COVID-19 & the Call to Christian Renewal

Please read the Pastoral Statement from the bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, called On the Impact of COVID-19 & the Call to Christian Renewal |  Download here
 
In particular, the bishops are inviting Catholics to review the impact of COVID-19 within their homes, schools, workplaces, and society in general, in light of the gospel and the social teaching of the Church. Which values, attitudes and behaviours will we want to hold on to going forward? Which may be in need of remedy or renewal? Through a process of reflection and discernment, the bishops are using this time as an opportunity to inspire and lead a renewal of Christian life in the Church that will impact society in positive ways.

​Over the next seven weeks, Grandin Media is hosting seven panel discussions on themes referenced in the letter – the impact on family, care of the vulnerable, the changing workplace and the inherent dignity of human life. The panelists, assembled from across the province and territory, include experts in their fields in health care, education, social services, law and ministry and business. Among them are Patrick Dumelie and Troy Davies, the CEOS of Covenant Health and Catholic Social Services respectively, national CWL president-elect Fran Lucas and Dr. Peter Baltutis.
 
The goal is for all of us to gain insights into living our faith at home and at work, and in our parishes and communities. “Our Catholic faith has much to contribute with respect to promoting human, social and spiritual values for the common good of society,” the bishops note in their letter. “We trust that you, like us, see the urgency to discern wisely the signs of the times and to “reset” our lives so that our collective experience in moving forward accords with the Gospel.”
 
Weekly reflections (PDF) can be downloaded with the links below: 

• Reflection Topic #1 (video released Sept. 21): Inherent dignity of every human life
• Reflection Topic #2 (video released Sept. 28): Importance of the family
• Reflection Topic #3 (video released Oct. 5): Individual rights and social responsibilities
• Reflection Topic #4 (video released Oct. 12): Vulnerability and solidarity
• Reflection Topic #5 (video released Oct. 19): Responsibility for the common good
• Reflection Topic #6 (video released Oct. 26): Healthy use of information technologies
• Reflection Topic #7 (video released Nov. 2): Value and dignity of human work

Watch Discussion Panels

• Discussion Panel Sessions in Grandin Media 

Parishioners and all viewers will be invited to respond to the prepared reflection questions or otherwise to send thoughts/comments to communications@calgarydiocese.ca

• Link to watch Discussion Panel Sessions in Grandin Media 

Articles

• Catholic community helps map out COVID-19 present and future