Chasing Renewal: A Q&A with Ryan Schmidt, Director of Pastoral Renewal

Ryan Schmidt didn’t plan to work in Pastoral Renewal. In fact, just last year he was running rodeos and raising a young family in rural Alberta. But when the opportunity arose to serve the Diocese in a deeper way, his heart responded. What began with a nudge from Fr. Cristino quickly became a calling. Now, as Director of Pastoral Renewal, Ryan’s days are spent walking with parishes, listening, supporting, and helping them discover how the Holy Spirit is moving in their communities. 

We caught up with Ryan to hear more about his journey and hopes for the renewal unfolding across our Diocese.

Q: How did you come to be involved in the work of Pastoral Renewal? 

• Ryan: Ever since I truly encountered Christ for the first time in my early 20s, I’ve been passionate about seeing the Church grow and thrive, and for sharing the healing love of Christ with those who have not yet met Him.
  
  ​But as far as Pastoral Renewal goes, Fr. Cristino is to blame! He initially asked me to help with a Vocation Directors Conference he was working on. When I wasn’t available, he suggested I ought to help with another project. You know how these suggestions go… the next thing I knew, I was in a Zoom call, meeting with the Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team and applying to be a volunteer on the committee.
  
  I thought I’d be done with the project by the fall. But as the process unfolded, Bishop McGrattan frequently mentioned that more resources were needed—or that someone ought to go out and assist the Parish Renewal Teams. When he said those things, something stirred in my heart. I had fallen in love with Renewal and everything it means for our parishes, and I felt the Lord was calling me.
  
  ​The Diocese ended up posting a position for Director, Pastoral Renewal—and I applied. Within six weeks, I went from running rodeos to chasing down Renewal. 

Q: In simple words, how would you describe your mandate as Director of Pastoral Renewal?

• Ryan: I go to the Parish Renewal Teams to see how I can help them achieve their hopes for Renewal. That means answering questions, advising and encouraging, and helping them get the support they need.
  
  ​​The role is also about coordinating Diocesan efforts—developing programs, sharing best practices, and harmonizing our Renewal work with other Diocesan initiatives. All of it is to support Renewal.

Q: Now that you've been in the role for a while—and have attended all four Parish Leaders Gatherings—what’s your impression? What have you seen or heard that informs your vision for Renewal going forward?

• Ryan: My impression is that there’s a lot of momentum toward Renewal in most of our parishes. I’m really happy to see that many are on track to have a draft plan in place by June 15. 
  
  At our Lenten gatherings with the Bishop, we heard stories of how Renewal is already happening—some big and some small. But we need to double down, because there are so many people out there who are longing to meet the Lord.
  
  There’s a growing spiritual hunger, especially among young people. Some are exploring faith online, and some are showing up—seemingly out of nowhere—in our churches, seeking God. I’ve seen this firsthand in Strathmore, and I know it’s happening across our Diocese. These people are waiting for a simple invitation, and for us to build ministries that engage their souls and help them come to know Christ.
  
  ​​I also see a lot of common challenges faced by our smaller rural parishes—but also a lot of hope. The Lord wants these parishes to grow again. I’ll be inviting them to share experiences with one another, toward greater evangelization, formation, and vibrant parish life. Some rural parishes are already thriving—they have a lot to teach the rest of us.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share with our diocesan family as you begin this role?

• Ryan: Just that it is an incredible privilege to be in this role. I don’t know how the Lord guided me here, but it fills me with joy. Aside from raising my four children with my beautiful wife, there’s nothing that brings me more happiness and peace than serving the Lord in this mission.

Ryan Schmidt and his family