Dear Young People,

With great joy and pride, we congratulate each of you who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in our parish on May 1st. This is a sacred milestone in your journey of faith — a deepening of your relationship with Christ and the Church, and a call to live more fully in the power of the Holy Spirit.

We pray that the gifts of the Holy Spirit — wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord — may guide and strengthen you each day as you continue to grow in love, faith, and service.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to your parents, sponsors, and teachers. Your support, example, and guidance have helped prepare these young men and women for this important step. Your faith and dedication are a true blessing to our parish and to the Church.

Always remember that you are a vital part of our parish family. We are here to support you, pray for you, and walk with you as you live out your calling as courageous and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Congratulations once again! May the Spirit who has sealed you in Confirmation continue to bless and inspire you all the days of your life.

With prayers and blessings,

Fr. Marius

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – A Journey of Joy and Service 

Feast Day: May 31st 

A Meeting Filled with Grace 

After hearing from the angel Gabriel that she would bear the Son of God, Mary sets out “with haste” to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is also expecting a child. This encounter — recorded in Luke 1:39–56 — is filled with the joy of God's presence. When Mary greets Elizabeth, the unborn John the Baptist leaps for joy, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims Mary “blessed among women.” This is the first public recognition of Jesus Christ, still hidden in Mary’s womb — and it comes from two humble women, not from priests or kings. 

Mary: A Model of Charity 

Mary’s journey was not short or easy, especially for a newly pregnant woman. But love urges her forward. Her visit is not for her own sake, but to help Elizabeth — to serve, encourage, and rejoice with her. In Mary, we see what it means to live out our faith: not only in prayer and belief, but in action, service, and compassion. She reminds us to ask: Whom can I visit? Who needs encouragement today? 

Quote for Reflection 

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour…” — Luke 1:46-47 (The Magnificat) 

A Feast with Deep Meaning 

The Feast of the Visitation invites us to reflect on these key truths: - God works through the humble and faithful. - Every life, even in the womb, is precious and capable of encountering God. - True discipleship leads us to serve, not to sit still. - Joy is contagious when Christ is present. 

Living the Visitation Today 

Let us follow Mary’s example: go out in love, bring Christ to others, and recognize His presence even in the quiet and unexpected moments. In doing so, we live the spirit of the Visitation — not just on May 31st, but every day. 

Prayer 

Mary, bearer of Christ and servant of love, help us to carry Jesus into the lives of others. Teach us to go with haste toward those in need, and to rejoice in God’s faithful presence in every circumstance. Amen. 

God calls each of us through our baptism to live a life of holiness and service. This call unfolds uniquely in every person, whether through priesthood, consecrated life, marriage, the permanent diaconate, or lay vocations.Join us in fostering a culture where every vocation is nurtured and celebrated! Please join us at the Vocations Rally 2025: Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025 - from 11 am to 4:30 pm. Discover, support, and pray for vocations in our Diocese! 

• Info & Registration: catholicyyc.ca/vocationsrally

The Diocese of Calgary invites men discerning a call to serve as permanent deacons to attend one of our upcoming open house presentations.

Come and learn more about the vocation, the formation journey, and what it means to serve Christ and His Church in this vocation.  

• Open House Presentation:
  • Brooks: Sat, June 7, 2025 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm, at St. Mary’s Parish, 511 4 St W, Brooks 
     
  • Calgary: Wed, June 11, 2025 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm and Sat, June 14, 2025 from 10:30 am to 12 pm at Catholic Pastoral Centre, 120 17th Ave SW, Calgary
     
  • Lethbridge: Sat, June 21, 2025 | 10:30 am to 12 pm, at St. Basil’s Church (All Saints Parish), 604 13 St North, Lethbridge
     
• Application for Permanent Diaconate formation is due by: July 31, 2025 - Details:
  catholicyyc.ca/permanentdiaconate 

The Church rejoices in the election of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor of Saint Peter! 

• Join Bishop McGrattan for a Diocesan Mass of Thanksgiving on Wed, May 21 at 5 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, as we pray for Pope Leo XIV and unite with the universal Church in this historic moment. Download Poster (Tall | Wide)
• Learn more about our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV | Read updates here
• Bishop McGrattan will represent the Canadian Bishops at the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV. Watch the livestream of Pope Leo XIV's Inauguration Mass on Sunday, May 18 at 10 am Rome time (2 am Calgary time).​ 

The Catholic Women's League of Canada: 12 Hours of Prayer for Palliative Care Thursday, May 15, 2025 "Protection of life at the beginning and end of life is precious. Life needs our prayers." National CWL President Shari Guinta: Please join the CWL in prayer. Copies of hourly prayers and reflections will be placed at the back of the church.