 On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Bishop William T. McGrattan presided at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary for the Installation of Bennett Chacko and André Boudreau to the Ministry of Lector. The celebration was an important step in their vocational journey and a sign of encouragement for the whole diocesan community. The ministry of Lector is the first of the instituted ministries that prepares men for Holy Orders. By this rite, the Church calls them to proclaim the Word of God during Mass, apart from the Gospel, and to help others grow in love for Scripture. It is not only about reading well in public but also about living the Word, allowing it to shape one’s life and witness. Following this step is the installation of a seminarian as an Acolyte, which entrusts them with service at the altar and preparing the Eucharist. After completing their studies and formation, they enter the Vocational Synthesis Phase in the Diocese, a period of pastoral immersion that prepares them for ordination as deacons. From there, they continue toward priesthood, supported by their bishop, priests, and the wider Church. We extend our congratulations to Bennett and André on their installation as Lectors. May their love for Scripture deepen, and may they continue to be strengthened by the prayers of the faithful as they advance toward service as deacons and priests in the Diocese of Calgary. 
 Photos courtesy of Victor Panlilio.
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A Joyful Invitation: Ordination Mass of Rev. Mr. Peter An to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ5/3/2025
Bishop William McGrattan celebrated two significant liturgical events for seminarians Peter An and Andre Boudreau on their vocational journey. On August 9, 2024, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, he presided over the Mass for Installation to the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte for seminarian Peter An. This Mass is an important step for candidates as they move closer to Holy Orders. As a Lector, Peter is entrusted with proclaiming the Word of God during Mass, while his role as Acolyte involves assisting at the altar, helping priests and deacons, and distributing Holy Communion as well as bringing the Blessed Sacrament to the sick or shut-in. These roles in divine worship highlight his progression toward the priesthood. Peter An currently serves at St. Mary’s Cathedral in his final stage of formation, the newly implemented Vocational Synthesis Phase. 
Later, on August 23, 2024, Bishop McGrattan celebrated the Mass of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders for Andre Boudreau at St. Luke’s Church where he has been assigned for summertime pastoral experience on the weekends. The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is another important milestone in a seminarian's journey. This rite allows Andre to declare publicly his intention to persevere in his formation in order, one day, to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, first as a deacon and eventually as a priest. The rite includes three key elements: the call to candidacy, the candidate's scrutiny, and the candidate's blessing. Andre Boudreau is currently studying at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton for his fourth year of formation and just began his first year of theological studies.
We invite you to join us in prayer for Peter An, Andre Boudreau, and all 13 seminarians in our Diocese. May God, who has started this good work in them, guide it to fulfillment! (cf. Phil 1:6) Photos courtesy of Jun Li (Installation of Peter An as Lector and Acolyte) and Victor Panlilio (Candidacy of Andre Boudreau).
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November 2025
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