St. Michael's Renewal Gathering: United in Mission

In a time when meaningful connection is essential, our parish gathered for a special Renewal Gathering on St. Michael’s Feast Day, September 29, 2024. This intentional choice set the tone for a day filled with faith and fellowship, centered around the blessing of our new St. Michael statue. This ceremony fostered unity and served as a powerful symbol of protection and courage in our faith journey. The gathering was a key part of our diocesan Pastoral Renewal initiative, aimed at deepening our understanding of being a community of missionary disciples, reminding us that we are called, we matter, and we belong.

After the blessing, we enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by St. Michael’s Knights of Columbus. Laughter and conversation flowed freely, reflecting the joy of being together and the warmth of our parish family. It was heartening to see parishioners of all ages in attendance, especially since we provided childcare for families with young children.
With our hearts and minds prepared, we entered the sanctuary, warmly welcomed by our host, Mike Fitzsimmons. Uplifting praise songs led by the ‘Love One Another’ Community invited everyone to join in worship. The atmosphere was charged with the Holy Spirit as we engaged in a guided Lectio Divina and prayer led by Fr. Edmund and Fr. Kelvin, focusing on the Road to Emmaus narrative from Luke 24:13-35. This scripture teaches us to be open to the Holy Spirit, highlighting the need to recognize Christ’s presence in our lives, often in unexpected forms.

Engaging with Scripture allowed deeper truths to be revealed, fostering spiritual growth. The breaking of bread symbolizes the significance of the Eucharist and community in encountering Christ. Ultimately, the disciples’ transformation from despair to joyful witnesses of the Resurrection illustrates how openness to the Holy Spirit leads to personal renewal and a commitment to sharing the Good News.

The presentation on the Diocesan Pastoral Renewal, featuring a short video and slideshow, provided insight into our shared mission. This vision made our goals feel attainable, emphasizing our collective responsibility in living out our faith. It’s comforting to know we’re all in this together, highlighting the importance of community support in our journeys.

Following the presentation, Christian Estrella led a reflection encouraging small group conversations about the three Pillars of Renewal. These discussions sparked new ideas and fostered a sense of ownership over our mission, providing a unique opportunity to ask meaningful questions that could help our parish become a vibrant hub of faith and outreach.

1. Forming Missionary Disciples in Christ. Those who encounter Jesus and experience His love are inspired to engage actively in parish life. We discussed how our Church can facilitate personal relationships with Jesus and invite others to experience His love. Questions emerged about deepening our understanding of His teachings and the kinds of small group discussions or workshops that would enhance our faith.
   
   
2. ​Being a Church of Encounter and Witness. We are called to witness to Jesus through our daily lives. Conversations centered around how we can help the Church be a witness to Christ in our everyday actions and create space for others to share their faith stories.
   
   
3. Strengthening Family Life. Supporting families' spiritual growth is vital for our community. We explored how our Church can help strengthen families spiritually, what specific programs would be beneficial, and how we can better welcome families into sacramental life.
   

​Our parish renewal gathering was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt reminder of the power of community, the intercession of St. Michael, and our call to live out our faith daily."

As the gathering concluded, we were reminded of our role in the ongoing pastoral renewal planning process. We cannot merely discuss renewal; we must be active participants, motivating us to take the next steps in our journey together. We gathered for a final blessing and song, sealing our commitments to one another and to God.

​Our parish renewal gathering was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt reminder of the power of community, the intercession of St. Michael, and our call to live out our faith daily. As we departed, the spirit of renewal encouraged us to embrace our mission together with open hearts and minds. We will continue this journey hand in hand, fueled by the love of Christ and the strength of our community.

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Written by Scott Dixon. Scott lives in Calgary with his wife Caroline and three children. He is a parishioner at St. Michael's Catholic Community and a member of the Parish Renewal Team |  Photos courtesy of Scott Dixon and Mike Fitzsimmons.