Established 1984 in Canmore. It was a project of the Western Bishops rather than the Diocese of Calgary.
Bishop Carroll had been Vicar General in Toronto between 1933 and 1935. He had direct experience of Catholic social services in Toronto and once in Calgary recognized the need. Due to the scarcity of clergy he could do nothing until in 1945 he sent Fr. Pat O’Byrne to St. Louis University to study social services. On March 21, 1956 O’Byrne was appointed part-time executive secretary of the newly-established Diocesan Charities. This later became Catholic Charities. In the sixties its duties were to advise and co-ordinate the charitable work of the Catholic Women's League of Canada, Knights of Columbus etc., to relate Diocesan welfare work to that of the civic provincial and federal governments, and to community fund agencies etc., to counsel and advise individuals and families on relationships, refer cases to professionals. It had a board of directors who were lay Catholics. Offices were opened in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Blairmore, and Claresholm. Thrift Stores were opened, for example, at Sacred Heart Parish, and connections were fostered ecumenically and with branches of government.
In 1961 Fr. John Kirley was sent to the University of Ottawa to train in social work. In 1964 he was appointed assistant executive secretary, and later director of the Catholic Family Services.
Klein renamed Catholic Charities the Diocesan Council of Social Agencies but in was reestablished as Catholic Charities in 1990 following Diocesan conflict with the United Way. Catholic Charities’ new mandate included collecting and distributing funds to agencies and organizations which upheld Catholic values.
“In 1996, Catholic Charities began accepting contributions made through the Donor Choice program of the United Way” (Inter-Office Memo from Fran Oleniuk to Bishop Henry, October 28, 1998, Subject: “United Way, Catholic Family Services & Catholic Charities Partnership). In 1997, Bishop O’Byrne “encouraged” Catholic Charities to “discuss” the possibility of “a joint project” with Catholic Family Services and the United Way (ibid.). After discussions with the United Way concerning the problem of prostitution among adolescents in the city, Catholic Charities and Catholic Family Services chose not to partner with the United Way and instead “decided upon” FAST (Families and Schools Together), an “early intervention program for children” established by Catholic Family Services (ibid.). In 1998, discussions with the United Way resumed “with the support of Bishop Henry” (ibid.).
[Winds of Change]
The College of Consultors consists of priests charged with advising the bishop in a diocese; some decisions require that they be given a hearing, others require their consent. When a sede vacante situation arises, the College of Consultors is obliged to elect a diocesan administrator within eight days of receiving notice of the vacancy.
In the Diocese of Calgary we have records of the meetings from 1985 to 1991 and 1997. Active and semi-active records are maintained in the Office of the Bishop.
A new constitution of the Presbyteral Council of the RC Diocese of Calgary was signed by Bishop Paul O’Byrne and the Moderator and Vicar General, and chair of the Presbyteral Council V. Rev. John Schuster on May 11th, 1992 and revised on December 9th, 1997.
While the official name of the organization is the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Calgary, it is known as the Council of Priests. Governed by the Code of Canon Law its express purpose is to ‘provide a forum for the full and free discussion of issues of pastoral concern in the Diocese,’ and to aid the Bishop in the governance of the Diocese, seek out means for more effective ministry and to ‘be representative of the unity of the priests as a whole.’
Although all priests of the Diocese are said to have an ‘active and passive voice’ there are three categories of members who attend meetings. They are:
Although the bishop is not a member of the Council of Priests he is the ex officio President of the Council. The chair is normally the Moderator and the members elect a vice-chair and also, if required, a treasurer. The executive secretary is responsible for taking and distributing the minutes etc.
There will be no less than eight monthly meetings per year
Quorum is 2/3 Council membership. The executive committee – President, chair, vice-chair, and executive secretary prepare the agenda. Standing committees may be designated by the council according to its needs.
The Council is only consultative by its nature. Decisions of the Council are normally reached by consensus but if that is not possible in the view of the presider then a majority vote will decide.
The Council may be dissolved by the bishop but only after consultation with the Metropolitan. The Council ceases to exist and its functions revert to the College of Consultors when the Episcopal See becomes vacant.
The Council of Priests produced a newsletter 1968 to 1970.
A new constitution of the Presbyteral Council of the RC Diocese of Calgary was signed by Bishop Paul O’Byrne and the Moderator and Vicar General, and chair of the Presbyteral Council V. Rev. John Schuster on May 11th, 1992 and revised on December 9th, 1997.
While the official name of the organization is the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Calgary, it is known as the Council of Priests. Governed by the Code of Canon Law its express purpose is to ‘provide a forum for the full and free discussion of issues of pastoral concern in the Diocese,’ and to aid the Bishop in the governance of the Diocese, seek out means for more effective ministry and to ‘be representative of the unity of the priests as a whole.’
Although all priests of the Diocese are said to have an ‘active and passive voice’ there are three categories of members who attend meetings. They are:
Although the bishop is not a member of the Council of Priests he is the ex officio President of the Council. The chair is normally the Moderator and the members elect a vice-chair and also, if required, a treasurer. The executive secretary is responsible for taking and distributing the minutes etc.
There will be no less than eight monthly meetings per year
Quorum is 2/3 Council membership. The executive committee – President, chair, vice-chair, and executive secretary prepare the agenda. Standing committees may be designated by the council according to its needs.
The Council is only consultative by its nature. Decisions of the Council are normally reached by consensus but if that is not possible in the view of the presider then a majority vote will decide.
The Council may be dissolved by the bishop but only after consultation with the Metropolitan. The Council ceases to exist and its functions revert to the College of Consultors when the Episcopal See becomes vacant.
The Council of Priests produced a newsletter 1968 to 1970.
Calgary was one of the first dioceses in Canada to respond to the call of the Vatican Council and establish a council of social affairs. In 1972 a CCCB resolution calling for the development of social justice offices and programs across the country was passed. Bishop Carroll invited Rev. Pat O’Byrne to become director in 1966. When Fr. Pat left late in 1979 Rev. Jack Bastigal succeeded as director.
In 1986 COSA’s role covers two broad areas, ‘first striving to create an awareness of the social justice gospel and the social teachings of the Church in parishes and schools, and second active involvement in the community through ecumenical work. Its focus was on maintaining a firm presence for the Church in many vital areas and working with community organizations to foster greater justice on a variety of issues.’ Areas identified include the Good Friday Way of the Cross, work with the Catholic Bible College of Canada in Canmore, work through the Social Justice Commission, school outreach, active involvement with CCODP Fall Action and Share Lent programs, and the Unemployment Committee.
COSA was also responsible for the Inter-Faith Thrift Stores and the Diocesan Communications Department. (see 159/3181).
In May of 1977, the Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development welcomed its first group: students from the Divinity School at Duke University in North Carolina. Thereafter CCIDD received more than 500 religious, social justice, academic and professional groups from Canadian and U.S. colleges, universities, high schools, churches and non-governmental organizations. From direct encounters with Mexicans and other Latinos in their communities, homes and places of work and worship, some 10,000 people from the United States and Canada have learned about the roots of poverty and oppression in Latin America and Christian commitment to social transformation. CCIDD was founded by Ray Plankey, a lay missioner from the United States who had previously worked in Chile. He and others created CCIDD to “promote experiential understanding of rural and urban poverty in Latin America and the Christian struggle to transform society.” With encouragement and support from Cuernavaca’s progressive and ecumenically-minded Catholic Bishop Sergio Mendez Arceo, and leaders from other churches, CCIDD embarked upon its mission. From humble beginnings in rented hotel rooms, CCIDD moved to its present location in 1981 and expanded the site in 1985.
While CCIDD closed in August 2013, its basic mission is being continued by Augsburg College's Center for Global Education (CGE) (http://www.augsburg.edu/global), which began through dialogue with the CCIDD founder Raymond Plankey back in the late 1970s and early 80s. CGE´s mission is to provide cross-cultural educational opportunities in order to foster critical analysis of local and global conditions so that personal and systemic change takes place, leading to a more just and sustainable world.
CGE is nationally recognized for its work in experiential, intercultural, and educational travel opportunities. More than 10,000 people have participated in our international travel seminars, which are well-known and respected for exposing travelers to a variety of points of view, especially the perspectives of those working for justice and human dignity. CGE also operates undergraduate summer and semester abroad programs in Mexico, Central America, and Southern Africa, which have served over 1,600 students from more than 300 institutions of higher education.
[Information from the Internet Archive Wayback Machine; https://web.archive.org/web/20140331182302/http://www.ccidd.org/aboutus.htm]
Archbishop Carlo Curis was annointed Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Canada in 1990 and retired from the position in 1999.
Manly N. Cutter was born in Massachusetts in 1851 and trained as an architect. He worked in New York, New Jersey, Spokane and Alberta. He designed the picturesque Gothic St. Patrick's Church, Medicine Hat, which was completed in 1932.
The Dandelion Club and College was founded by Fr. Patrick (Pat) O’Byrne. He chose the name for this youth ministry programme. The dandelion is tenacious, sturdy, gregarious, and radiant and so was the ideal symbol for young Alberta Catholics who met each summer from 1948 in Claresholm, 1949 in High River, 1950 in Fort MacLeod and in the 1950s in Banff. A reunion was held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Calgary Nov 25-27, 1987, at the Banff School of the Fine Arts.
In 1975 discussions began concerning the need for the diocese to provide homes for seniors. The committee that developed was formed under the Cathedral and was recognized by the Societies Act with a goal to develop accommodation for senior citizens. Al Bourque was nominated chair on Mar 18, 1976, Tom Casy as secretary.
The Diocesan Board of Administration was directed by O’Byrne to review the employment practices of the Diocese following early 1980s committee report on the position of women in the Diocese.
Minutes exist from 1946, this was the longest serving standing committee in the diocese, made up of priests and laymen, professional planners and construction managers. Its task was ‘to give aid, direction and advice to pastors and parish councils on the planning of parish buildings and on additions and alterations. It is guided by the Diocesan Building Regulations. In 1977 its membership was Frs. LeFort (chair), Reg Sullivan, Bill Stephenson, and lay professionals Victor Bathory, Allan Marzocco and Mr. E.C. Thomas.
Active from 1967, the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission was discontinued in 2011 under the tenure of Kristoph Dobrowlski in the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. A landmark achievement was the signing of the Calgary Covenant on Oct 4, 1996 between Bishop O’Byrne, Anglican Archbishop Barry Curtis, and Evangelical Lutheran Bishop Stephen Kristenson. Here the churches pledged to work together in five key areas – spiritual, moral, social, intellectual, and organizational. This signing embodied the ecumenical spirit that followed the Second Vatican Council. Other notable achievements were the creation of the Sandstone Ecumenical Centre, a shared facility for Ascension Catholic and Mount Calvary Ecumenical Lutheran Parishes in 1988, the construction of Carter Place, a senior citizens complex, and the introduction of programs like the Fire in the Rose educational program aimed at preventing abuse in the family and community. The Commission had a role in building relationships, educating parish representatives in working ecumenically and coordinating ecumenical projects.
Came into existence in 1989 under Bishop Paul J. O’Byrne. In the early 1990s the chair was Andrew Puczko. Apart from advising and reporting on financial matters for the Diocese its role was to assist the bishop in the alienation of goods according to the guidelines established by the CCCB. Established under Canon law, and a successor to the Diocesan Administration Board, its goal was to ‘assist the bishops as key advisors on major finances, although it did not have a role with fundraising per se.
[Minutes of Share Life Board of Governors, Oct 2, 1991 RCDCA 321.5229]
The Liturgical Commission Office was opened by Bishop Francis J. Klein in 1967. It became of special importance in its responsibility for implementing the new liturgical forms, rubrics, and music following the changes made by the Second Vatican Council. A decree was issued recommending the establishment of a Liturgical Commission, Sacred Music Commission and a Sacred Art Commission. Bishop Carroll had arranged for the formation of a liturgical commission which would also deal with sacred music. He felt that sacred art would fall within the scope of the Building Commission.
The first DLC minutes we have are dated Sept 25th, 1968.
The Diocesan Council of Liturgy worked with the Commission, its members were appointed, with Fr. Toole being the representative on the Commission. The first minutes of the Diocesan Council of Liturgy are dated Dec 11, 1967 but refer to a meeting on Nov 6. The first chair was Mr. Larry Hope. Other council members were Frs. Toole, Beeching, and Sr. St. Edwin.
Its purpose is to provide, under the aegis of the bishop, leadership and practical programmes for implementing liturgical renewal. Its scope covers everything related to liturgy – The Eucharistic sacrifice, design of altars and sanctuaries, sacred music, choirs, training lectors, auxiliary ministers etc. It fosters studies for deepening the understanding by clergy and laity of their roles in liturgy and active participation in it. It encourages the formation of liturgical committees in parishes. In 1977 its membership comprised: Fr. Dennis McDonald (chair), Carmel McConachie (secretary), Fr. Joseph Rigby, Greg McLellan, Greg Coupal, Keith Sorge, Sr. Dorothy Levandosky, and Brian Simpson.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council was instituted in 1969 to involve lay persons in determining the priorities of the Diocese and its future direction. The first chair was Dr. Ray Whiteman, Director of Religious Education for Calgary Catholic Schools. It included laypersons from each parish and representatives from the clergy and women religious. Its purpose was to assist the Bishop in making decisions concerning the needs and development of the Church in southern Alberta, facilitate communication between Bishop and people of the diocese and to coordinate the activities of all the diocesan organizations. It became an important part of Diocesan decision-making although few parishioners understood or knew about the Council.
The Diocesan Synod recommended that the Council review its structure, role and effectiveness.
The ideal and the reality were necessarily at odds. Direct representation from all parish councils would have resulted in an impractically large meeting. Multi-parish councils were formed to elect a representative to Pastoral Council. This worked especially well in rural areas leading to a preponderance of rural representation on the Diocesan Pastoral Council. This problem of representation was ongoing.
Bishop Henry discontinued the Diocesan Pastoral Council in 1998.
Fr. John Schuster sent out a letter on November 30, 1998 to prospective members of Bishop Frederick Henry’s newly established Diocesan Planning Commission. The first meeting was held at the Pastoral Centre on January 4, 1999 and was addressed by the Bishop who clarified the mandate. It was to develop a set of recommendations that would assist the Bishop to address the issue of parish transformation. It required that parishes be examined for their vitality and viability. The purpose was to restructure the Diocese, largely in view of the information about the aging of priests and shortage of new vocations. Early members were Fr. John Schuster (chair), Dr. Bob Gall (co-chair), Terry Allen, Fr. Armand Lemire (Chancellor), Donna Mullen, Bill McGannon, Fr. Joaquim Pereira, Sr. Mary Rose Rawlinson, and Dr. Bob Shultz. Identified consultants included Brian Chikmoroff, Paul Dawson, Jim McKinley and Steve Stewart.
It was established as a Standing Commission in the Diocese following the Committee’s recommendations to the Bishop in the Commission’s Final Report of May 31, 2001. The new mandate was as follows:
‘In service to the Bishop, the Commission will assess and position the utilization of the resources of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, so that the members of our parishes are served most effectively, which enables them to be called forth in service.’
Fr. Jack Pereira was appointed Chair and members were Terry Allen, Br. Leon Jansen, Donna Mullan, and as consultors – Fr. John Schuster, Jim McKinlay and Sr. Mary Rose Rawlinson, FCJ
[See: RCDCA 288.5080]
Fr. Jack Pereira resigned as Chair of the DPC in August, 2003 due to pressure of work at his parish, Holy Spirit, Calgary. Fr. John took over once again.
This volunteer organization was the first one established by the three bishops of the Calgary Covenant, although it later included members from other churches. The earliest minutes extant are from a June 1995 meeting at the Catholic Pastoral Centre when Catholics Marie Cameron, Oswald MacLeod and Karine Rietjens met with Lutherans Sid Haughen and Janet Wagar and Anglicans Terrie Teare and Caitlin Odlozinski. The meeting focused on the publication of the Fire in the Rose program by the Church Council on Justice and Correction. In 1996 the three churches formed the inter-Church Task Force of Family Violence, with Marie Cameron as Chair, and launched the Fire in the Rose program in September 1996. The program aimed at counteracting and preventing physical, emotional, sexual, and spiritual abuse in the family and the community. Social worker Cynthia Wild was hired as the program’s coordinator. In 2005 it was determined, and approved by the three founding bishops, that the Taskforce should become part of Faithlink.