ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CALGARY
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Mission Mexico in 2024: Compassion in action

8/10/2025

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Mission Mexico is the Diocese’s outreach to the poorest in Guerrero, Mexico, supporting health, education, and emergency aid among Indigenous communities with compassion and solidarity since 2000.
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Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Mission Mexico continues to bring hope, education, and life-saving assistance to those who need it most.

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Source: 2024 Impact Report of the Diocese of Calgary (pg. 34)

​Find out more about Mission Mexico and how you can get involved.
  • Donate – Financial contributions directly support education, health care, and emergency assistance projects in Guerrero, Mexico. 
  • Fundraise – Organize parish, school, or community events to raise funds for Mission Mexico.
  • Spread the Word – Share Mission Mexico stories and updates in your parish, school, or on social media.
  • Pray – Keep the communities and students supported by Mission Mexico in your personal and parish prayers.
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Elizabeth House in 2024: A safe place to grow, heal, and thrive

8/3/2025

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In 2024, Elizabeth House continued to walk alongside young women and their children, helping them build skills, resilience, and hope. Through stable housing, life skills development, and community connection, participants moved closer to independence and lasting well-being.
A year of deep growth
2024 was a year of deep growth at Elizabeth House. Amid the housing crisis and limited capacity, we supported 14 women and 12 infants, welcoming five new babies, through wraparound care that fostered safety, stability, and hope.


With 100% of our residents maintaining housing, food security, parenting, and health, and 83% gaining financial and educational stability, our impact is clear. From launching the Women’s Group pilot to redesigning key programs, we continue building a place of sanctuary, strength, and resilience.
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Even after moving on, our moms stay connected. The trust built and nurtured in Elizabeth House runs deep, and many reach out for continued emotional and practical support. These lasting bonds show just how vital Elizabeth House remains in their journey.
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2024 Impact Report of Elizabeth House (Full Report)
Lena’s story

After fleeing her war-torn country, Lena arrived in Calgary seeking safety and a fresh start. Pregnant and close to birth, she found Elizabeth House—a place of hope where she could prepare for motherhood and rebuild her life.

With the support of staff and access to essentials like healthcare, financial literacy, and business training, Lena gained the skills and confidence to thrive. She welcomed a healthy baby girl and poured herself into being the best mother she could be. Lena eventually moved into her own home, launched a small business crafting baby mobiles, and secured her first job in Canada.

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Source: 2024 Impact Report of the Diocese of Calgary (pg. 32-33)

How to get involved? 
  • Volunteer – Share your time and talents to support young mothers and their children. Learn more at www.elizabethhousecalgary.ca.
  • Give – Make your donation go even further! Contribute through Birdies for Kids before Aug 30, 2025, and your gift will be matched by 150%. Give now
  • Learn - Learn more about Elizabeth House through their 2024 Impact Report.
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SFXC: Faith. Formation. Fellowship.

7/20/2025

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A thriving diocesan Catholic community for young adults, St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC), invites students, professionals, and young families to grow in faith, be formed in truth, and find fellowship rooted in Christ. 

In 2024, SFXC served young adults in a variety of dynamic ways:
  • Pints with Aquinas 
    A long-standing favourite even before SFXC officially began, this event continues to draw 60–100 attendees each night. It’s supported by about 10 moderators and a dedicated team of volunteers.
  • Advent & Lenten Lectures 
    Building on last year’s launch of Lenten Lectures, we expanded the series this year with keynote speakers and weekly formation opportunities during the Church’s two most important liturgical seasons.
  • Small groups 
    In Sep 2024, we launched a range of small group studies—including Theology of the Body, Men’s Formation, CCO, Healing of the Whole Person, Church History, Fruitful Discipleship, Young Couples, and Mom’s Group—each averaging 10–20 participants and meeting regularly through the semester.
  • Sports night, board games night and Sunday Socials 
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    Sports Night, Board Games Night, and Sunday Socials each draw 20–50 people regularly. We also hosted new community-building events, including our late-summer BBQ, which drew over 150 people right after Mass, and the annual SFXC Dance, where more than 100 young adults came together to celebrate our patron Saint’s feast day.​
Programs for recent graduates and young professionals continue to expand, including local chapters, service opportunities, and peer-led initiatives like our men’s group, pro-life club, and mom’s group.

​Our LiturBridge chapter remains a key ministry, supporting liturgies and helping form new leaders. As we grow, our formation programs, socials, and chaplaincy events continue to welcome students and young adults from across the city.
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SFXC is needed more than anything. I would have never considered doing a sabbatical year with the Seeds of the Word community if it wasn’t for the chaplaincy.” ~SFXC member in Calgary

“The members were such good friends; even when there weren’t formal events planned, we would get together. SFXC did a great job of encouraging young adults to become more active participants within the Church community.” ~SFXC member in Lethbridge 
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SFXC has offered members a variety of studies, formation, and programs. Whether social, spiritual, or apostolic, we’ve created meaningful opportunities for them to get involved!” ~Jaime Gayos, Program Coordinator
SFXC has surrounded me with so many meaningful friendships and opportunities for connection. Serving alongside my peers in the SFXC has challenged me to love without fear and to give what I have to this community." ~Anastasia Carpay, Social Engagement Lead

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Source: 2024 Impact Report of the Diocese of Calgary (pg. 12-14)

How to get involved? 
  • Join SFXC - St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC) is a thriving community for young adults (18–35), including students, young professionals, and young families. Come grow in faith, be formed in truth, and build lasting fellowship rooted in Christ. We’d love to welcome you! 
  • For more information, visit www.sfxc.ca
  • Donation
    To give to SFXC, click here
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Prison Ministry: A Ministry of Presence & Hope

7/13/2025

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Prison Ministry Volunteers Appreciation Gathering at St. Luke’s, Calgary
The Prison Ministry brings compassion and hope behind bars through eight ongoing programs in Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2024, volunteers faithfully served youth, women, and men in local Remand and Correctional Centres.

Where we serve
  • Calgary Correctional Centre and Remand Centre
    Weekly Chapel program of sharing and reflections on Sunday Missal’s Liturgy of the Word, Confessions (provided on request), and one-on-one questions.
  • Calgary Youth Offender Centre (CYOC)
    Faith-sharing sessions focused on women inmates, with prayer, Scripture, and reflection.
  • Lethbridge Correctional Centre
    Twice-weekly rosary, monthly confessions, Communion twice a month, ongoing one-on-one ministry.​
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​Though data cannot fully capture the transformations behind bars, we’ve witnessed a growing openness to Scripture and prayer, heartfelt gratitude during our Christmas visit to Calgary Youth Offender Centre, appreciation from staff and inmates for our volunteers’ steady presence, and meaningful one-on-one conversations.
They always ask questions and reflect deeply during our prayer times. You can see how much it matters to them.” - Volunteer
Calgary: Rebuilding after the Pandemic
We were down to only four volunteers for our weekly chapel programs—but with support from the Pastoral Centre, we’ve been able to recover and grow.” -Deacon Thomas Ha
On Nov 5, 2024, volunteers gathered at St. Luke’s Parish for a special appreciation event with Bishop McGrattan, who thanked them for their enduring service in Calgary’s three facilities.

​New volunteers, including future deacon candidates, have since joined the mission, helping restore the ministry of presence and prayer with the inmates.
The year of 2024 offered powerful glimpses of God at work in our correctional centres:
  • Inmates asked for confession and spiritual guidance.
  • Many became more aware of Sunday solemnities and Scripture.
  • Weekly faith-sharing became a highlight for many.

Chaplain feedback praised the ministry as “the best-run faith program among visiting agencies.” Some inmates expressed a desire for Baptism and conversion to the Catholic faith. Others shared their commitment to change after release. Inmates gave thanks for our presence and prayers. Volunteers were deeply moved by the trust and openness of the inmates. Many shared that serving deepened their own faith. Interest in the sacraments is growing at all Calgary centres.
Lethbridge: Steady Support, Week After Week

At Lethbridge Correctional Centre, a small but committed team offers twice-weekly Rosary gatherings with time for reflection and questions. Inmates also receive Communion twice a month, monthly confession, regular one-on-one pastoral care, and participate in seasonal liturgies such as a Christmas prayer service, with treat bags for all inmates and staff, and Ash Wednesday services. Their steady presence reminds inmates and staff alike that they are seen, valued, and not alone.

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Source: 2024 Impact Report of the Diocese of Calgary (pg. 36-37)

How to help? 
  • Volunteers
    Help bring hope behind prison walls. We're looking for compassionate individuals to lead prayer time with the Sunday Readings and Rosary at correctional facilities in our Diocese. “I was in prison and you visited me.”  Email Deacon Thomas Ha at [email protected] or call 403-218-5500 to learn more.
  • Donation
    To give to the operation of Prison Ministry, click here
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