Help those experiencing homelessness
Tips to help isolated seniors
Simple acts of service for this season
Children's Advent & Christmas activities
Service makes our talents bear fruit and gives meaning to our lives. Those who do not live to serve, serve for little in this life." ~ Pope Francis, 2021

Tips: How can we be a good friend?

"As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15
  • Reach out to those closest to you 
    ​If you have not been in touch with family and friends, reach out them soon by phone, email, social media, video chat, letter or card and tell them that you appreciate them. Ask them how they are doing and see what you may be able to offer for them if they are in need.

  • Give presents that require much thought and effort
    The best kind of gifts are those that show that you know them and that you care for them. Gifts do not have to be material things. They can be services you can offer to help them.

  • Be more attentive / Be ready to listen more than talk
    Being genuinely present to others requires patience and the ability to drop everything so that you can be attentive. This means keeping your personal life orderly and setting aside focused time to be with a friend.

  • Be ready to smile to strangers
    It does not cost us much to be kind and respectful. Sometimes this can truly brighten someone's day. When many around us are experiencing some form of suffering, we can be more attentive to our surroundings and the people around us.

  • Pay for the grocery of the stranger beside you at the cashier
    Brighten someone's day with this little surprise. But also know your budget.

  • Volunteer at charitable or non-profit initiatives
    When you are able and healthy, charitable or non-profit organizations would appreciate the help. This is a good way of keeping the attention away from us as we marvel at the goodness of others. We should be ready to provide assistance.

  • Clear the clutter and donate gently used goods
    ​    See if there are agencies willing to take gently used items during this time of the pandemic. If they are accepting donations and you have much to share, it will be a perfect convergence of the greatest need and the ability to give. Plus, it will free up your space and your mind.
  • ​Ask for forgiveness
    There are times in our lives when we fail to apologize to people whom we have hurt in the past. It does not matter what the reason was. Sometimes the passing of time makes us realize even more the need to seek forgiveness as we realize the seriousness hurts we caused them. Pray for the Holy Spirit help to be humble and to have the courage to ask for forgiveness. Our remorse can sometimes be the greatest gift we can give them. And if we don't receive the forgiveness we had hoped for, the extra time and space we give them can itself be our way of bearing the burden of our hurtful actions which in itself in the on the path of healing.

  • Offer your forgiveness and release them
    Sometimes we are the ones who have failed to forgive others. We all have our reasons. Whatever they may be, forgiveness is the only way to true freedom in Christ. When we refuse to forgive, we hold them responsible for the hurt we endure. The more we hold on to the hurt, the more we prevent ourselves from healing. Sometimes the best compliment we can give our enemy is giving them the power to control us by our refusal to let go of the anger. Forgiveness is not for the weak. It requires courage to forgive and to let go. Forgiving is not denying the experience of hurt or making light of something serious. To forgive is to trust in God and to entrust to Him the cross that we carry as we let go of those who have caused us pain. Maybe it's time to forgive and let go and start living fully in Christ.

  • Lead others to seek help
    ​    Being a good friend sometimes means that we recognize that we are not able to provide direct assistance. Therefore It's beneficial to know what resources are out there that can possibly provide the assistance needed. We listen to the following commonly accessed agencies. 
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Here to help

Get familiar with the services available to us below. You never know when you need to lead others to seek help!
​Offering free single session counselling appointments. Book online here or call 403.233.2360.
Connecting Calgary's communities with affordable and barrier-free services. Visit ​communityconnectyyc.ca
Responding to any distress call, texts, emails or chats, 24/7. Call 403-266-HELP or 403-266-4357
​Helping economically-vulnerable people with emergency food hampers and assistance to meet basic needs. Visit ssvpcalgary.ca/contact
Calgary Seniors' Resource Society provide a depth of support that creates meaningful and effective change in the overall well-being and quality of life of vulnerable seniors. Visit Calgaryseniors.org
Providing integrated community-based programs and services that meet the complex needs of low-income individuals and families. Visit cupscalgary.com
Offering pregnancy and family support for those in challenging situations. Visit pregcare.com
Empowering Calgarians to overcome the struggles of homelessness and addiction. Visit ​calgarydreamcentre.com
Providing professional counselling therapy that is financially accessible. Visit ​crossroadscounselling.ca
Catholic Pastoral Centre  | 120 - 17th Ave SW, Calgary, AB  T2S 2T2 | ​Phone: 403-218-5500 | communications@calgarydiocese.ca
Charitable Number: 10790-9939-RR0076​. Donate Now.