 When a person is seriously ill or nearing the end of life, the presence of a priest can bring profound comfort to patients and their families. Throughout the Diocese of Calgary, parish priests respond to requests for the Sacraments for the sick and dying in their communities. In Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, dedicated systems help ensure that this pastoral care is available around the clock amid the high volume of calls from hospitals, hospices and care homes. The ministry is especially important in Calgary, where seven priest chaplains provide 24 hour emergency sacramental care across a large network of health care facilities. They serve five hospitals, more than six hospices and 43 care homes, responding when patients or families urgently request a priest.
For families, knowing that a priest is available when a loved one is seriously ill can be a tremendous source of peace. One parishioner shared her gratitude after her mother received the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and a blessing before she passed away: “Words can’t express how grateful I was to know that mom received the anointing of the sick and blessing before she passed away from chaplain. Thank you, Lord!” Behind every number is a person, a patient, a family member, a moment of fear or uncertainty, and an opportunity for the Church to bring Christ’s mercy and consolation.
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Calgary At the Calgary Correctional Centre and Calgary Remand Centre, volunteers lead weekly chapel programs centred on the Sunday Liturgy of the Word, along with a weekly Rosary, opportunities for Confession, and one-on-one spiritual support for those who request it. At the Calgary Youth Offender Centre, biweekly faith-sharing sessions provide prayer, mentorship, and reflection for young people. One-on-one spiritual accompaniment is also available for women and youth seeking support. Lethbridge At the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, 10 dedicated volunteers provide approximately 510 hours of ministry each year. Their service includes twice-weekly Rosary gatherings, monthly opportunities for Confession, Communion twice a month, one-on-one pastoral care, and seasonal liturgies such as Christmas prayer services and Ash Wednesday services. Drumheller Prison ministry at Drumheller Institution continues to develop through the efforts of the pastor of St. Anthony's Parish, who offers the Rosary, Mass, and faith formation. With another priest preparing to assist, the ministry is expected to expand its pastoral care for inmates in both minimum- and medium-security units, bringing greater opportunities for prayer, the sacraments, and spiritual support.
Interest in the sacraments continues to grow across Calgary's correctional centres, and some inmates shared that they had learned new ways to deepen their prayer through fasting, charity, and a closer relationship with God.
Another added, "They too were chosen; they mattered and are part of the Body of Christ." The impact of this ministry is perhaps best expressed in the words of one former inmate: Thank you for ministering the program at Remand. It took me a while, but I got a good job now and I am doing well. I am going to attend Mass. Thank you." Thank you to our prison ministry volunteers for their faithful witness, and to all who support this ministry through prayer and encouragement. Together, you are helping bring Christ's presence, mercy, and hope to those who need it most. Thank you for your continued support through prayer, volunteer service, and financial generosity. Your generosity helps sustain this ministry of hope and accompaniment for those in correctional facilities throughout our Diocese. To support Prison Ministry, please visit catholicyyc.ca/give. 
As families arrive with increasingly complex needs, Elizabeth House continues to provide longer-term, multi-level support through advocacy, system navigation, one-on-one mentorship, coaching, and high-intensity solution-focused care.
The impact of this support is reflected in the experiences of the women who call Elizabeth House home. One resident shared: I remember when I just moved in, I was from a stranded situation on the verge of giving up but they came to my rescue. I was going through depression but with their help, from volunteers with childcare, counselling therapy, and a peaceful environment I was able to bounce back to my feet." Support continues beyond a family's stay through the Women's Empowerment Committee, a participant-driven initiative created by Elizabeth House alumni. The committee fosters mentorship, community-building, knowledge sharing, and emotional support.
It is a community where mothers and children receive practical support, build meaningful relationships, and are accompanied as they work toward greater stability. It is a community made possible by your prayers, volunteer service, and financial support.
  Feed the Hungry is a diocesan outreach ministry that offers weekly meals, care packages, and compassionate accompaniment to individuals and families in need, creating a place of dignity, welcome, and community.
For many volunteers, serving is more than an act of charity—it is an expression of faith. As one longtime volunteer reflected, “A Sister once remarked to me that being a Feed the Hungry volunteer and serving our guests is ‘a wonderful way to pray.’ That has become my point of perspective on the program, galvanizing my desire to serve my brothers and sisters, while mentoring those who join us to do the same.”
Guests come for a meal. They leave fed in ways they didn't know they were hungry. Because here, food is never just food. It is dignity. It is being known by name. It is a community that does not fix you, but refuses to abandon you.In this space, something unexpected happens. Guests come for a meal. They leave fed in ways they didn't know they were hungry. Because here, food is never just food. It is dignity. It is being known by name. It is a community that does not fix you, but refuses to abandon you.
Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) In 2025, approximately $1 million was disbursed to five different projects in the Treaty 7 region. The donations for the IRF have been received from the parishioners of the Diocese of Calgary through the Together in Action Campaign. A total of $3 million is expected to be disbursed over three years. Projects funded in 2025:
For more information about the Together in Unity Circle and IRF funding opportunities, visit: catholicyyc.ca/IRFfunding   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.  Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Mission Mexico continues to bring hope, education, and life-saving assistance to those who need it most.
 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.
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.
 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:
 Prison Ministry Volunteers Appreciation Gathering at St. Luke’s, Calgary The Prison Ministry brings compassion and hope behind bars through eight ongoing programs in Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2024, volunteers faithfully served youth, women, and men in local Remand and Correctional Centres. Where we serve
Calgary: Rebuilding after the Pandemic
The year of 2024 offered powerful glimpses of God at work in our correctional centres:
Lethbridge: Steady Support, Week After Week At Lethbridge Correctional Centre, a small but committed team offers twice-weekly Rosary gatherings with time for reflection and questions. Inmates also receive Communion twice a month, monthly confession, regular one-on-one pastoral care, and participate in seasonal liturgies such as a Christmas prayer service, with treat bags for all inmates and staff, and Ash Wednesday services. Their steady presence reminds inmates and staff alike that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
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Catholic Pastoral Centre Staff and Guest Writers Archives
August 2026
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