 31 - Feast - Seventh day of the Octave of the Nativity
    • Jan. 1 - Mary, the Holy Mother of God

  • ​Blessing your nativity scene at home 

  • Christmas giving
    • 7 “Gifts from the heart” to give loved ones this Christmas 
    • Faithful Living: Christmas shopping 
    • Faithful Living: Wrapped for Christmas
    • Giving, not receiving 

  • Resources for children: Christmas
    Jesus is the Son of God. We are so blessed that he became human and lived among us. His light overcomes darkness because God’s love for us is greater than sin. Jesus taught us how to love God by loving one another. (Loyola Press) 
    • Here's a 3D Nativity Colouring Kit for the whole family
    • Sunday Connection for Christmas (Gr. 1-8) 
    • Christmas crafts and activities for kids
    • Christmas activities that focus on Jesus 

  • Pray for others & their intentions

  • ​There are many ways to support the work you believe in. Donate now to make a difference
    ​
  • What simple acts of service can we undertake right now
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Listen to The Real Joy of Christmas music (Spotify) playlist
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“Jesus, in fact, came to earth in the concreteness of a people to save every man and woman, of all cultures and nationalities. He made Himself small so that we could welcome Him and receive the gift of God's tenderness.” ~ Pope Francis, 2021
Family reflection: This first coming of Jesus is the promise that this Christ will come again. He is with us now – but also coming at some unknown time to complete all things in the perfect Reign and Kingdom of God. Today we marvel over God’s good grace. How will I behave with family and friends because Jesus Christ is with me and us today? (Source: Diocese of Springfield)
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The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

12/16/2021

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Find links to blessings and other resources below to help you celebrate this special feast of Holy Family with your family and friends. 

  • Blessing of family
    Many places have a tradition of blessing families on New Year’s Day or on the feast of the Holy Family. You may light a candle and pray these words… 

    “O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practising the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” 

  • Praying the Holy Family Novena
    Traditionally this novena is prayed during the nine days leading up to the Feast of the Holy Family on the Church calendar, but you can pray the Novena with whenever you are ready. 

  • Resources for children: Feast of the Holy Family
    • Gospel Reflection: Jesus is God’s Son, but he was still a child. He needed Mary and Joseph to be safe. He needed to obey them. Sometimes we may not want to obey our family’s rules. We can remember that Jesus obeyed his parents. We can ask him to help us. (Loyola Press) 
      • Kid's Bulletin for this Sunday
      • Colouring page this Sunday - Invite the children to colour in the accompanying illustration of Jesus in the Temple, and on the back to draw their own family. Encourage them to write what they like most about being part of a global family.
        Sunday Connection for the Feast of the Holy Family (Gr. 1-8) 
      • Children's Liturgy for leaders/parents (with intercessions and activities) - by CAFOD | Illustration
      • Children's Liturgy of the Word with Miss Heidi (Catholic TV)

  • Gospel Reflection  
    Family Life.  Even the pre-teen Jesus astonishes and worries his parents as they fret over their child! Those of us who are parents know this stress. But all of us, even us aged ones, are still children of God, dearly loved and called to be obedient. (Source: Diocese of Springfield)
    • How will I obey God this day?
    • What commandment will I keep?
    • What mercy work will I do? 

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The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

12/15/2021

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One of the only two Holy Days of obligation outside of Sundays in Canada is a Solemnity dedicated to Mary's motherhood. We close out the Christmas octave with a day to honour Mary as the Mother of God.  Find links to blessings and other resources below to help you celebrate this special feast with your family, friends and community. 
​
  • Mass times in the Diocese of Calgary for Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

  • World Day of Peace (January 1)
    January 1 is also the World Day of Peace. Every year on January 1, the Holy Father marks the World Day of Peace with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. Each year has a specific theme chosen by the Holy Father. To read the latest World Day of Peace message, visit this link closer to Jan 1.
    • Prayer for peace in our communities
    • Prayer for Peace of Pope Francis
    • Prayer of the Faithful for the Day of Prayer for Peace in our communities

  • Pope's Prayer Intention for January 2021 
    May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all. 
    • Pope's Prayer Intentions for 2022

  • Resources for family & children: Solemnity of Mary
    • Gospel Reflection: Because Mary honoured her commitment to God, she is a model for us of how to be a disciple. A disciple is a follower. As Christians, when did we make our first commitment to be disciples of Jesus? (at Baptism) How do we show this commitment? (Loyola Press) 
      • Sunday Connection for the Solemnity of Mary (Gr. 1-8) 
      • Marian colouring pages for children (and adults!)
      • Download a Mary, Mother of God Kit that contains prayers and activities to honour Mary, the Church’s greatest saint. 
      • Marian crafts & activities
      • Marian must reads for young Catholics
      • Three captivating books to make a Marian consecration with children

  • Gospel Reflection  
    The Manger.  The shepherds find Jesus, not in a crib, but in a manger, a feedbox for cattle. This image reminds us that he is indeed food for us now – Body and Blood in Communion. Let us also be amazed. (Source: Diocese of Springfield)
    • What continues to amaze me about Jesus’ gift of himself?
    • How can I glorify and praise God this day and this new year?
    • What mercy work can I do to help those in need of shelter?  

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Epiphany of the Lord

12/14/2021

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Epiphany means “manifestation”, that moment when we suddenly understand something that previously was hidden from us. Christmas is about the Incarnation, the coming down of the Son of God to become human, one of us. Epiphany is the showing of the Christ Child’s divinity, which is beginning to manifest itself in the world.
​
  • Blessing of Homes
    The tradition of blessing doorways on Epiphany is inspired by the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, who followed the star to a manger in Bethlehem where the Messiah was made manifest for them in the person of a newborn child. The Magi showed great hospitality when they came to honour the Messiah. The blessing of our own doorway reminds us to welcome strangers and travellers into our midst as though each were Jesus himself. Incidentally, the tradition of carolling is also associated with the journey of the Magi and is a suitable way of announcing the manifestation of the Christ Child in song.
    • Here is a simple prayer service to use at home when blessing the doorway. Or download it as PDF here

  • Continue Celebrating Christmas
    Even if your Christmas trees have come down and decorations have been returned to storage, we invite you to consider keeping out the Christmas crèche a while longer at least until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, and placing it in a prominent place in your home where you can gather with family and pray.  Read: Continuing with the celebration of Christmas

  • Resources for family & children: Epiphany of the Lord
    • Today is the Feast of the Epiphany. We remember that the Magi, or Wise Men, visited Jesus. Let’s listen to learn about their journey and what gifts they gave Jesus to honour him. (Loyola Press) 
      • Kid's Bulletin for this Sunday
      • Colouring page this Sunday 
      • Sunday Connection for the Epiphany of the Lord (Gr. 1-8) 
      • Children's Liturgy of the Word with Miss Heidi (Catholic TV)

  • Gospel Reflection  
    Gifts. The Magi, these foreign interpreters of dreams, do the following: follow a star, travel a great distance, trust the words of others, bring and give gifts. In some countries, Epiphany and not Christmas is gift-giving day.  This twelfth-day (when on the traditional 6th of January) brings to completion the manifestation of Christ – first to the Jews and today to everyone. No one is foreign to God’s good grace. (Source: Diocese of Springfield)
    • How will I search diligently for Jesus?
    • Because God is merciful to me, what mercy work can I do for another?
    • What gifts will I give to others in need? 

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Faithful Living: What makes you truly happy?

12/12/2021

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In his recent apostolic visit to Cyprus and Greece, Pope Francis addressed the youth... 

​"Realize that your worth is in who you are and not what you have. Your worth is not in the brand of the dress or shoes you wear, but because you are unique.

Here I think of another ancient image, that of the sirens. Like Odysseus on his voyage home, in the course of this life, which is an adventure-filled journey to the Father’s House, you too will come across sirens. In mythology, the sirens by their songs enchanted sailors and made them crash against the rocks.

Today’s sirens want to charm you with seductive and insistent messages that focus on easy gains, the false needs of consumerism, the cult of physical wellness, of entertainment at all costs... All these are like fireworks: they flare up for a moment, but then turn to smoke in the air. I understand, they are not easy to resist." 
(Athens, December 6, 2021) 
Consider these during Advent... 
  • The Holy Father's message does not only apply to youth but to adults as well. What are those "sirens" that give you false hope and pull you away from true happiness?
  • Does the passing of each Christmas season add to the richness and meaning of your life or does it leave you feeling more empty after Christmas has come and gone? How might you try to make your Christmas different this year? Advent is not over yet. You have time to examine your preparation and planning for Christmas and make the necessary tweaks. 
  • It's important to be connected. Connect with God, first and foremost. Then connect with the people who may be significant in your life. Often, this is clear. We love these people in our lives. Sometimes, however, we dream these people away by wishing that they would be different. Ask the Lord if He wants these people in your life. If He does, He might like for you to find His presence in them and in the circumstances you find yourself. There might be lessons that needed to be learned. ​Put God first and everything else will fall in the right place. ​
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
​
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Happy Thanksgiving!

10/6/2021

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It's fitting for God's people to offer public thanks for all the gifts we have received. The bountiful produce of the earth is a visible sign of the many blessings God wants to shower on us through Christ. Our God also wants us to share the goods of the earth with all people. (Ordo 2021). 

Note that the Catholic Pastoral Centre will be closed on Monday, Oct. 11 for Thanksgiving Day, and will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 12.  ​


Resources
  • Share Thanksgiving Day greeting online 
  • Christian Thanksgiving Ideas & Activities (The Catholic Toolbox)
  • 12 Thanksgiving Prayer Ideas (OSV)
  • Thanksgiving craft for Kids (Catholic Icing)
  • How to celebrate Thanksgiving if you have to stay home alone (Aleteia)
  • Giving thanks: A permanent attitude and a lifelong mission (Aleteia)
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Thanksgiving Day Prayer

​Lord, we thank you

for the goodness of our people
and for the spirit of justice
that fills this nation.
We thank you for the beauty
and fullness of the land
​and the challenge of the cities.

We thank you for our work and our rest,
for one another, and for our homes.
We thank you, Lord:
accept our thanksgiving on this day.
We pray and give thanks
​through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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Blessings, challenge, gratitude, and growth

8/10/2021

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These are words that come to mind when I reflect on my experience of Catholic Education in Brooks. My husband and I didn’t know what to expect coming here with two young children in tow 20 years ago, but this place has a way of grabbing hold, seeping into your heart and not letting go; it has a way of becoming home.
 
There are many people who have influenced my development as a Catholic educator: administrators who recognized my potential and encouraged me to have faith in my ability; colleagues who were, and are, my greatest role models; and students, who taught me more about life and faith than I could ever teach them and whose experiences showed me what courage really is. What I value most about St Joseph’s Collegiate. is threefold. It’s the people. It’s the presence of the Holy Spirit working on hearts and changing people. It’s a true desire to be “a community, rooted in faith, seeking excellence for all”.  It’s a family. 
 
I’d like to share story of a young man I’ll call Cas* who came to St. Joseph's for only one year. He had a great smile, and he loved basketball.  He was respectful and attentive but wasn’t achieving very well. One day, Cas approached me and asked for help. He described his life at home with no rules; he could do what he wanted, when he wanted - and he did.  Although this might sound great, Cas wasn’t happy. He needed parameters. Together, that day, we created some expectations:  he would work in my classroom every day after school, and most importantly, he would call me every night at 10 pm to let me know that he was home. That’s all he needed - someone to care enough to set some boundaries. Cas’ grades and self-esteem improved drastically, and somewhere along the line, he started calling me “mom”.  This young man left an indelible mark on my heart and this experience, to me, encapsulates how I feel about Catholic education. We don’t know the impact we have on students - a kind word, a listening ear, an open door. What an incredible responsibility and an incredible privilege!
 
I feel deep gratitude for my time in Brooks - to be part of all the amazing graduation celebrations and to witness the growth of our school into a vibrant and diverse community. God calls people here for a reason, and I know I was called to be in this place at this time. Leading a school during a pandemic is one of the most difficult things I have ever done, and it has challenged me to the core. But I am able to appreciate my freedom, my family, my upbringing, and my faith even more. I am thankful that God trusted me to do His work. What an incredible blessing!
 
As I move on from this amazing community, I know that the Holy Spirit will continue to be present here, and with that knowledge, there will be many more blessings, more challenges, more gratitude, and more growth. Thank you, Lord, for this incredible gift.

​*not his real name

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Written by Anita Burnett for Faithfully. Anita recently retired after 31 years in education. During that time she was a teacher and more recently the principal of St Joseph’s Collegiate. She and her husband, Jim, reside in Brooks and are members of St Mary’s Parish in Brooks.  Anita plans to spend time enjoying her family, especially their four grandchildren. ​Photos courtesy of Anita Burnet.
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Moved by the Spirit

8/10/2021

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I was born into a faithful farm family who attended church regularly. My sister and I were among the little people who flocked to Sunday School and ran around the church basement while our parents served coffee and visited with other members of the congregation.  It was with sincere devotion that I was baptized as an infant and confirmed by my own choice as an adult in the United Church.  

My journey continued in the United Church when I was married, and my husband and I welcomed two beautiful children into our family. We were living in Edmonton and I was teaching at a public school when my husband received the news that he was being transferred to work in Calgary. Shortly after arriving there, we needed to look at schools for the children.  As a teacher, I started to research the schools in the area and found myself drawn to the Calgary Catholic Board. My husband was baptized Catholic and so we enrolled in the neighbourhood Catholic School.  

I was thrilled with the education my children received and even more excited about the learning they were doing in regard to faith.  They came home with stories about their lessons and asked questions about what they were learning.  The more they asked, the more I thought about my responses and I was not satisfied. I attended liturgies at school and asked questions of my husband but felt like I needed more in order to support my children on this path that I had chosen for them.  

Soon, I found myself in the office at St. Albert the Great Parish and enrolled in the RCIA program. “Information is what I need”.  “It is for the children”.  “I am happy with my faith and the United Church”.  These were the lines that I was telling myself and they were what got me started; my feet in the door I guess you could say. As we hear so often, “God works in mysterious ways”.  The more I learned at RCIA, and the more I volunteered at the school, the more invested I became.  
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Wednesday nights became the best night of the week as I joined my sponsor and delved deeper into the faith. RCIA allowed me to grow and expand on the faith that had been fostered in me as a child. As an adult, I am acutely aware of the fact that I had an opportunity to look at faith in a new way and to choose it for myself (with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and many other faithful companions). Now, as a Catholic school teacher, I am blessed daily to learn and grow in faith alongside my students. It is with humble appreciation that I embrace each day of learning that will last a lifetime and beyond.

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Written by Pamela Perizzolo for Faithfully. ​Pamela Perizzolo is a blessed wife and mother who has been a teacher for the last 27 years. Teaching is and has always been her passion and calling. She has had the privilege of serving with Calgary Catholic School District for over 10 years and is proud to have been touched by so many amazing families and partners in education.

Photos courtesy of Pamela Perizzolo.
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The extension of my domestic Church

7/13/2021

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Some of my fondest memories attending a catholic school were walking the 2 blocks or so to St. Mary’s Parish for school mass.  Along with the holy mass itself, I enjoyed the brief reprieve from school work, a chance to visit with my classmates while walking, and singing in the school choir.  I had learned harmonies from my mom singing at mass on Sundays, (and to Celine Dion at home) and loved to create music alongside my peers. Welcoming people at the door, reading Scripture, playing an instrument, and intercessory prayer; school mass gave us the opportunity to practice using our gifts for the glory of the Lord. 

When I was 16, our school sent a bus-load of students to Prud’Homme Saskatchewan to attend a Face to Face Retreat. I later learned that Prud’Homme was also the first retreat my now husband attended, although neither of us remember meeting. At the retreat there were talks about God’s love and the saints, praise and worship sessions, time to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation, one on one prayer ministry, and musical Adoration.  I was moved by the love these young people had for our Lord.

During one of the worship songs, I vividly remember looking at the worship leaders thinking how lucky they were to witness this fire at each retreat. In that moment I whispered under my breath, “Lord, it would be so cool to do that.” The Lord answered that little prayer and 3 years later I was given the privilege of singing and serving with Face to Face Ministries for what would become 4 incredibly faith formative years. During these years, the seeds of service, self-sacrifice, prayer, and faith that my Catholic education had rooted in me, blossomed into an undeviating love for our Lord that continues to grow today.

Now raising our own 4 children, I am so grateful to pass along the good, the true, and beautiful to them through the gift of Catholic education. I am grateful to be able to root their identity in Jesus, our firm foundation, especially as our world faces such confusion of identity today. I am grateful to introduce to them the Sacraments that bring true life and peace to their souls. I am grateful to read to them the lives of the Saints so that they have role-models of virtue, and someone to relate to in times when they fail. I am grateful to teach them the rosary, so that one day they would recognize the importance of prayer and Our Lady’s intercession. I am grateful to bring them to Mass and Adoration so that they know our Lord deserves their time, and so that they know where to go when facing a difficult decision.   

In a word, I am grateful for Catholic education because it was an extension of my domestic church; it cultivated the virtues my parents instilled in us at home while preparing me for a life of docility to the Spirit.  

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Written by Sarah deJong Mann in Brooks. Sarah  grew up in St. Mary's parish in Brooks.  She graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate in Brooks.  As a mother of 4, Sarah and her husband John are strongly committed to raising their children in a family of faith and she is so grateful for the opportunities she had to be part of a Catholic school.  
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