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.
 
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.”

WEEK 1: Inherent Dignity of Every Human Life

​The situation of this pandemic invites us all to re-discover the inherent dignity of every human life and to re-awaken a sense of gratitude, affection and responsibility towards all people, particularly the most vulnerable in our society. #CatholicYYC

• Watch Panel Discussion Video: https://youtu.be/Y0AmwyfjNMg​
• Download Weekly Reflection (PDF) here ==> Pastoral Letter from the Bishops are included 
  Download Weekly Reflection en francais 

​Moderator: Dr. Bonnie Annicchiarico (Director, Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education (GrACE)
Panelists: Patrick Dumelie (CEO, Covenant Health, Edmonton) Dr. Troy Davies (CEO, Catholic Social Services, Edmonton) David & Cathy Ann Bouchard (Magdalene House, Red Deer) Sr. Alinda (Mother Superior, Missionaries of Charity, St. Paul, AB) 

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

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Weekly reflections (PDF) can be downloaded with the links below: 
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• Reflection Topic #1 Weekly Reflection: Inherent dignity of every human life​
  
• Reflection Topic #2 Weekly Reflection: 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

​Download Weekly Reflection en francais 

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 ​