 To prepare for the Pastoral Care Ministry Campaign running diocese-wide on October 17th & 18th, 2026, I met with Deacon Michael Soentgerath and Anthony Banka (Pastoral Care Ministry Coordinator), to understand this timeless work and its impact in the Diocese of Calgary over the last 43+ years. Deacon Michael has been part of this ministry since 1984 and patiently answers even my most basic questions. Stay with us as we delve deeper into this ministry and its history here in Calgary.
Can you tell me a little about the history of Pastoral Care Ministry? St. Vincent Pallotti and his work in the 1800s introduced a radical new idea: that Christ has commissioned lay people through their individual baptism. Before this, the apostolate rested entirely on the shoulders of Bishops (and the clergy and religious). In Calgary, inspired by Vatican II documents, the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (Apostolicam Actuositatem) and the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium), the late Bishop Paul O’Byrne was instrumental in setting up the Healthcare Apostolate. Brother Leon Jensen began this great task in 1983, working as Director of the Healthcare Apostolate with Mrs. Halina White as co-ordinator. I was an active member of the ministry since 1984 and took over as Director in 1999, serving in that capacity for the next 20 years. During this time, we further infused the training program and the ministry with Catholic Theology. More than 3000 people in the Diocese have undergone Pastoral Care Training since its inception, with about 625 active Pastoral Ministers currently serving in 40+ parishes. Some of our volunteers, like Michael McDougall of St. Patrick’s Parish, have been part of the Pastoral Care Ministry for more than 60 years now. Can you tell me more about the theology behind this ministry? And Jesus came and said to them, “... And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mt 28: 18a, 20b. The heart of Pastoral Care can be traced back to the commissioning of the apostles by Jesus Himself & the resulting work of the early Church. This sending forth or commissioning is passed on to each of us through our own Baptisms. We are each called to become the hands and feet by which Jesus can be present to others. We become the hands and feet of Christ, going out to journey with the forgotten, the ailing, and the aging. If you want to understand the theology further, the Pastoral Care team at the Diocese of Calgary has put together a document on the Catechesis of the Ministry, which you can find here. How has pastoral care changed through the years? Years ago, each of us had a hospital assigned to us. We were given a list of Catholic patients who wanted a visitor. We would cater to the sacramental needs of the patients, bring them Holy Communion, pray the rosary with them and provide copies of the Bible, rosaries, sacrament brochures, Care Bears & Care Blankets and even wooden crosses to the most frail. Right now, the onus is on the patient or their family member to contact the Pastoral Care Ministry in their parish to request a visit or use the hotline number in emergencies. Can you tell me a little about the training program? The Level I training consists of four modules and includes 14-21 hours of instruction so all volunteers feel adequately equipped with the do’s and don’ts for visiting individual bedsides. Some goals are to communicate that you are loved, you are a child of God, you have dignity, and God hasn’t forgotten you; God seeks you out through the hands, feet, heart, and mouth of Pastoral Care Ministers. The trainings are delivered based on the Parish's needs over a single weekend, four weeknights, or consecutive days for two weeks. They currently have one facilitator and guest speakers, with pre-recorded educational/instructional videos (by Deacon Michael), which streamlines the training process and makes it readily available. They also offer workshops and training enhancements to sustain and perfect the ministry. You can find more information here.  How does one discern a call to become a Pastoral Care Minister? A great place to begin discerning this ministry is to register for Pastoral Care Training. During the training, you can gain a deeper sense of this calling and reflect on whether you have the heart for this work. In my experience, many also discover this ministry after their own recovery or when they see a family member going through a rough time. They want to know how they can accompany them, what they can do, and how they can help. As they start using the training for their loved ones, they realize they have a genuine passion for it and often find they cannot stop, so they go on to serve their parish community. Who should discern joining this ministry? This ministry is not just for retired people looking for ways to serve the Church. Anthony encourages me to see that any number of people would really benefit from joining this ministry - nursing and medical students, anyone looking to work in the healthcare industry, empaths, young people who are seeking answers about life and mortality, immigrants who miss the aging of their parents & grandparents and want a substantial way to channel that pain and longing, to name a few... He also encourages pastors and parishioners to reach out to people in their own pews whom they think have a calling for pastoral care. Why this ministry? Everyone I have spoken to has entered this ministry to serve God by serving his people. Inevitably, everyone has said they gain far more than they give. The generosity of a good God cannot be outdone. All of our Pastoral Care Ministers say that their lives were renewed, transformed, and that's part of the reason why we have volunteers who continue to serve even after 20, 30, 40 years… Are there any non-theological reasons to join this ministry? The ministry offers many practical benefits. Research shows that people who have someone visit them regularly in hospitals and nursing homes recover faster, have shorter hospital stays, and use less medication and fewer human resources. This translates into billions of dollars saved in healthcare and becomes a tangible, pragmatic way to contribute to society. What can I do if I urgently need access to the sacraments in case of an emergency? Impressively, we are one of the only faith denominations in Calgary with a 24-hour emergency hotline staffed by a live operator. If you or a family member needs the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, call 403-231-9545 at any time, and a priest will come to the bedside as soon as possible. Interview conducted by Cecilia D'Mello with Deacon Michael Soentgerath.
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 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.
  Catholics across our diocese are invited to take part in a worldwide consultation led by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Bishops, clergy, consecrated women and men, lay leaders, and all members of the faithful are encouraged to share their perspectives on the needs, priorities, opportunities, and challenges facing our communities. Your response will help the Dicastery discern how it can better support local Churches in promoting human dignity, justice, peace, care for creation, and the well-being of every person. The survey is available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian. Complete the survey by August 8, 2026.  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.
 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.
 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.
 More than 155 years ago, the Sisters of Charity (also known as the Grey Nuns) arrived in what would become Alberta with little more than faith, courage and a deep conviction that every life is sacred. They cared for the sick, welcomed the vulnerable and built the foundations of Catholic health care in our province. Today, that same mission lives on in Covenant hospitals, continuing care centres and community health programs across Alberta. And it lives on through you: through the prayers, generosity and support of people who believe that compassionate care is still a calling. When you support Covenant Foundation, you are not just remembering a legacy. You are helping carry it forward, ensuring that faith continues to be lived through care for generations to come. This Catholic Health Care Week, learn about our sacred legacy at covenantfoundation.ca/oursacredlegacy Covenant Health sites within the Diocese of Calgary:
 Article & photos: Submitted by Covenant Health Alberta.
 At Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in Calgary, a dedicated group of lay volunteer missionaries live this Gospel every week. Under the guidance of Deacon Ricardo Rosero and coordinator Gladys Alvarez, the Pastoral Care Ministry in Spanish serves those who are ill, elderly, or confined to their homes, bringing them Holy Communion, prayer, and companionship. “Our commitment,” says Deacon Rosero, “is to foster a more humane and Christian culture in the face of pain, suffering, disability, loneliness, death, and grieving.” Serving Christ in the sick Eighteen commissioned Ministers of Communion and an equal number of Silent Apostles, companions who accompany and pray, visit the sick each Sunday. They carry the Eucharist to parishioners who can no longer attend Mass, offering not only the Body of Christ but also presence, comfort, and a reminder that they remain part of the Church. Throughout the year, the team brings Communion weekly to nearly forty people across the city, whether in senior residences, hospitals, or private homes. Each pair of missionaries covers a different area of Calgary, ensuring that the whole city is reached “in one Sunday,” as Deacon Rosero explains. “Our mission is to bring the Kingdom of God closer to them through our service.” Special visits are made on holy days such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Christmas, and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. In moments of serious illness, the pastoral team also coordinates with the parish priest so that the faithful can receive Confession or the Anointing of the Sick. A ministry of prayer and presence Prayer remains the heartbeat of this ministry. Each month, parishioners gather for two evening liturgies:
“We pray for the sick, for their families, and for those who care for them,” Deacon Rosero notes. “It strengthens our own faith and the faith of the parish.” When a patient dies, the ministry accompanies the family in mourning and remembrance. Last year, twelve people who had received Communion from the missionaries passed away. Their names were remembered during the Annual Mass for the Faithful Departed, celebrated on the final Wednesday of Ordinary Time. Training new missionaries
A milestone this past year was the successful translation and launch of the Pastoral Care Ministry Training Course in Spanish. Deacon Rosero and Gladys Alvarez spent months adapting diocesan formation materials, written originally in English, so that Spanish-speaking Catholics could receive instruction in their own language. The inaugural five-week course ran in May and June 2025 at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, with thirteen participants completing certification. All now serve actively in the ministry. The new course covers the theology of suffering, pastoral listening, practical guidelines for visiting the sick, and the spiritual significance of bringing Holy Communion outside Mass. Participants also learn how to collaborate with clergy, maintain confidentiality, and accompany families with compassion. Beyond their Sunday visits, the volunteers cultivate fellowship and spiritual renewal through regular formation and prayer. They participate in parish retreats, Eucharistic adoration, rosaries, and processions. Twice a year, they attend workshops or spiritual retreats to deepen their understanding of mercy and pastoral care. Moments of joy and friendship are also part of their rhythm: a summer gathering for volunteers and families, and a Christmas celebration where missionaries give thanks for another year of service. Witness of compassion The Spanish-speaking Pastoral Care Ministry represents one of the many cultural expressions of faith flourishing within the Diocese of Calgary. Its volunteers bridge language and distance to ensure that no one is forgotten. “Many of our brothers and sisters cannot come to church,” Deacon Rosero says. “When we arrive with the Eucharist, their faces light up. They know the Lord is with them.” The ministry’s impact is measured not only in numbers, thousands of Communions distributed each year, but in transformed hearts, both of those visited and of those who serve. As the Church celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope, the volunteers of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish embody that hope through every visit, prayer, and gentle word offered to the suffering. “Christ Himself comes to the sick through our hands,” Deacon Rosero affirms. “That is why we serve, with love, reverence, and joy.” In this ministry, the diocesan call to Renewal becomes visible. Every visit reminds the homebound and the sick that they matter, to God and to their parish family. And every volunteer, moved by compassion, discovers anew that they too matter in the mission of the Church.  Human beings have been called homo prospectus, which loosely translates as the One Who Anticipates the Future. Beyond complex language and sophisticated technologies, what makes humans unique is our ability to anticipate what is to come, and we spend a lot of our lives thinking about and planning for the future. My thoughts often drift towards driving back to Michigan next summer, or retirement, or watching my son land his first solo flight. But our ability to anticipate the future is limited because our lives are not as stable as they seem. Aldous Huxley once said, “the only thing we can say for certain about the future is that we are totally incapable of foreseeing it accurately,” and this limited ability to predict the future is visible in the Parable of the Rich Fool who stores up grain so that he can “take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry” (cf. Luke 12:19). “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you.” ~Luke 12:20 The Rich Fool is spending his energy on a future he won’t have. I don’t know the state of the souls of some of my favourite artists – such as Otis Redding (dead at 26 in a plane crash), Albert Camus (dead at 52 in a car crash), and John Candy (dead at 43 of a heart attack) – but I wonder if they were all thinking more or less the same thing as the Rich Fool. They had achieved worldly success and were likely planning to enjoy the fruits of their labour. But nothing is more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than the hour. The same goes for me. I might not live long enough to enjoy retirement, meaning that I also spend a lot of time working toward a future I might not have. This realization could easily lead to a You-Only-Live-Once-focused hedonism, which would compound the foolishness of waiting to be happy until we’ve achieved a material milestone. God asks the Rich Fool, “Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ Gaudium et Spes provides the answer that “everyone must consider his every neighbour without exception as another self.” Whoever is not giving their riches to God (through their neighbour) is missing the point and failing to anticipate what comes after.
A Jewish philosopher, an Austrian farmer, and a Japanese doctor provide three examples of people who were not storing things up for themselves. They were people who rejected the prospect of taking things easy and were instead rich toward God. Some argue that the Christian belief in an afterlife discounts this world, but the examples above show that nothing could be further from the truth. These saints committed to this world precisely because they anticipated the eternal future of their souls.
Written by Jason Openo for Faithfully.
 Since 1993, Feed the Hungry, an outreach of the Diocese of Calgary, has responded to the Gospel call to serve those in need. With the help of generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, we offer more than a meal: we offer a ministry of hope and belonging. Every Sunday, guests are welcomed with compassion, whether through a hot sit-down meal or a hamper to-go. A quick glance at how your support makes a difference
 Written by Deacon Michael Soentgerath On June 13, 2025, a small group of us, invited by Anthony Banka from the Catholic Pastoral Centre, participated in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Kirby Centre in Calgary. The theme of the Expo was “Growing the Conversation.” We heard encouraging messages from several invited guests, including Mayor Jyoti Gondek. After the speeches, participants were invited to browse the incredible range of organizations and agencies in our city dedicated to supporting seniors, whether they be Indigenous, immigrants, refugees, or long-time Calgarians. We were invited to represent the Diocese of Calgary and chose to focus on our Catholic response to palliative care as seniors approach the end of life. Our booth featured posters, pamphlets, and various other resources designed to communicate the inherent dignity of every human person, a dignity that remains intact from the womb to the tomb. We highlighted the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ program Horizons of Hope, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every person feels loved, useful, and wanted until the moment they are called home by our loving Creator. As each of us engaged with individuals walking through the auditorium, we made a conscious effort to meet everyone as a fellow human being, a brother or sister of our Father in heaven. If our materials speak of human dignity and love of neighbour, then we knew we were called to embody that message in each encounter. These brief yet meaningful interactions often began with a warm smile or a simple gesture of welcome, an invitation from one person to another to share in the joy and hope that comes from the Good News: that we are all family. By engaging with heartfelt sincerity, we believe many people felt a genuine connection to our message and were moved to take some of our materials home. It is our hope and prayer that, through these resources and the encounters they experienced, individuals might come to see the beauty and sacredness of life, even in its final stages, and choose life, trusting that God will welcome them to their eternal home once their time has come.
With 30% of parishioners in the Diocese of Calgary aged 65 and older, the recent Seniors Ministry Engagement Gathering brought together permanent deacons, lay leaders, and parishioners to reflect on how the Church can walk more intentionally with older adults in this season of life. Participants considered the pastoral and spiritual needs of a growing aging population and reflected on Pope Francis’ words: “Old age is a vocation... a true mission from the Lord.” Through a prayerful process called Conversation in the Spirit, small groups discerned how parishes might recognize and support the unique gifts and calling of seniors. Key insights included:
The gathering concluded with next steps for envisioning parish responses and sharing helpful resources and program ideas that honour the dignity, wisdom, and vocation of our aging members. As one participant shared, “This is not about doing more—this is about seeing more clearly the treasure we already have in our elders.” Parishes interested in exploring or expanding ministry with seniors are invited to contact the Pastoral Ministry Office at the Diocese of Calgary for support, resources, and guidance:
Photos courtesy of Office of Pastoral Ministry and Deacon Carlos Perez. Celebrating the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – Sunday, July 27, 2025 Each year, on the Sunday closest to the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne—Jesus’ grandparents—the Church celebrates the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This year, the celebration falls on Sunday, July 27, and the theme is: “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (cf. Sir 14:2). This gentle yet powerful verse from Sirach reminds us that those who continue to place their trust in the Lord, especially in their later years, are a true blessing among us. In this Jubilee Year, the day invites us to recognize grandparents and the elderly as living signs of hope within our families and parishes. While the world often moves too fast to notice them, the Church reminds us: our elders matter deeply. Their witness, wisdom, and quiet perseverance are treasures we need.
Simple ways to celebrate Here are a few heartfelt ways your parish or family can mark this day: In your parish:
Plenary Indulgence A plenary indulgence is granted to those who attend the Sunday Mass (July 27), or who dedicate time to visit an elderly person in need, in person or virtually.
Those who are elderly, sick, or homebound may also receive the indulgence by uniting spiritually through prayer and offering their suffering to God. What Pope Francis wants us to remember Pope Francis reminds us in his Catechesis on Old Age, that “old age is a gift for all stages of life. It is a gift of maturity, of wisdom.” “Everything beautiful that a society has is related to the roots of the elderly... I would like the figure of the elderly to be highlighted, so that it be well understood that the elderly are not throwaway material: they are a blessing for society." Sources: Catholic Grandparents Associations; Dicastery for Laity Family and Life.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Pontifical Academy for Life, and other key partners are organizing an international interfaith symposium on palliative care. Entitled “Towards a Narrative of Hope”, this symposium will take place on May 21-23, 2024, in Toronto. With the objective to educate and build a culture of social responsibility in palliative care, experts from medical, ethical and pastoral contexts will focus on translating insights from the presentations and discussions into concrete strategies of actions. You can already watch a short video on the purpose of the symposium and the vital role of faith-based organizations and communities in promoting human dignity, compassion, and respect for patients and their families through the illness and dying process. Please find below, for your information the videos announcing this international interfaith symposium on palliative care. Video in French by Bishop Noël Simard, Bishop of Valleyfield QC, and Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life (PAV), and Chairman of the Scientific Board for the Symposium: https://youtu.be/zBYKDGrvDlE?si=bHQYZ51-Ol0cuazQ  First Sunday of Advent at Peter Lougheed Hospital Chapel, Dec 3, 2023. Great news! The celebration of Sunday Mass has resumed at three hospitals on the First Sunday of Advent in the City of Calgary. Patients, family members and friends, and hospital staff are now able to avail of this pastoral outreach in the following facilities:
 The accelerated adoption of the Euthanasia law in Canada has thrown us into a troubling attack on the sanctity of life. Initially introduced by the Canadian Government to alleviate severe physical suffering, the law is now being suggested as a method to "manage" mental health conditions. Bill C-7, an amendment to the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying (MAiD), proposes expanding eligibility for MAiD by removing the requirement that a person's natural death must be reasonably foreseeable. This could allow individuals not nearing the end of their lives, including those with mental illnesses such as depression, to avail themselves of this provision. Since its adoption, over 31,000 medically assisted suicides have occurred in Canada - a number projected to rise significantly with the planned expansion of the law to include those suffering from mental health conditions. However, mental health illnesses are highly treatable. Symptoms can be managed, and lives can be lived to the fullest. Broadening access to MAiD is not the solution, particularly when our priority should be to choose life over death. We must ensure all efforts are taken to protect the most vulnerable from medically assisted premature death, which can be prevented with adequate treatment and care. We should ensure that those suffering from mental illness are treated medically, not through assisted dying. Conservative MP Ed Fast has brought forward a Private Members Bill C-314 to rescind the government’s decision to expand Canada’s assisted suicide laws. The bill asserts that medical assistance in dying should not apply to persons suffering solely from mental illness. The vote will take place by members of parliament on October 18th. As the CCCB urges all the faithful in their Open Letter in May 2023: “We encourage individual Catholics and their families, faith communities, Catholic healthcare professionals and any other people of good will to continue courageously and unwaveringly to witness to life, to tend to and accompany the sick, to resist pressure to support or participate in ‘MAiD,’ and to pray that our law makers may see the harm in what they are permitting to take place.” Let's continue to pray for those living with mental health challenges and illnesses and those who care for them, that God may strengthen them in hope, and that they may find the support they need from family, healthcare professionals, faith communities, and others. The Catholic Women's League (CWL), a national organization of Catholic women, emphasizes the sanctity of human life as one of their key missions. Amidst the pressing social justice issue of inadequate mental health and palliative care services in Canada, and the critical concern surrounding MAiD, they are urging members and the faithful to take action and reach out to their Member of Parliament, requesting support for Bill C-314. With the vote scheduled for October 18th, time is critical. Please share this vital message with your family and friends.
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 It was a privilege to attend the Pastoral Care Training last September, facilitated by Virginia Battiste. The workshop was attended by 20 fellow parishioners from Holy Family Parish in Medicine Hat. Virginia Battiste, the facilitator, possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Diploma in Elementary Education, and a Master's of Theological Studies with a major in Pastoral Counseling. Role playing opportunities to practice newly acquired listening skills that focused on paying attention to another’s feelings rather than focusing simply on the facts, was incredibly beneficial for me. One of the takeaways from the Training was learning the four rules of Pastoral Care: 1) it's not about me, 2) Not to go in with my own or any agenda, 3) I'm not there to fix or solve problems, 4) it's all about the person I am visiting, hearing their story, so they know they matter to me. During the role-playing exercises, it was fascinating to see how easily and naturally we all slipped into trying to "fix" things by offering advice. Virginia did an excellent job of helping us recognize this problem-solving mentality. She guided us towards realizing when we were focusing on the other person's facts rather than their feelings. Once again, Pastoral Care emphasizes listening for feelings, not facts. Upon reflection, my favorite part of the weekend was the discussion on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). This topic highlighted Virginia's exceptional knowledge and passion. Her passion for helping Catholics understand their faith and the Church's teachings regarding assisted suicide led to an impassioned exhortation to stand up for what we believe. to be counter cultural, and to be faithful to the teachings of our faith. We are blessed with rich biblical teaching on the sanctity of life and redemptive suffering. It is never permissible to intentionally end a human life, one's own or another. In today's society, this is not a popular stance, but throughout history, the Catholic Church has taken unpopular stances. We must be strong in the Lord and stand for truth and the sanctity of life. Written by Valerie Dykstra, a pastoral care minister and parishioner of Holy Family, Medicine Hat.
Grief, despite its painful nature, can reveal our resilience. It can deepen our relationships and enhance our spirituality. While it's a difficult journey, it's also an opportunity for growth and transformation. I am a bereaved mother with experiences in traumatic loss, genetic loss due to a Edward’s Syndrome, and miscarriage loss. As well, I’m a psychologist, and for the past two and half decades, I have been privileged to journey with persons integrating grief. My personal experiences, as well as those of my marriage and family, have motivated me to live in a way that celebrates life, deepens spirituality, and strengthens connections. Grief often manifests as feelings of invisibility and isolation. These experiences, while common, can act as fertile ground for a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, unprocessed guilt, inhibiting shame, distorted personal narratives, marital disconnect, impacted sexuality, and infertility, among others. While I have grappled with feelings of invisibility and isolation, they occur less frequently now. Although I have benefited from psychological resources, I have found profound comfort in spiritual practices, and I am looking forward to share this with others. Miscarriage and early infancy loss are unique forms of grief, with a myriad of potential facets. These can include medical trauma, survivor guilt, sometimes relief, confusion, spiritual questioning, depression, cultural differences, and spousal differences. Such experiences often receive minimal recognition and may not even be directly linked to the loss. Consequently, the intensity of the loss may be intensified by feelings of minimization, invisibility, and loneliness.
Why should you attend? Firstly, grief is often a topic that is avoided as discussing it can be a painful reminder of the loss experienced, and people are biologically wired to avoid pain. Secondly, in my practice, I frequently encounter concerns about potentially hurting others by bringing up the subject of loss. However, have no fear - the pain already exists and discussing the loss can help relieving it, rather than intensifying it. When we avoid it, we risk creating a deeper wound - a sense of invisibility. The purpose of this workshop is to journey together, creating a safe space where we can share and navigate the complexities of grief and its integration into our lives. Finally, I’ve heard many say, "I don’t know what to say." In the workshop, you will learn through testimony of what has been helpful, including this statement. This workshop is open to everyone. You might consider attending if you have personally experienced a miscarriage, if you know someone who has suffered a miscarriage and you're unsure how to provide support, or if you frequently interact with families and want to be equipped to handle this specific form of grief. The organizers and participants hope that through this workshop, attendees will feel affirmed, find a space to share their experiences, receive comfort, embrace the opportunity to learn, possibly adjust their narratives if needed, and cultivate a desire to support others.
 My 95 year old mother did not know a grandparent, a cousin, an aunt or an uncle growing up. But it is like the Lord is making up for what she did not have, as now there are close to 90 of us with our families and children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Truly, the blessings of abundance are bountiful! Celebrating the third World Day for Grandparents and the elderly is especially heartwarming for me this year. First, to be a grandparent to 11 on earth, and to have my own mother still with us as a grandmother and great grandmother is truly a blessing. The alignment of the World Youth Day preparations with the celebration of this day serves as a reminder for young adults to appreciate the gift of their grandparents. As they participate in the festivities in Lisbon, Portugal, this year's World Day for Grandparents and Elderly theme, "His Mercy is from age to age" (Luke 1:15), echoes a message that God’s eyes are always on us. Taken from the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, this verse speaks volumes of the generations who celebrate in this Mercy.  The connection between the young and the old is vitally important. Whether it is being there as a grandparent to offer support and wisdom, or whether it is accepting the outstretched hand of the young offering help, both are so very necessary. Even if your grandparents are no longer with you, there are many elderly waiting to receive the touch of a grandchild figure, or for them to be a grandparent to a child. During the pandemic when care facilities, and other living accommodations were closed off to visitors, our family came up with an idea to be able to see mom everyday by using FaceTime. This allows us to pray the daily rosary with her, to bring to prayer those who had special needs, and to remain connected. For over 2.5 years we have continued the practice as a family, and those who are able to join in can do so on any given day. There are countless ways to maintain strong connections with our elderly loved ones, and each small effort can make a significant difference. Looking for ideas?
As grandparents we experience the joys and sufferings of each of our children and grandchildren. There are special needs, and there are many ways that we can be a blessing to our grown children and our grandchildren. I always recall with great gratitude the many times my own parents took our children, and the mercy shown to us when we were young parents. It is this boundless mercy shown to us that I desire to pass on to our own children and grandchildren. Those blessings that we received as young parents are still felt today, as I reach out to, and try to provide a place of secure welcome to our own grandchildren. To witness to, and to be there for our grandchildren, as our presence is required, allows our grandchildren to receive so many benefits of family living united in the hope and the promise of the gospel message. We are called to be there, and to especially be there for our aging parents / grandparents. To be a sign of hope in a culture that wants to cancel people is so very important. It means taking a stand and to pray through our current culture, while keeping our focus on what brings life. To be people of hope, when all hope seems diminished stands as a beacon for the world. God’s plan is so much bigger than what we can imagine, and we can be that sign of hope for others. It is not about a “perfect” life, it is about allowing God’s will and His plan to unfold for our lives, having the cross at the centre. It is about caring for those that God puts in our path. The love and respect given to and from grandparents can never be diminished. When cultures are cancelling the weak and the vulnerable, it is time to stand up, and be counter cultural. Let us be the “voice of one crying out in the wilderness” (Isaiah 40:3). Do not be afraid to be the one to show His Mercy, and to respect the life we have been given from conception to natural death. My grandfather, when asked how to raise children, simply said, “teach them their faith, and use good common sense.” Today this is still sound advice, so simple and yet so true. His words of wisdom have stood the test of time. As we navigate through this complex and unforgiving world, let’s revisit this advice, and may we proclaim with boldness the message of mercy to our grandchildren.
Everlasting joy: Serving & Listening in the Spirit Over the past year or so, I have been working as a waitstaff member at a retirement home in the northwest Calgary. It is a quaint place for independent seniors who do not require extensive care. My most treasured part about this job are the interactions I have with the residents at the retirement home. This, I believe to be a twofold interaction as I have noticed that the residents seldom receive family visits. The residents have a wealth of insights and wisdom to share, and what I commit to bring them in return is an infectious joy to hopefully brighten their days. I would not have chosen this job if I had not recognized the primary commitment to bringing joy. I have my own experiences with my grandparents and my faith to thank for that; because I cannot imagine how isolating it could feel to live here without much social interaction. Interestingly, I learned from a group of residents about a differing approach taken by another waitstaff member. Residents were advised to spend their free time in their suites rather than the all-day café near the dining area, which is typically designated for leisure. This baffled me. What could possibly lead one to believe that people, particularly seniors, would prefer to be cooped up away from everyone for days on end. These experiences further bolster my efforts to provide the most genuine and respectful service I can give. This primarily comes down to the smaller things. If there’s one thing the elderly desire from a service, is to feel that they are listened to. I cultivate this through a multitude of smaller actions, such as not just remembering and calling residents by their names; but also knowing their drink choices at each mealtime, as well as any allergies or food preferences. I make a point to acknowledge all of these preferences or requests when serving them; and I am always open to conversation. At the end of the day, I am here at this job to serve the elderly the best I can. I am drawn to this work, feeling motivated by the Holy Spirit to bring joy wherever I go and to whomever I interact. As we approach 2023's World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, I aim to continue dedicating my service both to God and to the senior residents in the retirement home. I pray for the Holy Spirit to help me continue to share God’s love and joy with the elderly.
 On Monday, May 26, 65 staff members from 35 parishes gathered at the FCJ Centre for a day of prayer and reflection. Coordinated by the Catholic Pastoral Centre team, the retreat was focused on the theme of “Being an Intentional Disciple – Knowing & Following Jesus”, with talks from Bishop McGrattan and Fr. Fabio DSouza from Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Calgary. Parish staff members spent the day praying and singing together, listening to sessions, participated in discussions, as well as spending time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Fr. Fabio DeSouza shared his testimony on how he was called to the priesthood and emphasized discipleship and mission as a journey led by God. He highlighted the significance of the Virgin Mary's response to the angel Gabriel and the third petition of the Lord's Prayer as expressions that capture the essence of our discipleship. Fr. Fabio also reiterated that each person possesses a unique calling and purpose, and embracing our mission actively contributes to the building of God's kingdom and the transformative work of God's grace. Overall, the retreat provided an excellent opportunity for all to recharge, connect, and renew their call to discipleship! Many expressed their gratitude for the chance to come together in prayer and reflection, and conveyed how much they appreciated it. We thank the FCJ Centre for being an excellent host, providing their facilities, as well as delicious and wholesome food throughout the day. We surely left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to our faith and mission at work.
  Photo credits: Brittany Teixeira, Glenda Anderson, and Fr. Wilbert Chin Jon.
 Together with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Bishop McGrattan is urging the faithful to continue to oppose the expansion of MAiD in Canada. The CCCB has just issued an Open Letter to the Government of Canada and a Message to the Catholic Faithful on May 9 re: Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide. We ask you to share the Bishop's message with your friends and family:
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