 Written by Deacon Michael Soentgerath On June 13, 2025, a small group of us, invited by Anthony Banka from the Catholic Pastoral Centre, participated in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Kirby Centre in Calgary. The theme of the Expo was “Growing the Conversation.” We heard encouraging messages from several invited guests, including Mayor Jyoti Gondek. After the speeches, participants were invited to browse the incredible range of organizations and agencies in our city dedicated to supporting seniors, whether they be Indigenous, immigrants, refugees, or long-time Calgarians. We were invited to represent the Diocese of Calgary and chose to focus on our Catholic response to palliative care as seniors approach the end of life. Our booth featured posters, pamphlets, and various other resources designed to communicate the inherent dignity of every human person, a dignity that remains intact from the womb to the tomb. We highlighted the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ program Horizons of Hope, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every person feels loved, useful, and wanted until the moment they are called home by our loving Creator. As each of us engaged with individuals walking through the auditorium, we made a conscious effort to meet everyone as a fellow human being, a brother or sister of our Father in heaven. If our materials speak of human dignity and love of neighbour, then we knew we were called to embody that message in each encounter. These brief yet meaningful interactions often began with a warm smile or a simple gesture of welcome, an invitation from one person to another to share in the joy and hope that comes from the Good News: that we are all family. By engaging with heartfelt sincerity, we believe many people felt a genuine connection to our message and were moved to take some of our materials home. It is our hope and prayer that, through these resources and the encounters they experienced, individuals might come to see the beauty and sacredness of life, even in its final stages, and choose life, trusting that God will welcome them to their eternal home once their time has come.
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Renewal is truly taking root across the Diocese of Calgary. As of the end of June, over 30 parishes submitted their Pastoral Renewal Plans, each a beautiful expression of faith, discernment, and commitment to parish life. To mark this milestone, parishes that submitted by June 15 were entered into the BBQ with the Bishop's draw. And now, the moment everyone’s been waiting for has arrived! Watch the video below, revealing the winner to a visit from Bishop McGrattan, complete with BBQ and celebration in the Fall! While submitting a plan is not an approval process, each parish submission will receive supportive insights and feedback next month to help parishes strengthen and grow their efforts. Every plan is a parish community's response to their call to renewal, and we’re excited to witness what unfolds. So, what’s next? This fall, parishes will begin sharing their renewal plans more widely within their communities. We’ll also mark the third anniversary of the Diocesan Renewal Launch with parish-wide announcements and celebrations at Masses on Sunday, Oct. 4–5. We hope that these moments will inspire renewed commitment and invite everyone to take part in the journey. From there, parishes will begin putting their action items into motion, and trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead them, one faithful step at a time.  On Saturday, June 14, 2025, pastoral staff and lay ministers from across the Diocese gathered at the Martha Retreat Centre in Lethbridge for a day of reflection, renewal, and rest. Guided by Fr. Tim Boyle and supported by the Pastoral Ministry Office, the retreat offered sacred time to encounter God’s love more deeply, through prayer, beauty, silence, and sacramental insight. Below are reflections from participants who share how the day stirred their hearts and strengthened their calling to serve. Letting God Work Through Me: A Sacrament Coordinator’s Insight I attended the retreat at Martha Retreat Center in Lethbridge on June 14, 2025 organized by the Pastoral Ministry Office of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, and I find myself still inspired by what I experienced and learned. Guided by Fr. Tim Boyle, I was reminded of the profound depth of God’s love especially as it manifests in the Holy Trinity and the figure of Sophia, wisdom itself. As he reflected on these truths, I was struck by how central God's love is to everything we do in ministry. It made me realize that without this divine love, the sacraments, creation, and even our efforts in faith formation would lack their true purpose. Throughout the retreat, I became more aware that my role as a Sacrament Coordinator is not about hierarchy or titles, but about reflecting God's boundless love to those I serve. This shift in perspective was powerful for me. It challenged me to approach my ministry with humility and a renewed sense of selfless service rooted in divine benevolence. I felt a deep calling to see my work as an extension of God's love, as an act of sharing His goodness, patience, and compassion. The icon of the Transfiguration especially resonated with me. It reminds me that transformation is possible, not just for the figures in the Bible, but for myself as well. Seeing Jesus at the center of the icon inspires me to emulate His example, to become more Christ-like in my attitude, words, and actions. It encourages me to assess my strengths and weaknesses honestly; trusting that through God's grace, I can grow and improve in serving others. Most profoundly, I was reminded that true service is humble. It’s about echoing God's humility, serving others not for recognition, but out of love. This retreat has rekindled my passion to serve with renewed enthusiasm, knowing that my work is part of a larger divine story. I am encouraged to lead with love, to emulate Christ’s humility, and to allow God's transformative power to shape both my ministry and my life. This experience has deepened my understanding that Sacramental ministry is not just about tasks, but it's about creating space for God's love to work through me, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those I am privileged to serve. Carlo Peregrina, Sacrament Coordinator Sacred Heart Parish, Calgary
For others on the retreat, the day brought a similar sense of grounding and grace. Cristiana from All Saints Parish in Lethbridge shared how the retreat met her in a moment of spiritual weariness. “I’m sincerely grateful for the day spent at Martha Retreat Centre, it was grace that quenched my thirst for Truth,” she wrote. Surrounded by a culture that pushes self-achievement and image, she said it was easy to slip into promoting a version of Catholicism that’s more about appearances than the cross. Yet the retreat pulled her back to the heart of the Gospel: “Instead of being a herald of a triumphant faith, I was reminded to be a witness to a Saviour who enters into our suffering to bring real life.” Mimi, from St. Mark’s Parish in Calgary, described the retreat as a much-needed chance to breathe and be still. “It was a blessing to be welcomed into a holy time and space,” she shared. She appreciated the rhythm of the day, especially Fr. Boyle’s gentle and creative approach. “His use of imagery and the contemplation of photographs coaxed the mind to expand its understanding, while the celebration of Holy Eucharist, followed by a period of meditation with the aid of an icon, encouraged the heart to open to the promptings of the Lord." Both Cristiana and Mimi expressed deep gratitude for the space to pause, pray, and be reminded of what really matters. “Thank you for setting the meeting time and space for this unforgettable encounter with the Lord,” Mimi added. As Cristiana put it, “What a magnificent God we have: only He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the humble!” 
Among the participants were the oldest couple at age 67, and a pair who have been civilly married for 27 years. With humility and tenderness, they joined others in lovingly revisiting their commitment to one another, now preparing to sanctify that bond through the Sacrament of Matrimony. This course is not a standalone event—it is a gateway. All participating couples are now on a common path, eagerly anticipating their Church wedding during one of three upcoming Sacred Grace Wedding Masses this year: September 13, October 25, and November 8. Each of these Masses will be a profound celebration—not only of marital love but also of God’s grace alive in our midst, renewing the very foundation of family life in our parishes. A second offering of the Marriage Integration Course is scheduled for July 19, 2025, where another forty or so couples will revisit their own commitment to each other. We invite all parishioners across the Diocese to keep these couples in your prayers—that their journey toward the Sacrament may be filled with grace, healing, and joyful anticipation. May our collective prayer sustain and bless them as they take this sacred step forward. The primary purpose of marriage is not to make husband and wife happy, but to make them holy… a means of growing in virtue and helping each other on the path to heaven.”
Written by Deacon Greg Bercelon, Coordinator for Sacred Grace: Church Wedding for Civilly Married Couples.
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 Our new Holy Father’s words in his first homily to the College of Cardinals contains much food for thought and prayer as we prepare for the great feast of Pentecost and develop our pastoral renewal plans. “We are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Jesus, the Saviour. It is essential to do this first of all, in our personal relationship with the Lord, in our commitment to a daily journey of conversion, then to do so as a church experiencing together our fidelity to the Lord and bringing the good news to all. … Reflection:
Let us pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit with these actions in mind.
 I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer. Since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by books like “Set All Afire” by Louis de Wohl. If you haven’t read it, this novel, which tells the story of St. Francis Xavier’s missionary journeys, is a page-turner and will set your heart on fire, too. St. Francis traversed much of Asia, through storms at sea, jungles on foot, risking life and limb to spread the Gospel of Christ. And he succeeded. Sometimes it's hard to connect the dots, but the Renewal Plans being created by your parishes are contributing to this very same mission of saving souls. Keep an eye out as the Parish Renewal Team in most parishes is sharing a draft of their Renewal Plan with you at any time. You won’t be asked to sail the ocean or dodge poisonous snakes (so far as I know). Still, the plan will be filled with action items to help your parish create more missionary disciples, strengthen family life and foster an urgent sense of mission by becoming a Church of encounter and witness. Just like in Asia in the time of St. Francis Xavier, so many souls in our families and communities are aching for the healing love of Christ, and our Lord is asking us to help Him reach them. If we pursue our Renewal Plans with vigour, they will bear fruit and change lives, and we will know the joy of helping this to happen. As you review the draft Renewal Plan for your parish, think and pray about the action items you see and give feedback to your Renewal Team. Do they meet the needs of the parish? Do they go far enough? A key to a good plan is to have action items that you can count on to have an impact. One way to evaluate an action item is to ask, "What concrete result will this action achieve?” If you have no way of determining whether the action has been accomplished, that means it's too vague and risks not making a real impact. For example, if an action item states simply, “Be a parish that prays”, it is too vague. However, if it includes main steps similar to “Each lector commits to spend 30 minutes weekly in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament”, it has become specific, causing a concrete action and therefore result to occur. Similarly, “Be a more welcoming parish” is too broad if left at that. However, if it is replaced by, or has as a main step “Establish a greeter/usher ministry”, it has become something actionable, concrete. You will know if you did it or not. If our parish plans are filled with action items that accomplish objectives and are measurable, we will see our parish take great strides. The same goes for our own personal renewal. Big change starts with small, concrete steps—like committing to a daily prayer time or inviting someone back to church. Vague goals won’t get us far, but specific actions done with love transform our lives! When St. Francis Xavier arrived in India, he did so with a specific actionable plan. First in Goa, and then beyond. And if we were to put it in one of our Renewal Plans, it would look like this: ==== Action Item: Evangelize Goa Main Steps:
Responsible Person: Francis Xavier ==== As our parishes finalize their Renewal Plans, let us ask the good Lord to give each of us the same love for souls as St. Francis Xavier! Written by Ryan Schmidt, Director of Pastoral Renewal, Diocese of Calgary.
Painting: André Reinoso, St Francis Preaching in Goa, 1619, oil on canvas, 96 × 162 cm, Museu de São Roque/Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Lisbon.  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.
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.
 Photos courtesy of St. Martha's Parish in Lethbridge and Holy Family Parish in Medicine Hat. 
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.” 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.
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. 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.
 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!” 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. 
  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!’" 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." 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.
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.” 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.
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.  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. 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:
Your marriage is a Gift - Make it a Sacrament.
Join the last two info sessions of Sacred Grace
For more information, visit the Sacred Grace page. 
Consider these simple ways to pray for renewal in our heart, our parish, and our diocese this Lenten season:
Prayer to the Holy Spirit Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. Renewal Intentions
 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. 
 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. 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.
 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. 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:
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...  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. 
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. 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.”
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.
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) 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."
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 “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). 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 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.
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) 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
 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.  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) 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.  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.
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:
 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
*The concession of the Sportsplex is open to purchase food
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history and faith in action. All are welcome!
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.”
Brothers and sisters,
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. 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.
 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. 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.
 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). 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.
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.” 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.
 St. Joseph's, Calgary
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