What's happening during a Parish Pastoral Visit?

Stepping into St. Gerard's in Calgary alongside Bishop McGrattan for a Parish Pastoral Visit last month, Deacon Dale Laing was filled with anticipation. The pastoral visit, an integral part of the Bishop's role, provided Deacon Laing an intimate view of a community united by faith and the joy of service.

A Parish Pastoral Visit (PPV) is a three-day journey of discovery and connection where the Bishop gets up to date with the pastoral needs of the parish and maintains close contact with his people. "Our Bishop asks that a permanent deacon assists him on these visits," Deacon Laing explains. This includes meeting with the Pastor, those who assist him, visiting schools and other Catholic institutions, meeting with ministry leaders, and celebrating Masses. His duties span from reviewing the weekend's structure and flow with the parish staff to assisting in creating various reports highlighting the parish's vitality.

For Deacon Laing, this was his fifth PPV accompanying the Bishop, and each visit enriches his experience of seeing how the people of God respond to the call of the Holy Spirit. "From the moment I contacted St. Gerard’s parish, there was a feeling of being welcomed!" he shares enthusiastically. "They are alive to the workings of the Holy Spirit within their congregation, and many see this parish as their second home."

​Over three days, Bishop McGrattan met with staff and members of St. Gerard's Parish, as well as the students and staff at St. Stephen's Catholic School. Together with Deacon Dale, the Bishop met with 24 ministry groups in the parish during his pastoral visit.

​Deacon Laing was deeply moved by the joy and pride the parishioners took in their service. The stories were as diverse as the parishioners themselves. Some had served for only a few months, while others had dedicated over 50 years. 

"Everyone’s passion and dedication to serve their neighbour is truly amazing to behold," he marvels. "We heard consistently from all the ministries that the people were proud of their parish and all the opportunities they had to share their inner joy of living out the Gospel with each other," Deacon Laing recalls.

"I experienced a people of great determination for carrying out the work of God in their little corner of the vineyard. There were people; who were open to meet the new challenges which our current age presents; choir members and directors who are passionate to share their talents with others; parents who were excited to bring their young children to Mass; people open to the various suggestions the Bishop offered to them; young people who feel they are treasured and treated as equals; excitement surrounding the Parish Renewal initiatives."

Before leaving on Sunday afternoon, Deacon Laing took a quiet moment in the Sanctuary to reflect on the weekend. "I turned around slowly to remind myself of all that I have seen and heard, and the stories people have shared with me about what God has done for them and continues to do throughout their lives," he shares.

In the end, a PPV isn't just about the Bishop's visit. It's a celebration of the community, its faith, and the stories that bind it together. And as Deacon Laing discovered at St. Gerard's, it's also a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working through a vibrant and welcoming congregation. ​​

Deacon Dale (first row, second from left)

Photos courtesy of St. Gerard's Parish, Calgary.