Holy Trinity Parish in Blairmore: Small steps toward a Christ-centered Renewal

Holy Trinity is a small parish in the heart of the mountains in southwestern Alberta. We’ve been part of this parish for six years, and before that, we were involved with All Saints Parish in Lethbridge.

We are glad to be engaged in the Renewal Process. We felt inspired by the initial meeting and presentation that the Diocese held at St. Martha’s Church in Lethbridge. Father Joe is also encouraged by the Renewal Process.
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Even though we are a small parish with not much activity, we are taking small, concrete steps to create an atmosphere of belonging. We want the focus to be Christ-centered in a practical way—calling people to community, building friendships, and exploring possibilities for spiritual growth.

One of our challenges in building a more vibrant parish community is that our attendance at Mass is sparse, with many of our parishioners being elderly. On Tuesday evenings, there is Eucharistic adoration for an hour before Mass. Father Joe started the adoration as part of the Renewal Process, and it has been well received. The Rosary is prayed before weekend Masses. The Knights of Columbus host a pancake breakfast once a month, providing an opportunity for parish members to fellowship after Mass.

Another aspect of Parish Renewal is the team (six of us, including Father Joe) starting a "Potluck with Padre" on the first Saturday of every second month, after the 5 pm Mass. Those who attend have enjoyed coming together to share a meal and visit. We are also organizing a Bible study, which will begin in late September.

We are blessed to be part of the Renewal process in this diocese. We look forward to enriching our faith and growing in our sense of Christian community.

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Written by Marie & Steve Burger, Parish Renewal Team Members at Holy Trinity Parish, Blairmore. Photo courtesy of Holy Trinity Parish.