God Squad Canada is proud to announce our 28th Annual Men's Conference, themed Pilgrims of Hope.

This event, taking place on March 14th - 15th at St Michael's Catholic Church in Calgary, promises to be a transformative experience for all attendees.

With keynote speakers who are leaders in their fields, participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, foster spiritual growth, and build valuable connections.

Join us in this journey of hope and community. Register today! 

Solemnity of St. Joseph – Mass with Apostolic Blessing, Wed, Mar 19, at 7 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary

Join Bishop William T. McGrattan in celebrating the Solemnity of St. Joseph at this special Jubilee Year Mass with the Apostolic Blessing. Attending this Mass is one of the ways to receive a Plenary Indulgence during the Jubilee Year 2025, under the usual conditions of sacramental of reconciliation, Holy Communion, and prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions. All are welcome! 

Jubilee Year 2025

Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Holy Year of Jubilee for the Catholic Church—a sacred time of renewal, grace, and transformation through God’s holiness. Established by Pope Paul II in 1470 to occur every 25 years, the Jubilee invites Catholics worldwide to deepen their relationship with God, one another, and creation, celebrating the central Christian theme of hope.In the months ahead, we’ll share opportunities and resources to help you embrace this year of grace in our diocese. Explore about the Jubilee Year, and discover how you can take part in the Jubilee Year of Hope in our Diocese.

A message from Bishop McGrattan

St. Paul knows that life is filled with its ups and downs, that we experience both joy and sorrow, that our faith and love are tested amid trials, and through all of these we come to know that Hope does not disappoint (Rm 5:5)." ~Bishop William T. McGrattan 

In his reflection, Bishop McGrattan emphasizes the Cross of Christ as the ultimate sign of hope during the Jubilee Year, inviting the faithful to become 'Pilgrims of Hope' and to recognize the enduring love of God in their lives.​

• Read the Bishop's message | Photos from the Jubilee Year Opening Mass
• Our Diocesan Jubilee Page

Deciding what to give up for Lent is a personal choice, often guided by the desire to grow closer to God through sacrifice, self-discipline, and reflection. In the Catholic tradition, the focus is on letting go of something meaningful—something that challenges you or distracts you from your spiritual life—while also making room for prayer and good works. Here are a few ideas tailored to different aspects of life, based on common practices and the spirit of the season:

Food or Drink:

Beyond the required fasting and abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays, you might consider giving up something specific like sweets, coffee, soda, or alcohol. These are popular choices because they’re tangible sacrifices that test will power and remind you daily of your Lenten commitment. Technology and Entertainment: Cu ttin g back on screen time—think social media, streaming shows, or video games—can free up space for quiet reflection or family time. Maybe limit yourself to checking your phone only once an hour, or swap Netflix for a spiritual book.

Habits or Vices:

If there’s a habit you’ve been wanting to break, like gossiping, swearing, or procrastination, Lent can be the perfect time to tackle it. It’s less about the thing itself and more about redirecting that energy toward patience or kindness.

Comforts:

Some people give up small luxuries, like sleeping in late, taking hot showers, or eating out. These sacrifices can heighten awareness of others who lack those comforts year-round, inspiring gratitude and charity.

Adding Instead of Subtracting:

You could also “give up” some of your free time to take on a positive act—like volunteering, praying a daily Rosary, or helping a neighbor. This complements the traditional idea of almsgiving and can feel just as sacrificial.

A good question to ask yourself:

What’s something I lean on too much that I could offer up to God instead? For example, if you’re glued to your phone, maybe scale back. If you’re a chocolate enthusiast, skip it for 40 days. The key is picking something that’s a stretch but doable—and then sticking with it. What do you think? Anything in your daily routine stand out as a candidate?

A Sacred Beginning in the Catholic Tradition Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of penance, reflection, and preparation leading up to Easter in the Catholic Church. Observed annually—falling on February 26 in 2025—this day carries profound spiritual significance, calling the faithful to turn inward, repent, and renew their commitment to living a life rooted in faith. Steeped in centuries-old traditions, Ash Wednesday blends
solemn rituals with a message of hope, reminding Catholics of their mortality and the promise of redemption.

The Origins of Ash Wednesday

The roots of Ash Wednesday trace back to early Christian practices of penance. By the 11th century, it had become a formalized observance in the Western Church. The name itself comes from the central ritual of the day: the imposition of ashes. These ashes, typically made by burning palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, symbolize both human frailty and the call to conversion. The 40 days of Lent echo the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, preparing for his ministry, as recounted in the Gospels.

The Ritual of Ashes

The most iconic tradition of Ash Wednesday is the marking of the forehead with ashes in the shape of a cross. During Mass or a special liturgy, priests or ministers dip their fingers into the ashes and trace the sign, saying one of two phrases: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words, drawn from Scripture (Mark 1:15 and Genesis 3:19), serve as a stark reminder of human mortality while inviting a return to God’s mercy.

For Catholics, this act is not merely symbolic—it’s sacramental in nature, stirring the soul to humility and contemplation. Parishioners of all ages participate, from young children to the elderly, uniting the community in a shared acknowledgment of their need for grace.

Fasting and Abstinence

Ash Wednesday is also a day of fasting and abstinence, practices that underscore the penitential spirit of Lent. In the Catholic Church, those aged 18 to 59 are obliged to fast, limiting themselves to one full meal and two smaller ones that together do not equal a full meal. Additionally, Catholics aged 14 and older abstain from meat, a discipline that extends to all Fridays during Lent. These acts of self-denial are not ends in themselves but tools to sharpen focus on prayer and charity, fostering a deeper connection with God and others.

A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Beyond the physical rituals, Ash Wednesday invites Catholics to embark on a spiritual journey. It’s a time to examine one’s conscience, seek forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and commit to the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Many choose personal sacrifices—giving up luxuries like sweets or social media—or take on positive actions, such as volunteering or increasing time in prayer. The ashes may wash away, but the resolve to grow in holiness lingers.

A Universal Call

While Ash Wednesday is distinctly Catholic in its fullest expression, its themes resonate universally: the acknowledgment of human limits, the pursuit of meaning, and the hope of transformation. Across the globe, churches fill with the faithful, their foreheads bearing the ashen cross as a quiet testimony to their beliefs. In a world often fixated on the here and now, this tradition offers a countercultural pause—a chance to step back, reflect, and realign with what matters most. As Lent unfolds, Ash Wednesday remains a powerful starting point. It’s a day of somber beauty, where the Church calls its people to embrace their dust-like nature not with despair, but with trust in the God who brings life from ashes. For Catholics, it’s a sacred beginning, a moment to say yes to grace, and a step toward the joy of Easter.