Parishes

Calgary Parishes | Rural Parishes | Boundaries

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For most Catholics, the parish is the centre of Church life. For the Church to flourish in this new century, each parish must have a vibrant life. A vibrant parish is spiritually “alive” in celebrating the Eucharist and other Sacraments. It offers religious education and faith formation on all levels and for all ages; grows through evangelization efforts and RCIA; reaches out in service to parishioners and the wider community, especially in serving those in need, and working for a just society.

The Diocese of Calgary is diverse (rural, suburban, urban, with many racial and ethnic groups) and blessed with many gifts. However, our local Church is also facing challenges brought about by demographic shifts from rural to urban communities and unprecedented population growth, particularly in the city of Calgary and surrounding communities. With fewer priests and increasing demands, our challenge is to balance our gifts with these serious needs. Accordingly, we require continuing efforts to strengthen and renew the ministries of our parishes, to promote greater sharing and collaboration among parishes as we seek to grow together in Christ, and the re-alignment of some parish boundaries.

Although Vatican II shifted the concept of parish from that of an organization or institution to one of community (koinonia), the traditional descriptions of territoriality, pastoral office, stability, and care of souls are still of great importance as they define pastoral jurisdiction, e.g. assistance at marriage and funerals, and can unify the community.

For more than a year the Council of Priests has been engaged in the activity of re-examining the adequacy of our current parish boundaries and, after extensive consultation, have recommended a series of changes which I have accepted and now promulgate.

It is my profound hope and prayer that these new parish boundaries will help us to live out our calling:

Called by Baptism
To respond to God’s unconditional love
To journey in community
To grow in relationship with God and others
To commit to ongoing conversion

Called to Discipleship
As joy-filled people of God
As bearers of the Word
As learners and teachers
As catechists and evangelizers
As stewards of creation

Called to Believe
In a Trinitarian God
In the Father, Creator of Heaven and earth
In Jesus, Incarnate Word of God
In the Spirit, Lord and Giver of life
In the Church, animated by the Spirit of God
In the presence of Jesus in Word and Sacrament
In Mary, the Mother of God
In the communion of Saints
In the sacred ness of ordinary life

Called to Community
By celebrating Sunday liturgy
By gathering in worship and prayer
By eating and drinking at the Lord’s table
By becoming one with the Body of Christ
By proclaiming and witnessing the kingdom of God
By reaching out in welcome, reconciliation and love.

Called to Serve
To live the Gospel in daily life
To be broken and poured out for others
To act with justice and compassion
To listen and respond to the poor
To respect life
To be Christ in the world.

Wishing you all the best, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,
F. B. Henry
Bishop of Calgary.