Career Opportunities

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Catholic Pastoral Centre

Your Application package must include a completed Application for Employment​​, a resume and a cover letter describing suitability for the position. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Parishes in the Diocese of Calgary

Your Application package must include a completed Application for Employment​​, a resume and a cover letter describing suitability for the position. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Visit www.catholicyyc.ca/careers for more information and details.

Other

 

 

 

Simbang Gabi 2024

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Experience the rich tradition of Simbang Gabi, a beloved nine-day novena Mass celebrated in joyful anticipation of Christmas. Rooted in Filipino culture, Simbang Gabi is a time of prayer, unity, and hope, as the faithful gather each day to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.

Consider taking part in this journey of faith, a meaningful way to reflect on the Advent season and celebrate the light of Christ in our lives.

Find Simbang Gabi Masses in the Diocese of Calgary

 

Winter Clothing Drive

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The Diocese of Calgary and Salvation Army are once again organizing a “Winter Clothing Drive” for all participating parishes within the diocese. If your parish would like to receive a donation box, and participate in this worthwhile cause, please get in touch with Mara Capili at or 403-218-5521. 

 

St. Mary's Cathedral Christmas Raffle

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ALL tickets sold
$3750 raised to support Elizabeth House, Cathedral operations and CWL initiatives!

And the winning tickets are:

  • First Prize "Winter Blues" quilt: #119
  • Second Prize "Rag Time" quilt: #056
  • Third Prize Cross Stitched Pictures:
    • #058
    • #080
    • #075
  • Thank you prize: #029

St Mary’s Cathedral CWL is proud to host our 6th Annual Christmas Raffle! Get your tickets at $25 each to win 1 of 6 top-notch prizes including our feature quilts (handcrafted by our very own CWL members). Draw Date is Dec 01, 2024, and there are only 150 tickets printed! Proceeds from raffle sales go to support Elizabeth House, St. Mary's Cathedral, and CWL initiatives. For more information, contact Ee Lynn at 403-966-7417 or email .

For more information about St. Mary's CWL, go to stmaryscalgary.ca/cwl

 

Become a Catechist

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Become a Catechist in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program for 3-6 year olds

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a time-tested approach to faith formation.  In a retreat-like atmosphere, with hands-on materials designed just for them, children hear the Word proclaimed and grow in their relationship with God.  The most essential treasures of the Christian faith, from scripture and Liturgy, touch each child's heart and lead to deep contemplation, prayer and joy.

A Level 1 Training Course for catechists will be offered at Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary. The course is a minimum commitment of 90 hours, with readings and written work required.

  • Location: Ascension Catholic Parish, 1100 Berkshire Blvd NW, Calgary, Alberta
  • Dates: Part A, February 13-18, 2025; Part B, July 14-19, 2025
  • Register online: cgsac.ca/courses-1 by Jan 10, 2025

For more information, please contact: Katy Morrison,  or call 403-370-9487.

 

2024 Nativity Stamps

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"Keep Christ in Christmas" (and all year long) with this booklet of 12 PermanentTM domestic rate stamps honoring the Holy Family.

The stamp depicts the Holy Family. According to the Gospel of Matthew, an angel announced to Joseph in a dream that his betrothed, Mary, carried a child by the Holy Spirit and that he should name the baby Jesus. Fleeing to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod, the Holy Family eventually settled in Nazareth, in the district of Galilee.

Joseph is considered by some to be the patron saint of adoptive and foster parents – and is also the primary Catholic patron saint of Canada.

The 2024 stamp depicts an illustration of the Holy Family executed in rich, vibrant colours, and features Mary and Joseph looking lovingly at the infant Jesus. A star is visible overhead.

Christmas (2024), The Holy Family: PermanentTM domestic rate stamps - booklet of 12

Issue Date: November 4, 2024
product standard price $11.88

The OFDC is cancelled in Trinity, N.L.
Stamp Illustrator is Amanda Arlotta of Underline Studio

Source: Canada Post

Good to know

The PERMANENT™ stamp, identified with the letter P in place of a value, is always accepted at the current domestic postage price. If you buy a PERMANENT stamp today, you can use it anytime in the future.

One PERMANENT stamp can be used to mail a letter (weighing up to 30 grams) anywhere in Canada. You can also use PERMANENT stamps in conjunction with additional postage to mail larger letters, parcels or to send mail internationally.

  • PermanentTM stamps are always worth the going postage rate - no top-up stamps required, ever!

CWL members (and Councils) are encouraged to purchase them to ensure their continued production. Christian-themed stamps are an example of successful resolutions by the Catholic Women's League of Canada. See our Resolutions re: Christmas Postage Stamps article for more information.

These stamps are available in outlets as well as through the Canada Post website.  Some nativity stamps from previous years are still available through the website


 

40 Hours Devotion in the Diocese of Calgary

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The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37-38). Pray with us as for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life in our Diocese. 

"Getting up in the middle of the night and driving to Adoration for 3 am was an amazing experience. While meditating on the actual presence of Christ right before my eyes, I was struck by how more acute and aware my senses and attention were at this dark hour," shares one parishioner during the 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations. The response to this initiative has indeed been extraordinary.

Multiple parishes in our Diocese have held the 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations. Other parishes are scheduled to hold the Devotion in the coming weeks:

To host the Devotion in your parish, please contact Fr. Derek at 

Adoration for Vocations with the Religious and Consecrated
The Religious and Consecrated of the Diocese of Calgary invite all faithful to join in prayer for Vocations to the Consecrated Life Nov 12, 8 am - Nov 13, 8 am, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Calgary. Fr. Adam of the Society of Christ will celebrate an English Mass to start the prayer time at 8 am on Tue, Nov 12, and a closing Mass at 8 am on Wed, Nov 13. 

 

 

Humanitarian efforts for Lebanon

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As the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has spread into Lebanon, thousands of families are facing displacement, and local agencies are providing shelter, food, medical care, and psychological support. Bishop William T. McGrattan urges us to join in prayers for peace and donate to trusted organizations to help those in need. To offer your support, you can donate online or by phone through the following organizations:

  • Aid to the Church in Need Canada (ACN): acn-canada.org, Toll-free 1-800-585-6333 ext. 228, donation page
  • CNEWA Canada: cnewa.org/ca, Toll-free: 1-866-322-4441
  • Development and Peace — Caritas Canada (DPCC): devp.org/en, Toll-free: 1-888-234-8533

 

Pastoral Renewal

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On the memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, we begin the second year of the Pastoral Renewal. We thank you for your commitment to the Mission of Christ in the past year, and we continue in our ministry to strengthen our parish communities on this path of renewal.

We are excited to share with you the new video that is being released as we begin Year II of the Pastoral Renewal. We ask that you view it and to share it with members of your Council, family, and friends.

Thank you.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.

The Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team

https://www.catholicyyc.ca/renewal.html

 

Enlarge the Tent

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Father Tim Boyle continues the series for 2024/2025.  This year will focus on "The Search for Wisdom", beginning Monday, Sep 16 at 10:15 am. Join in person at St. Martha's Parish in Lethbridge, or livestreamMore info here

 

 

Social Media

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Let your speech always be gracious

Pastoral Letter on the roles of social media in modern life was recently issued by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). It offers a reflection on both the good and harm which social media impacts individuals and communities. As we prepare for Lent, it may inform our decisions around fasting and of almsgiving related to our use of social media.

Using insights from the latest CCCB pastoral letter, "Let Your Speech Always be Gracious," and the Holy Father's Lenten message, Bishop McGrattan highlights the seven commitments we should make to witness to core Christian values and help build a healthy online environment that serves the common good. 

 

 

 

Formed.org Resources for #Renewal

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Explore a curated selection of FORMED.org resources that will immerse you in testimonies, teachings, and stories to support and deepen your commitment to the Diocese of Calgary's Pastoral Renewal.

  • Click here for the full list
  • Highlighted today: 
    • Witness with your Life | Evangelization with Chris Stefanick - Watch now | You must be a witness of the Good News in the way you live, interact, and serve those in your parish. As hard as it is, it is the easiest way to draw people into the love of God. 

 

A passion to live

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Roger Foley, a Canadian man with disabilities, says that he has been offered euthanasia "multiple times."  In a new 5-minute short film from "Dying to Meet You", Roger speaks out against being devalued as he fights for the support he needs to live. Watch video

 

Reconciliation and Healing

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Papal Visit to Canada, One Year Later

A video, Papal Visit to Canada, One Year Later, has been produced by the Archdiocese of Edmonton with reflections from Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, Archbishop Anthony Wieslaw Krotki, Archbishop Richard Smith, and Maskwacis Chief Victor Buffalo. The video highlights Pope Francis’ visit as a significant step on the road to healing and reconciliation, noting that the work and commitment will continue. It demonstrates that the Holy Father’s visit also made not only the idea, but the reality of reconciliation possible.

 Walking Together: Into One Beat - A new documentary from Salt + Light on Pope Francis' penitential pilgrimage to Canada
In July 2022, Pope Francis visited Indigenous communities, celebrated Mass in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium and at the National Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and, most importantly, apologized for the Church’s role in the country’s Residential School System. Walking Together: Into One Beat features interviews with members of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Alberta, Quebec, and Nunavut, who share their heartfelt stories as they prepare for the Holy Father’s arrival. After the visit, they offer their reactions, impressions, and hopes for this country of many nations moving forward, as one, on the journey of reconciliation. Watch it here.

Read more ...

Report gives voice to Canada's Indigenous Christians

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A groundbreaking report published by the Ottawa-based Cardus Institute has given voice to Indigenous Canadians who are frustrated by secular society’s unawareness of — or unwillingness to accept — the fact that almost half of them are Christian. The executive director of the Catholic Civil Rights League, Christian Elia, says society should grant Indigenous Catholics the respect and personal agency that is due all Canadians. He said his organization has heard from many Indigenous Catholics who are “growing weary of the ongoing assumption that somehow they have been coerced into the faith, that it is inconceivable that they wish to be Catholic. This condescending attitude must stop.” Read more