National Human Trafficking Education Centre Launch
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You are invited to join us for a very special online event on October 28, 2021 as the Joy Smith Foundation proudly opens Canada’s first and only National Human Trafficking Education Centre:
We hope you will join us for this very special evening. Register for your free ticket here and save the date in your calendar:
National Human Trafficking Education Centre Launch Thursday, October 28 7:00 pm CST
We look forward to celebrating this new chapter in our collective work to end human trafficking. You can learn more about the National Education Centre by visiting our website.
Catholic Pastoral Centre - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
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World Mission Sunday
At the initiative of Pope Pius XI in 1926, the second last Sunday during October became known as World Mission Sunday. Catholics throughout the world are invited to pray for and give to the missions. The collection this Sunday is organized by the Pontifical Missions Society. The funds collected assist some 1,250 mission dioceses under the responsibility of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
Mass ReadingsEnlightened Sight. The blind man will not be silenced today. Insistently he calls on Jesus by name. He asks for pity; he asks for sight. Jesus makes it happen. Instead of returning home to a renewed life, he throws off his cloak and jumps into action and follows. Even when sightless, he saw with eyes of faith. Because of this encounter with Jesus, his insight is richer.
What do I need to beg of Jesus? For myself? For someone else?
How can I keep listening for Jesus already active in my life? In the lives of others?
What “cloak” that holds me back will I throw off to follow Jesus? Source: Diocese of Springfield
Gospel Reflection: Jesus came to teach us about God’s love and forgiveness and to save us from sin. He gave up his life so that we would have life forever in heaven with God. He shows us how to be a Christian leader by being helpful and loving to others. (Loyola Press)
If you have the skills, talent and inspiration to take on the challenge, we invite you to consider these exciting opportunities in the Diocese of Calgary:
Operations Manager - St. Michael's, Calgary
Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper - St. Martha's, Lethbridge
People of God throughout the world are invited by the Holy Father and the Bishops to examine the way the Church has carried forward her work and mission in the world.
In the Diocese of Calgary, you will be able to participate in the Synod through your involvement in parish committees or groups, lay associations, Catholic schools, or online.
Get involved in the Synodal Process We are in the early stages of the local Synodal process. For more information and to sign up for updates on the Synod on Synodality in our Diocese: catholicyyc.ca/synod
Missionary Discipleship
A message from the Holy Father this month:
Jesus asks us all, and you as well, to be missionary disciples. Are you ready? It’s enough to be available to answer His call and to live united to the Lord in the most common daily things (work, meeting other people, our daily duties, the chance events of each day) allowing ourselves to be guided always by the Holy Spirit.
If Christ moves you, if you do things because Christ is guiding you, others will notice it easily. And your testimony of life will inspire admiration, and admiration inspires others to ask themselves, “How is it possible for this person to be this way?,” “What is the source of the love with which this person treats everyone —the kindness and good humour?” Let us remember that the mission is not proselytism; the mission is based on an encounter between people, on the testimony of men and women who say, “I know Jesus, and I’d like you to know Him too.”
Check it out by signing in with your email address anda password. You can browse through the selection of chocolates available.
To order, select your products and pay by CAMPAIGN DEADLINE: November 12 ,2021. Please feel free to share the link with family and friends so they can order as well .
Pick up will be drive by Saturday, November 27, 2021, between 12:00 - 1:30 pm at St Pius X Church Hall.
If you have any questions, contact Danuta: or 403-289-7992
IWIN update
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IWIN has some exciting updates to share with you, please watch for our newsletter which will be coming out later this fall!
In the meantime, we are in urgent need of some items for our backpacks. If you are able to assist, please let us know. Specifically, we are in need of the following brand new items:
30 toiletry bags (do not give hotel or travel size toiletries because they can be triggering for the survivors.)
10 bath loofas
7 tubes of toothpaste
30 toothbrushes
30 floss
22 Journals (hard cover without any verses, messages inside or outside)
This is an urgent request as IWIN hopes to acquire the items within the early part of the first week of October.
The items can be dropped off at 364 Springborough Way SW or at a downtown location. For further details, email Krista.
Due to the urgent need for more backpacks and due to the current COVID restrictions, the IWIN team will be assembling these backpacks ourselves. We do, however, look forward to inviting others to participate in future assembly days.
"Links and Consolidation Network" Founders’ Message The plight of the religious minorities in Pakistan deteriorated with the promulgation of Sharia and blasphemy laws in the 1980s, coupled with an apartheid form of elections. Since then, scores of minorities have been booked for blasphemy. Victims have been lynched or imprisoned. Several worship places and settlements razed.
LinCoN* establishes links with organisations in Pakistan and overseas to assist victims who have been imprisoned on blasphemy allegations or have been acquitted. The latter continue to live in hiding with their families as militants believe that no court can acquit a person of blasphemy and therefore that person must be killed. Some have fled overseas.
LinCoN investigates alternatives for such families by networking and coordinating with overseas agencies to assist them gain asylum. Since LinCoN’s existence in August 2017, it has rewritten several cases and sent them overseas to asylum and refugee agencies for processing. A few of these have already been granted asylum.
Since the pandemic began, front-line workers, first responders, personal support workers, and many others have put their lives on the line to support people in their care. Essential workers and businesses held their course to ensure that the needs of their community endured the effects of lockdown restrictions.
The National Centenary Committee encourages members to print and use a CWL Gratitude Card (above) to extend gratitude to all those who have nobly helped their community in any way. Recipients could include individuals, health care facilities, senior care centres, nursing homes, businesses, etc. Personal delivery of the cards would be especially meaningful.
inside of card
Instructions Calgary Diocesan Council formatted the gratitude card as a stand-up tent card, 8.5” wide x 5.5” high. The cards print beautifully on white 65-lb cardstock – one card per page. Print them double-sided and flip the paper on the "short" edge. Fold the cards in half horizontally, so that the image is on the bottom front and the text is on the inside bottom.
Personalize your cards by writing the recipient’s name on the line at the top of the inside; and the name of your parish council (and location) at the bottom. e.g. St. Joseph CWL – Magrath.
To print cards for your council, download them here.
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A message from 40 Days for Life:
Pray with 40 Days for Life (40 DFL), the largest pro-life organization in the world, coordinating 40-day campaigns to end the injustice of abortion through local prayers and fasting, community outreach and peaceful vigils in front of abortion businesses. Calgary has been leading these 40 DFL campaigns for more than a decade. We invite you to get involved by leading the campaign at your Parish. The fall campaign runs from Sep. 22 to Oct. 31. If you are interested, please get in touch with us.
The fall campaign will kick-off on Sep. 13 at 8 pm MST via videoconference with guest speaker Sue Thayer, Director of Outreach for 40 Days for Life Head Quarters. She is the founder and former director of Cornerstone for Life Pregnancy Resource Center. Sue has truly come full circle and is proof that God can save and use anyone. Videoconference will be through Zoom with meeting ID: 403 472 3905 no password required.
Vigil location: Abortion "Kensington Clinic" at 2431 5 Ave NW, Calgary, AB. Vigil hours 7 am to 7 pm. To join the vigil, 403-870-3905 or email
CORPUS CHRISTI Catholic Women’s League is fundraising with Purdys Chocolatier, just in time for Christmas!
If you’d like to support us by purchasing some very sweet Christmas gifts for friends, family (and yourself), just go to https://fundraising.purdys.com/1188460-85333 and join group (campaign) 54580.
Check it out by signing in with your email address and a password that you choose; there is no obligation to order. After you sign in, you can browse through the amazing selection of chocolates available, and see how we are progressing with our goal. If you do decide you want one or more of these great products, order and pay by November 13th, 2021 and pick up at Corpus Christi Parish Hall between 3:00 and 4:30 pm on Nov 27th. This gives you time to ship Christmas gifts to family and friends across the county!
If you prefer to pay by e-transfer, cheque or cash, just give your order form and payment to us, and we will process it for you. Download catalogue (pdf format). Download order form.
Residential Schools
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Canadian Bishops announce $30 million National Financial Pledge
The Bishops of Canada, as a tangible expression of their commitment to walk with the Indigenous Peoples of this land along the pathway of hope, are making a nation-wide collective financial commitment to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families, and their communities.
With a target of $30 million over up to 5 years, this will include initiatives in every region of the country. The commitment will be achieved at the local level, with parishes across Canada being encourage to participate and amplify the effort.
See the Statement of apology by the Bishops of Canada below
Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous peoples.
The Catholic Bishops of Canada, gathered in Plenary this week, took the opportunity to affirm and acknowledge to the Indigenous Peoples the suffering experienced in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools. Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples. They acknowledged the grave abuses that were committed by some members of our Catholic community; physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual. They also sorrowfully acknowledged the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day. Along with those Catholic entities which were directly involved in the operation of the schools and which have already offered their own heartfelt apologies, the Catholic Bishops of Canada expressed their profound remorse and apologized unequivocally.
Together with the many pastoral initiatives already underway in dioceses across the country, the Bishops pledged to undertake fundraising in each region of the country to support initiatives discerned locally with Indigenous partners. Furthermore, they invited the Indigenous Peoples to journey with us into a new era of reconciliation, helping us to prioritize initiatives of healing, to listen to the experience of Indigenous Peoples, especially to the survivors of Indian Residential Schools, and to educate our clergy, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful, on Indigenous cultures and spirituality. They further committed to continue the work of providing documentation or records that will assist in the memorialization of those buried in unmarked graves.
A delegation of Indigenous survivors, Elders/knowledge keepers, and youth will meet with the Holy Father in December 2021. Pope Francis will encounter and listen to the Indigenous Peoples, so as to discern how he can support our common desire to renew relationships and walk together along the path of hope in the coming years. The Bishops of Canada have pledged to work with the Holy See and our Indigenous partners on the possibility of a pastoral visit by the Pope to Canada as part of this healing journey. We are committed to continue the journey with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples of this land.
In this special three-part series, C2C Journal writer Hymie Rubenstein sorts through the heated claims and allegations and sets forth what is actually known about the unmarked graves at Canada’s former Indian Residential Schools.
When disturbing evidence is unearthed that points to malfeasance by individuals, organizations or entire countries, it is understandable that feelings would run high among the aggrieved parties. But are unrestrained emotionalism, exaggeration and wild accusation the proper responses for politicians, experts, commentators and the population at large? How does this help a nation get at the truth, pursue justice or settle accounts – let alone move the parties along the path of forgiveness and reconciliation? Read Part One
The reported discovery of unmarked graves at former Indian Residential Schools confirmed what many Canadians thought they already knew about this now-discredited system. But how much of this foundational knowledge is actually true? Did “all” Indigenous children attend residential schools? Were they forced to go? Was this done over the objections of their parents and chiefs? How did the buried students die? And what, in turn, was the system’s real purpose? In Part Two of this special three-part series, Hymie Rubenstein digs deep into the historical record in the search for answers to these difficult questions. Read Part Two
Written in clear and plain English for the person-in-the-pew, Witness of Charity is both a study of the true meaning of Christian love and a rallying cry for all Christians to wake up, be alert, understand, and live out the faith we profess. Keeping things in perspective, the author, applies realistic explanations and conclusions providing an enduring testament to the power of true Christian love; as a result of reading this book, you will receive the necessary foundational tools to navigate life’s complexities and become a faithful witness of charity!
"It is my desire that you will use this work to spread the important message of true Christian charity that is so desperately needed in our world." ~ Bishop William T. McGrattan
"This little book, Witness of Charity ... brings 'fresh eyes' to some of our basic teachings on charity." ~ Bishop Emeritus F. B. Henry
During the past months we have been given the blessing of time to contemplate what is important in our lives and in our society. Many of us are prioritizing the importance of a health care system that cultivates a culture of care and love for people at all life stages..
This is an opportune time to use our letter-writing energy to urge our government to seriously hear our concerns about two issues: (1) the providing of palliative care for all Canadians who choose this option near the end of their lives; and (2) the suggested removal of safeguards to Bill C-7.
We encourage everyone to contact government leaders on the following two concerns.
Palliative Care: In 2017 the Federal Government put forward the Framework on Palliative Care in Canada. The government promised to invest $3 billion into national home care services including palliative care. Has funding been made? How can Canadians make informed decisions about their end of life treatment when quality palliative care is readily available to only 15% of Canadians (2018 Health Canada Report)? On May 17, 2020 Zi-Ann Lum published “Will the Pandemic Finally Make Us Talk About Palliative Care?” in the Huffington Post, Canadian Edition. I encourage you to read it if you want more information.
Bill C-7, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): There are concerns about removing some of the safeguards placed in the existing legislation. First, the government is proposing to remove the mandatory 10 day waiting period before a patient can receive medically assisted death stating that the waiting period may unnecessarily prolong suffering. Second, the government is proposing to remove the need for two witnesses. Both safeguards exist so that patients can make an informed decision about their end of life care without pressure and with appropriate verification. Presently the Bill has undergone two readings. There is still time to write letters and email the government to express our concerns about the removal of these safeguards.
Sample letters to the Prime Minister, Justice Minister, Health Minister and Member of Parliament are posted under Legislation Tips and Tools. Adjust them as you wish. See the Forms and Resources page for our letter writing guide and contact information for MPs and MLAs.
Through faith, we have a moral compass that guides our actions daily to help and protect the vulnerable in our society. May our Lady of Good Counsel guide you as you work for God and Canada.
During this pandemic, our faith community needs us even more. Please remember to keep supporting your parish with weekly or recurring donations. If offering envelopes are not feasible at this time, you can support the parish through online giving, either on your parish's website or on the Diocese of Calgary website.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released a Safe Environment Policy to protect children and everyone from sexual abuse in the church: Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse: A Call to the Catholic Faithful in Canada for Healing, Reconciliation, and Transformation. Read the document here.
Break the cycle of silence. You can choose to talk about it and report abuse. The Diocese of Calgary has launched a Safe Environment web page. Talk to someone you trust or call the toll-free number at 1-833-547-8360.
Scams Alert
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There are many scams going around masquerading as your clergy (priests, deacons or lately, the bishop).
Please exercise caution when responding to email messages. If you receive unusual emails, check the sender's email address to see whether it is the person’s genuine address. Even if the sender's address looks correct, always verify suspicious emails by phoning the sender. There have been many similar scams reported by several parishes in our diocese and across Canada.
Note that these scams do not stop at emails. Those in social media should stay vigilant when responding to friend requests or to other compelling posts requiring a response. There are many fake Twitter, Facebook and other social media accounts trying to impersonate people you know and our church leaders. Some scammers may take the time to build a relationship with you to gain your trust, before trying to extort money or other things like gift cards.
Please exercise vigilance when you are being charitable. Use the channels you are most familiar with and avoid becoming victims of a scam. For samples of scam emails see Diocese of Calgary
Diocese of Calgary news
For news and events within the Catholic Diocese of Calgary please visit the website for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary. Check for employment opportunities at http://careers.calgarydiocese.ca
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
People of God throughout the world are invited by the Holy Father and the Bishops to examine the way the Church has carried forward her work and mission in the world. 
IWIN has some exciting updates to share with you, please watch for our newsletter which will be coming out later this fall!
Since the pandemic began, front-line workers, first responders, personal support workers, and many others have put their lives on the line to support people in their care. Essential workers and businesses held their course to ensure that the needs of their community endured the effects of lockdown restrictions.
The Bishops of Canada, as a tangible expression of their commitment to walk with the Indigenous Peoples of this land along the pathway of hope, are making a nation-wide collective financial commitment to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families, and their communities. 
The Catholic Bishops of Canada, gathered in Plenary this week, took the opportunity to affirm and acknowledge to the Indigenous Peoples the suffering experienced in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools. Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples. They acknowledged the grave abuses that were committed by some members of our Catholic community; physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual. They also sorrowfully acknowledged the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day. Along with those Catholic entities which were directly involved in the operation of the schools and which have already offered their own heartfelt apologies, the Catholic Bishops of Canada expressed their profound remorse and apologized unequivocally.
During this pandemic, our faith community needs us even more. Please remember to keep supporting your parish with weekly or recurring donations. If offering envelopes are not feasible at this time, you can support the parish through online giving, either on your parish's website or on the Diocese of Calgary website.
There are many scams going around masquerading as your clergy (priests, deacons or lately, the bishop).
