 When we hear the word pilgrimage, many of us think of Rome, the Holy Land, or the Camino de Santiago. While these sacred destinations have drawn pilgrims for centuries, a pilgrimage isn't defined by the number of miles travelled. At its heart, a pilgrimage is an intentional journey toward God. This August, you don't have to board a plane to become a pilgrim. Marian Week in the Rockies invites you to slow down, step away from the pace of everyday life, encounter Christ amid the beauty of Canmore and Banff, and set out on a pilgrimage close to home. There is a difference between being a tourist and being a pilgrim. A tourist moves from place to place, looking for the next sight to see. A pilgrim travels with purpose, allowing each place, each encounter, and each moment to become an opportunity to meet God. The destination matters, but so does the journey. We know that not everyone can attend every Marian Week in the Rockies event, and that's perfectly okay. Whether you come for a single afternoon, spend an evening in prayer, or immerse yourself in the entire week, your pilgrimage is your own. There is no checklist to complete or schedule to keep. Simply come as you are and offer God the time you can. To accompany you on your journey, we've created the Marian Pilgrimage Passport. Small enough to fit in your pocket, it serves as both a practical guide and a keepsake. Inside, you'll find the Marian Week schedule, the designated pilgrimage sites, and space to collect stamps as you visit each location. More than a souvenir, the passport is an invitation to journey through Marian Week and the Jubilee Year of St. Francis with intention. Pause before the majesty of the mountains and let creation draw your heart to its Creator. Sit quietly in the Shrine Church and rest in God's presence. Pray the Rosary with Our Lady. Listen attentively to the daily talks. Be inspired by sacred music. Share the journey with your family and fellow pilgrims. Most of all, leave room for silence, because it is often there that God speaks most clearly. As you make your pilgrimage this Marian Week, consider bringing these questions into prayer:
May this Marian Week be more than a series of events. May it become a true pilgrimage, drawing you closer to Christ through the loving guidance and intercession of His Blessed Mother.
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 One of the highlights of the second annual Marian Week in the Rockies is its series of daily talks, inviting pilgrims to deepen their understanding of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the richness of the Catholic faith. Held daily from August 17–21 at 12:00 p.m., these presentations offer an opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow alongside fellow pilgrims in the beautiful setting of Banff and Canmore. Marian Week begins with the celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, August 15 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish in Banff, with Mass celebrated by Bishop William T. McGrattan. The week concludes with the celebration of the Feast of the Queenship of Mary on Saturday, August 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shrine Church of Our Lady in the Rockies in Canmore, also celebrated by Bishop McGrattan. Whether you're able to attend a single day or participate throughout the week, Marian Week's flexible format allows you to build your own pilgrimage experience. Alongside the daily talks, participants can also take part in the week's regular rhythm of morning Mass, the Divine Mercy Chaplet at the Shrine Church of Our Lady in the Rockies in Canmore, and evening Mass at St. Mary's Parish in Banff. This year's speakers will explore Mary from a variety of perspectives:
Each talk offers a unique perspective on Our Lady's role in salvation history and in the life of the Church. Whether you're discovering these themes for the first time or looking to deepen an existing devotion, the talks are an opportunity to encounter the faith in a meaningful way while making a pilgrimage through the Canadian Rockies.
 "There's nothing so horrible that we ever do that God can't take and make beautiful if you just trust and let go." At 22 years old, Catherine Hendry found herself unexpectedly pregnant, unmarried, and overwhelmed by fear. She didn’t know what to do, or how to face her parents, and wanted to get rid of her problem as quickly as possible. Motivated by this fear and believing there was no other way forward, she had booked an abortion. The night before the appointment, as she lay awake in bed, she noticed a poster of Jesus crucified hanging on the wall. Printed across it were the words, "I love you." She had once heard that no matter what situation a person finds themselves in, or how much of a mess they believe they have made of their life, Jesus wants to receive it and help them through it. Recalling this, and in her despair, Catherine called out to God. "'Lord, take this problem. What a mess I've made of my life. I was just at my wit's end in despair." The response came almost immediately. "As soon as I said, 'Lord, take this problem,' I felt the weight of the world come off my shoulders." Though she couldn't see what the future would hold, she found herself able to surrender it to God. "I don't know how You're going to do it, but I trust You." She later described the experience as though "this elephant just came off of me." In its place came a deep peace and the certainty that God would carry her through whatever lay ahead. Today, four decades later, Catherine looks back on that moment as the beginning of a life marked by God's faithfulness. "God has blessed every detail of my pregnancy, of my life's journey, of my daughter," she shared during her testimony at the 2026 Renewal Conference. She eventually married, watched her daughter grow, and experienced God's faithfulness throughout the years. Reflecting on that journey, one passage of Scripture continues to come to mind: Ephesians 3:20. "To Him who is able to give you more than you could ask for or imagine. Give Him the glory." For Catherine, the verse is more than a promise; it is a lived reality. "It's so true. You just got to trust and let go, and amazing things happen. But you really just got to trust Him." Story drawn from a video testimony shared at the 2026 Diocesan Renewal Conference at St. Michael’s, Calgary.
"This program will showcase great motets and thousand-year-old chants that are rarely heard anymore,” Foggin said. He added that he is especially excited to bring the program to Canmore, where the audience will be invited to take part in prayer and congregational song, and to enter into a prayerful celebration of the Office of None—part of the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours—at its traditional hour.
A pilgrimage in the heart of the Rockies Pilgrims from across the Diocese are invited to gather in Canmore and Banff during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis. Participants may come for a day, a weekend or the entire week, building their own pilgrimage at their own pace.
Marian Week begins on Sat, Aug 15, with the Solemnity of the Assumption Mass at St. Mary’s Parish in Banff with Bishop William T. McGrattan at 5 pm. It concludes on Sat, Aug 22, with the Feast of the Queenship of Mary Mass at the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies at 11 am in Canmore, also with Bishop McGrattan. Throughout the week, pilgrims may take part in Mass, daily talks, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and other opportunities for prayer.
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Photos from the 2025 Crowned with Stars: A Concert for the Queen of Heaven courtesy of Bandi Szakony.
 Vanessa Le never imagined she would one day become Catholic or share publicly how Jesus transformed her life. Raised in a family with generations of Buddhist tradition, her journey of faith took a path she never expected. After attending this year’s Renewal Conference, Vanessa felt called to share her story of loss, healing, and spiritual transformation. “I was born and raised in a strong Buddhist family from many generations,” she said. “My uncle and my dad were monks. My granddad was a Buddhist monk.” Having come from such a deeply rooted religious background, Vanessa found conversion at first unlikely. It was marriage that eventually led her to join the Catholic Church. She shared that, in the beginning, her faith journey was motivated more by commitment to her spouse than by personal conviction. “Deep down I did it because of obligation,” she said. Although she attended Mass regularly, her faith remained largely external. “I went to church every weekend but I didn't do much other than [that].” Then her life took a painful turn. When her marriage ended, Vanessa found herself overwhelmed by grief. “My marriage didn't work out. I was in despair,” she recalled. “My children got taken away because I did not get full custody.” The separation from her children left her heartbroken. In one of the most emotional moments of her testimony, Vanessa described the loneliness she experienced during that period. “I cry in darkness,” she said. “I put their clothing on my face so that I do not miss them that much.” And in this darkness, she turned to prayer. “I prayed to Jesus and Mother Mary to please save me,” she said. In the midst of that pain, Vanessa began to notice moments that slowly drew her closer to God. Vanessa described these moments as individual pieces coming together into a larger picture. These experiences led her to Ascension Parish in Calgary, where she found community, support, and opportunities to deepen her faith. A particularly significant moment came through a homily delivered by Father Adrien Martens. During his sermon, he encouraged parishioners to pray a simple prayer: My Lord, my God, I love you and I want to love you more. Please help me.” Vanessa embraced this prayer wholeheartedly. “After I heard that, I prayed every time that I had a chance, and that was it,” she said. Through this prayer, she experienced a profound sense of God's presence in her life. And today, faith is no longer something she practices out of obligation, but has become the center of her daily life. “If I don't have a day of Jesus, I miss it,” she shared. “I purposely drive by my church just to see that Jesus is there.” Her testimony reflected a deep conviction that Christ’s love carried her through some of the most difficult moments she has faced. “My life would not be here if I hadn't had Jesus’ love,” she said. Today, Vanessa says she can't speak about Jesus without becoming emotional. "Every time I talk about him, I cry," she said. "Because he's my Saviour." Story drawn from a video testimony shared at the 2026 Diocesan Renewal Conference at St. Michael’s, Calgary.
“I will never forget you.” This promise from Isaiah 49:15 is the theme for the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Established by Pope Francis in 2021 and now carried forward by Pope Leo XIV, this Day calls the Church to honour grandparents and elders not with occasional gestures, but with lasting closeness, gratitude, and care. The Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life is asking all the faithful to place emphasis on closeness: reaching out directly to those who live alone, are staying in care homes, or have no visitors. It is an opportunity for everyone, especially the young, to spend time with grandparents, elderly family members, and above all, those who are completely isolated. Resources:
Simple ways to celebrate In your parish:
In your home:
Sources: Message of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (15 June 2026); Pastoral Toolkit, Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.
The last planned decade of your career has a way of feeling both powerful and unfinished at the same time. You've got the wisdom, the passion, the hard-won experience. You work smarter. You finally see the fruits of everything you've poured into your work. The finish line feels close, and honestly, it feels good. Then life does what life always does. It changes. For me, it happened fast. I had responsibilities, a clear direction, a sense of control that felt almost comfortable. I thought I had it figured out. And then, right in the middle of the track, a sinkhole opened up. No plan could correct it. Starting over wasn't a choice; it was the only option. There was real grief. The kind that doesn't stay in your head. It moves into your chest, into your body, spinning and gaining weight. Losing a plan hurts, even when no one else quite understands why. But underneath the grief was a harder question: What if the future I was holding onto wasn't the one God had in mind? I kept coming back to something St. Alphonsus Liguori wrote: "He who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things." That cut right through me, because honestly? I'd been trusting in myself; in my plans, my timeline, my version of success. A Christian in business learns to see crisis differently. The Lumen Institute puts it beautifully: "Every crisis contains a hidden invitation - an opportunity for purification, a call to detach from worldly success, or a chance to exercise heroic virtue" (Lumen Institute Monthly Circle, May 2026). I want to believe that. I'm learning to live it. The turning point came when I stopped making plans without God and started actually surrendering. Not vaguely but concretely, out loud: "Okay, Lord. If this isn't Your way, show me a new path and help me to follow Yours." That's where devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus went from being a beautiful tradition to being a lifeline. The Sacred Heart isn't just an image. It represents the whole interior life of Jesus: His love, His virtues, His very Person. His is a heart that is both overflowing and wounded. That matters deeply when your life feels like it's been turned upside down, because it means you're not being asked to trust a distant, abstract God. You're being invited to trust a Heart that loved completely, was rejected, suffered and kept loving anyway. Once I understood that, my next step became clear: If I was going to start over and build something new, then prayer had to be the foundation. So, my first act in launching my new business, my new practice, will be to consecrate it to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
June is the month we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart. So, here's my personal invitation to you: if you own a business, lead a team, or show up to work every day trying to live your faith, consider consecrating it. You are called. You matter. Also, the people around you, the ones watching how you lead and love, they belong, too. "O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You." Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You, and with lively sorrow for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure, and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, Jesus, that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You. Amen." Written by Dr. David Cichon, a husband, father of six, and a dentist in the Diocese of Calgary. He serves on the board of Heroic Men Canada (God Squad).
 By the fall of 2024, St. Peter’s Parish was carrying a debt of around $5.2 million, the result of a major church renovation completed several years earlier. The loan required substantial monthly payments and, if it had continued on its regular schedule, could have remained with the parish for more than 20 years. This financial burden was limiting opportunities for ministry growth and missionary outreach. What initially appeared to be a long-term challenge became a remarkable chapter in the history of our parish as it prepared to celebrate its 50th anniversary the following year. When Fr. Fabio presented the full weight of the debt to the parish community, a small group of parishioners began to examine with him the possibility of a Building Fund Campaign. This first moment of discernment helped them see that what had once seemed like a long-term burden was beginning to take shape as a shared challenge the community could face with faith, generosity, and a clear plan. In that sense, this initial effort reflected the spirit of Renewal: helping the parish look honestly at what was holding it back, strengthening shared responsibility, and freeing the community to focus more fully on its mission. In October 2024, a Building Fund Campaign Committee was formed, bringing together professionals from different fields to guide the parish’s effort to eliminate the debt. From the beginning, the vision extended beyond fundraising. The goal was not only to reduce the debt but also to strengthen the bonds of community, increase engagement, and foster a greater sense of shared responsibility for the future of the parish.
During the planning stage, the campaign gradually developed a clear identity. The slogan “This Is My Church” was chosen to express personal stewardship and shared responsibility. Dedicated blue envelopes, promotional materials, donation stations, banners, and regular communications helped make the campaign visible throughout the parish. The original objective was ambitious. Based on giving patterns and historical contributions, it appeared possible to eliminate the debt within approximately five years. Yet even before the campaign officially launched, an unexpected development changed everything. An anonymous parishioner came forward with an extraordinary offer: every dollar donated toward the debt would be matched, up to $2.6 million. Suddenly, the amount the parish needed to raise was cut in half. What had initially seemed like a five-year journey now appeared achievable in a much shorter time. The anonymous donor proposed a one-year matching campaign, inviting the parish to respond with generosity, confidence and a shared commitment. The campaign was launched in March 2025, and the first weekend of each month was designated as a Building Fund weekend, with a dedicated collection and campaign activities to promote awareness and encourage participation. Parishioners responded with remarkable generosity. Contributions arrived through many channels, including envelope donations, e-transfers, online giving, securities and shares, pre-authorized giving, Donation Stations with card payment machines, grocery card commissions, fundraising activities, and support from ministries. Throughout the campaign, numerous fundraising initiatives were organized. These included a religious book sale, the sale of replicas of our parish Marian Grotto, a parish garage sale organized by the CWL and the Knights of Columbus, a Stampede Dinner and Dance, Taste of St. Peter’s, and other community events. While these activities generated financial support, they also served the broader purpose of bringing parishioners together, creating opportunities for fellowship, and helping the parish experience a stronger sense of community. As the campaign progressed, another extraordinary opportunity emerged. Through the Diocese of Calgary’s Multiply the Hope, a matching initiative to help parishes focus more fully on Renewal, we received an additional $775,000 in matching support toward debt reduction. Combined with the anonymous donor’s commitment, every dollar given in the final stretch of the campaign became four dollars toward debt repayment. Parishioners embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm.
Behind the financial success was a clear pastoral vision: stewardship, generosity, and parish renewal were deeply connected. This vision shaped the campaign’s approach, so that fundraising was always integrated with parish life, fellowship, and the growth in communion among ministries and parishioners. By Easter 2026, the goal that had once seemed audacious had become reality. On May 23, the Vigil of Pentecost, the parish celebrated this achievement with A Taste of St. Peter’s, a multicultural outdoor parish gathering attended by almost 500 parishioners. More than 90 families brought traditional food from 25 different countries. It was a moment of fellowship, cultural richness, and belonging, reflecting the sense of community that had been strengthened throughout the campaign. The achievement was the result of many factors: the generosity of parishioners, the dedication of volunteers, the commitment of ministries, the support of the Diocese of Calgary, the extraordinary matching gift of an anonymous donor, and the coordinated work of the Building Fund Committee. Yet many parishioners also saw something deeper at work—a common purpose, the experience of walking together as a community, and a confidence that God was guiding the parish through this journey. Written by St. Peter's Communications Team for Faithfully.
“I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20) Christ’s words at the time of his Ascension serve as this year’s theme for National Family and Life Week 2026, which begins on Sunday, May 10, and concludes on Sunday, May 17. Families, parishes and parish groups, ecclesial movements and associations, as well as Catholic schools, are encouraged to take time this week to celebrate their own families, express gratitude, offer forgiveness, or share meaningful moments with loved ones across generations. This week is an opportunity to uphold the value of life and to live out our calling to love one another within our homes, communities, and the world. May Christ’s enduring presence bring us consolation, hope and renewal, as we journey with him in prayer and through the Sacraments, in the knowledge that we are never truly alone. God is with us always “to the end of the age.”  The vote on Bill C-218, the Right to Recover Act is approaching, expected in late May or early June, and your voice still matters. Bill C-218 would amend the Criminal Code to prevent Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) from being offered to individuals whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness. If this bill does not pass, that door opens on March 17, 2027. As Catholics, we believe those suffering from mental illness deserve care, hope, and accompaniment - not death. This Monday, April 20, 2026, His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo sent letters to Prime Minister Mark Carney and to every Member of Parliament in the Archdiocese of Toronto, urging them to support Bill C-218. Cardinal Leo called on our elected leaders to choose investments in palliative care and mental health supports over the further expansion of assisted suicide in Canada. These letters have been made public and represent a significant moment of witness for the Church in Canada.
More than 5,000 Canadians have already emailed their MP through the Help Not Harm portal. Here in southern Alberta, hundreds of voices from our diocese have been part of that effort. But with the vote weeks away, now is the moment to act - or to encourage someone you know to do so. We invite you to learn more about this important issue and to lend your voice. Visiting HelpNotHarmCanada.ca takes less than three minutes. You can also read our earlier post on the campaign here. We are called to offer care, hope, and protection to those who are most vulnerable. Please act today.  In every family and community, there are quiet struggles we may not always see. Mental illness touches many lives, often closer than we realize. In any given year, one in five Canadians will experience it: a friend, a colleague, a loved one.
We invite the Catholic community to respectfully contact their local Member of Parliament (MP) to request their support for Bill C-218, the Right to Recover Act, currently before the Parliament of Canada. Bill C-218 proposes an amendment to the Criminal Code to make it illegal to provide Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to individuals whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness. It recognizes the importance of recovery and ensures that help can be offered, not harm. Why this matters
Background on Bill C-218 Bill C-218 is a Private Members’ Bill introduced in Parliament by an individual Member of Parliament. It has been introduced by Tamara Jansen, MP for Cloverdale–Langley City, British Columbia. To pass, the legislation will require support from more than one political party. Many Members of Parliament have expressed concern about the rapid expansion of MAiD in Canada, particularly for those whose primary underlying condition is mental illness. MPs are being asked to vote according to their conscience, regardless of party affiliation. The difference in passing this bill could be just a few votes in the House of Commons. If the legislation does not pass, new laws are set to take effect on March 17, 2027, allowing MAiD for those whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. Take action You are invited to visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca, where you can send an email directly to your local Member of Parliament in under 3 minutes. As Catholics and Canadians, we are called to offer care, hope, and protection to those who are suffering.  Someone very close to me has been away from the Church since we were teenagers, and for many years I have prayed for a return to the healing love the Lord holds in His heart. The two of us never did agree on much, and it has been that way for as long as I can remember. Over the years, we have learned to avoid certain topics to keep the peace, and that has worked because we care about each other very much. We all have people in our lives that we would so dearly love to come home to Jesus and His Church. For the most part, we are called to pray and fast for them. Because of how close we are to them (and often the baggage that goes with that) it is likely that we are not the ones the Lord will send to share the Good News with them. He will send another. We are called to pray and fast. However, it is also likely that the Lord wishes us to reach someone else’s loved one, someone with whom we are called to share the Gospel. And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” ~ Romans 10:14-15
Written by Ryan Schmidt, Director of Renewal, Diocese of Calgary.
 At its heart, the recent newsletter from the Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration carries one clear message: Eucharistic Adoration changes parishes. March, devoted to St. Joseph, the Passion of Our Lord, and the institution of the Eucharist, is a fitting time to return to the heart of our faith: Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. The Church has long taught that worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass is not secondary or optional. As St. John Paul II wrote in Ecclesia de Eucharistia: The worship of the Eucharist outside of the Mass is of inestimable value for the life of the Church. … It is the responsibility of pastors [parish priests] to encourage, also by their personal witness, the practice of Eucharistic adoration, and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in particular, as well as prayer of adoration before Christ present under the Eucharistic species” (St. Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, No. 25). Likewise, Redemptionis Sacramentum urges that Eucharistic adoration be diligently fostered “with the participation of the people.” The message is simple and direct: if we desire renewal in our parishes, we return to the Lord in the Eucharist.
What we are seeing in our Diocese Last year, parishes across the Diocese of Calgary took up that invitation in a concrete way through the 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations. At St. Mary’s Cathedral and in parishes throughout the diocese, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for extended hours. Parishioners signed up for time slots, many of whom returned more than once. Some came late at night. Others brought their children. Students in Catholic schools also participated, adding dozens of hours of adoration across chapels and classrooms. At Holy Spirit Parish in Calgary, 378 adorers were formally registered, with participation likely exceeding 500. Many described the experience as calm, peaceful, and holy. One recurring question that surfaced afterward was: When can we do this again? The numbers matter less than what they represent: a hunger to remain with the Lord.
The Heart of Adoration St. Teresa of Calcutta expressed it plainly: The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time that you will spend on earth.” ~1996 address at the Eucharistic Congress in Calcutta. Her words echo what many in our own diocese have experienced: silence before the Lord brings clarity, strength, and peace. It deepens love for Jesus and, from there, love for one another. Pope Benedict XVI, in Sacramentum Caritatis (§66), highlights its intrinsic link to the Mass: "In the Eucharist, the Son of God comes to meet us and desires to become one with us; eucharistic adoration is simply the natural consequence of the eucharistic celebration, which is itself the Church's supreme act of adoration... The act of adoration outside Mass prolongs and intensifies all that takes place during the liturgical celebration itself." Why Adoration Matters The newsletter cites a striking statistic: 70 percent of seminarians come from parishes with Eucharistic Adoration. While statistics never tell the whole story, they suggest something profound: where Christ is adored, vocations flourish. Adoration draws us into sustained contact with the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. It strengthens faith in the Eucharist. It deepens reverence for Holy Communion. It fosters repentance, intercession, and reparation.
40 Hours Devotion for Vocation
In our own Diocese, the 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations revealed a real hunger for time before the Lord. Parishes reported strong participation, including overnight hours. Students, families, and seniors alike came to pray. Adoration is not an extra devotion. It is a wellspring of renewal for the Church. And it begins with one hour. Where to find Adoration hours?
Teachers and administrators from across the Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Schools gathered last week for the division's annual Faith Days. Faith Days is a powerful two-day tradition centred on formation in the faith. The theme for Faith Days this year was “Encountering Goodness”, completing our three-year theme “Faith Seeking Understanding” focused on Beauty, Truth, and Goodness. Through worship, reflection and community, the event invited staff to deepen their faith and renew the shared purpose that guides Catholic education across the division. The days were dedicated to fostering a shared sense of mission, with faculty participating in daily Mass, a keynote address, and teacher-led breakout sessions. Day One opened with Mass celebrated by Bishop McGrattan, and concelebrated with priests and deacons from across our division. Following Mass, keynote speaker Brett Salkeld challenged and encouraged educators with practical ways to weave Catholic faith into every subject area, helping students see clear connections between faith and everyday learning. The day concluded with a special social event, allowing colleagues to further celebrate, connect, and build community. On the first day, CTR also recognized staff whose witness and service continue to shape the division in profound ways. Eighteen recipients were honoured with the Christian Witness Award, presented to staff members who make Christ known in their communities by joyfully living the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic faith. Former employees Pat MacDonald and Shona Dobrowolski were also honoured as recipients of the St. John the Apostle Lifetime Member Award, presented to former employees whose work is characterized by excellence resulting in significant, lasting, and inspirational contributions to the life of the division. Day Two began with Ash Wednesday Mass, offering educators a meaningful opportunity to begin the season of Lent together. The day continued with teacher-led breakout sessions focused on the four pillars of formation: human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral. The keynote speaker was widely praised for being excellent, engaging, and inspiring. The breakout sessions, particularly those led by CTR staff and fellow teachers, were very much enjoyed for their variety, quality, and the opportunity for choice and to learn from peers. One teacher reflected, "I really valued the opportunity to step away from the busyness of school and focus on faith and personal reflection. The keynote speaker and sessions were inspiring in different ways - from sacred art to personal stories of resilience. It was a meaningful reminder of the importance of hope, compassion, and faith in our work with students." Superintendent, Dr. Andrea Holowka, expressed profound gratitude for the commitment and faith-filled leadership of CTR staff. "Our Faith Days are more than just a professional development opportunity; they are a vital moment for us to come together as one community in faith," she said. "Seeing our teachers 'Encounter Goodness' and share their spiritual journeys reinforces the heart of our mission. It ensures that the faith, hope, and love we share is what drives every decision we make for our students." The positive experience of these two days is expected to resonate throughout the remainder of the school year, strengthening the bonds between schools and re-energizing teachers in their crucial work of educating and nurturing the faith of our students.
Submitted by Cindy Nickerson, Christ of the Redeemer School Division. Photos courtesy of CTR.
My parents taught us early that nothing is free, that work has dignity, and that gratitude matters. More importantly, they taught us that service is not meant to be transactional. It is not something we do to be seen or repaid. It is something we offer freely, placing the Lord first and trusting that He will use even our small efforts for good. I was blessed to grow up in the Crowsnest Pass in southern Alberta, surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Creation itself became a teacher. Through time spent outdoors with my father, I began to understand that service is not only about action, but about listening to others, to the world around us, and to God. My father often reminded me that being present and attentive can be just as important as doing. Our Catholic faith was woven naturally into daily life. Priests were welcomed into our home. My grandparents and parents served faithfully in parish life. As a child, I buttered toast while my grandfather prepared brunch for visiting clergy. At the time, it seemed small, but I now realize those quiet moments were forming my understanding of vocation. I learned that priests give their lives entirely to God, and that all of us, in different ways, are invited to give ourselves as well. For a time in my youth, after suffering abuse within the Church, I stepped away. I carried anger, grief, and confusion. Yet even during those years, I found myself drawn to serve. I did not fully understand it then, but I believe now that God had not abandoned me, even when I felt far from Him.
Over the years, I have also experienced profound personal suffering — the loss of my sons Andrew and Frederick -- surviving cancer multiple times, divorce, and the deep sorrow of losing my father, Deacon Renso Castellarin, and my sister, within weeks of each other. These experiences did not make me stronger in the way the world often speaks of strength. Rather, they made me more aware of my dependence on God and of my need for others. If I have been able to accompany others in their pain, it is only because I have been accompanied in mine by faithful priests, religious, health professionals, friends, and family who reflected Christ’s mercy to me. Their service allowed me to heal. Any service I now offer is, in many ways, simply a continuation of what was first given to me. Service, I am learning, is less about doing extraordinary things and more about saying “yes” in ordinary moments. It requires humility, boundaries, discernment, and the willingness to ask forgiveness when we fail. A servant must remain teachable. I fail often. I misunderstand. I grow tired. But God, in His patience, continues to invite me back. Recently, after a medical crisis in which I came close to death, I was reminded again that my life is not my own. If I am still here, it is not because of my strength or merit. It is because God, in His mercy, has given me more time. Time to love. Time to reconcile. Time to serve. As we journey through Lent, I am reminded that service is not a title or an identity to claim. It is a daily choice, often quiet and unseen. We do not need to be perfect. We are simply asked to make a sincere effort and to trust that God will complete what we cannot. If there is anything my life has taught me, it is this: God remains present, even in suffering. He wastes nothing. And He continues to call each of us, in ways unique to our own story, to serve with humility, gratitude, and love. One of my favourite hymns is the Prayer of St. Francis. It reminds us to be instruments of peace, love and service. May we all have the courage to say yes, again and again. Written by Angela Castellarin for Faithfully.
Photo 1: Image: Google Gemini, 23 Feb. 2026. Photo 2: Courtesy of Angela Castellarin.  In December 2024, my husband Don was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His prognosis was “a few months to a few years”. I was determined that he should remain at home as long as possible, but it was a grim Christmas marked by draconian changes to our routines. Somewhere in my fog of anxiety and exhaustion, I registered the start of the Jubilee Year of Hope. I decided then and there that I could either sink into despair or cling to hope. I actually did both, embracing both sorrow and consolation, like the pilgrims on the Jubilee logo who clutch a cross while dragging an anchor. 2025 became a year of unexpected spiritual growth. I discovered there are dozens of people in similar circumstances to ours - adrift following some drastic event, trying to adapt whilst grieving. This is my story, but it is also our story, all of us pilgrims of hope, still journeying beyond the end of the Jubilee Year. Weary time for God Before Don’s illness, I never seemed to have time to rest quietly with God. My prayers would be hasty thanks and distracted petitions. Now, having dropped all extraneous commitments, there was time to sit down, whilst Don was sleeping. Unfortunately, my brain felt too numb to pray, so I just listened to the quiet house or the sounds of wind filtering in from outside. I allowed the Holy Spirit to communicate for me “with sighs too deep for words”. Into this silence peace would creep. I became aware of God’s nearness. Those moments of connection, however fleeting, refreshed me. I realized I was being sustained by my Creator. Jesus suffered too For every peaceful interlude, there seemed to be ten when I felt guilty or resentful. But God was there too. Once when seething about perceived ingratitude, I recalled the story of nine lepers racing away from Jesus without a word of thanks. I understood there was nothing I might feel which Jesus hadn’t also felt. Jesus being fully human finally resonated with me. Unexpected blessings In normal life, there are blessings like health and wealth. Blessings don’t disappear in troubled times but they do hide in hard-to-find places. For example, intimate caregiving can be unglamorous and embarrassing. But it can also be like cracking open a geode to find gemstones within. Something about vulnerability stirs the human heart to compassion, it bonds the carer and the cared-for together more tightly. Love continues to grow in sickness as in health. A different future A calamity can crystallize our life goals. When Don became too unsteady to leave the house, all my plans for the future dissolved. The pain of lost dreams was acute, the suffocation of self-pity even worse. But once I was done wallowing, I realized the smallness of my dreams. I had not thought beyond the grave to the eternity we are all offered. On days when I couldn’t quite see Heaven, I could least believe in things unseen. A year later, Don is still around (thank you, God), but new challenges arise every week. I am tired but grateful for small mercies and for the support networks we have. I have learned that extreme circumstances are paradoxical - I am angry but also accepting, worried but optimistic. I fear, but I continue to hope. Written by Alice Matisz (All Saints, Lethbridge) for Faithfully.
 As a long-standing tradition, the Bishop of Calgary and the Office of Vocations have brought together the current seminarians and their parents for a Christmas supper. Last December, it was held at St. Cecilia’s church with a delicious meal provided by the Catholic Women’s League and the Knights of Columbus of that parish. This event, which honours both parents and their seminarian sons, demonstrates the importance of strengthening family life to support vocations to the priesthood in our Diocese. A particularly edifying part of this gathering is the speech by the parents of a recently ordained priest. This personal sharing of the experience of these parents is offered as a support for the parents of the current seminarians as they navigate their own son’s journey towards the priesthood. Knowing how other parents have successfully supported their sons over the many years of discernment and formation demonstrates that, as a local Church, we are here to help one another. This year, the parents of the newly-ordained Fr. Peter An accepted this role for which we are truly grateful. Here follows the speech of Fr. Peter’s mother, Jinhee An. With her husband, Sungchan An, at her side, she described her experience as the mother of a son called by God to be His priest.
That one week was the most painful time of my life. My baby was kept isolated in an incubator and all I wanted to do was hold him. I kept pleading, “Please save my child. If You let him live, I will do anything.” Written by Sr. Dianne Turner, Office of Vocations. Photo credit: Fr. Cristino Bouvette.
 Photography by Bandi Szakony, for the Diocese of Calgary.
 This Sunday, we celebrate the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the cathedral of the Pope and “mother and head of all churches in the world.” Built by Emperor Constantine in the fourth century, it was the first public church in Rome. This feast reminds us that every church building is a sign of the living Church and that each baptized person is a living stone in the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray for the Pope, for unity in the Church, and for hearts renewed in faith.
Ways to commemorate this feast with your family or parish community:
 On Tuesday, October 28, parishioners, families, clergy, and pro-life advocates filled St. Mary’s Cathedral for the Diocese of Calgary’s inaugural Mass for Life, a Eucharistic celebration devoted to honouring the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. Presided over by Bishop William McGrattan, the Mass invited all to rediscover the heart of the Church’s mission to defend life. In his homily, the Bishop reminded the faithful that the protection of life is not a political stance but a spiritual mission, one rooted in Christ’s sacrificial love. His words made a deep impact, encouraging each person to witness to the Gospel of Life with courage, charity, and compassion. Several pro-life and pastoral organizations were present, including ALIES, the CCCB’s Horizons of Hope Palliative Care initiative, the Catholic Women’s League, 40 Days for Life, the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform, and the Calgary Pro-Life Association. Each offered practical ways for parishioners to learn, pray, and act in support of a consistent ethic of life. After Mass, attendees visited the display tables to ask questions and learn about new opportunities to serve. Organization representatives noted the high level of interest and engagement, describing the evening as a clear sign that this shared mission is sustained by faith and grace. The Diocese will celebrate the Mass for Life annually, offering the faithful a chance to grow in faith and unity around the Church’s call to protect life.
Photos by Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary.
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Catholic Pastoral Centre Staff and Guest Writers Archives
August 2026
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