Walking Together – A Path for Healing and Reconciliation

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Almost a year has passed since our provincial convention in Edmonton when Archbishop Smith and Chief Wilton Littlechild shared their thoughts on our truth and reconciliation journey; and a journey it is, as it is rooted in knowledge, introspection, and conversion much like our own personal faith journey.

In September 2023, following a provincial meeting, a communique was sent that said we would try to send out a monthly communique to help us on this journey. So often good intentions do not materialize; but that does not mean the issue has evaporated. Sometimes the issue is so overwhelming it’s difficult to know where to begin. Father Cristino, at our retreat, suggested we begin with friendship, our friendship with God and with each other.

Each day God gives us a new thought to ponder through His Word Jesus. Often God uses this thought to nudge us to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, visiting a shut in or praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Our Truth and Reconciliation journey can begin the same way, with God giving us a nudge when we pray and ask the Lord to give us the grace to understand this journey to which we have been called. Where do we begin? Archbishop Smith suggests beginning by listening and reading the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Which one is being placed on our heart? Our Alberta Bishops heard land acknowledgements to which they encourage us to use, in our words, at our meetings. A land acknowledgement indicates we are thanking our indigenous ancestors for welcoming our ancestors (European Explorers) to this land. They welcomed them in friendship and that is what we are encouraged to do now…forge friendships and to answer the call: Here I am Lord, Send Me!

At our midwinter meeting our council was nudged to accept the invitation to help youth ages 12-17 (mostly women at this time) who are directed to Alberta Campus Base Treatment Centres by providing them with quilts. Each person will receive their own quilt and when they leave the centre the quilt will go with them – a reminder that there are people who do love them. All 5 diocesan councils are invited to participate by encouraging their members to make twin size quilts (70”X 95”) made of cloth. The project is one of wrapping young people in an outward sign that there are people in the community who love them. Presently there are five care centres - two in Edmonton, one in Lac la Biche, one in High Prairie, one in Lethbridge. We invite all CWL quilters and friends of CWL quilters to participate in this love project. More information will be posted on our ABMK website and shared at our diocesan conventions.

Have a very blessed day as it is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Judy Look
ABMK Past President/Archives Indigenous Committee Chair

 

Holy Week, Triduum, and Easter

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Chrism Mass

The Diocese of Calgary will celebrate the Chrism Mass on Monday, Mar 25 at 7 pm, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. During this mass, the priests, deacons, and all the faithful gather around Bishop McGrattan, who blesses the Holy Oils for use in the coming year. Cathedral doors will be open to the public at 6 pm.

Parish Schedule for Triduum and Easter

Triduum & Easter schedule in the parishes are now available here | Download printable version

Good Friday

National Collection for the Holy Land
This collection is taken up on Good Friday as requested by the Holy Father. The funds raised are used by the Pope to support the Church in the Holy Land. To donate online, visit: catholicyyc.ca/goodfridaycollection | Download graphic

All are invited to join Bishop McGrattan on the Outdoor Way of the Cross on Good Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9 am. We are introducing a new route this year that begins at St. Mary's University and leads us to the Father Lacombe Centre. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather. For more information, visit catholicyyc.ca/wayofthecross 

Holy Week, Triduum, and Easter with Bishop McGrattan

All are welcome! Bishop McGrattan will celebrate the following liturgies at St. Mary's Cathedral:

  • Chrism Mass on Monday, Mar 25 at 7 pm
  • Holy Thursday, on Thursday, Mar 28 at 7 pm
  • Good Friday, on Friday, Mar 29 at 3 pm
  • Easter Vigil, on Saturday, Mar 30 at 8 pm
  • Easter Sunday, on Sunday, Mar 31 at Noon

 

A Great Symphony of Prayer

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A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life

Embark on a spiritual journey with the CCCB's engaging webinar series, “A Great Symphony of Prayer,” in response to Pope Francis's Year of Prayer initiative, hosted by Dr. Josephine Lombardi. Crafted by the Jubilee Office in Rome, this series offers deep dives into prayer through specially prepared booklets. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the divine and join a global community in prayer. When: Tuesdays at 11 am MT from Apr 2 to Apr 30, 2024.  Register Now

 

Hope on the Horizon

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Young Adults 19-30: Hope on the Horizon Summer Mission

Join the "Hope on the Horizon" Summer Mission from August 6-21, 2024 hosted by the Archdiocese of Vancouver and Catholic Street Missionaries. This event, for young adults aged 19-30 in downtown Vancouver, offers an immersive experience into street missionary work. Participants will engage in prayer, service, and outreach to the homeless, alongside training and recreational activities. Food and accommodation included. For details and registration, visit: catholicstreetmissionaries.org/horizon.


 

Pastoral Care Ministry Training

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The Diocese of Calgary invites individuals who feel called to assist their parish in a healing ministry. This Pastoral Care Training is designed for those who wish to support the sick, elderly, dying, homebound, and bereaved members of their community. Note: Participants should receive approval from their Pastor and/or Pastoral Care Coord. Please reach out to your parish for screening requirements.

2024 Pastoral Care Ministry Training in Calgary, AB

  • Sessions: Saturdays, April 20, 2024 & May 4, 2024​ Lunch will be provided on both Saturdays. 
  • Where: Catholic Pastoral Centre - 120 17 Ave SW, Calgary
  • Deadline to register: April 15
  • Register at https://www.catholicyyc.ca/pastoralcare.html


Registration Fee:
The registration fee is $70 per person, which covers training costs, lunch for both sessions, and refreshments. 

We understand that the fee might be a concern for some, but please rest assured that it should not be a deterrent to your participation. No one will be denied the opportunity to join us. If you need alternative arrangements, please contact Anthony at .  

 

Catholic Women Unite T-Shirts Now Available!

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We are excited to share that another batch of Catholic Women Unite T-shirts are available to purchase! T-shirts are $20 each and are available in sizes Small to 3X.

  • New high density fabric
  • 9.1 oz, 100% cotton jersey
  • Rib collar – round neck
  • Shoulder to shoulder taping
  • Contoured for a flattering fit
  • Hemmed cuff with double needle cover stitch

Orders will close on March 31, 2024 so get your t-shirt order in before they are gone. They will be shipped to you in April 2024 or you can pick up in Edmonton. Learn more at https://catholicwomenunite.ca or click here to access the online store.

 

KARA Lenten Giving

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This Lenten season, Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF) invites us to come together to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pregnant and parenting students in our Catholic community.

The CCEF is a registered charity with Canada Revenue Agency and is acting as the fiscal agent on record for the KARA program.  The CCEF only donates funds to the Calgary Catholic School District and the KARA program is within the CCSD.  See https://justgiving.com/campaign/ccef-karaprogram to donate for the students in the KARA program.

 

40 Hours Devotion for Vocations

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As part of the Diocesan Renewal, the Office of Vocations is excited to launch the 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations in the Diocese of Calgary - catholicyyc.ca/40hours. This initiative invites us to pray continuously for forty hours before the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, with a focus on increasing vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. 

Please Read the Bishop's Letter on 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations - available to Download here

 

Youth & Holy Week Missions

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Regnum Christi Calgary is inviting young people to a week-long event during Holy Week 2024. This event is designed to help young people develop a deeper relationship with Christ and will include a range of activities such as Mass, Adoration, Confession, games, food, live Stations of the Cross, and a Marian procession. The event will be held from Mar 24 - 30 at St. James' Parish in Okotoks. More info & registration

 

Lent & 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. 

 

 

 

Pray for our Seminarians

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Our Diocese welcomes five new seminarians who have begun their formation at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton. They have joined the eight returning seminarians who have already been discerning the priesthood for our Diocese. Please remember to pray for our Seminarians and all those actively discerning the priesthood in our Diocese: 

Lord Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest, lead our seminarians daily in your footsteps, that they may become priests aflame with love for God and all. Amen. St. Joseph, pray for us.

 

Transitions

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Transitions is a 18 week, peer led support group, for individuals who are working through the pain of separation and divorce toward growth and new life. The group meets every Tuesday, beginning February 13, 2024 (7 to 9 pm) and will run until June 18, 2024. In this 18-week God-centered program, participants find strength in healing after separation or divorce, fostering growth through mutual understanding and connection.

The February 13 meeting will be a "meet & greet" session and offers the opportunity to meet the facilitators and other potential participants, and allow for the chance to ask any questions pertaining to Transitions and help in determining whether this is a program you would like to commit to. 
 
There is no fee to register.
Limited spots are available.
Register now at catholicyyc.ca/transitions 
 

 

 

Emergency Aids for Israel and Gaza

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We lament the loss of all innocent lives and the displacement of all innocent peoples, Israelis and Palestinians, due to the ensuing war. While we pray for the eternal rest of all the deceased and for God's strength and comfort for those grieving, let us help our brothers and sisters in need. 

Donate through CNEWA
Donate through Development and Peace

 

Enlarge the Tent

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Back for a second series, every third Monday of the month, beginning Monday, Sep. 18 at 10:30 am Fr. Tim Boyle will speak on The Art of Accompaniment, picking up on the theme from the Synod preparation document "Enlarge the Tent."

Sessions will be available in-person at St. Martha's, Lethbridge, or watch via livestream at stmarthsparish.ca

See all dates in 2023/2024

  • Monday, September 18, 2023 - "The big four issues the church will discuss in Rome.. and what does it mean to "Enlarge the Tent" 
  • Monday, October 16, 2023 - “A petrified Church..how did we get here? 
  • Monday, November 20, 2023 - “What unbelievers can teach us about mystery of God” 
  • Monday, January 22, 2024 - “Zacchaeus.. the first of Many Seekers.. and why they don’t want to join” 
  • Monday, February 19, 2024 - “Finding the Real Presence of God outside the church”
  • Monday, March 18, 2024 - “Mother Maria of Russia .. on uniting the Cross and the Sword”
  • Monday, April 15, 2024 - “Flourishing .. not just maintaining the Faith”..

 

Pray for peace in the Holy Land

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Our hearts and prayers are with those who died and those suffering after the terrorist attack and the continuing conflict in the Holy Land. Let us join Pope Francis and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa to pray for peace. The Holy Father asks that Catholics continue to pray through the intercession of Mary "for the gift of peace for the many countries of the world marked by war and conflict.“

"We ask God to inspire world leaders in their intervention for the implementation of peace and concord, so that Jerusalem may be a house of prayer for all peoples.” ~Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa

For those killed, displaced, and impacted by the terrorist attack in Israel and the ensuing war, may God grant eternal rest to the deceased, console those grieving, protect and comfort those in fear, and guide world leaders so this conflict may be brought to a peaceful end, let us pray to the Lord...  

 

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