Last weekend, on October 18th, our choir, the St. Hildegard Singers, presented a concert centered on the Holy Rosary. We sang all the prayers of the Rosary: the Creed, Our Father, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, and the Salve Regina, along with ten different settings of the Hail Mary. It was such a beautiful opportunity for all of us to pray to Our Lady in a new way, and we even gave people the chance to have their Rosaries blessed by a relic of the True Cross.

The initial idea for the concert came from our co-director, Nate DeMong. He suggested that we sing ten Hail Marys for the Feast of the Rosary, and we thought, why stop there? Every prayer has a musical version, so we decided to sing them all.

The music was a mix of chant and classic choral works. Some we discovered along the way, such as The Prayer of Fatima by Laurence Rosania, which is a stunning example and quickly became one of our favourites. Others were pieces we already knew, like Victoria’s and Haydn’s Ave Maria settings. We spent many hours listening to choral music on Spotify and YouTube to find the right selections. One of the most memorable pieces was a women's-only version of Ave Maria by Canadian composer Eleanor Daley. The music in that one is so ethereal, it almost makes the air shimmer.

We hope that those who attended the concert left having discovered a new way to pray through music. We also hope the pieces touched them more deeply than words alone could. For any non-Catholics who came, we pray that the experience may have sparked curiosity about the faith. Above all, our hope is that this concert helped people see that the Catholic tradition is rich and full of beauty, and that we can draw from it to bring greater depth and reverence to our liturgies.

The St. Hildegard Singers (SHS) were founded alongside the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC) in March 2019. The Chaplaincy’s mission has always been to equip young adults to become active disciples who will grow into leaders in their own communities and parishes. SHS not only teaches its twenty members how to be musical leaders but also strives to renew our liturgies through sacred music. 
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If you missed the concert, you can watch the full performance on our YouTube channel.

If you would like to support us and the work that we do, please consider donating here: https://www.catholicyyc.ca/donatetosfxc.html

Written by Maryna Szojka, founder and director of the St. Hildegard Singers at St Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.​

On Sat, Oct 11, St. Thomas More Parish in Calgary hosted a Jubilee for the Youth, a one-day retreat for ages 12–17 led by Fr. Jerry D’Souza, OCD and Fr. Alex Braganza, OCD. The day began with Mass, followed by breakfast prepared by the Knights of Columbus and women of the parish.

In his opening remarks, Fr. Jerry invited the youth to live as people of hope, reminding them that we are called to walk with one another and carry those in need. Three talks followed, highlighting saints who inspire young people today.

Martin Nguyen spoke about Saint Carlo Acutis and his love for the Eucharist, sharing his website on Eucharistic miracles. “Carlo Acutis was inspirational. He helped his parents have faith in God, which was amazing!” said one 16-year-old.

Luis Cortez from St. Bonaventure Parish reflected on Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, encouraging everyone to strive for holiness and remember that we are all made for greatness in God’s image. Sr. Katrina Le from the Sisters of Divine Mercy spoke on the Jubilee Year of Hope, inviting the youth to make peace with others, especially within their families, and to keep the Eucharist at the centre of their lives.

Submitted by Rooben, St. Thomas More. Photos courtesy of St. Thomas More, Calgary.

This fall, ten young women accepted the invitation from the Religious and Consecrated Sisters of the Diocese of Calgary to deepen their understanding of how to discern the Will of God in their lives. The day offered an opportunity to meet others on a similar journey and to encounter Sisters from various communities who have dedicated their lives to following Jesus and serving His Church. Each participant began by sharing a grace she had received, helping everyone get to know one another a little better.

Newly ordained Fr. Peter An offered an engaging presentation on discernment, drawing from his own journey to the priesthood. His reflections resonated deeply: “I got so much direction from his presentation,” said one participant. Another shared, “It helped me know the importance of knowing who you are and of God’s calling.”

Prayer was central throughout the day. We began the retreat with the morning Mass with the parish. During the time of Adoration, passages of Scripture were provided for reflection, so the participants were able to engage deeply with the Lord. One reflected, “A benefit I received was being close, very close to Jesus,” while another added, “I got the right Scripture to answer my question.”

Written by Sr. Dianne Turner, OSE. Photos courtesy of ​Sr. Mary Fernanda of the Providence Sisters. 

This weekend marked the beginning of the third year of our Diocesan Renewal… You are Called, You Matter, and You Belong. It also coincided with a Worship Conference for liturgical ministry coordinators entitled The Church at Worship, held at St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s High School.
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Those who attended the two-day gathering participated in a solemn Evening Prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, three conferences delivered by Fr. Frank Scalia of the Archdiocese of Montreal, and several practical workshops, all designed to renew the heart of liturgical ministry. The Conference focused on deepening our understanding of the Church’s liturgical worship through prayer and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. General liturgical principles were introduced to guide our celebrations and to reflect on the various forms of liturgical leadership that serve the Body of Christ in our parishes.

On Friday evening, participants gathered at the Cathedral for a chanted Evening Prayer that began with the Service of Light, or lucernarium. In the silence of the darkened church, the assembly gathered in procession with the Easter Candle, as the proclamation of light was chanted, “The Light of Christ – Thanks be to God.” The sharing of the flame among the assembly became a powerful symbol of our faith in Christ’s resurrection and triumph over death.
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Fr. Scalia’s reflections were both rich and instructive. On Friday evening he offered a foundational vision of liturgical worship, emphasizing that the Church’s liturgy is a spiritual and sacramental encounter with the living Lord in His Paschal Mystery. He reminded participants that the rites and prayers of the Church, handed down through the generations, have become the language of our Faith, enabling us to know it, celebrate it, and live it. Lex orandi: the way we pray together informs, lex credendi: the way we understand and believe the Faith, and leads to lex vivendi: the way we live as baptized Christians and missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.

On Saturday, Fr. Scalia outlined the principles of liturgy that form the foundation of renewal, drawing upon the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium. He emphasized that the Eucharist is the sacramental reality that makes present the one and same sacrifice of Christ offered for our salvation. To celebrate this sacred mystery with dignity, devotion, and adoration, several principles must guide us:

• Noble Simplicity: A celebration that removes what is non-essential and redundant, incorporating instead noble solemnity, beauty, and prayerful devotion.
• Sacramental Realism: A Spirit-filled expression of faith that signifies a real and living encounter with Christ, avoiding empty ritual or routine.
• Source and Summit: The sacred liturgy, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist, is both the source of the Church’s life and the goal toward which it journeys.
• Full, Conscious, and Active Participation: As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to enter into the mystery of the Eucharist with heart, mind, soul, and body, that we may be nourished as branches on the vine and bear much fruit.

In his final conference, Fr. Scalia reflected on the meaning of liturgical leadership, drawing from several Gospel passages where Christ reveals the deeper truth of Christian leadership, a love expressed in service that seeks the good of others. He reminded participants that every liturgical role, whether visible or unseen, must always be exercised as a form of service for the good of God’s People gathered in worship.

This spirit of service prepared participants for the Saturday afternoon workshops, which focused on the specific ministries that contribute to the beauty and reverence of our liturgical celebrations: altar servers, sacristans, lectors, choir members, hospitality ministers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, liturgical environment, and liturgical committees. These sessions were led by lay representatives, permanent deacons, and priests of our Diocese, fostering dialogue, learning, and collaboration… a true sign of the fruits of our ongoing Renewal.
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As we continue to implement parish pastoral plans and sustain our Diocesan Renewal, we must always return to the primacy of grace received through the Church’s liturgical life, in prayer, the Sacraments, and most especially in the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of the Christian life.

Photography: Bandi Szakony, for the Diocese of Calgary

Thus Jieo became a candidate at Orange, N.J., in August 2022 and a prenovice at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J., in August 2023. During his prenovitiate year, he taught catechism at St. John Bosco Parish in Port Chester, N.J.
“The best part of my novitiate year,” says Bro. Jieo, “was the spirit of brotherhood I experienced with my fellow novices, in moments both of praying and of playing.” He also found a lot of satisfaction in ministry to the students at Salesian College Prep, adjacent to the novitiate house.

After professing as a seminarian, he will continue his religious and priestly formation in Orange, N.J., while studying philosophy at Seton Hall University. There “I hope to deepen my relationship with God, better assimilate the spirit of Don Bosco, and continue cultivating my skills for ministry among the young. With God’s help, I wish to become more and more conformed to Christ, especially in his obedience, poverty, and chastity, and to learn truly what it means to be a sign and bearer of his love for young people.”

Further down the road, Bro. Jieo hopes that he might become a missionary in some foreign land. “Most of my favourite saints were missionaries (the Canadian Martyrs among them!),” he states. But his ultimate aspiration is to become a saint.

The Eucharistic Celebration

Forty priests concelebrated the profession Mass, assisted by numerous members of the Salesian Family, family members of the newly professed, students from Salesian schools, and other friends. The 470-seat chapel was about two-thirds full.

Introducing the Mass of Our Lady’s Assumption, Father Dominic (in three languages) voiced thanks to God for calling us, thanks to our mother Mary, thanks to our brothers for their “yes” to God, and thanks to their parents—who were commended a couple more times during the rites.

Fr. Dominic’s homily focused on God’s initiative. On our own, he said, we’d never be ready to do God’s work. The Virgin Mary shows us that he can do great things in us, which he illustrated through several of Mary’s virtues and applied them to religious life.

Written by Fr. Michael Mendl, SDB

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. 

Photos courtesy of  Jenn Pashula and St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.

Hi, my name is Joseph Ma. I’m 23 years old and have been involved with the Chaplaincy since its beginning, serving in various roles and witnessing our community grow. This past year, I graduated from St. Mary’s University with a BA in Psychology. This pilgrimage was a graduation gift to myself.
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Of all the beautiful places we visited, my top three stops were:

1. Lanciano
   Encountering the Eucharistic miracle here was incredible. After we arrived, we watched a presentation on the different scientific studies conducted on this miracle and learned that it is the first recorded Eucharistic miracle. This experience inspired some of us to sing a choral arrangement of Ave Verum before our Lord in adoration. Though it made us a little late, the moment renewed my love for the Eucharistic Lord and remains a highlight of the trip.
   
   
2. Norcia
   Visiting the birthplace of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica felt like a mini retreat. The Benedictine Monastery emanated peace, and the witness of the monks was both radiant and transformative. The Abbot shared how young Benedict likely learned monastic ways from hermits in these mountains, wandering them and encountering the beauty and goodness of our Lord. Standing in the place he once lived and walked was deeply moving. Hearing the Abbot speak about their trials, how the instability from earthquakes became an opportunity for radical trust in God, inspired me to deepen my own surrender to Him. Their faithful response to disaster, ministering to the townspeople and now opening a school, filled me with joy. As a side note, joining the monks for the chanting of the Divine Office was, without question, one of the most beautiful moments of the trip.
   
   
3. ​Turin
   Turin, at first glance, was one of my least favourite cities. It was covered in graffiti and sometimes seemed unsafe, but for the pilgrimage, it was unforgettable. I have a special fondness for St. John Bosco, and standing where he ministered was powerful. Yet the true pinnacle was venerating the Shroud of Turin. After Fr. Troy’s thorough explanation of its history, science, and the details of Christ’s passion pressed into it, being in its presence was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Fr. Cristino then connected the trip’s inspiration back to Turin, explaining how St. Don Bosco’s ministry followed that of St. Joseph Cottolengo, who served the sick and poor, and St. Joseph Cafasso, Don Bosco’s spiritual director and minister to prisoners before their executions. In turn, Don Bosco’s own work inspired saints like St. Dominic Savio, St. Maria Domenica Mazzarello, and many Blessed, eventually influencing a young Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati to “reach the heights” of sanctity. Thus, Turin is truly a city of saints, a witness that holiness is contagious and born from an encounter with Our Lord that transforms the soul. Such an encounter is never just for oneself; it is always a gift meant to be shared with the world.

One thing I want to carry forward from this pilgrimage is action. Throughout the journey we were constantly on the move, and action was essential to keep up and truly experience each site. As a student, my busy schedule often made it hard to engage in acts of corporal mercy, but now that I’m out of school, I want to dedicate real time to this. Every saint we encountered lived these works of mercy, and I know I need to as well.

There were countless moments of renewal: seeing Eucharistic miracles, singing beautiful music in churches built for those pieces, walking where saints had walked, and witnessing the faith and surrender of others. One day in particular stands alone. I spent my birthday in the Vatican, exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, attending Mass, receiving a birthday blessing at the altars of St. Joseph and St. Thomas the Apostle, touring the Vatican Museums, having an actual Catholic guide, and seeing the Sistine Chapel. The whole day felt like a special birthday gift from God.

That day not only renewed my heart but also deepened my identity as a beloved son of God. A lasting mark of this pilgrimage is the certainty that I have a Father who loves me so much that He would give me such a perfect day to share with those I love who were with me both physically and in spirit.

Written by Joseph Ma for Faithfully.  Joseph joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.

In Norcia, we visited the Benedictine Monastery of our fellow Calgarian, Brother Paul. The monastery was on top of a mountain, and it was such a peaceful place to visit. We had a private Mass in the Extraordinary Form, joined the monks in praying the Liturgy of the Hours, and learned a lot about the life of St. Benedict and the monastic traditions of the Benedictine order.  

Assisi was also one of my favourites because I was able to learn more about the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare, and the impact of their lives in our Church was so beautifully reflected throughout the town. Visiting the tomb of St. Francis was especially powerful for me, as I was able to reflect on his life of humility and radical love for God, which inspires me to live my own faith with greater courage.
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​Walking through the towns where some of the greatest saints used to live, and learning about the rich culture and history of our Catholic faith, will have an everlasting impact on my life. I am so thankful to our priests, Fr. Cristino, Fr. Troy, and Fr. Santiago, for leading us on this pilgrimage that I will cherish in my heart forever.

Written by Kathleen Brul for Faithfully. Kathleen joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) organized by St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. Photos courtesy of Kathleen Brul.

​We also had the opportunity to meet many saints, who intercede for us pilgrims. These holy men and women included St. Benedict, St. Scholastica, St. Francis, St. Clare, Bl. Carlo Acutis, St. Anthony, St. Luke, St. Paul and more! In particular, we received the grace of being able to venerate the relic of St. Cristina and walk with her in procession in Fr. Cristino’s hometown of Sepino. This moment was significant for us since Catarina’s mother is named after this saint.
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Above all, we had many moments of profound encounters with Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Who we visited in the Blessed Sacrament and received every day in Holy Mass. In Turin, we prayed in the presence of the Shroud, recalling His immense sacrifice of love for our sake. Following from the passion to the resurrection, we adored Him in the miraculously unveiled host in Lanciano and in the Precious Blood in Orvieto. Finally, we adored Jesus along with one million other young Catholics in Tor Vergata at the Jubilee Vigil with Pope Leo XIV.

Written by Catarina Avila for Faithfully. She and her husband Aviv joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. Photos courtesy of Catarina Avila. 

Having said all of this, one particular moment that stood out to me the most was from one of our first days in Italy, in Sepino, the hometown of Fr. Cristino’s family.

There, we were blessed to celebrate Mass at Chiesa Madre di Santa Cristina on July 24, the Feast Day of Santa Cristina, with the Archbishop of Campobasso. He said something that I think many of us will keep in our hearts for the rest of our lives: “Your pilgrimage begins when you go back home.” This, for me, set the tone for our pilgrimage. It made it more apparent that what we experience, the things we learn, and all the graces that we receive during the pilgrimage should not stay within the pilgrimage.

​We’re pilgrims for life. We are meant to pour what the Lord has filled us with during this time into our daily lives and into the people we surround ourselves with - extending the legacy of the Saints, many of whom we encountered throughout Italy, back to our community in our own way. I feel extremely fortunate to have been a part of this pilgrimage, and I have a deeper appreciation of the Mass, our Priests, the Sacraments, the Saints, and our Church as a whole.
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I look forward to continuing to pull from this experience and become a better instrument of God’s will in my life and in others’ lives.​

Written by Anne Navalta for Faithfully. Ann joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. Photos courtesy of Ann Navalta.

​The themes of culture, renewal, heaven, and pilgrimage were the four themes that stood out to me the most throughout our pilgrimage. In one of the first homilies of the pilgrimage, Fr. Troy spoke about culture and how it relates not only to shared language, customs and ideas, but also to a shared worship. A culture that worships anyone or anything but God will drown in itself. A culture, however, whose worship is centred and grounded in God will flourish and live.

​Fr. Troy encouraged us to think about culture and right worship as a means of renewal. Being in a country like Italy, it was hard not to see and experience that. I was deeply moved by all the richness, goodness and beauty of Italian culture. Their language, food, people, and customs. From the beauty of the churches, frescos and art, to the music, people, and delicious food, I was encouraged to see it all as a little taste of heaven. This pilgrimage taught me a lot about being a pilgrim and how to live as one.

Finishing our pilgrimage in Rome was a beautiful way to end our pilgrimage. We got to experience all the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City, as well as the busyness and excitement of millions of other young Catholics joining together to celebrate the Jubilee of Youth with the Pope. It was encouraging and exciting to see so many millions of people joining together as pilgrims, and to feel a fatherly closeness to the Pope.

​It was also incredibly inspiring to witness the everlasting endurance of the Catholic Church and all the millions of brothers and sisters who have gone before us and reached our Heavenly goal. Walking through the Holy Doors of the four Roman Basilicas was a highlight and an experience I will continue to hold dear to my heart. I am very grateful and excited to see the fruits of this pilgrimage unfold not only in my life, but also in the life of our Diocese and all the people we prayed for. The pilgrimage goes on!​

Written by Ana Maria Torres for Faithfully. Ana Maria joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. Photos courtesy of Ana Maria. 

Lena’s story

After fleeing her war-torn country, Lena arrived in Calgary seeking safety and a fresh start. Pregnant and close to birth, she found Elizabeth House—a place of hope where she could prepare for motherhood and rebuild her life.

With the support of staff and access to essentials like healthcare, financial literacy, and business training, Lena gained the skills and confidence to thrive. She welcomed a healthy baby girl and poured herself into being the best mother she could be. Lena eventually moved into her own home, launched a small business crafting baby mobiles, and secured her first job in Canada.

A thriving diocesan Catholic community for young adults, St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC), invites students, professionals, and young families to grow in faith, be formed in truth, and find fellowship rooted in Christ. 

In 2024, SFXC served young adults in a variety of dynamic ways:

• Pints with Aquinas 
  A long-standing favourite even before SFXC officially began, this event continues to draw 60–100 attendees each night. It’s supported by about 10 moderators and a dedicated team of volunteers.
  
• Advent & Lenten Lectures 
  Building on last year’s launch of Lenten Lectures, we expanded the series this year with keynote speakers and weekly formation opportunities during the Church’s two most important liturgical seasons.
• Small groups 
  In Sep 2024, we launched a range of small group studies—including Theology of the Body, Men’s Formation, CCO, Healing of the Whole Person, Church History, Fruitful Discipleship, Young Couples, and Mom’s Group—each averaging 10–20 participants and meeting regularly through the semester.
• Sports night, board games night and Sunday Socials 
  ​Sports Night, Board Games Night, and Sunday Socials each draw 20–50 people regularly. We also hosted new community-building events, including our late-summer BBQ, which drew over 150 people right after Mass, and the annual SFXC Dance, where more than 100 young adults came together to celebrate our patron Saint’s feast day.​

In September, I started reading the Gospel of Matthew. I had never read the Bible for myself—I had always just heard it in bits and pieces at church and in different youth groups. When I finished reading Matthew, it gave me a lot to think about. It especially made me think more favorably about the Catholic Church. But I was never going to be Catholic. They have that wacky Pope and believe in that nonsense about Mary! That’s what I told myself, anyway.

One late night, I was sitting alone and came across the 60 Minutes interview with Pope Francis. I was completely moved by listening to him speak. He was such a merciful man, and you could tell just by hearing him that he was of God. It completely turned the narrative I had on its head.

That night, I accepted Pope Francis as one of the many Christian leaders and saw him as a true man of God in our dark world. But it was still a long road before I would proclaim papal supremacy like I do now.

Sometime after that, a post came up from a Catholic solo metal project I had started listening to because I liked the songs about Jesus. The project was called Hell’s Enemy, and the man behind it is named Fredrick—a metalhead turned Catholic convert, much like myself.

Fred made a video explaining what Catholics believe about Mary. After watching it, I sat down and began to think a lot more about her. I thought back to when I was a young boy, I had always adored Mary. A large part of that was because I had only my biological mother, and my father was not in my life. So it was easy for me to find comfort in someone like Mary.

I loved Mother Mary, until I grew up and was taught by many Protestants that she was nothing special, just a sinful woman God picked to give birth to Jesus and nothing more.

After reflecting on this, I decided to say a simple prayer to our Mother. Humbly, I asked, “Mother Mary, please pray for me.” I kept praying that prayer every day, and eventually, I was led into Saint Patrick’s on October 13th. My life was changed after attending Mass. I had never felt the presence of God more than I did that day.

But it would still be a little longer before I entered RCIA.

On November 10th, I attended Mass a second time. After that Mass, I talked to a lady who passed my information to Deacon Terry. I went about my life and waited for a call. A few days later, I got one. Deacon Terry asked me some light questions and when I could meet. We met that same week, and during that meeting he asked me why I wanted to be Catholic.

I told him I wanted a faith that had more commitment. But there was a bigger reason I didn’t share at the time.
Mary.

She was the biggest reason I was there. I had a few supernatural encounters with our Mother—her presence was overwhelming and constantly around me until I went and signed up for RCIA. She poured out her love to me, and it was so overwhelming that it left me with an aching feeling in my soul, a calling. My soul and heart were not yet ready for that kind of love, but the outpouring of her love left me no choice but to enter the Church. Almost as if to say, “Alright Mother, you win! No more!”

I was afraid to share these experiences I had with the Blessed Mother, because I was absolutely afraid of sounding like a crazy person. But now that I’ve grown more comfortable in my faith, I am unashamed to talk about my relationship with the Holy Mother.

My love for Our Mother only grew when Ray, who was a sponsor for Justin (the other catechumen besides myself, who was also received into the Church last year), gave me a rosary. Praying the rosary changed my life! Every time I pray the rosary, I’m filled with a love for Jesus and his Mother. As I pray, I am filled with Mary’s maternal love for me, and it has shattered many habits that once had a strong hold on me.

So thank you, Ray, for giving me my first rosary!

For those who have been in the Church and have paid attention to me or gotten to know me, you know how the rest goes. I did a ton of research into Church history and theology. I came to church every week (besides one time when the winter weather was bad) and actively participated in the Mass. The reason for all of that is because my love for Jesus has grown beyond belief, and I love going to church, which is something I never thought would be possible.

Now, there is another important figure in my faith journey I absolutely must mention: my beloved Saint Catherine of Siena, my Patroness.

On the night of Christmas Eve, after coming home from Mass, my friends and I began to discuss the relics that the Church had. Little did I know, the Holy Spirit had something in store for me that night.

I was guided to the head of Catherine. Yes, the very first image I ever saw of her was her decapitated head in a glass box. I was absolutely intrigued, so I looked up her name. Just a few seconds after hitting the search button, her portrait by Giovanni Battista appeared. I sat there and stared at it for a few seconds, taking in her face, the stigmata on her hands, and the crown of thorns resting on her head.

Before this moment, I was struggling to find my saint. I knew one had picked me out from the rest and was deeply interested in me, so much so that by their prayers and constant battle against the forces of evil over me, there was never going to be a version of me that didn’t end up Catholic.

Believe me, the fact I’ve even made it to the age of 21 is nothing short of divine intervention. Someone was dragging me along, keeping me on track so I wouldn’t stray too far. Whoever it was, they were as sharp as a sword when it came to matters of faith, so much so that, even to this day, they remain a controversial saint in the Church.

After sitting there a few moments, looking at her, something hit me right in the soul. It was as if Catherine herself came down from heaven to smack me in the face and reprimand me for not coming to her sooner. But nonetheless, joyfully, I was here now.

Let me tell you, if Mother Mary was the one to give me a loving push to go to Saint Patrick’s, Catherine was grabbing me by the wrist and dragging me up the steps.

As I got to know Catherine more, I could see she was strengthening me with all the power God had given her. There have been many times I’ve been afraid to do or say something, but every time, she’s dragged me into doing it. One example was during our 40 hours of adoration. I sat in the middle pew and got settled. After just a few minutes, I heard a voice, clear as ever, say to me: “Pick up your stuff and go sit at the front. Go. Now.”

With the sharpness, yet at the same time gentleness of that voice, I knew it could be no one else but Catherine of Siena.
I did as she asked and sat at the very front of the church. I had a beautiful visit with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I sat there for three hours, praying, reading Scripture, and adoring our Lord.

St. Catherine is someone I can get behind easily. Her honesty and disregard for what people might think or feel about what she would say when it came to the truth was a perfect match for me. I tell people now all the time that they better be careful when they ask me for my honest opinion, because I have the sharpness of my Patroness.

Along with her attitude and personality, she adored what most would consider morbid imagery, but all she saw was beauty in it. I’m in full agreement with her on that. She always talked about blood and desired to be martyred, as she once wrote: “I pray that sweet Light (Jesus) leads us to bleed to death for the truth.”

Truly, I tell you, with her attitude, her love of dark imagery, and her need to go against the culture of her time, Catherine was, in many ways, one of the first "metalhead" types to ever exist. That only added to my love for her. There could not be a more perfect saint for me. Only the divine could arrange such a close and intimate relationship. That’s the way I would describe my relationship with Catherine: she is absolutely a guiding figure, but more importantly, she is a friend, my best friend.

Even with all the friends I have on earth, no one comes close to her. She will always put me on the path of Christ, even if it means she has to drag me across the parking lot and up the steps of the church to do so. Because that’s the kind of person she is, and we all need a friend like that.

There’s not too much I can promise you, but if I make it to heaven through the grace of God, wherever Catherine goes, I won’t be too far behind, and vice versa.

Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

Now, having shared with you my testimony of faith, my relationship with our dear Mother, and my friendship with my beloved Patroness, how does this testimony end? With a call to action.

​For those who read this, if you haven't already, I urge you to consider the following: 

First, to grow a devotion to our Blessed Mother. The Church is at her best when Mary is honored and devotion to her is at an all-time high. So please, take the time to spend with Mother. Maybe even bring her flowers—whether at your home shrine or at church. Don’t be afraid to show your love for her, because she loves you unapologetically.

Second, to grow in closeness to your Patron or Patroness. Take some time to ask for their guidance and intercession. Build a relationship with the one who prays for and watches over you—they care deeply for you.

Third and finally, be unashamed of your Catholic faith. When you eat in public, make the sign of the cross before you eat. When you pray with friends and family, say the Hail Mary—no matter what they may think. When the opportunity arises, always share your faith with people and invite them to Mass.

My friends, you are part of the true Church of Jesus Christ! Be proud to be a part of His holy Church!

In conclusion, I want to say thank you to my Godmother, Rita. Rita has been a great help as well as a good person to just have a great conversation with. I’m very thankful to have gotten to know her.

Thank you also to everyone in the RCIA at Saint Patrick’s, the parishioners there and at Holy Family, the clergy at both churches, and everyone at Saint Mary’s Cathedral who showed me such wonderful hospitality as a visitor when I attended their parish for a few days in early April.

Thank you all for welcoming me with love into Christ’s Church like no one else ever has. No matter where I go, I have family nearby—as long as there’s a Catholic Church.

I look forward to what else awaits me on this journey.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us!
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us!
Ave Christus Rex!
Ave Maria!

Written by Luke Banek, St. Patrick's in Medicine Hat. 

​The Second Annual Diocesan Vocations Rally was, from the opening Mass with Bishop McGrattan, until the end with his blessing, a very blessed and Spirit-led event for our diocesan community. Almost 400 people gathered at St. Michael’s church in Calgary to celebrate Pentecost Sunday Mass, to hear inspiring talks about creating a culture of vocations in our Diocese and about various vocations within the Church, and to interact with faith-filled people in those vocations. We were skilfully led through the series of talks and panel discussion by two MCs: Deacon Peter An and Francesca Ambrosino.

Prayer and baptism were main messages that ran through the talks.  At the Mass which began the Vocations Rally, the Bishop performed the sprinkling rite to remind us of our baptism. Every speaker connected our vocations with our baptism.

Fr. Troy Nguyen began the presentations with a talk on the culture of vocations and discernment of vocation. His three main points were living our baptismal call, living a life of sacrifice, and creating a culture of joy.

He was followed by Sr. Mary Elisabeth Pinochet, SOW, who spoke on the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She explained that all of us are called to live out these gospel counsels. This is a call from our baptism; those who are Consecrated are just living this call radically.

Dr. Thomas and Chanèle Bouchard gave the third talk on the topic of marriage, family, and building a vocation culture in the home. They emphasized the important point that a relationship founded upon friendship is the basis of a good marriage.

The final talk was given by Fr. Derek Remus. He presented on the theologically profound responsibilities and realities of the ministerial priesthood and how the royal priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood further enhance each other. 
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Then it was time for the panel discussion with Sr. Zacharia Hryc, OP, Br. Michael Perras, OFM, Fr. Anthony Sortino, LC, and Deacon Stephen Robinson. Lots of great questions were asked by the participants and we received many thoughtful and helpful answers from the panelists. 

Kemuel Perez who participated in the Rally said, “The Vocations Rally really got me inspired to discern my vocation because it has been a long time for my discerning to what God is calling me. It really helps to hear the testimonies and the speakers of different vocations. If you are ever discerning for whatever God is calling you, it really helps to talk to the different people who are living that vocation.”

Sr. Carol Forhan, RPB, shared, “I was heartened to see the number of people who were there for the first time!  I found that the program was well-planned, and the MCs were excellent. The participants who gave the talks, or who were on the panel, did so well, whether giving a teaching or sharing personal experiences of God's work in their own lives.  One happy surprise was the great number of people who asked questions of the panel!  I pray and trust that many young people will be helped through this event and others like it, to listen within their hearts to God's Call, whatever that will be for them.”

Mara Capili brought her children to the Rally. She told us, “Especially when Fr. Troy teared up during his talk, it was very moving; you could almost feel him when he was talking. He was grateful that he followed his vocation. Sr. Mary Elisabeth’s talk about the evangelical counsels was a teaching moment for me. I had not heard of the term 'evangelical counsels' before. I was so happy to be there. I made sure that I brought my kids to hear the talks. My eldest collected a lot of brochures from the display tables and is eager now to study theology after high school. We loved it. It was very worthwhile.”

Fr. Troy commented, “It was inspiring to see so many people excited to learn about vocations in all its forms. I hope that it sparks a renewal in our Diocese.”

We offer a tremendous thank you to Bishop McGrattan who has been so supportive of this event, who presided at the Mass and provided us spiritual nourishment in his homily, as well as offering final comments and giving us his blessing at the end of the Rally. Bishop McGrattan spoke of this event as being a celebration of a Vocations Pentecost and he tied the Diocesan renewal in which we are engaging into a sort of Pentecost in the Holy Spirit.

We also thank the many priests who concelebrated the Mass, the seminarians who served at the altar, St. Michael’s community parishioners who assisted in so many ways, and the choir led by Heather Blair who provided inspirational music for the liturgy.

We are grateful for the tremendous effort of those who staffed the display booths and interacted with the participants. This is an aspect of the Vocations Rally for which many people expressed their appreciation. It really provides a venue for talking about vocations.

Thank you to the Benedict XVI Institute at Newman Theological College for their generous donation. Thank you to the God Squad and volunteers who served the lunch.

We were happy to see so many young adults and families who participated. We are very happy to see those who came of the newly baptized and confirmed. The Vocations Rally was for those discerning their vocation, but also for everyone to support vocations and to help to create a culture of vocations in our Diocese, welcoming vocations, praying for vocations. Thank you to everyone who contributed to and attended the Rally.
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The Office of Vocations encourages people to pray the vocation prayer and to contact us if they need more prayer cards. Please pray for our seminarians, candidates for permanent diaconate, and consecrated virginity. If you are wondering about your vocation, you are welcome to contact the Office of Vocations to come to talk to us. 

Written by Sr. Dianne Turner, Office of Vocations. Photos courtesy of Luke Fuentebella & SFXC Lethbridge. View Photo Album

St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC) is a young adult ministry (18-35) in our Diocese that has been active since it began in 2019. One of the key hopes of the Chaplaincy is to go out on mission, just as our namesake, St. Francis Xavier, went out publicly to spread the Gospel.

​This year, our members hit the streets of Calgary during the Lilac Festival to do exactly that — inviting people to our Encounter Accompaniment series, which is running every Thursday in June.

The series is meant to introduce people to the Catholic faith — not only those we met at Lilac Festival, but really anyone looking to learn the basics. We ended up speaking to hundreds of people! We gave out 79 New Testament books, 39 Bibles, over 100 SFXC pamphlets, rosaries, and Ultimate Relationship (UR) booklets. All 50 RCIA pamphlets we brought were snapped up too.

Even if no one had signed up for the Encounter series, we’d still have called this a huge win — planting seeds in people’s hearts and getting them thinking about God and the Catholic faith. However, it was even better: 177 people took our survey and 84 said they’re interested in coming to one of our Encounter events!

Our first Encounter Accompaniment event took place on June 5 at St. Mary’s Cathedral hall, where Fr. Troy introduced the kerygma (the core message of the Catholic faith) to those who attended. About 70 people showed up — and thanks to a generous donor, everyone got free Vietnamese subs too.

It was a small way to show the love of God — not only through the message being shared, but through the warmth of our community.

We’ll be hosting two more sessions on June 12 and 19 at St. Mary’s Cathedral hall. Our final session will be on June 26 at Sacred Heart Calgary, where we’ll have an Adoration night and throw a celebration party to wrap up the series.
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If you know anyone aged 18-35 who might be interested, please pass this along! My email is at the bottom of this article.

This year, we launched all kinds of small group studies — including Theology of the Body, Healing of the Whole Person workshop, Philosophy Club, CCO Faith Studies, Men’s formation, and book studies on Dante’s Inferno and Fruitful Discipleship.

Our Young Professionals group kicked off a Church History course and a public speaking club called “Logorators.” Our Young Families chapter started a monthly Mass and Formation event and a Mom & Dad’s group.
We’ve also had tons of social events — our annual dance, summer/Stampede BBQ, monthly board game nights, bi-weekly Sunday Socials after Mass, and bi-weekly sports nights.
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Beyond this, we offer members plenty of ways to volunteer — through our monthly Mustard Seed program, Sunday Socials program, Choir formation, Altar Serving, and other opportunities throughout all of these ministries and events.
Here’s the heart of what we do:

• Encounter Jesus through the Sacraments, Holy Mass, Adoration nights, and formation events.
• Equip members to become leaders — through talks, choir formation, altar serving, and apostolic formation (like our Mustard Seed program).
• Engage their parishes and communities — living out a missionary identity in daily life.

The beautiful thing is: this isn’t just staff-driven. Our members are the ones driving so much of this. They spearhead initiatives, give their time outside of work, and pour themselves into this mission — because they believe in what the Chaplaincy is about:

• making Jesus known,
• building authentic community,
• and going out to serve in their parishes and neighbourhoods. 

​We’ve got plenty more ideas and plans on the horizon. If you’d like to support us and help make it all possible — we’d love to have you on board.

To learn more about SFXC, visit https://www.sfxc.ca/ or follow us on Instagram @sfxchaplaincy.
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We also have a donation campaign running for two weeks starting June 9 — and all donations will be matched! If you’d like to contribute, visit https://www.catholicyyc.ca/donatetosfxc.html.

Written by Jaime Gayos, SFXC Coordinator. To contact him, email [email protected]

Throughout the Gospels, we read of people’s encounters with Christ, where He invites them to “come and see” who He is. Jesus continues to extend this invitation to each of us today — but how easy is it for us to “stay” in relationship with Him when trials come our way? Furthermore, what does it look like for us to follow in Christ’s footsteps, seeing our interactions with others as opportunities to reveal the Father's love to them?

The theme of this year’s Beloved Daughters Ministry conference is “Come and Stay: Relationships Rooted in Love.” As Rikka, Maria, and Jessica (the founders of Beloved Daughters Ministry) were praying and reflecting on the theme, they considered the many roles women hold. As daughters, friends, mothers, and sisters, women are presented with ample opportunities throughout daily life to cultivate and maintain authentic relationships. Yet often, comparison, fear, insecurities, and responsibilities can get in the way of developing these relationships.

Maria, Rikka, and Jessica have been friends for over ten years. They can attest to the challenges of nurturing their friendship while fulfilling multiple roles and responsibilities. In the midst of it all, they strive to remind each other that disagreements are opportunities to grow in virtue — to help one another become saints and truly see each other in God’s image.

Having previously volunteered together in youth and young adult ministry, we saw the formation of Beloved Daughters Ministry as an opportunity to journey alongside other women as we grow in our identity as beloved daughters of God. As we’ve mentioned at just about every one of our events, we are on the same journey as every other woman — we don’t have it all figured out.

Written by Jessica, Beloved Daughters Ministry, Calgary.

If you're wondering what “Fun with the Sisters” is, it’s exactly that: an opportunity to meet religious sisters in a casual setting and enjoy time together.
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We recently held our “Fun with the Sisters” evening at the FCJ Centre on Friday, Jan 24, 2025. Young women from the Calgary area attended the event, and many religious communities were represented, including the Faithful Companions of Jesus, the Sisters of Providence, the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Province, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, and the Seeds of the Word, along with the young women currently in the sabbatical program.

We took our time to introduce ourselves and engage in meaningful conversations over a pizza dinner. The sisters shared brief presentations about their congregations and ministries in Calgary. After dinner, we divided into groups to play Pictionary, filling the room with laughter and creativity. Toward the end of the evening, we gathered in the chapel for a time of prayer, singing hymns and spontaneously sharing our favorite Bible verses. Finally, it was time to say good night to friends, both old and new.

While “Fun with the Sisters” may not be strictly vocational, it provides a wonderful opportunity to meet the sisters and engage in conversations about discernment with them, as well as with like-minded women in attendance.
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The next event on the horizon is “Movie Night with the Sisters” on Feb 15 at St. Luke’s Parish, sponsored by the Serra Club. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

Written by Sr. Simon Grosicka, O.P. 

The room was packed. The evening before, it had sold out, and the next day, some extra seats were released, which also sold out. People from all different demographics were present: seniors, families, young couples, and students. They all came because they were fascinated by one of the most intriguing topics in the Bible: the Book of Revelation. Additionally, Cardinal Collins had completed his PhD on the Book of Revelation, so the audience was set to receive a professional, in-depth look at a book that has puzzled so many.

The Cardinal spoke about how the Book of Revelation needs to be understood within its historical context. Many Christians at the time it was written were being persecuted for their faith. So John, the writer of the book, was trying to encourage them to give their lives for Christ. John sought to provide them with an eternal perspective amidst their current struggles by helping them see that they were choosing to worship the Lamb or the Beast, to strive for the Heavenly Jerusalem or the Lake of Fire. This stark choice, and the contrast between the glory of heaven and the pains of hell, was meant to inspire the Christians of that time to give their lives for Christ, for the Lamb who conquered death by His death. 

Then he tied it marvelously into our own context by pointing out that the struggles of the Christians in the 21st century are not that much different from the Christians in the 1st century. Although we as Christians might not have to choose between life and death (at least in the Western world), we are still given the choice to choose between the Lamb or the Beast, between Jesus and Satan. The battle between these two options is symbolized by the woman in scarlet, the prostitute who rides on the Beast. The Cardinal pointed out that this symbolized an aspect of the spiritual life where we are allured by sin and not just outright rebellion against God. Therefore, we need to be aware of this path as well, because it also leads us towards the Beast and the Lake of Fire, and therefore, choose to live for Christ in a world that rejects him.  

All in all, it was a great evening of formation and community, as we were treated to some great snacks and food from St. Mary's University! St. Mary's aspires to become that place where meaningful conversations about faith and faithfulness to the teachings of the Church intersect.

​I am excited for our next speaker, Fr David Bellusci O.P, who is a Dominican priest and a biographer for one of the great young saints of this century: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassatti. If you want to learn more about this amazing saint for the young, please come out to St. Mary's on Jan 23, 2025!

Written by Fr. Troy Nguyen for Faithfully. Fr. Troy is the Vicar of Young Adults and chaplain for St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy | www.sfxc.ca | Photos courtesy of St. Mary's University

Just east of Banff, near the start of Highway 93, thirty one intrepid hikers gathered to trek up Stanley Creek and gaze up at the Stanley Glacier. ​

Some of us explored the caves, while others admired the waterfall or simply took in the views. The top of our hike was our lunch spot, a small meadow which looked up to the Stanley Glacier. While not as massive as the Columbia Icefield between Banff and Jasper, it’s impressive to see a glacier that even summer heat can’t fully melt. Each winter, new snow adds to the ice, continuing the glacier’s growth.​

The descent proved to be a bit more challenging, as the loose scree (small rocks along the slope) left more than one hiker with dirty pant legs. But once we were down from the glacial overlook, we made the final hour-long trek through the trees back to the parking lot, where our companions awaited the last hikers.

I am deeply grateful to our organizing team and to the faithful from St. Gabriel’s, along with all the diocesan parishioners, who joined us on this memorable hike. In this season of Renewal, it is truly uplifting to experience the strength of our diocesan community—to share the gift of presence and embody a church rooted in encounter and witness. Our next fundraising event will be a special dinner on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the St. Gabriel’s School gym in Chestermere. If you feel moved to support our efforts in building a new church, please visit: saintgabrielparish.ca

Written by Fr. James Hagel, pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel parish in Chestermere. Photos courtesy of Fr. James Hagel, Andreas Berko, and Pat Cooper.