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From Lethbridge to Medicine Hat: Parishes embark on Renewal journey

4/13/2025

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On Sunday, April 6, 2025, ministry leaders at St. Martha’s Parish in Lethbridge gathered for an early afternoon of prayer, reflection, and discernment as part of their Parish Renewal Planning Day. About 25 leaders were present, representing a strong and diverse cross-section of the parish’s ministries.

Led by their Parish Renewal Team (PRT), the session followed the Diocese’s structured prayer-discernment process—Lectio Divina, ministry assessment, and action planning rooted in Conversation in the Spirit. The day's goal was not only to plan but to pray into action, grounding every step in the presence and prompting of the Holy Spirit.

“What surprised me,” shared Deacon Bruce Barnett, “was how easily the Conversations in the Spirit can slide into regular discussion. Without a constant reminder to remain prayerful, it’s easy to lose that posture of discernment. I think we need more experience and formation in this way of praying together.”

Still, the fruit was evident. The PRT was encouraged by the level of engagement and passion of their ministry leaders, especially when it came time to name concrete action items for spiritual growth and ministry renewal.

“We were pleasantly surprised,” Deacon Bruce noted, “by how deeply our leaders care—not just about running ministries, but about discerning how they can grow spiritually and serve the mission of the Church more intentionally.”
The afternoon was part of Step 2 in the Diocesan Pastoral Renewal process. Next, the PRT will review the proposed action items, hold internal workshops, and begin building a full Parish Renewal Plan, which will be announced to the whole parish later this year.
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Snapshots from Medicine Hat: Holy Family Parish Planning Day

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Holy Family Parish in Medicine Hat hosted their Parish Renewal Planning Day. As Parish Renewal Team member Heather Irvine shared, “We had a productive day of dreaming, sharing, and planning for Renewal in our parish.”

Ministry leaders spent the day in spirited conversation and prayer, discerning action steps to strengthen the parish’s mission and deepen the faith life of those they serve. Photos from the day show ministry leaders joyfully engaging in small group discussion, discernment, and community-building—a beautiful witness to the Spirit at work across the Diocese. ​​
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Photos courtesy of St. Martha's Parish in Lethbridge and Holy Family Parish in Medicine Hat. 

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Ascension Catholic Parish: Rooted in Mission, Open to the Spirit

4/7/2025

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A pastor can wildly overestimate what a parish can do in one year—but wildly underestimate what God can do through it in five.”
These words from Fr. John Luxbacher, LC, set the tone for a hopeful and Spirit-led journey of renewal at Ascension Catholic Parish, which held its first Parish Renewal Planning Session on March 29, 2025. This milestone event marked a significant step forward in responding to the Diocesan call to renewal—rooted in prayer, dialogue, and action.
The day began with the 9 am Mass, celebrated by Fr. John Luxbacher, L.C., who set the tone with a message of encouragement and mission. Following Mass, over 40 parish leaders gathered at 10 am for the meeting, moderated by the members of the Parish Renewal Team and the associate, Fr. Kevin Gillis, L.C.

After an introduction by Pat Brown, chair of the Parish Renewal Team (PRT), each ministry area split into its designated group for Lectio Divina and review of ministry assessment questions. These discussions, rooted in the Holy Spirit’s guidance, led to concrete “Ministry Renewal and Spiritual Growth Action Items”—practical steps to help each ministry grow in its mission.

Slow & Steady


​Rather than rushing, the team is embracing a long-term approach. Fr. John reflected, “It would be excellent if the Parish Renewal Team could help set up one significant initiative per semester—as a type of task force at the service of parish renewal.” He emphasized that while prayerful planning is important, it’s prayerful promotion and implementation that will now take the lead.
Already, signs of renewal are appearing. Fr. John mentioned that a young mom’s group recently started up on its own initiative, and that, without it being planned, there has been a grassroots renewal of the Pastoral Care team at Ascension Parish. “The Holy Spirit is always at work,” said Fr. John. “I don’t want to quelch anything that contributes to our mission.”
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Fr. Kevin Gillis, LC, Associate Pastor, also sees potential. “With nine Catholic elementary schools in our parish boundaries, we see the need to offer more for youth and children.” He’s hopeful about hosting a summer camp, following last year’s positive response.

Openness to the work of the Holy Spirit

At Ascension Catholic Parish, several areas of improvement have already been identified. “Considering that there are 9 Calgary Catholic Elementary Schools in our parish boundaries, we want to be able to offer more in the area of youth and children,” said Fr. Kevin Gillis, LC, Associate Pastor, who regularly visits classrooms and celebrates the liturgy at 3 of those schools. After an initial positive outcome last year, he is promoting a summer camp at the parish.
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Next Steps

One of the most striking outcomes of the day was the desire for continued collaboration. As leaders shared a meal at the end of the session, many expressed their hope to gather again—a testament to the energy and sense of mission that emerged from the day.

Ascension Catholic Parish’s mission statement reflects the core vision of the Diocesan Renewal: to be missionary disciples.  The Planning Session mirrored the call to become ever more a Church of encounter and witness. This gathering was not simply about planning—it was about discerning where the Holy Spirit is leading our parish and how we, as missionary disciples, can respond. As the journey of renewal continues, parish leaders and ministries will take these Action Items forward, preparing to submit Ascension Catholic Parish’s Renewal Plan in June 2025.
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Would you like to be part of this diocesan-wide journey? Stay connected with your parish community as we continue to walk together in renewal, building a vibrant and faith-filled Church in the Diocese of Calgary.

Submitted by Ascension Catholic Parish's Communications Office. Photos courtesy of Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary.
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St. Mary's Brooks Parish Renewal Day: We're off and running!

3/31/2025

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We're excited to share a few photos from the Diocesan Renewal Planning Day at St. Mary’s Parish in Brooks!

This gathering marks Step 2 in the Parish Planning Process happening across the Diocese of Calgary, as parishes prepare their Parish Renewal Plan for submission in June 2025. During this step, each ministry area contributes Ministry Renewal and Spiritual Growth Action Items to their parish’s plan—through prayer, planning, and meaningful conversations.

Bonnie Annicchiarico from the Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team was present at the planning day and expressed deep gratitude to the Parish Renewal Team for leading an excellent day of prayer, conversation in the Spirit, planning, and listening. “We’re off and running,” she said, “and your leadership is so appreciated. God bless you all!”
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To accompany the parish planning day, Fr. Eli Cañete led 15 hours of Adoration—inviting the Holy Spirit to guide St. Mary’s renewal journey. His prayerful presence and active involvement throughout the day were a powerful witness of pastoral leadership and support.​

To get a glimpse of what their Parish Planning Day looks like, see the photos below.
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A Parish united: St. Joseph’s leaders collaborate for Renewal

3/17/2025

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How often do we hear ourselves say, “I’m too busy,” when invited to something outside our routine?

​No doubt that with full calendars and countless responsibilities, carving out 5 hours on a Saturday for our Parish Renewal Planning Day would feel like just another obligation. Yet, despite their reservations, St. Joseph's Parish ministry leaders showed up. Not just that, but they also brought with them the same kindness, dedication, and willingness to serve, which made their ministries thrive.


At first, some weren’t sure what to expect, but as the discussions unfolded, something shifted. The conversations were engaging, and many found themselves drawn in. One ministry leader admitted, "Honestly, when I first got the invitation, it felt like a chore, and finding the time for this meeting was tough. But once the discussion started with other ministry leaders, I quickly thought, ‘Oh, I like this—and where it’s going!’"
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Engagement was high —faces definitely lit up with passion as ministry leaders exchanged ideas, eager to enrich their parish communities with the gift of their ministries.
"Time flew by, and we had rich discussions and new perspectives were definitely gained."
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This energy carried into the heart of our Parish Planning Day, where leaders tackled the challenge of transforming survey insights and parishioner feedback into meaningful steps for renewal. The goal wasn’t just to discuss change but to bring it to life in a way that strengthens and inspires the entire parish community.

With fifteen of our nineteen ministries represented, the day was rich with diverse perspectives on the future of our parish. This spirit of renewal is nothing new to us—throughout our history, dating back to 1912, St. Joseph’s Parish has continually adapted to serve the needs of our community. From our early years serving nearly all of north Calgary of the Bow River to becoming a cornerstone of faith for families in Mount Pleasant, our parish has always embraced renewal. Today, it’s wonderful to see multiple generations worshipping in the same space where their faith journey began. 
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That sense of legacy was alive during the Renewal Planning Day. As ministry leaders reflected on their mission, many found new clarity and inspiration. The goal was not just to discuss ideas but to spark a renewed focus in our ministries—to refocus goals, foster collaboration, and find new ways to call others into faith. By doing so, we can better reach those separated from God’s word and build a strong community of faithful families with the love of the Lord at the center of their lives.

For many, the small group discussions were especially powerful. One participant expressed, "Our discussions, especially in our ministry area group, are important. I felt validated—my concerns were heard, and that mattered,” shared one participant. Another reflected, “It was eye-opening to hear from other leaders. I hadn’t expected such deep attention and care for my ministry’s challenges and vision.”
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As a parish, we face the same challenges as the broader Calgary community—affordable housing, redevelopment, poverty, and addiction. And in the broader context, we are walking alongside other parishes around the world trying to call back those who have left their faith practice. This planning day set the stage for how St. Joseph might prepare to tackle the challenges of its next 100 years.
With renewal efforts in the Diocese beginning in 2017, the 2024 Diocesan survey offered parishioners a chance to provide extensive feedback. Now, with our March planning day, we take the next step—turning those insights into action.

For some, the experience was transformative. One ministry leader admitted, “I thought I knew what my ministry needed coming into this meeting, but I underestimated the process. After time in discussions and prayer, it became clear that my ministry was called to support another—to help each other thrive, so together, we can strengthen our parish’s evangelization.”

I felt blessed to see our ministry leaders passionately discuss their ministries and how they impact the people they serve. Even more exciting was seeing opportunities bubble to the surface for greater ministry coordination during the assessment portion of the day.

One ministry leader tried to capture the heart of the renewal: “This isn’t about just strengthening my own ministry or parish. Evangelization has to be at the centre of everything. We’re not called to work in silos for our own small goals—by working together, we can accomplish far more for Christ.”

That mindset—collaborating beyond individual ministries—also challenges us to be more adaptable. How do we stay nimble, communicate new opportunities effectively, and help our parish respond to the fast-paced changes ahead?

What I think all members of the Diocese can be excited about with this renewal effort is that it is not a one-and-done event. It’s a continual cycle - listening, reflecting, acting, and then listening again. This planning day equipped ministry leaders with a framework to carry that process into their own ministries, helping our parish prepare not just for today but for the next 100 years.

As participants wrapped up the session, the intensity of the discussions was clear. Watching people leave the session, you could see we were drained. Five hours of evaluating, planning, and praying took its toll. But, in a good way. A little like taking all our worries and petitions at the foot of His altar. 'Alright Lord, we’ve done everything we can. Now it’s Your turn." 

Written by Megan Ritchie, Parish Renewal Leader chair, St. Joseph's Parish in Calgary.
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Meet Ryan Schmidt, Pastoral Renewal Director

3/11/2025

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A parishioner at Sacred Heart in Strathmore and former CEO of the Strathmore Stampede, Ryan holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Dominican University College in Ottawa. He brings strong leadership and a deep heart for evangelization.
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Contact Ryan Schmidt
[email protected]
403-218-5524

Ryan is a passionate and proven leader with a heart that aches for renewal in our parishes and for evangelization, so that all may experience the healing love of Christ.  After a life changing encounter with the Lord in his early twenties, Ryan spent two years in formation with the Companions of the Cross, followed by the completion of a Bachelor of Philosophy degree and a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from Dominican University College in Ottawa.  He won the Governor General’s Medal for each of those degrees. 
 
Over the past 20 years through roles in the public and private sector as well as corporate and community organizations Ryan has become a trusted leader who has led positive transformational change.  From senior advisory roles to federal cabinet ministers to corporate roles in charge of government and aboriginal relations, business development and mergers & acquisitions, Ryan developed, led and executed on key strategies.  Most recently, Ryan spent the last six years as CEO of the Strathmore & District Agricultural Society (Strathmore Stampede) where he has led the transformation and renewal of the Society for its 400+ employees and volunteers.
 
Ryan is most proud of his prominent role in negotiating and coordinating the Government of Canada’s formal Apology to former students of the Indian Residential School Systems, developing the Kent Hills 3 Wind Project, as well as establishing the Cowboy Town Concert Series, founding Canada’s largest Rodeo School, and the construction of Infield Suites at the Strathmore Stampede.  Ryan attributes the accomplishment of these projects to prioritizing and focusing on relationships and people. 
 
Throughout his professional career, Ryan has prioritized his and his family’s relationships with Christ and has focused his efforts on evangelization and spiritual growth for men, establishing new ministries in each area.  He believes that his own formation, experience and education have all been part of a plan to prepare him as a leader to assist with renewal in the Calgary diocese.  He is currently a parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish in Strathmore and he and his wife raise their four children on a small farm outside of town.
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Sacred Grace: A commitment to sacramental life

3/10/2025

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The Information Session crowd at St. Albert the Great Parish last Feb 9, 2025.
The Diocese of Calgary is moving forward with preparations for a Sacred Grace: Church Wedding for Civilly Married Couples - to be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sep 13, 2025 with Bishop William T. McGrattan.

This initiative, led by the Diocesan Renewal Team and the Permanent Diaconate community, aims to strengthen family life and welcome Catholic couples into the full sacramental life of the Church. Central to the Renewal mission is the dedicated involvement of the Diocese's Permanent Deacons, who are playing an important role in every step of the process. 
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This event addresses the needs of Catholic couples whose civil marriages have not yet been recognized as sacramental unions. It offers a compassionate response to families seeking to fully participate in the Church's sacramental life, including those who desire to have their children receive the sacraments.

The Deacons are taking on a wide range of responsibilities to ensure the success of this initiative. Their contributions extend from administrative tasks to pastoral roles: 
  • Advisory and documentation assistance
  • Conducting interviews and mentoring during Information or processing sessions
  • Facilitating marriage integration courses
  • Serving as wedding officiants for groups of couples
The preparation for Sacred Grace spans nearly two years. Starting with initial meetings with parish priests in December 2024, the timeline includes organizational sessions, study days for Deacons, and multiple Marriage Preparation Courses. Each step ensures that the couples are spiritually and canonically ready for the sacramental celebration. 

This initiative is more than just a ceremony; it’s a reflection of the Church’s commitment to family life, pastoral care, and the transformative power of the sacraments. It’s about welcoming couples into the fullness of God’s grace and walking alongside them as they deepen their relationship with Christ and the Church.

It is a testament to what can be achieved when clergy, laity, and diocesan leadership work together to bring the faithful closer to God. ​
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Deacon Dan Deck at the Info Session
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Your marriage is a Gift - Make it a Sacrament. ​

Join the last two info sessions of Sacred Grace
  • Sunday, March 23 at noon, St. Martha Parish (​355 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge)
  • Saturday, March 29 at 6 pm, Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat)

​For more information, visit the Sacred Grace page.
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Renewal begins with you

3/1/2025

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The Diocese of Calgary is on a journey of Renewal—but Renewal isn’t about programs or plans. Renewal begins with you.
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A personal Renewal draws us closer to Jesus, and when we grow in Him, we become better disciples. This Lent, we invite you to take up the challenge of personal Renewal. No pressure, no perfection—just a step toward Christ.  
Renewal isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about inviting Jesus into your daily life." ~Deacon Marc O'Loughlin. 

​Will you take up the challenge?
Consider these simple ways to pray for renewal in our heart, our parish, and our diocese this Lenten season:
  • Pray daily the Holy Spirit Prayer (below), asking for Renewal in your heart, parish, and diocese.
  • Pray the Rosary with the intention of Renewal.
  • Offer up a Mass—try attending a weekday Mass.
  • Spend time in Adoration, resting in Christ’s presence.
  • Pray the Way of the Cross, reflecting on His sacrifice.
  • Practice Friday abstinence or fasting as an offering for Renewal.
  • Simply pray: "Holy Spirit, show me what I can do for Renewal." 

Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen."
Renewal Intentions
  • For all the faithful during these forty days of Lent, that the Holy Spirit may stir in their hearts a deeper hunger and thirst to know Jesus and a desire to imitate Him more closely. ​Let us pray to the Lord. 
  • That we may grow in holiness, cooperating more closely with God in building His Kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord. 
  • For a renewed sense of purpose and mission, that the Holy Spirit may enkindle in us a deeper commitment to building the Kingdom of God. Let us pray to the Lord. 
  • For leaders of parish ministries, that they may sincerely seek the will of the Lord in their pastoral planning, setting aside personal preferences and agendas. Let us pray to the Lord. 
  • That through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord may grant us strength and courage to take up our cross and persevere on the path of renewal. Let us pray to the Lord. 
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Living the Jubilee: A Chinese New Year of Faith, Renewal, and Community

2/16/2025

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This year’s Chinese New Year Banquet (Feb 7, 2025) hosted by Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) at the Chinese Cultural Centre was truly a Jubilee celebration! Titled Pilgrims of Hope, this wasn’t their usual parish celebration—it brought together performances and ministries from all over the Diocese. This year, choirs from St. Michael’s, St. Vincent Liem, St. Mark’s, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Luke, and more added to the festivity with their music and messages of hope.

One of the night's biggest highlights was the Dragon Dance, performed by both adult and youth groups. The evening also featured a Wushu performance, dances, traditional songs, and an energetic young adults' performance with catchy tunes that had everyone clapping along with "Sweet Caroline." Another standout moment was a skit depicting an immigrant family’s journey to Calgary and how they found a home in the parish community, performed by OLPH’s largest ministry, Catholic Family Fellowship. The generous lucky draw also kept the excitement going throughout the night. Here's a snippet from the performances in a 10-minute video. 

Deacon Edward Lam and his wife, Anne, who coordinated the event, were pleased with the turnout—over 600 guests and volunteers packed the venue. It was clear the event was beyond sold out, as many observed, “All the tables were packed, barely any room to move; the tables overflowed to outside the hall.”

For the Jubilee Year, OLPH's three choirs combined their efforts and sang the Jubilee 2025 Hymn "Pilgrims of Hope" in English, Mandarin, and more languages. This was followed by an inspiring reflection on the Jubilee's blessings, renewal, and hope by Bishop McGrattan.
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Volunteer Susan Li shared, “Tonight was filled with amazing energy, laughter and chatter, and the aroma of delicious dishes!” From performers to guests, everyone felt the unity and joy of the evening. She added, “The lion and dragon dances were always the cultural highlights, and the lucky draws kept everyone excited. It was a night to remember.”

For Val DeGagne, a choir coordinator from St. Luke’s, the night was more than just a performance. “My choir thoroughly enjoyed the evening—fun, food, entertainment—it had it all,” she said. “The hospitality was amazing, and the event was so well organized. And honestly, we don’t often get time to just sit and visit like that, so it was really special.”

One guest shared: this is the event she looks forward to all year. “It’s never the same twice, and it’s wonderful to see how a small parish can pull off something this big! And let’s be honest—the food is always incredible,” she said. The traditional 10-course Chinese meal was, as always, a huge hit.
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This jubilee celebration was a reflection of what we are called to embrace this year — faith, unity, and a deeper connection with one another in Christ. With such an incredible turnout, it’s clear that this beloved tradition will continue to grow and inspire for years to come.

Photos courtesy of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. For more photos, click here.
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Cast into the Deep: Parish Renewal Planning

2/16/2025

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The Diocese of Calgary continues the journey of pastoral renewal as parishes enter the Parish Renewal Planning stage. Over the past year, communities have engaged in listening and discernment through the Parish Renewal Survey and parish conversations. Now, ministry leaders in parishes across the diocese are preparing to take the next steps in planning and implementation.

Parish Renewal Teams across the Diocese

On Saturday, Feb. 8, Parish Renewal Teams (PRTs) across the diocese gathered in their parishes to take part in an important formation session. Bishop McGrattan and the Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team joined via Zoom to guide the discussion, outlining the next steps for parish renewal planning. The session reinforced that this is not just another initiative—it is a call to trust the Holy Spirit and step forward in faith.
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One of the strongest takeaways from the meeting was clarity. Many teams appreciated the structure, and feel more equipped for the next stage. "The timeline was absolutely helpful. Now we have a clear process to follow, and an important reminder: this is about discernment, not personal agendas." 

"Useful templates and clear instructions so that PRTs do not have to develop their own format."

For others, the session provided much-needed reassurance that Renewal is not about rushing to quick solutions, as noted by one participant, "Renewal is a process…it will take time. That’s a relief. It had felt overwhelming at times." 

Above all, there was a shared sense of commitment—not just from parish leaders, but from the diocese as a whole. One participant shared, "We need to lean on and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us. A lot of work has been put in by the diocesan team to provide us with the direction and tools we made to proceed. The Diocese is committed!" 
Moving from discernment to action

With the vision in place, parishes are now preparing for their Parish Renewal Planning Days. These gatherings will be dedicated times of prayer, reflection, and strategic planning, where ministry leaders will come together to set priorities for their communities. The process will unfold in stages:

  • ​Step 1: Entering the Planning Stage (Where we are now)
    Parishes are officially beginning their Parish Renewal Planning. After a year of listening and discernment, ministry leaders will gather for a Parish Renewal Planning Day to pray, reflect, and set priorities for the future.

  • Step 2: Parish Renewal Planning Day
    A dedicated day of prayer and planning, where parish leadership will seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to shape the renewal process. More than a meeting, this is a time to trust, surrender, and step forward in faith.

  • Step 3: First Draft
    Following the Planning Day, the Parish Renewal Team will draft the first version of the Parish Renewal Plan. The broader parish community will have an opportunity to review and provide input.

  • Step 4: Finalizing the Plan
    With feedback from both parishioners and parish leaders, the final Parish Renewal Plan will be completed and submitted to the Diocese by June 15. This roadmap will guide each parish in faith, mission, and growth.

  • Step 5: Plan Kickoff & Commissioning
    On October 4-5, 2025, the Parish Renewal Plan will be officially launched, marking the third anniversary of the Diocesan Pastoral Renewal on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This will be a time of celebration and commitment for the parish community.

  • Step 6: Ongoing Renewal & Annual Review
    Renewal is a journey, not a one-time event. Each year, parishes will review and adjust their plans to remain open to where the Holy Spirit leads.

For many, this structured approach has brought a renewed sense of confidence. One team member remarked, ​“This enables us to have a concrete plan to put into fruition what we have been discerning for the past year.”

​A Shared Journey

The orientation session was a reminder that renewal is not meant to be walked alone. Parish leaders, ministry teams, and the diocesan leadership are all co-responsible in this mission. As each parish continues this process, the faithful are invited to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and to remain engaged in the renewal journey. 

With faith, trust, and a willingness to cast into the deep, let us pray: 
For our parish community, called to pastoral renewal, may the Holy Spirit pour forth upon our parish and ministry leaders who will be involved in the planning process. Grant them wisdom, courage, and unity to discern Your will and embrace renewal for the growth of our faith community. May this renewal journey deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and empower us to be His faithful disciples, bringing hope and love to all we encounter, let us pray to the Lord...
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Formation Day at Ascension Catholic Parish: Building a Better Life

2/16/2025

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On Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the context of our diocesan Renewal, Ascension Catholic Parish with Regnum Christi hosted a faith formation day entitled Building a Better Life. This “Integral Formation” Day provided an opportunity to nourish various aspects of the Christian personality. It touched upon four themes, each corresponding to one of four “pillars” of development, namely our human, spiritual, apostolic, and intellectual formation. The presentations offered insights as well as practical tools to deepen the daily living of our faith.

The day began with a session on The Language of Apology, led by Eileen Coady. She explored the profound impact of sincerity and vulnerability in relationships. Later on in the morning, Fr. Janick Caouette, LC spoke on Living Our Baptismal Promises. This delved into the extended rite of baptism from the Roman Missal. “Understanding more of the baptismal promises was incredibly insightful,” said one participant, “Everyone should hear them.” Michelle Hoffman guided participants through Ignatian Meditation Using Art, providing a structured and transformative way to pray. We listen to God in his Word, with art helping to open new intuitions, through Beauty.
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The closing session was an invitation to continue learning the Faith. David Keep delivered a moving talk on Intellectual Formation, sharing how learning about his Catholic faith led to his conversion—and to his ongoing journey, of continual conversion. His testimony highlighted the call to strive for holiness in everyday life, and it was “a reminder that growth takes time, guidance, support, and grace.”

The day concluded with opportunities for fellowship and moments of quiet reflection, allowing participants to integrate the day’s insights into their own spiritual journeys. Each participant was also given a Jubilee virtue card, encouraging them to entrust themselves to the care of a patron saint for the year.
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Ascension Catholic Parish plans on continuing to provide content that is engaging, thoughtful, and relevant so that parishioners might develop different areas of their lives. As an activity aimed at personal growth and formation, the Formation Day fosters a greater awareness of the diocesan renewal by both teaching the great story of Jesus and His Church, as well as listening to others’ lived experiences of our life as Catholics.

​The lay association Regnum Christi was instrumental in organizing this event, in its mission to educate and prepare youth and families for joy-filled lives of mission, service and prayer through excellent integral formation. Other follow-up activities will be arranged over the course of this Jubilee year. 

Written by Fr. John Paul Luxbacher, LC. To receive invitations to Regnum Christi activities, please feel free to contact [email protected], with the tag “Formation Day.”
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Holiness and Service

2/11/2025

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Today, on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Church observes the World Day of Prayer for the Sick, a day dedicated to lifting up those who suffer and those who care for them. The Jubilee of Hope makes this year's celebration particularly special.

In this spirit of hope and renewal, members of the Calgary Catholic Medical Association (CCMA) gathered on February 1, 2025 for their annual breakfast at Heritage Park Railway Café. With Bishop William McGrattan as the keynote speaker, the morning was a rich opportunity for reflection on the theme of holiness, service, and the integration of faith in the medical profession. As Bishop McGrattan highlighted, this jubilee year is indeed an opportunity for healthcare professionals to focus on the perennial challenge to integrate faith in one's life and work of service.
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Becoming Beacons of Hope

​Bishop McGrattan's talk, "Mission of Hope," was a real call to action – an invitation to those in medical field to become beacons of hope. He wasn't just talking about expertise, but about living our faith openly. He reminded us what Pope Francis said in Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad) – that holiness isn't some far-off, impossible dream for a chosen few, but something we're all called to.

“Holiness is the most attractive face of the Church,” he shared, quoting Gaudete et Exsultate. “To be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest, or a religious. We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case. We are called to be holy by living our life with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.” (GE No. 14)
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He added, "For healthcare professionals, your daily work is more than a job—it is a vocation, a path to holiness. The long hours, the difficult decisions, the emotional weight of your work—these can all be opportunities to bring Christ’s love into the lives of the sick and suffering. But this kind of witness does not happen by accident. It requires intentionality, prayer, and a commitment to growing in faith."
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A Physician’s Story of Hope

​Dr. Monique Withers, chair of CCMA, shared a personal testimony that resonated deeply with this call to holiness. With over 40 years as a family physician, she has witnessed countless moments of grace in her practice, but one encounter really stood out.

“A patient came in and told me that she had decided to stay with me despite of her family’s objection,” Dr. Withers then recalled. “I asked her what this objection was. The answer was: ‘Dr. Withers, you are Catholic!’” The patient then added, ‘I told my family that you do not condemn, you forgive.’

For Dr. Withers, this was a confirmation that through prayer and the sacraments, she was on the right path—offering not just medical care but also a presence of Christ’s mercy and compassion. It was a moment of hope, a reminder that faith, lived authentically, has the power to heal beyond physical ailments. 
Bishop McGrattan highlighted that this Jubilee Year is an extraordinary time of grace. Pope Francis, in his Bull of Indiction Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint - Rom 5:5), calls the faithful to a renewed commitment to the Christian life. Read also: Pope Francis' message for the 33rd World Day of the Sick
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“Every jubilee year is an invitation to be more intentional in our living of the Christian life. To renew our life and to focus on the many ways that we receive the gift of God’s grace. It is a year to experience the call to conversion, to strengthen the living of the faith, and deepen our relationship with God,” Bishop said. 
For Catholic healthcare workers, this means resisting the temptation to separate their faith from their profession. The Second Vatican Council warned against this tendency: “One of the most serious errors of our time is to see that religion and faith are not just acts of worship or simply fulfilling moral obligations and that one cannot simply engage in human affairs and think that such activities are divorced or separated from one’s religious life and faith” (Gaudium et Spes No. 43).
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Rather, faith must permeate every aspect of life—including work. Pope Francis cautioned against an “excess of activity” that lacks adequate spiritual grounding, warning that “without this spiritual permeation our activity can be tiring, burdensome, dissatisfying, and become an unbearable fatigue.” (Evangelii Gaudium No. 82)
​A Recipe for Spiritual Resilience
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How can healthcare professionals cultivate this integration of faith and work? Each one of us is called to do the personal work to grow in Holiness. The bishop emphasized that the willingness to grow in this way is an act of love towards God. The ‘recipe‘ he proposed can be found in The Six Daily Habits book by Fr. John O’Brien, SJ, who lives at the Martyr’s Shrine in Midland , Ontario. 
  1. Morning Offering – Begin each day by entrusting yourself to God and His blessing.
  2. Prayer with Scripture – Each day spend 10-15 min to read and reflect on the Word of God. This could be the Gospel passage for the Mass that day.
  3. Spiritual Reading – Choose a spiritual book or podcast and spend 5-10 min of reading or listening to themes that will inspire you in your spiritual life and relationship with Christ and His Body the Church.
  4. Good Turn or Deed – Choose to perform in an intentional way one act a day that is out of the ordinary practice of charity.
  5. Something Beautiful – Engage in activities that provide inspiration and renewal each day. They could be hobbies, outdoor activities, music, art, etc.
  6. Examen Prayer – Take time, usually at the end of the day, to look back and see the blessings that one received, the opportunities that one failed to act in charity and then the resolve and the asking of God’s grace to respond in a more generous way in the coming day.
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Dr. Monique exlaimed, "It was very helpful for us to have the Bishop role model for us some of the daily habits he uses to carry out His own personal Mission as our Bishop. He spoke to us from his heart, which is a powerful way to teach an important message."

As we mark this World Day of Prayer for the Sick and journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope, let us take to heart the words of Pope Francis: “Let the grace of your baptism bear fruit in the path of holiness. Let everything be open to God; turn to him in every situation. Do not be dismayed, for you can do this in the power of the Holy Spirit.” (GE No. 15)
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For those in the medical field who seek a community of faith and support, the Calgary Catholic Medical Association extends an open invitation: Join us in living out this mission of hope. 

Photos courtesy of Calgary Catholic Medical Association. For more information about Calgary Catholic Medical Association, visit: ​catholicmedyyc.wordpress.com
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The start of something bold...

2/3/2025

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Since October 2023, our Diocese has been on a journey of Pastoral Renewal, and now, we are entering the Parish Pastoral Renewal Planning phase.

This is a start of something extraordinary— a bold step forward as we deepen our commitment to Renewal and venture into uncharted waters. "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." ~Luke 5:4. 
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Join us in prayer as we prepare for the February 8 meeting of our Pastors and Parish Renewal Teams. This important gathering will offer an orientation to the parish renewal planning process, a spiritual journey centered on Christ.

​Together, as parish leaders and community members, we will seek God's guidance to develop a renewal plan with concrete actions that will transform our parish life and foster the spiritual growth of all its members. 
The ultimate fruit of renewal is when the joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus Christ" (Evangelii Gaudium, 1)
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Sacred Grace

1/13/2025

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Imagine a wedding day filled with joy and love, yet missing one vital presence. For many couples married only civilly, that presence is Christ. Sacred Grace, an initiative from the Diocese of Calgary, offers civilly-married couples a sacred path to bring their union into the fullness of God’s grace by celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony.

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:30 PM, couples will gather at St. Mary’s Cathedral to celebrate this sacred milestone. Presided over by Bishop William T. McGrattan, the event promises to be a day of spiritual renewal and grace for couples and their families.
Marriage is more than a commitment between a man and a woman; it's a divine vocation that reflects God's covenant with His people. It allows couples to experience God's grace by receiving spiritual strength to grow in love, face challenges, and live out their vocation together. It also strengthens families by building a foundation centered on faith, hope, and love for the home and future generations. Moreover, it allows couples to witness God's love, letting their marriage be a light to others and showing the beauty of a life lived with Christ.​​
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Deacon Greg Barcelon, who championed this initiative after participating in similar celebrations in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, has seen firsthand the beauty and transformation that come with sacramental marriage.
Stories of Grace

Sacred Grace is here for couples ready to take this step of faith and love. If you know someone married civilly who are seeking the Sacrament of Matrimony, please share this opportunity with them. It’s a chance to deepen their faith and enrich their marriage with God’s presence.

One couple, married for ten years, shared, “It was a beautiful experience. We’re so thankful we participated. Our youngest is receiving First Communion this spring, and we wanted to be married in the Church before that.”

Another couple reflected on their journey: “After battling lymphoma twice, we promised to invite God’s blessing into our marriage. We’re so grateful for His healing and this opportunity.” 
​The primary purpose of marriage is not to make husband and wife happy, but to make them holy. It is a vocation, a way of sanctity, a means of growing in virtue and helping each other on the path to heaven."  ​~Venerable Fulton Sheen
The Sacred Grace initiative is supported by a dedicated team of permanent deacons who are committed to preparing couples for this significant step. They are available to answer any questions and guide participants through the process.

Deacon Greg reflects, “Sacramental marriages are mirrors that reflect God’s love for His people and His Church. When couples receive this grace, it’s not just transformative—it’s inspiring.” 

“We are part of the greatest love story ever,” he explains. “God loved us first, emptied Himself, and gave everything for us. Inviting Him into your marriage transforms it—not just on your wedding day, but every day after.”

On September 13, 2025, couples will renew their commitment to each other and to God in a celebration of love and holiness. "Your marriage is a Gift - Make it a Sacrament."

Information sessions are offered at the following dates and locations:
  1. Sunday, February 9 at 6 pm, St. Albert the Great Parish (10 Prestwick Dr SE, Calgary) - Register now
  2. Thursday, March 6 at 6 pm, St. Michael's Parish (800 85 St. SW, Calgary) - Register now
  3. Sunday, March 9 at 6 pm, St. Thomas More's Parish, Calgary (15 Templebow Rd NE, Calgary) - Register now
  4. Sunday, March 16 at 6 pm, St. Patrick's Parish, Calgary (1414 Shawnessy Blvd SW, Calgary) - Register now
    (Two more locations for Lethbridge and Medicine Hat) will be available soon. ​​
It is the presence of the Lord, who reveals Himself and the gift of His grace, that will render your marriage full and profoundly true.”  ​Pope Francis
For more detailed information and answers to common questions about the Sacred Grace initiative—such as the nature of a sacramental marriage and the preparation process—please visit catholicyyc.ca/sacredgrace. ​​
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Welcoming Sacred Relics to Tsuut’ina Nation

12/23/2024

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Be part of history as Tsuut’ina Nation hosts the Canadian tour of the First Class Relics of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha—the first canonized Indigenous woman in North America—and the Jesuit Missionary Martyrs. 

​Date & Time: Sunday, Jan 5, 10 am–2 pm
Location: Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Jim Starlight Centre, Tsuut’ina Nation (19 Bullhead Rd, Priddis, AB) - Direction

The day begins at 10 am with a Traditional Ceremonial Welcome of the Relics, followed by the Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop William T. McGrattan. All are welcome—Catholics and non-Catholics alike!

​Schedule of Events
  • 9:30 am – Doors open to the public.
  • 10:00 am – Traditional Ceremonial Welcome of the Sacred Relics, followed by the Mass of the Epiphany of the Lord celebrated by Bishop William T. McGrattan.
  • 12:00 pm – Jesuit Program for the National Relic Tour, including:
    • Preached meditation on the significance of the relics and history of the saints.
    • Private/personal veneration of the relics.
    • Interpretative and educational exhibits featuring:
      • History of early relations between Indigenous peoples and Catholic missionaries.
      • Local history of the Diocese of Calgary and Southern Alberta First Nations.
      • Indigenous Catholics with open Causes for Canonization.
      • Cultural displays and memorabilia from the 2022 Papal Visit to Canada.
  • 2:00 pm – Closing prayers and final blessing with the relic of St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
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*Coffee will be made available following the Mass
*The concession of the Sportsplex is open to purchase food

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DOWNLOAD LETTER
Read the invitation from Tsuut'ina Nation & Bishop McGrattan

To our Tsuut ina families, friends and neighbours-all are welcome,

On the momentous occasion of the Canadian tour of the First Class Relics of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha-the Catholic Church's first canonized Indigenous woman in North America and those of the first Jesuit Missionary Martyrs, the
Tsuut'ina Nation is pleased to collaborate with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary and the Jesuits of Canada to host a special event on the Traditional Lands of the Tsuut'ina People.

Sunday, January 5, 2025 will be a unique start to the new year by Tsuut'ina in becoming the leading First Nation in Canada to welcome these historic relics, sacred to many Roman Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Hosted at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex and Jim Starlight Centre, all will be welcome, including neighbours from the City of Calgary and beyond, to participate in a Catholic Mass celebrated by Bishop William T. McGrattan, as well as the formal reception of the relics through Traditional Ceremony and Prayer.
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This celebration hopes to foster the ongoing efforts at Reconciliation desired by Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, especially by showcasing the unique expression of Catholic faith which has developed over the centuries for First Nations Catholics in Canada.

Please join us at 10:00am to 2:00 pm, Sunday January 5, 2025.

For additional information, please visit: http://martyrs-shrine.com/relic-tour/


XÀKUJÁGHÁ Minor Chief Regena Crowchild
Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary

​Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history and faith in action. All are welcome! 
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A Call to Be Signs of Hope

12/22/2024

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Image: Vatican News
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has proclaimed a Jubilee Year through his apostolic bull Spes non confundit ("Hope Does Not Disappoint"). This extraordinary year of grace will be inaugurated in all local churches (dioceses) on Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. 

In our Diocese, Bishop McGrattan will preside over the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year during the Eucharistic celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral on December 29, 2024, at the 12:00 pm Mass. All priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful are warmly invited to join the Bishop for this historic moment. 

This Jubilee Year calls the entire Church to search for signs of hope and to become signs of hope for others. We are reminded of our mission to be sources of hope in our families, for our neighbours, and especially for those who are imprisoned, sick, dying, or marginalized. The young and the elderly alike are called to unite in this faith journey, embracing the transformative power of hope in our lives and communities. 

Rite of the Opening of the Jubilee Year 

As part of the Eucharistic celebration, the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year will begin with a special entrance through the principal door of the Cathedral, a symbol of Christ (cf. Jn 10:9). The opening will include a moment of prayer outside the Cathedral, the singing of the Jubilee hymn, an invitation to bless and praise God, the proclamation of the Gospel passage, and a reading from the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee Year. 

At the threshold of the Cathedral door, the Bishop will lift up the cross and invite the faithful to venerate it with the acclamation: “Hail, cross of Christ, our only hope.” The faithful will respond, “You are our hope, we will never be confounded.” 
The Bishop will then proceed to the baptismal font to lead the rite of the memorial of Baptism. The sprinkling with water serves as a living reminder of Baptism, the gateway into the journey of sacramental initiation and entry into the Church. 

​The celebration of the Mass will be the high point of the Rite of the Opening of the Jubilee Year. As the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (16) reminds us: “As the action of Christ and of the People of God arrayed hierarchically, [the Mass] is the center of the whole of Christian life for the Church both universal and local, as well as for each of the faithful individually. For in it is found the high point both of the action by which God sanctifies the world in Christ and of the worship that the human race offers to the Father, adoring him through Christ, the Son of God, in the Holy Spirit.” 


Let us come together as one body in Christ, celebrating the Feast of the Holy Family and committing ourselves anew to the mission of being signs of hope in a world longing for God’s light. Mark your calendars and join us for this sacred beginning of the Jubilee Year. 
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Opening of the Jubilee Year
​Sunday, Dec. 29 at Noon - Mass with Bishop McGrattan at St. Mary's Cathedral
Brothers and sisters,
the mystery of the Incarnation of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
fostered in the communion of love of the Holy Family of Nazareth,
is for us the ground of deep joy and certain hope.
In fellowship with the universal Church,
as we celebrate the love of the Father that reveals itself
in the flesh of the Word made man and in the sign of the cross, anchor of salvation,
we solemnly open the Jubilee Year for the Church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary. This rite is for us the prelude to a rich experience of grace and mercy;
we are ready always to respond to whoever asks the reason for the hope that is in us,
especially in this time of war and disorder.
May Christ, our peace and our hope, be our companion on the journey
in this year of grace and consolation.
May the Holy Spirit, who today begins this work both in us and with us,
bring it to completion in the day of Christ Jesus.”
(Exhortation to be proclaimed at the Rite of the Opening of the Jubilee Year)
PAPAL BULL - SPES NON CONFUNDIT
JUBILEE 2025 RESOURCES FROM CCCB
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Human Trafficking Education for Prevention

12/15/2024

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Photo credit: Fly_YYC (YYC International Airport) Instagram
If you’ve visited Calgary International Airport recently, you may have noticed many new signs about human trafficking, like the one below.

You might be wondering why these and other signs are suddenly appearing—not just in Calgary, but in airports across Canada. They are part of a nationwide awareness and prevention campaign aimed at ending modern slavery. Indeed, human trafficking, the act of recruiting, transporting, or holding victims, often to coerce them into providing manual labour or sexual services, is tragically on the rise.
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​The Global Slavery Index estimates that at any given time, there are 17,000 people affected by human trafficking in Canada. And yet The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking has estimated that although a high percentage of Canadians is aware that human trafficking is a significant issue in Canada, most Canadians don’t feel that they can recognize the signs of human trafficking, nor do they believe that Canadian citizens are among its victims.

This is where organizations such as The Centre, and many other such organizations come in. HTEP is one such organization, with a specific focus to address human trafficking education in Southern Alberta. HTEP (Human Trafficking Education for Prevention) was created in Calgary in 2023 by a small group of Catholics (religious and laity) who shared a concern about troubling statistics indicating that a disproportionate number of marginalized individuals are being targeted for human trafficking in Southern Alberta.

As members of the Diocese of Calgary, we believe that supporting anti-trafficking efforts is a meaningful way for the faithful to contribute to both Diocesan Renewal and personal growth in union with Christ, who spent His earthly life ministering to the poor and marginalized.

While there are many groups and agencies fighting various aspects of human trafficking, HTEP decided to focus its efforts on the front end: an awareness campaign that can help prevent targets from becoming victims. HTEP believes that a community that knows the signs of human trafficking and understands the many ways traffickers operate is in a better position to protect its most vulnerable from becoming victims.
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By working with small regional groups and churches, school communities and educators, and local organizations, we can raise awareness, inform, and support grassroots community efforts right here in our own backyard. We also provide workshop study guides, pamphlets, and other resources that groups can use freely. As we continue to grow, we hope to offer more in-person workshops within Southern Alberta and other interactive sessions, allowing us to tailor these sessions to individual needs and demographics. To learn more about or join any aspect of the fight against human trafficking, please check out our brand-new website at htep.ca. Website content suggestions are welcome!

Finally, please join us in a prayer of intercession to St. Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of human trafficking:
O St. Bakhita, assist all those who are trapped in a state of slavery; Intercede with God on their behalf so that they will be released from their chains of captivity. Those who are enslaved, let God set free. Provide comfort to survivors of slavery and let them look to you as an example of hope and faith."
Submitted by Human Trafficking Education for Prevention (HTEP) team. 
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In the piercing cold

12/12/2024

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Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary
Hope is only truly hope when the situation is hope-less, and the situation must have appeared hopeless to Joseph and Mary at times. We romanticize Christmas Eve in our beautiful nativity scenes, but Jesus was born amidst feces and fleas in the piercing cold. The manger had no warmth or security. Herod wanted them dead, and the Holy Family fled as homeless refugees to Egypt to escape the Massacre of the Innocents. For those families who watched their children murdered, the situation must have been hopeless indeed.  
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The Diocesan Advent mission was thus aptly titled Renewed in Hope because we need courageous hope, not toxic positivity.
​The mission began with Brett Powell encouraging attendees to confront the brutal facts facing the Catholic Church in a post-Christian era. The harsh reality is this: despite wonderful programs and a golden era of freely available, high-quality Catholic content, Mass participation continues to decline. Even though we have well-run, publicly funded Catholic schools, nearly 80% of Catholic children leave the church by age 23. Only 1% of teens raised by lukewarm Catholics are highly religious in their mid-to-late 20s. Perhaps most shocking, Powell highlighted that only 30% of practicing Catholics in the United States believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist (see Turnley, 2024). All these statistics suggest that a lot of sincere work in evangelization and catechesis is not effectively passing along the torch of faith.   
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Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary
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Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary
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Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary
Powell asked the Diocese to consider making a radical shift from self-preservation because (in the West at least), there is less and less to preserve. Instead, we must let the Holy Spirit lead a new Pentecost. This is easier said than done because we stubbornly believe that we are both smart enough and good enough to know what needs doing. The Church may not be able to save all its buildings, but that is not the mission; cooperating with God to bring souls to Christ is. And so Powell advocated for a seeking Church, one that prophetically listens and goes out to find the lost sheep (who are close by). 
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We must go. You and I. The scandal of particularity is that the Incarnation occurred in a specific time and location to real people. God needed Mary to say, “Let it be done to me according to your will.” God needed Joseph to heed the angel’s message to protect Jesus from a hostile world. (The word "need" is tricky here because God needs nothing, and this is precisely why it is scandalous). Mary and Joseph could have said no. Bishop McCaig pointed out that God invites a free response, and that our “Yes” gives God permission to act in our lives. Our cooperation also enables us to bring Jesus to other people so that He can work powerfully in their lives.
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St. Martha's & All Saints, Lethbridge
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St. Martha's & All Saints, Lethbridge
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St. Martha's & All Saints, Lethbridge
Bishop McCaig stressed we cannot skip prayer, which is where real people in real moments have encounters with a living God. Are we ready for encounter? Because when we invite the Holy Spirit, He will likely disrupt our plans. Are we equipped? No, and we never will be. But are we willing to trust that God will equip us? Are we really willing? Because if we are, our prayer will lead to service and self-sacrifice. Some will serve as wordless witnesses, and others will answer the irresistible questions that arise in the hearts of those who see people living radiant Christian lives. All of us are being called to proclaim our personal experience of God and provide our testimony. Sadly, testimony is a word that makes some Catholics uncomfortable.  
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St. Albert the Great, Calgary
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St. Albert the Great, Calgary
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St. Albert the Great, Calgary
Institutionally and individually, we are in a storm, and Mary Rose Bacani Valenti meditated on the storm of sin and suffering in which we find ourselves. When I was a child, I was scared of being buried alive. As an adult, I am far more terrified of pancreatic cancer, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, addiction, and watching my friends and family members die slow painful deaths echoing the crucifixion. Add to this sea of suffering a blizzard of technological distraction, and it becomes easy to lose our nerve and take our eyes off Christ. Prayer is not efficient, Valenti said, but it is the only effective means for building the disciplined self-control and joy that Maximilian Kolbe demonstrated in Auschwitz. He shone the divine light in the hopelessness of a concentration camp by walking the talk: “Without sacrifice, there is no love.” 
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Hope is only really hope when the situation is hopeless, but it is never truly hopeless because God is with us. In Advent especially, we must slow down to “live life at the pace of the soul,” as Powell put it. St. Ambrose counseled the same: “If faith and hope are to bear fruit, patience is necessary.” Hurry to bring Him gifts, but don’t panic. He is coming, just as He promised. 
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St. Joseph's, Calgary
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St. Joseph's, Calgary
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St. Joseph's, Calgary

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Written by Jason Openo for Faithfully. ​Written by Jason Openo for Faithfully. Jason is a permanent diaconate candidate who attends St. Patrick's Parish with his family in Medicine Hat. ​
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Advent: A Journey of Renewal and Hope

12/2/2024

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With the First Sunday of Advent, we begin a new liturgical year. It presents Christians with the vision of renewal and the possibility of beginning a new journey as the People of God with Jesus Christ our Shepherd, who guides us through history toward the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God. In this time of Advent, we can rediscover the purpose for all humanity, that of being on a path of pilgrimage: the Church, with her vocation and mission, and all peoples, civilizations, and cultures, all journeying across the paths of time to encounter God. Advent prepares us for the eternal encounter with God which was first revealed in the fullness of time through the birth of Christ.
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Advent can be a time of renewal to rediscover the meaning of our lives, so also for the human family, to rediscover the common horizon that we are journeying toward. The horizon of Hope! The season of Advent restores this horizon of hope, it is a hope which does not disappoint since it is founded on God’s word.
Advent is also a time to renew our longing and anticipation that God will do what the prophets have promised … to see that our desire for our salvation is here and now. Pope Benedict / Cardinal Ratzinger once wrote: “The purpose of the Church’s (liturgical) year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope. It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us, memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope”.
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Since the start of our diocesan pastoral renewal over a year ago we have invited all of our parishes to open their doors as a local Church to the vision that, “You are called, you matter, and you belong.” It is intended to awaken the heart’s memory of all the People of God in the Diocese of Calgary to their baptismal dignity and mission.  To re-awaken a faith in Christ and the Church through a personal encounter of listening to the Word of God, to enter into a dialogue of faith through Conversation in the Spirit with other pilgrims that is focused on the three priorities of Renewal – forming missionary disciples, being a Church of encounter and witness, and strengthening family life.
This year we are offering a common diocesan Advent Mission for all parishes. Beginning this week (Dec 3-5, 2024) there will be three successive evenings of reflection given by three different presenters – Brett Powell, Bishop Scott McCaig, and Mary Rose Bacani Valenti. These reflections are designed to focus us on our three diocesan renewal priorities and actions. Each evening they will be followed by a parish in person gathering that will invite those who have participated into a personal encounter of dialogue with others to listen to how the Holy Spirit may be calling individuals and parish communities to a path of Renewal and conversion.
Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. This diocesan mission can prepare our hearts to be renewed in both the experience and witness of our faith as individuals and also parish communities. The horizon of Renewal in the diocese must be founded on this experience of faith, of an encounter with Christ, which will open the doors of hope that will be celebrated with the universal Church in the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope 2025. This encounter with Christ through the efforts of our diocesan renewal must be manifested in the joyful hearts of missionary disciples, parishioners who through their witness of faith will be the living signs of our pastoral renewal.
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In Evangelli Gaudium, “Joy of the Gospel,” Pope Francis reminds us that “the joy of the Gospel fills the heart and lives of all who encounter Jesus. With Jesus Christ joy is constantly born anew.” In the Scriptures the word “joy” is used to express a multitude of personal and collective experiences. In the Old Testament it was the most common term used to identify and recognize the very presence of God. The Psalms recount the peoples experience of joy at the nearness of God. In John’s Gospel, joy is also the messianic gift that Jesus desired for his disciples, “that the joy that he experienced in the presence and nearness of his Father would be with his disciples and that their joy would be complete.”  In Luke’s Gospel the experience of joy proceeds the birth of Christ, that it is expressed by the angels and the shepherds.
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It is this same joy that accompanies the spread of the Good News. We who are called to proclaim this wonderful mystery of the Good News should be transformed. Our life of faith and witness of service to others, must reflect a heart that is constantly renewed by both hope and joy. In this upcoming season of Advent, may the transformation of our hearts prepare us for Christmas, but also become a tangible sign of Renewal in our diocese.
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Written by Most Rev.  William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary
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​Dec 2, 2024
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Honouring Saint Elizabeth with gratitude and commitment

11/30/2024

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​Members of Saint Mary’s Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) Calgary, along with Friar Dan Gurnick, OFM, Sister Dianne Turner, OSE, Sister Anne Adounkpe, FMM, and Deacon Tomas O’Toole, OFS, gathered in gratitude on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Saint Luke Parish in Calgary. The occasion was a special dual celebration: honouring Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, patron saint of the Secular Franciscan Order, and commemorating the 10th, 15th, and 30th anniversaries of profession for fraternity members committed to living the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
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The celebration featured a presentation by Sister Dianne Turner, OSE, who led the Litany of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and shared an inspiring reflection on her virtues. Sister Dianne encouraged attendees to reflect on which of these virtues God might be calling them to grow in today.

The brothers and sisters we celebrated on November 17th bear witness to a lifetime of living the Franciscan charism. Their commitment is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and a model of perseverance and faith.
As a fraternity, we give thanks for their deepening faith, steadfastness in living the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order, and their invaluable contributions to both the fraternity and the broader Church. Their journey reflects steady growth and a continued openness to God’s call. 

We rejoice as a fraternity, offering prayers of thanksgiving for the years of dedication, service, and love that these members have given to the Secular Franciscan Order. Together, we strive to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis, supporting one another in living the Gospel with simplicity, peace, and joy in the world.

May these anniversaries inspire us all to renew our own commitment to serving our Lord and His Church with the same faith and dedication.

Congratulations to all celebrating these special anniversaries!
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Left to right: Cathy Pamer, OFS: 10 years; Robert Lowther, OFS: 15 years; Ron Semenoff, OFS: 30 years; Linda Schultz, OFS: 30 years

Written by Erika Bancila, OFS, St. Mary’s Fraternity, Calgary.
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Fishing for Souls: Lay Associations answering the call to Renewal

11/30/2024

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​Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4
Bishop McGrattan invites each of us to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing everyone back into community. We are called to build a community modeled on God’s love and mercy, where every person matters, every person is loved, and everyone has a role to play.

On November 23, 2024, representatives from 68 lay associations in the Diocese of Calgary gathered to reflect on how we can “put out into the deep” and invite everyone we encounter into a deeper experience of faith. This moment of Diocesan Renewal was a special call to strengthen relationships—with God and one another.
We celebrated the testimonies of three speakers whose lay ministries actively witness to our Catholic faith in the community, inviting us to learn, to serve, and to share the Word through faith-filled programs. It was inspiring to learn more about the mission and beauty of our lay ministries, each with their own charisms and focus, including education for children and young adults, the promotion of prayer and healing, and advocacy for the sanctity of life. We are truly blessed with a wide range of ministries that bring faith, hope, and encouragement to our community.

It is clear that God is leading the work of our lay ministries as they offer opportunities to nurture each of us and fill our souls with His grace. He has given each a mission, whether it be enriching prayer life, serving those in need, nurturing spiritual formation, or walking with those who are hurting.
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Our unified mission of invitation, welcome, and witness was a central theme of our time together. During our synodal dialogue, we reflected on the Word of God and His call to us as individuals, ministries, and the Church. As we hold tight to the vine of Christ, He calls each of us to be His hands, feet, and heart in reaching out to others.
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Our call as a Catholic community is to reach into the deep and broaden our circle so that each person we encounter is welcomed into the embrace of Christ.
 
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ – Let’s Go Fishing!

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Kimberly Cichon is a devoted wife, loving mother to six amazing children, a founder of St Mary’s University Prayer Guild and an advocate of Catholic education at all educational levels.

​Photos courtesy of Office of Pastoral Ministry, Diocese of Calgary.
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Renewed in Hope: Diocesan Renewal Advent Mission (Dec 3-5, 2024)

11/30/2024

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Join us for “Renewed in Hope,” a powerful three-day mission happening this Tuesday, Dec 3 to Thursday, Dec 5 at your parish from 7 pm to 8:30 pm each evening.

In the midst of winter’s chill and the season’s busyness, take time to refresh your spirit and renew your hope. Hear from Brett Powell, Bishop Scott McCaig, and Mary Rose Bacani Valenti, who will join us live via Zoom, sharing messages on discipleship, building a faith-filled community, and nurturing family life. Their reflections will uplift and inspire us as we journey toward Christmas.

Let's bundle up, brave the chill, and bring your friends and family!

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Tue, Dec. 3, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, with speaker Brett Powell: Form Missionary Disciples #YouareCalled

Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or simply seeking renewal, Brett’s dynamic approach and passion for the Gospel will equip you to embrace your call as a missionary disciple, deepening your faith and bringing Christ’s love to others.
MORE ABOUT BRETT

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Wed, Dec. 5, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, with speaker Bishop Scott McCaig: Be a Church of Encounter & Witness #YouMatter 
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Read this article from Ryan Schmidt in Strathmore who offers insider stories from Bishop Scott’s pre-episcopal days. "A lumberjack Bishop with great stories and passionate preaching, leading us deeper on our journey—what more could we ask for?” Ryan said. 
MORE ABOUT BISHOP SCOTT

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Thu, Dec. 5, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, with speaker Mary Rose Bacani Valenti: Strengthen Family Life #YouBelong

Mary Rose, a wife and mother of four, may work in media, but her life is far from screen-centered. Rooted in simplicity, she and her family prioritize presence—but how does she do this amid the demands of family and work? 
MORE ABOUT MARY ROSE
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Bishop Scott McCaig: A lumberjack, a storyteller, and a preacher on fire for the Lord

11/23/2024

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We are in for a treat with our upcoming Advent Mission that features a talk from Bishop Scott McCaig. I can tell you that firsthand. 

Way back in the fall of 2002, I joined the Companions of the Cross, a Society of Apostolic Life (similar to a religious order) based out of Ottawa, Ontario. To commence my formation, I travelled the long road from the prairies, down to Ottawa, and then another a two-and-a-half-hour drive to a farm on the outskirts of Combermere, a small village tucked away in the forest along the Madawaska river. This area was beautiful like a storybook. I and twenty other young men had signed up that year, planning to become priests, and we were to spend the fall, winter and summer at this farm where the Companions hold their novitiate. We were going to learn how to live together, develop a disciplined life of prayer and learn more about our faith, all while deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ. We had two priests guiding us in our formation – Fr. Jim MacGillivray and Fr. Scott McCaig.

When I think about spending that winter with Bishop Scott out on the farm, three things really stand out in my memory. He was a lumberjack, he was hilarious, and he was on fire for the Lord – and it came out in his preaching! While both he and I have a few more years on us now, I suspect none of those things have changed.

Prior to his conversion to the Catholic faith and becoming a priest, Bishop Scott was a lumberjack. We learned that the hard way, because he was determined to teach all us seminarians to cut trees too! Every Saturday we would form a work crew under his guidance and head out into the forest. To this very day, I know all I could ever wish about chain saw safety, the exact way to bring down a tree, chop it up and stack it to dry. The farmhouse was also heated by this wood, so we had a schedule, and everyone had to take turns getting up in the middle of the night to keep the fire roaring and the house warm – Bishop Scott included – he led by example.
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Bishop Scott is also hilarious, and he can spin a tale – a tremendous combination. Seared in my memory is one night at the dinner table when he got telling me a story about playing with those little green toy army men when he was a kid. I can’t recall exactly what was so funny, but I can tell you I have never laughed so hard in my life. We were both laughing so hard we were crying and couldn’t stop - neither of us could talk for several minutes as we recovered.

But here is the real reason that all of us in the Calgary Diocese are in for a treat – not only can Bishop Scott spin a tale, but he is a passionate preacher utterly in love with the Lord. Although I never did become a priest, in my two years with the Companions, going to mass each day, I heard him give countless homilies.  You would think that you would tire of hearing the same person preach over and over – but this was never the case with Bishop Scott.
He would hold you riveted, his passion for the Kingdom of God reverberating through you as he spoke. Every time he finished preaching you were left inspired, itching to get out on mission for Christ. He is all about renewal, and always has been.  As we continue the renewal in each of our parishes, I would really encourage you to sign up for the upcoming Advent Mission – and whatever happens, don’t miss Bishop Scott’s talk!  A lumberjack Bishop with great stories and passionate preaching leading us deeper on our journey – what more could we ask for?

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Written by Ryan Schmidt for Faithfully. Ryan lives on a small farm near Strathmore with his wife, Heather and four young children. He attends Sacred Heart Parish in Strathmore and loves agriculture and rodeo. Ryan runs the parish Evangelization Team and Men’s Nights.  
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Preparing for Christmas with Mary Rose Bacani Valenti

11/23/2024

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Each Advent I delight in opening the Bacani Valenti Family Christmas card. 

Mary Rose, a wife, homeschool mother of four girls aged 13, 10, 8 and 5, and freelance Catholic broadcaster, with her devoted husband Richard, an artist and videographer for Salt + Light Television, creatively write their Christmas card, using their art, photographs and words to reflect prayerfully on how God has moved in their family life. Their desire for holiness is evident and their card is a gift that turns my thoughts toward God. 

I met Richard and Mary Rose 20 years ago working in the Catholic media scene together in Toronto. Though we live at a distance now, our faith continues to connect us. 

It’s my pleasure to announce that Mary Rose will host one of three online Advent retreat evenings for the Diocese of Calgary. We are invited to gather in our parish, 7 pm, Dec. 3-5, to view the presenters: Brett Powell ‘Forming missionary disciples in Christ’; Bishop Scott McCaig ‘Be a Church of encounter and witness’; and Mary Rose Bacani Valenti ‘Strengthening family life’. 

The Bacani Valenti Family mission is to be a ‘Little Nazareth’ like the Holy Family. 

Simplicity is a cornerstone of their spirituality. They limit outside influences in the home, recognizing their foundation comes from offering one another the gift of presence.

“‘Being’ is so important for us, so we spend our time just being together,” said Mary Rose of Richmond Hill, Ont. 

They seek activities that connect instead of divide; currently Mary Rose and her daughters act in a community theater twice weekly. 

Although the couple earns their living in communications, they limit technology use in their home. 

“I’m more like a monk. I don’t have notifications on my phone. I’m not on Facebook. I feel really called to enter into a silence,” said Mary Rose. 

She is currently praying the 19th Annotation, an at-home retreat centered on St. Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises. Mary Rose values her morning and evening prayer, weekly spiritual direction and moments of silence throughout the day. As a family, silence sounds like afternoon quiet time and an uncluttered schedule, allowing for a slower pace. 

“It’s living essentially…it’s a substantial silence, not just nobody talks – whether you read a book, write in a journal or go for a walk – we value that in our day.” 
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Gather in your parish, and join Mary Rose online on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Mary Rose was drawn into a spirit of interior silence when she began nursing her eldest daughter. She sought efficiency, work and multitasking while her baby nursed, but soon her focus shifted more to her baby than her phone.

“There was something beautiful about being present to this child who was taking nourishment from me, but actually calling me into ‘being’ – just ‘full being,” said Mary Rose.  

“Sometimes I start to tack-on all the busy things; sometimes ‘being’ gets boring, and then I realize I’m missing something – ‘Oh yes, ‘being’ – why did I think something is better than that?’ and I go back.”

 The couple aims to raise people who can think for themselves.

‘I want to give [the children] the atmosphere so they can be our generation’s philosophers. We used to value our philosophers, but we don’t have time to think and we just want to know what other people think,” said Mary Rose. 
As a society “we value the doing and then we can’t think for ourselves, or invent things, or we are not as in tune with God. That’s why [our family likes] to write or do art because that comes from within us,” said Mary Rose. “I find we are less creative when we are busy; there is this emptiness, I don’t feel full.”

For Mary Rose, writing her annual Christmas card isn’t busy work, but a space to reflect and pray.

“It’s not a big burden because I do want to reflect on God’s gifts for us every year,” said Mary Rose. “We pick one theme and it’s our preparation for the year ahead.”

Mary Rose invites you to join her at your parish on Dec. 5 to create intentional space for a guided Scriptural meditation and prayerfully reflect on how to strengthen your spiritual life in order to strengthen your own family. ​

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Written by Sara Francis for Faithfully. Written by Sara Francis for Faithfully. Sara is a writer living in Calgary with her husband Ben and their six children. They attend St. Bernard's / Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.  
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For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission

11/3/2024

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“Every new step in the life of the Church is a return to the source. It is a renewed experience of the disciples’ encounter with the Risen One in the Upper Room on Easter evening.” These opening sentences are from the Final Document which concluded the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
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​Since returning to Calgary from the Synod, I have been asked by many about my experience over these past two years. It has definitely been a privilege, a learning experience, and at times, a challenge, but above all, I have come to see that my participation has been an act of obedience. It has been a call by the Holy Spirit to pray, reflect, listen, and to enter into dialogue about the nature, identity and mission of the Church from my experience as the bishop of Calgary and as a successor of the apostles. ​
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2024 Session of the Synod on Synodality. Photo credit: Synod.va
​The two sessions of the Synod brought together the Christifideles—lay women and men, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, ecumenical delegates, those from the Eastern and Orthodox Churches, and the Holy Father, Pope Francis—in a 'school of synodality.' The Holy Spirit, who is the protagonist of the Church was present, opening our hearts and minds to a conversion of relationships, processes, and bonds in the life of the Church in order to be formed as missionary disciples of Christ.

​It is important to note that there are questions and doubts in the minds of some Catholics about synodality. “In simple and concise terms, synodality is a path of spiritual renewal and structural reform that enables the Church to be more participatory and missionary”. (Final Document no. 28)
It embraces three distinct aspects of the life of the Church. First, synodality is to express the Church’s ordinary way of living and working. This modus vivendi et operandi is experienced through the community listening to the Word and celebrating the Eucharist, the brotherhood of communion, and the co-responsibility and participation of the whole People of God in its life and mission. Secondly, from a theological and canonical point of view, synodality denotes the potential conversion of the structures and ecclesial processes of the Church at an institutional level: local, regional and universal. Thirdly, it designates synodal events that involve the whole People of God at the local, regional and universal levels, presided over by the bishops in collegial communion with the Bishop of Rome to discern the way forward on particular questions, and to take decisions and directions with the aim of fulfilling its evangelizing mission. (ITC 70.a.b.c)
Synodality is also a spiritual disposition that originates from the action of the Holy Spirit within the Church that allows us to listen attentively to the Word of God, and to contemplate in silence the call to conversion of heart. It requires asceticism and discipline, humility and patience, and to accept with gratitude the gifts that we see in others. The fruits of this spirituality in the Church will be marked by a harmony and unity that is both personal and communal. The renewal of the Church is possible only in acknowledging that this grace is needed first and foremost in the life of the Church and our parishes.

As Pope Francis has noted, synodality can be a prophetic path for the world given the growing isolation of people and the culture of individualism in our society.  Through our parish communities we need to see that the relationships of family and those of the parish promote the charisms, vocations, and ministries that witness to the mission of the Church.
In the Diocese of Calgary as we continue on our path of renewal, it will ultimately reflect the principles of synodality in our local Church. This renewal is both personal and communal. It invites a conversion of heart in knowing that each person is called, that they matter and belong. It is a returning to the source and encountering the Risen Lord. Let us pray that this will be the fruits of the Synod and of our own Diocesan Renewal as we move forward.  
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The Canadian Synod delegates. Photo credit: S+L Media
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Written by Most Rev.  William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary
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​Nov 4, 2024
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Welcome home, son

10/26/2024

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At the age of seventy- six, I have seen and lived through much of the ebb and flow of Catholic renewal that came and went in the 20th and now the twenty-first century. Candidly, I was anaesthetised to any Church change and continued practicing a rather lifeless faith.

I left the Catholic church in early 2020 and only returned in 2023.  I was curious to know if anyone had noticed that I had left and returned. Some believed I was dead. 
​Imagine my reaction when I held a door open for a lady with a walker. I didn't know her but imagined her to be in her early eighties. I assumed she'd pass me, enter the church and I would probably never see her again. She stopped, looked me straight in the eye, fixed her gaze on me, put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Gerald, you've been away too long."

I was thunderstruck, speechless. This was something I wanted and needed to hear since I never really felt at home in Catholicism. I thought that was all she wanted to say. It would have been enough.  Still, she continued to meet me eye to eye, her right hand on my left shoulder. Since I thought her ready to enter the church, I moved accordingly, but she said,  "Stop. There's more." "Welcome home," she said. I tell you I felt my knees buckling.  She very carefully, very clearly articulated "son," and was gone, leaving me to wonder about the implications of this meeting.

​Way: A Personal Reflection on Renewal 

​by Gerald Morton
The old man in me of unbent knee,
a renegade in the past, gone at last with all its cast,
been overtaken by a journey within me. A call of change.
No scheme envision’d or dream, found it in my inner attic space.
Doesn’t emanate from my head, man’s intent, my invent.
Or least by worth, works, purse, or shallow re-arrange,
nor promise of reserved seat in that future place.

It’s a choice, an ache, a fire in the belly, a life to live, not see by sight.
It’s a dying. No easy way to pray or say on any given day.
Not for the feint plaster caste saint, would be in vain.
This commission for the plain, this desert walk of light and dark,
never the favour’d, fashion’d flavour of the day.

When He takes, breaks, and remakes for in’nard way,
look’in in, up and out, for those that will not seek.
Cheapest grace in market place, sold for earthly prospers sake.
Listen those that chose broad highway, brings only earthly fame.
When ground around falls in abound, won’t stand your ground.
Can’t hitch a ride, no place to abide when flame burns out.

This narrow road, the one to take for His sake,
its path clearly mark’d, no easy way, no exit lane or turnaround.
It’s uphill inn’ard ground, mountain climb ‘gainst the grain in rough terrain.
Concedes no rest, admits no peace, only done in pain, darken’d fears,
sweat and tears, dust, sackcloth and ashes.
Just to Follow in His steps to Calvary’s narrow gate, once again.
All of this not in vain.

Not work of a day or free, being stretched to this degree
for this pearl, an inheritance greatly prized.
More, a hundred hundred graces more, of course.
Can’t be counted, borrowed, bought, lent or leased, not for rent,
made or changed in trade by the day, not lock’t away for sunny days.
Only sought, shared, unspared, spent for community and beyond.

Time is now. Follow in His Way.
Repent, Renew, be Reconciled, be Aflame in His name.
​It’s His Mandate, mission, and commission.
Written by Gerald Morton, All Saints Parish, Lethbridge. 
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