Mass readings, reflections and activities for Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year C)
Mass Readings | Keeping the Lord’s Word. Love me. Keep my words. Will teach you everything. Be not afraid. What an Easter message! From the other side of death, the living Jesus still embraces us, still teaches us, still wants the best of everything for us.
How will I love God today? What impact will that have on someone else?
How can I be at peace and trust in the Lord’s care for me?
How will I shed fear and not let my heart be troubled? (Source: Diocese of Springfield)
Resources for children:
Gospel Reflection Kid's challenge this week: Pray the rosary this week, on your own or with your family, and pray for world leaders; that they may do all they can to make the world a peaceful place for everyone to live in. (CAFOD)
Rev. Shaiju Thomas Ponmalakunnel, CFIC, who will be arriving to the Diocese this month from India, has been named Associate Pastor of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, Calgary, effective June 1, 2022.
PASTORAL ASSIGNMENTS
Rev. Nathan Siray, Pastor of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore, has been named Pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish, Calgary, effective June 1, 2022. This will allow him to pursue part-time Canon Law Licentiate studies which will begin this summer at the Catholic University of America, Washington D.C., USA. The licentiate is a combination of an online and summer residency program to be completed in four years. During the time of his absence from the parish in June and July of this year, Rev. Bryan Frank, who is in retirement, will be the Administrator of St. Anthony’s Parish.
Rev. Pilmaiken Lezano, Administrator of St. Anthony’s Parish, Calgary, has been named Pastor of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore, effective June 1, 2022.
PRIEST APPOINTMENT
Rev. Cristino Bouvette, Vicar for Vocations & Young Adults and Chaplain to the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy has been seconded to assist in planning for the Papal Visit to Canada as the National Liturgical Coordinator. Fr. Bouvette will be temporarily absent from the Diocese and his ministry but will continue with the sacramental care of the Chaplaincy with the support of brother priests in these weeks of preparation leading up to the Papal Visit in July. The Seeds of the Word Community has made available their lay-missionary, Chris Kokot, to assist with the administration of the Chaplaincy during Fr. Bouvette's absence.
The Bishops of Alberta and NWT have decided to issue in each of their own dioceses the decree restoring the Sunday Obligation which will take effect at the Vigil of Pentecost, June 4, 2022.
All are welcome! Let us gather in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and invite the Lord to bless our journey together as we celebrate the closing of the Diocesan Phase in preparation for the 2021-2023 Synod.
You are invited to join representatives from throughout the Diocese for a day of prayer, reflection on the synodal experience, sharing of the Diocesan Synthesis, BBQ lunch and Eucharistic celebration with Bishop McGrattan.
When: Saturday, June 4, 2022from 10 am to 3 pm. Where: St. Michael Catholic Community (800 85 St. SW, Calgary). Please register online at catholicyyc.ca/synod or call 403-218-5521 (Registration is required by May 31).
Since May 1, the pilgrim statue of Our Lady of the Cape, Queen of Canada, Queen of the Holy Rosary has been traveling from Canada’s Shrine of Notre Dame Du Cape, Trois-Rivières, Quebec across Canada to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Consecration of Canada to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
To mark the second anniversary of the Dedication of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies, the pilgrim statue tour will visit the Diocese of Calgary from May 22 to June 2, 2022. We hope to honour Our Blessed Mother by providing the faithful the opportunities to venerate Canada's National Madonna; to promote consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; and to encourage enrolment in the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary.
Bishop McGrattan will be celebrating the following Masses during the visit of Our Lady of the Cape Tour:
Sunday, May 29 at Noon at St. Mary's Cathedral. Taking place at this Mass: the blessing of the Roses and enrolment to the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary. Full schedule
Monday, May 30 at 7 pm at TheShrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore. This Mass will celebrate the second anniversary of the Dedication of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies. The Bishop will also consecrate the Diocese of Calgary to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and bless ten thousand Miraculous Medals for distribution to the faithful in the Diocese. Full schedule
Tour Schedule in Calgary & Canmore:
May 25 & 27 (evenings) | St. Albert the Great
May 28-29 | St. Mary's Cathedral
May 29-30 | The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies
May 31 | Holy Spirit Church
June 1 | Canadian Martyrs Church
June 2 | Sacred Heart Church
School Visits
May 26 | Bishop O’Byrne High School
May 26 | Prince of Peace School
May 27 | Clear Water Academy
May 27 | Our Lady of the Rosary School
Traveling Procession on May 23 | Schedule Traveling Procession on May 28 | Schedule
Please visit catholicyyc.ca/OurLady for more information (detailed schedule, rosary rallies, school visits, prayers etc.)
The Bridge of Roses
Bridge of Roses: The Story of Our Lady of the Cape is a faith-affirming documentary that recounts the remarkable story of Cap-de-la-Madeleine near Trois Rivieres, Quebec – it’s missionaries, miracles and 400 year relationship with the Mother of God. We invite you to gather your friends and family and watch the viewing of "Bridge of Roses" in any of the following parishes:
Pope Francis will make a pastoral visit to Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022. The Pope’s visit will provide an opportunity for him to listen and dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, to express his heartfelt closeness and to address the impact of residential schools in Canada. The papal visit will also provide an opportunity for the shepherd of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics to connect with the Catholic community in Canada. Pope Francis will adopt three communities as a base for his Canadian visit: Edmonton, Quebec City, and Iqaluit.
Specific programming and events will be confirmed approximately six weeks prior to the Holy Father’s arrival. Visit papalvisit.ca or visitepapale.ca for more information and to stay updated on the latest developments.
News Conference re: Papal Visit by Archbishop Richard Smith, National Coordinator for the Papal Visit, May 13 at 8 am (Archdiocese of Edmonton) Facebook Live on Youtube
Catholic Education Week is an annual event in the month of May which celebrates the important and vital role that our Catholic schools play in the province of Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Publicly funded Catholic education provides a faith-based education to more than 180,000 students in Alberta.
You are invited to celebrate Catholic Education Week 2022! Across Alberta and in each Catholic school district, Catholic Education Week is recognized with uniting prayer events and specific actions. Rebuild, restore, renew together! Included the special edition of May GrACE Newsletter are all the links and information you need to celebrate Catholic education in your school, community and home.
On Friday, May 27, at 10 am, Bishop McGrattan of the Diocese of Calgary will celebrate Mass to close the Catholic Education Week. To join the Mass online, click here.
Read Bishop McGrattan's newest message about the importance of dialogue with our young people and to listen to their experience of living the faith. "Through receiving Confirmation and being sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit we cannot underestimate young people in their contribution to the ongoing synodal process of the Church."
Pope Francis' prayer intention for May 2022: "We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service."
The Pope encourages young people, in the process of finding their own paths in life, to listen like the Virgin Mary did and to pay attention to the words of their grandparents. In his message, Francis invites them to a full life which will come from having the courage to give themselves to serving others.
The message for May also insists on service, in such a way that discernment must have a positive impact on others. Pope Francis invites young people to be courageous and to decide to say “yes” to the Lord just like Mary, who took the risk to put everything on the line, changing her life to follow him. “You young people, who want to build a better world, follow her example,” the Holy Father insists.
Chris Moraes (President of the Serra Club of Calgary for Vocations) sat down with Santiago at his home parish of St. Bonaventure to ask him about his vocation journey and his upcoming Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate. Get to know our newest Transitional Deacon.
Please pray
For the health of Pope Francis as he prepares to come to Canada in July, that he may receive strength and stamina to be with us as we work toward healing, hope and reconciliation.
For Catholic schools in Alberta as they celebrate the Catholic Education Week, that they may continue to celebrate the richness of the Catholic faith which we have inherited.
For the Ukrainian people in this time of conflict, may God’s grace sustain and strengthen them and keep them from harm.
For all young people called to live life to the fullest, that they may see in Mary’s life the way to listen, discern, trust and serve.
For our newly ordained transitional Deacon, Santiago Torres, that he may be strengthened by the gift of God's grace to carry out faithfully the work of ministry, and that he may imitate our Lord who came not to be served but to serve.
Bring your unwanted items in good condition to Holy Spirit on May 26-27 to support their garage sale. NO clothing, furniture, or large appliances please!
Thank you to everyone who contributed to WUCWO's spiritual bouquet for Pope Francis. Kathleen Winter has provided the following summary for the Diocese of Calgary:
Calgary Pro-Life Association is grateful for the support they received duringlast year's Virtual Hike for Life celebrating more than 40 years serving Calgary schools offering educational, respect-life presentations. Your help with our Hike for Life is valuable to the success of bringing our two educational, pro-life Respect Life programs to thousands of students in school classrooms in two school districts. Currently the Calgary Pro-Life Association is gearing up for the 42nd Annual Hike For Life.
Save the date for the 42nd Annual Hike For Life campaign. When: May 7 to June 11, 2022. Goal: $40,000. Register as a team, or as an individual at our on-line Hike for Life page www.calgaryprolife.com or fill in a Pledge Form | See Poster
Tru Earth is a Canadian company working to reduce the use of plastic in everyday life. They are best known for Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent, a new and revolutionary eco-friendly detergent in strip form, that produces zero waste. One year’s supply of laundry strips fits in a small shoe box and replaces 9 plastic laundry bottles!
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Free of added dyes, chlorine bleach, and 1,4-dioxane, as certified by independent laboratory tests
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Tru Earth's packaging uses zero plastic
Free shipping directly to your home anywhere in Canada or the US
Help make a sustainable environmental impact while supporting CWL. Check periodically for new products and special promotions. Tru Earth’s fundraising program provides 20% of the sale to participating Councils (see below):
Use this link: https://fundraising.tru.earth/StPetersCWL to have 20% of your purchase go to St. Peter's CWL to support their work over the coming months. Many thanks!
St. Pius X CWL is inviting you to be a part of our Fundraising group plant order this spring! Here are the instructions for our group. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Danuta Allart at: 403-289-7992. Supplies are limited, plants are in high demand this season, and this platform is open to other groups as well, so for best selection order early! Orders will be open from today until May 24, 2022. Do not submit any orders after this date - our group code will be closed at that point and you will not be able to link to our group. Please read through all of the instructions below. The most important step is the GROUP CODE.Please ensure that you understand the instructions before proceeding. Pick-up will be in the St. Pius X Church parking area on Saturday, May 28, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Thank you!
Instructions:
Click or copy the link to find your way to the Greenhouse Effects website: www.greenhouseeffects.ca
Click "Shop" and find the Fundraising Program.
Click "Shop Now" and enter Guest Password: GE122 This will give you access to the online store for ordering.
Once you have made your selections, continue to your Cart.
This is where you will enter your GROUP CODE: Pius22in the promo code box.
* This is very important. The purpose of the code is to link your purchase to our group. The code does not provide any further discount. However, please ensure you complete this step! Thank you!
From here you can proceed to Payment. You will go through the usual steps for an online purchase, and be asked for your GROUP CODEonce more.
Once you submit your payment you are all ready to go! Your order will be processed and delivered to St. Pius Church, Calgary for pick-up on Saturday, May 28, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the St. Pius X Church parking area.
Bishop William T. McGrattan calls on all faithful, clergy, religious, and consecrated life in the Diocese of Calgary to join him in local synodal gatherings with a renewed commitment to follow the way Jesus has always journeyed with his beloved children, to become a listening Church and a Church of closeness where all can experience being at home and participate in building the Kingdom of God.
What is a Synod?
The word “synod” has its roots in Greek means “journeying together.” A Synod is thus an ecclesial event that involves the laity, religious and clergy listening and speaking, praying and discerning together, and placing the hopes and concerns of the People of God at the foot of the Bishops, who, united with the Pope, decide matters of faith, morals and disciplines in order to preserve the faith and strengthen the mission of the Church in the world.
At the centre of the Synod is Jesus Christ, not the Church.
The Gospels frequently show us Jesus “on a journey”; he walks alongside people and listens to the questions and concerns in their hearts. Jesus shows us that God is not distant but he walks at our side and meets us wherever we are, often on the rocky roads of life. This is the “style” of God who travels the paths of history and shares in the life of humanity.
A synodal Church, faithful to Jesus in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together”:
How have YOU experienced journeying together as the Church?
What steps does the Holy Spirit invite US to take in order to grow in our “journeying together"?
Bishop Emeritus Henry examined how the identity and mission of the Church as Communion, Participation and Mission is grounded in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation and reaches its actualization in our fruitful and conscious participation in the Eucharist. His sessions were wonderful, witty, and inspiring. You don't want to miss his stories!
Sessions from Bishop Emeritus Henry's Lenten Synodal Retreat at St. Joseph's Parish are now available to watch online!
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.
Source: Attributed to St. Isidore of Seville (560-636), it has been traditionally used at Councils and Synods for hundreds of years. This version was specifically designed for the Church’s Synodal journey from 2021 to 2023.
To go out and encounter one another is central to the synodal process, which has its ultimate purpose in the mission of evangelization. While many will join the facilitated parish listening sessions, others might find it more comfortable to have a faith conversation around the dinner table or in a coffee shop.
Think about the difference we can make personally when we really listen to others or reach out to the lonely. Put the focus on building community rather than the final report. We all have a role to play. Change will happen if we do our part and get involved.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us via email and phone offering to assist in whatever way possible. We are overwhelmed and so grateful! Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to every individual inquiry and so encourage you to please check back here for updates regarding volunteering opportunities and donation opportunities. Thank you and may God bless you for your prayers and support during this difficult time.
Humanitarian Aid Shipments
As of today, the packing of boxes is complete and our second shipment of 206 boxes has left Calgary for Edmonton to join a flight heading to Ukraine on Monday March 28, 2022.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the generous individuals who participated in donating, packing boxes, and loading pallets; we could not do this without all your support.
We have notification that our first shipment of 51 boxes has arrived in L’viv Ukraine.
Anyone still wishing to support the Humanitarian Aid Collection for Ukraine can do so electronically via this website, via mail, or in person by visiting the church between 1 to 6 pm daily (including Sat & Sun). Alternatively, donations can be completed online through either of the following organizations, both of which have been vetted as trustworthy and ensure the best impact on the ground.
Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), a Papal Charity that has already been working with internally displaced people in Ukraine since 2014. Donations made through the Eparchy of Edmonton at https://eeparchy.com/donate are being dollar matched.
Canada Ukraine Foundation at www.cufoundation.ca, which supports the population of Ukraine impacted by Russian attacks.
Update at 4 PM on Monday, March 7 as per website of the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of CalgarySt Stephen Protomartyr:
We are now asking donors to hold off on donations of goods. One can still support the effort through cash donations to either of the following organizations, both of which have been vetted as trustworthy and ensure the best impact on the ground:
Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), a Papal Charity that has already been working with internally displaced people in Ukraine since 2014. Donations made through the Eparchy of Edmonton at https://eeparchy.com/donate/ are being dollar matched.
Canada Ukraine Foundation at www.cufoundation.ca, which supports the population of Ukraine impacted by Russian attacks.
The scope of this project is changing rapidly given the circumstances. We will continue to provide updates on our next steps in an effort to support the needs of the people in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Catholic Parishes of Calgary the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (704 6 St NE Calgary) and St Stephen Protomartyr (4903 – 45 Street, S.W., Calgary) are joining forces to send humanitarian aid to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Items are urgently needed and MEEST will ship by AIR from Toronto to their warehouse in L’viv and distribute to various organizations within Ukraine who are distributing aid to where needed. Estimated 5-7 days arrival. Cash donations will be accepted to cover the $2 per kg shipping to Toronto.
You can participate by purchasing items Ukraine is in desperate need of and dropping off at the Ukrainian Catholic Churches.
Drop off dates and times: Saturday March 5th from 11 to 4 at St. Stephens and 1 to 5 pm at Assumption Sunday March 6th after each Divine Liturgy
We are requesting volunteers to come and assist with packing of boxes on Monday March 7th and Tuesday March 8th from Noon to 5 pm.
Priority Items for humanitarian relief: Please note only new items can be accepted for shipment
People across the globe are expressing solidarity with the people of Ukraine and calling for an end to the unprovoked Russian invasion. As women of faith and compassion, let us pray for our sisters and brothers whose lives, safety, and freedom are under attack. Let us lift our hearts and voices by praying for a peaceful end to this tragic conflict. Our collective prayers matter, so please contribute anytime and anywhere that works for you.
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer. Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts and give us the courage to say: "Never again war; with war everything is lost." Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace. Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation.
Churches from all denominations hosted services Sunday, Apr. 3, 2022 as both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Calgarians reflected on this week's historic papal apology to Canadian residential school victims and survivors. Dolly Castillo, who attends St. Francis of Assisi Church, said the Pope’s apology sends the message that the Catholic church must be a place of welcoming for everyone moving forward Read more...
A delegation of 32 Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth are meeting with Pope Francis this week (March 28 to April 1). Watch the media briefing and videos below.
A delegation of 32 Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth are meeting with Pope Francis this week (March 28 to April 1). Watch the media briefing and videos below.
Media briefing | Meeting between Pope Francis & delegates from the Métis National Council.
Media briefing | Meeting between Pope Francis and delegates from the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
Media briefing | Meeting between the Pope and delegates from the Assembly of First Nations.
Final Audience between Pope Francis and all the Indigenous delegates. (Papal apology and commitment to come to Canada)
Calgary Pro-Life Association is grateful for the support they received during last year's Virtual Hike for Life celebrating more than 40 years serving Calgary schools offering educational, respect-life presentations. Your help with our Hike for Life is valuable to the success of bringing our two educational, pro-life Respect Life programs to thousands of students in school classrooms in two school districts. Currently the Calgary Pro-Life Association is gearing up for the 42nd Annual Hike For Life. 
Bishop William T. McGrattan calls on all faithful, clergy, religious, and consecrated life in the Diocese of Calgary to join him in local synodal gatherings with a renewed commitment to follow the way Jesus has always journeyed with his beloved children, to become a listening Church and a Church of closeness where all can experience being at home and participate in building the Kingdom of God.
