​2026 Fun Night with the Sisters

Every year, the Assembly of Women Religious and the Office of Vocations in the Diocese of Calgary invite young single women, age 16 or older, to join in a fun night of food, companionship, games, and prayer.

In previous years, the Fun Night attendees were graciously welcomed by the Faithful Companions of Jesus Sisters at the FCJ Centre, but as the event has continued to grow, a larger venue was needed! This year, the Fun Night was hosted at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, where nearly 40 young ladies and Sisters enjoyed an evening of great food, group games, and conversation.
 
The evening began with a prayerful welcome, followed by a delicious pizza supper, other nutritious foods, and a cookie extravaganza. (No really, there was no shortage of cookies!) The ladies in attendance got to converse with Sisters from seven communities here in Calgary: the Faithful Companions of Jesus Sisters, the Seeds of the Word, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, the Providence Sisters, the Dominican Sisters, the Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church, and the Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth. 
 
The Fun Night gives young women the opportunity to connect with the Sisters to learn more about the vocation to the Consecrated life and who the Sisters are as real people. In turn, the Sisters are thrilled to make some new friends and to spend time with the other Sisters as well. It was very exciting to welcome a few new attendees this year, as this event was their first time meeting or interacting with any religious Sisters. 
 
Everyone jumped into the group games with enthusiasm and lots of laughter. We learned some interesting traits about everyone in the Fruit Salad Game, and we appreciated a variety of artistic talents during a very amusing and competitive bout of Pictionary. The games invited everyone to participate and get to know each other a little better.

“People were very friendly, and there was an innate sense of community,” shared one attendee. “The Sisters were funny and welcoming, and it was so cool to meet Sisters from different backgrounds and paths!”
 
At the end of the evening, each community of Sisters shared something about their community in a brief panel discussion, and the evening concluded with Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. All the women were provided with a list of the upcoming vocation events with the hopes that they will participate in future encounters with the Sisters - and we hope to see you there too!

Upcoming Vocation Events:
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1. February 2: World Day for Consecrated Life. 5 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral with Bishop McGrattan. The Bishop will be blessing candles at this Mass, and the Consecrated persons in the Diocese will be in attendance. There is a reception afterwards in the hall where food will be served.
   
   
2. February 7: Adoration for Vocations at Our Lady Queen of Peace parish, 2111 Uxbridge Dr NW, Calgary. Mass at 9 a.m. and Adoration all day until Benediction at 6:45 p.m. and Mass at 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to spend some quiet time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and pray for vocations to the Consecrated Life for our Diocese. Consecrated persons will be in attendance throughout the day.
   
   
3. May 31: Vocations Rally at St. Michael’s Catholic Community. This is the third annual rally, and everyone is invited. Mass with the Bishop is at 11 a.m., followed by lunch, speakers on discernment, a panel of presenters, and display tables from many organizations and groups in the Church, seminarians, and communities of Consecrated Life. The event ends at 4:30 p.m. with the Bishop’s blessing.
   
   
4. June 13: Tea with the Sisters at the Providence Sisters’ residence, 150 Providence Blvd. SE, Calgary. This event runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is an opportunity for young single women (16+) to spend time with the Sisters of the Diocese of Calgary in an informal setting. There will be time for conversation, and the afternoon ends with prayer.
   
   
5. September 26: FIAT Retreat at St. Luke’s Church in Calgary, starting at 8:30 a.m. This retreat is for young women who are listening to the Lord’s call in their lives and want to know more about the Consecrated Life. Mass at 9:00 a.m., followed by presentations, time for Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, lunch, other presentations and discussion. The event ends at 4:00 p.m. with Evening Prayer.
   
   
6. We are also planning a Nun Run, where young women visit various convents of Sisters in one day. Stay tuned for details! 

​Written by Noëlle McCusker and Sr. Dianne Turner.