“You Are Not Forgotten”: Diocese reflects on Red Wednesday Mass for persecuted Christians11/30/2025  Christians around the world continue to face violence, discrimination, and forced displacement simply because they profess the name of Christ. Earlier this month, on Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025, the Diocese of Calgary gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral for the Mass for Persecuted Christians. Bishop William T. McGrattan celebrated the liturgy at 5 pm in unity with Red Wednesday, the worldwide day of prayer for persecuted believers. Priests from across the Diocese concelebrated with him, along with Fr. John Jwad of the Chaldean Catholic community, whose people continue to live the daily reality of persecution. As he began his homily, Bishop McGrattan referred to the 2025 Aid to the Church in Need report, which tracks the status of religious freedom around the world. He highlighted the scale of suffering by pointing to the number of countries identified in the study. “Twenty-four are actively being persecuted in violent ways,” he said, “and at thirty-eight are experiencing forms of lack of freedom and discrimination.” He added, “What is staggering is that this is affecting close to 5.8 billion people.” He noted that many of these situations are driven by “authoritarianism political machines,” creating cycles of oppression, displacement and instability across entire regions. Reflecting on the readings, the Bishop spoke about the Gospel scene of Christ’s pierced side. “The piercing will bring new life,” he said, pointing to the three testimonies named by John: “blood, water and spirit.” He explained that “it is in the water that we are redeemed and made children of God,” and that “it is in the blood of Christ that we participate in the sacrifice of the suffering that we celebrate in the celebration of the Eucharist.” These signs, he said, “are to be given also as signs and symbols of life for all humanity.” He reminded the faithful that “this is the faith that conquers the world,” a faith that moves believers to offer support and welcome: “It is God’s love revealed in Christ, which we are asked to give as support and welcome to those who experience persecution and come to us, a country that experiences freedom.”
Although Red Wednesday has passed, the call to prayer and solidarity continues. Let us remain committed in remembering persecuted Christians and standing with them in faith and compassion. 
 Photography by Bandi Szakony, for the Diocese of Calgary.
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The team of Human Trafficking Education for Prevention — the anti-trafficking group active in the Diocese since 2023 — would like to share with you some of our recent activities and achievements, in the hope that you will continue to support our work with your prayers and, if possible, your collaboration. Many of you will have received our leaflets and become aware of our website htep.ca, which includes a helpful collection of resources for use in schools, parishes, youth groups, and more. All the material we have prepared to date is available to download from the website’s Resource section at no cost. A particularly useful resource is our study video, which explains different aspects of human trafficking in a way suitable for group use. We sent a letter containing the website link to each parish in the Diocese, as well as to every ordained deacon and all Catholic Separate School chaplains. In June, before the end of the school year, we visited each of the First Nations reserves to meet with school authorities, community colleges, and Band Police (or RCMP detachments) to share our materials. We learned that human traffickers are now targeting the reserves in the same way they have been targeted for years by drug traffickers. This reality is described in the documentary Into the Light, produced by a team from the Kainai Nation (Blood Reserve near Lethbridge). In September, we were invited to participate in an excellent event for school counsellors, sponsored by the Lethbridge Palliser School District in conjunction with Alberta Social Services. The Edmonton RCMP and police delivered a superb and thought-provoking presentation outlining the growing use of the internet for “grooming” and showing how easily young people can fall into traps set by “fake friends.” We also learned that youth are now more likely to engage in “sexting” (sending compromising photos of themselves to friends), unaware that these photos can later be used by hackers to victimize or blackmail them. Using artificial intelligence, human traffickers can now produce and distribute pornographic material using a person’s body, gestures, and voice, often without the individual’s knowledge. If you are interested in learning more or joining our team, please let us know by writing to [email protected]. Our next team meeting is on Monday, December 1st, 2025.
I want to recognize and celebrate the work of Mission Mexico over these past 25 years. This program is a testament to the faith and generosity of the people of Calgary, reaching out to the poorest of the poor with arms of faith, hope, and charity for the people in the mountain regions of Guerrero. This program has given them hope and a better future for themselves and their families, firmly grounded in the love of God.  On Saturday evening, Oct 25, 2025, Mission Mexico celebrated their 25 years of service! The celebration took place at St. Anthony’s, where about 45 friends gathered for tacos, burritos, and lively conversation.
We were privileged to welcome Mike MacDonald, who leads the charity’s work in Mexico. After showing the celebratory anniversary video, Mike recounted the impact of his ministry among the poorest families in the mountains of Guerrero, and recalled the recent visit of board members, John Paul and his wife, Harriet. Board chair Sean Lynn announced that, in honour of the 25th anniversary, the scholarship bursaries will be increased to 64 awards and several one-time projects. This is just one of the many initiatives that parishes can support, whether by fundraising for the bursaries or by contributing to the other projects supported by Mission Mexico.  At Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in Calgary, a dedicated group of lay volunteer missionaries live this Gospel every week. Under the guidance of Deacon Ricardo Rosero and coordinator Gladys Alvarez, the Pastoral Care Ministry in Spanish serves those who are ill, elderly, or confined to their homes, bringing them Holy Communion, prayer, and companionship. “Our commitment,” says Deacon Rosero, “is to foster a more humane and Christian culture in the face of pain, suffering, disability, loneliness, death, and grieving.” Serving Christ in the sick Eighteen commissioned Ministers of Communion and an equal number of Silent Apostles, companions who accompany and pray, visit the sick each Sunday. They carry the Eucharist to parishioners who can no longer attend Mass, offering not only the Body of Christ but also presence, comfort, and a reminder that they remain part of the Church. Throughout the year, the team brings Communion weekly to nearly forty people across the city, whether in senior residences, hospitals, or private homes. Each pair of missionaries covers a different area of Calgary, ensuring that the whole city is reached “in one Sunday,” as Deacon Rosero explains. “Our mission is to bring the Kingdom of God closer to them through our service.” Special visits are made on holy days such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Christmas, and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. In moments of serious illness, the pastoral team also coordinates with the parish priest so that the faithful can receive Confession or the Anointing of the Sick. A ministry of prayer and presence Prayer remains the heartbeat of this ministry. Each month, parishioners gather for two evening liturgies:
“We pray for the sick, for their families, and for those who care for them,” Deacon Rosero notes. “It strengthens our own faith and the faith of the parish.” When a patient dies, the ministry accompanies the family in mourning and remembrance. Last year, twelve people who had received Communion from the missionaries passed away. Their names were remembered during the Annual Mass for the Faithful Departed, celebrated on the final Wednesday of Ordinary Time. Training new missionaries
A milestone this past year was the successful translation and launch of the Pastoral Care Ministry Training Course in Spanish. Deacon Rosero and Gladys Alvarez spent months adapting diocesan formation materials, written originally in English, so that Spanish-speaking Catholics could receive instruction in their own language. The inaugural five-week course ran in May and June 2025 at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, with thirteen participants completing certification. All now serve actively in the ministry. The new course covers the theology of suffering, pastoral listening, practical guidelines for visiting the sick, and the spiritual significance of bringing Holy Communion outside Mass. Participants also learn how to collaborate with clergy, maintain confidentiality, and accompany families with compassion. Beyond their Sunday visits, the volunteers cultivate fellowship and spiritual renewal through regular formation and prayer. They participate in parish retreats, Eucharistic adoration, rosaries, and processions. Twice a year, they attend workshops or spiritual retreats to deepen their understanding of mercy and pastoral care. Moments of joy and friendship are also part of their rhythm: a summer gathering for volunteers and families, and a Christmas celebration where missionaries give thanks for another year of service. Witness of compassion The Spanish-speaking Pastoral Care Ministry represents one of the many cultural expressions of faith flourishing within the Diocese of Calgary. Its volunteers bridge language and distance to ensure that no one is forgotten. “Many of our brothers and sisters cannot come to church,” Deacon Rosero says. “When we arrive with the Eucharist, their faces light up. They know the Lord is with them.” The ministry’s impact is measured not only in numbers, thousands of Communions distributed each year, but in transformed hearts, both of those visited and of those who serve. As the Church celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope, the volunteers of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish embody that hope through every visit, prayer, and gentle word offered to the suffering. “Christ Himself comes to the sick through our hands,” Deacon Rosero affirms. “That is why we serve, with love, reverence, and joy.” In this ministry, the diocesan call to Renewal becomes visible. Every visit reminds the homebound and the sick that they matter, to God and to their parish family. And every volunteer, moved by compassion, discovers anew that they too matter in the mission of the Church.  Christian love breaks down every barrier, brings close those who were distant, unites strangers, and reconciles enemies … Through your work, your efforts to change unjust social structures or your simple, heartfelt gesture of closeness and support, the poor will come to realize that Jesus’ words are addressed personally to each of them: “I have loved you (Rev 3:9).” ~Dilexi te Pope Leo XIV has released his first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi te (“I have loved you”), on the Church’s care for the poor, on the Feast Day of St. John Henry Newman, Oct 9, 2025. Signed on Oct 4, 2025, the document was originally drafted by Pope Francis before his death and later revised and promulgated by Pope Leo XIV. It continues the reflection begun in Pope Francis’ final encyclical, Dilexit nos (“He has loved us”), on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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 On Sep 12, 2025, Bishop William McGrattan, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), wrote to the federal Minister of Finance to raise urgent concerns about proposed changes to Canada’s charity laws. See Pre Budget Consultations recommendations on Recommendations 429 & 430. These changes could remove the long-standing charitable status of religious organizations and place new restrictions on charities.
The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, M.P. Minister of Finance and National Revenue Department of Finance Canada 90 Elgin Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G5 House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 Email: [email protected] Dear Minister, I write to you as a follow up to the enclosed letter that you received on 8 March 2025 from the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) regarding the Standing Committee on Finance’s Budget Recommendations 429 and 430. The CCCB has not received a reply. Therefore, due to the urgency of the matter and in light of the Government’s current preparations for the 2025 budget, I would like, once again, to highlight a few areas of specific concern. Recommendation 429 would introduce a restrictive bias into charitable status, as noted in our March letter. It would impact all charitable organizations in the future whose purposes may not align with those of the current government. The proposed removal of the “privileged status of advancement of religion” in Recommendation 430, in addition to alienating more than two-thirds of Canadians who are religiously affiliated (1), would also alter the well-established common law definition of charitable purpose, which stretches back over 400 years (2). It would further send a disruptive signal to the charitable sector that the principles of charity legislation can be rescinded without adequate consultation, even before their impact on society is fully understood. It is essential to underscore that both Recommendations 429 and 430, if pursued by the Government, would harm the charitable sector as a whole and, in particular, the millions of Canadians who rely on the affected organizations for support. The proposed changes would also create a void within the charitable sector, significantly increasing costs for the federal government and the Canadian taxpayer.(3) The CCCB joins a growing group of other large Catholic charities, including the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, Development and Peace-Caritas Canada, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Canada, the Knights of Columbus of Canada, and the Catholic Civil Rights League, together with other organizations, such as the Canadian Interfaith Conversation, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the Christian Legal Fellowship, and Imagine Canada. All are united in voicing strong opposition to the Recommendations 429 and 430, which are seen as undue ideological and partisan interference of a discriminatory nature within the charitable sector. Any proposed structural changes to federal charity legislation should be preceded by serious consultation with the stakeholders and not simply based on a committee’s recommendations. As president of the CCCB, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and staff members of the Department of Finance to discuss these concerns on behalf of the many Catholic charities that operate in Canada, serving all Canadians, regardless of religious affiliation. Yours sincerely, The Most Rev. William T. McGrattan Bishop of Calgary, CCCB President Notes:
Cc: The Right Hon. Mark Carney, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada The Hon. Wayne Long, P.C., M.P., Secretary of State The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, P.C., M.P. Mr. Jagmeet Singh, M.P. Mr. Yves-François Blanchet, M.P. Ms. Elizabeth May, M.P. Mr. Ryan Turnbull, M.P. Mr. Jasraj Singh Hallan, M.P. Mr. Don Davies, M.P. Mr. Gabriel Ste-Marie, M.P. Mr. Peter Fonseca, M.P  Just one day after returning from the week-long Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop William T. McGrattan presided at the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Mass on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The liturgy, organized with Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, Couples for Christ, and St. Mary’s Cathedral, drew together migrants, refugees, and parishioners to pray in solidarity with people who have been forced to leave their homelands. Pope Leo XIV, in his apostolic message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, frames migrants as “missionaries of hope” whose courage and perseverance bear witness to God’s promise of new life. He links this hope to the virtue described in the Catechism (n. 1818), a longing for the ultimate happiness that God has placed in every heart. In his 2025 message for the day, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the witness of migrants and refugees themselves. Migrants, through their courage and perseverance, become missionaries of hope, teaching us that even in the midst of loss and suffering, God’s promise of new life endures.
He recalled his visits to St. Peter’s Square in Rome, where the monument “Angels Unawares” by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz depicts more than 140 migrants and refugees crowded together on a boat. “You see children, mothers, the elderly, priests, those of different nationalities. Each time I go to that sculpture, I notice parts that are warped. It might be the child, or the elderly. It’s a reminder that people are moved to pray and to touch this statue because of the condition and situation they find themselves in.”
The Bishop reminded the congregation that this parable is not just a story of the past but a living call to examine our own attitudes toward those on the margins. In Calgary, the Church’s response has taken root for decades. The Diocese established the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society in the 1980s, initially to serve Vietnamese refugees, and it continues to welcome people from Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond today. "The need keeps growing for us as a Church to open our doors, and to welcome the stranger." “Our world sometimes needs much more of a witness of welcome and hospitality,” Bishop McGrattan said, “especially to the refugees and the migrants.”
As the homily came to a close, Bishop McGrattan left the faithful with a challenge: to take the parable of Lazarus to heart by looking honestly at their own attitudes. “Are we hospitable? Are we open to receiving those who are most in need, those who are fleeing their countries for safety, stability, or to ensure that their families are kept intact? Many continue to be persecuted. We, as a Church of Christians, must continually respond.” The World Day of Migrants and Refugees reminds us that faith calls us to welcome and solidarity. As Bishop McGrattan urged, may we not take the attitude of the rich man, "but take the attitude of Abraham, who is known as the symbol of hospitality, the image of that who welcomed the strangers in his midst, and was blessed to be in the presence of angels.” Photography: Bandi Szakony.
 Since 1993, Feed the Hungry, an outreach of the Diocese of Calgary, has responded to the Gospel call to serve those in need. With the help of generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, we offer more than a meal: we offer a ministry of hope and belonging. Every Sunday, guests are welcomed with compassion, whether through a hot sit-down meal or a hamper to-go. A quick glance at how your support makes a difference
 Prison Ministry Volunteers Appreciation Gathering at St. Luke’s, Calgary The Prison Ministry brings compassion and hope behind bars through eight ongoing programs in Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2024, volunteers faithfully served youth, women, and men in local Remand and Correctional Centres. Where we serve
Calgary: Rebuilding after the Pandemic
The year of 2024 offered powerful glimpses of God at work in our correctional centres:
Lethbridge: Steady Support, Week After Week At Lethbridge Correctional Centre, a small but committed team offers twice-weekly Rosary gatherings with time for reflection and questions. Inmates also receive Communion twice a month, monthly confession, regular one-on-one pastoral care, and participate in seasonal liturgies such as a Christmas prayer service, with treat bags for all inmates and staff, and Ash Wednesday services. Their steady presence reminds inmates and staff alike that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
This Jubilee year our Share Lent theme is Turn Debt into Hope It is part of a worldwide campaign to cancel unjust debt and free some of the poorest people from its chains. Lent is a time of conversion that invites us to draw closer to God. Now as we intensify our efforts at the approach of Easter, as we anticipate the joy of the resurrection, let us redouble our efforts to work for justice. We still have time to respond to the call of Jesus, to Jubilee, and of Pope Francis, to seek the good for our sisters and brothers in the Global South. Pope Francis has called us to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ in solidarity with those who are burdened with unjust debt, that they neither asked for or are benefitting from.
 With an election call on April 28, Bishop McGrattan is calling on Christians to get involved in the electoral process. (Canva) As Canadians prepare for the upcoming campaign, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) president Bishop William McGrattan urged Christians to get involved in the electoral process. “I think it is important to realize we do have this freedom and also the responsibility to exercise a decision that will support the country in moving forward in a way that respects common values,” said McGrattan, the Bishop of Calgary. Discourse between relatives, friends, co-workers and fellow churchgoers about the daily news and philosophical debates about the soul of the nation will magnify during the campaign timeframe. Instead of adopting a combative and intolerant posture during a political discussion with someone expressing clashing viewpoints, McGrattan said we can exchange ideas charitably. “I think the first step is to make sure that one is educated or aware of the issues so that one can speak with a certain degree of knowledge,” said McGrattan. “And then be open to listening to another person's perspective and question why they might hold that particular perspective on an issue. Maybe then say, ‘from my perspective of my life of faith, I see this in this light.’ “Faith is not a political position, but faith provides values that we need to be reflecting in our discussions and in making decisions regarding the future of a country and a society.” Catholics, specifically, are encouraged to resist being one- or two-issue voters by meditating upon all seven core principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST):
McGrattan suggested clergy can meaningfully assist these groups by being aware of the realities of food insecurity, mental illness, euthanasia and health-care barriers in their local context and then “bring those to the attention of our faithful in their discernment and education as the election unfolds.” A key to discernment, said McGrattan, is to “pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom.” He considers prayers to the Holy Spirit “essential at this time as we prepare to go into an election.” Reciting The Lord’s Prayer, the foundational Christian prayer that Jesus taught to His disciples, is also recommended by McGrattan. This pre-vote spiritual practice strikes a personal chord. “I remember my father telling me to make sure you pray before you go and vote,” said McGrattan. “He always said he would say the Our Father before placing the ballot in the box. I remember him telling me that as I came of age to vote. He gave me that sage wisdom and prudence.” The mentality a Catholic brings into the voting booth is also vital. Recognizing that voting is a responsibility, said McGrattan, should ensure that “one doesn’t just see this as a kind of superficial or just a very momentary type of decision.” He added that we should approach a vote believing “this is an act of love and service.” As for after the vote, McGrattan said we can observe the Ignatian teaching of holy indifference — embracing God’s will and direction by surrendering personal preferences. “It is about one accepting the outcome and trying to live with that and contribute the best they can,” said McGrattan. “If things don't necessarily align with one's vote, one will try and find ways to continue to advocate for some of the issues they saw as important.” McGrattan stressed that while “God knows the outcome, and God has in some ways ordained what is to unfold in our life and in the life of a country,” at the same time “He wants us to act freely and responsibly. Voting is part of that human dignity we have given to us by God.” McGrattan concluded with a call to action for young voters. “Especially for the young voters, the future is important,” said McGrattan. “They have to give voice to that by being very participatory in terms of elections and making their vote known.” Written by Quinton Amundson for the Catholic Register. Image source: Canva.
 Denis Grady was a beacon of hope, a musician of the soul, and a servant of compassion whose life was a testament to the transformative power of faith and love. Born in Peterborough, Ontario in 1952, his family moved to Oshawa in 1962. It was in Oshawa that Denis learned to play guitar, and began performing at high school dances. Denis's journey was marked by an encounter with God in his teenage years that would shape his life thereafter. He moved west to Edmonton and eventually Calgary in the 1970s. As a gifted musician and spiritual leader, Denis began to use his music as a bridge to connect hearts and heal wounds. With two gospel albums — "Running Too Long" and "Grace in the Strangest Places" — he shared messages of redemption and hope that resonated deeply with those who heard them. He and his guitar became instruments of unity, whether teaching simple songs to children in a remote area, or bringing comfort to those struggling in his community.
In 2002, Denis founded the Franciscan and Friends Mission, embodying the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi by dedicating his life to serving the most vulnerable. It was in these early years of his ministry that my husband and I met Denis. Largely through the experience of seeing how Denis touched the lives of so many people, we ourselves joined him in becoming members of the Order of Secular Franciscans. Denis loved to travel, bringing music and light to places in need—such as Haiti, Mexico, Guatemala, and beyond—always driven by a profound belief that love knows no boundaries. My husband Bill had the privilege of taking him on a mission trip to India in 2018, and will never forget how Denis opened his heart to people everywhere they went. Here in Alberta, Denis was a crucial force in Indigenous reconciliation, organizing art and music events that brought communities together and honored the rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples. Denis's own journey of recovery from alcoholism became a powerful narrative of grace and transformation. Achieving 40 years of sobriety, he allowed God to use his own personal struggles to reach out to others, proving that no one is beyond the reach of compassion and healing. His home became a sanctuary for those in need, a living testament to his belief that true service means opening one's heart completely. Denis’ family was the cornerstone of his life, and he was a devoted grandfather who radiated joy and pride in his five grandsons. To know Denis was to understand that faith is about unconditional friendship. "Our job is to love, not judge," he would say, a philosophy that guided every aspect of his life and mission. Denis crossed over to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on January 24, 2025, but his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the music he shared, and the love he spread. In the words of one of his own songs, he was indeed "counting the days"—not with sadness, but with hope, joy, and an unwavering belief in the promise of paradise.
 Photo credit: Archdiocese of Edmonton Background: Since the legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) was first proposed in Canada, the Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories have been steadfast in expressing their opposition to all forms of euthanasia and assisted suicide proposed under the law. MAiD is not an acceptable end-of-life option. Rather, increased investment should be made in excellent palliative care.
To note:
Furthermore, the Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories align themselves entirely to the many position statements issued on these matters over the past decade under the auspices of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. [See: Statements by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.] Of particular note, please reference the inadmissibility of either euthanasia or assisted suicide in any healthcare organization with a Catholic identity:
The position of the Bishops remains unequivocal. Contrary to Church teaching, euthanasia and assisted suicide:
Catholic Bishops of Alberta and NWT Most Reverend Most Reverend Richard W. Smith Archbishop of Edmonton Most Reverend William McGrattan Bishop of Calgary Most Reverend Gary Franken Bishop of St. Paul Most Reverend Gerard Pettipas Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan Most Reverend David Motiuk Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Edmonton Most Reverend Jon Hansen, CSsR Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith December 12, 2025
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.
 On Red Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024, hundreds came together at St. Mary’s Cathedral for a solemn Mass with Bishop McGrattan, showing their solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world. The Cathedral had a special glow that night, with many people wearing red—a sign of courage, sacrifice, and unity. The international Catholic aid organization, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), leads this annual global initiative to bring attention to the plight of Christians who face persecution, oppression, and violence. Across the world, iconic churches, cathedrals, and public buildings are illuminated in red, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made for our faith. Bishop McGrattan echoed this message during the gathering, reminding everyone that this is “not a pious act tonight... but truly an act of reparation that unites us in solidarity with all who are persecuted because of their Christian faith.”  The Sacred Heart of Christ and the call to love In his homily, Bishop McGrattan thoughtfully brought forward the themes of Red Wednesday alongside Pope Francis’ latest apostolic exhortation, Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us). He reflected on the Sacred Heart of Christ as a profound symbol of both divine and human love—a love that flows from Christ’s heart and calls the Church to embody that same love in solidarity with those who suffer.
Living out the call of love The Mass included heartfelt prayers for those who endure unimaginable challenges because of their faith. Intentions were lifted for Christians unable to practice freely, for those risking their lives to proclaim the Gospel, and for those held hostage or imprisoned for refusing to renounce their beliefs. In his closing remarks, the Bishop reflected on the enduring importance of solidarity: “The Heart of Christ desires that we cooperate with him in restoring goodness, truth, and beauty to our world.”
 An evening of prayer, solidarity, and fellowship Our celebration continued with a reception in the parish hall, where the Chaldean Catholic Church delighted us with a performance by their children’s choir and hearty refreshments among our spread of sandwiches. The planning committee’s worries about running out of food quickly turned into relief and gratitude as the hall buzzed with joy, laughter, and plenty to share. Bishop McGrattan also continued to spend the evening connecting with parishioners, engaging in meaningful conversations that reflected the spirit of Dilexit Nos. The connections and insights sparked that evening will bear fruit, with some stories set to be featured in future editions of Faithfully—stay tuned!
Photos courtesy of Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary & Office of Communications.
 On November 5, 2024, the Diocese of Calgary hosted a Prison Volunteers Appreciation gathering at St. Luke's Parish, bringing together dedicated volunteers who serve in the Prison Ministry. Bishop McGrattan and Father Wilbert Chin Jon expressed their gratitude and encouraged those who answered the call to this ministry. The gathering highlighted the resilience and growth of the Prison Ministry, which faced significant challenges during the pandemic. “Our prison programs were almost decimated by the Covid pandemic when we were down to having only four volunteers to run our weekly chapel programs at the three prisons,” shared Deacon Thomas Ha. "With the support of the Pastoral Center and Father Wilbert, we were able to recover." With new volunteers recruited from parishes across the Diocese, including four deacon candidates, the ministry is regaining its strength. “These are the faithful who have answered their call to come and provide spiritual support to the inmates,” said Deacon Thomas. “With the gifts they brought, we will be able to grow our faith in accompaniment with each other, to sing and to pray with the inmates, and for their families, the guards, and the victims of crimes.” Answer the Call to Serve Prison Ministry provides a profound opportunity to live out Jesus’ teaching: “I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36). Volunteers witness the face of Christ in those they serve, creating a space for healing, prayer, and reconciliation. “The unfortunate reality is that prisons are a permanent fixture in our society, and the need for prisoners to be visited is chronic,” said Ernest Baraniecki of the Calgary Correctional Centre. Despite having the most Catholic chapel sessions allocated per year, this facility has the fewest Catholic volunteers. “Please continue to answer the call to contribute your gift of witness and presence to this rewarding ministry: ‘The harvest is abundant, but the labourers are few’ (Mt. 9:37).” If you feel called to serve, consider joining this rewarding ministry. Volunteers commit to sharing the Gospel and offering their presence once a month, dedicating 1 to 2.5 hours each time. Training is provided to equip you for this meaningful work. For more information or to inquire about volunteering, please contact the Pastoral Centre at 403-218-5500 or email [email protected].
 The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), along with Aid to the Church in Need Canada (ACN), Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada, and Development and Peace — Caritas Canada (DPCC), has launched an urgent appeal for prayers and support for Lebanon, following the recent escalation of violence in the region.
As conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has spread into Lebanon, thousands of families are facing displacement, and local agencies are providing shelter, food, medical care, and psychological support. Bishop William T. McGrattan urges us to join in prayers for peace and donate to trusted organizations to help those in need. To offer your support, you can donate online or by phone through the following organizations:
 St. Mary’s Cathedral was alive with colour and culture on Sunday, Sep. 29, 2024, as over 300 people gathered to pray and celebrate our migrants and refugees brothers and sisters. Fr. Avinash Colaco, rector of St. Mary’s, graciously presided over the Eucharistic Celebration in the absence of Bishop McGrattan, who was attending the Plenary Assembly in Ottawa. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Cathedral’s team, Catholic Calgary Immigration Society, and many dedicated volunteers, including the lively musicians from St. Mark's Parish choir —the evening was a true testament to unity, faith, and diversity within our diocese. Traditional attire lit up the pews, and the shared joy extended to the food and conversations after Mass. Alongside tasty sandwiches, Jollof rice, steaming hot congee, and other cultural dishes were shared and enjoyed by all. Fr. John Jwad, pastor of the Chaldean Catholic Community, and a son of Iraqi immigrants, delivered a moving homily during the Mass. He spoke of the challenges many immigrant families have faced, fleeing persecution and finding safety in Canada. 
Photography by Thiago Campos, Our Lady of Fatima, for the Diocese of Calgary.
 Human trafficking is a distressing and complicated issue that affects people all over the world… sadly it’s not something new. The Calgary Catholic School District has been increasing their awareness and building strategies to combat human trafficking by preventing our youth from being groomed and exploited, growing in our ability to identify potential vulnerable youths, and providing supports to those who are victimized. The prevention strategy starts in our Religion and Wellness courses where we teach our students about the gift that God has given us in the form of our bodies and that these bodies deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. We also talk about what healthy, good relationships look like. As we move upward in our grades, we do explore family life in terms of anatomy and discuss the concept of consent. Having students understand their worth and value as a child of God creates the understanding that they do not deserve to have anything but love in their life and if it is not love, it should not be tolerated. There are still students who have been traumatized in their life and this trauma may lead to a greater vulnerability of being exploited. Make no mistake, the traffickers groom their victims with great sophistication where the young person may not even realize until it is to late what is happening and feels trapped and ashamed by what they have involved themselves in. Calgary Catholic is proud to promote the education course on the Not In My City to help educators and staff understand signs of potential trafficking victims. When we find a potential youth at risk of being trafficked, being trafficked or have ben trafficked, we work to support them and their families through targeted supports that may include supports though a mental health professional such as a psychologist or District Wellness Worker, collaborative supports with agencies outside of CCSD and creating a learning environment where the student feels safe enough to learn and brave enough to try. One of the examples of ways that we raise awareness and help to support victims is by supporting IWIN (I’m Worth It Now). This wonderful organization is based out of St. Michael's parish in Calgary, and has strong spiritual connection and support through the Diocese of Calgary. They have two projects that schools in Calgary Catholic can participate in. The first is building backpacks that are provided to survivors of human trafficking who are entering a wrap-around program to support them emotionally physically and spiritually. The backpacks contain brand new items such as a change of clothes, toiletry items, a handwritten car of encouragement and a bracelet. A matching bracelet is given to a volunteer prayer warrior to support the survivor through prayer. The second is an awareness prayer service called the Red Sand Prayer Service where red sand is spread through the cracks in a sidewalk or tarmac to bring awareness to the atrocity of human trafficking. St. Josephine Bahkita school, whose patron saint of victims of human trafficking, participates in the Red Sand Prayer Service every year on their feast day.
The Calgary Catholic School District works hard to provide learning environments for all of our students that are safe enough for them to learn in and help our students become safe enough to try new adventures in their learning. Human trafficking is one way that a student can be victimized by those who look to exploit the vulnerable. The district works hard with families and parishes to create safe environments for students to experience success. We are blessed to have the opportunity to serve those who need our help.
Refugees are deeply connected to both our Christian tradition and the daily realities of our modern world. Whether you’ve come to understand this through the Church’s teaching, the more caring forces in our contemporary culture, or something as simple as the story of the Holy Family fleeing King Herod during the Massacre of the Innocents, most of us appreciate the plight and importance of refugees in world history. Today, like yesterday, refugees remain on the move in search of safety, wellbeing and a new life. In regions where we serve, both with our Church partner and colleagues, the desperate cry of refugees and migrants echoes through the alleys and valleys, conveying their deep desire to not only survive, but to retain a remnant of hope for a better tomorrow. In almost all areas of our work, we hear their stories daily. It is during the crucial first moments of displacement that their cries are the loudest, but their need for essential services, goods and pastoral support almost always extend beyond months, and all too often years. On this day, when we call to mind refugees around the world, we think of faithful stewards like Sister Bernadette D’Hauteville and the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary who have been present in Aleppo, Syria since 1914. Before the outbreak of conflict in 2011, their convent was equipped to receive aging sisters from across the region. Before the civil war, the community counted some 23 sisters. Today, four remain. Originally from France, Sister Bernadette spent some 50 years living in various places throughout the Middle East, but returned to Aleppo in 2014 to serve those needing refuge. In a recent exchange with CNEWA, sister reminisced how during the war she had a very important role to play in welcoming everyone – without regard to the circumstance or situation. Millions of people, including many Canadians, have been steadfast in remembering heroes like Sister Bernadette and have supported people like her and families around the world facing the devastating effects of conflict, poverty or other forms of disaster. Acts of charity delivered by us and our partners are all the more effective and expansive thanks to the ongoing generosity of Canadian Catholics. Despite living in a post-pandemic world with its own difficulties, members of our Canadian Church have been faithful in giving of their love, prayers and financial support to those who need it most. As we mark this day in union with humanitarian and faith-based organizations around the world, CNEWA Canada will continue standing in solidarity with many people in need – feeding them when they are hungry, bandaging them when they are injured and sheltering when they have no place to call home or at risk of losing hope. This work is a direct response to the call of Jesus Christ in Matthew’s Gospel, where we are called to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the sick. As an instrument of healing and hope, as per our mission, we bind the wounds of a broken world. Quietly, prayerfully, joyfully, we live out the great command to “love one another.” May we continue to support refugees of all stripes and be great witnesses of love and care for those in need. Our work is incredibly important and life-giving, yet far from over. Why? Because every day is World Refugee Day. Written by Dr. Adriana Bara from CNEWA Canada.
Volunteering Opportunities at Calgary Remand Centre
Volunteering Opportunities at Calgary Correctional Centre
As with any volunteering opportunities, we require a Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check (VSPIC), the completion of the Praesidium Academy sexual abuse prevention training, and the agreement to the Code of Pastoral Conduct and Accountability for Volunteers. This information will be provided to you after submitting your application. |
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