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The Search for Wisdom - with Fr. Tim Boyle

7/13/2025

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Even though we live in a society where artificial intelligence and smartphones seem to provide the answer to every question, taking away from man the "effort of thinking" (Wittgenstein), the one who is still capable of stopping and marveling at the Kantian starry sky above him and the moral law within him, realizes to be part of a creation, an ordered uni-verse (unum-versus, towards the One), and thus is driven to seek the ultimate meaning, the foundation of existence: to seek Sophia.

In a 7-stage journey of Art of Accompaniment: "Search for Wisdom" series at St. Martha's Parish (in-person and online), Father Tim Boyle has shed light on the abyss of the human heart: how, since his appearance on earth, man has become aware of his unique, special position of being-at-the-limit, at the limit between finite and infinite, and therefore has tried to find his identity by opening himself to the Beyond, following in the footsteps of Sophia, the Greek word for wisdom: first with a collective conscience, then with an individual self-consciousness, passing through the philosophical logos (Socrates, Aristotle, the great medieval Schools...) and the scientific one (Big Bang, evolutionary theories, etc.).

Father Tim accompanied us in our search for Sophia with the Revealed Word, showing how the Bible recognizes the mysteriousness of man, who discovers his identity over and over again, opening himself to the very mystery of God. Christian theology thinks of God to think of man, and thinks of man to think of God, because after the incarnation, God and man are intersignifying realities: not only do we know God only through Jesus Christ, but we know ourselves only through Jesus Christ.

Yet, despite the emergence of a global consciousness, and probably because of the unprecedented amount of information available, modern man is losing touch with reality. In the current "meaning crisis" where data knowledge does not always translate into mindfulness, Sophia can only be the antidote to the self-deception of separation, division, and disconnection.

In conclusion, in the light of the Word stating "God is all in all" and the concept of "person" developed by Christian anthropology of the twentieth century, Father Tim emphasized how the Eucharist is central to the experience of Christians as a new consciousness. "Those who believe in Christ are living in this one reality, in this one body, in this one consciousness; we receive the oneness that we are to become. We receive in order to become Eucharist for the world. Jesus himself is the divine wisdom, is Sophia come into the world. Sophia -as the Word incarnate- has situated herself as a sun at the centre of the universe and at the center of every human person, and she will gradually draw everything, every person, into orbit around herself until Christ becomes all in all. The process will never stop until it is finished."

Those who gathered at St. Martha’s or joined online were blessed to encounter a wise guide who introduced them to Sophia. Thank you, Fr. Tim, and all who helped bring the Search for Wisdom series to life at St. Martha’s.

  • Study at your own pace using the recording and reflection plan from the "Search for Wisdom" series with Fr. Tim Boyle. 
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Written by Cristiana Crestani, St. Martha's, Letbhridge. Photos courtesy of St. Martha's Parish. 
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Summer 2025 free webinar for catechists, teachers & ministry leaders

6/23/2025

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Franciscan’s Catechetical Institute is continuing their FREE and excellent webinar series in 2025 to support catechists, teachers, and parish/ministry leaders worldwide! Find the list of courses here for Summer 2025:

July 2025
  • Tuesday, July 1 at 12:00pm – The Catechetical Purpose of Sacred Architecture – Carter Hord, Hord Architects of Memphis, TN - Click here to register
  • Tuesday, July 8 at 12:00pm – Praying in Front of the Blessed Sacrament: Devotional Guidance – Dr. Mark Ginter, Catechetical Institute (CI), Franciscan University of Steubenville - Click here to register
  • Tuesday, July 22 at 12:00pm – Seeing, Holding, and Maturing a New One Among Us: The Catechumen as a Member of the Household of God – Dr. Scott Sollom, Associate Chair of Theology – Catechetics, Franciscan University of Steubenville. Click here to register
  • Tuesday, July 29 at 12:00pm – In Spanish:  La Liturgia de las Horas: Cómo y porqué rezar esta oración poderosísima en nuestro ministerio // The Liturgy of the Hours: How and Why to Pray this Powerful Prayer in Our Ministry – Dr. Alberto Descalzo, Assoc. Profesor de Español, Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville. Click here to register
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August 2025
  • Tuesday, Aug 5 at 12:00pm – Humanitarian Service as a Vocation: Serving the Marginalized and Persecuted Worldwide – Dr. Stephen M. Rasche, Director, Institute for Catholic Humanitarian Service, Franciscan University of Steubenville. Click here to register
  • Tuesday, Aug 12 at 12:00pm – A Uniquely Effective Approach to Parish Small Groups: Discipleship Quads – Dr. Bob Rice, PhD, Professor of Catechetics and Kristi Scheerbaum, Discipleship Special Projects Coordinator, Catechetical Institute (CI), Franciscan University of Steubenville. Click here to register
  • Tuesday, Aug 19 at 12:00pm – Youth Ministry: How to Find a Path to Thriving, and How Franciscan University’s Outreach Can Help – Brian Kissinger, Executive Director, Franciscan Conferences and Dr. Bill Keimig, Deputy Director, Catechetical Institute. Click here to register
  • Tuesday, Aug 26 at 12:00pm – In Spanish:  El discernimiento ignaciano para líderes: Las primeras tres reglas // Ignatian Discernment for Leaders: The First Three Rules – Fr. Guillermo Gonzalez, Sacerdote de la Diócesis de Arlington. Click here to register
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Social Media & Lent – “Let your Speech always be Gracious”

2/5/2024

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A Pastoral Letter on the roles of social media in modern life was recently issued by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). It offers a reflection on both the good and harm which social media impacts individuals and communities. As we prepare for Lent, it may inform our decisions around fasting and of almsgiving related to our use of social media.

Social media serves humanity as a mode of communication. It should exist to promote a fundamental human good: the building of bridges among people by the sharing of information. However, its exponential growth has not necessarily resulted in promoting our human dignity. Even if we do not use social media ourselves, we are impacted by the role it plays in the spread of misinformation, the coarsening of civil discourse, the radical of political systems and the mental health crisis that is especially prevalent among our youth. (Pastoral Letter #3)

This past week, the CEOs of major social media corporations testified at a recent United States Senate hearing where they were confronted with the statements that their companies have not been doing enough to protect children from sexual predators, bullying, while contributing to addictive behaviours, suicide, eating disorders, and distorting the image of beauty, sexuality, and the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God as male and female.
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​Social media can be used as a platform in service of the vision of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Communication can enhance global friendship and promote a civilization of justice and peace.

​Although we might be creating “digital continents” of people, we must not lose sight of ensuring that our online presence, choices, and conduct give witness to Christian virtues. In doing so we must ensure that this is done with humility, prudence, and in a way that reflects both the truth and love of the Church’s teaching. 
​In this pastoral letter, the CCCB Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace invites all of us who use social media to make the following seven commitments as a way to witness to core Christian values and help build a healthy online environment that serves the common good. (Pastoral Letter #8)
  • Check for Accuracy - the commitment to truth lies at the centre of the Christian life. Speaking the truth in love must be the guiding principle in presenting the truth that expresses the Church’s teaching on social and moral issues.
  • Seek Greater Perspective - reality can be accessed from various dimensions and also disciplines of study, which broadens our understanding. It prevents us from accepting to listen to a narrow set of like-minded voices that simply confirm preconceived ideas or unchallenged biases.
  • Value Human Dignity – a conversation through social media platforms can often lose sight of the personhood that should be expressed in the posts, tweets, likes and dislikes. “It is easy to forget that behind those thoughts and ideas are real people who just like us have bad days and good days, experience a wide range of emotions, make mistakes, and lead complicated lives.”
  • Bring Curiosity into the Conversation – Humility in social online conversations begins not by making contrary statements but by first being curious and asking questions. Real dialogue involves being deliberate and calm, having the ability to be silent and listen to others. It will be achieved in conversations that are often offline and face-to-face.
  • Distinguish between Intention and Impact – the impact of posts that are offensive, hurtful, ignorant and lacking in common decency may obscure the intentions of the person who chooses to mean well but unfortunately cause harm or hurt to others.
  • Privilege “IRL” Encounters – We can become distracted, fragmented and absorbed in a world which pretends to be real through social media. It is more important to be enriched by “in real life – IRL” encounters and a social environment that is often much slower and human.
  • Tend to our Time Spent Online – The use of our time and the choice of activities which fill that time impacts not only our physical but spiritual lives. For young people in their formative years, the overuse of social media can lead to addictive behaviours, isolation, sleep deprivation, not being comfortable with silence and contemplation and negatively impacting their normal maturity and integral human development. 
​These seven commitments concerning the use of social media can be a source of reflection concerning the decisions that we will face in our Lenten journey.

​This year in his 
Lenten message, Pope Francis stated that when our God reveals himself, his message is always one of freedom: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Ex 20:2). The call to freedom is a demanding one. It is not answered straight away; it has to mature as part of the journey for every Christian, which is renewed each year in Lent.
If our celebration of Lent is to be concrete, the first step is to ask the Lord to open our eyes to reality. Lent is a season of conversion, a time of freedom." 

"It is time to act, and in Lent, to act also means to pause. ​.. Slow down and pause! In the presence of God, we become brothers and sisters, more sensitive to one another: in place of threats and enemies, we discover companions and fellow travelers."

"The Church's synodal form, which in these years we are rediscovering and cultivating, suggests that Lent is also a time of communitarian decisions, of decisions, small and large, that are countercultural." (Message of the Holy Father Francis for Lent 2024)
​This may be the year we are being invited to make a decision regarding our use of social media. To have moments in Lent set aside to rethink our lifestyles, a time to examine our presence on social media, and through this discernment to make our decisions going forward for the common good or our society, and the dignity of the human person.

  • "Let Your Speech Always be Gracious" - CCCB's Pastoral Letter on the Use of Social Media
  • Read Pope Francis' 2024 Lenten Message
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Written by Bishop William T. McGrattan

​February 6, 2024
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Formation Program, Courses & Conferences

5/30/2022

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These formation opportunities will help you with your faith journey and to help you grow closer to Christ. 
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  • Certificate in Catholic Studies Program​ | Through the Benedict XVI Institute for New Evangelization, Newman Theological College offers a comprehensive selection of short courses on various aspects of the Catholic faith. All are offered online, so you can study from the comfort of home and work around your personal schedule. Each course runs five weeks and costs just $85; the next cycle begins every month. Take an individual course for interest, or work toward one or all of the 22 specialized Certificates in Catholic Studies. This program is open to adults and youth of all backgrounds and education levels. More info: newman.edu/ccs.
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  • Divine Mercy University (DMU) is the first and only graduate school that integrates the science of psychology and proven therapeutic methods with the Catholic-Christian understanding of the person, marriage and the family. DMU provides educational instruction to all Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary applicants at a reduced tuition. Parish members in good standing with their respective parish will receive a tuition reduction of 25% for any of the DMU online programs.  To learn more about Divine Mercy University, contact divinemercy.edu | 703-416-1441

  • BA - Social Justice & Catholic Studies from St. Mary's University in Calgary. Drawing upon the theories and practices of a wide range of different disciplines, this degree equips students with the critical, analytical, and ethical skills necessary to live and work responsibly in an increasingly integrated global community. Students will explore history, philosophy, and religious ideas in the Catholic tradition alongside critical political, social, and ethical issues confronting society and the environment.
    Students will choose an emphasis in either Social Justice or Catholic Studies, and take an experiential learning course in their final year of study. They will put learning into practice, establish community relationships, and gain meaningful work-related experience with a community partner. More info

  • Online Course on "Introduction to Sacred Liturgy" | This free course from the Liturgical Institute (Mundelein, IL) introduces the theological and pastoral dimensions of the sacred liturgy. Specifically, it uncovers the spiritual reality of every liturgical celebration, considers the ritual medium employed by liturgical celebrations, and examines the various sacramental signs and symbols that contribute to a liturgical rite, such as objects, actions, words, time, ministers, music, and architecture. Instructor: Christopher Cartens. This is a self-paced online course, decide when you start and when you finish. Sign up here 

  • Journey through Scripture | This is the St. Paul Center’s flagship Bible study program designed to help ordinary Catholics grow in their knowledge of the Scriptures while deepening their understanding of the riches of our faith. Journey through Scripture takes a holistic approach, looking at the entire Bible and how all of its parts work together. You can also host a Journey through Scripture study at your parish or home. Register here

  • Theology of the Body Sessions | Between 1978 and 1984, Pope St. John Paul II delivered a series of Wednesday audiences that eventually became known as the Theology of the Body. Get access and be formed by the teaching of Theology of the Body given by renown speakers (Christopher West, Sr. Helena Burns and many more) given in Calgary last year. Livestream links are now available here: https://www.catholicyyc.ca/tob.html 

  • Lectio: Unveiling Scripture & Tradition | The Augustine Institute produced this video-based study series, with different presenters in a beautiful studio classroom speaking on various topics related to Scripture, Church history, and salvation. This series is best for those who like to learn through watching videos and prefer a “classroom” feel. Learn more 

  • Bible in a Year Podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz - guides Catholics through the Bible in 365 daily episodes starting January 1st, 2021. However, you can always start your Day 1 anytime! Each 20-25 minute episode includes: two to three scripture readings, a reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz and guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word. Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year Podcast for Catholics follows a reading plan inspired by the Great Adventure Bible Timeline  learning system, a groundbreaking approach to understanding Salvation History developed by renowned Catholic Bible teacher Jeff Cavins. Learn more

  • The Great Adventure: Your Journey through the Bible | Available from Ascension Press, this study with Jeff Cavins makes Scripture accessible, thanks to a straightforward narrative style and color-coded visual clues. This easy-to-use program is best for beginners and anyone new to Scripture study. Learn more

  • Gregorian Chant - Learning to sing Antiphons | If you want to learn more about Gregorian Chant, especially on how to sing the antiphons, watch this course from Dr. Jenny Donelson (Seminary of New York/Dunwoodie) on How to add Antiphons to your Parish Sunday Mass.

  • Aquinas 101 is a project of the Thomistic Institute that seeks to promote Catholic truth through short, engaging video lessons. Enroll in Aquinas 101: Science & Faith to receive the latest lesson in your inbox each Tuesday. You can browse earlier videos at your own pace or enroll in one of the other seven Aquinas 101 email courses on St. Thomas Aquinas and his masterwork, the Summa Theologiae. 

  • Creation Care School - Online courses for greening your church and inspiring change. This school is for those who want to get involved in environmental action and awareness in their own local church. When a whole faith community starts caring for Creation, your church gets new media coverage and youth want to participate. Start with a free course. Then move on to other inspiring courses about ministry, theology and spirituality. Free Courses: Greening Your Church | Laudato Si': A Revolutionary Encyclical 

  • KIDS & YOUTH
    • Children's Sunday Liturgy by CAFOD
      Prayers and resources for children's liturgy catechists and for families. Use these Gospel reflections, prayers, songs and activities to help children listen to the God who speaks. Feel free to adapt the resources to suit your group.

    • Sunday Connection - for Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and family
      God speaks to us in many ways, including through the Sunday Scripture readings. The Sunday Connection provides useful background and activities to better understand the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings, helping you to connect the Scripture to daily life in a meaningful way.

    • Studio 3:16 - Comedy for Kids!
      It isn't easy leading your family on a virtuous path. There’s an ongoing battle being waged to win the hearts and minds of our kids. Finding wholesome entertainment is hard, but not impossible. Introduce your family, school or parish to Studio 3:16 and spread the fun in learning about God. Kids and families will laugh and sing along with Shevin – a high-spirited yet misguided Christian recording artist – and follow his journey each episode to understand the Gospel. 
      ​
    • CatechismClass.com
      A superior digital learning experience that fits into life better than traditional formats and classes. When life gets busy, nothing should come between people achieving a complete Catholic education.

    • Christian video programming for children 
      A compilation of various programs (free or paid streaming/online programs) for kids and youth. 
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CWL Annual Lecture: Healing the Church

10/1/2020

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Sr. Nuala Kenny. Photo by Michael Swan.
At St. Mary’s University we are proud of our Catholic identity.  Thanks to the generosity of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), we are honoured to host a leading Catholic speaker for our CWL Annual Lecture in Catholic Studies.  On Friday, October 2 (5:30 – 7:30 pm MST), Sister Nuala Kenny, MD will offer this year’s virtual keynote address on “Healing the Church: Diagnosing and Treating the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis”.  Due to COVID-19, our lecture will be held online.  
Sexual abuse by Catholic clergy is the greatest scandal of the modern Church. It has caused devastating, life-long harm to victim-survivors and their families and communities. It has resulted in the loss of trust in the Church as a place of holiness, care and justice, and has eroded the credibility of its leaders as disciples of a loving and merciful Jesus. For some, it has precipitated a crisis of faith in God as it has wounded bodies and minds and crushed souls.  The Catholic Church is wounded and in need of healing.  
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As a pediatrician who is also a Professor Emeritus at Dalhousie University, Dr. Kenny is very familiar with the devastating harms of the physical and sexual abuse of children and youth.  Among her many accolades, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1999 for her contributions to child health and medical education and she has received a Queen’s Jubilee Medal.  As a Sister of Charity – Halifax for over 50 years, Sister Nuala is deeply committed to helping the Catholic Church heal from this crisis.  She has been involved in this work since her 1989 participation in the St. John’s, Newfoundland, Archdiocesan Commission on Clergy and Clergy Sexual Abuse.  She has authored two books on this topic, Healing the Church (2012) and Still Unhealed: Treating the Pathology in the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis (2019).  Sister Nuala also served as an advisor to the CCCB Ad Hoc Committee on Protection of Minors (2014-2018) which produced “Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse: A Call to the Catholic Faithful in Canada for Healing, Reconciliation and Transformation”.   

On Friday evening, October 2nd, Sister Nuala Kenny’s virtual keynote address is titled “Dynamics and Diagnosis: A Call for Personal and Ecclesial Reform”.  Using her medical background, Sister Nuala will help us properly diagnose the deeper systemic issues that are at the root of this crisis. With this understanding, she will then draw upon the words and actions of Jesus, the Healer, to provide a holistic prescription for healing the Church. To register for this free online lecture, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-cwl-annual-lecture-in-catholic-studies-by-sister-nuala-kenny-md-tickets-121260769225     

For those who wish to continue this important conversation, on Saturday, October 3rd, Sister Nuala Kenny is facilitating a virtual workshop: “Lessons from Being Church in the Pandemic: Prophetic Possibilities for Pastoral Conversion”.  The morning session (10:30 am - 12:00 noon MST) is on “Lessons About Secrecy, Dialogue and Morality”.  The afternoon session (1:00 pm - 2:30 pm MST) is on “Lessons About Relationships, Mission and Challenges”. This workshop is a critically constructive reflection on how we, as disciples of Christ, might make sense of what has happened in this crisis and respond both individually and communally. It aims to provide support for laity and clergy who desire repentance and continual conversion to disciples of a loving and merciful God. This workshop is rooted in the “mind of Christ” and in trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to make all things new. The cost of this workshop is $25.00 for both sessions. To register, visit: https://www.stmu.ca/event/cwl-virtual-workshop/  

Written by Dr. Peter Baltutis
CWL Chair for Catholic Studies, St. Mary's University.
   
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