Fishing for Souls: Lay Associations answering the call to Renewal

​Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4

Bishop McGrattan invites each of us to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing everyone back into community. We are called to build a community modeled on God’s love and mercy, where every person matters, every person is loved, and everyone has a role to play.

On November 23, 2024, representatives from 68 lay associations in the Diocese of Calgary gathered to reflect on how we can “put out into the deep” and invite everyone we encounter into a deeper experience of faith. This moment of Diocesan Renewal was a special call to strengthen relationships—with God and one another.

We celebrated the testimonies of three speakers whose lay ministries actively witness to our Catholic faith in the community, inviting us to learn, to serve, and to share the Word through faith-filled programs. It was inspiring to learn more about the mission and beauty of our lay ministries, each with their own charisms and focus, including education for children and young adults, the promotion of prayer and healing, and advocacy for the sanctity of life. We are truly blessed with a wide range of ministries that bring faith, hope, and encouragement to our community.

It is clear that God is leading the work of our lay ministries as they offer opportunities to nurture each of us and fill our souls with His grace. He has given each a mission, whether it be enriching prayer life, serving those in need, nurturing spiritual formation, or walking with those who are hurting.

Our unified mission of invitation, welcome, and witness was a central theme of our time together. During our synodal dialogue, we reflected on the Word of God and His call to us as individuals, ministries, and the Church. As we hold tight to the vine of Christ, He calls each of us to be His hands, feet, and heart in reaching out to others.
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Our call as a Catholic community is to reach into the deep and broaden our circle so that each person we encounter is welcomed into the embrace of Christ.
 
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ – Let’s Go Fishing!

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Kimberly Cichon is a devoted wife, loving mother to six amazing children, a founder of St Mary’s University Prayer Guild and an advocate of Catholic education at all educational levels.

​Photos courtesy of Office of Pastoral Ministry, Diocese of Calgary.