Sacred Grace: A commitment to sacramental life

The Information Session crowd at St. Albert the Great Parish last Feb 9, 2025.

The Diocese of Calgary is moving forward with preparations for a Sacred Grace: Church Wedding for Civilly Married Couples - to be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sep 13, 2025 with Bishop William T. McGrattan.

This initiative, led by the Diocesan Renewal Team and the Permanent Diaconate community, aims to strengthen family life and welcome Catholic couples into the full sacramental life of the Church. Central to the Renewal mission is the dedicated involvement of the Diocese's Permanent Deacons, who are playing an important role in every step of the process. 
​
This event addresses the needs of Catholic couples whose civil marriages have not yet been recognized as sacramental unions. It offers a compassionate response to families seeking to fully participate in the Church's sacramental life, including those who desire to have their children receive the sacraments.

The Deacons are taking on a wide range of responsibilities to ensure the success of this initiative. Their contributions extend from administrative tasks to pastoral roles: 

• Advisory and documentation assistance
• Conducting interviews and mentoring during Information or processing sessions
• Facilitating marriage integration courses
• Serving as wedding officiants for groups of couples

The preparation for Sacred Grace spans nearly two years. Starting with initial meetings with parish priests in December 2024, the timeline includes organizational sessions, study days for Deacons, and multiple Marriage Preparation Courses. Each step ensures that the couples are spiritually and canonically ready for the sacramental celebration. 

This initiative is more than just a ceremony; it’s a reflection of the Church’s commitment to family life, pastoral care, and the transformative power of the sacraments. It’s about welcoming couples into the fullness of God’s grace and walking alongside them as they deepen their relationship with Christ and the Church.

It is a testament to what can be achieved when clergy, laity, and diocesan leadership work together to bring the faithful closer to God. ​

Deacon Dan Deck at the Info Session

---

Your marriage is a Gift - Make it a Sacrament. ​

Join the last two info sessions of Sacred Grace

• Sunday, March 23 at noon, St. Martha Parish (​355 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge)
• Saturday, March 29 at 6 pm, Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat)

​For more information, visit the Sacred Grace page.