The winding road to Renewal

All Saints Parish in Lethbridge has travelled a winding road to Parish Renewal.

It began in the fall of 2022 when Bishop McGrattan launched the East Lethbridge Catholic Parish Assessment Project (ELCPAP). The project researched and recommended a parish assessment strategy and implementation plan. The objective was to collect parishioners’ ideas to shape the future of All Saints Parish and to provide dedicated church space to address pastoral needs.

In 2023, the Diocese started the Pastoral Renewal. A Parish Renewal team was formed but they were reluctant to move forward until the ELCPAP project was completed and submitted to Bishop McGrattan. In April of 2024, the Bishop held a town hall meeting with the parish to accept ELCPAP recommendations. Finally, we were able to consider how parish renewal would align with the ELCPAP recommendations.

Fr. Kevin Tumback, pastor of All Saints Parish in Lethbridge

In the spring of 2024, the renewal team led the Pastoral Renewal Survey in our parish. Since we had surveyed our parish twice in the past year, we were familiar with the process. We quickly assembled our team and surveyed the parish using the diocesan Pastoral Renewal Survey. 

The ELCPAP project spawned several committees to carry out its recommended strategies. Most of our Parish Renewal Team has been added to the Unity Committee. This committee is tasked with creating a plan to guide cultural change in order to strengthen parish unity. ​

Shirley Tom, Parish Renewal Team member (right)

Dorothy Boras, Parish Renewal Team member (left)

The Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team has been a great support during our winding journey. At the recent Provincial CWL convention, Bishop McGrattan explained our Diocesan Renewal Process. A CWL member from another diocese questioned the Bishop about the support given to the parishes. I was able to explain to her further, explaining the various supports that we have been given.

​One of the supports I enjoy is the monthly #Renewal Zoom Lunch and Learn meetings. They are a great way to hear what other parishes are doing and ask questions of the Diocesan Renewal team. We always get the message that; We are Called, We Matter, and We Belong.

This summer, All Saints Parish will hold several parish BBQs. By uniting over a shared meal, we can get to know each other and celebrate our faith.
​
Our renewal team looks forward to hearing the results of the diocesan survey in the fall. Will our ELCPAP surveys help us focus on the themes that the diocesan survey identifies? Perhaps the two roads will converge for a while. In any case, All Saints Parish will continue to follow its winding road to renewal and unity.

---

Written by Dorothy Boras. Dorothy Boras is a retired teacher living in Lethbridge. She is a lector and Eucharistic Minister at All Saints Parish in Lethbridge and is active in the Catholic Women's League at both the parish and diocesan levels. Dorothy fills her time with Girl Guides, reading and travelling. Photos courtesy of Dorothy Boras, taken during the Pastoral Renewal Survey week.