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World Day Prayer for the Sick - Feb 11

1/27/2023

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The World Day of the Sick is celebrated each year on February 11, the liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is an occasion to pray for individuals who are suffering, and to find concrete ways to draw nearer to them.

The Holy Father's 2023 message is entitled: "Take care of him - Compassion as a synodal exercise of healing". In light of the Church's synodal journey, Pope Francis invites us "to reflect on the fact that it is precisely through the experience of fragility and illness that we can learn to walk together according to God's style of closeness, compassion and tenderness." 
Pope Francis tells us in his Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti that “we cannot be indifferent to suffering” (68), and he proposes that we read anew the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The condition of loneliness and abandonment of the sick in today’s world only “takes a moment of our attention, of being moved to compassion within us, in order to eliminate it.” In seeking the help of another to care for the sick man, the Samaritan asks the innkeeper to “take care of him.” Only with the help, courage, and innovation of others in a “face-to-face encounter” can we organize care for the sick in a spirit of fraternity and resilience. Many healthcare workers, family members, and community volunteers are daily witnesses of this accompaniment and caring compassion.
The World Day of the Sick is an occasion to pray for individuals who are suffering, and to find concrete ways to draw nearer to them. Mindful of this call, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops recently published an open-source palliative care toolkit for parishes, families, and communities in order that they may deepen their understandings of illness, suffering, dying and death. Drawing on Catholic moral and pastoral theology, medical expertise, and the Compassionate Community model, the palliative care toolkit facilitates conversations and learning, grounded in the mercy and tenderness of the living Christ. Users of the toolkit are invited to organize group-based engagement according to the toolkit’s four-module program so as to sustain and renew pastoral attention on the sick, lonely and abandoned. Learn more about Horizons of Hope, its training videos, facilitator guide, social media images, and take-home resources.
Pastoral suggestions for the World Day for the Sick (Feb. 11, 2023) for parishes and all the faithful:
  1. Read and share Pope Francis’s message
  2. Watch and share the video: “An experience of accompanying a loved one through palliative care”
  3. Visit a loved one, friend, colleague, or stranger who is shut in, lonely or sick
  4. Offer gratitude to a healthcare professional or volunteer
  5. Organize the Horizons of Hope program in your parish or community

Resources for World Day for the Sick:
  • Download resources to promote 2023 World Day of the Sick in your parish:
    • In English: Communications Toolkit - World Day of the Sick
    • In French: Trousse de communications – Journée mondiale du malade
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Let us pray
  • For the sick, lonely and abandoned, may the closeness and saving mercy of Christ bring consolation and peace, let us pray to the Lord. 
  • For families caring for loved ones through illness, loneliness, and old age, may relationships be nurtured, and that leaning on others to share their burden is made more possible, let us pray to the Lord.
  • For volunteers who accompany the sick, may they continue to be valued and cherished in care settings as they listen and provide steady companionship, a reminder of God to those who need it most, let us pray to the Lord.
To the intercession of Mary, Health of the Sick, I entrust all of you who are ill; you who care for them in your families, or through your work, research and volunteer service; and those of you who are committed to weaving personal, ecclesial, and civic bonds of fraternity." 
​~Pope Francis, 2023
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Lessons from my Gong Gong

7/13/2022

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CJ and his Gong Gong
One of the most interesting things I learned from my Gong Gong, which is Chinese for “grandpa”, was that he grew up as the tenth child in his family. That came as a profound struggle for him since his family wasn’t well-off, and as the tenth child he usually perceived or felt the lack of parental comfort that his older siblings would get more regularly. He told me this story because I, on the other hand, have grown up as an only child. This difference in growing up is how a lot of my conversations with him have centered around life advice founded in the principles of gratitude, perseverance, and honesty. I am only able to see him in person every summer for about a week or so, and I take his lessons to heart, especially now that I have been unable to go visit him in precaution of his health.

Gratitude was the first and often returned to principle that my conversations with my grandpa would go. Primarily since I was an only child, I had no siblings to worry or quarrel with regarding attention or care from my parents, which is why my grandpa instilled into me how wholly grateful I should be when I’m looked after regarding all matters of my life: food and water, shelter, education, and most importantly, a parental devotion to forming my initial relationship with God. Since my grandpa told me tales of feeling neglect, I understand that he instilled this value into me because he wanted to emphasize how extremely blessed I am and should never take it for granted.

There still are, unfortunately, times when I do take blessings for granted. However, this is where the principle of perseverance becomes critically important. I have to admit and take responsibility for arguments and mistakes I make, which is embodied by the occasions where I would argue with my grandpa since I couldn’t quite understand what he was talking about. The key takeaway from these admittedly unpleasant interactions is that after I apologize and more closely listen to him, I do not beat myself up over the argument or misunderstanding. This also goes for when I am trying to convey something to him; something that I perhaps have great difficulty explaining to him in a way he can understand, and the perseverance he helped instill in me allows me to find that way. I still cannot imagine how much he had to persevere as the tenth child in order to make his views or opinion known to his parents. This perseverance can then be carried over to many other pursuits in my life such as education and career.
           
As I’ve discussed with my grandpa, these two principles of gratitude and perseverance become tightly interwoven with the principle of honesty. Gratitude for blessings must be genuine, it cannot be flippant or sarcastic as that is not only disingenuous, but also a new source for arguments or making ungratefulness even more apparent. When it comes to perseverance, my grandpa helped me to draw a line between the two unhelpful extremes: giving up or setting boundaries too early, or not setting proper boundaries for myself. Honesty is required to temper both extremes and find a proper balance. For example, a particular lesson my grandpa gave me over one summer vacation was regarding the emotional drama that I found myself wrapped up in during my high school years. He told me that it was good that I wanted to do my best to help my friends through the drama, but that it should not come at a cost to my own emotional well-being. I realized after that particular conversation that I had to give up and properly step away from the emotional turmoil I had gotten entangled in during high school; and that ended up preserving my emotional health so that I could graduate from high school.

I haven’t been able to visit my grandpa in a long time, and even though we do video calls and occasionally send emails, nothing is comparable to being able to physically talk with him face to face. In honour of 2022’s World Day for Grandparents & the Elderly, I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to my grandpa for all the lessons and advice he has given me so far in life. I pray to be able to visit him again soon and catch up on all the time we’ve missed.

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​Written by Christopher James (CJ) Panlilio for Faithfully. He is a full time student at St. Mary’s University in Calgary, who recently graduated from the Bachelor of Arts program of Social Justice and Catholic Studies. He has further plans to take the after-degree Bachelor of Education (Elementary) program at St. Mary’s. Apart from writing fiction, he enjoys good food and drink, spending time with both children and elderly, and making puns.
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2022 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

6/9/2022

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The second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday, July 24, 2022. As described in his official message, Pope Francis invites everyone to celebrate this day so that we ensure “no one lives this day in loneliness.” The theme chosen by the Holy Father for the occasion is "In old age they will still bear fruit" (Ps 92:15).

It was announced that the Apostolic Penitentiary has granted the Plenary Indulgence to all the elderly who participate in the World Day liturgies, and to all those who in the days immediately preceding or following the World Day visit an elderly person who is alone. The visit, in fact, writes Pope Francis in his message for World Day, "is a work of mercy in our time!" In response to this invitation, extensive pastoral toolkit has been developed to help those preparing to organize celebration initiatives. 

​The pastoral kit aims to help putting into practice the Holy Father's invitation to celebrate the World Day, but also to offer pastoral instruments to lay the foundations for a care for the elderly that looks into the future. 
  • Message from Pope Francis for second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
  • Catechesis on Old Age
  • Prayer for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
  • Pastoral Guidelines (includes directions on visiting the lonely elderly, preparation of the day with the elderly, preparing for the day with young people, prayers of the faithful, liturgical notes, and plenary indulgence for the occasion) 

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A vision of care for our loved ones

7/11/2019

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Photo courtesy of Anne Marie Brown.
One of the oldest Catholic churches in Calgary sits atop a sacred space that will eventually hold the cremated remains of 5,000 people. Located in two calmly-lit rooms of a formerly nondescript basement at Sacred Heart Church, each columbarium is lined with clear-glass shelves. The individual niches hold from one to four urns, and while most are empty, others display Reserved signs. A growing number of the niches include urns alongside name plates, photographs, rosaries and crucifixes. While many of the cremains interred here are placed in niches chosen by the individuals, others were selected by those who mourn. All give a physical presence to the spirit of Psalm 23:6, “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.”
“You do not have to be Catholic to be interred here, but most are,” says Deacon Paul Kennedy, who manages the columbaria at Sacred Heart. Kennedy knows that many Catholics are uncertain about what the Church teaches about cremation. And that’s why he takes his job so seriously. Kennedy knows what the Church teaches. He is also convinced that many who visit Sacred Heart’s columbaria will leave with a new understanding of why a growing number of Catholics will choose cremation—and a columbarium—in the years to come.
Catholic teaching
According to information from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Roman Catholic church lifted its prohibition against cremation in 1963. Twenty years later, the option was coded in canon law. Over time, Christian Funeral Rites were altered to set the parameters for when cremation can take place before a Funeral Liturgy. 
 The rites detail where cremated remains are placed during the Funeral Liturgy (never on or immediately in front of the altar). They also spell out the need for all of the cremains to be placed in a secure vessel.

Fr. Edmund Vargas, a former pastor at Sacred Heart, first talked to Kennedy about establishing a columbarium in 2005. When the first of the 3,000 niches went on sale about five years later, the church-based facility was one of the first—and possibly the first—in Canada. Then-Bishop Fred Henry blessed the first columbarium at Sacred Heart on May 13, 2011, with the first interment that same month. The second columbarium opened in 2013.

Accessible by elevator and stairs, visitors enter the columbaria through a locked door. Mourners receive a punch key code that allows them to visit the indoor space 364 days of the year. “The only day we are closed is Boxing Day. I know some people come here every day to spend time with their memories,” notes Kennedy. “On the second Saturday of each month, we also host a special memorial service in the church. Those are always well-attended, and many people visit the columbaria after that mass.”
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A columbarium at Sacred Heart Church, Calgary
A sacred space 
The hallways inside the columbaria are adorned with 13 stained-glass windows. Purchased from a Catholic church in Buffalo, New York, the 150-year-old windows were painstakingly restored and framed. “We’ve backlit the windows, and the effect is beautiful. Visitors feel like they are walking past actual windows. You lose any sense that you are in a basement,” explains Kennedy.

Once inside, visitors can rest on comfortable benches upholstered in an elegant shade of burgundy. Recessed ceiling lights contribute to the calming hue of the muted-yellow walls and ceilings. A lack of adornment inside the columbaria keeps eyes drawn to the niches.

“Father Edmund chose very meaningful names for the columbaria,” adds Kennedy. The first columbarium is called the Holy Land, and its sections are named after Holy Land locales, like Bethlehem and Mount Herman. The Galilee section includes smaller areas named Grace, Hope, Joy, Peace and Serenity. A special section in the Serenity area holds the cremains of stillborn babies and others who died soon after birth. 

Most of the niches in the Holy Land are single niches, “but people can reserve two single niches, side-by-side, as long as they are available,” says Kennedy.

The second columbarium, with more niches designed for two or four urns, is named Holy See. Each of its sections references a Holy See location. Again, families can purchase several niches in an area.
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Learn more
People interested in touring the columbaria can reach out to Kennedy at Sacred Heart. He’s also available to speak with groups, including parish-based groups like the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Women’s League. Those interested will receive an Estate Planning Guide from a Catholic Perspective. 

“People have a lot of questions, and I’m here to answer them,” says Kennedy, who’s already secured a Sacred Heart niche for he and his wife. 

While he’s learned not to guess what questions people will bring to their first conversations about the columbaria, Kennedy’s accustomed to how the meetings end. “There is comfort in knowing what will happen after you die. After people choose a niche, their response is typically the same. They tell me, ‘I feel relieved.’”

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Written by Joy Gregory for Faithfully
Columbarium photos courtesy of Sacred Heart Church.

​Visit ​http://www.columbariumcalgary.ca
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The Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict (1955-2019)

6/26/2019

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The Ministry of the Sisters of the Order St. Benedict in the Province of Alberta (1955 to 2019)

In 1955 the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict in Arborg, Manitoba responded to a call to teach in the province of Alberta in the new R.C. Assumption School in the village of Oyen. Since that grace-filled call, the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict have continued to minister to this day in other areas of the province of Alberta.

Their call came on December 20, 1954, when Fr. Stephen Molnar, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Oyen, Alberta wrote a letter to Rev. Mother Dorothea, O.S.B., prioress of the  Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict in which he requested the services of two teaching Sisters for the newly established Assumption R.C. Separate School District #5- (October 1, 1954) in Oyen, Alberta. The parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish had taken a great leap in faith and courage when they had the first Separate School District established in 27 years outside the cities and towns of the Diocese of Calgary. Thus, while the school district became firmly established, and plans were moving forward for the construction of the school, the greatest need still had to be addressed which was to obtain the services of at least two teaching Sisters who would pioneer this brave venture.

To his grateful surprise, Fr. Molnar received a reply from Mother Dorothea dated March 3, 1955 which indicated that the Sisters would be willing to respond favorably to his request pending the receipt of further detailed information and a site visit.

Following this hopeful response, Fr. Molnar quickly contacted the R.C. Bishop of Calgary and plans were swiftly put into motion for the sisters to begin a canonically established branch house, known as St. Benedict's Convent in the village of Oyen, Alberta.

As in all great plans and dreams, when the four Sisters arrived in Oyen, Alberta, on August 24, 1955, they found that the new school and convent were not ready. Furthermore, neither would be ready till the following May. Sacred Heart Parish had purchased a three-story home from a local Hutterite colony and made plans to have it moved sometime in the future near the site where the school was to be built. In the  meantime, the Sisters would teach in the parish hall and church sacristy or wherever a space for a classroom was available, and they would live in the parish rectory.

The first four Benedictine sisters (as they were commonly known) that arrived in Oyen, Alberta were Sr. Cecilia Socha, superior and homemaker, Sr. Clementine Janicki, piano teacher who would provide private music lessons to pupils in the village, Sr. Mathilda Lucas, teacher and principal (grades;7-9), and Sr. Gerarda Pura, teacher (grades 1-6). Besides teaching, the latter two Sisters took care of the sanctuary and altar linens at the Parish church, prepared the children's choir for both Low and High Masses, went to the  three Mission churches (Sibbald, Youngstown & Sunnybrook, Alberta) each Saturday and Sunday to provide religious instruction to the children. For the first couple of years, these Sisters also provided the janitorial service in the school as the budget was not able to handle the salary for a janitor.

Within a few years the school population grew and soon there was a need for more teachers. By 1963 there were six sisters living in the convent and ministering where needed. In all, 26 Benedictine Sisters continued their various ministries in Oyen and surrounding areas until 1973.

Meanwhile, in 1963 Fr. Molnar was transferred to Calgary to start the new Parish of St. Cecilia in the south west area of the city. Since he was so pleased with the missionary spirit and cooperative work of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Oyen, Alberta, he dared again to send a plea to the new prioress of St. Benedict's Monastery in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mother Clothilde Kolano. This time his request was for several Sisters to teach in the two R.C. Separate Schools located within the parish boundaries, namely, St. Cecilia's and  St. Matthew's Schools. Initially, five Sisters were sent to establish a convent in Calgary — Sr. Eleanor Grzymalowski (house superior & private kindergarten teacher), Srs. Lioba Broda and Imelda Koldesk (teachers at St. Cecilia's school), Sr. Gregory Koldesk (teacher at St. Matthew's school) and Sr. Christina Wenger (housekeeper).

Following the firm establishment of the second convent in the province of Alberta, the ministry of the Sisters of St. Benedict continued to flourish over the years mainly in the area of education. Their teaching in the two original elementary schools soon expanded  to teaching religion in various elementary, junior high and senior high schools in the Calgary Catholic School system (St. Mary's community school, Bishop Grandin, Bishop O'Byrne, Bishop McNally, St. Rupert's, St. Benedict's, Bishop Kidd, Holy Cross, St. Mary’s High School) as well as working as an itinerant teacher for the Calgary Catholic School Board with special needs children in the area of visually impaired and developmentally delayed students and as a consultant for the developmentally delayed students. Additional works of the Sisters included ministering as Diocesan Liturgical Director at the Calgary Diocesan Liturgical Office; Director of Religious Education and RCIA at St. John's and St. Patrick's parishes; parish ministry as pastoral assistant at St. Patrick's and St. John's parishes; as member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission; provision of adult religious education in St. James parish, Okotoks and St. Michael's parish in Black Diamond; nursing at the Calgary General Hospital; serving as house attendant at Diakonos House South (a residential house to provide refuge for first responders during difficult personal circumstances) in Calgary and Diakonos House North in Edmonton; and providing spiritual direction, directing retreats and training new spiritual directors at Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton.

This June 2019, marks the end of an era of Benedictine presence In Alberta. After 45 years of teaching, Sister Dorothy Levandosky is retiring from teaching, returning to her home at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
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Reflecting on the ministry of the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict in the province of Alberta over the last 64 years, one can see that their response to a call to Alberta and to the various ministries has come from their discernment to do God's will as a community and as individuals. Their mission to witness Jesus Christ is visible in their contemplative living, provision of hospitality, a daily rhythm of community and personal prayer and their reverencing ministry to all God's people within and beyond their community.
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Sr. Dorothy Levandosky, OSB
This Friday, June 28, 2019, Sr. Dorothy Levandosky, OSB will be heading home to Winnipeg to retire after 45 years of teaching. To contact Sr. Dorothy, click here. 
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My Papa taught me to be brave

6/5/2019

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Norman Henry Marshall, my Papa [grandfather], was a beacon of joy and love for our family. His laughter was deep and contagious. Papa was assured, kind and intentional. His steadfast love created a retreat for me in my teenager years away from trauma and distress. Papa always saw through the situations we were in or the bumps in the road to the beautiful uniqueness of each person. The love that beamed from his bright blue eyes called me out of fear countless times in my life.  

It is no surprise that he became the rock to my grandma, his five kids, their spouses, his thirteen grandchildren and his six great grandchildren.

My Papa was strong and resilient, in his incredible 85 years he overcame hardship, felt loss, and knew pain. He threaded through each difficulty with valor and kindness. My papa never spoke the language of defeat. Sitting in the living room in the old farmhouse, I remember watching him love my Grandmother. He could turn her tears into laughter by taking her in his arms and singing and dancing. He loved all of us that way. 

My Papa knew how to call us to bravery. He celebrated each one of my children’s births and mourned with me each of my miscarriages. It is hard for me to imagine welcoming my fourth baby in December without him. 
As he aged and his health deteriorated, his commitment to his family never did. We all loved to sit at the table with him and challenge him in crib. I loved how it felt when he would hold my hand. Papa was truly famous. There wasn’t a person he met who wasn’t made better by his existence. I believe you can tell a lot about a person through the reactions of little children to them. Kids loved Papa. My children still do. When I welcomed my eldest son into our family at three, shy and shaken from life’s transitions, Papa instantly became a place of comfort and joy for him. They would sit together in the big recliner and watch hockey games or nap. Papa was wise with his words but even wiser in his silence. He had a way of sitting with us long enough that we could hear God’s little nudges in our hearts. He told me he loved me countless times every day, and the sincerity was always piercing. Papa showed all his family what love was in action. I am forever changed and better because of my Papa. 

The role of grandfather was one that he took with pride. In a time when the role of the man is constantly under scrutiny he lived a life of masculinity that anyone could support; he showed he was strong in his willingness to be gentle, he led from a place of humility, he loved selflessly, always giving of himself without the need for notice. It was easy and comfortable to count on Papa. I miss him constantly. May all his kindness be returned to him as he rests in the peace of the Lord’s love. ​

Written by Amy Heggenstaller-Boon, St. James Parish in Okotoks
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† Norman Henry Marshall
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When the Cross is more than just a symbol

4/2/2019

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Photo credit: Stuart Gradon, Calgary Herald.
For Flory D’Souza the Outdoor Way of the Cross is a family affair. 

Her father Antonio Carvalho carried the cross in the procession a few months before he died. At 91, with a cane in one hand, the cross on his opposing shoulder, he carried the cross right to the very end of his life. 

“I took a picture of him carrying the last station of the Cross and I got it printed while he was in the hospital. Everyone could not believe that was my Dad,” said Flory, picturing the scene four years ago.  

“For him it was just because he was a man of faith and I think a little way of saying: Jesus I’m helping you carry your cross and carrying my own cross with His. It gave him fulfilment in being part of the Good Friday event,” said Flory.   

For 20 years Flory’s parents Antonio and Annie made the Good Friday pilgrimage through the city. Now at 83, Annie is unable to participate anymore, but Flory fondly remembers how important this pilgrimage was for her parent’s spiritual lives — a spiritual practice she plans to carry on. 

“When my dad was interviewed by a reporter he was asked: ‘You are such a small man and you carry such a heavy Cross?’ His answer was: ‘My Jesus helps me.’ I thought what a sweet answer,” said Flory. 

“When I’ve carried the cross I’ve found it heavy, but I think it’s the weight of our sins that makes it heavier,” she said. 

“It has helped us know that we all have a cross to carry, but Jesus helps us to carry that cross. And He never gives us a cross too heavy to carry. It helps our faith, to go on and trust in God and be thankful that Jesus did what He did for us to be free.”  

Flory has carried the Cross a number of times and has consistently attended the pilgrimage for the last decade. Since she has never been to the Holy Land she sees this as her opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Christ.  

“This just means so much. The stations take you to human suffering. It was Jesus’ suffering in Calvary, but here in every station is some kind of human suffering and you are made aware of it,” she said.  

Flory is no stranger to suffering. Two years after her father’s death, her husband John suddenly died at the age of 57.  

“My strong Catholic faith, thanks to my parents, has helped me cope with my cross in life and these great losses,” she said.

Flory immigrated on her own to Calgary 30 years ago from Kenya. Of her five siblings, she sponsored her sister in 1992 and three years later her parents. Then eight years ago she sponsored her brother Alex Carvalho. He volunteers with crowd control for the pilgrimage.  

From humble beginnings, the Outdoor Way of the Cross has grown to attract between 2,500 and 3,500 pilgrims, some from other faith traditions. And more than 200 volunteers help keep it running smoothly. 
In the early days, people rushed to try and carry the cross, scrambling to get a chance, whereas today cross bearers and readers register in advance for each station. 

Bishop Emeritus Fred Henry always participated in the pilgrimage and Bishop William McGrattan has participated every time since his installation. He opens with a prayer and then helps carry the cross from the first to the second station. 

“In making the Way of the Cross we rediscover through this devotional prayer that Jesus has identified with those who have suffered, fallen in their lives, and who are burdened by many crosses,” said Bishop McGrattan.  

“This Good Friday, let this witness of our Christian faith unite us to Christ in hope and in our outreach to those who suffer.”
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Written by Sara Francis
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Retirement home sweet home

2/6/2019

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From the moment Phyllis and Clem Steffler walked into Evanston Summit, they knew it was destined to be their new home. “Phyllis was ready to move in the next day,” laughs Clem. Retired and living in Airdrie, the couple was seeking greater ease in their lives, without the worry of maintaining a home and cooking their meals. They’d been looking at options when Judy, from Covenant Living’s Evanston Summit, met them at their local church and invited them to a BBQ. They walked in and immediately loved the welcoming, attractive front entrance.

Their instinct was confirmed several months later when their daughter, a public health nurse in Toronto, was in town. “We took her to several retirement residences,” Phyllis recalls. When they got to Evanston Summit, she turned to her parents and said, “Dad and Mom, this is the place for you.” The couple moved in on July 18, 2018.
Seven months later and they are completely settled and content in their two-bedroom suite. The staff are kind, generous, and thoughtful, “just like Judy,” they say. Friendships are borne over home-cooked meals served in a common dining room, and there are plenty of activities to keep them busy. They especially enjoy the Tuesday afternoon spiritual discussion where readings are the foundation to delve into questions that help them better know each other and themselves. “Opening up to one another makes for a closer-knit community,” says Clem. The couple appreciates the weekly outings that are organized by the residence and the convenience of walking from their home to several amenities including a drug store, hair salon, doctor’s offices, grocery stores, and banks.
 
Phyllis and Clem chose a life lease, selling their house and investing the funds into the cost of their suite at Evanston Summit, paying only a monthly amount that covers meals and amenities. Those funds are in a trust, and they are guaranteed a 99% return when the suite is vacated. The life lease model offers three levels that reduce monthly fees and generates a return on investment that is over 5%, which is better than what is offered at banks. Renting suites is also an option.
 
“This works right out for us,” says Phyllis. “We are happy, and our children are happy that we are in such a wonderful place.

​Written by Salima Bandali
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Phillys and Clem Steffler

Covenant Living is part of the Covenant family of three non-profit Catholic organizations. Rooted in a 150-year legacy, the Covenant families are leaders and innovators in their fields, being of greater service and transforming the health system to create vibrant communities of health and healing.
http://covenantcare.ca
World Day of the Sick 2019 Resources: 
  • Letter from Bishop McGrattan re: Catholic Healthcare - Download 
  • Pope's Message for the 2019 World Day of the Sick - Download 
  • Reflection for World Day of the Sick from Dr. Moira McQueen - Download
  • Covenant Care & Covenant Living Poster - Download 
  • Diocesan World Day of the Sick | Poster | Prayer Card

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Movie Review: Fatal Flaws

2/5/2019

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Are euthanasia and assisted suicide laws leading society down a dangerous path? 

Over the past two years, Canadian filmmaker Kevin Dunn has travelled throughout Europe and North America to ask one of the most fundamental, philosophical questions of our time: should we be giving doctors – or anyone – the right and law to end the life of another human – and how do these laws affect society over time? Kevin investigates how euthanasia and assisted suicide laws are shaping the culture around us and what we can do to stem the tide. The film features powerful testimonies from patients, doctors, lawmakers and advocates from both sides of the debate. Produced by DunnMedia in association with the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. 

Fatal Flaws is more than just a great documentary film. It is a clarion call to restore decency to the House of Medicine. For every doctor or patient who wants to understand the difference between medical killing and medically-responsible caring, this humane and sensitive film is a must-see.
~ 
Ronald W. Pies, MD (Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, and Lecturer on Bioethics, SUNY Upstate Medical University; Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Psychiatric Times). 

A groundbreaking film. The assisted dying movement is trying to redefine the ethics of medicine while the doctor-patient relationship hangs in the balance.
~ Steven S. Sharfstein, MD (Former President of The American Psychiatric Association) 

Written by David Krebes

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​You are invited to Fatal Flaws film screening on Thursday, Feb. 21 Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 24 St. SW Calgary) at 7 pm. 

Watch the trailer here: www.fatalflawsfilm.com 
For further information contact David Krebes 
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MAID: A Catholic Response

9/24/2018

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Below is a video series on the Catholic Response to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), presenting Bishop William McGrattan, Dr. Eric Wasylenko and Fr. Cristino Bouvette. 

Moral Theology of Catholic Decision Making

The legalization of Euthanasia in Canada is of concern to all Catholics, not only those employed in the medical profession. As euthanasia (often termed Medical Assistance in Dying or MAID) involves the intentional taking of a person’s life, it presents a challenge for all who are committed to upholding the dignity of life and protecting the most vulnerable in our society.  In a thoughtful and considered presentation which is of significance to all who are committed to living the Gospel message faithfully, Bishop William McGrattan of the Diocese of Calgary, Alberta, identifies the many spiritual concerns which flow from the legalization of euthanasia – including many you may not have previously considered.

Topics discussed include:  the role of individual and institutional conscience; the basis for conscientious objection by medical professionals; the principle of cooperation as it relates to taking one’s life; and the risk of scandal. Regardless of how familiar you are with the subject, Bishop McGrattan presents insights which are sure to lead to further reflection.

Truly Caring for the Terminally Ill

Dr. Eric Wasylenko, a palliative care physician and clinical ethicist, shares his insights and concerns relating to the legalization of euthanasia (often termed Medical Assistance in Dying or MAID) in Canada. Medical intervention to hasten death differs greatly from withdrawing medical care so as to allow a natural death. He explains how attempts to
exert human control over the process of death are in conflict with both the traditional concepts of palliative care and the true essence of what it actually means to care for and assist those who are terminally ill.

Dr. Eric Wasylenko proposes that we ought not to apply the label of “conscientious objectors” to those who oppose euthanasia, but rather direct the dialogue to reflect that reality that those who oppose euthanasia hold deep convictions and are determined to adhere to their moral commitments.

The Dignity of Human Life

Fr. Cristino Bouvette, a priest for the Diocese of Calgary, leads an impassioned and inspired discussion on the Church’s teachings regarding euthanasia. As a consequence of the incarnation – the Word becoming flesh – acknowledgment of the dignity of each person as made in God’s image rests at the heart of Catholic social doctrine. As Fr. Cristino Bouvette explains, the Church does not pronounce on matters of morals without providing reasons which are derived from both scripture and rationality. As he guides us through Church teachings relating to the end of life, Fr. Cristino clearly illustrates why opposition to euthanasia is necessary to not only abide by God’s law, but also to draw each person’s heart closer to the Heart of God and the divine and personal plan which Jesus has for each and every life. Allow yourself to be inspired to live the Gospel more deeply.
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Diocesan Seniors Luncheon

6/21/2018

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Good food, great conversations and loads of laughs -- that's what made our first diocesan Seniors Get-Together a great success. We also had a special guest. Bishop Emeritus Henry came and shared his seniors wisdom on how to be fully alive as a unique creation of God. If you missed the event, here are some of the highlights of Bishop Emeritus Henry's talk: ​

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God yearns for his people to be fully alive - How do we get to that state? 

​1. At Peace with Oneself

There are Christians who have been led to believe that you should love your neighbor and hate yourself. The challenge of Jesus' spirituality is to "love your neighbor as yourself," which clearly presupposes that you already love yourself. This may appear to be natural and spontaneous but the fact is that many people do not love themselves -  hate themselves -  who they are, what they are, and where they are – some would prefer to be somebody else, doing something else, living somewhere else, perhaps with a body that is different from the one they have. 

Self-love is not the same as selfishness or self-centeredness. We all too frequently are divided against ourselves. We need to become whole. We all have issues to deal with and yet we know that we are lovable. God loves each of us unconditionally.

The challenge is to learn to love ourselves, unconditionally - accepting ourselves as we are, no matter what we have done, even  in our perhaps, shady past. We have to learn to forgive ourselves. We have to learn to accept our weaknesses, our limitations, and our shame. And  humbly embrace the truth about oneself. 

2. Loving One's Body

Truly, a considerable number of people have difficulty with the aspect of “ loving their bodies”. There are several possible reasons for this - an aging body, a body that is tired, sickly, and wracked with pain, or an “ ugly” body, that is to say, a body that does not conform to the latest standards of beauty and attractiveness. So, one comes to perceive their body as a burden they have to carry. There are those who were brought up to treat their bodies as a handicap that they will be released from when they die.

You can begin to actually hate your body maybe because it is not what you want it to be, you can get angry and impatient with it. You can also become afraid of your body because of its seemingly uncontrollable appetites and desires - including our sexual desires. We all have to find a way of happily owning our gender, our sexual orientation, and our desires. For some that can be a long and painful struggle.

Pleasure and pain are an inevitable part of bodily life - both are a gift from God. Pleasure in itself is a gift from God to be savored and treasured. It becomes a problem only when the ego co-opts it for selfish purposes, when it becomes self-indulgent. Pain is also inevitable and a gift from God - e.g. chest pains - what does it signify and what to do about it;  nevertheless, we will want to avoid it however we should not make the mistake of thinking that happiness means all pleasure and no pain. Happiness is the ability to handle my pain, whatever it may turn out to be and to postpone or give up pleasure whenever necessary.
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Loneliness is a psychic pain -  a disconnect somewhere: transcendental, cultural, social, personal. This is “a flashing red light” . Figure out where the disconnect is and take action or something worse may happen. I need to become aware of myself as one whole organic being and not an amalgam of separate parts. Nor is it just a matter of accepting my body as it is. If my love of myself includes my body, then I need to embrace my body, care for it, and treat it well. That will mean looking after my health, eating properly, getting enough exercise and rest. 


3. Loving Our True Self and Embracing Uniqueness

Ever wonder about the popularity of the Prayer of St. Francis? Why is that? Because it's so deep and profound. 
  • The two sections of the prayer both begin with powerful words, “Lord” and “Divine Master”. We are servants who are called to empty ourselves, surrender and serve God, God’s will and whomever God sends into our lives. The first section is dedicated to peace, the Easter gift of the Risen Christ. We pray to be instruments of this peace. Yet,  Easter peace goes far beyond clenched fists, angry words and the absence of war. It’s fullness can only blossom when we have confronted the very roots of conflict and dissension: hatred, injury, doubt, despair, darkness and sadness - all experience that suggest a life centred upon “me”. And so, following in the footprints of the Lord, we pray to sow the six seeds of Easter peace: love, pardon, faith, hope, light and joy.
  • The second half of the prayer reminds us that the ego needs to be overcome. “Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.” Easter peace is a product of priorities and preferences arranged in consideration of “thee”, not “me”. Indeed, it is about giving, not receiving; it is about pardoning, not being pardoned.
  • The prayer comes full circle and concludes the way it begins, with a reference to the resurrection “For it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” the resurrection and its Easter peace are the beginning of Christian spirituality as well as the finish line. 
Remember that each of us is unique. There has never been, and there never will be, an individual person like me — or like you. We are not superior or inferior to others, neither better nor worse. But we are different — and unique. What matters is not whether my role is small or large or how much time it will require or whether I will play it as a prominent leader or as a starving child. My role and my contribution whatever they may turn out to be, are unique. Don't try to play another role or someone else's role. Each of us has a unique role to play in the mysterious unfolding of the universe. 

~From: Bishop Emeritus Frederick Henry at the Diocesan Seniors Luncheon, June 18, 2018 - at St. Joseph's Church, Calgary, AB. 
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