Sharing a Catholic perspective on today’s events and issues in the Diocese of Calgary

Carillonthe DECEMBER 2017

VOLUME 21 NUMBER 10

The people walking in darknesshave seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darknessa light has dawned.

~ Isaiah 9:2-7

“The opportunity to serve” is the highest compliment

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MCINNIS & HOLLOWAY. COMPASSION, EMPATHY AND TRUST SINCE 1905.

Compassion.Sympathy for others, often including a desire to help.*

Empathy.The ability to identify with and understand

somebody else’s feelings.*

Trust.Confidence in and reliance on good qualities,especially fairness, truth, honour or ability.*

* Encarta Dictionary

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Carillonthe

CONTENTS

COLUMNS5 From the Editors

Reflecting on the past 20 years of The Carillon and all the people who made it so successful.

6 Bishop’s MessageIn this time of Advent, Most Reverend Bishop W. T. McGrattan, D.D. expresses gratitude and prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

20 Diocesan DatesImportant events in the Calgary Diocese up to spring of 2018.

23 St. Mary’s UniversityDr. Gerry Turcotte discovers capturing the joy of hope and sharing it in The Carillon.

SOCIAL MEDIAwww.calgarydiocese.ca

@calgarydiocese

www.the-carillon.com

Social Media | 7Parish Communications Workshop 2017 at the Pastoral Centre. Does the use of new media serve to deepen our attentiveness to the presence of God?

Rejoicing in God’s Mercy | 9The Diocese of Calgary invites you to experience the peace, love, and joy brought by participating in the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Bishop’s Dinner 2017 | 10Bishop McGrattan focused on three essential elements in engaging with today’s youth. We need to let them know that we notice and see them, hear them, and love them. In doing so, we encourage them and share the joy of Christ.

Mission Mexico | 12Sowing hope is exactly what Mission Mexico is all about. Bishop McGrattan has proclaimed December 12, the Feast of our lady of Guadalupe, as Mission Mexico Day in our diocese.

MaterCare International Conference in Rome | 14St. Gianna Beretta Molla was a Catholic doctor who sacrificed her life to save the life of her unborn baby. Gianna Molla was canonized in 2004. St. Gianna’s daughter, now an adult saved by her mother’s sacrifice, spoke at the MaterCare International Conference.

Charities & Development | 16Our Together in Action campaign focused on the theme of Mercy. In 2017, $646,000 was granted to 46 charities across southern Alberta.

The Relic of St. Francis Xavier | 19We will be blessed to host the visit of St. Francis Xavier’s relic to Calgary and honour his presence with liturgical prayer and personal veneration from January 21 - 22, 2018.

The Carillon • Looking Back Over 20 Years | 24For 20 years, The Carillon was the primary diocesan communication resource from the Offices of the Diocese to the “people in the pews.”

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COVER PHOTOby Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS

�e Calgary Catholic School District wishes you and your family a

blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Jessica Gray-Owen, Grade 5, Our Lady of Grace School

“To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,

who is the Messiah, the Lord.” —Luke 2:11

“To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,

who is the Messiah, the Lord.” —Luke 2:11

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From the EditorsMonique and Myron Achtman, (403) 295-8124

Reflecting on The Carillon

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Dear Diocesan Friends,Twenty years ago, Fr. Jack Bastigal suggested that I apply for the position of Editor of The Carillon, which was to become the diocesan communication vehicle from the Offices of the Diocese to the “people in the pews.” Mario Toneguzzi was hired and published first the issues of 1997. At that time, I was running an advertising business, and in God’s time, I was contracted by the Diocese to sell advertising in the publication to offset costs; and to become the new editor in 1998. Shortly after Bishop Henry arrived in March 1998, he had a vision for change in the Diocese. He made The Carillon an important part of diocesan com-munication during the time of his leadership.

Now Bishop McGrattan is here and he, too, has a vision for positive change in the Diocese. Collaborations at the Pastoral Centre will improve our communication strategies. The print editions of The Carillon will change in format and be published quarterly instead of monthly. This edition of The Carillon gives a glimpse of the new look with more in-depth articles, and much less advertising than in past editions.

In the early days we had an editorial board. Together, we shaped the publication by offer-ing a writers’ style guide that ensured that our writers would write not only to inform, but to give formation, using catechetical resources including: the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, encyclicals of the Pope(s), the Compendium of the Catholic Church, and the General Directory for Catechesis.

We are grateful to the many contributors who made the time to pray, research, and write articles. All of the writers deserve special recognition, but for now, we thank our most regular columnists: Bishop Henry; Bishop W. T. McGrattan; Gabriele Kalincak, Director of the Life and Family Resource Centre for the popular Family Flyer; Dr. Simone Brosig in the Liturgy Office for the articles that offered a current understanding of the Church liturgical seasons and celebrations; Carol Hollywood,

for the Library News offering reviews of books and resources, and historical vignettes from the Archives office; and Dr. Gerry Turcotte, President of St. Mary’s University for his column for the past six years.

The Carillon has highlighted many special diocesan events. In particular: Jubilee 2000; World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto; The Bishop’s Cup (hockey game at the Saddledome between the priests and retired Flames’ players); The Bishop’s Dinner; Ordinations to the priesthood – including the four that were celebrated at McMahon Stadium in 2002; Ordinations to the Permanent Diaconate; The Palio Country Fair; the Centennial of the Diocese in 2012; One Rock; World Youth Day at Home in 2013; The Jubilee Year of Mercy 2016; and the Jubilee anniversaries of many parishes, priests, and religious. Other programs and events initiated by the Diocese over the past 20 years include: the Pastoral Care and Bereavement ministry courses; the For Better and For Ever marriage preparation program; Project Rachel/The Song for Rachel; FaithLife; Strengthening Our Parish Communities safety program; Liturgy for the Miscarried; and many more to remember!

What would a publication be without beautiful front cover ar twork? We are grateful to have received almost every cover photograph or design as a gift to share with you. We want to give special recognition to the photographers: Ellis Bartkiewicz and Giselle Nerlien, from St. Luke’s Parish; Fr. Fred Monk, now in Medicine Hat; Bandi Szakony from St. Anthony’s Parish, Calgary; Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, St. Gabriel’s Parish, Chestermere; Warren Harbeck, St. Mary’s Parish, Cochrane; Ryan Factura, St. Michael’s Parish, Calgary;

Constant de la Cruz, and Victor Panlilio from Canadian Martyrs Parish; and artist, Paty Gasca in Mexico who created beautiful Christmas images that were included on nine of our front covers over the years!

The Carillon has been printed at Calgary Central Web on a “web” printing press for years. I once took my 95 year-old father-in-law to see the production. He was wide-eyed and absolutely amazed to see the professional setup and to learn that it takes only 1.5 hours to print 17,000 copies! After that, it is trimmed, bound, and prepared for delivery over the course of a few days.

Fr. Larry Bagnall (or Doug and Sue Bagnall in the winter months) arrive at the printers at 6:30 a.m. and proceed to drive and deliver each bundle of Carillons to every parish in the city of Calgary, and Strathmore, Airdrie, Cochrane, Canmore, and Okotoks. This is a 9-hour day of driving, followed by the 12-hour day of driving the edition to every Catholic parish door in southern Alberta! We thank our drivers for their dedicated service for the past 20+ years.

The Carillon will continue to be published in the new year. We’re looking forward to new de-sign, new themes, and new articles. Thank you for sending in the Carillon Steering Committee Surveys last month telling us what you want to see in upcoming editions. We are considering all of the answers, and your comments. Please stay in touch by email, monique@adita.com or phone, (403) 295-8124 to learn more about the new publication.

We wish you a blessed Advent and holy Christmas,

Monique and Myron Achtman

1997

2017

Original Editorial Board Fr. Larry Bagnall Fr. Fred Monk

BISHOP’SMESSAGE

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With Gratitude We PrayCome, Lord Jesus!

Most ReverendBishop W. T. McGrattan, D.D.

In Advent we recite beautiful prayers of longing and waiting; we sing hymns of hope and anticipation

and we light candles in the darkness to remind us of God’s faithful love. Every year we gather all of our yearnings, and faithful expectations into one word: “Come.” What a unique prayer this is!

Jesus has already come; he has shared our life among us with its joys and challenges, and at the end he will reveal the resurrection. It is also true that Jesus will come again, not that he has really gone away, but that his final coming will embrace humanity for all eternity. As St. Augustine stated, we live our lives each day between these two comings of Jesus. The risen Lord remains with us in Word and Sacrament. But still Jesus will come again, which is the Truth we live each day, and celebrate with great solemnity, at Christmas, his first coming.

Only when Christ is formed in us will the mystery of Christmas be fulfilled in us. Christmas is the mystery of this “marvelous exchange” [CCC 526].

Behold, Jesus comes. His coming finds its incarnational fulfillment in the present moment. This is the single mo-ment of anticipation that we celebrate in Advent which is reflected in our unique prayer of invocation, “Come.”

Each year in the liturgical season of Advent, I am inspired by the works of service and charity that have been un-dertaken to address the needs of those living in poverty, underemployment, loneliness, illness, etc. For me, these are clear signs that we understand and em-brace the Advent spirit of prayer – that we anticipate that Jesus is always among us. Such encounters transform us and society when we come together to serve those who are in need. Often those who serve acknowledge that they receive more in return than they feel they give. This Christian memory reflects the goodness and deep belief that is present in parish communities when they are transformed when serving the poor during Advent.

Volunteers at Feed the Hungry serve a weekly Sunday meal in downtown Calgary at the Cathedral hall to 500 - 700 individuals and families who are in need. The faithful of the Diocese initi-ated this outreach to the poor more than 24 years ago and it continues to provide a home-cooked meal on 50 weekends every year. The volunteers and spon-sors come from the diocese, other faith traditions and the local community. This outreach has been a consistent witness to the faith in our city centre. With gratitude we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society dedicate themselves to befriend-ing and serving the poor and visiting them in their homes. St. Vincent de Paul inspires their work saying, “We should strive to keep our hearts open to the suf-ferings and wretchedness of other peo-ple, and pray continually that God may grant us that spirit of compassion which is truly the spirit of God.” Their good works include responding to requests for food, and providing help in paying bills to avoid eviction or having gas, power cut off. The Vincentian mission is to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and

joy. Each Christmas, in addition to their service all year, Vincentians deliver thousands of food hampers to families and individuals. With gratitude we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Parishioners are involved as mem-bers or as contributors to Caritas Inter-national – Development and Peace and in so doing, they work to create greater global justice as they act in solidarity with the most poor and vulnerable. Their campaigns raise our awareness and coordinate our response to the urgent needs of those impacted by hunger, war, famine and natural disasters through-out the world. With gratitude we pray, “Come Lord Jesus!”

The Catholic Women’s League ad-dresses the issue of homelessness through their Provincial Legislation Standing Committee. This advocacy for the needs of others happens when women of faith identify the needs sur-rounding them in their communities. And through their fundraising and stewardship, the Knights of Columbus have given more than $2,300,000 to charities on behalf of member Knights in the Alberta-NWT Jurisdiction. To date, more than 90 charitable causes have received financial support from the Knights’ foundation. With gratitude we pray, “Come Lord Jesus!”

For 20 years, The Carillon has played a tremendous role in witnessing, sharing and promoting the vibrant faith and ministries of the Diocese. From the beginning, The Carillon was edited and published by a team of faithful individuals dedicated to the task of producing a monthly communication to celebrate, support and promote the faith life of our parish communities. Under the committed leadership of Monique and Myron Achtman, the publication has served as an important link in our pastoral communication network. I join with my predecessor, Bishop Fred

FR. THOMAS ROSICA, CSB

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Henry, and the faithful of the Diocese to thank Monique and Myron for 20 years of faithful service. I want to express my appreciation for the legacy of this publi-cation, which has faithfully chronicled this life of faith and witness to Jesus alive in our diocese. The enduring qual-ity of any work is often refined in its ability to adapt to change and to respond to emerging needs. In that regard, I also want to express my appreciation and ad-miration for the way in which Monique and Myron have embraced this time of change and contributed their talents to ensure a smooth transition to a new for-mat for this publication. With gratitude we pray, “Come Lord Jesus!”

This Advent/Christmas season also awakens in me a spirit of gratitude for the words of encouragement, support and prayers that I have received. I note the witness of pastoral charity exhibited by the priests, the deacons who exercise the role of Christ the servant, the presence of the religious communities who offer their unique charisms and a witness to holiness, the co-responsibility of the lay faithful as a living sign of Christ in the world, the role of the teachers and catechists in our schools and parishes, and the essential gift of family life that is shared so readily in an expression of sacrificial love and an openness to new life.

Finally, to those working at the Pastoral Centre with whom I collaborate daily, I am grateful for the dedication and cooperation that we share in serving the needs of God’s people. Daily, the Spirit calls to my mind the need to ponder these gifts in my life and ministry and in the spirit of Mary “to treasure these in my heart.” With gratitude I pray, “Come Lord Jesus!”

It is my prayer that in this Christmas season, the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the Eucharist may strengthen all the faithful so that we will be confirmed in the Joy of the Gos-pel. May God, who is always coming into our lives, grant us the grace to live now, in this time of Advent, in such a way that we joyfully proclaim his coming, at Christmas, that embraces all humanity.

Parish staff and communicators were in for a real treat when they attended the 2017 Parish

Communications Workshop at the Pastoral Centre. Fr. Thomas Rosica was the keynote speaker, sharing wisdom and reflections on his digital media ministry at Salt & Light TV.

After Bishop McGrattan led us in prayer, 60 participants from all over the diocese listened attentively to the keynote and breakout sessions. We learned many things about so-cial media including: best practices, practical tips such as writing skills, creating quality videos and graph-ics on a budget, and tips on how to make an memorable impression with a branding strategy.

While these are all essential tools for digital communicators, Fr. Rosi-ca’s keynote session reminded us that the one essential image we should keep in mind is that our digital media ministries are like a “field hospital in the digital universe,” a phrase he borrowed from Pope Francis.

Fr. Rosica explained that the digi-tal world is a real battlefield where many wounded souls are taking part in, or are the victim of character assassination, online bullying, and slander. Many of these actions are even done in the name of defending the faith. As Pope Francis wants us to uphold the truth with love, Fr. Rosica urged us to stay away from quick and instant responses in the digital world, and that “no matter how hasty, undigested, and unre-flective the responses are from our audience, our patient listening must always triumph.”

Parish communicators are indeed field hospital workers ready for deployment, sent to build bridges for those who are wounded, and to facilitate real encounters with each other, and with Christ. As Pope Francis encouraged us in his 2016 World Communication Day

A Field Hospital in the Digital Universeby Lia O’Hara, Social Media and Website Coordinator, RC Diocese of Calgary

message, “… our hearts and actions are inspired by charity, by divine love, then our communication will be touched by God’s own power.”

Being authentic in our online social interactions means that we should reflect the spirit of our faith in our Internet postings, including a commitment to justice, peace, honesty, and transparency, with a gracious, kind style.

So the real question for parish communicators is not how to use the slickest technology for vocation promotion, ministries, parish life, school, worship, or to be relevant and to appeal to the younger genera-tion. Fr. Rosica wants us to ask this question instead: “Does the use of new media serve to deepen our at-tentiveness to the presence of God, to the risen Christ, to the Living Spirit, to the community gathered about us, and to the world in which we are called to minister?” Do we embody Christ’s love in our digital ministry, not simply to be connected but to grow into true encounters with each other?

Fr. Rosica reminded all of us to continue to be inspired by Pope Francis who communicates with both his words and actions: “Let us learn from him how to model this badly needed kindness, goodness, mercy and joy to a wounded world and broken humanity around us.”

Fr. Rosica’s keynote address can be read at SocialMedia.calgarydiocese.ca.

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Rejoicing in God’s Mercy…Reflections for Advent

Catholics celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation because we recognise that sometimes we fail to do as we ought and because we believe in God’s mercy and forgiveness. The priest can help you and you can

trust the Holy Spirit to guide you. Even if you don’t know how you can change your life, showing up makes you open to the grace that the sacrament brings. The Diocese of Calgary invites you to experience the peace, love, and joy brought by participating in the sacrament of Reconciliation.

DECEMBER 3ADVENT IIt is easy to become complacent, doing things the way we have always done them and making ex-cuses for the things we do not want to change. Life is hard and we can become rigid and obstinate out of self-defense. Yet, in the loving cre-ative hand of God, we are to be like clay is to the potter. The sacrament of Reconciliation is a safe place to put aside the armour of our stub-bornness and be strengthened by the grace of God given in Christ Jesus. Action Item: Each evening this week identify three ways God has shown you kindness and gentleness.

DECEMBER 24ADVENT IVNo Wednesday Confession to FollowThe time of our Saviour’s birth is upon us. Though we are not always prepared God is always ready for us! When we are tempted to feel like our failings are insurmountable, let us remember that nothing is impos-sible with God. Action Item: Encourage others who are hard on themselves by sharing with them the love and mercy of Christ. For yourself, know that the sacrament of Reconciliation is available at your parish year-round as scheduled or by appointment.

DECEMBER 10,ADVENT IISt. Augustine knew what sort of person he ought to be when as a youth he prayed for purity “but not yet!” Some changes happen over-night while others unfold gradual-ly. In the confessional we can admit our failings and struggles confident that the Lord is patient and wants us to come to repentance. Action Item: Find an opportunity each day to extend God’s patience to others and to yourself.

DECEMBER 17ADVENT IIIWe were created in the image of God and so our lives should con-tinually give glory to God. It is hu-man nature to take pride in doing good work but when we start to do it for our own glory, we have lost sight of God’s gift to us. The sacra-ment of Reconciliation is an op-portunity to re-orient everything we do to God’s glory. Action Item: Learn and pray the canticle of Mary, [Luke 1.46-55].

Celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation, Wednesdays in AdventDecember 6, 13, 20 from 7:30 - 8:30 pm

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PHOTOS BY CONSTANT DE LA CRUZ

The Church, through the Synod on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment, is currently asking herself how she can lead young people to recognize and accept the call to the fullness of life and love.

Accordingly, with this year’s Bishop’s Dinner, the Diocese engaged support from organizations and individuals in southern Alberta to join with us in giving the youth of our diocese opportunity to explore their calling.

On Thursday, October 19, more than 800 people gathered together at the Commonwealth Centre for Bishop McGrattan’s inaugural Bishop’s Dinner. It was very exciting to see the hard work of the planning committee pay off with such a large increase in numbers. In keeping with the theme of the evening it was inspiring to see over 100 youth in attendance, their tickets sponsored by their parishes and other generous donors.

Joining them to celebrate our young people and their bright futures in the faith were people from all facets of our diocese. Representatives from 35 parishes, 16 Knights of Columbus and Catholic Women’s League councils, all five School Boards, three Orders of Religious Sisters, 11 businesses, community partners, and Lay Organizations made it an evening truly representative of the Church here in southern Alberta.

This growth carried over into the financial success of the event. Through the generosity of all our donors, sponsors and guests, we are very honoured to report that this year’s dinner raised more than $82,000 for the five beneficiaries: The Office of Vocations, One Rock, Youth Central Calgary, the Lethbridge and District Youth Foundation, and the Medicine Hat Youth Action Society.

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This year, guests were entertained by Janelle, a Catholic contemporary musician, and the students from the Bishop Carroll High School Choir.

Janelle sang for Pope John Paul II during World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto and has toured around the world sharing her musical vocation with the world. She resides in Lloydminster with her husband Jason and their six children.

Bishop Carroll’s choir of more than 30 students rendered a beautiful version of O Canada and sang in the Bishop’s procession. Their voices joined Janelle’s for the last song of her set, Amazing, as they gathered on stage with her by candlelight. It was definitely a highlight of the evening.

Our diocese is very blessed to have Michael Chiasson working with our young people. His Access 52 office has him, and his team, travelling all over Alberta and North America sharing the story with our young people and their families about how valuable they are. His message encourages them to use their voice and others to hear it.

During his keynote at the Dinner, Michael focused on three essential elements in engaging with today’s youth. “We need to let them know that we notice and see them, hear them, and love them. In doing so, we encourage them and share the joy of Christ.”

Bishop McGrattan’s passion for youth inspired the theme of this year’s event. He closed the evening with a few of his own thoughts on this topic vital to the future of the Church.

“The youth are not only the future of our Church —they are our present — and we must do all in our power to support them now in this formative time of their lives.”

Bishop William T. McGrattan

“Poverty call

s us to sow hope.” Pope Francis

YES! And sowing hope is exactly what Mission Mexico is all about.

For the past eighteen years we have been privileged to sow hope through well over 200 dignity-affirming projects in women’s

issues, human rights, healthcare, and education, including the construction of a high school and providing hundreds

of scholarships and bursaries for students.

Fr. Fred Monk has retired from active ministry and will be officially stepping down as coordinator of Mission

Mexico. Sr. Rita Kim, on behalf of the Diocese of Calgary, through Mission Council, will assume responsibilities as

coordinator of Mission Mexico effective January 1, 2018.

Bishop McGrattan has proclaimed Dec.12, the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, as Mission Mexico Day in our diocese.

Donations may be made in participating schools on December 12, or through parish collections on Dec. 9-10.

Please note our new address:MISSION MEXICOCatholic Pastoral Centre120 - 17th Avenue SWCalgary, AB T2S 2T2(403) 217-5513

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“Poverty call

s us to sow hope.” Pope Francis

YES! And sowing hope is exactly what Mission Mexico is all about.

For the past eighteen years we have been privileged to sow hope through well over 200 dignity-affirming projects in women’s

issues, human rights, healthcare, and education, including the construction of a high school and providing hundreds

of scholarships and bursaries for students.

Fr. Fred Monk has retired from active ministry and will be officially stepping down as coordinator of Mission

Mexico. Sr. Rita Kim, on behalf of the Diocese of Calgary, through Mission Council, will assume responsibilities as

coordinator of Mission Mexico effective January 1, 2018.

Bishop McGrattan has proclaimed Dec.12, the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, as Mission Mexico Day in our diocese.

Donations may be made in participating schools on December 12, or through parish collections on Dec. 9-10.

Please note our new address:MISSION MEXICOCatholic Pastoral Centre120 - 17th Avenue SWCalgary, AB T2S 2T2(403) 217-5513

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Recently, I spent a few days at a conference that dealt with many is-sues, including euthanasia, that have preoccupied healthcare professionals in recent months. Although I am not a doctor, I attended the MaterCare In-ternational Conference for Catholic obstetricians committed to respect-ing human life at all stages.

As it turned out, as a lay person, I was in good company at the event. Other non-physicians also attended. In the midst of a busy holiday trip, the conference was a welcome break – a chance to ponder some challenging ethical issues, away from the thou-sands of tourists milling about St. Peter’s Basilica, just metres from the conference venue.

The conference held some surprises. Many Catholics are familiar with the story of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, the Catholic doctor who sacrificed her life to save the life of her unborn baby. Gianna Molla was canonized in 2004. St. Gianna’s daughter, saved by her mother’s sacrifice, is now an adult and was one of the conference speakers.

A devout Catholic, Vincent Kemme, stands apart from many scientists in a fundamental way. He does not believe resistance to euthanasia can succeed if it is purely secular. In Canada, many who oppose the practice — along with assisted suicide — do so on the grounds that it’s unreasonable, un-necessary and harmful to society, but they often go no further.

Kemme argues that euthanasia is a spiritual problem. The practice has sadly gained the most traction in the Netherlands. About 6,000 people will be put to death there this year, up from 2,000 cases only a

few years ago. Kemme argues Dutch society has become largely secular, effectively cutting God out of the picture. He believes it is no coinci-dence that euthanasia has made the greatest inroads there, although the number of cases in Belgium is also on the rise.

By largely excluding God, the Dutch have done what secular philos-ophers only contemplated. They have substituted man for God, replacing divine law by human reason, which they consider supreme. Despite the grim trend in the Netherlands — a government report some years back noted involuntary euthanasia was on the rise — Kemme is not without hope for the future.

He believes the solution to the euthanasia problem lies in a return to God and prayer. A Catholic group he belongs to practises daily prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, under-scoring that Catholics should avoid judging those involved in euthanasia, recalling the Church’s longstanding distinction between the sinner and the sin. He believes that resistance to euthanasia will succeed only if we oppose peacefully, without judging. “There is no room for aggression,” he told conference attendees.

St. Gianna MollaFor Gianna Beretta Molla, the path to sanctity began in late 1961 with an unwelcome event: the diagnosis of a uterine tumour during the early stages of her pregnancy. At the time, the attending surgeon offered abor-tion as an option, one that would very likely save Gianna’s life and allow for future pregnancies, should she so

choose. In six years of marriage, this was her sixth pregnancy.

Yet, abortion was one option that St. Gianna Molla never entertained. Asked what other options remained, the surgeon offered one with potential, at least from her perspective. He could surgically remove the benign tumour and allow the pregnancy to come to full term. This option was risky for baby and mother, but offered one certainty: there would be no abortion.

The child was born, and named Gianna. Years later, her father, Pietro Molla, related the sequence of events to his daughter — now a geriatrician in Italy — also a speaker at this confer-ence in Rome. She spoke lovingly of her parents and told the story in her own words:

“Mama prayed that the Lord would save her life and mine,” she said. “Two weeks before the delivery, she told my father, ‘Pietro, if you have to decide between the baby’s life and mine, do not hesitate: choose the child.’”

As it happened, when the delivery took place, it was safe and the new-born was healthy. For her part, St. Gianna Molla survived the delivery, but her condition worsened. In only a few hours, she developed a high fever and severe abdominal pains that did not dissipate.

“After a week of agony, during which Mom often repeated the words, ‘Jesus, I love you,’ her condition con-tinued to deteriorate. She did not want to die in hospital, and so was returned to our family home, where she died, aged 39.”

Gianna, the daughter, named after her mother, has had many years to reflect on the lives of her parents.

MaterCare InternatIonal ConferenCeSt. GIanna Beretta Molla’S Story

BY JAMES MAHONY, FOR THE LIFE AND FAMILY RESOURCE CENTREAND THE CALGARY CATHOLIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

St. GIanna Beretta Molla and ChIld

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“Both the lives of Mom and Dad were the occasion of great joy, but also of great suffering,” she said.

Recalling the years her father car-ried on after his wife’s death — Pietro lived into his nineties until his death a few years ago — his daughter related something he said before his death. “Eternity is not enough for me to thank the Lord for the graces he has

sent, in particular, through your mother’s canonization.”

Reflecting on her parents’ lives, Gianna offered her own thoughts, invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Our Heavenly Mother has asked us for an unconditional ‘yes’ to, and our humble acceptance of God’s will, even when we don’t understand it,” she said. “My [experience] teaches

me that the Way of the Cross is the way of joy: when we have the Lord on our side, when we follow his holy way, and see everything in the light of faith.”

Presentations from MaterCare’s Rome 2017 conference are accessible online at the MaterCare Media website, at www.matercare.com.

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For more information on how to get involved with Feed the Hungry contact the Program Manager,Sartre Jean-Gilles at (403) 218-5532 or feedthehungry@calgarydiocese.ca. Visit www.feedthehungrycalgary.ca.

A Program of the Diocese, administered by the Charities & Development Office.

A Spirit of Generosity is one of the foundations of our Office. It directly impacts the programs we provide to the community. For example, on most Sundays during the year, a line of Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens can be found outside St. Mary’s Hall next door to the Cathedral. Since 1993, it has been the privilege of the Diocese to serve a hot, traditional family-style meal to these neighbours of ours.

We don’t act alone. Donors and vol-unteers are a huge part of the success of this program. Each week, almost 100 volunteers ensure that our guests experience an atmosphere of warmth, dignity and respect. Team Leads pro-vide consistent leadership, making sure the dinner flows smoothly. A Donor family or organization ensures the program has the $5,000 it needs to run a dinner and recruits the bulk of the weekly volunteers.

And the program is not just about Sundays. A bounty of produce began this past spring with a planting party at the new Feed the Hungry Garden. The hard work of many volunteers over the spring and summer resulted in a harvest of 4,500 lbs. of potatoes!

There’s always room for more at the Feed the Hungry table. We’d love to have you join us as a Volunteer or at one of our events: Coldest Night of the Year or the Annual Bishop’s Golf Tournament.

Here’s a full list of the 2017 Together in Action grant recipients:

Charity Project FundedAlcove Addiction Recovery for Women Society, Calgary Staffing – Program Recovery

Alzheimer Society of Calgary Education – Dementia

Between Friends Club, Calgary Program – Summer Adventures

Bishop O’Byrne Housing Association, Calgary Project – Columbus Place

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society Program – Refugees Sponsorship

Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society Program – Hampers For Homeless

Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society Program – Volunteer Services

Camp Cadicasu Association of Calgary Program – Campership

Catholic Family Service of Calgary Program – F&ST (Families And Schools Together)

Champions Centre, Medicine Hat Staffing – Project Manager

Christ Heals In Low Lights (CHILL), Calgary Outreach – Community Dinners

Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools, Okotoks Program – Pregnancy & Parenting

Coaldale Community Food Bank Program – Food Purchases

Cochrane Pregnancy Care Centre Association Outreach – Classes/Child Care

County of Forty Mile Food Bank, Bow Island Staffing – Coordinator Wage

Crossroads Clinic Association, Brooks Program – Unplanned Pregnancy Support

Crossroads Counselling Centre Society, Lethbridge Program – Internal Services

Crowsnest Pass Women’s Resource & Crisis Centre Staffing – Support and Education Counsellor

Elizabeth House, Calgary Operations

Fort Macleod Kids First Family Centre Program – Parenting Education And Support

Habitat for Humanity of Southern Alberta, Calgary Program – Pineridge Build

Hospice Calgary Society Program – Community Counselling

Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary Program – Personal Empowerment

Insight Counselling and Therapy Centre, Calgary Program – Counselling

Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge Program – Volunteer

Kara Community Advisory Association, Calgary Program – Student Resource

L’Arche Association of Calgary Program – Community Life

Lethbridge and District Birthright Society Project – Transportation

Lethbridge Family Services Program – Grief Counselling

Lethbridge Soup Kitchen Association Program – Hot Lunch

Meals on Wheels, Calgary Transportation

Medicine Hat Pregnancy Support Society Staffing – Part Time Employees

Mennonite Central Committee Alberta, Calgary Program – Bridge Ministries

Mustard Seed Foundation Program – Employment Services

Natural Family Planning Association (AB), Lethbridge Staffing – Part Time Employee

Next Steps Ministries Society, Calgary Program – Sparrow House

Project Rachel, Calgary Program – Post Abortion Support

Pro-Life Association, Calgary Staffing – Educational Consultant

Salvation Army, Medicine Hat Program – Family Services

Sandwich Foundation, Calgary Program – Lunch

Serena Alberta, Calgary Program – Education

Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Calgary Diocese Emergency Assistance

Sonshine Society Of Christian Community Services Program – Trauma Therapy

St. Dismas Prison Ministry Society, Drumheller Program – Let’s Journey Together

St. Joseph – Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre, Calgary Pastoral Care Coordinator

Youth Central, Calgary Program – High School Outreach

CHARITIES & DEVELOPMENT

Feed the Hungry

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Our faith is demonstrated by our actions…

This past year, our Together in Action campaign focused once again on the theme of Mercy. The mercy we receive from Christ should be manifested in merciful actions towards others.

One of the ways we do this is through grants made from funds provided by generous parishioners in support of Together in Action. Where one parish could potentially donate $250 to a cause, pooling our resources together allows us to make numerous, larger, more impactful grants throughout our Diocese. In 2017, $646,000 was granted to 46 charities across southern Alberta.

All applicants are vetted by a granting committee made up of Charities & Development staff and community members and final grant allocations are approved by Bishop McGrattan. If your parish has a charity you would like considered for support, please ask them to visit the Diocesan website or call the Charities & Development Office at (403) 218-5534.

Thank you for supporting Together in Action and making a difference in the lives of your fellow Albertans receiving assistance from these recipient organizations.

Charities & Development Granting Program

Funds granted to the Champions Centre in Medicine Hat support paid staff to manage the program. The centre provides supported living, food, clothing and other assistant to individuals experiencing homelessness.

The Lethbridge Soup Kitchen Association received funds for their Hot Lunch program which serves a healthy meal six days a week to those experiencing food insecurity.

Christ Heals in Low Lights (CHILL) works with individuals impacted by sexual exploitation. Funds were used to expand their Community Dinner program which creates a place of safety and belonging for attendees.

The St. Dismas Prison Ministry received funds for their Let’s Journey Together program. This serves inmates in the Drumheller and Bowden Federal Institutions and the Calgary Correctional Centre.

Funds were granted to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary for the production of an educational video to assist families of patients in better understanding their loved ones’ experiences.

Calgary

Lethbridge

Okotoks

Canmore Airdrie

PincherCreek

Medicine Hat

Brooks

Mercy is the compassion in our hearts (misericordia) for another person’s misery which drives us to do what we can to help another. Highlighted below are 5 of the 46 agencies that received a grant from Together in Action in 2017.

CHARITIES & DEVELOPMENT

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PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRIES OF CATHOLIC MISSIONS IN CANADA.Here is my gift of:

$20 $50 $100 $200 $________

Cheque (made payable to Catholic Missions in Canada)

Visa Mastercard AMEX

Credit Card No.______________________________

Expiry__________

Name _____________________________________Fr./Sr./Br./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.

Signature__________________________________

Address __________________________________

City_____________________ Province__________

Postal Code________ Phone___________________

Email ____________________________________

Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada201 – 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4T 1W2

Tel: 416-934-3424 Toll-free: 1-866-YES-CMIC (937-2642)

Website: www.cmic.info

“With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.” —Colossians 3:16

Your support will help Presentation of Mary Sister Diane Lajeunesse to lead worship at Sacred Heart mission in Big River First Nation, Saskatchewan. CA0617

Because you give…The Good News of Our Lord is shared with our brothers and sisters in remote and isolated missions across our vast land.

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Coming to Calgary…

The Relic of St. Francis Xavierby Fr. Cristino Bouvette, Diocesan Vocations Director

A culminating moment in the ritual of ordination for a new priest is when, after having received the laying on of hands and investiture in the priestly garments, the new priest kneels before the Bishop who anoints his hands with Sacred Chrism. The Bishop says, “The Lord Jesus Christ, whom

the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit, guard and preserve you, that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifices to God.” The anointed hands of the priest, therefore, are to become a public sign of Christ’s ongoing ministry to His people in order that they may be made holy. There is no more important and powerful way that this occurs than through the sacrament of Baptism.

Hence, it is very fitting that, to this day, is preserved the incorrupt hand of St. Francis Xavier – the 16th century Jesuit missionary who is reported to have baptized more than 30,000 souls in multiple countries stretch-ing from India to Japan during his voyages. He will continue his missionary endeavours on a cross-country tour throughout Canada in January 2018, as this physical reminder of his undying priestly ministry is received into our midst.

Upon having chosen the name of Francis, it was presumed by many that our Holy Fa-ther — the first Jesuit Pope in history — was pointing to his own Jesuit predecessor. It didn’t take long for Pope Francis to clarify that it was under the patronage of St. Francis of Assisi that he had chosen his name – but certainly not because he didn’t honour and revere the memory of his saintly confrere! In fact, in the programatic document of his whole pontificate, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis reminds all of us who are part of the Body of Christ that we are meant to live out our baptismal call through the identity of being “Missionary Disciples,” as he put it. “Every Chris-tian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are ‘disciples’ and ‘missionaries,’ but rather that we are always ‘missionary disciples.’ If we are not convinced, let us look at those first disciples, who, immediately after encountering the gaze of Jesus, went forth to proclaim him joyfully: “We have found the Mes-siah!” [Jn 1:41] (E.G. 120).

An organization in our nation who has been taking up and living this call to missionary discipleship for almost 30 years now is the university campus movement, Catholic Christian Outreach. CCO has facilitated the conversion or reversion of innumerable souls across our country through their tenets of proclaiming the gospel, clearly and simply, to one person at a time. This year, in honour of Canada’s sesquicentennial, CCO has partnered with Archbishop Terence Predergast, SJ and the Jesuit curators of the relic of St. Francis at the

Church of the Gesù in Rome to bring this sacred artifact to tour the cities where CCO is doing their work on our university campuses.

We will be blessed to host the visit of St. Francis Xavier’s relic to Calgary and honour his presence with liturgi-cal prayer and personal veneration from January 21 - 22, 2018. More de-tails are soon to come, but one thing is for sure: we should already now be praying for a fresh outpouring of the same missionary zeal that inspired St. Francis to renew the evangelical efforts of our diocese. St. Francis Xavier, pray for us!

PRESERVEDThe incorrupt hand

of St. Francis Xavier,16th century Jesuit

missionary

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Diocesan DatesNOTE: The next edition is spring 2018. Please keep these Diocesan Dates listings.

Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9Marriage Conference and Renewalof Vows with Bishop McGrattanWith: Dr. Edward Sri, Keynote SpeakerPlace: St. Peter’s Church, 541 Silvergrove Drive NWTime: Friday, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Cost: $50/coupleContact: events@st-peters.ca or visit https://st-peters.ca/

Friday, December 8 - Thursday, December 14Silent Directed RetreatWith Fr. Charles Pottie-Pâté, SJPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWOption 1: 2-Day Retreat, December 8 - 10Option 2: 6-Day Retreat, December 8 - 14Contact: (403) 228-4512

Saturday, December 9Advent RetreatTheme: “Hope and Steadfast Love”With: Bishop Emeritus, Fred HenryPlace: Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, CochraneContact: marilou.legeyt@calgarydiocese.ca to register

Tuesday, December 12Come Aside Retreat Evening • Praying with SymbolsWith: Sonya GrossklausPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Cost: $30Contact: (403) 228-4512

Thursday, December 14Advent Twilight Retreat with Sr. Ita Connery, fcJTheme: “Who Will Lead Me Into the Heart of God?”Place: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.; Cost: $48/session, incl. supperContact: (403) 228-4512

Friday, December 15 - Sunday, December 17Winter Stillness Weekend RetreatCome, unplug and simply rest in the silence and beauty of the setting. Prayer resources will be available. Meals are provided, and you may gather with the Franciscan Friars for morning and evening prayer as well as the Eucharist.Place: Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, CochraneContact: (403) 932-2012 or email mtfrancis@shaw.ca

Saturday, December 16Living Nativity in Okotoks“Town of Bethlehem”Place: St. James Church, 338060 - 32nd Street East, OkotoksTime: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Mass at 5:30 p.m.Spiritual reflection in preparation for the birth of Jesus. See real people interacting in the elements of that Biblical time: a bakery, pottery booth, wine shop, spice shop, wool shop, an inn, a prison, a Roman Soldier hut (with real horses), a carpenter’s workshop, shepherds, and a stable with the Holy Family… There will also be choirs.Contact: St. James Parish Okotoks, (403) 938-3122

Sunday, December 17Praying the “O” Antiphons with the fcJ SistersPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.; Cost: $30Contact: (403) 228-4512

Saturday, December 23Ordination of Derek Remus toTransitional DiaconatePlace: St.Bonaventure Church, 1600 Acadia Drive SETime: 5:00 p.m.

Thursdays: Jan. 4, Feb. 1, Mar. 1, Apr. 5, May 3, June 7Christian Meditation Drop-In with Evangeline PietPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.; Cost: Suggested offering $20Contact: (403) 228-4512

First Saturdays of the Month: January 6, February 3…Calgary Catholic Medical Assn. Committee MeetingHealth care professionals are welcome to attend.Place: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 120 - 17th Avenue SWTime: 9:45 a.m.Contact: (403) 218-5504 or lifeandfamily@calgarydiocese.ca

Sunday, January 78th Follow Your Star!With: Sr. Madeleine Gregg, fcJPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.; Cost: $50 w/child; $80/familyContact: (403) 228-4512

Friday, January 12 - Sunday, January 14Catholic Family Services Marriage Preparation ProgramFor: Engaged CouplesPlace: St. Albert the Great, 10 Prestwick Drive SEContact: www.cfs-ab.org/marriage-preparation-programor phone (403) 233-2360; Cost: $225/couple. More dates.

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Monday, Jan. 15 and Friday, Feb. 2 & Saturday, Feb. 3“For Better and Forever” Marriage Preparation ProgramFor couples preparing for marriage, incl. couples in special circumstances: living together; previously married; beginning marriage with children; couples 45+; or those married in a civil ceremony seeking to validate in the Church.Place: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 120 - 17th Avenue SWTimes: Mon./Fri., 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Contact: (403) 218-5505 to register. More dates available.

Mondays: January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 26, and March 5iRest YogaWith: Lonnie DeSoreyPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.; Cost: $150/seriesContact: (403) 228-4512

Sunday, January 21Seeing the Sacred:Ongoing Formation forSpiritual Directors – Myers-Briggs Typology and PrayerWith: Sr. Madeleine Gregg fcJPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Cost: $100Contact: (403) 228-4215

Sun., Jan. 21 and Mon., Jan. 22St. Francis Xavier RelicVisits Calgary DioceseContact: Fr. Cristino, (403) 218-5500; See article on p. 19.

Thursdays: Jan. 25, Feb. 22, Mar. 22, Apr. 26, May 24Dreamwork EveningsWith: Sr. Ita Connery, fcJPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.Cost: $30 per sessionContact: (403) 228-4512

Jan. 26-28 • Feb. 23-25 • Mar. 23-25 • May 25-27Take a Break WeekendsWith: Sr. Madeleine Gregg, fcJTime: Friday 7:00 p.m. to Sunday 4:00 p.m.Cost: $285Contact: (403) 228-4512

Friday, January 26 - Sunday, January 28The Seven Principles for Making Marriage WorkDr. John Gottman program with Dr. KristophPlace: Sanctum Retreat, Caroline, AB; Cost: $595/ coupleContact: 1 (888) 442-0285 or visit sanctumretreat.ca

Friday, February 2Way of the Cross: Prayer for Trafficked PersonsWith: Sr. Ger Curran fcJPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.; Cost: FreeContact: (403) 228-4215

Friday, February 9Marriage at the HeartWith: Sr. Madeleine Gregg fcJ, and Fr. CristinoPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.; Cost: $150Contact: (403) 228-4512

Friday, February 9Catholic Speed Dating Valentine’s Day EventAge Range #1 • Women: 24 to 32 and Men: 27 to 35Age Range #2 • Women: 33 to 41 and Men: 36 to 44Place: St. Anthony’s Church, 5340 - 4th Avenue SWTime: Sign in at 7:00 p.m.; Event begins at 7:30 p.m.Register: CatholicSpeedDating.ca, (587) 333-1099

Friday, February 9 - Sunday, February 11Catholic Family Services Marriage Preparation ProgramFor: Engaged CouplesPlace: St. Joseph Parish, 640 – 19 Ave NWContact: www.cfs-ab.org/marriage-preparation-programor phone (403) 233-2360; Cost: $225/couple. More dates.

Monday, Feb. 12 and Friday, Mar. 2 & Saturday, Mar. 3“For Better and Forever” Marriage Preparation ProgramFor couples preparing for marriage, incl. couples in special circumstances: living together; previously married; beginning marriage with children; couples 45+; or those married in a civil ceremony seeking to validate in the Church.Place: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 120 - 17th Avenue SWTimes: Mon./Fri., 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Contact: (403) 218-5505 to register. More dates available.

Wednesdays, February 14 - May 23Transitions • 15 Week SupportFor Separated/DivorcedPlace: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 120 - 17th Avenue SWTime: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.Contact: (403) 218-5505 for information or registration

Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18Rite of ElectionPlace: St. Maryès Cathedral, 219 - 18th Avenue SWTime: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3:00 p.m.

Wednesdays, Feb. 21 - Mar. 21Effective Co-Parenting:Putting Kids First5-week program for separated/divorced parents.Place: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 120 - 17th Avenue SWTime: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.Contact: (403) 218-5505; lifeandfamily@calgarydiocese.ca

Thursdays, February 22, March 1, 8, 15Parent Child Learning to Knit (Gr. 4 - 6)With: Sr. Madeleine Gregg fcJPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.Cost: $100/Parent and Child seriesContact: (403) 228-4512

Friday, February 23Lenten Taizé Prayer Around the WorldWith: Sr. Ita Connery fcJPlace: FCJ Centre, 219 - 19th Avenue SWTime: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.Suggested Offering: $20Contact: (403) 228-4215

Friday, February 23 - Saturday, February 24Project Rachel: Post Abortion Weekend RetreatA journey of healing and reconciliation for women and men who are suffering from a past abortion experience.Contact: (403) 218-5506 or toll free at 1-877-597-3223 or e-mail info@projectrachelsa.ca for info. or registration

Saturday, February 24Coldest Night of the YearRegistration opens December 1Contact: www.cnoy.org/calgary

Friday, March 9 - Sunday, March 11Retrouvaille Weekend Retreat • A Lifeline for MarriagesContact: (403) 879-7893 or www.helpourmarriagecalgary.com

Fri., March 16 and Sat., March 17God Squad21st Annual Men’s ConferenceTheme: “Strength and Unity in a Time of Adversity”Speakers: Msgnr. Owen Keenan, Fr. Raymond de Souza; Fr. Jonathan Gibson, Fr. Jerome Lavigne and Fr. CristinoPlace: St. Peter’s Church, 541 Silvergrove Drive NWTime: Fri., 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. and Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Early Registration: $40 before February 1 Contact: www.god-squad.ca (High School Students, $5)

Monday, March 26Chrism MassPlace: St. Mary’s Cathedral, 219 - 18th Avenue SWTime: 7:30 p.m.

Good Friday, March 30Outdoor Way of the CrossPlace: St. Mary’s Cathedral, CalgaryTime: 9:30 a.m. - noon

Friday, April 20Catholic Speed Dating Event • Easter EventAge Range #1 • Women: 24 to 32 and Men: 27 to 35Age Range #2 • Women: 33 to 41 and Men: 36 to 44Place: St. Paul’s Church, 1305 Main Street, AirdrieTime: Sign in, 7:00 p.m.; Event, 7:30 p.m.Register: CatholicSpeedDating.ca or (587) 333-1099

Saturday, April 21“Life Stories”K of C Dinner and AuctionBenefitting: Knights of Columbus Charitable FundPlace: Polish Canadian Cultural Centre, 3015 - 15th St. NETime: Cocktails at 6:00 p.m.; Dinner at 7:00 p.m.Tickets: $175/person or $1200/tableContact: (403) 271-2500 or winteraw@telus.net

Friday, April 27A Song for RachelAnnual Family Concert and Fundraiser for Project RachelPlace: St. Michael’s Parish, 800 - 85th Street SWTime: Silent Auction at 6:00 p.m.; Concert at 7:00 p.m.Contact: (403) 218-5505 to register

Saturday, June 16St. Rita’s Parish Centennial CelebrationPlace: St. Rita’s Church, RockyfordTime: 3:00 p.m. Mass, followed by celebrationsCost: $20/person; $60/familyWe welcome any photographs that former members and/or extended family would like to share in the assembly of our Centennial Anniversary book.Contact: Patsy Kathol, (403) 533-2139

Holy Days of ObligationMonday, December 25 • Nativity of Our Lord

Monday, January 1 • Feast of Mary, Mother of God22

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This is the last of my regular monthly columns as The Carillon adopts a new format and focus. While I never expected to have the privilege of

writing this column on an on-going basis, I have certainly become used to the regularity of the project, preparing reflections on the story of St. Mary’s University, and on the story of my own faith in our times, as the subject revealed itself to me month after month. As a lay person, I have made a sincere effort to capture the joy of faith in every day experiences – from seeing and noting funny, misprinted church bulletin announcements, and charity event listings, to sharing misremembered prayers, and the imperfect study of our saints. Through it all I have been blessed with a generous audience, and have been sur-prised, not just at the wide reach of The Carillon itself, but also at the opportunities, both in and out of church, for me to meet with readers of this humble column.

Recently someone thanked me for writing Small Things: Essays in Faith and Hope, the collection published by No-valis that brought together the first three years of the columns. In truth, I’m the one who owes a note of thanks to the readers for their support, ideas, and generosity of spirit. I have never received criticism from the commu-nity for my ordinary effort to put these columns together. On the contrary I have been blessed with kind words and support. So too, has St. Mary’s University, the subject of so many of my columns. For this I thank all of you.

It does seem fitting to be writing this at the close of the year and in preparation for Christmas. There is a sense of reckoning that comes with the end of one year and the preparation for the next, and also a sense of stocktaking. It is a time when we gather in thanks for the gifts the Lord has given us, most importantly the miracle of his Son’s birth. It is a time when families gather to celebrate, to pray and to plan for the year ahead. And it is also a chance to say goodbye.

I want to use this opportunity to thank two special women who played a pivotal role in the shaping of these columns: Monique Achtman, a most generous editor

and comrade-in-arms, always quick to offer advice and support; and my friend Helen Kominek, the first person to read each column and provide insight into their im-provement, including, at times, a clear suggestion that I scrap my first draft and start again! To both Monique and Helen I offer my profound thanks. And to all of The Carillon’s vast audience: thank you for reading.

If you would like to continue receiving Dr. Turcotte’s monthly columns, either electronically or in hardcopy, please send us a note at communications@stmu.ca.

Merry Christmas and God bless,From all of us at St. Mary’s University

“Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell.”~ 2 Corinthians 13.11 ~

A Note of Thanks

The St Mary's University Choir will present its Christmas concert over two nights.

December 3 & 4McGivney Hall

St. Mary’s University14500 Bannister Road SE

Doors open at 7:30PM

Admission is free!

stmu.ca

The W rld for Christmas

Dr. Gerry Turcotte, President, St. Mary’s University, Calgary

View all issues of The Carillon at www.the-carillon.com

Looking Back Over 20 Years • The Carillon