Renewal Gathering: A New Beginning

11/9/2023

A message from the Renewal Leadership Team:

As we draw the Diocesan Renewal Gatherings to a close, we offer you all a sincere THANK YOU!

What an amazing response! Almost 1000 participants joined four gatherings across the diocese. Sincere gratitude to each host-parish who went above and beyond by providing hospitality, food, welcome, ministries and an outpouring of support. The spirit at each gathering was hopeful and there was overall excitement for renewal. Bishop McGrattan and the Renewal Leadership Team are filled with gratitude for your encouragement and for your eagerness to move forward.

Every participant was invited to share feedback and, as a result, we were able to get a strong sense of your thoughts and insights. Here is what we heard when we asked: What aspects of the gathering were most effective?

The bishop!   You loved hearing about the renewal, the synod and were especially moved by the bishop’s personal stories.  You liked getting to know Bishop McGrattan better. 
Father Tim’s reflections on Zacchaeus.  You were encouraged and inspired.  Your hearts were touched as you reflected on having a heart like Christ. There were so many insights as you considered the perspective of Zacchaeus, the crowd, the disciples and Jesus and how they applied to you today.
The conversation and discussions at the tables.  You got to know people you hadn’t met before.  You listened and appreciated the various perspectives.  You learned from each other.
Mass.  The number of priests present was awesome.  The music was wonderful.  The congregation’s singing and responses were powerful.  Celebration of the Eucharist was essential and the best way to start the gathering.
The gathering itself…the number of people invested and excited; the representation of various parishes across the pastoral zone; the format worked very well; the hospitality shown; and the meal was so appreciated.
The video shown at the beginning was powerful.

If you are interested in providing a similar experience and gathering for your parish or lay association, the Renewal Leadership Team can share a template for planning and resources so that you may host a gathering of your own. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Thank you for your prayers and your heart for renewal. We are blessed to be among you, the Faithful. We look forward to seeing you at future Renewal events! Please spread the word, witness and pray for Bishop McGrattan and the work of the diocese.

There were many individual comments provided by participants and some of these quotes have been captured in the summary and pictures provided by Faithfully last week. Feel free to scroll down or click the location buttons below:

November 4, 2023 | Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, Calgary

On November 4, nearly 500 faithful from the Diocese of Calgary convened at Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church for a Renewal Gathering.

The Mass was also highlighted by the profession of faith and oath of fidelity made by eight deacon candidates due to be ordained on Saturday, Nov. 18. Following the Mass, participants engaged in a Lectio Divina session led by Fr. Tim Boyle, delving into the story of Zaccheaus and its significance to our call for Renewal. Later, Bonnie Annichiarico from the Renewal Leadership Team had a conversation with Bishop McGrattan about the call for Renewal. Bishop McGrattan shared some stories from his Synod time in Rome, remarking how amazing it is to be in a gathering larger than those on the Synod floor in Rome. He then highlighted the priorities of the Renewal and what it means to pursue this in our daily lives.

Our deep gratitude to Fr. Shibu Kalarakkal, all the parish staff and volunteers at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish for their warm hospitality and hard work, as well as to the ministries and vendors who enriched the event with their presence and ministries.

Some feedback and key takeaways from participants:

Jesus is always calling, we just need to listen and act. I liked the activity, the reflection, how our Bishop talked with love, he cares and I saw that."

I have to make a commitment and open to personal renewal. Back off my personal biases – let God decide if His church is ready.

It is an excellent experience to be with the Bishop and with all our brethren, priests, brothers and sisters of Christ. Getting to know Bishop McGrattan as a man – as a very human being – just like us. Many Catholics in our Diocese want renewal."

MORE PHOTOS HERE

November 7, 2023 | All Saints Parish, Lethbridge

We wish we could have accommodated more attendees at Our Lady of Assumption Church's parish hall in Lethbridge (All Saints Parish) but the gathering was heartily filled to its capacity with over 170 registered participants from the Lethbridge pastoral zone and surrounding areas.

The evening began with Mass at 5 pm, presided by Bishop McGrattan. Here, four deacon candidates from Lethbridge & area who are to be ordained on November 18, professed their faith and oath of fidelity. Afterward, everyone transitioned to the Parish Hall for a delightful lasagna dinner prepared by an amazing group of parish volunteers.

Much like the event in Calgary, Fr. Tim Boyle facilitated an enriching discussion on renewal, with a Lectio Divina focusing on the story of Zaccheaus in the Sycamore tree. Bonnie Annichiarico and Bishop McGrattan then engaged in a conversation about renewal, discussing key messages from this important Renewal.

One participant shared their experience saying, "Like Zacchaeus, there are many out there who are waiting to be invited in, to become a part of something that makes people joyful. Reach out. Invite them in."

We express our deepest thanks to Fr. Kevin Tumback and the pastoral team, and all the hard-working volunteers who made this event possible. The warm hospitality you extended to the diocesan faithful were truly remarkable. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Some feedback and key takeaways from participants:

The conversation with the tool of the story opened our hearts and minds to be recharged and feel excited to journey forward."

Rosary and Holy Mass incredibly important before the gathering. Fellowship was wonderful. Depth of comments helped me to see different perspectives."

Gathering people to share their thoughts and reflections on renewal deeply was a great experience. We shared insights that touched each of us."

MORE PHOTOS

November 8, 2023 | St. Francis de Sales, High River

It was also full house gathering in High River with over 130 registered attendees from the South Calgary pastoral zone and nearby areas. Following Mass with Bishop McGrattan and concelebrating priests, attendees were treated to a light supper at the beautiful parish hall of St. Francis de Sales. Here, Fr. Tim led participants on a spiritual journey through the story of Zacchaeus via Lectio Divina.

John Wasch from the Renewal Leadership Team interviewed Bishop McGrattan on his Synod journey in Rome, and the Bishop shared his key insights for the Renewal. Feeling inspired, one participant shared, "Bishop gave some very compelling points about the Synod and has changed my somewhat pessimistic view. We are the change through prayer, hope and action. Be involved, and do not be afraid."

Our deepest appreciation to Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS, the pastoral staff and the amazing volunteers from St. Francis de Sales Parish for their exceptional hospitality and hard work in preparing for this event.

Asked about key takeaways and action item from the session, participants shared:

I’m called to re-engaging my family, following up my experiences with the Word of God and digging deeper. And in invigorating my students to start faith conversations at home."

We need to let others tell their stories first before telling ours. We need to embody the heart and mind of Christ more in our response to others."

Dialogue at the table was wonderful. Bishop highlighted and directed us to move forward, with discernment and love."

I need to pray with my family more intentionally, to invite others to the faith, and be excited about my faith."

MORE PHOTOS

November 13, 2023 | Holy Family, Medicine Hat

Our series of renewal gatherings reached its culmination at Holy Family Parish, where over 230 parishioners from the Medicine Hat deanery gathered in joyous celebration. We began with the Holy Eucharist, led by Bishop McGrattan and priests of the deanery. In his homily, the Bishop emphasized the vital role of faith as the foundation for renewal and our collective responsibility to share it with others.

The Knights of Columbus efficiently served a sumptuous BBQ hamburger dinner, skillfully organized, allowing the evening program to start ahead of schedule. Bishop McGrattan provided insight into the diocesan vision of renewal, shaped through a process of listening and consultation. Fr. Tim Boyle then guided participants in a spiritual reflection on Philippians 2:5, encouraging them to adopt the mindset of Christ on their transformative journey to His heart.

Small group discussions delved into the experience of this transformative journey, using the story of Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus as a context. We are called to see others as Christ sees them. This is the heart of the renewal. The Q&A session with Bishop McGrattan was both informative and inspiring, showcasing his personal commitment to community engagement in the renewal process.

A delightful bonus to the evening was the Renewal Gathering photobooth, courtesy of Fr. Fabio deSouza, adding a fun and memorable touch to the event. The entire evening beautifully reflected the unity of the faith community on the shared path of renewal.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Roque, the Holy Family parish team, and the Knights of Columbus for your dedicated efforts in hosting the Gathering. Your hospitality and warm welcome were deeply felt by all.

Asked about key takeaways and action item from the session, participants shared:

Being present here tonight is an indication of God's calling to me.. an encounter with God."

To see change/healing, it needs to start individually by each person. If we get stuck on past hurts and not take the leap of possibilities, how will we know that change can matter, that healing is possible? Be brave. Be courageous."

The Bishop coming to Medicine Hat for the renewal is a great boost to our parish. Thank you Bishop!"

I feel I matter and I belong - fantastic speakers and leaders!"

I feel the whole evening stirred a desire to strive for holiness; serve with joy; to evangelize by listening first..."

MORE PHOTOS

Special thanks to our digital media volunteers at the Renewal Gathering,especially to
Fr. Fabio D'Souza, Thiago Campos, Thiago Cavallini, and Daniel Vilela from Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Calgary;
Jason Openo from Holy Family, Medicine Hat.

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Renewal Gathering: A New Beginning

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