Pursuing Renewal is a Wonderful Life

Over the break, I found myself watching the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, truly one of the most beautiful movies ever made. You probably know the story, or if you don’t, I highly recommend watching it.

In the movie, George Bailey is a bright and ambitious young man who wants to make a name for himself and see the world. His plan has one big problem, though. He just has too good a heart. Time and again over the years, he sacrifices his dreams to serve and care for his family and community. Unfortunately for George, he doesn’t realize just how much good he has done, and so he eventually begins to despair.

Thankfully, God sends the bumbling angel Clarence on a mission to save George by showing him what life in Bedford Falls would be like if he had never lived. After seeing this, the movie ends with George racing through his hometown and back home to his family, bursting with joy and gratitude for the very life he had once wanted to escape

I have been reflecting on where we are with parish renewal right now. Although each parish is in a different place, many are currently in the process of launching new initiatives and action items. It’s hard work. Probably not everything is going according to plan. Sometimes you may not even receive a thank-you for your efforts. For the most part, we also aren’t yet seeing the fruits of these initiatives. It takes time. This is a planting and tending stage, a labour of love that requires patience and trust.
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My prayer is that one day each of you is granted the blessing George received, and that you will know just how much of an impact you are having, because it is significant. Parish communities are being strengthened, new people are being welcomed, families are being supported, and the saving love of Christ is reaching hearts in ways we may not yet see.

​I would like to share two things with you today.

The first is a brief overview of what is coming in the months ahead, so that you can mark your calendars. More details will be shared as each opportunity approaches.

• During Lent, Bishop McGrattan will once again visit regions across the diocese for renewal gatherings.
• Registration will open soon for our Diocesan Renewal Conference, focused on evangelization and equipping parishes for mission. The keynote speaker will be Bishop Scott McCaig of the Military Ordinariate of Canada.
• Toward the end of May, we will host a Leadership Summit for pastors and parish leaders. This full-day gathering will focus on navigating challenges and fostering renewal that is genuine and lasting. Ron Huntley will be leading this day, building on the leadership formation many have already experienced.

The second thing I would like to share is that Ron Huntley, who is currently journeying with our Parish Renewal Team leaders, has recently released a new book titled Road to Renewal: How Faith, Vision, and Courage Are Fuelling a Church Comeback. The book gathers the voices of twelve pastors and lay leaders who have led their parishes along the path of renewal. What emerges is not a model or a program, but honest voices from the field, people who are learning as they go and sharing what has helped them continue moving forward. The book is available on Amazon for those who are interested.

​As we begin this new year, I am thankful for the full year of the Jubilee of Hope we have just lived. My hope is that the grace we received continues to shape our daily faith and deepen the renewal already taking root across our diocese.

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Written by Ryan Schmidt, Director of Renewal, Diocese of Calgary.