The Month of July in the Catholic Church: A Time to Honour the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

As we enter the heart of summer, with its longer days, vacations, and opportunities for rest and recreation, the Church invites us not to forget a profound spiritual focus that marks the month of July: devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

This tradition, deeply rooted in the Church’s history and spirituality, calls us to contemplate the saving power of Christ’s Blood — poured out for us in love, in suffering, and in triumph over sin and death. The Precious Blood is a powerful symbol of Christ’s total self-gift, and it remains a source of grace, strength, and mercy for every believer.

Why the Precious Blood?

From the earliest days of Christianity, the Blood of Christ has been seen as central to our salvation. In Scripture, St. Paul writes, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7). When Jesus instituted the Eucharist, He said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

In other words, Jesus’ Blood is not only the symbol of His love, but the very price of our salvation. It cleanses, protects, and sanctifies us. In every Mass, we encounter anew the living reality of that sacrifice, as the Precious Blood is made present and offered to us in Holy Communion.

A Devotion Encouraged by the Church

While this devotion has ancient roots, it was especially promoted in the 19th century. In 1849, Pope Pius IX approved the Litany of the Precious Blood, and Pope Pius X formally dedicated the month of July to the Precious Blood. Until 1969, the Feast of the Precious Blood was celebrated on July 1st, and although the feast is no longer on the General Roman Calendar, many Catholics and religious communities continue to celebrate it on that day.

This devotion reminds us of the intimate connection between Christ’s sacrifice and the Eucharist, and it invites us to renew our faith in the power of the Cross.

How Can We Live This Devotion Today?

There are many simple but meaningful ways we can honour the Precious Blood of Jesus during July:

• Pray the Litany of the Precious Blood (approved for public and private use).
• Meditate on the Passion of Christ, especially the moments when He shed His Blood — in Gethsemane, at the scourging, the crowning with thorns, and on the Cross.
• Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, recognizing that the Body and Blood of Christ are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.
• Make acts of reparation and offer sacrifices for the conversion of sinners.
• Attend daily Mass if possible, with a special focus on the Precious Blood in the Eucharistic Prayer.
• Offer your sufferings and daily trials in union with the Blood of Christ.

A Summer with Christ

July is typically a time when routines slow down. Families go on holidays, school is out, and many take time to relax. And yet, our relationship with God is never on vacation. Just as we nourish our bodies with rest and recreation, so too we are called to nourish our souls — through prayer, sacraments, and acts of love.

Let this month be a spiritual “retreat” in the midst of daily life. Let the Blood of Christ remind us of the depth of His love and the cost of our redemption. And let us respond with grateful, faithful hearts.

A Prayer to the Precious Blood of Jesus

O Precious Blood of Jesus, infinite price

Summer Office Hours – July & August
The parish office will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday during the months of July and August.

If you need to reach Fr. Mariusz outside of office hours, please contact him directly at 403-992-2313.

Please Note:
Nancy will be away on holidays from June 29 to July 20, 2025.
We are grateful to have a team of dedicated volunteers who will help keep the office running smoothly in her absence.
Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers!

Thank you for your understanding, and have a safe and wonderful summer!

MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST 
HOLY MASS, PROCESSION AND EUCHARISTIC BLESSING

HOMILY OF THE HOLY FATHER LEO XIV

Saint John Lateran Square
Sunday, 22 June 2025

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Dear brothers and sisters, it is wonderful to be in the presence of Jesus. The Gospel passage we just heard attests to this; it recounts how the crowds spent long hours listening to him speak about the Kingdom of God and seeing him heal the sick (cf. Lk 9:11). Jesus’ compassion for the suffering shows us the loving closeness of God, who comes into our world to save us. Where God reigns, we are set free from all evil. Yet even for those who accept the good news brought by Jesus, the hour of trial comes. In that deserted place, where the crowds were listening to the Master, evening fell and there was nothing to eat (cf. v. 12). The hunger of the people and the setting of the sun speak to us of a limit that looms over the world and every creature: the day ends, as does the life of every human being. At that hour of need and of gathering shadows, Jesus remains present in our midst.

MORE

We’re thrilled to share that 23 parishes submitted their Parish Renewal Plans by the June 15 deadline — with 4 more joining shortly after. Thank you all for your commitment to renewal!

• Congratulations to St. Martha’s Parish in Lethbridge — winner of the Barbecue with the Bishop Renewal Draw! See you at the grill!

To the parishes still reviewing and finalizing your plans — thank you for staying engaged. While we understand some of you have asked for more time, it would be incredibly helpful to receive as many Parish Renewal Plans as possible by the end of July. In August, the Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team and Bishop McGrattan will gather for a retreat to pray and discern how the Diocese can best support parishes as they move into execution mode. Submitting your plan before then means we can lift it up in our time of discernment.

Let’s keep moving forward — together in renewal.

Two Pillars of the Church

This weekend, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, two of the most important apostles whose lives and martyrdom laid the foundation of the early Christian Church. Though very different in personality and mission, both Peter and Paul were chosen by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel and build up the Body of Christ.

Saint Peter was a fisherman, called by Jesus to leave everything and follow Him. Despite his human weaknesses—including denying Jesus three times—Peter was entrusted with the keys of the Kingdom and became the first Pope. His deep love for Christ and his leadership among the apostles guided the early Church through its formative years.

Saint Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, encountered the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. That encounter transformed him into one of the greatest missionaries of all time. Paul’s letters, filled with theological insight and pastoral care, continue to guide the Church today. He tirelessly proclaimed the Gospel to the Gentiles, establishing Christian communities throughout the Roman world.

Though they had different missions—Peter to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles—their faith in Jesus Christ united them. Both suffered martyrdom in Rome under Emperor Nero. Tradition holds that Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was beheaded, each offering his life for the faith he so boldly proclaimed.

What This Feast Means for Us Today

The lives of Peter and Paul remind us that God calls all kinds of people to be His witnesses—those who are impulsive and hesitant, like Peter, and those who are zealous and intellectual, like Paul. God works through our strengths and our flaws when we open ourselves to His grace.

As we celebrate this solemnity, let us ask Saints Peter and Paul to intercede for us—that we may have the courage to proclaim Christ boldly, the humility to serve His Church faithfully, and the hope to persevere through trials.

A Day of Faith and Fellowship

This feast day is extra special for us here at our Parish because it is also the day of our Parish Picnic! What better way to honor Saints Peter and Paul—who helped form the Church as a community of believers—than by coming together in friendship, gratitude, and joy?

Join us after the Mass for good food, games, music, and plenty of time to connect with fellow parishioners. Bring your family, invite a friend, and let’s celebrate the gift of our faith and the strength of our parish family.

May the courage and faith of Saints Peter and Paul inspire us to be bold in our witness to Christ and joyful in our community life.

Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us!

As the school year wraps up and the warm summer days begin, we enter a season that many of us eagerly anticipate—summer holidays! It’s a time for rest, travel, time with family and friends, and simply enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Whether you're heading to the mountains, relaxing at the lake, or enjoying a staycation in your own backyard, we hope this summer brings you joy, renewal, and memorable moments.

However, let’s not forget that while we take a break from routines, we never take a break from our relationship with God. Summer is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and deepen our spiritual lives. Take your Bible on the road, find a local church while traveling, or spend a quiet moment in prayer under the open sky. Let God be part of your journey, wherever you go.

And remember: Sunday Mass doesn't take a vacation. If you're away, make the effort to attend Mass at a nearby parish—it can even be a beautiful way to experience the universality of our faith in a different community.

We also want to remind everyone to stay safe—on the road, in your activities, and in all your summer adventures. Take care of yourselves and each other.

We would love to see where this summer takes you! If you go on a holiday trip, snap a photo and send it to us.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. With your permission, we may share some of these photos in upcoming parish bulletins or on our parish website as a way to stay connected, even while we’re apart.

Wishing you all a blessed, joyful, and refreshing summer.

God bless,
Fr. Marius