Lent is a significant liturgical season in the Catholic Church, lasting for forty days, not including Sundays, leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a time dedicated to penance, fasting, and prayer, aimed at preparing the faithful for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The duration of Lent mirrors the forty days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning His public ministry, as described in the Gospels.

The importance of Lent lies in its role as a period of spiritual renewal and reflection. It serves as an opportunity for Catholics to engage in self-examination, repentance, and a deeper relationship with God. The Church encourages the faithful to remember their baptism and to reconcile with God and their neighbors during this time. The practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are emphasized as means to grow in holiness and to prepare for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery, which encompasses Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

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?