St. John the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Church marks First Anniversary

​One year after moving into its own church building, the community of St. John the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Church in Calgary gathered to celebrate a milestone marked by faith, gratitude and renewed parish life.
 
St. John belongs to the Chaldean Catholic Church, one of the Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome. While the parish is located within the geographical boundaries of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, it is under the pastoral care of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Canada and maintains a close relationship with the local Diocese.

“Our celebration began outdoors, where His Excellency Bishop Toma Meram, Bishop Emeritus of Iran, blessed a commemorative plaque installed beside the church’s main entrance,” wrote Fr. John Jwad, pastor of St. John’s Parish. “The plaque recounts the history of the building and the Chaldean community in Alberta.”
 
Following the blessing, the congregation processed into the church while singing joyful Aramaic hymns. At the altar, Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim, the first Chaldean Bishop of the United States, solemnly placed a relic of St. Stanislaus of Szczepanów within the altar.

“The relic had been generously gifted to our parish by the Holy See.”

Bishop Robert Jarjis, Bishop of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Canada, then celebrated the solemn Divine Liturgy. Priests from Roman Catholic parishes and Eastern Catholic Churches in Calgary joined the celebration, along with more than 150 faithful who travelled from across the United States for the anniversary Mass.
 
The celebration continued with a reception at the Radisson Banquet Centre. Bishop William McGrattan blessed the dinner, and several speeches brought the anniversary gathering to a close.

The first anniversary also offered the parish an opportunity to reflect on how having a permanent church has transformed its ministries and community life.
 
“Before acquiring our own church, our parish was limited in the activities we could offer because we worshipped in a rented space that was shared with multiple communities,” Fr. John explained. “Over the past year, however, as we moved into our new spiritual home, many new opportunities became a reality.”
 
Among the most significant developments was the establishment of the parish’s first weekly catechism program.
 
“For the first time in our parish’s history, we were able to establish a weekly catechism program, attended by more than 100 elementary-aged boys and girls.”

The parish hall has also become a regular gathering place for parish and community events, while the newly established Sacred Heart of Jesus Sodality for women has quickly become an active and valued ministry.
 
“Now that we worship in our own church, many parishioners have generously volunteered their time and talents to care for our new spiritual home.”
 
One example is the group of parishioners who gather every Monday evening to clean the church.

“Their work is followed by coffee, sweets and fellowship, fostering both a spirit of service and a stronger sense of community among our parish family.”
 
As the parish looks ahead, its next priority is to create more opportunities for young adults.
 
“Having witnessed great success in establishing programs for our children, our next step is to expand our ministries for young adults and continue fostering the faith of future generations,” Fr. John added.
 
The parish must also continue to maintain and improve the building, which was constructed in 1982. While the church and sanctuary are now complete, future projects include replacing the roof, installing a new boiler system and, God willing, renovating the parish hall.
 
“With the continued generosity, dedication and prayers of our parish family, we look forward to carrying this important work into the future.”

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Story drawn from a written interview with Fr. John Jwad. Photos courtesy of St. John the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Church, Calgary. ​